Oklahoma Destination Guide

Overview of Oklahoma

Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma.
Photo credit: Nyttend

While it may lack the rugged canyons and pastel skies of New Mexico or Arizona, Oklahoma has a certain stark, severe beauty, which is unsurprisingly accompanied by a distinct frontier identity, which is very much a legacy of the Old West. Indeed, when one thinks of Oklahoma, one might conjure images of cowboys and Native American culture.

The state has the largest Native American population in the United States today, as well as a strong African-American heritage. Both of these cultural presences allow visitors to immerse themselves in the state's rich history and partake in fascinating cultural experiences.

Powwows, craft festivals, and traditional storytelling all signify the great cultural history of Oklahoma, and many events pay homage to the cowboys of yore, with around a 100 rodeos taking place in Oklahoma each year.

It's easy to mistake Oklahoma for having a monotonous topography. In truth, it's a massive state, and the flat, fertile land of the central region only constitutes one part of its diverse terrain. In the east, the prairies give way to rugged mountains, dense forests and hundreds of postcard-pretty lakes. This region is a favourite with climbing and rappelling enthusiasts, hikers and equestrians today, but also has some historical significance as, during the Wild West era, Robbers Cave State Park served as a hideout for such notorious fugitives as Jesse James and Belle Starr. The Broken Bow area is also popular with lovers of the outdoors, with fly-fishing and boating opportunities making it a favoured holiday spot.

In the north, the grasslands make way for one of Oklahoma's most intriguing natural wonders: the Great Salt Plains, a literal 8,690-acre sea of salt. In the west lie the Beaver Dunes, where adventurous visitors can rev up dune buggies or ARVs and race down sandy slopes.

Anyone in search of travel kitsch will find landmarks in roadside architecture, including the Blue Whale and Totem Pole Park. There are also well-preserved architectural gems, remnants of the Oklahoma oil boom of the 1920s and 1930s. The Oklahoma City National Memorial, which honours all the victims, rescuers and survivors of the horrific 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing, is also a popular stop among visitors.

Oklahoma as a whole is conservative and inspires nostalgia for a simpler time. It sees thousands of visitors each year, particularly those who want to get a sense of a bygone era, learn about ancient American cultures, or just get some fresh air on the vast plains and natural splendour of the beautiful southern state.

Key Facts

Language:

English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.

Passport/Visa:

It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Electricity:

Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.

Travel Advisories

Travel to Oklahoma

Climate

Because Oklahoma's geography is so diverse, temperatures and rainfall vary from one part of the state to another and weather conditions change quickly. Generally, the state has a mild and humid climate, except for the northwest panhandle, which is semi-arid. Winters are quite chilly, but cold snaps usually only last for very short periods of time. On the other hand, summers can be sweltering. Springs are warm, though thunderstorms are frequent. Autumn is often the most enjoyable season, with blue skies and mild, sunny days.

Health Notes when travelling to United States of America

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Visitors must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if they are non-U.S. citizens.

Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Customs in United States of America

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.

Duty Free in United States of America

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Doing Business in United States of America

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It's best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.

Communication in United States of America

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and WiFi is widely available.

Tipping in United States of America

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Passport/Visa Note

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Canadians:: The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:: UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
Entry requirements for Australians:: Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for South Africans:: South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Currency

Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar
0.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar	0.93 EUR Euro	0.80 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling	152.99 JPY Japanese Yen	1.37 CAD Canadian Dollar	0.91 CHF Swiss Franc
1.52 AUD Australian Dollar	39.40 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia	443.91 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge	93,075.00 LBP Lebanese Pound	4.86 LYD Libyan Dinar	6.86 BOB Bolivian Boliviano
0.00 NPR Nepalese Rupee	0.00 OMR Omani Rial	0.00 QAR Qatari Rial	1.35 SGD Singapore Dollar	10.82 SEK Swedish Krona	0.00 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar	58.11 DOP Dominican Peso	0.00 HRK Croatian Kuna	16.95 MXN Mexican Peso	610.53 XOF West African CFA Franc	0.00 PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar	0.00 FJD Fiji Dollar	0.00 HNL Honduran Lempira	133.87 DZD Algerian Dinar	0.00 MMK Myanma Kyat	0.00 BWP Botswana Pula
3.72 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol	938.44 CLP Chilean Peso	386.84 AMD Armenia Dram	23.29 CZK Czech Koruna	17.63 MDL Moldova Lei	139.89 ISK Icelandic Krona
12,582.40 UZS Uzbekistan Sum	3.72 ILS Israeli New Sheqel	0.71 JOD Jordanian Dinar	0.00 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar	38.15 UYU Uruguayan Peso	0.00 MUR Mauritian Rupee
0.00 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba	10.88 NOK Norwegian Krone	4.03 PLN Polish Zloty	3.75 SAR Saudi Riyal	0.00 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee	36.79 THB Thai Baht
3.66 AED U.A.E Dirham	5.09 BRL Brazilian Real	4.63 RON Romanian New Leu	7.81 HKD Hong Kong Dollar	610.53 XAF Central African CFA Franc	25,405.70 VND Vietnamese Dong
878.36 ARS Argentine Peso	0.00 XCD East Caribbean Dollar	0.00 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal	10.06 MAD Moroccan Dirham	0.00 BHD Bahrain Dinar	1.00 PAB Panamanian Balboa
1.70 AZN Azerbaijan Manat	3,920.00 COP Colombian Peso	88.42 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som	362.00 HUF Hungarian Forint	10.89 TJS Tajikistan Ruble	16,073.70 IDR Indonesian Rupiah
47.95 EGP Egyptian Pound	1,358.84 KRW South Korean Won	7,456.52 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní	4.74 MYR Malaysian Ringgit	508.31 CRC Costa Rican Colón	1.67 NZD New Zealand Dollar
277.87 PKR Pakistani Rupee	91.39 RUB Russian Rouble	18.51 ZAR South African Rand	3.13 TND Tunisian Dinar	0.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar	1.82 BGN Bulgarian Lev
32.33 TRY Turkish Lira	57.28 PHP Philippine Peso	32.31 TWD New Taiwan Dollar	1,164.84 NGN Nigerian Naira	0.00 XPF CFP Franc	0.00 GHS Ghanaian Cedi
0.00 JMD Jamaican Dollar	0.00 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder	0.00 BND Brunei Dollar	108.90 RSD Serbian Dinar	7.24 CNY Chinese Yuan	6.94 DKK Danish Krone
3.49 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat	83.42 INR Indian Rupee

Exchange Rate for
Euro to U.S. Dollar

1 EUR = 1.07 USD

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 CAD = 0.73 USD

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar

1 GBP = 1.26 USD

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 AUD = 0.66 USD

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 NZD = 0.60 USD

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to U.S. Dollar

1 ZAR = 0.05 USD

Airports in Oklahoma

Oklahoma City Airport (OKC)
Will Rogers World Airport
http://www.flyokc.com

Location: Oklahoma City The airport is located nine miles (14km) southwest of Oklahoma City.

Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: (405) 316 3200

Getting to the city: Oklahoma City's public bus system doesn't serve the airport but shuttle services are offered by several hotels and should be reserved in advance. Taxis, private van shuttles, and rental cars are also available.

Car rental: Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, Advantage, and Thrifty offer onsite service.

Airport Taxis: Taxis queue at Transportation Plaza, accessible from the baggage claim area.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include retail shops, restaurants and bars, several ATMs, charging ports, a pet relief area, an information centre, meeting rooms, and shoeshine service. Business services including fax, photocopying, and a notary are available from the administrative office.

Parking: Parking options at Will Rogers World Airport is varied. Hourly parking is close to the terminal and the first 60 minutes of the first day is free. It costs $1 per hour thereafter up to a $24 daily limit. Long-term parking in the various long-term lots costs from $6 to $24 per day depending on distance from the terminal. Free shuttles service the more distant lots.

Tulsa Airport (TUL)
Tulsa International Airport
http://www.tulsaairports.com

Location: Tulsa The airport is located nine miles (8km) from Tulsa.

Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: (918) 838 5000

Getting to the city: Tulsa Transit provides a bus service from the airport to downtown Tulsa. Taxis, shuttles, and rental cars are also available.

Car rental: There are several car hire companies with branches at Tulsa Airport, including Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, National, Alamo, Enterprise, Payless, and Thrifty.

Airport Taxis: There is a taxi rank outside the baggage claim area. Taxis have a minimum charge of $10, and there is an additional fee of $2 per extra passenger and per bag. The estimated fare for one person to downtown Tulsa is about $20. A passenger will pay about $16 to reach the University of Tulsa.

Facilities: Located in the passenger terminal of Tulsa Airport are several ATMs, restaurants, bars, shops, a chapel, a business centre and conference rooms, shoeshine and massage services, and a military lounge.

Parking: There are short-term and long-term parking facilities at Tulsa Airport. Hourly parking is available across from the baggage claim area. Charges are $1 for the first half hour and $2 per hour thereafter, and up to a maximum of $12 per day. Garage parking is also available at $12 per day. The economy parking lot provides free shuttles to the terminal and charges $8 per day.

Oklahoma City

Bricktown Canal, Oklahoma
Photo credit: Serge Melki

Oklahoma City has an incredibly rich history, with visitors likely encountering it throughout all the sites in the state. Today, the state capital stretches across more than 600 miles (965 square km) and is one of the country's major perpetrators of urban sprawl.

But in recent years, the city has been working to reinvent itself, focusing on downtown revitalisation with great success. Most attractions of interest to tourists are located in the inner city districts, beginning with Bricktown.

Once a clump of old warehouses, Bricktown is now a vibrant collection of trendy condos, shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs situated along a picturesque canal. Visitors can satisfy their every craving for hardy American fare such as steak and barbecue ribs.

Built in the 1920s, the Paseo Arts District boasts a few upmarket cafes, cocktail lounges, and the main draws of galleries and studios. Other attractions include Stockyard City, the largest cattle market in the world. Here, visitors can buy authentic Western attire, watch live auctions, and sample delicious food.

Oklahoma City also has plenty of fun attractions for children and families too. Its parks system is one of the most extensive in the country, and its three nearby lakes are lovely spots for camping, fishing, and water sports.

The city's equestrian events and museums make for enjoyable family outings. There are many memorable activities, including watching the weekend regattas at Lake Hefner in the summer and ice-skating in the winter beneath Christmas lights at Bricktown's outdoor rink. Highlights on the events calendar include the Red Earth Festival, which celebrates Native American cultures from across North America, and the International Finals Rodeo, held in conjunction with the Miss Rodeo USA Pageant.

Getting around in Oklahoma City

It's best to rent a car when visiting as Oklahoma City is a sprawling metropolis. Travellers should plan to stay downtown where hotels and attractions cluster together. They can also take advantage of the Oklahoma Spirit trolley service which runs between many major sites.

Embark provides bus services but, due to Oklahoma City's size, it can be difficult to rely solely on the bus system and taking taxis over such long distances can be expensive. There are also ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft.

Climate in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City has a humid subtropical climate with frequent swings in temperature. During the winter (December to February), temperatures regularly drop to between 29F (-2C) and 50F (10C). Warmer air from the south soon mitigates the very cold conditions.

When it does snow, it is light. Autumn is perhaps the most pleasant season, with cool, dry, sunny days continuing until mid-October. Summers (June to August) are very hot, with average temperatures between 68F (20C) and 94F (34C).

Oklahoma City has a severe weather season lasting from March to August, when thunderstorms and tornadoes are most likely. Oklahoma City is considered one of the most tornado-prone cities in the country, especially during April and May.

Sightseeing in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City divides into a number of different districts, each with its own attractions. The Adventure District is home to many popular tourist sites, including the City Zoo, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Science Museum Oklahoma, National Softball Hall of Fame and Stadium, and Remington Park Racing and Casino.

The Bricktown Warehouse District has been converted into a restaurant and nightclub hotspot, perfect for exploring Oklahoma City's thriving nightlife. The Arts District offers a number of cultural attractions, including the Museum of Art, Civic Center Music Hall, and Myriad Botanical Gardens.

The Paseo Arts District and NW 39th Street Enclave offer many interesting art galleries, sidewalk cafes, and craft shops. The area also hosts 'First Friday' open houses with live music, and a family-friendly arts festival each Memorial Day weekend.

Oklahoma City Attractions

Myriad Botanical Gardens

The Myriad Botanical Gardens are a 15-acre floral paradise right in the centre of downtown Oklahoma City. In addition to flourishing plant life, rolling hills, walkways, sculptures, and a sunken lake, the gardens feature the seven-storey-high, circular Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. The conservatory is an architectural wonder, home to exotic flora as well as lizards, parrots, butterflies, and fish. Visitors take paths that lead under the conservatory's 35-foot (11m) waterfall and enjoy picnics on the grassy lawns.

Website: http://www.myriadgardens.com

Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum

Oklahoma City National Memorial
Photo credit: Nyttend

On the morning of 19 April 1995, Timothy McVeigh killed 168 people when he bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Where the building once stood stands the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, honouring the victims, survivors, and rescue workers of the Oklahoma City Bombing. The outdoor memorial features symbolic elements including a reflecting pool and a field of empty chairs. It is designed as a haven for those seeking comfort and serenity. The museum chronicles the terrorist attack and aims to teach others about the impact and senselessness of violence.

Website: memorialmuseum.com

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

Cowboy Morgan Evans' World Series Rodeo
Photo credit: Dr. B. R. Lang

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is the country's premier institution of Western history, art and culture, where the mission is to preserve and interpret the heritage of the American West. Exhibits include works by the finest contemporary Western artists, as well as by Western masters such as Charles Russell. The 200,000 square foot (60,960 square meter) complex houses multiple galleries, including cowboy, firearms, and Native American galleries, the Prosperity Junction cattle town replica, the interactive Children's Cowboy Corral, and the Museum Grill.

Website: http://www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Oklahoma City Zoo

Recognised as one of the top zoos in the United States, the Oklahoma City Zoological Park is both a living museum and a botanical garden. Exhibits showcase marine life from around the globe, forest habitats of big cats and bears, and gorilla, orangutan, and chimpanzee enclosures. There are also displays that illustrate island life, showing off animals that live on islands from the Caribbean to Madagascar. Guests can enjoy a food court, a tram, a rock climbing wall, and paddleboats. The zoo dedicates itself to conservation and providing education to the community.

Website: http://www.okczoo.com

Stockyards City

Visitors to the world's largest stocker-feeder cattle market can watch real Oklahoma cowboys work the livestock or attend a live cattle auction. Stockyards City's Cowtown is home to more than 70 businesses specialising in Western wear, farm and ranch needs, dining, and entertainment. Guided tour buses can be arranged, and guests who visit in June can look forward to the annual Wines of the West Festival, and a variety of Oklahoma-produced wines.

Website: http://www.stockyardscity.org

Airports in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Airport (OKC)
Will Rogers World Airport
http://www.flyokc.com

Location: Oklahoma City The airport is located nine miles (14km) southwest of Oklahoma City.

Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: (405) 316 3200

Car rental: Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, Advantage, and Thrifty offer onsite service.

Airport Taxis: Taxis queue at Transportation Plaza, accessible from the baggage claim area.

Tulsa

While Oklahoma City is known for its award-winning events and amazing attractions, Tulsa is often considered a cultural oasis. The second largest city in Oklahoma, it has an air of sophistication and flair for the arts.

With the discovery of oil in the early 1900s, Tulsa transformed from a frontier town to a wealthy and thriving city. Elegant mansions and spectacular business headquarters built up, leaving a collection of Art Deco structures rivalled only by New York and Miami.

Tulsa is also one of the smallest cities in the country to support fulltime ballet and opera companies. The critically acclaimed Tulsa Ballet and the Tulsa Opera rank among the best regional opera companies in America.

The Tulsa Performing Arts Center is home to a number of performing arts organisations in addition to a touring Broadway series. The city's rich cultural life extends to the visual arts as well. The Philbrook Museum of Art offers a historic mansion and gardens, once the Italianate villa and estate of an oil baron.

Additionally, the Gilcrease Museum houses the largest collection of Western American art in the world. It's easy to imagine Tulsa's creative atmosphere being inspired by the natural beauty surrounding the city. Tulsa is nestled in northeast Oklahoma among rolling hills and forests, with the Arkansas River running through its centre.

Its 800-acre river parks system features picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields, as well as extensive trails for walkers, runners, and cyclers. The city is also something of a golf haven, with many public courses as well as multiple award-winning private courses.

Getting around in Tulsa

Tulsa Transit provides bus services within the Tulsa metro area. Travellers may find buses a slow and inconvenient method of getting around the city. There is a free downtown circulator service called The Loop that runs on Friday and Saturday evenings between 5pm and 1.30am.

Tulsa has an extensive network of paved bike trails. However, the rolling landscape may prove a challenge for all but the fittest cyclists, especially in the heat of summer. The best way to get around in Tulsa is by car, as the city is designed in an easy-to-navigate grid pattern. Lyft and Uber are also available.

Climate in Tulsa

Situated in the heart of Tornado Alley, Tulsa is characterised by a temperate, sometimes subtropical, climate with four distinct seasons. Winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures occasionally dipping below 26°F (-3°C) and an annual snowfall average of around nine inches (23cm).

In the spring and early summer, there are thunderstorms, hailstorms, strong winds, and occasionally tornados, with plenty of rainfall expected. During the summer months, average highs reach up to 93°F (34°C), with average highs at the beginning and end of summer around 88°F (31°C) and high humidity brought by southerly winds.

Airports in Tulsa

Tulsa Airport (TUL)
Tulsa International Airport
http://www.tulsaairports.com

Location: Tulsa The airport is located nine miles (8km) from Tulsa.

Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: (918) 838 5000

Getting to the city: Tulsa Transit provides a bus service from the airport to downtown Tulsa. Taxis, shuttles, and rental cars are also available.

Car rental: There are several car hire companies with branches at Tulsa Airport, including Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, National, Alamo, Enterprise, Payless, and Thrifty.

Oklahoma Attractions