When traveling for spring break, stopping in Tulsa can spice up your trip. A two-hour trip from Norman, Tulsa is a great place to spend the break. From strange phenomena to delicious eats, there’s always something to do in Tulsa.
Restaurants
in the raw sushi
For those seeking sushi in the city, in the raw sushi is hard to beat. Promising a one-of-a-kind experience, the restaurant offers great views of the city and its architecture, which guests can enjoy while enjoying the restaurant’s unique blend of traditional and nouveau sushi. There are three locations in Tulsa, and they can be found online.
El Rio Verde
El Rio Verde is a hidden gem that offers authentic and local Mexican dishes for an affordable price. Its simple yet varied menu includes a wet burrito and classic Mexican tacos. El Rio Verde is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m daily at 38 N. Trenton Ave..
Jinya Ramen Bar
Seated in the heart of downtown Tulsa, Jinya promises a fresh take on traditional Japanese ramen with a modern, inviting atmosphere. Jinya is perfect for a nice dinner after a long day of exploring, promising a variety of toppings and “bold flavors with every bite.” Jinya is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday through Saturday at 416 E. 2nd St..
The Tavern
For those craving something more traditional, The Tavern is the spot to visit. The Tavern is an all-American restaurant offering a modern take on the classic neighborhood pub. Featuring burgers, barbecue and a variety of other dishes, The Tavern has something for everyone. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday at 201 N. Main St.
Fat Guy’s Burger Bar
Offering a variety of different burgers with dozens of toppings to choose from, Fat Guy’s Burger Bar promises fresh ingredients and traditional cooking styles to ensure quality. Each burger is served with their signature double-meat style, from a simple cheeseburger to complex specialty offers. Fat Guy’s Burgers is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 7945 S. Memorial Drive.
Silver Skillet Family Diner
Offering a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and great breakfast food, Silver Skillet Family Diner is a premier breakfast destination in Tulsa. With a wide range of appetizers, entrees, beverages and sides, the Silver Skillet promises something for everyone, as well as a warm, hometown dining experience. The Silver Skillet is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 8228 E. 61st St. Suite 114.
Juniper
For a taste of Tulsa’s fine dining scene, Juniper offers an elegant yet approachable atmosphere. With a varied and ever-changing menu, Juniper is sure to have something for even the pickiest eaters. Created by celebrated Tulsa chef Justin Thompson, Juniper is a perfect way to get a taste of the city’s finest food. Juniper is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 324 E. 3rd St.
Things to do
Philbrook Museum of Art
For the more creatively inclined, the Philbrook Museum of Art is a great place to spend spring break. For over 80 years, the museum has strived to be “Tulsa’s most welcoming and engaging cultural institution,” blending traditional art with elegant gardens to create a unique experience. A new Samurai exhibit featuring ancient armors from the Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, is set to open March 12 — just in time for spring break. The Philbrook Museum of Art is at 2727 S. Rockford Road, and tickets are available online for $18 or $14 with a college student ID.
Tulsa Zoo
Featuring “84 Acres of Adventure,” the Tulsa Zoo is the city’s premier destination for animal enthusiasts. Featuring exhibits such as “African Plains,” “Chimpanzee Connection” and “Lost Kingdom,” the zoo ensures guests are guaranteed to find an animal they’ll like. The zoo is at 6421 E. 36th St. N. Tickets are available online for $18.
The Gathering Place
Striving to be a park for all, the Gathering Place is the perfect destination for kids and adults alike. The park provides free educational and hands-on learning activities for younger guests and features beautiful views and art installations for older visitors. With over 100 unique experiences to enjoy, there’s always something to do. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m at 2650 S. John Williams Way.
Woody Guthrie Center
Celebrating the life and music of Woody Guthrie, the Woody Guthrie Center contains dozens of different artifacts, interviews and articles from his life. Also on display is “My Eye to a Lens: Music Photography of David Gahr,” an exhibit celebrating the iconic portraits of David Gahr. The Woody Guthrie Center is at 102 Reconciliation Way. Tickets are available online and in-person for $12.
The Center of the Universe
If you’re looking to experience a phenomenon like no other, take a stop at the Center of the Universe. Though it appears as just a circle on the ground, visitors will find that it’s much more once they step into the center. Make some noise, and anyone outside the circle will hear it as strange and distorted while anyone inside will hear the noise echo back several times louder. Learn how it works at 1 S. Boston Ave.
Tulsa Air and Space Museum
Striving to honor the past and inspire the future, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum is home to a treasure trove of aeronautical history and a planetarium. The museum is at 3624 N. 74th E. Ave. Museum and planetarium tickets can be purchased online separately for $11 or together for $20.
Tulsa Historical Society and Museum
Featuring eight different exhibits, the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum highlights the history of Tulsa, featuring documentaries, photographs and artifacts from Tulsa’s past. Tickets are available in person for $10. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 2445 S. Peoria Ave.
Tulsa Botanic Gardens
The Tulsa Botanic Garden is a great stop for any nature lovers visiting Tulsa. Featuring 170 acres of flowers and foliage, the Botanic Garden strives to be a dynamic and evolving collection of plants, art and architecture. The Tulsa Botanic Garden is at 3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive. Tickets are available online or in person for $15.
Shopping
Woodland Hills Mall
Woodland Hills Mall is Tulsa’s premier shopping center, offering a variety of stores and pop-up shops from Apple to Lego. The mall also features a carousel, and the hours can be found online. Woodland Hills Mall is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at 7021 S. Memorial Drive.
I-44 Antique Mall
Featuring 9,000 square feet of shopping, the Antique Mall is home to over 50 vendors, specializing in man cave decor, depression glass and much more. From old license plates to vintage oil cans, this is the one-stop shop for anything Americana. The mall is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at 5111 S. Peoria Ave.
Utica Square
For an upscale shopping experience, Utica Square delivers with over 40 boutiques and high-end fashion stores, offering something new to discover on every visit. The square also includes 14 different dining locations. Utica Square is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 1709 Utica Square.
Riverwalk Crossing
Located on the edge of the city, Riverwalk Crossing offers a unique shopping experience that's sure to spice up a trip. Take a walk across this premier shopping destination, browse the various eclectic shops and enjoy the views of the beautiful Arkansas River. The Riverwalk also offers various outdoor activities, including an amphitheater and a dancing fountain. The Riverwalk is at 300 Riverwalk Terrace.
Tulsa Premium Outlets
Located just outside of Tulsa proper, Tulsa Premium Outlets offers a unique shopping experience as Tulsa’s only outdoor outlet mall. Featuring over 75 different stores — from Levi’s to Loft — this mall has something for every occasion. Tulsa Premium Outlets is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at 801 E. Outlet.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Andrew Paredes, Avery Avery and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
