A Fantastic 2 Day Itinerary for Oklahoma City

During my first visit to Oklahoma City (OKC), its charm immediately captivated me. Accompanied by my friend Sara (of Travel with Sara), we embarked on an unforgettable exploration of this fascinating city. Every aspect of our OKC road trip was truly remarkable, from our elegant hotel to the myriad of attractions. Keen to share our experiences, here is a concise two-day itinerary for Oklahoma City showcasing the best of this Midwest gem.

Lodging at the Historic Fordson Hotel is a Must

I enjoy staying at the 21C Museum Hotel, which has now become part of an exclusive collection affiliated with the Hyatt Hotel group as of the fall of 2023. It still boasts a unique blend of boutique hotel and modern art galleries in a century-old building once home to the Ford Motor Company.

The new concept Fordson Hotel offers 135 spacious loft-style rooms and suites, blending contemporary finishes and luxury amenities seamlessly with its historic setting. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, free Wifi, and an onsite restaurant. 

Rooms feature high ceilings, stylish furnishings, and trendy decor, with thoughtful details and a spacious layout. The hotel’s location allows convenient access to various OKC attractions and restaurants. Stop by to see the free art installments.

Day One: Breakfast and the OKC Zoo

Hatch Early Mood Food boasts an exceptional menu with enticing options. From trios of pancakes reminiscent of a delightful “flight” to a range of Benedicts, there is no shortage of delicious offerings. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like Bananas Foster, Blueberry Streusel, and Famous PanOKCake with bourbon maple and bacon pecans. 

The vibrant interior at Hatch Early Mood Food, adorned with cheerful colors, creates a delightful morning ambiance. The impeccable cuisine undoubtedly ranks among the finest breakfast fare I’ve ever savored.

The Oklahoma City Zoo offers fantastic animal exhibits, beautiful gardens, and educational programs. Sara and I enjoyed exploring and taking photos of the animals. The highlight was the zoo’s new Wild Encounters program, where you can get up close with Galapagos tortoises, sea lions (you can even participate in the show!), grizzly bears, and elephants.

Save money by experiencing all of them.

Sara and I were in awe of the Elephant Wild Encounter adventure, where we watched the elephants receive their monthly pedicures and then had the chance to pet them. The Great EscApe area, Herpetarium, and Children’s Zoo Barnyard were other zoo highlights.

Kids will enjoy riding the Centennial Choo-Choo, an 1863 replica train that circles the park.

Day One: Coffee, Shopping, and Sightseeing

After that delightful breakfast, we skipped lunch. We indulged in tasty coffee and refreshing peach Italian soda from Coffee Slingers in Midtown. We then explored the local charm of OKC’s Automobile Alley. 

Pro Tip: Try the yummy seasonal apple cider latte.

Formerly bustling with the automotive industry in the 1920s, Automotive Alley is a vibrant neighborhood now boasting trendy businesses, unique boutiques, cozy cafes, and captivating galleries, all embellished with striking street art.

A few places you won’t want to miss are Word of Mouth Books, Plenty Mercantile, and Common Dear. The street art adds a nice colorful splash to this cool part of town. Honestly, it’s fun to just wander around and see the ever-changing landscape.

Day One: Dinner and Late Night Fun at Bricktown

Indulge in an unforgettable dinner at Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse in Bricktown. Boasting an impressive wine list and impeccable cuts of beef, Mickey Mantle’s offers fine dining in various settings, from relaxed sports bar ambiance to intimate and cozy dining areas.

Start with the exquisite Lobster Bisque, brimming with succulent lobster meat. Savor the delectable Roquefort Filet or the Australian Rack of Lamb for your main course. Both are exceptional! The side dishes are served separately, so consider sharing a few with your tablemates, as the portions are generous.

Leave some space for the timeless delight of New York Cheesecake, or forego dessert and seek out the cigar bar and #7 Lounge.

Bricktown, located in an old warehouse district of Oklahoma City, offers a vibrant blend of entertainment, dining, and shopping options. Experience the charm of historic and iconic Bricktown on a delightful 40-minute nighttime water taxi ride through the Bricktown Canal. The ride showcases historical monuments, colorful murals, and local landmarks. Tickets are around $13 for adults and $10 for youth ages 6 to 12.

Families will love Brickopolis, the popular craze in town featuring an 18-hole mini-golf course, arcade games, laser tag, a bungee trampoline, and plenty of dining options. A noteworthy offering at Brickopolis is gemstone mining, plus arrowheads, fossils, and shark teeth.

After the canal boat ride, indulge in the lively entertainment hub or catch an Oklahoma City Dodgers baseball game at Bricktown Ballpark. Indulge in cocktails at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, or savor live music for a memorable evening.

While you are in the area, it would be a shame to miss seeing the Oklahoma State Capitol building. Include time to do just that and check off an Oklahoma City bucket list item.

Day Two: Lunch or Brunch and an Artful Afternoon

Visit Cheever’s Cafe in OKC’s Paseo/Mesta Park neighborhood for lunch or brunch. This charming restaurant offers outdoor dining and a romantic ambiance.

The Chicken Fried Steak is a specialty dish, meticulously crafted with delicious ingredients, smothered in a decadent jalapeño cream gravy, and served with garlic red-skinned mash. Every bite exceeded my expectations! The generous portion size of the Chicken Fried Steak makes it ideal for sharing.

Consider Cheever’s Creme Brûlée French Toast, Smoked Biscuit Hash, or Cowgirl Benedict, with red Chile hollandaise for brunch items.

If you can hold something sweet to finish off your experience, try their renowned Roasted Pecan Ice Cream Ball, considered one of the best desserts in Oklahoma City. Cheever’s is a contemporary comfort food restaurant that will impress you with its attentive service, top-quality cuisine, and unique menu offerings.

After lunch, explore the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, a local gem showcasing an extensive Chihuly glass collection, highlighted by a stunning 55-foot-tall masterpiece in the atrium lobby. One of the temporary exhibits I enjoyed was Isabelle de Borchgrave: Fashioning Art from Paper. These intricately crafted paper costumes were genuinely captivating, made solely with origami or folded paper. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to see the Jacob de Graeff piece by Kehinde Wiley, one of my favorite modern artists.

Day Two: A Somber OKC National Monument Visit and Dinner

The Oklahoma bombings in 1995 have significantly impacted the cultural landscape of OKC. This tragic event united our nation in mourning for the 168 lives lost on that fateful morning. Visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is undeniably challenging emotionally. Yet, it stands as a well-crafted tribute to the victims. 

Ensure you have tissues in hand as you navigate the memorial grounds, taking in the sight of 168 illuminated chairs and the names of those who lost their lives on April 19th at 9:02 AM etched on the granite wall. Pay your respects and be prepared for an unforgettable and moving experience. For adults, museum admission is $15—free parking with paid admission at Memorial Garage.

Mary Eddy’s Dining Room, the restaurant mentioned above, serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday. I recommend the Hamachi Crudo or Deviled Eggs for starters and the Strip Steak or Bolognese Rigatoni for entree choices. Save room for a carrot cake ice cream sandwich for dessert. 

Oklahoma City Rocks!

Oklahoma City is truly magical! Even after two days, I’m already compiling a list of must-do activities for my next visit. The friendly people, plentiful attractions, and fantastic food all contribute to the charm of this place. I hope you will enjoy the Oklahoma City itinerary as much as I enjoy sharing it.

Thanks to the OKC tourism board for hosting my stay. As with all of my posts, opinions and reviews are 100% mine.

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