Tulsa is Oklahoma’s second largest city and one built on the wealth of oil. It’s an attractive city with the Arkansas River flowing through its center and plenty of leafy parks and gardens, along with first class museums, galleries, and national travel deals. Although public transit options have increased, rental car to Tulsa remains the primary way to travel.
Getting there
Tulsa International Airport is situated northeast of the downtown area and offers numerous regional flights. Either a shuttle bus or cab will get you into the downtown area. Many visitors arrive via the larger Will Rodgers World Airport at Oklahoma City. National travel deals are plentiful at both airports. Greyhound buses can take you to most destinations throughout the state and country.
Oklahoma’s diverse natural scenery makes it popular for car rental driving tours, along with the lure of Route 66. The I-44 is the main route through Tulsa, leading from Oklahoma City and on into Missouri. State Highway 75 is the major north-south route through the city.
Key attractions
The Gilcrease Museum and Philbrook Museum of Art confirms Tulsa’s status as Oklahoma’s preeminent cultural center. The former is set on the expansive landscaped grounds of an oil baronеs estate, with the gardens assigned certain historical themes and the museum housing over 10,000 works of predominantly American West art. The latter features American and European works housed in a beautiful Italian Renaissance villa surrounded by stunning gardens.
During summer, there are evening performances of Oklahoma! at the Discoveryland Amphitheater. The Williams complex is situated in downtown Tulsa and is made up of a performing arts center, art gallery, four theaters and the Chapman Music Hall, where you can catch performances of the Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Ballet and the Philharmonic Orchestra, among others.
Out and about
The Oxley Nature Center offers numerous nature trails for those wishing to drive a rental car in Tulsa away from the city’s bustle. Alternatively, head to nearby Jenks by car rental, a laid back town boasting charming antique shops, or picturesque Keystone State Park west of Tulsa on U.S. 412. Northeastern Oklahoma features some diverse scenery and attractions, all best explored cruising with a rental car to Tulsa along the famous Route 66.
Leisure options
Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum is home to many rare and endangered species in a natural woodland environment. The Greenwood Cultural Center is also worth checking out for the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, while the Fenster Museum of Jewish Art takes a look at the history of Oklahoma from the perspective of Jewish settlers. The Utica Square shopping area as well as the Brookside and Blue Dome districts contain most Tulsa restaurants.
Safety
the areas east and north of downtown are Tulsa’s highest crime areas, but the city is generally safe. Most tornados happen during spring and early summer, but tornado siren tests happen at noon every Thursday when the weather is good. The biggest dangers motorists will encounter are the treacherous intersections around 71st Street and damaged roads due to harsh Oklahoma weather. Travel insurance comes highly recommended.