Discover a side of America where legendary highways, Native American heritage, Western traditions and welcoming communities come together on an unforgettable road trip through Oklahoma.
Beginning in Grapevine and Fort Worth, Texas, experience the spirit of the American West before crossing into Oklahoma, a state shaped by diverse cultures, landscapes and remarkable stories. From cowboy traditions and frontier history to the communities that grew along the legendary Route 66, every stop reveals another chapter of America’s past and present.
Explore Oklahoma City, where Native American heritage, Western influences, creative neighbourhoods and modern experiences combine to create a vibrant capital city. Continue north through Ponca City and Tulsa, uncovering the legacy of Oklahoma’s oil boom, the stories of influential figures and the artistic and musical traditions that continue to shape the state today.
Journey further into eastern Oklahoma, where the Cherokee and Choctaw Nations share their history, traditions and connection to the land. Along the way, discover historic towns, scenic landscapes, local flavours and authentic experiences that reveal a side of America often overlooked by visitors.
From the open roads of Route 66 to the communities and cultures that define Oklahoma, this journey goes beyond the familiar highlights to uncover the stories, people and places that make the state such a rewarding destination to explore.
All of our itineraries are fully customisable and can be tailored to suit your individual preferences. Whether you’d like to start or end in a different city, upgrade your hotel accommodation, or add sightseeing excursions to enrich your experience, your Discover North America Travel Specialist is here to help.
We don’t include international flights in our headline prices as standard, as we work with a wide range of scheduled airline partners and offer flexible options to suit your preferences. Factors such as departure airport, airline, travel class, travel dates, and seasonal promotions can all impact the final fare. Your Discover North America Travel Specialist will take the time to understand your individual requirements and source the best-value flights tailored to your itinerary.
Find out more about the process we follow here.
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Arrive into Grapevine in the mid to late afternoon and collect your rental car before checking into your hotel. Once settled, begin discovering this charming Texas destination by exploring the Historic Main Street District, where preserved buildings, independent boutiques, tasting rooms and local restaurants showcase the town’s unique character.
Alternatively, head to the Grapevine Observation Tower for panoramic views across the surrounding landscape and a memorable introduction to the area as the sun begins to set.
As evening arrives, enjoy your first taste of Grapevine’s renowned food and wine scene, with locally inspired dining experiences providing the perfect way to relax and begin your Texas adventure.
Overnight: Grapevine
Spend today exploring Grapevine’s historic charm, creative communities and renowned food scene. Begin in the Historic Main Street District, where working artist studios, galleries and independent boutiques bring the town’s character to life. Discover local craftsmanship at Holder Dane Gallery, Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Gallery or The Grapevine Foundry, before enjoying a Grapevine Food Tour showcasing the flavours and stories of this vibrant district.
Continue your exploration with time to browse Main Street’s unique shops or visit Grapevine Mills, home to more than 180 shops, restaurants and attractions. For a true taste of Texas style, stop at Cavender’s to pick up some Western-inspired attire.
For something completely unexpected, immerse yourself in Meow Wolf – The Real Unreal, an interactive art experience filled with imagination, creativity and discovery.
This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Grapevine’s many restaurants, from classic steakhouses to local favourites, before experiencing the town’s lively entertainment scene. Catch a performance at the Palace Theatre or enjoy live music throughout the Historic Main Street District.
Overnight: Grapevine
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Grapevine before heading to Fort Worth for a taste of authentic Texas culture. Start the day with coffee at one of the town’s local cafés, take a scenic walk along the trails of Lake Grapevine or explore the peaceful Grapevine Botanical Gardens. Alternatively, step back in time at Historic Nash Farm, where you can discover what life was like for early settlers on the Grapevine Prairie.
After lunch, make your way to Fort Worth aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad (operating on select weekends), travelling in historic style to the legendary Fort Worth Stockyards. When the train is not operating, TexRail provides a convenient alternative.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Stockyards, where Western heritage comes to life through historic saloons, museums, shops and the famous daily cattle drive. Experience the atmosphere of the Old West before returning to Grapevine.
This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Grapevine’s many restaurants before experiencing more local entertainment. Catch a comedy “who-dunnit” murder mystery” at the Texas Star Dinner Theater (available on select Fridays and Saturdays), or enjoy live music along the Historic Main Street District.
Overnight: Grapevine
Leave Texas behind and continue north into Oklahoma, where wide-open landscapes, historic communities and Native American heritage begin to reveal a different side of the American heartland.
As you make your way towards Ardmore, consider a stop in Denton, a lively university town known for its creative atmosphere, independent shops and thriving music scene. Spend time exploring the historic downtown square, browse local boutiques or enjoy a coffee before continuing your journey north.
Crossing into Oklahoma, the landscape begins to change as rolling countryside and open plains replace the urban surroundings of Dallas Fort Worth. One possible stop along the way is Turner Falls, located within the scenic Arbuckle Mountains. Home to Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall, the area offers beautiful views, woodland trails and a chance to experience the natural landscapes of southern Oklahoma.
Continue towards Ardmore, a welcoming community located between Oklahoma City and Dallas Fort Worth. With its historic downtown, local restaurants and connection to the surrounding landscapes, Ardmore provides a convenient base for exploring southern Oklahoma.
Depending on arrival time, consider visiting Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma’s largest state park, where forests, hiking trails and peaceful waterfront views provide a relaxing introduction to the region. Alternatively, explore downtown Ardmore, home to historic buildings, local shops and the Greater Southwest Historical Museum, which showcases the heritage and development of southern Oklahoma.
Overnight: Ardmore
Leave Ardmore behind and continue your Oklahoma adventure through landscapes shaped by Native American heritage, frontier history and the spirit of the American West.
Begin the day exploring more of Chickasaw National Recreation Area, where mineral springs, scenic waterways and peaceful trails showcase the natural beauty of this unique region. Continue west towards Medicine Park, Oklahoma’s first resort community, where you can enjoy lunch beside Bath Lake, browse its charming shops and galleries, and experience the character of this historic cobblestone village.
Continue into the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, one of America’s oldest wildlife refuges, where rugged landscapes, granite peaks and open prairie provide opportunities to spot bison, longhorn cattle and other native wildlife while enjoying one of Oklahoma’s most scenic areas.
Arrive in Duncan, known as the “Heart of the Chisholm Trail,” where the legendary cattle route that helped shape the American West comes to life. Visit the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, an interactive experience where exhibits, artwork and immersive displays reveal the stories of cowboys, cattle drives and life along the trail.
Depending on timing, explore more of Duncan’s Western heritage through the Stephens County Historical Museum, historic downtown or the city’s Heritage Trails before enjoying dinner and settling in for the evening.
Overnight: Duncan
Continue west from Duncan towards Elk City, following a route through the wide-open landscapes and communities that capture the spirit of Western Oklahoma.
Begin the day with a visit to Lawton and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, one of Oklahoma’s most scenic landscapes. Explore rugged mountains, open prairie and the chance to spot native wildlife including bison and longhorn cattle. Nearby, Medicine Park offers a charming stop for lunch, with its cobblestone streets, local shops and lakeside atmosphere.
Continue west through Oklahoma’s countryside, with opportunities to discover more of the region’s frontier heritage. In Clinton, visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, where exhibits bring the story of the Mother Road to life through historic vehicles, memorabilia and stories from the people who travelled this iconic highway.
Arrive in Elk City, one of Route 66’s most recognisable communities and home to the National Route 66 & Transportation Museum. Explore the history of America’s most famous highway, alongside displays celebrating transportation, pioneer life and the communities that helped shape Western Oklahoma.
Spend the evening discovering Elk City’s Route 66 character, from historic downtown landmarks and roadside attractions to local dining and small-town hospitality.
Overnight: Elk City
Leave Elk City behind and continue to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma’s vibrant capital and a destination where Western heritage meets a thriving culinary, cultural and entertainment scene.
Arrive in the city and begin your stay with lunch at The Collective or Parlor, two innovative food halls bringing together some of Oklahoma City’s most exciting chefs and flavours under one roof.
After checking into your hotel, spend the afternoon discovering the city at your own pace. Adventure seekers can head to Riversport Adventures for kayaking, zip-lining, white-water rafting or surfing experiences on the Oklahoma River. Alternatively, explore the city’s creative side with a visit to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, home to an impressive collection of glass artwork by Dale Chihuly, or discover contemporary works and exhibitions at Oklahoma Contemporary.
For a more relaxed afternoon, enjoy a stroll through Scissortail Park and the Myriad Botanical Gardens, two beautiful urban spaces in the heart of the city.
Continue your exploration at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, a powerful and moving tribute to the victims, survivors and rescue workers affected by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
This evening, experience the atmosphere of Bricktown, Oklahoma City’s lively entertainment district. Enjoy dinner overlooking the canal, take a relaxing Water Taxi ride and finish the evening with live music, rooftop views or drinks in one of the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods.
Overnight: Oklahoma City
Continue exploring Oklahoma City with a day that reveals the history, creativity and cultural influences that have shaped the city.
Begin your morning exploring the city’s connection to Historic Route 66, with a journey through some of the Mother Road’s most recognisable landmarks. Visit the iconic Gold Dome, one of Route 66’s most distinctive examples of Googie architecture, and discover the character of the Uptown 23rd District, where restored buildings, independent businesses and local restaurants showcase how the legendary highway continues to evolve.
Continue to the First Americans Museum, where immersive exhibits, authentic architecture and powerful storytelling celebrate the history, culture and contributions of the 39 Tribal Nations headquartered in Oklahoma.
Spend the afternoon discovering Oklahoma City’s Western heritage at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, where extensive collections of Western art, Native American artefacts, rodeo history and frontier stories bring the American West to life.
For those looking to experience more of the city, explore the creative energy of neighbourhoods such as the Paseo Arts District, home to galleries, studios, restaurants and public art, or visit Stockyards City, where Oklahoma City’s working cowboy traditions continue through Western shops, custom bootmakers and historic businesses.
This evening, experience more of Oklahoma City’s growing food and entertainment scene, from locally inspired restaurants to live music venues showcasing the city’s creative spirit.
Overnight: Oklahoma City
Enjoy a final morning discovering more of Oklahoma City’s unique neighbourhoods and local experiences. Explore the creative energy of the Paseo Arts District, where galleries, studios, restaurants and public art showcase the city’s artistic side, or visit the Plaza District, known for its independent shops, colourful murals and welcoming local atmosphere.
Alternatively, continue exploring Oklahoma City’s Western heritage with a visit to Stockyards City, where working cowboy traditions remain part of everyday life through Western stores, custom bootmakers and historic businesses.
In the afternoon, follow the legendary Route 66 north of the city towards Arcadia, where some of the Mother Road’s most recognisable landmarks await. Visit the beautifully restored Round Barn, one of Route 66’s most iconic structures, before continuing to POPS, a modern roadside attraction famous for its collection of more than 700 varieties of soda.
Enjoy dinner at The Chicken Shack before returning to Oklahoma City via Edmond, where public art installations and creative spaces provide a final glimpse of the city’s artistic personality.
Overnight: Oklahoma City
Leave Oklahoma City behind and continue north into northern Oklahoma, where pioneer stories, Native American heritage and the legacy of the state’s oil boom reveal another side of the destination.
Begin the journey with a stop in Guthrie, Oklahoma’s first capital and one of the state’s best-preserved historic towns. Wander through the beautifully restored downtown, where Victorian architecture, independent shops and local cafés capture the character of early Oklahoma.
Continue towards Perry, home to the Cherokee Strip Museum, where exhibits bring to life the history of the famous 1893 Land Run and the pioneers who helped settle the region.
Arrive in Ponca City, a destination shaped by Native American heritage, pioneering spirit and the discovery of oil. Begin exploring with a visit to Standing Bear Park, Museum & Education Center, where you can discover the remarkable story of Chief Standing Bear and his landmark fight for Native American rights.
Continue to the magnificent Marland Mansion, known as the “Palace on the Prairie”. This Italian-inspired estate tells the story of oil baron E.W. Marland and the extraordinary wealth and ambition created during Oklahoma’s oil boom.
Depending on arrival time, continue discovering Ponca City’s heritage through the Poncan Theatre, historic murals or the Conoco Museum, before enjoying dinner and settling in for the evening.
Overnight: Ponca City
Continue south from Ponca City towards Tulsa, discovering the landscapes, communities and stories that shaped northern Oklahoma along the way.
Begin your journey through Osage County, one of Oklahoma’s most fascinating regions, where Native American heritage, sweeping prairie landscapes and the legacy of the oil boom come together. Explore the area around Pawhuska, the capital of the Osage Nation, and visit the Osage Nation Museum, where exhibits share the history, culture and traditions of the Osage people.
Enjoy lunch at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, created by television personality Ree Drummond, combining a restaurant, bakery and shopping experience in the heart of downtown Pawhuska. Take time to explore the town’s independent shops and historic streets before continuing your journey.
Next, visit Woolaroc, the former ranch retreat of oilman Frank Phillips. Set across thousands of acres of beautiful Oklahoma landscape, this unique attraction combines Western heritage, wildlife, art and history, offering an insight into the life of one of the state’s most influential figures.
Continue towards Tulsa, a city where Native American heritage, music, art and creativity come together. Depending on arrival time, begin discovering the city with a visit to Gathering Place, one of America’s most impressive urban parks, or explore Tulsa’s vibrant neighbourhoods, restaurants and entertainment districts.
Overnight: Tulsa
Spend your first full day in Tulsa discovering a city where Route 66 nostalgia, creativity and cultural heritage come together.
Begin with breakfast at one of Tulsa’s classic Route 66 diners before visiting the Philbrook Museum of Art, housed within a beautifully restored Italian Renaissance-style mansion surrounded by 25 acres of gardens. Explore an impressive collection spanning Native American, modern and contemporary art.
Continue your Route 66 journey with a visit to Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curious, one of the Mother Road’s newest icons. Capture a photo with the colourful space cowboy before browsing the unique roadside-inspired shop and learning more about Tulsa’s Route 66 heritage.
Enjoy lunch at Ike’s Chili, a Tulsa institution since 1908, before spending the afternoon at Gathering Place, one of America’s most impressive urban parks. Explore scenic trails, gardens, waterways and interactive experiences designed for visitors of all ages.
Continue your cultural journey at the Woody Guthrie Center, celebrating the life, music and legacy of the influential folk musician whose songs helped shape American music.
Later, discover one of Tulsa’s more unusual stories with a visit to the Tulsa Cave House (by appointment), a quirky landmark with links to the city’s Prohibition-era past and local legends.
This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Tulsa’s excellent restaurants before experiencing the city’s vibrant live music scene.
Overnight: Tulsa
Leave Tulsa behind and continue east into Cherokee Nation, where rolling landscapes, historic communities and Native American heritage reveal another important chapter in Oklahoma’s story.
Begin your journey with a stop in Catoosa at the iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa, one of Route 66’s most recognisable roadside landmarks. This much-loved attraction offers the perfect photo opportunity and a nostalgic reminder of the creativity and character that made the Mother Road famous.
Continue towards Claremore, the hometown of legendary entertainer and cowboy philosopher Will Rogers. Visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, where you can discover the life, humour and legacy of one of Oklahoma’s most celebrated figures.
Continue through northeastern Oklahoma’s scenic countryside towards Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation. Begin exploring the area’s rich cultural heritage with visits to the Cherokee National History Museum, Cherokee National Prison Museum and Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum, each offering insight into Cherokee history, governance and resilience.
Take time to explore Tahlequah’s welcoming downtown, with local shops, galleries and restaurants reflecting the character of this historic community. For a taste of local flavour, enjoy dinner at a favourite such as Sam & Ella’s Chicken Palace, known for its famous pizza and relaxed atmosphere.
Overnight: Tahlequah
Continue your journey through eastern Oklahoma, travelling south from Cherokee Nation towards Durant and discovering more of the communities, landscapes and stories that define this fascinating region.
Begin the day exploring more of Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, before following the scenic roads south towards Muskogee. Here, discover Oklahoma’s frontier and military history with a visit to the USS Batfish & War Memorial, where you can step aboard a World War II submarine and learn about the stories of those who served.
Continue to Fort Gibson, one of the oldest military posts in Oklahoma, where historic buildings, museums and interpretive exhibits reveal the role this frontier outpost played in the settlement of the region and its connections with Native American communities.
Continue through the Oklahoma countryside, with a possible stop in Checotah, the hometown of country music star Carrie Underwood, before arriving in Durant, headquarters of the Choctaw Nation.
Discover the traditions and history of the Choctaw people at the Choctaw Cultural Center, where immersive exhibits, a recreated village and original artwork share the story of one of Oklahoma’s largest Tribal Nations. Afterwards, take time to explore downtown Durant, with its independent shops, local restaurants and welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Enjoy an evening discovering the flavours and hospitality of southern Oklahoma before settling in for the night.
Overnight: Durant
Today marks the end of your Oklahoma adventure as you make your way back to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport for your onward journey.
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Durant before beginning the drive south into Texas. As you travel back towards Dallas, reflect on the incredible diversity of experiences discovered along the way — from cowboy traditions and Western heritage to Native American cultures, Route 66 communities and the stories that have shaped Oklahoma.
Arrive at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in time for your departure, taking with you memories of a journey through some of America’s most authentic landscapes, communities and cultures.