Home to more drivable miles of Route 66 than any state, Oklahoma offers endless experiences along the Mother Road, including many one-of-a-kind stopovers in Oklahoma City. As one of only two state capitals along the iconic highway, with alignments that weave throughout the metro, OKC features unique Route 66 attractions that range from cultural districts to world-class museums, art, architecture and more. As evidenced by these must-visit sites, no city does Route 66 like OKC.
Explore the Asian District
Boasting the only Asian District on Route 66, anchored by famed attractions like the Milk Bottle Building and the Gold Dome, OKC offers a unique array of cuisines and culture. The Asian District is a foodie favorite for its real-deal restaurants and recipes. Follow the anise-scented aroma of pho to Pho Cuong Restaurant, sample dim sum dumplings at Grand House or snag a banh mi from Lee’s Sandwiches. A newer addition, HQ Coffee offers Asian-inspired drinks like black sesame houjicha lattes and ube matcha.
Discover 39th Street – OKC’s Gayborhood
OKC is also home to the only official gayborhood on Route 66. The 39th Street District, is a rainbow-clad oasis of Pride and inclusion, home to some of the city’s best nightlife and entertainment, making it one of the must-see places for those looking to experience its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
Lined with kaleidoscopic street art, 39th Street adds a dose of diversity to Route 66, with popular spots like The Boom, known for drag dinner theater; Angles, a warehouse-sized nightclub; and Rainbow Bistro, a casual eatery slinging sandwiches and rainbow cake. The District Hotel is the only gay hotel in OKC, with two pools that are publicly accessible and its own collection of bars and nightclubs. Come June, the gayborhood hosts Pride on 39th, with a parade, vendors, food and drinks.
Ride the Wheeler Ferris Wheel
One unique Route 66 experience in OKC is the Wheeler Ferris Wheel, an attraction that began at the end of the Mother Road in Santa Monica before making its way to the Wheeler District. Once located on the Santa Monica Pier, the Ferris wheel was purchased on eBay, relocated and reassembled along the Oklahoma River. Surrounded by beautiful landscaping, the wheel offers front-row views of a different skyline.
Visit the Oklahoma State Capitol & History Center
One of only two state capitals on Route 66, OKC offers the rare opportunity to see a capitol building right from the road. Worth a pit stop, the State Capitol Complex is free to visit and home to the largest art collection in the state, while the nearby Oklahoma History Center features exhibits on Oklahoma history and the state’s role in Route 66 heritage.
Experience the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The intersection of East-meets-West, OKC is a gateway for Western heritage and cowboy history. Both can be explored at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum on Route 66. The world-class museum is a must-visit for history buffs, with exhibits exploring cowboy tradition, Native American culture and artifacts from the American West.
In OKC, it’s not just the ample mileage that makes it a Route 66 destination but also the singular attractions. It’s the one-of-a-kind cultural districts, the vast history that paved the way and the only-in-Oklahoma spots that make America’s most famous highway such a popular pastime, making it one of the best stops. With so much to see and do along the way, OKC also offers abundant hotels for an overnight stay, including some—like The Ellison Hotel and the Lively Hotel—located on or near Route 66.
