The Perfect Weekend Couples Getaway in Oklahoma – Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City has always been a few hours from us but when we lived in Arkansas, it was even closer. We finally got the chance to visit and we both regret not having done so MUCH sooner.
Oklahoma City is a big city with the heart of a small town and one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., which was made apparent by the number of people we met during our trip that had relocated here from other large cities.
Why has this area in a flyover state become so popular? For starters, there are a TON of things to do and unique places to eat in Oklahoma City. Our couples getaway in Oklahoma City was relaxing but full of fun activities and dining that could also be enjoyed with a group of friends or a family.
Where to Stay in Oklahoma City
Because of its central location, the 21c Museum Hotel OKC is perfect for everything on this Oklahoma City itinerary. The 21c is a modern industrial-style luxury hotel. The rooms are incredibly spacious, each one is similar to a downtown loft-style apartment, and the design is well thought out. Each space has its purpose but with the perfect amount of minimalism.
Our personal favorite touches in our room were the plush king-sized bed and the living room nook that was perfect for watching a movie or reading after settling in for the night. Another added perk? The roomy bathroom! We both had plenty of space to get ready for the day without bumping into one another – counter space is honestly a rarity at a lot of hotels!
But our favorite part about the 21c Museum Hotel is the free art museum located on the first floor of the hotel. The museum contains many modern and contemporary art pieces that are beautiful and thought-provoking. After dropping off our bags we decided to explore the museum and peruse the bar at Mary Eddy’s, the attached chef-driven restaurant, before calling it a night.
Couples Getaway in Oklahoma City: DAY 1
Brunch at Mary Eddy’s
If you’re looking for the best brunch locations in OKC we’ve got you covered. Our first stop is Mary Eddy’s! We’re self-proclaimed
We also got two of their brunchtime cocktails that were dangerously delicious. The first of the two cocktails we tried was the Boozy Blossom, which was made with prosecco, hibiscus, orange blossom, and good
The other cocktail we tried was the Gin n’ Jam. I know what you’re thinking…. gin?… in the morning? YES. This cocktail has a splash of gin, earl grey tea syrup, lemon, and housemade jam all mixed together to make your taste buds smile at first sip.
Location: 900 W Main St // MAP
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
After brunch, you’ll head to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Whether it’s your first visit to Oklahoma City or you’ve visited numerous times before, this beautiful memorial and museum is a stop that you simply cannot miss.
On April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City and the world was forever changed when a truck bomb went off at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building at 9:02 am. This domestic terrorist attack killed 168 people, left 680 or more people injured, and damaged over 324 buildings.
Among those there that day were citizens visiting the government building, countless government employees, and children that were enrolled in a daycare held within the building.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum will move you in more ways than one. First, it will navigate you through an area of the museum where you can see artifacts, read information, and hear recordings of firsthand accounts. Second, it will move you emotionally.
While we were going through the museum we felt a wide variety of emotions – sadness and anger, but also hope. The museum shows how the people of Oklahoma City rallied together and put every part of themselves into helping the rescue effort. It reminds visitors of how the people encouraged and comforted those in pain, both physically and emotionally.
There’s a quote that is posted in numerous locations around the site that left a lasting impression on us. It says: “We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope, and serenity.” In order to really take your time in this memorial, be sure to allow for around 2-3 hours.
Cost: $15/adults, $12/seniors, military, or students with ID, children 5 years or younger free
Address: 620 N Harvey Ave // MAP
Hours: Sunday 12pm-6pm, Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm
Lunch at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
After finishing at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum we headed a few miles out of the city towards Northwest OKC to have lunch at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, an American restaurant known for their wood-fired grill entreés.
We had a sampling of a few menu items and were blown away by everything we tried. For starters, they brought to our table their deliciously creamy jalapeño deviled eggs, a giant lobster spinach queso, and coconut shrimp which was perfectly fried to a crisp.
For my entree, I had a combo of their shrimp and fish tacos, which were perfect for lunch. While Logan enjoyed a prime rib French dip and bleu cheese filet.
Now, I want to take a moment to talk about this steak because if you know Logan… he is very particular about steak and typically avoids ordering them when eating out. There has only been a small, and I mean SMALL handful of steaks that he claims are worth shelling out money for.
He was so impressed by the bleu cheese filet at Firebirds that he ended up talking to the chef trying to figure out how he cooked it. The filet was wrapped in bacon and prepared medium-rare. After, it was topped with a bleu cheese sauce and port mushrooms. On the side was the southwest au gratin potatoes which were the perfect pairing for this steak.
Location: 1320 W Memorial Rd // MAP
TopGolf OKC
So, I’m just gonna come out and say it, golf is seriously underrated and TopGolf is an inexpensive way to practice your skills or just have a good time. TopGolf is basically a big driving range where you can rent out a “bay” to hit some golf balls out to the various targets (see photo above).
There are different games to play based on points, distance, etc. Chances are if you rent a bay for an hour or two you’ll get a chance to play many different game modes! We rented out a bay for an hour and a half and it allowed us to play four rounds (even with light teasing back and forth to each other lol).
We won’t lie, our first round was LAUGHABLE. But each time we played we got a little better and it was SO. MUCH. FUN. Think of it like bowling, even if you are TERRIBLE you can still have a good time (and for those of you who say you dislike bowling, well give this a shot anyway!) 🙂
Cost: $25-45/bay rental (prices vary depending on the time of day)
Location: 13313 Pawnee Drive // MAP
Lights on Broadway in Automobile Alley
We visited a weekend in November during the annual Lights on Broadway event in Automobile Alley was up and ready for viewing. Since it gets dark at 4:30 pm this time of year (who’s idea was that again?) the sun was already setting when we left TopGolf so we were able to see all the twinkly lights come on!
There’s just something magical about all those dainty, colorful lights and the holiday season – you just can’t help but smile. While the evening was chilly we were greeted with free hot cocoa, cookies, hot apple cider, candy canes, and even a Whoville drink that was topped with cotton candy!
Not only does this annual event provide you with complimentary refreshments, but there is also free entertainment too! We saw jugglers, live bands, caricatures, face painting, balloon animals, pictures with Santa, and even a holiday movie showing next to some warm fire heaters.
If you need to thaw out your fingers and toes simply head into one of the local boutiques or stores and shop their adorable holiday decor and gift ideas. If the Lights on Broadway event isn’t happening like it was for us, you can still enjoy visiting the specialty shops and the street art in Automobile Alley. There is plenty to do and see here even without this special event!
Address: Broadway Avenue
Dinner at The Drake
After all that golf, walking, and shopping you’ll be ready for dinner and The Drake is the perfect stop! The Drake serves up some of the best seafood with the freshest ingredients you’ll find in OKC. They even have their own oyster bar that has become the talk of the town.
We ordered two different dishes to share, the first being the Lobster Roll which we felt was the closest thing you’ll get to the real deal outside of Maine.
The second entree was the Miso Glazed Salmon that was recently put on the menu. It had the perfect amount of sweet and savory flavor and by the last bite, I was nearly begging for the recipe.
Overall we felt that The Drake was the perfect place to end our evening and enjoy a romantic dinner in OKC with the amazing food, wine selection, and ambiance that they have to offer.
Address: 519 NW 23rd St #111 // MAP
READ MORE: Things to Do in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Couples Getaway in Oklahoma City: DAY 2
Brunch at The Jones Assembly
It’s your last day in Oklahoma City and hey, we told you we’d show you to the best brunches in OKC so here’s another spot! The Jones Assembly is truly a unique place. It’s not only a fully operating restaurant, but it’s also a concert venue that hosts local and nationally recognized artists.
We immediately wanted to try their handcrafted lattes and ordered the Pistachio Latte per recommendation. It had the perfect amount of bold espresso paired with a lightly sweetened flavor of the pistachios.
After, we ordered the savory Dutch Baby Cakes that came topped with fried chicken, and crispy bacon. We also ordered the brioche french toast with a pistachio chocolate crumble and chantilly cream. Both of these entrees were refreshing and unlike any other brunch
Address: 901 W Sheridan Ave // MAP
Myriad Botanical Gardens
When we visited, the Myriad Botanical Gardens were undergoing a few renovations. We would both would be very interested to see what all the changes look like once it’s completely finished!
The outdoor gardens (which are free to visit) have many walking paths and water features. There is also a children’s garden and an off-leash dog park if you plan to bring your pup along for your trip!
The Crystal Bridge Conservatory, where we spent most of our time at Myriad Botanical Gardens, is a climate-controlled environment filled with thousands of plant species from all parts of the world. We were mesmerized by the lush greenery and were really intrigued by all of the species of cacti located in one area of the conservatory – who knew there were so many!?
Address: 301 W. Reno // MAP
See what the hype is about at Bricktown!
Chances are if you’re visiting Oklahoma City you’ve already scoped out things to do in Bricktown. Bricktown is a popular entertainment area in OKC and was one place we knew we had to stop at while we were here for our couples getaway in Oklahoma City.
Bricktown is home to many large event centers, sports arenas, local restaurants, and museums. Take a ride on the Bricktown Water Taxi for an entertaining perspective of OKC.
Then grab a cupcake at Pinkitzel, a candy and cupcake shop that is every dessert lover’s paradise. After, stop by Bricktown Brewery for an app and pint. You can easily spend a few hours enjoying the walkable Bricktown district.
Wheeler Ferris Wheel
After spending some time in Bricktown we went to one of the most interesting places in OKC. If we told you that this Ferris wheel was purchased on eBay would you believe us? Well, we ain’t lyin’!
The Wheeler Ferris Wheel was originally a Santa Monica Ferris Wheel that was spotted and scooped up off eBay and rehomed here, in Oklahoma City. Now it’s a historic tourist spot to visit in OKC that is perfect for your couples getaway in Oklahoma. Make sure you take a ride to the tippy top and snap a photo by the OKC sign with the Wheeler in the background!
Address: 1701 S Western Ave // MAP
Cost: $6/ride, $10/day pass
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
After visiting the Wheeler Ferris Wheel we headed to The Oklahoma City Museum of Art to warm back up! The Oklahoma City Museum of Art has an impressive collection from all different time periods but predominately pieces from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Being big fans of Dale Chihuly, we were impressed to see the large exhibit solely dedicated to his work and loved strolling down the hall where a ceiling of his glass works are on display.
Location: 415 Couch Drive // MAP
Lunch at Empire Slice House
We could eat pizza for every meal. No seriously, we could and if Empire Slice House was closer, we would. This cozy pizza joint is super casual, like order by the slice at the counter, get your coke from a can casual. But, we wouldn’t want it any other way.
They have classic favorites like cheese and pepperoni, but they also have their own spin on pizza flavors. Our favorites being There’s A Fungus Among Us, a mushroom-topped pizza and Figgy Stardust, a chicken and fig topped pizza slice with a basil pesto sauce. Empire Slice House is the perfect lunch spot before your next stop on your OKC weekend itinerary.
Address: 1804 NW 16th Street // MAP
The Plaza District
Surprise! Empire House is located in the Plaza District so just step outside and begin your journey. The Plaza District is a funky, cool area to walk around, shop, and you guessed it, murals on nearly every wall. The street art in this area is one-of-a-kind because it is redone every month so catch your favorite piece while you can!
Address: 1700 Block NW 16th
Head home or continue to explore!
After spending some time in the historic Plaza District we made our journey back home. Depending on your schedule and travel distance you may want to stay a little longer.
If so, here are a few things you could add to your itinerary for your couple’s getaway in Oklahoma that we didn’t have the chance to check out but you might enjoy!
Climb Up OKC: A set of grain silos that have been renovated into a climbing gym! How fun is that?
American Banjo Museum: This museum contains over 300 banjos and the history of this fascinating musical instrument.
SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology: If you’re interested in unique places you’ll love this museum! It is the only skeleton museum located in the United States and is an educational experience on the form and function of the skeletal system.
Attend A Sporting Event: Depending on the time of year there are TONS of different sporting events you could attend while in OKC such as an Oklahoma City Thunder basketball game or an Oklahoma City Dodgers baseball game.
We want to thank the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitor Bureau for inviting us as their guests.
Comments & Reviews
Kally says
So many places to visit, but we went for a family holiday by car and really enjoyed it. By the way, gorgeous photos!