Things To Do in Oklahoma City

Key Takeaways

• Oklahoma City’s mix of history, entertainment, festivals, and outdoor recreation creates year-round renter appeal for both short- and long-term rental properties.
• Investing near major attractions like the zoo, Bricktown, theme parks, and annual events can help property owners tap into steady tourist traffic and strong tenant demand.
• Access to nature-focused destinations such as Scissortail Park, Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, the Oklahoma River, and Lake Hefner attracts renters seeking active and balanced lifestyles.
• Highlighting proximity to these diverse experiences can help rental properties stand out, maintain occupancy, and generate consistent returns.

With streets, districts, and events deeply steeped in history, Oklahoma City offers a diverse mixes of art, cuisine, culture, and outdoor adventure. Whether you are eager to learn about the area’s rich cowboy history, indulge in diverse cuisine, lose yourself in vibrant art scenes, test yourself in thrilling water adventures, explore remarkable entertainment, or just enjoy quiet locations, this city has something memorable for you.

If you're thinking of owning a short or long-term rental property in the area it pays to know what attractions draw in renters. This guide by Archstone Properties gives you a peek at some of the locations and experiences awaiting you in this great American city.

Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

Widely regarded as one of the top-ranked zoos and botanical gardens in the entire country, this place effortlessly combines conservation, education, and recreation. The animals here wander in enclosures that perfectly mimic their natural habitat.

If you invest in properties near this location you can tap into tourist markets or appeal to long-term renters who desire access to these amazing activities.

Explore Frontier City Theme Park

This western-themed amusement park has something for all ages and interests. From the thrill of rides on the Steel Lasso, Silver Bullet, Wildcat and Gunslinger and watery fun at the wild west waterparks to a must-see gunfight between bandits and the sheriff of Frontier City, this park has it all. Best of all, properties near the theme park can appeal to a wide range of tenants.

Experience the Bixby BBQ and Blues Festival

This annual event combines great music with equally great food. It is a celebration of food like you have never seen before. At this event, you will get the chance to sample various BBQ styles and maybe even learn a few tricks you can take back home with you. What's more, you can do all of that to a background of lively blues tunes from the best singers and musicians the state has to offer.

Highlighting events like these in your marketing materials can help draw in long-term tenants how to desire a close community connection.

Visit Bricktown Entertainment District

This location is everything you expect an entertainment district to be and more. Start by taking a water taxi on the Bricktown canal. Visit the home of the Oklahoma City baseball team at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Experience the unique charm of old industrial brick warehouses repurposed into bubbling restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also take your pick of mini-golf, arcade games, bike bars, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Home’s near this district appeal to renters of all ages as there’s something for everyone. You can invest in either short or long-term rentals and yield good returns.

Explore the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge

Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge is an absolute paradise for nature lovers. With a catalogue of stunning landscapes and quiet trails, this is the ideal place for hiking, biking, photography, and wildlife watching. You can spot over 50 species of native and naturalized bird species, with opportunities to spot shy deer and other lovely animals across the reserve’s diverse habitats and ecosystems.

Get to explore a forest of majestic oak and sycamore trees, with teeming swamps and marshes. Located just a short drive from the city, investment properties in the area offer the perfect escape from the bustle of urban living.

Adventure on the Oklahoma River

Find a variety of river sports on the Oklahoma River. Whether you just want to splash on the water’s edge or you are into extreme water sports, there is something for you here. Participate in group and solo events, from canoeing to surfing, white water rafting, rowing, tubing, standup paddleboarding, and more.

Owning rental properties near the Oklahoma River offers strong appeal to tenants who value access to outdoor recreation and an active lifestyle, helping properties stand out in a competitive market. The area’s wide range of water sports and events can attract long-term renters and short-term guests alike, supporting higher demand and consistent rental income.

Go Sailing on Lake Hefner

Dozens of waterbird species use this lake as a stopover during their annual migrations. Bird watchers can view this amazing spectacle across the 17-mile shoreline of the lake. If you love sailing and sailboat racing, you can find many events taking place here from April all the way to October. Lake Hefner is also a great place for fishing and picnicking, with lots of nearby facilities to cater to your needs.

Scissortail Park

This 70-acre space in the center of downtown Oklahoma City is everything you ever wanted in an urban park. Go on a meandering walk from downtown right up to the river, without ever leaving the soothing environment of the park. Check out the spectacular Skydance bridge that connects the two sections of the park. Explore the 3.7-acre lake with its boathouses. Experience sports and games in the sports courts, playgrounds, and woodlands.

Bottom Line

With so many things to do and see in the area property owners have a greater potential for drawing in tenants. If you need help marketing and managing your rentals in Oklahoma City, work with our property management company. Contact us today to learn more!