Gay Oklahoma
Oklahoma is the 20th-largest state in the United States and is located in the South Central region of the country. Its population in 2021 is estimated to be 3.97 million which makes it the 28th populous state. Its name is derived from the Choctaw words okla and humma, which translates as "red people". The residents are known as Oklahomans, and its capital is Oklahoma City.
Photo Credit: Gerson Repreza
What do you want to discover?
Top Things to See and Do in Oklahoma
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Local Expert: Gay Scene in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a welcoming destination that offers all the culture, cuisine, attractions, and amenities you'd expect in a vibrant, modern city. LGBTQ+ travelers will find several districts worth exploring, a thriving arts scene, exciting outdoor recreation options, plenty of nightlife, and more, with events like OKC Pride Week.
Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) is home to a diverse and engaged community and seeks equal rights for LGBTQ individuals and families through advocacy, education, alliances, and programs.
Photo Credit: Chris Ainsworth
Best Time to Visit Oklahoma
The best time to visit Oklahoma is from September to November. Many travelers go to Oklahoma in June and July to make the most of summer vacations, but every season in this South Central state offers a beautiful experience.
From March to May, the weather is pleasant and is the ideal time to hike in the Wichita Mountains, where the wildflowers will be blooming. Summer brings on the sweltering Oklahoma heat, but also endless festivals, outdoor activities, and unforgettable 4th of July celebrations.
Photo Credit: Jamill Santiago
Top Things to See and Do in Oklahoma
1) Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Photo Credit: Deo So
2) Oklahoma City Museum of Art
3) Oklahoma City Zoo's Sanctuary Asia
4) Myriad Botanical Gardens
Photo Credit: Justin Prine
5) National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
6) Natural Falls State Park
7) Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Photo Credit: Debra Gauthier
8) Chickasaw National Recreation Area
9) Science Museum Oklahoma
10) Route 66
Photo Credit: Raychel Sanner
MUST DO Oklahoma Attractions & Activities
Oklahoma is home to a variety of attractions and activities. The Oklahoma City National Memorial is worth a stop when you’re in town. It was recently renovated with state-of-the-art technology, new artifacts, and hands-on exhibits.
Stroll through the gardens of Scissortail Park, relax on the lawn, catch a concert or live performance, and get on the water with pedal boat, kayak, and standup board rentals from the Boathouse.
Experience the history and beauty at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Its large collection of classic and contemporary Western art makes this museum top-notch, and interactive galleries bring the history of the American cowboy and Native American culture to life.
Photo Credit: Justin Bennett
MUST EAT Oklahoma Gay-Friendly Dining
Oklahoma is rich with culinary heritage, which is evident in local favorites like chicken-fried steak, barbecue, fried-onion burgers, and Indian tacos. The state is famous for some of the most mouthwatering food that exists on the planet.
Oklahoma's official meal is a menu that reflects the state's historic and cultural backgrounds of the residents. The official state meal consists of fried okra, squash, cornbread, sausage, barbecue pork, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries, black-eyed peas, chicken fried steak, and pecan pie.
Photo Credit: Sunny Side Diner
MUST VISIT Oklahoma Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Most of the best of the city’s nightlife, especially the gay scene is situated in the NW 39th Entertainment District. It is once a bustling tourist stop on Route 66 and is now the most happening place in OKC, with many gay bars and dance clubs. Also referred to as "The Strip," it hosts one of the city's biggest annual events, the OKC Pride Parade and Festival.
The Bricktown Historic Entertainment District, though a bit stuffier than 39th, is also a good place to discover dining and shopping, some of the best restaurants are there.
Photo Credit: Gabriel Perez
Destinations within Oklahoma
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