Sightseeing in Oklahoma City - what to see. Complete travel guide

The city is the capital of the same named state. Oklahoma City is a major industrial and business center. The city's economy prospers successfully, so the government invests much money into development of tourist business. Several new hotels have already been opened here and many more will start operating in the coming years.

Besides hotels and resorts in Oklahoma City are built new concert halls and entertainment complexes. You will also find here numerous large-scale festivals and holidays. Thanksgiving Day is one of the most important celebrations. On this day colorful parades take place on the streets of Oklahoma. The local people have fun all day long, enjoying the celebration and arranging refreshments.

Myriad Botanical Garden is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma and the location of numerous events and festivals. The main pride of the garden is a greenhouse named "Crystal Bridge". This is a true tropical garden, where one can endlessly enjoy the unique plants. The picture is even more striking because guests are surrounded by skyscrapers and tall buildings that fill the streets of the city. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There are three beautiful lakes on the territory of Oklahoma - Stanley Draper, Hefner and Overholser. Rides on small cutters on these quiet lakes have become one of the most favorite pastimes of tourists. The lakes are surrounded by parkland, so there is also a lot of space for walking. Travellers with children should certainly visit modern amusement parks, and sports fans will surely like the new complex, where they will find a fitness center, a swimming pool and several gyms. In Oklahoma are opened several museums, the most famous of which are the Science Museum, the Museum of Oklahoma, as well as the Gallery of Western Art. Shoppers will find everything they want in huge shopping centers that offer wide selection of various goods.

One of the most unusual districts of the city is the Paseo quarter built in the 30s of the last century as a colony of artists. This district still retains its unique bohemian atmosphere, it has several interesting art galleries, fashion boutiques and a number of attractive restaurants. Buildings in the style of the Spanish Renaissance preserved here are of particular interest from an architectural point of view. Interesting places for walking and shopping are literally on every step.

Nearby is the colorful quarter of Little Saigon where the largest Vietnamese community has been living for many years. It would be interesting for travelers to visit some original Asian restaurants and shops offering Vietnamese delicacies and souvenirs. While walking through this district, you can see many beautiful oriental-style buildings.

A symbolic local historic monument is the Oklahoma State Capitol, the construction of which lasted for almost a hundred years. The construction began in 1914, but a shortage of funds was the reason for regular stops. The building hasn't had a dome for a long time, but in 2002, a luxurious 47-meter dome was finally completed. Oklahoma City has the world's only state capitol built directly atop an oil field. Today, visitors to this historic site can admire unique works of art hidden within its walls.

One of the oldest buildings in the city is Henry Overholser Mansion, the city founder's house. This luxurious mansion combining many different architectural styles was built in 1903. Today, the mansion is a bit like a classic French chateau. Since 1972, it is run by the urban historical society. The luxurious building holds interesting excursions; within its walls, you'll find collections of antique furniture, works of art and other household items.

The main religious landmark of the city is the beautiful Cathedral of St. Joseph built in the early 20th century. The main material for its construction was red brick; one of the main distinctive features of the cathedral is its sharp dark-colored spiers. Today, visitors to the cathedral can admire its skillful stained-glass windows, which adorn the building since its construction.