A city which has undergone a pretty radical transformation in recent years, Oklahoma is today more upmarket yachting than cow trading. Its fascinating Cowboy and Indian history is still there in the city's museums, but its newer face shows in hip areas such as Bricktown with its chic restaurants and canal tours.

To discover more about the city, pick a vacation rental slap bang in the middle. FlipKey has plenty to choose from, so why not start there?

About Oklahoma

As “The Cowboy State”, Oklahoma boasts plenty of prairies and plains. As you explore, it's almost irresistible to picture Indians behind every large mountain rock face or a cowboy's horse munching grass in a pretty meadow.

Oklahoma City is the state capital and derives its name from the Choctaw Indian tribe who were moved here during the Indian clearances (also known as the Trail of Tears). In fact, the name Oklahoma is from the Choctaw language and translates as 'red people'.

It's all very cosmopolitan today though, to the extent the city actually has quite a reputation for Vietnamese food in its Asian District near Classen. In the former industrial railroad garage, known today as Bricktown, you'll find restaurants aplenty.

Outdoor enthusiasts meanwhile have Lake Hefner, the Martin Park Nature Centre and even a huge skate park downtown.

What to do in Oklahoma

Try out a Coconut Cream Stout at the Battered Boar Brewing Company in Bricktown. It’s miles away from your ordinary beer and definitely something you’ll remember! And while you're in the neighborhood, you might want to take a look at the American Banjo Museum or have lunch in one of the pretty canal-side restaurants.

When in Oklahoma, you must visit the city's National Stockyards. This cattle auction can only be accessed via planks of wood balanced on scaffolding (for better views of the animals). For a glimpse of real cowboys—and great meat loaf—there’s nowhere better.

Another 'must see' is the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. A water feature with black granite and a park of empty chairs beautifully and solemnly pays respect to 168 individuals who lost their lives in the bombing in the early nineties.

Visit the Museum of Skeletons (or rather, Osteology). The only skeleton museum in America, you'll find the bones of just about every animal on earth.

Top travel tips for Oklahoma

Don't visit in spring unless you're fine with thunderstorms and the possibility of big winds. Oklahoma City sits in an area known as 'Tornado Alley.' The movie Twister was filmed right here - that's how rough it is.

Going into town? Then save yourself some cash and hop on the Downtown Discovery bus if you spot it—it's free. 

A taxi ride into the city from Will Rogers World Airport costs around $25. The city's EMBARK buses run every half an hour during the week and hourly on Saturday. It's also possible to travel by river cruiser—and in a climate-controlled cabin, no less.

A city which mingles its Wild West past with a contemporary, modern appeal, Oklahoma is certainly well worth a visit. It's a busy and 'happening' location, but the canal rides and city parks offer a more tranquil side, too. Come here and you'll find the city has a justified reputation for friendliness.

Start your vacation right by browsing for a perfect vacation rental here on FlipKey.