Oklahoma City architecture is a mix of early twentieth-century design, Route 66 kitsch, and hip new buildings with a modern aesthetic. This means that there is a wide variety of styles and designs to be found in OKC’s photo spots – everything from Prarie chic to Don Draper to Pinterest-perfection.
Here are my favorite Instagrammable places in Oklahoma City and photo locations that you can use if you’re traveling here or just want a cool photo opportunity you may not have thought of before.
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The Ten Best OKC Instagram Spots
Here’s a quick overview of the top ten spots on this list. See below for the full list of Oklahoma City photography locations along with descriptions and addresses.
- The Wheeler Ferris Wheel
- Scissortail Park
- Devon Tower
- Lake Hefner Lighthouse
- Tower Theater
- Bricktown Canal
- Plaza District
- Myriad Gardens
- Oklahoma City Street Car
- Martin Park Nature Center
The Most Instagrammable Places in Oklahoma City – The Full List
In no particular order…
Wheeler Ferris Wheel
The centerpiece of the new Wheeler District, the Wheeler Ferris Wheel used to reside on the Santa Monica Boardwalk. It’s fitting that the Route 66 icon is still part of the Route 66 family.
There are tons of great angles and takes you can get photographing the wheel. The OKC letters with the wheel in the background is the most popular take, but keep your camera handy because you’ll no doubt be inspired once your up in the air as well.
Address: 1701 S Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73109, United States
Scissortail Park
If you’re not from Oklahoma, you might find the name of the park whimsical and amusing, but it’s actually named after the Scissortail Fly Catcher, the Oklahoma State Bird.
The iconic statue is a modern take on the bird, which features a split tail (like a pair of open scissors).
While the statue is the most common Instagram pic from the park, there are actually forty acres here to explore and lots of additional photography opportunities.
Address: 300 SW 7th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73109, United States
Devon Tower
It’s hard to miss the tallest building in Oklahoma City, but I find it a bit hard to photograph. I adore this shot from Vast, the restaurant on the tower’s 49th floor (see below for more about the restaurant).
If you’re looking to photograph the tower from below, make sure to go when the light is great so that you get some amazing reflections off the building.
Address: 333 W Sheridan Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
Lake Hefner Lighthouse
Oklahoma City may be landlocked, but that didn’t keep us from building a New England-inspired lighthouse at Lake Hefner. Erected in 1999, the lighthouse is made out of modern materials and concrete to stay tornado-proof, but it looks much older.
It may sound out of place, but it’s become such a part of the city over the past few decades that locals rarely contemplate the strange twist of fate that brought a maritime icon to a manmade lake.
Address: Lake Hefner Pkwy, Oklahoma City, OK 73120, United States
Tower Theater
Built in the 1930s, Tower Theater’s iconic sign was one of the city’s landmarks on Route 66, but it fell into near disrepair during the later part of the twentieth century.
Refurbished starting in 2005, the theater now hosts concerts, films, and events.
The beautifully restored theater makes a great photo spot, but it is the gorgeous sign outside that’s the main attraction for Instagrammers.
Address: 425 NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, United States
Bricktown Canal
I’ll be honest – when they added the canal in 1999 I was in high school and the idea that we went from a town with no canal to having a canal was weird. However, twenty years later, I’m happy to admit that I was completely wrong and the Bricktown Canal was a great addition to the city.
You can take a water taxi, walk along the canal, or eat dinner with a great waterside view.
Address: 111 S Mickey Mantle Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Plaza District
The Plaza District is a great place to head if you want colorful murals and fun backdrops in between great restaurants and places to shop.
The Plaza Walls Gallery is a rotating mural project of over thirty murals in the district! So wear your most Insta-worthy dress and explore the great street art here.
Address: NW 16th Street between Classen and Penn Ave
Myriad Botanical Gardens
I’m ashamed to say that it took me visiting a botanic garden in Serbia to truly get what makes them so special. Now I try to visit them wherever I go.
And the Myriad Gardens in Oklahoma City is even better than a typical botanic garden because it’s also located in the Crystal Bridge, a stunning architectural marvel. You can enjoy the gardens from multiple levels and
Address: 301 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
Myriad Botanical Gardens Oculus Room
Since I started working on this list, the Myriad Botanical Gardens made the Oculus Room a permanent photo room! This is great news for those who just love these photos.
I’m making this a separate entry because I think that you should make sure to get a snap in the Oculus Room during your visit!
Address: 301 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
OKC Streetcar
There’s really nothing more fabulous than a city shot of a streetcar. The OKC Streetcars are pretty modern, so I love how the snow in this pic gives it a vintage feel.
Address: See this map for the Streetcar’s route
Martin Park Nature Center
Martin Park Nature Center is a great place to visit any time of year. This pic of mine was taken in the middle of January!
You can enjoy guided or solo hikes around the park, and there are gorgeous shots to get along the way!
Address: 5000 W Memorial Rd
Milk Bottle Building
This former grocery store was built in 1930, but it wasn’t until 1948 that got its signature milk bottle added to its roof.
This is one of the most famous Oklahoma City Route 66 sites, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: 2426 N Classen Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, United States
The Womb Gallery
This art gallery is owned by the lead singer of The Flaming Lips, Wayne Coin, though it’s the labia-centric artwork that really makes this place an eye-catcher.
Address: 25 NW 9th St, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
R&J Lounge and Supper Club
If love to enjoy (and photograph) kitsch, then this is the place for you. This 1950s inspired cocktail bar and restaurant has an amazing patio, great food, and interiors that are picture-perfect.
Address: 320 NW 10th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, United States
Kitchen No. 324
If you want to grab brunch and a pic at the same time, Kitchen 324 is a gorgeous place to go. I mean this emerald green is to die for.
Address: 324 N Robinson Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
Bricktown
This urban entertainment district is way more than its namesake canal! There are fifty blocks of restaurants and bars housed in updated warehouses.
This is also the place to come for party pics! Opening Night, Bricktown’s New Year’s Eve party, is it’s most famous annual event, but there are festivals held here throughout the year.
Address: Bricktown is bound by the Oklahoma River on the south, I-235 on the east, Deep Deuce District to the North, and the Oklahoma City Central Business District to the West.
Oklahoma City National Memorial
The Oklahoma City National Memorial commemorates the Oklahoma City Bombing. While you should definitely visit, please only photograph and Instagram it with respect.
This means treating it as a solemn place, avoiding “fun” or overly posed selfies, and making sure you don’t affect anyone’s visit there with your photography. Follow all rules, posted or otherwise.
For your IG caption, you can explain why this place is significant, what happened that day, or use one of these beautiful quotes about the Oklahoma City Bombing that commemorates the victims.
Address: 620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
Chua Vien Giac
This beautiful Vietnamese Buddhist temple in the outskirts of Oklahoma City serves the local Buddhist community as well as being a place for international Buddhist speakers to present.
If you come to photograph here, follow all rules, do not trespass, and be respectful in your presentation and your captions!
Address: 5101 NE 36th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, United States
Downtown Rooftops
The Oklahoma City skyline doesn’t look as impressive from the ground as it does from the sky. If you have access to a downtown rooftop, you should take advantage of it! The skyscrapers in the backdrop are just dreamy!
Address: Wherever you can get up safely
Chesapeake Energy Arena
I mean, really, are you gonna go to a Thunder game and not Instagram it? Of course not!
If you are interested in architectural photography, I’ve seen shots that make the outside of the building look great, too. I personally haven’t mastered it yet, but you can play with exposure times at night for something really impressive.
Address: 100 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United StatesCapacity: 18,203
Common Dear
I just adore a chic store, don’t you? Common Dear is a “cheerful feminist and self empowerment gift shop” which sells adorable stuff inside an adorable store. So basically, it’s super fun!
You can also visit their sister store across the street, the equally charming OKcollective Candle Co.
Address: 3 NW 9th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
The premier art museum in Oklahoma City, this place is a great way to spend an afternoon. Make sure to get a couple of fun Ferris Beuller-style pics while you’re there!
Address: 415 Couch Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
Summit OKC
This ninety foot rock climbing wall is housed inside of an old grain silo. The beautiful mural outside is an OKC icon, and you can get cool pics of yourself rock climbing once inside. Win-win.
Address: 200 SE 4th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73129, United States
Leadership Square
A lot of this list includes new stuff that’s popped up in Oklahoma City over the last ten years, a lot of it designed to be Insta-worthy. Some of the best sites, though, are old things that the modern ubiquity of photography have made people look at with a new eye.
For me that is best epitomized by Leadership Square. Growing up, I never paid attention to this art installation. Entitled “Galaxy,” this statue by Alexander Lieberman just epitomized the eighties corporate aesthetic. I was never a fan.
But I have to say, I kind of love it now. Between the passage of time and Instagram reframing the way we look at cities, I think it’s much more interesting than it was thirty years ago when it was installed.
Address: 211 North Robinson Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma United States
Paseo Arts District
Twenty-something art galleries, tons of murals, and some funky architecture aren’t all that the Paseo Arts District brings to your grid. It’s also an attitude that comes with being one of the coolest neighborhoods in Oklahoma City since before the app was invented.
Address: N Paseo Dr, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73103
OKC Underground
This system of tunnels and skywalks connects most of the business towers in downtown OKC. I remember visiting it for the first time with my dad when I was in elementary school, and I literally thought it was the coolest thing ever.
Fast-forward a few decades, and it’s hip again. The tunnels have been decked out in neon lights and art installations. This is the place in OKC to go if you want to pretend to star in a Drake video.
Address: Check this map for the complete tunnels and hours of operation.
Cafe Disco
Who doesn’t love photographing macarons before stuffing your face? This centuries-old French pastry was practically made for the gram. You can also enjoy their specialty coffee.
Address: 629 W Main St #103, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
Dead People Stuff
Maybe it’s because my favorite HGTV shows are Flea Market Flip and Rehab Addict, but I’m obsessed with architectural salvage. Dead People Stuff is the hippest architectural salvage and antique store this side of the Mississippi. Also, their Instagram account is one of my all-time faves.
Address: 1900 Linwood Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, United States
Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center
The new home of the Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center is a fabulous modern space that’s bursting with creativity and possibility. Since it’s new, no one has pushed the photography limits of this building yet. Do I sense a challenge?
Address: 3000 General Pershing Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73107, United States
Parlor OKC
This Automobile Alley space touts itself as a bar with seven restaurants, so when you get here expect your palate to be dazzled and your thirst to be quenched. On top of that, the masculine meets Mid Century interiors are itching to be photographed.
Address: 11 NE 6th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, United States
Oklahoma City Zoo
If you want some cool tiger pics, cut seal selfies, or even a few panda photos, come to the Oklahoma City Zoo. (And whatever you do, stay away from any unethical Tiger King associates). The Oklahoma City Zoo is a world-class (and ethical) zoo with a great array of wildlife and educational opportunities.
Address: 2101 NE 50th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, United States
Lake Overholser Bridge
This Route 66 landmark is the subject of some beautiful photography. Feel free to use one of these Route 66 quotes for your Instagram caption. I also have Route 66 puns.
Address: 8703-8709 Overholser Dr, Bethany, OK 73008, United States
Devon Boathouse District
A boathouse on the Oklahoma River would be reason enough to come out with a camera and see what’s up, but the Devon Boathouse is a fabulous work of modern architecture that can’t be missed.
Address: 608 Riversport Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73129, United States
State Capitol Building
The State Capitol building dates back to 1917, but it only got its final touch – its beautiful dome – in 2002. You can photograph it outside on your own, or snap a pic of the interior of the dome on an official capitol tour.
Address: 2300 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, United States
Chalk
Chalk is a sports bar with a fun vibe and a beautiful deck. Great for day-drinking and deck pics.
Address: 1324 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73114, United States
The Tunnel at the Intersection of Sheridan & Gaylord
The underpasses and tunnels that connect Downtown OKC with Bricktown have been beautifully updated over the past few years. Check out more than one to compare the different vibes.
Address: tunnels and underpasses between Downtown and Bricktown
Vast
I used a pick earlier to show how beautiful OKC looks from the Devon Tower that was taken from Vast. However, the restaurant’s interiors are gorgeous to. Definitely worth spending an evening here! Just make sure you arrive at golden hour so you can take advantage of both views.
Address: 333 W Sheridan Ave 49th Floor, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
Downtown Skyline
OKC doesn’t have the most impressive skyline, but it’s got it’s special viewpoints. It also looks particularly good when photographed from higher up than from the ground.
Address: wherever you can get a good view of Downtown
The Skirvin Hotel
This luxury hotel dates back to 1911, and its interiors are worth coming to see even if you won’t be staying here. The outside of the building is a stunner as well.
Address: 1 Park Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
Automobile Alley
While I’ve already shared a few individual spots from the Automobile Alley neighborhood, it’s worth setting aside a few hours to just walk around and explore.
The neighborhood got its name from the Model T dealerships in the neighborhood that have been renovated into modern businesses while retaining neon signs and other period touches.
Address: N Broadway Avenue; from NW 4th Street; to W. Park Place, Oklahoma City
Overholser Mansion
This 1903 mansion in Heritage Hills is stunning and worth the drive. It was the first mansion to be built in the state. Today you can tour the building during the day, and they hold events at night.
Address: 405 NW 15th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, United States
Old Trinity of Paseo
This church-turned-event center is a beloved wedding venue. The building has some long and fascinating history. It was built in Canada in 1842 and moved to Oklahoma City in the late twentieth century to be used as a church.
Today it’s a non-denominational event center, but there’s a reason it looks historic and older than everything around us. The building predates the state of Oklahoma by over sixty years!
Address: 3000 N Lee Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, United States
Science Museum Oklahoma
Formerly known as the Omniplex, the Science Museum has great educational exhibits that make science come alive, an Imax theater, and multiple Insta-worthy spots to explore.
Address: 2020 Remington Pl, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, United States
The Harn Homestead
One of my favorite Oklahoma hidden gems, the Harn Homestead is a old homestead from the Oklahoma Landrun that’s been turned into a living history museum complete with a Victorian house and a one-room schoolhouse.
Address: 1721 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, United States
Kaiser’s Grateful Bean Cafe
This coffee shop is famous for its delicious ice cream treats and sweets, the company began as an ice creamery in 1918. The retro interior is worthy of the delicious menu (and your grid).
Address: 1039 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
Gold Dome
This beautiful 1950s landmark is another famous stop on Route 66. When it was built it was only the fifth geodesic dome in the world. Today it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: 1112 NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, United States
Stitch Cafe
This West Village Coffee Shop is also sharing a space with The Plant Shoppe, so you’ll find the space bursting with green! Take advantage of the different angles and views to find a unique take.
Address: 835 W Sheridan Ave STE 100, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, United States
Katiebugs
This adorably cute coffee shop specializes in sweets like shaved ice as well, making it a fabulous place to visit no matter the weather. Located in a charming house near Automobile Alley, they also have an equally charming food truck in matching colors.
Address: 7 NW 9th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
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Stephanie Craig is a born-and-bred Oklahoma mom and travel expert who has been to over fifty countries. After traveling all over the world, Stephanie moved back to Oklahoma to explore more of her own backyard. Her favorite things to do in Oklahoma include visiting the Blue Whale of Catoosa, the Arcadia Round Barn, and the Talimena Scenic Byway.
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