Tulsa's Best: Self-Guided Driving Tour of Iconic Landmarks & History
Places: 23 POIs
Distance: 18.59 mi
Duration: 1h:18m
GPS-guided narration through
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Tour #2610
About this English self-guided 1h:18m driving tour in Tulsa
Welcome to Tulsa, Oklahoma — a city that blends history, music, and modern energy in a way few places can.
Tulsa sits in the heart of what was once Indian Territory, a crossroads of Native American nations moved here in the 1800s. The city’s name actually comes from the Creek word “Tallasi,” meaning “old town,” a fitting nod to the people who first made their home on these rolling green hills along the Arkansas River.
Tulsa began as a quiet trading post, but everything changed in 1901 when oil was discovered nearby. Almost overnight, this small frontier town became the Oil Capital of the World. Wealth poured in, skyscrapers rose, and Art Deco architecture transformed the skyline. Much of that golden-age design still shines today, giving Tulsa one of the most beautiful downtowns in America.
But Tulsa’s story isn’t just about oil — it’s about resilience and reinvention. In 1921, the city faced one of the darkest moments in American history with the Tulsa Race Massacre, which devastated the prosperous Black community of Greenwood, also known as Black Wall Street. Today, that same neighborhood stands as a place of remembrance and renewal, anchored by the Greenwood Rising History Center.
Tulsa is also a city of legends. It’s the home of musicians like Woody Guthrie, whose folk songs gave voice to the working class, and Leon Russell, whose studio drew icons like Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. The city’s musical legacy still echoes at places like Cain’s Ballroom, once the home of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, and a venue where countless stars have played since.
As we make our way through Tulsa, you’ll see landmarks that tell every part of this city’s story — from the whimsical Center of the Universe, to the architectural grace of the Philbrook Museum of Art, to the freedom of the open road along Route 66.
By the time we finish at The Outsiders House Museum, you’ll have experienced the rhythm, history, and heart that make Tulsa truly one of a kind.
So settle in, start your engine, and get ready to explore Tulsa, Oklahoma — a city built on dreams, defined by resilience, and forever driven by creativity.
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
![UCPlaces AI Bot Icon]()
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
Route Preview
- Region
- Country
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Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
![Map Pin]()
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 0.00mi
, Attraction : Historic Music Venue (Recommended selfie spot).
422 N Main St, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
Cain's Ballroom
Turn right here — and up ahead, just after you make the turn, you’ll notice Cain’s Ballroom on your left.
This isn’t just any building — it’s one of Tulsa’s most legendary landmarks, a place that helped define American music.
Back in the 1920s, this spot was actually a garage that sold car parts and tractors. But in 1930, a man named Madison W. “Daddy” Cain had a different idea. He transformed it into a dance hall — and soon after, the air was filled with the lively sounds of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, who made Tulsa famous as the birthplace of Western Swing.
Their radio shows from this very stage carried Tulsa’s rhythm across the country. And as the decades rolled on, Cain’s hosted an incredible lineup — from Elvis Presley and U2 to The Police, Sex Pistols, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Not bad for a place that started with a tin roof and a wooden dance floor.
Today, Cain’s Ballroom is still one of the most beloved live music venues in America — known for its incredible acoustics, its history, and that signature neon sign glowing out front.
It’s no exaggeration to say that this is the heart of Tulsa’s musical soul — and a perfect place to kick off our tour.
Up next, we’ll make our way south toward the Woody Guthrie Center.
This isn’t just any building — it’s one of Tulsa’s most legendary landmarks, a place that helped define American music.
Back in the 1920s, this spot was actually a garage that sold car parts and tractors. But in 1930, a man named Madison W. “Daddy” Cain had a different idea. He transformed it into a dance hall — and soon after, the air was filled with the lively sounds of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, who made Tulsa famous as the birthplace of Western Swing.
Their radio shows from this very stage carried Tulsa’s rhythm across the country. And as the decades rolled on, Cain’s hosted an incredible lineup — from Elvis Presley and U2 to The Police, Sex Pistols, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Not bad for a place that started with a tin roof and a wooden dance floor.
Today, Cain’s Ballroom is still one of the most beloved live music venues in America — known for its incredible acoustics, its history, and that signature neon sign glowing out front.
It’s no exaggeration to say that this is the heart of Tulsa’s musical soul — and a perfect place to kick off our tour.
Up next, we’ll make our way south toward the Woody Guthrie Center.
Place #2
![Map Pin]()
Distance: 0.07mi
, Attraction : Museum
23 Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
Woody Guthrie Center, Guthrie Green & Bob Dylan Center
Take a left and slow down music lovers. On your right, you’ll spot the Woody Guthrie Center, a museum celebrating one of America’s most influential songwriters and storytellers.
Woody Guthrie was born in Oklahoma in 1912, and his songs like This Land Is Your Land became the soundtrack of working people’s hopes and struggles. Inside, you’ll find exhibits about his life, his handwritten lyrics, and the causes he championed — from civil rights to fair labor. It’s not just a museum; it’s a reminder of how one person with a guitar and a cause can change the world.
Now, glance to your left — that open green space is Guthrie Green, one of downtown Tulsa’s favorite gathering spots. What used to be an old industrial site was transformed into a vibrant urban park with outdoor concerts, food trucks, yoga sessions, and community festivals. On summer evenings, this place fills with live music and laughter — a perfect example of Tulsa’s creative rebirth.
And just across from it, again on your right, is the Bob Dylan Center, a fitting neighbor to Woody’s museum. Dylan once called Guthrie his greatest inspiration, and this center dives deep into Dylan’s vast archive — original notebooks, studio recordings, and rare photos that trace his journey from folk rebel to Nobel laureate.
Together, these three landmarks form the artistic heart of Tulsa’s Arts District — a living tribute to music, freedom of expression, and the power of words to move generations.
Woody Guthrie was born in Oklahoma in 1912, and his songs like This Land Is Your Land became the soundtrack of working people’s hopes and struggles. Inside, you’ll find exhibits about his life, his handwritten lyrics, and the causes he championed — from civil rights to fair labor. It’s not just a museum; it’s a reminder of how one person with a guitar and a cause can change the world.
Now, glance to your left — that open green space is Guthrie Green, one of downtown Tulsa’s favorite gathering spots. What used to be an old industrial site was transformed into a vibrant urban park with outdoor concerts, food trucks, yoga sessions, and community festivals. On summer evenings, this place fills with live music and laughter — a perfect example of Tulsa’s creative rebirth.
And just across from it, again on your right, is the Bob Dylan Center, a fitting neighbor to Woody’s museum. Dylan once called Guthrie his greatest inspiration, and this center dives deep into Dylan’s vast archive — original notebooks, studio recordings, and rare photos that trace his journey from folk rebel to Nobel laureate.
Together, these three landmarks form the artistic heart of Tulsa’s Arts District — a living tribute to music, freedom of expression, and the power of words to move generations.
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Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1
Cain's Ballroom
Place 2
Woody Guthrie Center, Guthrie Green & Bob Dylan Center
Place 3
Greenwood Rising - the Black Wall Street History Center
Place 4
Blue Dome District
Place 5
Center of the Universe
Place 6
BOK Center
Place 7
Tulsa Performing Arts Center and City Hall
Place 8
Tulsa Fun Facts
Place 9
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church
Place 10
Route 66 and the Historic 11th Street Bridge
Place 11
Cyrus Avery Plaza and the “East Meets West” Sculpture
Place 12
Route 66 Neon Sign Park
Place 13
23rd Street Bridge
Place 14
Arkansas River
Place 15
The Gathering Place
Place 16
Philbrook Museum of Art
Place 17
The Golden Driller
Place 18
University of Tulsa
Place 19
The Chapman Legacy Society of The University of Tulsa
Place 20
Meadow Gold Sign
Place 21
Oaklawn Cemetery
Place 22
Centennial Park
Place 23
The Outsiders House Museum
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Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 23 stops, covering top attractions such as Cain's Ballroom, Woody Guthrie Center, Guthrie Green & Bob Dylan Center, Greenwood Rising - the Black Wall Street History Center, Blue Dome District, Center of the Universe.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Cain's Ballroom (Address: 422 N Main St, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!