The 3 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Oklahoma

Maybe at first glance, Oklahoma doesn't seem like a state with much color. After all, those of us who don't live there tend to first think of only its golden plains at the mere mention of the state — but there's so much more to it than that. In addition to its plains, Oklahoma is home to a diverse terrain of mountains, hills, mesas, and forests. Beyond that, however, are some very colorful areas in the state's urban areas that may surprise you. While there's no denying the beautiful natural areas within its borders, many of the state's most vibrant places are manmade. Here are some of the most colorful places in Oklahoma:

1. Automobile Alley (Oklahoma City)

If vintage neon lights and nostalgic vibes are calling your name, there's one neighborhood in the heart of Oklahoma City that truly delivers: Automobile Alley. This neighborhood's 1920s commercial past, featuring rows of car dealerships and service companies, has over the years transformed into a hub of creativity, with vintage neon signs, murals, and street art that point to its past. Among the most colorful spots within Automobile Alley are the Factory Obscura: Mix Tape arts collective building (pictured above) and The Floating Bookshop. While exploring Automobile Alley, stop by Parlor OKC, a food hall featuring two bars, seven restaurants, and a unique vibe that can't be beat.

2. Paseo Arts District (Oklahoma City)

Touted as "Oklahoma City's Unique Arts Destination," the Paseo Arts District is home to a large community of artists whose work is displayed in more than 20 galleries. In addition to the galleries, the street is lined with vibrant murals and street art, as well as boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and other local businesses. The first Friday of each month, you can partake in the district's First Friday Gallery Walk from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. to view artwork and meet some of the local artists.

3. Pops 66 Soda Ranch (Arcadia)

Want to get your sugar fix on Route 66? One of the most colorful places to visit in Oklahoma is Pops 66, a roadside attraction filled with as much nostalgia as novelty sodas. When cruising the Mother Road through Arcadia, Oklahoma, especially at night when it's all aglow in bright LED lights, you can't miss the 66-foot-tall soda bottle looming over a service station and restaurant. You'll be tempted to stop (and you should!), so pull in, take your photos of the giant soda bottle, and head inside to peruse the selection of soda pop bottles. Not only are there hundreds of soda flavors to choose from, but the food menu offers a wide selection of American dishes, from Frito pie and fried mac and cheese bites to beer-battered fish and chips, chicken-fried steak, and more.

Most Colorful Places in Oklahoma

Would you agree that these are among the most colorful places in Oklahoma? If you know of any others you would add to this list, please send us a note through our nomination page. For more colorful spots around Oklahoma, how about a Route 66 road trip? This year marks the Centennial year of the Mother Road, so take your car for a cruise to some of the most iconic roadside stops, including the bright Blue Whale of Catoosa! For more, plan your own Oklahoma trip with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.