From meeting new people to experiencing new sights, sounds, and smells – is there anything more exciting or rejuvenating than a break from the day-to-day mundanity? Traveling is an excellent way to immerse yourself in a new culture, setting, or way-of-life, but the best part is this: you don’t have to venture far from home to enjoy what this world has to offer.
Whether your journey takes you across your own city, to an unexplored part of your state, or even to the other side of the world, there’s no doubt you will still learn a lot about your surroundings – and yourself – along the way.
While the culture an hour away from your home might not be drastically different from what you’re used to, you can still gain a deepened sense of appreciation for where you’ve laid your roots. Plus, traveling locally has a lot of benefits:
More cost-effective. Local travel is certainly a budget-friendly way to explore! Many activities and parks are free or have a low cost of entry. For day trips, you can also pack your own meals to save.
Eco-friendly way to travel. Travel is hard on the environment, but putzing around your area is more sustainable than air travel.
Quick trips. Getting out locally means you can do it more often! Long weekend trips are a lot easier to take when the destination is a short drive away.
Easy to plan. Preparing your itinerary for a local getaway will likely save you some time and stress.
More convenient. Especially if you have little ones, sticking close to home may be much more convenient than far-off destinations. If you forget something, have an emergency, or need to cut the trip short, being closeby definitely has its benefits.
Edmond is surrounded by beautiful, untouched natural areas. Here are a few of the best state and national parks to check out in and around Edmond, OK.
At just shy of 250 acres, Central State Park isn’t exactly sprawling — but sometimes, good things truly do come in small packages. Offering several miles of multi-use trails as well as swimming areas, playground, pavilions and other developed facilities, this park also offers RV camping with hookups (as well as primitive camping for tents).
Tucked on the southeastern side of Oklahoma City under an hour from Edmond, Lake Thunderbird State Park offers almost 2,000 acres of countryside to explore, including the namesake lake itself. The park offers two marinas, nine boat ramps and lake swim area, as well as more than 200 campsites, 30 of which offer full RV hookups. Score!
Oklahoma may be flat — but that doesn’t mean it’s bereft of hiking options! Here are some of the best hiking trails in Edmond.
Running just shy of five miles, Spring Creek Trail is a moderately trafficked hike in an out-and-back configuration — meaning when you get to the end, you turn right back around to return to the entrance. Following a road at times and a sidewalk at others, this trail is a good option for bikers and others on wheels, and is also frequented by trail runners.
Offering a great introduction to Hafer Park in the course of just a mile and a half of walking, Hafer Park Loop is a short and easy hike that works well for adventurers across a wide variety of skill levels. Best used between March and November, this trail is also popular amongst runners and is pet-friendly, so long as Fido stays leashed the whole time!
Mitch Park Trail stretches a leisurely three miles or so, running alongside a river for beautiful scenery. Keep in mind, though, that this trail doesn’t offer much in the way of shade, so things can get heated pretty quickly. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection!
At just over a mile and a half long and offering a convenient loop configuration, the Lake Arcadia Nature Loop is one of the most popular go-to hikes for those in Edmond. Featuring lakeside views as well as wild flowers during the spring and summer seasons, this hike is short and engaging enough to take the kids along for the journey, too!
Running about two and a half miles and great for hikers, runners, road bikers and more, Eagle Trail Loop is an easy stroll that’s decorated by beautiful trees and waterfront views, and it’s nestled right into the campus of Oklahoma Christian University. This is a great option for folks looking to get outside without putting too much time into driving out of town!
If you’re going to keep up with all the awesome Edmond has to offer, you’re gonna have to fuel yourself well. Here are some of the very best restaurants to choose from in Edmond, whether you’re craving Italian, Mexican, a delicious steak or something else entirely.
Everyone’s favorite local Mexican grill and cantina, 3 Tequilas is more than just a place to eat and drink: it’s a place to gather. Open seven days a week and offering their fresh, free white queso with every meal, this family-run establishment brings the authentic flavors of Mexico to the heart of the Great Plains, and does so in an inviting atmosphere.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion and want to go no holds barred, Boulevard Steakhouse has your back. One of the finest establishments in the entire state of Oklahoma — and conveniently tucked right into Edmond — you’ll certainly pay a pretty penny for a prime cut here, but it’ll be worth it.
Somethings, nothing satisfies quite the same as delicious Chinese — and China House is the go-to for folks in Edmond looking to get a taste of the east. Serving up a wide range of traditional favorites, from egg foo young to sweet and sour pork, whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here, available for dine-in, take-out and delivery.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, or a vegetarian or vegan on the prowl for plant-based fare, Coolgreens is the best local option to get you fueled and fired up. Serving customizable salads, wraps, sandwiches, grain bowls and more, this place truly gives you exactly what you ask for, and there are plenty of options no matter your particular dietary needs or preferences.
Oklahoma may be flat — but you can still ascend to the heights at this restaurant! Offering hearty portions of Nepalese and Indian foods at fair and affordable prices, Mt. Everest Cuisines is also famous for its all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, which is a perfect opportunity to chow down on the cheap. With authentic, fresh flavors and spicy flair, the eats here are warm and wonderful. Don’t miss them!
Great Italian dining is about so much more than pasta — not that you can ever go wrong with a heaping pile of spaghetti. At Sparrow Modern Italian, an inventive and motivated kitchen team puts together unmissable delights, adding unique spins to some of the most familiar and comforting plates. We especially recommend the mushroom agnolotti with whipped ricotta cheese!
Thanks to modern technology, you don’t have to be right next to the ocean to enjoy delicious, fresh-caught seafood — and if you’re in the mood to taste some delightful catches presented in a beautiful way, The Sushi Bar is the perfect place to head. Offering rolls as well as sashimi, nigiri and hot dishes, there truly is something here for everyone in your party.
Once you’ve dined and enjoy some hiking, it’s time to get into the real fun! Here are some of our top picks for things to do and places to explore in Edmond, whether you’re adventuring as a family, with a group of friends, as a couple, or solo.
The heartland is a wonderful place to raise a family. Here are some options to consider next time one of the tykes pipes up, “I’m bored!”
Enjoy winter sports year-round at Arctic Edge Ice Arena, where kids and adults alike can try their skills at skating. Offering hockey and figure skating classes as well as open public skating hours and sports camps, this is an ideal spot for everyone in the family to spend some time getting active and having fun at the same time. They even offer curling!
Yes, this destination requires driving south into Oklahoma City — but given it’s home to one of the biggest and best children’s museums in the entire country, let alone the state, we don’t think you’ll regret spending your time and energy on getting there! Science Museum Oklahoma (aka SMO) is also home to a top-tier planetarium, beautiful botanical gardens and more, so everyone in the family is sure to have fun.
Keeping busy during the day? No big deal. But what about after night falls? Fortunately, there’s just as much to get into after dark as there is during the daytime in Edmonds. Here are some ideas.
Take advantage of your proximity to this one-of-a-kind venue by enjoying some of its world-class entertainment events. From classic to contemporary and everything in between, the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab will make even jazz skeptics into believers, and is also home to an on-site recording studio!
You can never go wrong with a night at the movies, particularly if you head to the kind of old-school film house offering up both new hits and old classics in quaint and inviting digs. Ditch the big box theater and head to Kickingbird Cinema, a local institution since 1988. Word has it the popcorn is also excellent.
Don’t want to spend all of your money while spending time in Edmond? Not to worry! Here are some of the coolest things to do in town that don’t cost a lot.
Want to learn how the (mid)west was once? The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum offers a unique look into the way of life that made this area into what it is today, with exhibitions on local wildlife, cowboys, the Native Americans who called this place home first, and more.
You don’t have to spend much money to have a good time. In fact, if you play your cards right, you don’t have to spend any money at all! Here are some totally free, but still fun, things to do in Edmond.
The infamous 45th Infantry, one of the first American military bodies activated in World War II, was headquartered close to Edmond in Oklahoma City — and put their bodies on the line to help achieve peace during this turbulent time in history. Learn all about their journey, from landing on the shores of France to liberating Dachau, by walking through this state-run, indoor-outdoor, free admission museum.
Edmond might not be the biggest city in the country, but it certainly has a lot of history — and you have the opportunity to learn all about it for yourself at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum. Offering interactive and educational exhibits that bring the legacy of this land to life, this is a great spot for a family, solo, or couple’s outing… and the best part is, admission is totally free!
When in doubt, head out. Outside, that is! Edmond is lucky to have a large number of urban green spaces and outdoor recreation facilities set aside, many of which offer special features that make them extra attractive. For example, Mitch Park offers two playgrounds, two basketball courts, a disc golf range, and more, and Bickham-Rudkin Park is famous for its off-leash dog park. The Martin Park Nature Center offers visitors the opportunity to meander trails without leaving town, as well as offering hands-on educational opportunities for folks of all ages! In short, there’s no shortage of fun and free activities to get into in Edmond if you just go out and look for them.
In need of a pick-me-up? Heading to a spa or salon can really help rearrange more than just your hair or your sore back — it can recharge your life. Here are some of the best day spas and salons in Edmond when you need some R&R.
Instantly transport from the streets of Edmond to a quaint Italian villa when you step inside of Bella Strada Salon and Spa Suites — and that little act of time-space magic won’t be the first you experience. Offering massage therapy and skin care as well as waxing, sugaring, spray tan, nail care and more, you can truly find whatever your heart (and body) crave at this one-of-a-kind salon and spa.
Facials and massages are just the beginning at Tiatus Wellness Spa, which also offers treatments like dermal fillers, cryotherapy, microblading and more. Of course, if you’d rather just relax and zen out, you can head for the sauna or book a soak session — or sign up for a spa journey to have the full-on, full-body experience.
Founded back in 2017 by an innovative young stylist, Moss and Magnolia Salon is known for its cutting-edge styles and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re in need of a straightforward haircut or something more complicated, such as color or eyelash extensions, you’ll feel right at home in this space where creativity blossoms.
Want to get in shape — or stay that way? There are some great spots to get in your sweat session in Edmonds. Here are a few to consider.
Most gyms, especially well-outfitted ones, carry some pretty hefty fees. Not so at 10GYM, which allows members to sign on for 50 cents down and even get their first month free. Offering a large cardio floor, range of free weights and strength training implements, as well as group fitness classes to help motivate you, this is a great spot to set and achieve your goals.
It may be a bit of a drive into Oklahoma City just for a workout — but Moxieride makes it worth your while. Offering fun, upbeat spin classes that feel more like going to a dance club than going to the gym, this spot is sure to get you sweating, smiling, and moving that body to the beat!
Although it can sometimes seem intimidating to the uninitiated, yoga really is supposed to be for everybody — and at You Power Yoga, you’ll feel welcomed and comforted as you find your way through the practice that’s best for your individual needs. Offering everything from slow flows to heated classes and high-flying aerial options, there truly is something available here for everybody’s needs.
There’s plenty to keep you busy in Edmond… but there’s also some incredible stuff to see just outside of town. Here are some great options in the area for those looking for a quick day trip — or a full-on weekend getaway.
One of the first seven state parks constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC, back in the 1930s, Boiling Springs State Park is about two and a half hours from Edmond, and offers more than 800 acres of beautiful Oklahoma countryside to explore. It is perhaps best-known or the inviting spring it’s named for… but don’t worry. It doesn’t actually boil!
Want to get out and enjoy the water, Fort Cobb State Park includes a lake with over 4,000 acres of surface area for swimming, boating, fishing and more, as well as terrestrial recreation opportunities like golf, hunting, hiking, and camping. This park also offers a number of full-hookup RV spots, so if you’re looking to take your rig out for the weekend, this is a great option!
You’re probably already familiar with the largest city in Oklahoma — after all, Edmond is its suburb! But the second-largest is still worth a peek, especially since it’s so close. Tulsa is teeming with cuisine, culture, and fun attractions to check out, and just like Edmond and OKC, it’s surrounded by wonderful outdoor areas to enjoy, too.
As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Edmond that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Edmond? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.