Head north from Texas to this new $400 million resort destination
The CHRON - When travelers think of a beach vacation with swim-up bars and real sand between the toes, Oklahoma City probably isn't the first destination that comes to mind. That's about to change with the Feb. 21 opening of OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, a $400 million development from the Chickasaw Nation that's bringing a slice of coastal luxury to the Southern Plains.
Texans are already fond of Oklahoma and are among highest hotel spenders of out-of-state visitors to the state. Now, OKANA offers another compelling reason to head north on Interstate 35. The sprawling resort combines year-round water attractions with upscale amenities in ways that sets it apart from traditional water parks or family resorts.
Plan Your Visit
Drive time from Houston: Approximately 7 hours
Room rates: Starting at $149 per night
Day passes: From $49.99 (full access) or $24.99 (evening/outdoor only)
Cabanas: $99.99-$449.99
Military discount: 10 percent off day passes with ID
Premium seating: $74.99 - $299.99
Visit: okanaresort.com
"This isn't a traditional water park experience," Brian Szydloski, OKANA's waterpark general manager, said. "We have a real sand beach stretching across our outdoor lagoon, a jumbotron for entertainment and cabana-side service for drinks and food. We're providing services and amenities you don't typically see in the industry. Many of them are first of their kind for Oklahoma, but several are also first of their kind in the industry, as well."
The 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark features 11 pools, 15 water slides, a surf simulator and an immersive lazy river, all maintained at a constant 84-86 degrees. The outdoor area boasts a 4.5-acre lagoon complete with inflatable obstacle courses and zip lines that drop thrill-seekers into the water. Day passes start at $49.99, with evening passes available from $24.99.
Setting OKANA apart from other family centric resorts is its focus on adult comfort alongside kids’ offerings. The resort features dedicated adults-only areas both indoors and out, including the OKASIS swim-up bar and private cabana areas.
"We're really trying to cater to adults to help them tap back into their childhood," OKANA Director of Marketing Laura Rudicel said. "Think mixology classes, an adults-only warming pool that feels like a giant jacuzzi, and private cabanas where parents can regroup. It's not just kids that get to have fun."
The resort's 404 rooms, starting at $149 per night, offer views of the Oklahoma River and downtown skyline. For dining, OKANA presents 13 distinct venues including Asian fare, elevated gastropub offerings, and upscale Mexican cuisine at Chido Tacos X Tequila. Curveball Kitchen, Oklahoma’s first baseball simulator concept, will serve ballpark favorites and join the Okana Candy Co. and The Pie Shop with its Neapolitan-style pizza as additional options.
"The expansiveness of the resort surprises everyone who visits," Rudicel said. "Every time I give a tour, that's what people say: 'I had no idea it was going to be this large.' We're going to be rivaling some of the larger venues in town with our conference and meeting spaces alone."
Beyond the water features, the resort includes OKANARAMA, a family entertainment center with AR/VR games and laser tag, plus a full-service spa with seven treatment rooms. The property also features 27,000 square feet of conference space, making it suitable for business travelers and conventions.
OKANA anchors Oklahoma City's newly developed Horizons District, sitting adjacent to the First Americans Museum (FAM) and the soon-to-expand Exhibit C Gallery. The 10,000-square-foot gallery, also owned by the Chickasaw Nation, showcases authentic artwork from Indigenous artists throughout the region.
"The location in Horizons District creates this really fun place where maybe you don't even have to leave the district," Rudicel said. "Someone from Houston can come and hang out for a couple days, enjoying all these great amenities and offerings in one place."
For Houstonians considering the drive, OKANA offers an alternative to traditional destinations. The resort's opening coincides with Oklahoma City's emergence as a major tourism destination. The city recently secured its place as a 2028 Summer Olympic venue for both women’s softball and canoe slalom, at nearby Riversport Rapids. Plus, the 1,907-foot-tall Legends Tower, set to be the tallest building in North America outside New York and Chicago, is planned for downtown.
The indoor waterpark opens Feb. 21, while the outdoor lagoon area will open Memorial Day weekend. Reservations are now being accepted for both hotel stays and day passes.
"Once you come to OKANA, there's really no reason for you to leave," Rudicel said, "although we want people to explore FAM, we want people to explore [the nearby entertainment district] Bricktown. It truly is a resort you can come to and have enough entertainment, activity and dining to really stay and enjoy yourself the entire time you're there."
