If you've never been to Fort Worth, you won't be able to resist being impressed by the size of it all. I'm sure you could spend weeks here and only see a fraction of what this amazing city has to offer. I live in Austin and although Fort Worth is just a 3-hour drive, I usually like to spend a few nights to discover something new. Here are my favorites, along with some travel tips and links to other information I already posted about the city.
Best Time to Visit Fort Worth, TX
The best time to visit Fort Worth is in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November). I visit gardens in the spring and museums in the summer to keep cool indoors.
How to Get to Fort Worth, TX
- If you are traveling by car: Fort Worth is easily reached via I-35W, I-30, and I-20. It's about 35 minutes from Dallas.
- By Plane: Fly into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which is about 25 minutes from downtown Fort Worth.
- By Train: The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) connects Fort Worth and Dallas with stops along the way.
Where to Stay in Fort Worth, TX
- Recommended for Families: Omni Fort Worth Hotel has a rooftop pool, and kid-friendly amenities near Sundance Square.
- For Couples: Hotel Drover in the Stockyards has a boutique vibe.
- For Historic Charm: The Ashton Hotel is located a restored 1915 building downtown.
Best Things to Do in Fort Worth, TX
1. Wander Through the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Rating: ★★★★★
Since I'm a big garden fan, visiting the Fort Worth Botanic Garden was a special treat because it's actually the oldest botanic garden in Texas. I admired over 20 specialty gardens. If you are a lover of orchids, head to the 10,000-square-foot conservatory which all about tropical species such as orchids and bromeliads.
I appreciated the unique Fragrance Garden that the visually-impaired can enjoy. Another favorite of mine is the 7-acre Fort Worth Japanese Garden. You will feel like you've stepped into old Tokyo with koi ponds, bridges, waterfalls, pavilions, a Zen Garden, and a teahouse!
You can visit most gardens for free, but an admission fee is charged for the Conservatory and Japanese Garden.
Address: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, Phone: 817-392-5510
2. Step Into the Wild West at the Fort Worth Stockyards
Arguably, if I wasn't such a garden fan, I would have started by visit at the Fort Worth Stockyards because of historical significance to the livestock industry in Texas.
A visit this the 98-acre area listed on the National Register of Historic Places is a must. Here you can see championship rodeo, Longhorn cattle drives, gunslinger shows and stagecoaches.
Address: Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, 500 N.E. 23rd Street, Fort Worth, TX, Phone: 817-626-7921
3. Marvel at the Masterpieces at the Kimbell Art Museum
Since this is a relatively small museum with only a few hundred pieces on display, it's fun to fit on an itinerary. I admired the Kimbell Art Museum building designed by renowned architect Louis I. Kahn
I viewed the museum’s collection which consists of European works from the classical period, including Gainsborough, Fra Angelico, and Mantegna, as well as antiquities from Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The Asian collection is quite nice too and definitely worth your time, including paintings, sculptures bronzes, and ceramics while famous works by Picasso, Monet, Matisse, and Mondrian make for a special treat.
You can get lunch at Velvet Taco after your visit.
Address: Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas, Phone: 817-332-8451
4. Encounter Exotic Wildlife at the Fort Worth Zoo
If you have kids, you are in luck because the Fort Worth Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country.
Just like the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest in Texas, the Fort Worth Zoo is also the oldest in the state.
Once you are dine strolling through the exhibits, you can purchase snacks and have a picnic in the shade.
Tickets cost $20 for adults and $16 for kids.
Address: Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas, Phone: 817-759-7555
Attractions for Couples
5. Catch a World-Class Show at the Bass Performance Hall
Plan a romantic evening at the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall which offers symphony performances, opera and ballet. I also like that they host touring shows such as Broadway hits and various concerts. A dinner and a performance is a fun way to end the day.
Address: Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall, 4th and Calhoun Streets, Fort Worth, Texas, Phone: 817-212-4325
6. Pedal and Party with the Cowtown Cycle Party
If you are visiting Fort Worth with friends, check out Cowtown Cycle Party which offers a unique and fun way to experience Fort Worth.
It's basically is a multi-seated bar on wheels that can be rented by groups of up to 16 people who can ride around town, check out all the best attractions, and make new friends at the same time.
I think it's great that there are no set routes on the two-hour tour, but it often covers popular areas of the city such as Sundance Square Plaza, Magnolia Avenue, and the Fort Worth Water Garden.
Recommended Attractions
7. Shop and Dine in Sundance Square
A great way you can get to know Downtown Fort Worth is by visiting Sundance Square.
You'll have a wide variety of shops, coffee shops, dining and even dog-friendly restaurants to choose from.
Often there's live music (many completely free), as well as live theater, and other outdoor and indoor events.
8. Savor Bold Flavors at Velvet Taco
When you get hungry, take a cab to Velvet Taco (even if it's late at night after a performance). It's known if its all-time Mexican favorites such as handmade tortillas and tacos made with real corn and packed with pulled, slow-roasted chicken, pure beef burgers, shrimp and grits and freshly-made salad.
If you are here during the day, the nearby Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth should be your next stop.
Address: Velvet Taco, Velvet Taco, 2700 W. Seventh St., Fort Worth, Texas, Phone: 817-887-9810
9. Explore Western Art at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art
If you like modern art, the Amon Carter Museum of American of Art is one of the best in the country.
You can admire paintings, sculpture, photography and rare illustrated books.
I definitely put this on my itinerary in the summer when it's too hot to go for a stroll outside.
Address: Amon Carter Museum of American of Art, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas, Phone: 817-738-1933
10. Immerse Yourself in Innovation at The Modern
Another great stop for art fans, The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is dedicated to the presentation of artworks from the post–World War II era until today. Here you can view over 3,000 objects, ranging from paintings, sculptures, and videos to photographs and prints.
Address: The Modern, 3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth, Texas, Phone: 817-738-9215
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