Need a fun day trip or weekend escape in North Texas? Head to Bedford! Nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth, Bedford offers a blend of small-town charm and big-city access. Explore family-friendly parks, dive into local festivals, and enjoy a thriving dining scene. Whether you’re into live music, outdoor fun, or community events, Bedford delivers a laid-back Texan experience.
Bedford, TX Highlights:
- For Families: Relax at Bedford Boys Ranch Park – Splash in the water park, play on playgrounds, or walk scenic trails.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Paddle and fish at Generations Park at Boys Ranch – Enjoy peaceful water views, picnic spots, and nature trails.
- For Kids: Cool off at Bedford Splash Aquatic Center – Zoom down slides, float the lazy river, or play in splash zones.
- For an Adventure: Bike the trails at Brook Hollow Park – Ride through tree-shaded paths or join a local running club.
- For Shoppers: Shop and dine at Glade Parks – Browse retail stores, catch a movie, or dine at trendy restaurants.
When I like to visit Bedford, TX
The best time to visit Bedford is from spring through fall (March to November). Mild spring temperatures and fall festivals make for perfect outings, while summer brings splash park fun and lively community events.
Tips for getting to Bedford, TX
- If you are traveling by car: Located off Highway 183, Bedford is about 25 minutes from both downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, and just 10 minutes from DFW International Airport.
- By Bus: Trinity Metro and nearby transit systems connect Bedford to surrounding cities and commuter routes.
- By Air: Fly into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and reach Bedford in just 10–15 minutes by car or rideshare.
Where I like to stay in Bedford, TX
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Bedford – If you want spacious suites with kitchenettes and free breakfast, near the highway.
- Courtyard by Marriott Dallas DFW Airport West/Bedford – If you prefer modern accommodations with a pool and easy access to DFW Airport.
- Holiday Inn Dallas DFW Airport Area West – Convenient stay with onsite dining and shuttle service to the airport.
Best Things to Do in Bedford, TX
1. Step Into Local History at the Old Bedford School
The Old Bedford School was the first established school in the Bedford area of Texas. Located inside of a log building, students met here starting in the early part of the 1860’s. Land was later deeded here during the 1880’s to build the Bedford College, which was destroyed by a fire in the year 1893. A brick two-story schoolhouse replaced the school in 1915. Since then, the Old Bedford School has been lovingly restored as a historical Bedford, Texas building, open to visitors for heritage tours, weddings, meetings, and other special events. Guided tours are offered only by appointment.
2400 School Ln, Bedford, TX 76021, Phone: 817-952-2290
2. Find Community and Reflection at Martin United Methodist Church
The Martin United Methodist Church started when twenty-one people attended the church’s first worship service on July 26th of 1964, taking place at the time in the Western Hills Inn’s Four Seasons Ballroom. All of them joined the church, which grew quickly to having eighty members, causing the location of the church to move to a larger place. Named after William Marting, a bishop with the United Methodist church, the church moved to several different locations over the years due to its growing membership before finally landing at its current location in Bedford,Texas, offering services at 8:30am and 11:00am.
2621 Bedford Rd, Bedford, TX 76021, Phone: 817-354-9038
3. Catch a Live Performance at Onstage in Bedford
Onstage in Bedford is a non-profit, volunteer theater organization that provides Bedford, Texas and the surrounding northern Texas community with live quality theater productions at affordable prices. Established in the year 1985, the group is the Trinity Arts Theatre’s resident theater company, located in the historic area of the Bedford Boys Ranch Park. Every performance season, Onstage in Bedford puts on seven different productions, drawing in award-winning talent from throughout North Texas. The theater group were originally known as the Trinity Players, when they they were just a small underground theater troupe, later becoming A Little Bit of Broadway, then Onstage.
2400 School Ln, Bedford, TX 76021, 855-299-5553
Where to Eat:
4. Start Your Day Strong at Oldwest Cafe
The Oldwest Cafe in Bedford, Texas boasts that their success comes from their wonderful team. It also helps that the cafe has a menu with a wide variety of tasty food. Specializing in home cooking and home to the Big Signature Pancakes and Big Signature French Toast, the breakfast menu features an array of options, including Eggs Benedict, Stuffed Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast, Cinnamon-Swirl Pancakes, omelets, skillet bowls, Banana-Nut Pancakes with Homemade Peanut Butter Sauce, Huevos Rancheros, chicken fried steak, and much more. Lunch includes garden fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers, tex-mex, and mash potatoes among many other dishes.
2900 Highway 121, Bedford, TX 76021, Phone: 817-354-8000
5. If You’re Craving Bold Flavors, Feast at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
The Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is owned and managed by one of the country’s largest family owned and operated restaurant groups and the company’s largest restaurant concept. The Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Bedford, Texas has been providing the community with some of the freshest and finest seafood dishes around for over twenty-five years. The seafood restaurant, part of the Pappas restaurant family, serves “all things fresh and festive” in the Louisiana-style with authentic flavors in an energetic setting. Not only do Pappas own and run the restaurants, they also own the trucks delivering the fresh seafood and meats each day.
2121 Airport Frwy, Bedford, TX 76021, Phone: 817-571-4696
6. Savor Tex-Mex Classics at Mexican Inn Cafe
The Mexican Inn Cafe has been serving delicious Mexican fare and Tex-Mex specialty dishes to the residents of North Texas for more than eighty years. Established back in the year 1936, the restaurant has been a tradition of Fort Worth for quite some time and has since grown to now include several other locations throughout the nearby communities, particularly in the Fort Worth area. The Mexican Inn Cafe, known for offerings great tacos, local beer, and very good margaritas, is open 11:00am until 9:00pm Sunday to Thursday and 11:00am until 10:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
1400 Airport Fwy, Bedford, TX 76022, Phone: 817-545-4700
7. Raise a Glass to Craft Brews at Turning Point Beer
Turning Point Beer in Bedford, Texas has been around for at least six years, originally beginning with the name Six Seconds Brewing. James Peery and Alex Knight had gotten the “craft beer bug” and decided to try their luck with making their own beer creations. During December of 2016, the pair finally decided to chase their dreams, raising brand awareness and capital for their own brewery. The doors of Turning Point Beer finally opened its doors to the community on March 17th of 2018. The brewery is open starting at 4:00pm Tuesday to Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays at noon.
1307 Brown Trail, Bedford, TX 76022, Phone: 817-705-8817
My favorite local events:
- Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival (September) – Nationally recognized blues acts and award-winning barbecue all weekend long.
- Bedford Independence Day Celebration (July) – Fireworks, live music, and family fun to celebrate the Fourth of July.
- Bedford Christmas Tree Lighting (December) – Festive lights, holiday music, and community cheer to kick off the season.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Bedford, Texas:
- Fort Worth Stockyards (20–25 min) – Watch the cattle drive, explore Western shops, or catch live rodeo action.
- Grapevine Historic Downtown (15–20 min) – Stroll charming streets lined with wineries, boutiques, and tasting rooms.
- Dallas Arts District (25–30 min) – Visit world-class museums, enjoy performing arts, or dine at trendy spots.
- AT&T Stadium in Arlington (15–20 min) – Tour the home of the Dallas Cowboys or attend a major concert or sporting event.
- Six Flags Over Texas (15–20 min) – Thrilling roller coasters, family rides, and theme park fun for all ages.
- NRH2O Family Water Park (10–15 min) – Cool off at a popular local water park with slides, wave pools, and kid zones.
- River Legacy Parks (20–25 min) – Hike scenic trails, bike through nature, or picnic by the Trinity River.
- Texas Motor Speedway (30 min) – Feel the thrill of high-speed racing or catch major motorsport events.
Plan Your Trip