I first visited Fort Worth back in 2019, and like many travelers, I thought it would just be another Texas city living in Dallas’s shadow. Boy, was I wrong. After spending a week exploring its neighborhoods and talking to locals, I discovered a city with its own distinct personality and charm.
Fort Worth manages to blend its cowboy heritage with modern city life in a way that feels natural, not forced. From the daily cattle drives in the Stockyards to the world-class museums in the Cultural District, and the food scene that goes way beyond just barbecue and Tex-Mex, this city keeps surprising visitors who take the time to really get to know it.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Cowtown or you’re a repeat visitor looking for new spots to check out, I’ve put together this list of things to do in Fort Worth based on my own experiences and recommendations from local friends who know the city inside and out.
Fort Worth Stockyards
I always tell first-time visitors to Fort Worth to head straight to the Stockyards. Located in the heart of the city’s historic district, this 98-acre complex brings the Old West to life with twice-daily cattle drives, authentic cowboy culture, and buildings that date back to the early 1900s. The area features wooden boardwalks, historic saloons, the famous Billy Bob’s Texas honky-tonk, and plenty of spots to pick up genuine cowboy boots and hats.
Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo has been delighting visitors since first opening its gates in 1909, making it the oldest zoo in Texas. Spread across 64 rolling acres, this beloved institution houses more than 7,000 animals from all corners of the globe. The African Savanna exhibit stands out as a crowd favorite, where giraffes stretch their long necks toward visitors offering leafy treats, while nearby, elephants cool off in their watering hole. The zoo’s commitment to conservation shines through in its Texas Wild! exhibit, a thoughtfully designed space showcasing the diverse wildlife of the Lone Star State – from swift-footed prairie dogs to elusive mountain lions. Kids especially love the Yellow Rose Express train that winds through the grounds, offering a relaxing way to take in the sights while learning about the zoo’s remarkable residents.
Kimbell Art Museum
Ever wondered what a billion-dollar art collection looks like? The Kimbell Art Museum brings world-class masterpieces to the heart of Texas, housed in a building that’s considered a masterpiece itself. Just a short drive from downtown Fort Worth, this museum showcases everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to European paintings by Picasso and Monet. The best part? The permanent collection is completely free to visit, making it a perfect spot for art lovers on any budget. Between the light-filled galleries, peaceful courtyard spaces, and rotating special exhibitions, you could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring this cultural gem of the Southwest.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
I first discovered the Fort Worth Botanic Garden on a spring afternoon in 2019, and it’s been my go-to escape ever since. Spanning 110 acres in the heart of the Cultural District, it’s the oldest botanic garden in Texas, dating back to 1934. The garden is divided into 23 specialty areas, including the famous Japanese Garden where koi fish swim lazily under wooden bridges, and the Fuller Garden with its seasonal blooms that paint the landscape in different colors throughout the year. The Rose Garden, with its limestone terraces and reflecting pools, offers a peaceful setting where visitors can wander through more than 2,000 roses while listening to the gentle splash of fountains.
Sundance Square
Located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, Sundance Square spans 35 blocks of pure Texas charm. I first visited this outdoor plaza back in 2019 while exploring the city’s cultural district. Red brick buildings from the 1800s line the streets here, mixing old-world architecture with modern restaurants and shops. The plaza’s centerpiece is a dancing fountain where kids splash around in summer, while the massive umbrellas provide shade for visitors enjoying coffee at sidewalk cafes. Local musicians often perform on the square’s stage, filling the evening air with everything from country twang to jazz, making it a natural gathering spot for both locals and tourists. The surrounding buildings house theaters, art galleries, and some of Fort Worth’s best dining spots, all within easy walking distance of each other.
Fort Worth Water Gardens
Step into an urban oasis at the Fort Worth Water Gardens, an architectural marvel in the heart of downtown. This 4.3-acre park features three distinct pools with water flowing in unique patterns – from quiet, meditation-friendly spaces to a dramatic active pool where water cascades down 38 feet of concrete steps. You can walk down into the main pool area and feel the rush of water all around you, making for great photo opportunities. The gardens are free to visit and are particularly beautiful at night when the water features are lit up, creating a peaceful escape from the busy city streets.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Step into a world of creativity at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, home to one of Texas’s finest contemporary art collections. The sleek building, designed by famous architect Tadao Ando, features five glass pavilions that seem to float on a peaceful reflecting pond. Inside, you’ll find works by legendary artists like Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko spread across 53,000 square feet of gallery space. After exploring the exhibits, grab lunch at Café Modern, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer beautiful views of the water gardens, or shop for unique gifts at the museum store.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Ever wondered what it’s like to walk with dinosaurs or journey through space? At the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, you can do both in a single afternoon. This family-friendly hub brings science to life with hands-on exhibits that let kids (and kids at heart) dig for fossils, explore the mysteries of energy, and gaze at the stars in the Noble Planetarium. Located in the Cultural District, it’s where curious minds come to play – whether you’re building structures in the Innovation Studios or discovering Texas history through interactive displays. You can even catch larger-than-life documentaries at the OMNI Theater, with its massive domed screen that makes you feel like you’re right in the action.
Log Cabin Village
Step back in time at Log Cabin Village, a living history museum that shows you what life was like in North Texas during the 1800s. The village features six authentic log homes from the pioneer era, each carefully moved from their original locations and restored to preserve their historical character. Watch costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts like blacksmithing and candle-making, or try your hand at old-fashioned chores that pioneer families did daily. For a hands-on history lesson, visit the one-room schoolhouse where kids can experience what education was like more than 150 years ago.
Texas Motor Speedway
If you’re looking for high-octane thrills in Texas, the Texas Motor Speedway should be at the top of your list. This 1.5-mile oval track, located just north of Fort Worth, is where NASCAR dreams come to life at speeds of over 200 mph. The facility hosts several major racing events throughout the year, including NASCAR Cup Series races and IndyCar competitions that bring in thousands of devoted fans. It’s not just about watching from the grandstands, though – visitors can take part in racing experiences themselves, from ride-alongs with professional drivers to actually getting behind the wheel. Even on non-race days, the sheer size of this motorsports cathedral, which can hold more than 180,000 spectators, is enough to make your jaw drop.
Fort Worth Japanese Garden
Ever taken a peaceful stroll through a Japanese garden in the heart of Texas? The Fort Worth Japanese Garden offers exactly that – a 7.5-acre slice of Japan nestled within the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. As you wander along winding paths, you’ll spot koi fish swimming lazily in ponds, cross over traditional wooden bridges, and discover meditation areas tucked away among maple trees and bamboo groves. The garden changes with each season, from spring cherry blossoms to the rich reds and oranges of fall foliage. It’s the perfect spot to practice the art of slow travel, whether you’re feeding the friendly koi, watching turtles sunbathe on rocks, or simply sitting in the zen garden with a cup of green tea.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art
Ever wanted to see one of the largest collections of American art in the world? You’ll find it at the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, where paintings and photographs tell the story of the American West. This free museum houses over 400 works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, two artists who captured cowboy life and frontier scenes in incredible detail. The building itself, designed by Philip Johnson, offers beautiful views of downtown Fort Worth through its huge glass walls. You can spend hours exploring the rotating exhibitions that showcase everything from early American photography to modern paintings, making it a perfect stop for both art lovers and history buffs.
Trinity Park
Trinity Park is where the locals go when they need a break from Fort Worth’s urban buzz. This 252-acre green space along the Trinity River has been the city’s go-to outdoor escape since the early 1900s. It’s got everything you’d want in a city park – walking trails that wind along the river, a miniature train that kids (and adults) love, and plenty of shady spots for picnics under old oak trees. While it might not be the most famous attraction in Fort Worth, it’s the kind of place where you can spend hours watching ducks paddle by, join a pickup game on the basketball courts, or just find a quiet bench to read a book. The park really comes alive during events like concerts and food truck rallies, but even on regular days, you’ll find joggers, families, and friends making the most of this peaceful slice of nature in the heart of the city.
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
Looking for a peaceful escape from city life? The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge sprawls across 3,600 acres of diverse Texas landscapes, where hiking trails wind through pristine prairies and wetlands. It’s one of the largest city-owned nature centers in the United States, offering visitors up-close encounters with native wildlife like bison, deer, and countless bird species. You can join guided hikes led by naturalists who share fascinating stories about the local ecosystem, or paddle along the West Fork Trinity River to spot turtles sunbathing on fallen logs. The refuge also houses the Hardwicke Interpretive Center, where kids and adults alike can learn about local flora and fauna through interactive exhibits.
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Step into the world of trailblazing women at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, the only museum in the world dedicated to honoring female Western pioneers. You can explore two floors filled with interactive exhibits that showcase the stories of over 200 remarkable women who shaped the American West. Check out the rotating exhibits featuring vintage rodeo gear, historical artifacts, and Western artwork, or hop on the mechanical bronc for a photo op in the downstairs gallery. Don’t miss the Theater-in-the-Round, where you can watch short films about inductees like Annie Oakley and Dale Evans while sitting in custom leather saddle seats.
Bass Performance Hall
Ever wondered what it’s like to watch a performance in a building that looks like a European palace? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Bass Performance Hall, where two 48-foot-tall limestone angels guard the entrance to Fort Worth’s crown jewel of culture. Home to the city’s opera, ballet, and symphony orchestra, this 2,056-seat venue brings world-class shows to Cowtown’s Sundance Square. Built in 1998, it’s quickly become the place where locals dress up for a night out, whether they’re catching a Broadway musical or listening to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. The hall’s perfect acoustics and intimate setting make every seat feel like the best one in the house, and the limestone angels have become such local celebrities that they even appear on t-shirts and postcards around town.
Fort Worth Cultural District
Fort Worth’s Cultural District draws visitors seeking world-class museums, but this part of the city offers much more than just art galleries. The 40-block area houses five internationally recognized museums — including the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth — along with numerous restaurants and shops. The district comes alive during gallery nights, when museums stay open late and food trucks line the streets, but there’s plenty to explore any day of the week, from the serene Japanese Gardens in the Botanic Garden to the interactive exhibits at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, the district’s beautiful architecture and peaceful green spaces make it worth a visit.
Forest Park Miniature Railroad
Taking a ride on the Forest Park Miniature Railroad is like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting of classic Americana. This five-mile round trip journey has been chugging along since 1959, winding its way through Fort Worth’s Trinity Park and along the Trinity River. Unlike modern theme park attractions, this train maintains its original charm with open-air coaches pulled by locomotives that look just like their full-sized counterparts. The 40-minute ride takes you past duck ponds and under centuries-old oak trees, offering views of the city skyline that most visitors never get to see. Because it’s run by the same family for three generations, you’ll often hear conductors sharing stories about the railroad’s history and pointing out local wildlife along the way.
