Fort Worth Travel Guide 2024

2024 Fort Worth Visitor Guide

Self-proclaimed “Gateway to the West,” Fort Worth, Texas, is the fifth-largest city in the state with over 740,000 residents. Founded by the U.S. military but built by cowboys in the Wild West, Fort Worth is now a Texas jewel with outdoor parks, museums, a distinctly Western atmosphere, and a laid-back pace of life.

Located where the West and Clear Forks of the Trinity River meet, 30 miles west of the city of Dallas, Fort Worth was originally settled in 1849 as a U.S. military outpost on what was then the civilization frontier. A small community formed around the fort and, when the frontier moved westward, the community stayed.

Fort Worth’s location on the Chisholm cattle driving trail soon made it a prime spot for growth, as Texas cattle merchants and cowboys used the city as a stockyard on their way north to the railroads of Kansas. Fort Worth developed the nickname “Cowtown” during this period of its history.

Local Deals for Fort Worth Travel

The Fort Worth Stockyards are still the city’s biggest attraction, with millions of visitors soaking up all things western in the Stockyards National Historic District north of downtown. The 98-acre Stockyards provides visitors with numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. In addition to the world-famous Billy Bob’s Texas restaurant and dance hall, the Stockyards are home to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Over the past century, the city also gained a reputation for its public parks, event venues, and museums. The Fort Worth Zoo, Log Cabin Village, and Fort Worth Botanic Garden are all outdoor parks located west and south of downtown; while the Tarrant County Convention Center, Bass Performance Hall, Casa MaƱana Theatre, and Billy Bob’s are major concert and event venues. The Kimball and Amon Carter museums also attract numerous art lovers every year.

As for transportation, Fort Worth is serviced by two commuter airports, Meacham International Airport, north of downtown, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to the northeast of the city. Major interstates crisscross the city, with Interstate 35W bisecting it north-to-south and Interstates 20 and 30 cutting through east-west. Loop 820 circles the city, providing highway access to Fort Worth’s suburbs.

Fort Worth also has a vibrant restaurant scene, especially close to downtown, where Joe T. Garcia’s (Tex-Mex cuisine), Del Frisco’s Double Eagle (steaks), and Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse (barbecue) provide an authentic taste of Southwestern cuisine. In Sundance Square, one of downtown Fort Worth’s redeveloped areas, diners will find cuisines ranging from Mexican to seafood to Chinese to sports bar and nightclub fare.

Fort Worth Attractions

Fort Worth, Texas is a great place to visit. Adjacent to Dallas, this city offers the best of both worlds with accessible metropolitan dining and shopping along with a small-town, hospitable atmosphere. The diverse population and rich history have made Fort Worth a community of culture and old-fashioned Texas charm that offers plenty of attractions for every budget and preference.

Stockyards National Historic District

Originally a cow town back in the 1800s, Fort Worth has one of the oldest surviving cattle stockyards in America today. For a Western experience, head over to the Stockyards National Historic District to see rodeos, fully operational stables, and shops catering to the ranching lifestyle. Learn about history by visiting the Stockyards Museum and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Kids and kids at heart can feel like champion bull riders by saddling up on a real Brahma bull. If your feet get tired from all that walking, hitch a ride on an authentic stagecoach at Texas Stageline.

Fort Worth Museums

If you’re looking for a more modern cultural experience, you’ll find that Fort Worth is home to five major museums and smaller art galleries located throughout downtown and the Cultural District. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth was named one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Museums” by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Get a glimpse of the glass structure and reflecting pond to see why. The museum is home to works by Jackson Pollock, Josef Albers, Andy Warhol, and other famous contemporary artists.

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is a fun option for travelers with children. The OmniIMAX theater inside features the latest attractions in superb panoramic vision and surround sound. Be sure to get your tickets in advance, as showtimes sell out fast.

Dining and nightlife

For dining and nightlife, you can’t go wrong in Fort Worth. Check out the Capital Grille downtown for premium steaks served up thick and juicy, Texas-style. For Tex-Mex cuisine, try Cantina Laredo in Sundance Square. Afterward, burn some energy at Billy Bob’s Texas, a restaurant, nightclub, bull riding arena, and concert stage all rolled into one. You won’t forget how much fun it is learning the two-step. Those brave enough can ride the mechanical bull. Although the bar area is reserved for those ages 21 and up, Billy Bob’s is family-friendly. Before you go, call ahead to see whether a special event or concert is taking place that may affect admission prices.

These attractions are a sampling of all there is to see and do in Fort Worth. Come visit and discover your own version of Old Meets New West.

Fort Worth Dining

When you have the chance to visit Fort Worth, you will want to take advantage of all of the great dining options that are available. You’ll find awesome places that offer fine dining as well as casual dining to help make your visit memorable.

The Capital Grille

One of the choices for fine dining that you may choose is The Capital Grille. Here you can enjoy tender aged steaks as well as your choice of fresh seafood. Whether you choose Lobster and Crab Cakes or Wagyu beef, you’ll experience an elegant dining experience. The Capital Grille is home to over 5,000 bottles of wine ensuring that you are going to have the wine of your choice. Located at 800 Main Street you’ll find that this restaurant is elegant yet still relaxing.

Cantina Laredo Gourmet Mexican Food

To satisfy your hunger for Mexican food, visit Cantina Laredo Gourmet Mexican Food where you’ll find all of your favorite authentic Mexican dishes. You’ll also find that they serve fresh fish, steaks, and grilled chicken. They offer their own signature sauces that you can choose to top your entree for a unique flavor. If you want fresh guacamole, they’ll make it fresh for you right there at your table while you watch. Cantina Laredo is located at 530 Throckmorton and they offer casual dining the menu can be enjoyed in their restaurant or you can choose to take it. Every enchilada is hand-rolled and they serve nothing but the freshest foods.

Eddie V’s

Eddie V’s is another great place to enjoy a great evening of dining. Their 28-day-old aged steaks are broiled to perfection and they also offer fresh from the dock seafood. If you’re looking for a great night of food and entertainment, you can visit the lounge and enjoy the drinks of your choice while listening to live music. You’ll find them at 3100 7th Street with a great staff that is ready to pay attention to your every need in detail.

Main Street at 777

Also located on Main Street at 777 in Fort Worth you will find Grace, Grace offers the best level of service and hospitality in the city. You can choose from a dinner menu that offers, prime rib, rack of lamb, black bass and so much more. They also offer a wine list that consists of the best wines available to complement your menu choice. The dessert menu delivers warm chocolate pudding cake, key lime tart, and carrot cake made with rum-soaked raisins.

Fort Worth will certainly be able to please whatever you have a taste for that provides you with the ultimate dining experience.

Fort Worth Events

Fort Worth offers some of the best sporting and entertainment special events in the country to its residents and visitors on a yearly basis. Fort Worth is already known to offer some of the best options for dining and nightlife. The special events that are put on in the city each year really make the city stand out on the national landscape.

Sports

Fort Worth is home to some of the most exciting professional sports franchises in the country. The Dallas Cowboys, also known as “America’s Team”, play at Cowboys stadium nearby. Just across the parking lot from them is the home of the Texas Rangers, the professional baseball team in the area. Fort Worth also gives professional and hockey fans great franchises to cheer for in the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars in the NHL. When it comes to college sports locals cheer for local favorite Texas Christian University. Also, how could Fort Worth call itself “The City of Cowboys and Culture” without having a year-round rodeo?

Those that are into extreme sports will enjoy The “Over the Edge Festival”. This event is held in Downtown Fort Worth each year. During the event, brave individuals will rappel down one of the skyscrapers that make up the beautiful Fort Worth Skyline. Those who are brave enough can even sign up themselves and take part in the challenge themselves.

Cultural Events

Fort Worth isn’t just a great sports town. The city also boasts a strong cultural heritage. This is evident during the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival. This festival is the premier cultural event in Fort Worth each year. During the event artists, vendors, musicians, and performance artists display their work and perform down the length of Main Street in Fort Worth. The MAIN St. Festival has even gained national attention as the 3rd largest arts festival in the country to the Art Fair Sourcebook. Those who are looking for art, and lots of it, could do themselves a favor by visiting this annual event in Fort Worth.

Many have heard of the Macy’s parade on Thanksgiving. Fort Worth has its own world-class parade the day after Thanksgiving. It’s called the Chesapeake Energy Parade of Lights. The parade features floats, lights, and even Santa. At the end of the Parade, the Christmas tree in Sundance Square is lit by Santa himself.

Fort Worth is dedicated to bringing both its residents and its visitors the best in entertainment throughout the year. These special events are just a small part of what the city offers every year. Do not hesitate to visit Fort Worth and see for yourself.

Family Fun near Downtown Fort Worth

When traveling to Fort Worth, Texas, you will find a variety of free and affordable family-friendly attractions that will provide you and the kids with a day filled with fun. From animals and art museums to entertainment complexes, a mixture of unique and interesting attractions is sure to appeal to families of all ages.

Stockyards Station

Get a real feel for both new and old Texas at the Stockyards Station. Children and adults will learn a thing or two about the history of Texas through historic walking tours that take visitors through a real wild-west town. See The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Texas Trail of Fame, and visit a variety of shops found in the station. Purchase fine leather goods, authentic cowboy boots, craft items, and more. Don’t forget to try some of the most delicious BBQ and burgers in this part of Texas while at Stockyards Station.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Families traveling to Fort Worth will want to take advantage of visiting the Amon Carter Museum of American Art during their family-friendly events held throughout select times of the year. Family Fun Days and Family Fun Week brings children and their parents closer together through fun arts and crafts lessons, storytime, and more. View 20th-century paintings, sculptures, and photographs in exhibits throughout the museum.

Fort Worth Zoo

The Fort Worth Zoo offers a selection of indoor and outdoor exhibits that are home to more than 500 different species of exotic animals from around the world. Children will love the hands-on exhibits where they can learn about native animals of the state of Texas. Some of the most popular animal exhibits at the Fort Worth Zoo include the World of Primates, Raptor Canyon, Asian Falls, and the Coral Sea. Learn about everything from the Great Barrier Reef to gorillas and baboons.

Livestock Exchange Building

The Livestock Exchange Building can be found in the Fort Worth Stockyards and is the best place in the Stockyards to visit for attractions, activities, and family fun. Here you will find the North Fort Worth Historical Society Museum, where you can view authentic artifacts that were discovered back when the Stockyards were first being constructed.

Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags Over Texas is the most thrilling, family-friendly attraction within the Fort Worth area. This 212-acre theme park features rides for all visitors such as amazing roller coasters for the older crowd and Looney Toons rides for the younger generations. In addition to more than 50 unique rides, Six Flags Over Texas is also home to a variety of entertainment performances for all ages.

Fort Worth Downtown

Downtown Fort Worth is the central business district of the city of Fort Worth, Texas. It is famous for fine dining, active nightlife, cultural shopping, upscale hotels, and special events that happen throughout the year. Some of the most noticeable aspects of Downtown Fort Worth include the Sundance Square, which is an 8-block district of entertainment for Fort Worth. It includes landscaping, sidewalk cafes, and brick pavers for travelers to enjoy.

Art galleries live and movie theaters, museums, boutiques, nightclubs, and restaurants are enjoyed within the Square. Downtown Fort Worth boasts the Fort Worth Water Gardens, as well as the 11,200-seat multi-purpose arena known as the Fort Worth Convention Center. The Bass Performance Hall is the home to the city’s orchestra, ballet theater, opera, and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

Those who love the Old West will appreciate the stockyards and shows in the Stockyards Historic District. Noteworthy parks include the Zoo, Japanese and Botanic gardens, as well as the Log Cabin Village. There is much to do, see, and experience in the grand and exciting Downtown Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Weather

Ft. Worth is situated in North Central Texas and is the fifth-largest city in the state in terms of population. It is located in Tarrant Country just 30 miles from Dallas. The weather in the city is nice for most of the year.

The climate in Ft. Worth contains long, hot summers and short, mild winters. With an average high temperature of 95, July is the hottest month of the year. January is the coldest month with an average high temperature of 53. The city has about 96 days with temperatures above 90, and it has around 37 days with a temperature below 32. The coldest temperature in Ft. Worth history occurred in December 1989 when the temperature was recorded at negative 7. The highest temperature ever recorded in Ft. Worth was during the 1980 heatwave. The thermometer peaked at 113 on June 26-27 1980.

The average annual rainfall that Ft. Worth receives is 33.7 inches, and the average annual snowfall is 2.5 inches. The average number of sunny days a year in Ft. Worth is 229, and the average relative humidity is 71.5. With 1.90 inches of precipitation, January is the driest month of the year, and with 5.15 inches, May is the wettest month of the year.

The summers in Ft. Worth are very hot and dry as some days will get above 100. Ft. Worth normally has mild winters. However, some years will see cold and dry air arrive from the north; therefore, heavy snowfall is possible. Springtime can bring heavy winds to the area. Ft. Worth is very vulnerable to heavy thunderstorms. These storms could produce large hail, high winds, and deadly lightning. Tornados are also possible.

Until the year 2000, Ft. Worth was the only major city in the country never to have a fatal tornado. However, in March 2000, a huge tornado roared through the downtown area of the city killing five people and causing more than $400 million in damage.

On May 5, 1995, one of the costliest storms in United States history occurred in Ft. Worth. The supercell storm struck near the downtown area, and many people were without shelter. The winds reached up to 70 mph, so windows were shattered. Grapefruit-sized hail occurred, so cars were severely damaged by the storm. More than 100 people were injured in this storm.

Because of the lack of winter and the possibility of high winds, many people in Ft. Worth suffer from allergies. The pollen count is high, so allergies are common in the area.

Fort Worth Transportation

As the fifth-largest city in Texas, Fort Worth is accessible by various modes of public and private transportation. For the most part, the regional transportation network is interconnected with the neighboring city of Dallas, which is located only about 30 miles away. Three major highways pass directly through Fort Worth, making driving the dominant way of getting to and around this city.

Stretching for about 1,540 miles, Interstate 20 runs between western Texas and Atlanta, Georgia. Running for about 370 miles, Interstate 30 connects Fort Worth with Little Rock, Arkansas. I-30 also directly connects Fort Worth with Downtown Dallas. The 1,570-mile-long Interstate 35 runs between southern Texas and northern Minnesota. I-820 is a beltway that can be used to circulate Fort Worth while I-635 is a loop that surrounds Dallas. Additionally, Interstate 45 can be used to travel between Fort Worth and Houston, the largest city in Texas.

Public transportation in Fort Worth is provided by the Fort Worth Transportation Authority, locally known as The T system. This transit authority operates more than 30 bus routes throughout Fort Worth. There are several major transfer stations available through The T bus network. Northside, East Forth Worth, Le Gran Plaza, Ridgmar Mall, and Downtown Intermodal Transportation Center are the major bus transfer hubs in the city.

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority also operates a commuter rail line known as the Trinity Railway Express. This rail service runs between the T & P Station in Fort Worth and the Union Station in Dallas. The Trinity Railway Express also stops at the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center in the downtown district. Passengers should be aware that this commuter rail line does not operate on Sundays.

The Dallas Forth Worth International Airport is a major gateway into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. In fact, this is the busiest airport in the state of Texas. The airport serves as the headquarters and main domestic hub for American Airlines, one of the largest carriers in the United States. American Airlines links the Fort Worth area with more than 100 total destinations throughout the United States and the rest of the world. Of course, other major domestic and international airlines also serve Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The Trinity Railway Express line stops right at the CentrePort/DFW Airport Station. From this station, the DFW Airport Shuttle takes passengers to the terminal buildings at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

The Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center is also served by long-distance rail service. The Amtrak Texas Eagle and Heartland Flyer offer scenic and enjoyable rides between Fort Worth and several other neighboring states.

Shopping near Downtown Fort Worth

For those who love shopping, there is a variety of fun and unique shops to choose from in Fort Worth, Texas. From the stores that dot the streets of the shopping center known as Sundance Square to the shops of Stockyard Station, shoppers are offered a wide variety of stores to shop in when they visit Fort Worth, Texas. If you are a person who loves to shop and you will be visiting Fort Worth, here are some of the best places to shop.

The Stores Of Sundance Square

Sundance Square is a shopping center that contains many different types of stores. This outdoor mall expands across downtown Fort Worth and contains shops like:

• Earth Bones. For over 20 years, Earth Bones has been selling eclectic clothes and jewelry and fun unique gifts. It is a must-visit store when visiting Sundance Square.
• Leddy’s Ranch. If it’s western-inspired clothing and accessories you want, you must visit Leddy’s Ranch. Not only does Leddy’s Ranch offer the latest looks in fashion, but it is a great place to find cowboy boots and eye-catching belt buckles.
• Coyote Urban Boutique. When visiting Sundance Square, you must stop in and pay Coyote Urban Boutique a visit. This store carries the latest looks in women’s fashion.

The Stores Of Stockyard Station

Stockyard Station is a place that not only offers a wide variety of unique shops, but it also has a wide variety of fun things to do. If you are opting to shop when visiting Stockyard Station, here are some stores you should visit.

• Ernest Tubb Record Shop. For almost 60 years, Ernest Tubb Record Shop has been carrying the best selection of country music cassettes, albums, CDs, and memorabilia.
• Texas Hot Stuff. If you are looking for a truly unique type of store that can only be found in Fort Worth, Texas, you must stop in Texas Hot Stuff. These unique shops carry a huge collection of hot marinades and sauces and Western-inspired home decor.
• Stockyard Stations Gallery. For a wide selection of Western-inspired art, jewelry, and home decorations, there is no better shop than Stockyard Stations Gallery. This is a must-visit shop when visiting Stockyard Station.

Fort Worth is an exciting city in Texas that is full of many different and unique shops. Whether you are visiting the stores of Sundance Square or the shops of Stockyard Station, you are sure to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones or yourself. From the tasty and hot sauces and marinades found at Texas Hot Stuff to the eclectic items found at Earth Bones, Fort Worth is a shopper’s paradise. If you love to shop and are planning a visit to Fort Worth, you must visit both Stockyard Station and Sundance Square for the best selection of fun shops.

Map of Hotels in Fort Worth

1. Fort Worth International Airport – Find a Hotel at Colleyville, Hackberry Creek & Grapevine.
2. Downtown Fort Worth – Find Hotels at Westworth Village, Haltom City & Richland Hills.
3. Texas Christian University – Find Hotels at Blue Bonnet Place, Village Of Stone Gate Phase
4. Trinity Park – Find Hotel Near River Crest Country Club & Kimbell Art Museum
5. Burger’s Lake, Fort Worth – Find Hotels Near Meacham Airport, Diamond Hill Park & MG Ellis Park
6. Stockyards Station Fort Worth – Find Hotels Near Meacham Airport, Diamond Hill Park & MG Ellis Park.
7. Fort Worth Zoo Fort Worth – Find Hotels at Forest Park, Berkeley Place & Colonial Golf Course
8. Kimbell Art Museum – Find Hotel at Trinity Park, Kimbell Art Museum
9. Nature Center & Wildlife Refuge – Find Hotel Near Eagle Ranch & Ash Creek Park
10. Iron Horse Golf Course Fort Worth – Find Hotel at North Richland Hills, Watauga & East Lake