17 Things to Do in Fort Worth On Your North Texas Vacation

Drafting an itinerary for your North Texas trip? Get immersed in cowboy vibes by exploring all the best things to do in Fort Worth, Texas. Found in North Central Texas, Fort Worth is the second-biggest city in the Lone Star State’s largest metro area. After spending some time in Fort Worth, you’ll understand why people keep visiting Cowtown time and again.

Among the top tourist attractions in Fort Worth, you’ll explore the city’s museums, art galleries, and parks while learning about its fascinating history and cowboy culture. For the foodies in the group, don’t miss out on trying the city’s authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. Or take your kids to the Fort Worth Zoo and bring them close to wildlife.

Not sure about what to do on your North Texas getaway? Kickstart an immaculate trip by using this guide to the best places to visit in Fort Worth, TX!

Must-see places to visit in Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth Zoo

Enchanted by wildlife? Head on over to the Fort Worth Zoo towards the southwest of the city center. The vast surroundings and a wide range of both local and international species are mesmerizing to check out.

Fort Worth Zoo

The Fort Worth Zoo is home to orangutans, lions, giraffes, bears, gorillas, and many bird species. While exploring the over 7,000 animals, separated into over a dozen permanent exhibits, scan the delightful display boards to learn unique facts about them.

If you’re traveling in winter, save some time for the Texas Wild Wonderland, an annual festival organized at the Fort Worth Zoo. Feel the falling snow, watch holiday-themed shows and click some pictures with the beloved Santa.

Fort Worth Water Gardens

Want to cool off in the sweltering Texas heat? Put on your sandals and drive down to Fort Worth Water Gardens. At this engineering marvel, you can dip your toes in a 40-foot-high gorge and gaze at sculpture art.

Fort Worth Water Gardens

At Fort Worth Water Gardens, you’ll come across the three pools with different depths and purposes. With a depth of four feet, the upper pool is perfect if you want to relax in the refreshing waters.

If you want something adventurous, explore the middle tier with a series of terraces. Avoid going to the lowermost pool, as it’s often deemed dangerous owing to its great depth.

Sundance Square District

Want to feel the modern vibes of Cowtown? Take a walk through Sundance Square District, the 35-block downtown area. The district is one of the busiest places to see in Fort Worth to shop, drink, and be entertained.

Start off by exploring the museums and art galleries lining the streets of Sundance Square District. A visit to the Bass Performance Hall is a must for all music lovers; the performing arts venue hosts more than 400 events annually.

Sundance Square

Move ahead to the Sundance Square Plaza, where you can satisfy all your shopping and food cravings. You’ll find ample shops selling beautiful artifacts, clothes, jewelry, etc. When you feel hungry, savor local cuisine at any available dining options nearby.

Kimbell Art Museum

Fond of paintings? Carve out some time for the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth’s Cultural District. This treasure of artwork features masterpieces from Ancient America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The museum building is also a work of art in itself, with a critically acclaimed modern architectural design.

Kimbell Art Museum

The moment you enter Kimbell Art Museum, take a look at the vaulted ceilings spreading natural light equally throughout the building meticulously. Continue on by marveling at the incredible artwork by Matisse and Michelangelo, El Greco, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh.

Want to add a dash of interactivity to your museum visit? Browse through the museum’s art-related educational programs—and learn on!

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Can’t get enough of soaking up new knowledge? Exercise your brain at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. The Science Place, The Noble Planetarium, Omni Theater, and other exciting permanent features make this 80-year-old museum in the Cultural District a must-see.

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Head to the science section of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History to explore the world of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Stimulate your brain cells with the center’s interactive experiments.

Afterward, take a journey through time at the Cattle Raisers Museum. It tells the story of the brave cowboys and the cattle drives that helped shape Texas.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Love American art? Put Amon Carter Museum of American Art on your list of places to go in Fort Worth. Built in 1961, the museum houses the works of famous artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Frederic Remington, and Charles M. Russell.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

On your Amon Carter Museum of American Art visit, dazzle at the rich permanent collection of paintings, photographs, sculptures, and prints from the early 19th century.

As you browse, you’ll also notice a distinct feature of the art galleries: All of the artwork is presented in chronological order!

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

Want to feel some adventure? Drive straight to one of the largest urban parks in the United States, Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. Situated on almost 3,600 acres of land, the refuge provides a break from the city’s hustle-bustle and is one of the top Fort Worth tourist attractions for outdoor activities.

At Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, you can go for a leisurely promenade or hike on the 20 miles of hiking trails. Take the three-mile drive, winding through the park’s scenic beauty.

Wildlife enthusiasts can look at more than 60 species of animals and almost 500 species of plants. Keep watch for the American bison, one of the park’s most impressive residents.

Log Cabin Village

Want to time travel and feel the ambiance of the past? Look no further than the living history museum of Fort Worth, Log Cabin Village. The village features historical log cabin homes that’ll provide you with a glimpse into early settler life in North Texas.

Watch the long-lost art of carving metal at a blacksmith shop and other artisans at work. Take a look at the old schoolhouse building or go to the grist mill to see how flour was made in the good ol’ days.

At the Log Cabin Village, you can also participate in various cultural programs. Activities include candle dipping, tortilla making, butter churning, and more.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Wish to soak in some nature on your itinerary? Bundle up, put on your fedora, and go for a stroll in Fort Worth Botanic Garden. One of the oldest botanical gardens in Texas, Fort Worth Botanic Garden is perched in the middle of Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The 120-acre land boasts two differently-themed gardens – the Japanese Garden and Adelaide Polk Fuller Garden. Each of these gardens offers a completely different feel. One thing you’ll find in common is an incredible variety of flora in Fort Worth Botanic Garden, including more than 2,500 species of native and exotic plants.

If you’re traveling with your partner, don’t pass up the opportunity to capture some phenomenal photos in this colorful and vibrant environment.

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Fascinated by contemporary art? See some of the world’s finest at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. The museum boasts a significant collection of modern art, with works by Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock.

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth organizes exhibitions throughout the year that feature local and international artists. You’ll also find many interactive installations and sculptures perfect for learning about old times. You can also participate in various educational programs.

After your museum visit, head to the sculpture garden outside for a relaxed stroll. Outside, you can also snap some artistic pictures of the museum’s remarkable glass structure.

Japanese Garden

Love Japanese culture and tradition? You’ll be elated to know that Fort Worth has a place dedicated to it: the Japanese Garden. The tranquil atmosphere of this garden will make you feel as if you’re in Japan.

Japanese Garden

Gaze at gorgeous stone lanterns, bamboo bridges, cherry trees, and a tea house. Move to the koi pond and watch the colorful fishes. You’ll also find a bonsai collection, rose garden, and an impressive collection of maples in the Japanese Garden.

You can stroll through the peaceful paths or have a picnic with your family and friends on the lawns. If you’re lucky, you might be able to participate in one of the garden’s various events, such as the Bon Odori Festival.

Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

Fan of the cowboys and the Wild West? Drive straight to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. Once a busy livestock market, the stockyard presents the rich history of Texas’s cattle industry.

Stockyards District

Filter through various shops, restaurants, and nightclubs in the Stockyards District. You can opt for a one-day tour of the district to explore Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District in depth. Your guide will tell you about the real cowboys’ and cowgirls’ cultures.

Before you leave, try to soak up the district’s most popular activity: The twice-daily cattle drive. You can also catch a live rodeo show every Friday and Saturday night. Head to the Cowtown Coliseum and watch bull riding, barrel racing, and Fort Worth Herd cruising through the scenic streets.

Stockyards Museum

Ready to learn more about the history and culture of the stockyards? Head down to the Stockyards Museum housed in the Livestock Exchange Building. Browse the extensive collection of artifacts that tell the story of Texas Longhorn cattle drives, the rodeo, and Fort Worth’s history as a stop along the historic Chisholm Trail.

Stockyards Museum

The Stockyards Museum is also one of the top points of interest in Fort Worth if you’re traveling with kids. At the museum, they’ll learn all about the most important aspects of ranching and even take part in hands-on activities.

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You can visit the Stockyards Museum any weekday from 10 am to 5 pm, except Tuesdays. If you’re visiting on Sunday, make sure you arrive early to avoid the crowds; the museum is only open for five hours, from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

Interested in learning more about the Lone Star State’s cowboy culture & history? Drive to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, this museum is devoted to honoring the women and men who achieved great heights in rodeo business and sports.

Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

At the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, you’ll find many interactive exhibits that tell the stories of famous cowboys, ranchers, and chuckwagon cooks/

You can also swing by the new building at 2515 Rodeo Plaza, dedicated to more historical exhibits. Don’t forget to purchase cowboy gear from the on-site gift shop.

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After your Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame visit, stop by the Jersey Lilly Old West Photo Parlor to capture the moment!

Trinity Park

Want to take off a load and feel Mother Nature? Drive to Trinity Park and enjoy a peaceful walk amid lush greenery. Among the largest public urban parks in the United States, Trinity Park’s attractions, like the dancing fountain, make it a mandatory stop during your Texas trip.

Trinity Park

If you’re visiting Trinity Park with kids, take them to the playgrounds or make them ride in a miniature train and have a blast!

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While the kids have fun, you can sit at the picnic pavilions and be amazed at the beauty of the green space and the Trinity River. Or release some serotonin by strolling on the Trinity Trails.

Perry R. Bass Performance Hall

Looking for couple-friendly activities in Fort Worth? Move to one of the most beautiful performance venues in Fort Worth, the Perry R. Bass Performance Hall. The 2,056-seat theater is home to many resident companies such as Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and Fort Worth Opera.

If you time your visit just right, attend the annual Van Cliburn International Piano Competition organized by Perry R. Bass Performance Hall.

Bass Performance Hall

Take the backstage tours and get an insight into how the performers get ready for the show. The tour lasts for almost one hour, and you can book your tickets on their website.

After the show, have a romantic dinner at Cheesecake Factory, sitting just a stone’s throw from Bass Hall.

Sid Richardson Museum

Looking for some inexpensive things to do in Fort Worth, TX? Navigate to the Sid Richardson Museum and enjoy exhibitions of paintings depicting the American West. Exhibits include the works of Charles M. Russell and Frederic Remington.

Book a tour at the Sid Richardson Museum and explore the reality and vision of the American West through the illustrations of both artists. Art lovers can partake in educational programs and events organized for both kids and adults. Watch short movies showing the early life of cowboys or engage in studio activities.

If you’re left with some extra time, visit the nearby Cutting Edge Haunted House to feel some chills down your spine.

Where to stay

For most travelers, the top choices for where to stay in Fort Worth include Downtown, Cultural District, and the Historic Stockyards. These areas and neighborhoods are home to many of the city’s best hotels with easy access to the top points of interest.

Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Worth Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Worth Downtown

Five minutes walking distance from Sundance Square, this budget-friendly hotel is an excellent choice for your adventure. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, offering plenty of space to chill at the end of your day. Cool down in the indoor pool or end the evening exchanging travel stories with a glass of wine around the outdoor fire pit.

AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Worth Downtown

AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Worth Downtown

With its prime downtown location, this chic hotel is one of the city’s top places to stay. Aside from the comfortable accommodations, the hotel offers guests an on-site lounge, serving up tasty tapas appetizers and craft cocktails.

Kimpton - Harper Hotel, an IHG Hotel

Kimpton – Harper Hotel, an IHG Hotel

Set inside a grand building dating back to the 1920s, this luxury hotel features chic modern rooms sprinkled with striking artwork from local artists. Before checking-out, be sure to scale up to the 24th floor to enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar to dramatic views over Sundance Square.

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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