VISITING FORT WORTH, TEXAS

Affectionately known as Cowtown, Fort Worth is a city with a strong Western history, delicious eats and drinks, and a melting pot of cultures. It's home to the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards, annual rodeos, Tex-Mex spots, dozens of museums, and so much more. There's no shortage of things to do and see or eat and drink, so saddle up and explore the below to plan your two-step through Fort Worth!

Fort Worth Travel Page Graphic

WHEN TO VISIT

WINTER

Winter in Fort Worth means Christmastime in Cowtown! The whole city is decked out in festive decor and full of holiday things to do. Our fave must-dos are ice skating on the Stockyards Rodeo Rink, checking out the amazing display at Lightscape, and watching the stunning Sundance Square tree lighting! Fort Worth is also home to many holiday pop-up bars, the most famous being Nickel City's Miracle on South Main!

SUMMER

With triple-digit temperatures the norm, Texas summers are famously hot but also famously fun if you know the right places to go! If you're ready to soak up the sun, walk, run, or bike on the famous Trinity Trail, which sprawls 100+ miles! If you'd rather cool off, take a dip in Burger's Lake or Eagle Mountain Lake! Another must is paddleboarding and kayaking on the Trinity River, which you can even do while watching live music at Panther Island Pavilion's Rockin' The River concert series!

SPRING

Spring means the is sun shining and flowers are blooming! Head to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden to see hundreds of stunning cherry blossoms. Don't miss all the spring festivals, like Fort Worth Food and Wine Fest, Main Street Arts Fest, and Mayfest! If you're looking for a party, try your luck at one of the St. Patty's Day bar crawls. Enjoy the milder temps on a patio, most of which often have live music this time of year!

FALL

Fall in Fort Worth means fair weather, football, and foliage! We love to kick off the season at a TCU tailgate and football game, peruse pumpkin patches, and get outside to see the changing leaves. Another must-do is Fort Worth Oktoberfest, which features stein-hoisting, dancing, and of course, beer! If you dare, get spooky at all the Halloween happenings around town, like Hangman's House of Horrors, Boo at the Zoo, and ghost tours of the historic Stockyards!

THE ESSENTIALS

Your 48-Hour Guide to Fort Worth, TX

Your Guide to the Fort Worth Stockyards

Your Neighborhood Guide to Fort Worth

MUST-SEE SPOTS

Funky Town is full of iconic spots that you can't miss! Whether you're looking for riverside views, Wild West vibes, or even a rooftop, Fort Worth is full of charming and Instagrammable sights to see.

Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth is a Must-Try, Serving Famed Tex-Mex & Margaritas on a Garden Patio

Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth is the World's Largest Honky Tonk

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Trinity Trails of Fort Worth

Billy Bob's Texas

THINGS TO DO

From kayaking and hiking to gardens and museums, Fort Worth is full of unique things to do! There is truly something to do for everyone, no matter if you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned veteran.

Your Museum & Cultural Guide to Fort Worth

Pickleball Is Taking Over And The Newest Spot Lands In Fort Worth Via Courtside Kitchen

The Best Outdoor Activities in Fort Worth

Fort Worth Water Gardens

Kimbell Art Museum

Fort Worth Zoo

National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame

WHERE TO EAT

Fort Worth is a foodie's haven, with a booming restaurant scene! It's home to Tex-Mex icons and renowned chef Tim Love's restaurants. From authentic dives to upscale international eats, and BBQ to burgers, you're sure to find food to fit your tastes!

The 17 Must Visit Restaurants in Fort Worth

The 16 Best Brunch Spots in Fort Worth

The 13 Best Patios in Fort Worth

HG Sply Co. Fort Worth

Coco Shrimp - Fort Worth

Lonesome Dove - Fort Worth

Reata Restaurant

WHERE TO DRINK

From tiki bars to distilleries, Fort Worth keeps the drinks flowing! Find patios with live music on every corner, and even an Ale Trail featuring 13 breweries! Explore craft cocktail bars, secret speakeasies, coffee shops, and more...there's a sip for everyone in this city!

The 20 Best Cocktail + Wine Bars in Fort Worth

Tip Your Hat to Sidesaddle Saloon, Fort Worth's New Cowgirl-Themed Bar

Your Guide to Fort Worth's Music & Nightlife

Ático - Fort Worth

Quince Fort Worth

Gemelle

Cidercade - Fort Worth

WHERE TO STAY

Wondering where to stay in Fort Worth? There are so many great hotel options, from boutique hotels fit for a cowboy to classic luxurious stays! Whether you're looking for the best hotel bar, most Instagrammable stay, or just a room near all the action, you're sure to find it!

Hotel Drover In The Stockyards is A True Texas Experience

The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel

The Sinclair

Bowie House Fort Worth

The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth

MORE OF OUR FAVES

These places deserve a special shoutout, they're high on our list of go-tos!

Explore Fort Worth's Adult Playground: Second Rodeo Brewing

Highlighting Celeb Chef, Tim Love’s, Paloma Suerte In Fort Worth

Highlighting Best Maid Pickle Emporium for All Things Pickles

Say Hello to Fort Worth's Newest Beer Garden, Birdie’s Social Club

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Fort Worth FAQs

What is Fort Worth known for?

The 12th largest city in the United States, Fort Worth is famously the other half of the DFW metroplex! It's known for its combination of city life and chill Western vibes, found in areas like the historic Fort Worth Stockyards and the vibrant Sundance Square. You'll also find an amazing culinary scene full of BBQ and Tex-Mex and a sprawling cultural district with several museums!

Why is Fort Worth called Cowtown?

The city is known as “Cowtown” because it was once home to many cattle drives, which still continue twice daily at the Fort Worth Stockyards!

Was Fort Worth actually a fort?

Yes! In 1849, the city of Fort Worth was established as an army post during the Mexican-American war. The "Worth" in Fort Worth honors General William Jenkins Worth, who was in charge of operating the fort.

Is Fort Worth walkable?

Like many cities, Fort Worth is not 100% walkable -- you'll definitely need a car to access certain areas of the city. However, Sundance Square is incredibly pedestrian-friendly! Known as "Fort Worth's living room", the neighborhood features 37 blocks of restaurants, shops, live music, bars, and more.

Is Fort Worth better than Dallas?

That depends who you ask, and what you're looking for! Both cities in the DFW metroplex offer amazing things to do, but definitely have different vibes! Fort Worth is known to be a little more casual and laid back than the hustle and bustle of Dallas, and embraces the cowboy and Western culture more! Check out our visitors guide to Dallas to explore some of the differences.

What is Fort Worth's famous slogan?

Fort Worth's motto is "Where the West Begins", and back in the day, it really was!

What is Fort Worth's population?

According to the 2022 Census, Fort Worth's population is 956,709.