Fort Worth surprised me in the best possible way. I was looking forward to the cowboy culture, watching the longhorns meander down Exchange Avenue, but I also discovered a very pretty city with wonderful museums, beautiful outdoor spaces and surprisingly walkable downtown.
If you’re planning your first trip to Fort Worth, you don’t need to see everything, I fact, I wouldn’t recommend you try. I tried racing (ha!) from one attraction to another, but I just wore myself out before the day was over, so the next day I decided to change my strategy.
I’ve put together this list of the best things to do in Fort Worth to help you decide what deserves a spot on your itinerary, especially if you’re a traveler 50+ who appreciates a good mix of sightseeing, culture and downtime in between.
Planning Your Fort Worth Trip?
The first thing I recommend when planning your Fort Worth trip is deciding which area you’ll want to spend more time in. Are you more interested in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, downtown Fort Worth, or the Cultural District near the excellent museums?
Once you’ve decided, you can choose a hotel in the area that makes the most sense for your itinerary. Of course your choice will depend on the tours and experiences you plan to book, your budget and whether you’ll have a car.
If you’re looking for the full Stockyard experience, staying nearby is very convenient, although hotels tend to be more expensive. Downtown Fort Worth gives you more choices, from upscale hotels to comfortable mid-range and budget friendly options. I personally choose the location that puts me closest to the attractions I want to visit- I tend to avoid driving as much as possible.
I chose the Kimpton Harper Hotel, part of IHG, mainly because of its location. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the Sundance Square, several restaurants and cafes, the Fort Worth Water Gardens and other attractions I wanted to see. Overall I enjoyed my short stay, although as a former hotelier there were a few things I noticed that I wasn’t particularly impressed with-details that other travelers may not find important.
Parking is available in a garage around the corner from the hotel and is an additional charge. Breakfast is also not included in the room rate. We did not use the hotel wi-fi, so I can’t comment on its quality. For me, though, the convenient downtown location was the biggest advantage and made it easy to explore Fort Worth withoug constantly getting in the car.
Do You Need a Car in Fort Worth?
Whether you need a rental car in Fort Worth depends largely on what you plan to see. If you’re staying downtown and visiting Sundance Square, the Water Gardens, and other nearby attractions, you can get around quite easily on foot with occasional rideshare trips. However, a car is useful if you want to visit the Stockyards, the Cultural District, Fort Worth Botancic Garden or attractions farther from downtown.
I had a car during my visit, which gave me more flexibility to explore different parts of Fort Worth and made the 40 minute drive to Dallas easier. If you’re planning to explore beyond downtown, I’d compare rental car prices before your trip. There are also great wineries just outside of Fort Worth you might want to visit and you definitely need a car for that.
Free Things to Do in Fort Worth
Not everything worth doing in Fort Worth requires a ticket. in fact, some of my favorite ways to experience the city are completely free, making it easy to mix in a few no-cost attractions into your itinerary and save your budget for a tour or experience you’ll really enjoy.
1. Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards and See the Herd
If you only have time for one quintessential Fort Worth experience, I’d make it the Fort Worth Stockyards. This historic district is where you’ll get the unmistakable Texas feeling-cowboys, longhorn cattle, Western shops, restaurants and plenty of history. More information on when to see the herd on my 3 Days in Fort Worth, Texas: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary
2. Explore Fort Worth’s Western Heritage
You don’t have to spend money to experience and enjoy Fort Worth’s cowboy culture. Walk through the historic Exchange Avenue, admire the Western architecture still present, browse the shops and soak up the atmosphere. I always take a few minutes to sit down and rest while I watch the crowd walk by with their cute cowboy outfits.
3. Downtown Fort Worth and Sundance Square
Sundance Square is the heart of downtown Fort Worth and an easy area to explore on foot. You’ll find restaurants, shops, public spaces, and plenty of historic architecture surrounding the pedestrian-friendly plaza. It’s a particularly convenient stop if you’re staying downtown, since many hotels and attractions are within walking distance.
4. See the Fort Worth Water Gardens
The Fort Worth Water Gardens are one of the more unusual attractions in downtown Fort Worth. This urban oasis features several distinctive water features surrounded by concrete terraces, trees, and walkways. It’s free to visit and makes a nice break from sightseeing, although I’d use caution around the wet surfaces and steps.
5. Explore the Fort Worth Cultural District
The Cultural District is home to several of Fort Worth’s most important museums, as well as beautiful outdoor spaces and architecture and sculptures. Even if you don’t visit every museum, it’s worth exploring the area and choosing one or two that appeal to you. If you’re interested in art and culture, this is one part of Fort Worth I’d definitely include in your itinerary.
Best Fort Worth Tours & Experiences
Another great option that I often do myself are guided tours. Tours can save you money, provide local insight you might miss on your own and make it much easier to get to attractions that aren’t within walking distance. If you didn’t drive in or don’t have transportation, these tours will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Here are some of the best attractions for first-time visitors that I recommend:
6. Take a Fort Worth Guided Tour
If you’re visiting Fort Worth and are short on time, a guided sighseeing tour can be one of the easiest ways to get your bearings and get an overview of the city. Depending on the tour, you’ll visit several neighborhoods and attractions without having to navigate and park at each one yourself. Some tours leave out of Dallas, and others out of Fort Worth and will pick up and drop off at a specified area. This is one of my favorite ways to get a general feel of the city on my first day there.
7. Take a Fort Worth Walking Ghost Tour
If you enjoy history with a little mystery thrown in, a Fort Worth ghost tour is a fun way to see the city after dark. These tours typically combine local history with stories of Fort Worth’s haunted past, making the experience different from a traditional sightseeing tour. Check the walking distance and tour length before booking, especially if you prefer a slower pace.
8. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at Billy Bob’s
Billy Bob’s Texas in the Stockyards is often described as the world’s largest honky-tonk, and it’s an experience in itself. Depending on when you visit, you may find live music, dancing, dining, bull riding, and other entertainment. Check the schedule before you go because events and admission can vary.
9. Explore the North Texas Wineries
Did you know that in the 1880s, a Texas Horticulturist, T.V. Munson helped save the entire European wine industry? You’ll hear this and other wonderful stories as you explore a few of the 588 wineries Texas has to offer, sample local wines and explore the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This is one of my favorite tours, if you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, consider booking a guided North Texas Wine tour that includeds transportation, winery visits, and tastings.
10. Enjoy a Foodie Tour
Come hungry (and I mean really hungry) for a Foodie Tour. Servings in Texas are big, bold and delicious. This is a fun way to enjoy true Texas favorites while a knowledgeable local guide shares the history and stories behind the food and the places you’ll visit. Check current dates and availability for the best food tours here. It’s an easy way to lock in a great experience without the stress of figuring it out on your own.
11. Visit the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
As an Annie Oakley fan, I had a great time in the only museum in the world that celebrates the grit, grace and guts of the women who shaped the West. From Annie Oakley and Sacagawea to modern trailblazers, I left inspired by their incredible stories and pioneering spirit.
12. Spend Time at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
One of my favorite things to do when I travel is wandering through the botanical gardens and parks, and the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens never disappoints. The oldest public botanic garden in Texas, its 120 acres feels like a peaceful oasis filled with beautiful horticultural displays, stunning Rose Gardens and the serene Japanese Garden.
Try to go early before the Texas heat sets in. If mobility is a concern, you can always hop on the shuttle that goes around the grounds. If you don’t have transportation, I recommend booking a tour as there is no public transport to the gardens.
Final Thoughts: Fort Worth Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Have I told you how much I love western culture? I had such a great time in Fort Worth, who didn’t play cowboys and indians when they were young, I know I did and learning a little about this area was interesting and fun. If you’re planning a trip to Texas, I definitely recommend you come to Fort Worth. I also think it’s a good idea not to try to see everything at once, Fort Worth is a place you’ll want to return.
If you can, come during spring or fall, it makes it a little easier to walk around without getting exhausted. Book your hotel and plan out your tours and activities beforehand, the most popular ones sell out in advance. Make sure to check the schedules for the cattle drive and other activities. But most of all, just soak it all in and enjoy!
FAQ’s About the Best Things to Do in Fort Worth
Should I stay in Fort Worth or Dallas?
I asked myself the same question. Dallas is the obvious choice for those who want the big-city buzz, but I wanted the cowboy culture Fort Worth does so well. The drive between them is only about 40 minutes, so day trips are easy. Dallas traffic was the deal-breaker for me, I prefere a slower pace, you might also.
Is Fort Worth good for travelers over 50?
Absolutely. Fort Worth offers museums, gardens, restaurants, history and cultural attractions that can be enjoyed at a comfortable pace. The key is not trying to fit too much into one day.
How many days do you need in Fort Worth?
I’d recommend 3 Days in Fort Worth, Texas: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary. That gives you enough time for the Stockyards, downtown, museums and some slower-paced sightseeing without feeling rushed.
Do you need a car in Fort Worth?
If you’re staying primarily in Fort Worth, you may not need a rental car for every day. But if you want to combine Fort Worth with Dallas, Waco or another Texas destination, having a car is definitely something you should add to your budget. You may want to do some guided tours the first days of your trip and later add a car to venture further out of Fort Worth.
Continue Planning Your Fort Worth Trip
3 Days in Fort Worth, Texas: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary
Where to Stay in Fort Worth: Best Areas & Hotels for First-Time Visitors
Houston to Fort Worth and Dallas Road Trip: A 4-Day Texas Itinerary
I hope this guide to the best things to do in Fort Worth helps you plan a trip that’s full of great experiences without feeling like you have to see everything at once.
Happy Trails! Evie
This post contains affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the site and lets me keep sharing information and resources with you. Thank you for supporting wanderwithevie.com
