9 Best Things To Do In Fort Worth

Fort Worth is a very interesting place to explore. Lots of things to do in Fort Worth. Popular as being “Where the West Begins,” this city in Texas, which is also referred to as Cowtown and the Panther City, still exudes the cowboy feel from the old times. The city first rose to fame during the great open-range cattle drives during the late 1800s, when over 10 million head of cattle tramped here along the Chisholm Trail. Today, Fort Worth’s legendary Stockyards are an in-demand destination for travelers. You can visit this place to see the only cattle drive all across the United States.

The Panther City is the quintessential example of the glory of the American West. Located just 30 minutes outside Dallas, Fort Worth’s Western culture is loud and proud. It is also known for its Southern hospitality and rich history as the center of the cattle industry. Aside from the historic Stockyards, things to do in Fort Worth include exploring its restaurants, shops, and honky-tonk bars.

Wild West Vibe: 9 Best Things To Do In Fort Worth, Texas

Join us as we find out the best things to do in Fort Worth. You’ll never regret it if you visit this place.

1. Witness The Only Cattle Drive In The Country At The Fort Worth Stockyards

First on the list of the best things to do in Fort Worth is your visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards. It is perhaps the number one attraction in the city, as travelers say that it is a must-visit and a not-to-miss destination if you only have a few days here. 

The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is also a living museum that pays homage to the heyday of the city’s Wild West. Here, you can witness cattle drivers, and taste some beef tenderloin and rabbit-rattlesnake sausage at the place’s restaurants. 

Begin your tour at Stockyards Station, which lies at the heart of the neighborhood. From here, you can join a tour. If you want to learn the Stockyards’ history, visit the Stockyards Museum which houses a wide range of documents, as well as artifacts from Fort Worth’s Old West era. To learn about the people who shaped the sport – and business – of rodeo, and Texas’ western lifestyle, visit the Texas Trail of Fame and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

2. Feel Like You’re A Cowboy At The World’s Largest Honky-Tonk

Do you want to feel like you’re a cowboy or cowgirl? Then head over to Billy Bob’s Texas, the largest honky-tonk in the world. 

Located within the Stockyards as well, this former department store transformed into a honky-tonk offers several things to do in Fort Worth. Billy Bob’s is essentially going to make your every cowboy fantasy be turned into a reality. There are nightly live shows being hosted here, with some even featuring famous personalities. There’s also a Wall of Fame full of molded handprints that tell you how prestigious this honky-tonk is.

Here, there are also 30 bar stations, a ginormous dance floor that offers free lessons, a pool hall and indoor bull riding events.

Welcome to this guide on the best things to do in Fort Worth. Fort Worth is such a beautiful city that we’ve listed it as one of the best cities to photograph in the USA. 

3. Experience Great Entertainment At Sundance Square

The experience at Billy Bob’s Texas is great entertainment in itself (Why not? It is the world’s largest honky-tonk). But for that which has been entertaining Fort Worth visitors since its Wild West days, the perfect place to be is Sundance Square. 

Aside from entertainment, you can also spend your afternoon at Sundance Square, located in the heart of the city. Named after the Sundance Kid, partner to the infamous Butch Cassidy, this district is where cowboys following the Chisholm Trail would stop by during the 1800s to lounge at the saloons, have fun at its gambling parlors, and dance on its dance halls. 

Today, Sundance Square’s red-brick buildings are home to several shops, bars, and restaurants. You may also marvel at the various fountains at the pedestrian plaza, and take photos of these fountains lit up with LED light fixtures at night. This is one of the things to do in Fort Worth that you must not miss. 

4. See Some Wildlife From Around The World At Fort Worth Zoo

If you have kids in tow, include your visit to Fort Worth Zoo on your things to do in Fort Worth itinerary. Just like the city’s Wild West culture, Fort Worth Zoo is also very old. Since it opened in 1909, the zoo has been exposing both locals and tourists to wildlife from all across the globe.

When it first opened, the zoo only housed a lion, two bear cubs, a peacock, a coyote, an alligator, and some rabbits. Today, it has a full menagerie of animals. 

There are several exhibits here, such as the Australian Outback for creatures like the kangaroo, the African Savanna for the Southern black rhinos, and the award-winning Museum of Living Art, which is home to thousands of birds, amphibians, and reptiles living among hand-painted murals. 

5. Join A Pub Crawl Around Fort Worth

What could outshine the experience of touring around Fort Worth over alcoholic beverages? Definitely one of the most exciting things to do in Fort Worth, right?

In this Fort Worth pub crawl, you’ll follow and learn from the guide facilitating this tour as you visit the stockyards and pub crawl through this Texas city. What’s even better is that it only comprises a small group of people. You’ll visit the saloons, and learn about the hidden history of the cowboys and cattle drives over refreshing, cold beers. 

You can decide whether you’ll tour with pre-purchased beverages, or you’ll buy all the drinks you want. This is definitely one of the must-try things to do in Fort Worth.

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Fort Worth” article? Extend your visit to the USA! How about exploring Charlotte in North Carolina? 

6. Try Indoor Skydiving

If the stories and tours on Fort Worth’s Old West heritage are already boring you, you can break the monotony by trying indoor skydiving at iFLY Fort Worth. Indoor skydiving is the perfect adrenaline rush for everyone because you can skydive without the real heights or jumping from a plane. 

At iFLY Fort Worth, you’ll get inside a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel, and be guided by your instructor as you master the basic maneuvers, soar high into the air, and even perform the most impressive aerial stunts. This is also one of the best things to do in Fort Worth.

7. See Treasures From Greece, China, Egypt, The Ancient Americas, And More At Kimbell Art Museum

Fort Worth is not just all about a tour of its Wild West heritage, but also an experience of world-class art. You can do this at the small and humble Kimbell Art Museum.

Kimbell Art Museum does not only keep treasures from ancient Americas, Egypt, Greece, China, and Japan, but also from Europe, too. This is where you can find Michelangelo’s first known painting, “The Torment of Saint Anthony,” as well as masterpieces from Europe’s most celebrated artists like Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Paul Cézanne, and Paul Gauguin.

If you are enjoying the things to do in Fort Worth, you might want to take it further and visit San Antonio, another great city in Texas.

8. Hike The Trinity Park Trails

If you are searching for outdoorsy things to do in Fort Worth, you can head over to Trinity Park. Among the most popular attractions here are the trekking and biking paths spanning more than 100 miles, with many found on Trinity River’s banks. Here, you’ll also come across a miniature train in operation since 1959, sizable playgrounds, and a duck pond. 

Those traveling with the family make it a point to visit Trinity Park because there are lots of places to visit for families. One of these is the Dream Park playground that will remind you of Dr. Seuss’ books. They accommodate kids of all needs and abilities. 

Not only those, but there are also various cultural events and festivals held here throughout the year, such as the Mayfest during May, an event featuring live music, food, carnival rides, and performances.

9. Unwind And Relax At The Fort Worth Water Gardens

Another sought-after destination in Fort Worth is the Fort Worth Gardens. Situated downtown, the gardens are among the most unique attractions in the city. This beautiful and peaceful park features several waterfalls, fountains, reflecting pools, and sculptures spraying water. But above all, it is known for its series of water features set among landscaped terraces, making this a great place to visit if you’re interested in landscaping or architecture. 

There are so many things to do in Fort Worth when you are here. You can visit the Aerating Pool, the Quiet Pool, and the Active Pool. The gardens are also the perfect location for walking, picnicking, and photography. You can spend your time here at night as the park illuminates dramatically. This is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Fort Worth.

Did you enjoy this “things to do in Fort Worth” travel guide? For sure, you will also enjoy this: The 10 Best Photo Spots In Houston, Texas

How Much Budget Do You Need To Enjoy The Things To Do In Fort Worth?

Fort Worth is such a fascinating city to discover in Texas. For you to enjoy the best things to do in Fort Worth to the fullest, you got to have the means. Here is a guide on the budget you need during your visit to this Texas city.

The average price of a seven-day trip to Fort Worth for a solo tourist is around $1,800, around $3,200 for a couple, and around $6,000 for a family of four. For food, the average cost is around $50 per day. Hotels in Fort Worth range from around $80 to $300 per night, while vacation rentals will cost around $140 to $440 per night for the entire home.

Where The West Begins

Fort Worth may just be the second half of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but this city in Texas is also a trendy destination, featuring first-rate music venues, a sizzling food scene, and world-class art.

The city offers a collection of captivating experiences for every tourist. From embracing its Western heritage to relaxing at its tranquil parks, there are lots of things to do in Fort Worth. This is why there is always something for everyone in this Texas city. Here, the Wild West vibe is alive and kicking.