Despite it’s small size, there are a ton of fun things to do in Fort Worth Texas. Whether you’re staying downtown, or have some time to explore some of the surrounding areas (like visiting the unique Fort Worth Stockyards!).
These are the top things to do in downtown Fort Worth, and around it!
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Logistics On Staying In Fort Worth
Fort Worth is a twin city with Dallas Texas – they’re only about a 30 minute drive apart.
If you’re traveling for a vacation in Texas, I would recommend staying in Fort Worth over Dallas.
The downtown areas are both very similar, but I felt there was more to do around Fort Worth. And a day trip to Dallas is still a very easy to plan!
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My digital travel planner template has everything you need to plan your vacation: research templates, travel planner itinerary, travel budget templates…etc. . You can print it out or use it digitally on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Where To Stay In Fort Worth?
We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Worth and would recommend staying here. For starters, it’s reasonably priced for an outstanding location in downtown Fort Worth. Plus, we can also never say no to a free breakfast! For room rates & availability, click here.
For a bit more of an updated, modern stay, check out the AC Hotel by Marriott. It’s a bit pricier, but is in a slightly better location. For room rates & availability, click here
Or if you want to stay in the Stockyards, there’s no better hotel than the Hyatt Place Stockyards. It’s right across the street from the Cowboy Hall of Fame! For room rates & availability, click here
For more hotels in Fort Worth Texas, click here.
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Do You Need A Car In Fort Worth?
All the main things to do in Downtown Fort Worth are all within walking distance of one other (the downtown is quite small!).
But if you’re spending more than one day in Fort Worth, I’d recommend having a car to do things away from the city centre. There are a few other attractions that are worth visiting that are about a 10 minute drive (like the Stockyards or Cowgirl Museum!).
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There’s A Downtown Fort Worth Trolley
If you don’t want to walk everywhere in downtown Fort Worth, there’s actually a free trolly (Molly the Trolley) that runs in a route around downtown Fort Worth.
Find out more information here.
Top Things To Do In Downtown Fort Worth Texas
Downtown Fort Worth Texas is very small so you can can easily walk to all the top things to do in downtown Fort Worth.
1. Start The Day With Delicious Coffee At Sons Of Liberty Coffee
If you’re looking for a place to eat breakfast or just a coffee to start your day, there’s no better place than Sons of Liberty Coffee.
Pick up an incredible empanada for breakfast with a delicious coffee roast or specialty drink.
2. Walk On Water At The Fort Worth Water Gardens
But not actually… just feel like you’re walking on water at the Fort Worth Water Gardens!
The Fort Worth Water Gardens are meant give you a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Walk through the park and find the four types of water installations.
Please make sure to be careful while you’re here, and remember these aren’t pools for you to swim in.
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3. Stop For A Photo-Op With The Wild Bunch In Hell’s Half Acre
The downtown Fort Worth Water Gardens are actually located in what used to be known as Hell’s Half Acres.
Let’s just say, this was the sketchy part of Fort Worth Texas back in the day. Hell’s Half Acres went from the train station at Lancaster North to 7th Street (between Throckmorton and Commerce St.).
Downtown Fort Worth took it on as a project to convert the space for the better. Which is why there are now the Water Gardens and Fort Worth Convention Centre.
Plan the ultimate vacation
My digital travel planner template has everything you need to plan your vacation: research templates, travel planner itinerary, travel budget templates…etc. . You can print it out or use it digitally on your phone, tablet, or computer.
To pay homage to what downtown Fort Worth Texas used to be, there’s a monument of the Wild Bunch – who were were essentially the most wanted outlaws in Texas in the late 1800s.
The gang included Harry Longbaugh (the Sundance Kid), Ben Kilpatrick, George Lee Roy Parker (Butch Cassidy), Will Carver and Harvey Logan.
P.S. the location of the statue on Google Maps is wrong. You can find the Wild Bunch statue on the side of the Flat Iron Building on Commerce St.
4. Learn About Panther City & Find The Panther City Fountain
Fort Worth Texas’s nickname is Panther City. There’s a very funny story about how the city ended up with this name, but I’ll let you read the story for yourself when you find the Panther City Fountain!
P.S. It’s behind the Flat Iron building in downtown Fort Worth Texas, don’t forget to take a picture!
5. Go On a Self Guided Tour The Fort Worth Historic District
Downtown Fort Worth Texas is actually very historical. There’s a self guided tour that takes you through the Fort Worth historic district. It starts at the Convention Centre and takes you all the way down Main Street ending at the Tarrant County Court.
Information posts have been set up along both sides of the street, giving you both the history of Fort Worth Texas, and architectural information about important buildings.
6. Take A Break In Sundance Square (Chisholm Trail Mural)
Sundance Square is the main square in Downtown Fort Worth Texas.
This makes it a great spot for a little break while on your tour, but there’s also quite a bit to see here!
Take some time to admire the Chisholm Trail Mural, cool off in the water fountains, and take a picture with the disco cowboy hat! Plus, this is one of the best spots to admire the downtown Fort Worth historic district!
7. Enjoy Western Art (For Free) At The Sid Richardson Museum
The Sid Richardson Museum is one of my favourites things to do in Downtown Fort Worth.
For starters, it’s free! But it gives you that taste of the Western history in Texas through art. Admire artwork by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell in the museums permanent collection.
Find out more here.
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My digital and printable packing guide on Etsy. Filled with packing planning prompts for your next trip!
8. Tour The Tarrant County Court
The Tarrant County Court is the beautiful red building you’ve been walking towards at the end of the street.
You can actually go inside (and I recommend doing so!). It’s one of the free things to do in downtown Fort Worth. Just be aware you will have to go through a simple security check.
Once inside, there’s a small history museum. Go downstairs to see a replica of the building made out of match sticks, and then make your way up all the stairs to the top to admire the architecture, but also to see some historical photos along the way.
9. Fun Things To Do In Fort Worth: Try Local Beers At The Flying Saucer
Live music, outdoor patio, and local Texas beer… what more can you ask for!?
If you’re looking to try some Texas beer there’s no better place to go. The Flying Saucer has a HUGE selection. Plus, the food isn’t too bad here either!
10. Have A Laugh At Hyena’s Comedy Night Club
Hyena’s Comedy Night Club is a great night time activity in downtown Fort Worth Texas.
Plus, if you’re lucky and visiting on a Thursday you may be able to get a ticket for the 325 FREE show (just make sure to RSVP in advance!).
Check tickets here.
Fun Things To Do Around Fort Worth
There are also some worthwhile things to do around Fort Worth. You will need a car to get to these Fort Worth activities, they’re about a 10 minute drive or less from the city centre.
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11. Become A Cowboy (Or Cowgirl!) At The Fort Worth Stockyards
The Fort Worth Stockyards is the main attraction just outside the city. This is cowboy and cowgirl town – although I’ll admit it’s quite touristy.
There’s quite a bit to do, so don’t hesitate to plan for a full day. Read my full guide to the Fort Worth stockyards here.
12. Take A City Break At Trinity Park (Walk Or Bike On The River)
Trinity Park is just on the other side of the Trinity River from downtown Fort Worth – and you know what that means….
Skyline view of downtown Fort Worth Texas please!!
If it’s a nice day in Fort Worth, come here to spend the day outside! Go for a walk (or bike ride) along the Trinity river. Head to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens to walk along the Texas Native Boardwalk, see the Lower Rose Garden, and the Japanese Garden.
13. Go To The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is actually on the University campus, and there are a few other museums here that you might be interested in as well.
I can’t recommend visiting this museum enough – it’s one of the best things to do around Fort Wort. Let’s just say, cowboys are typical Texas, but Cowgirls are impressive A.F.
The museum has an exhibit on Annie Oakley, cowgirl outfits, and has a hall of fame. Cowgirls did it all – from rodeos, to making their own outfits, to cooking dinner for their family!
P.S. You will have to pay for parking at the museum but if you buy something in the gift shop you might be able to get your parking validated.
14. See The Fort Worth Mural (s)
I love a good city mural, and it seems like every city in Texas has one – Fort Worth is no exception. In fact, there are three Fort Worth murals you can take a picture in front of.
There’s one on the way to the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame (this is the one I recommend – it’s just so bright and colourful!). It’s at the intersection of W Lancaster Ave and Currie St.
The second Fort Worth mural is all the way down Main St. and Bryan Ave (on the other side of the highway).
We didn’t end up seeing the third one, but it might just be the coolest with a cowboy theme. This is “The Cowboy” Fort Worth Mural near Trinity Park on W 7th St.
15. Enjoy A Relaxing Afternoon With A Good Book & Tea
Sometimes it’s good to take it slow and sit back with a good drink and an even better book.
Leaves Book and Tea Shop is the place to go! Bring your own book, or buy one there. They serve hot or iced tea, but their specialty is sparkling tea – so I definitely recommend trying that!
They have couches to get comfy and sit here all afternoon long!
Taste Tea Where You Are!
Taste tea on the go with my pocket size tea tasting log book on Etsy.
This printable digital download tea tasting journal also comes with a tea tasting guide inside.
16. Play Board Games & Try Delicious Tex Mex Food
Sometimes you need a break from talking to your travel partner, and games are a great distraction!
Game Theory is a great day or night time activity. You can play a game (new or old!) order some fun drinks and even better food!
17. Play Arcade Games & Try Local Cider
If board games aren’t for you, go to Cidercade instead for arcade games and cider.
You pay a cover charge and then every game is set to free play… it doesn’t get much better than that!
Like I said, they sell their own cider (which is really good) but they also make a mean smoked chicken wing and pizza!
18. Go For Beer & Brisket At Cowtown Brewery
Cowtown Brewery is a classic Fort Worth brewery with beer and smoked meat!
It doesn’t get more authentic than that!
Build & Track Your Beer Journey
Refine your beer tasting palette with my digital and printable Beer Tasting Sheets to record and take notes on every new tea you try.
19. Watch A Movie At The Coyote Drive-In
Looking for fun things to do in Fort Worth with the family? Or maybe a romantic date night out? Why not see a movie at the drive in?
They have 4 screens at the coyote drive in. You can come here early for supper, or sit by the fire pits with a beer.
See what’s playing at the Coyote drive in here!
20. Go To The Rodeo (Friday & Saturday Only)
For very Texas things to do around Fort Worth at night, head to the Stockyards to see the Championship Rodeo.
It’s only on Friday and Saturday nights, see my full guide on going to the rodeo for the first time here.
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Need A Place To Stay In Fort Worth?
We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Worth and would recommend staying here. For starters, it’s reasonably priced for an outstanding location in downtown Fort Worth. Plus, we can also never say no to a free breakfast! For room rates & availability, click here.
For a bit more of an updated, modern stay, check out the AC Hotel by Marriott. It’s a bit pricier, but is in a slightly better location. For room rates & availability, click here
Or if you want to stay in the Stockyards, there’s no better hotel than the Hyatt Place Stockyards. It’s right across the street from the Cowboy Hall of Fame! For room rates & availability, click here
For more hotels in Fort Worth Texas, click here.
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Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API