As a born and raised Texan I am proud to call Fort Worth home! Many vacationers are in search of cool mountains or beautiful beaches and let me tell you Texas has neither of these things; yet, visitors flock from near and far each year to visit this Great State!
Some may say that Dallas is the heart of Texas, but I believe all who visit will be quickly affirmed that Fort Worth is the true heart of Texas. While Dallas has much to offer like airports, sky-high buildings, and miles of traffic, there is just no comparison to its quaint neighboring town of Fort Worth.
If you’re looking for history, we’ve got it. If you’re ready to brunch in a charming downtown square, look no further. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, come on with it. If you’re a foodie, fulfill your heart’s desires! Fort Worth is a little piece of paradise with all that it has to offer.
The 6 Main Areas of Fort Worth:
- Downtown Fort Worth
- The Historic Stockyards
- Magnolia Avenue
- The Trinity River
- Museum District
- West 7th
Downtown Fort Worth:
Take a stroll to Sundance Square where you can find a seat at a restaurant patio that overlooks the hustle and bustle of downtown amidst the beautiful fountains and Chisholm Trail cattle mural. The atmosphere that this Square has to offer is perfection on a summer night. Sundance Square is also known for holding free events such as live music concerts, Saturday morning Yoga classes, and projection-screen movie nights. Just around the corner from Sundance, don’t miss a show at the Bass Hall. One of the most beautiful buildings in Fort Worth, the Bass Hall is well worth a walk-by to view it’s large trumpetiering angels that adorn the building. Shows range from orchestras, operas, musicals, and more. The most iconic dining experience downtown is at the Reata, a Texan-themed restaurant with an unbeatable rooftop bar. The Reata is a local favorite for a night on the town with its eclectic food, show-stopping martinis, and rooftop ambience. Other top-notch dining experiences downtown include Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, Little Red Wasp, and Cantina Laredo. Searching for a craft cocktail and mood lighting? Head to Thompson’s Bookstore Speakeasy for a dreamy concoction in a bookstore-themed atmosphere with a secret prohibition inspired, password protected basement. If you’re ready for a more upbeat evening, look no further than Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar just a couple blocks away from Thompson’s or the Vee Lounge if you’re ready to dance! For a romantic post-dinner activity take a stroll through the Fort Worth Water Gardens just south of the Convention Center downtown. Or buy a ticket to a double-feature movie at Coyote Drive-In theater just north of the courthouse.
The Historic Stockyards:
A must-see area if you’re making a quick visit to Fort Worth! Start your day off witnessing an old-fashioned cattle drive down Main Street at 11:30am. Enjoy the plethora of souvenir shops and cowboy boot and hat stores. Dine at the most iconic patio in Fort Worth, Joe T. Garcia’s, for Mexican food, famous margaritas, and a garden patio atmosphere. Make sure you bring cash to pay and expect a wait (fear not – you can order margaritas in line). Explore the stables or find your way through the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze. Set up dinner reservations at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse or H-3 Ranch and buy a ticket to the rodeo for later that night (Friday and Saturdays only). And of course, cap the night off at the World’s Largest Honky Tonk, Billy Bob’s Texas! Live music, live bull-riding, dancing underneath a rhinestone encrusted saddle chandelier, and taking a picture in dress up chaps with a cowboy hat atop a large stuffed bucking bull!
Magnolia Avenue:
My favorite place in Fort Worth for an evening out. Venture to this street if you’re a foodie or a craft cocktail lover. Some may call this area’s style “hipster” but call it what you will, it has a very charming ambience. The sidewalks are lined with trees that glow with light after sunset. You can find live music at Live Oak, the best baristas at Brewed, cocktails at The Usual, frozen treats at Melt, wine at Kent & Co., and so much more. This area is perfect for date night or a low-key girls’ night as you can spend the whole evening making your way up and down the street enjoying a little something at each place. Magnolia also hosts a monthly concert series, Friday on the Green, every second Friday of the month from April-October.
The Trinity River:
The Trinity River winds its way through Fort Worth as a whole and alongside downtown. The Trinity Trails are a great place to hop on a bike or take a stroll for some fresh air. You will find many attractions not far off the river. Along the Trinity just north of downtown you’ll find Panther Island Pavilion. Check their event calendar if you’re interested in a summer night floating the river while listening to live music or seasonal events such as Oktoberfest or other festivals located on the riverbed. Head south on the trails and you’ll pass the Duckpond. This is an excellent place to find shade and tie up a hammock for a lazy afternoon. Hop back on the trail and you’ll start approaching the outskirts of Texas Christian University. Here you’ll find the Fort Worth Zoo off to the east or a local favorite for a bite to eat, The Woodshed, to the west. If you’re out walking this area, you must make a pitstop at Woodshed to enjoy this pet-lovers patio complete with horseshoes, Jenga, and typically live music. I recommend trying the Smoked Whitefish dip and the Pork & Beef rib meat Tamales. One last great stop along the river is The Trailhead. This is most easily accessible for the Chisholm Trail Tollway. Here you will find the Press Café, a weekend Farmer’s Market, food trucks, and free Yoga classes on Saturday mornings.
The Museum District:
The museum district offers it all! Will Rogers Coliseum is where the famous Fort Worth Stockshow and Rodeo takes place each year in January. The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is right around the corner if you’re looking to be inspired by some real women of the past! Also close by you’ll find my personal favorite: The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. This museum has the coolest exhibits, especially if you have little ones to engage at the kids’ exhibits. The best part of the museum is the Omni IMAX Theater, a 120-foot-wide screen that places the audience in the center of the action. Whether you buy a ticket to see Dinosaurs Alive, Tornado Alley, or The Polar Express during the holiday season you are guaranteed to have an incredible experience. For a more eloquent afternoon, mosey through The Modern or The Kimbell Art museums. Looking to get outside? Grab an Uber and head to the Botanical Gardens to arrive at a beautiful herbal oasis. Have a picnic on one of the lawns or for a more adventurous activity I highly recommend planning a Segway Tour through the gardens (check Groupon for regular deals)!
West 7th:
Most known for its bar scene, but also home to shopping, restaurants, and nice condos (if you’re looking to move)! This area is pedestrian-friendly and easy to navigate which makes it a go-to spot for visitors. My two favorite places in West 7th are Rodeo Goat for the best burger around and Chimy’s for a world-famous margarita. Other dining delights include Kona Grill’s all-day Sunday happy hour and Steel City Pops for a unique popsicle. If live music is what you crave head to Magnolia Motor Lounge or its neighbor, Capital Bar, for a two-story outdoor venue experience.
Other Nearby Attractions:
Fort Worth is a short drive away from Arlington where you’ll find the AT&T Dallas Cowboy’s Stadium, Globe Life Park in Arlington, and Six Flags over Texas theme park.
Recommended Weekend Getaways:
There are a number of other great cities and areas to explore in Texas. My favorites are mostly in the Hill Country: Hiking and Shopping in the Charming town of Wimberley (4 hour roadtrip), Camping/Hiking at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (3.5 hour roadtrip), Shopping and Vineyards in Fredericksburg (3.5 hour roadtrip), Staying a night in a TeePee in Seguin (3.5 hour roadtrip), Boating at Horseshoe Bay (3 hour roadtrip), Four-wheeling in Marble Falls (3 hour roadtrip).
Wander On,
Sammi Kaye
this is awesome!! you mentioned just about all of the best places and so well written ???
great job!