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- 17 Places To Visit in Fort Worth
- Attraction Details (Fees, Hours, Parking & Helpful Links)
- Maps & Addresses
Known as the “City of Cowboys and Culture,” “City Where the West Begins,” and “Cowtown,” Fort Worth is a must-visit destination for a taste of Texas history. On this blog I listed 17 interesting attractions in Fort Worth that you can easily spend two hours to half a day or even a whole day, since some of them have multiple attractions within it. Let’s dive in!
17 Places To Visit In Fort Worth
1. Fort Worth Stockyards
If you only have one day in Fort Worth, I would recommend going straight in Stockyards for a glimpse of the Old West, because there will be no other place that will give you the cowboy experience best, but here.
We went here twice and I can confirm that the whole area is walkable. You can reach the other end of the strip within an hour of chill-walking. You can dine in and spend time in multiple shops, bars and restaurants along the Mule Alley, do horseback riding, watch gunfight shows, witness herd cattle drive and take photos with the original longhorn cattles. Here lies the Cowtown Coliseum, Exchange Avenue, LiveStock Exchange Building, Cowtown Cattlepen Maze, and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. There are more people during the nights and weekends. But if you want to see live shows, it is important to note that it is during these times that you can catch Cowboy Rodeo Championship Shows, Ghost Tours, and Live Music Stage Shows. (Also the weekends and night time gives a different vibrant vibe, more people, more fun! It’s a must try!)
Check their official website at www.fortworthstockyards.com
2. The Bureau of Engraving & Printing
Also known as The Money Factory, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is a critical institution responsible for designing, printing, and safeguarding U.S. currency and other government documents.
They have two visitor centers, one of which is in Washington D.C. (currently under renovation), and the other is here in Fort Worth. Guided tours are interactive and educational, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of money-making. Whether you’re interested in the history of money or the intricacies of security printing, this popular tour will give you an overview of the US currency production process. You might have the chance to hold an uncut sheet of currency, see the printing presses in action and examine some of the security features up close. Note that security is the top priority. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the museum and photography is restricted in areas where currency production is actively taking place. So, we recommend just bringing your wallet and keys with you.
Check their official website at www.bep.gov
Admission: FREE
Operating Hours: Tue to Fri
8:30am – 5:30pm
Parking: FREE
For updated hours and parking information call (817) 231-4000 or toll-free (866) 865-1194 before your visit. Policies are subject to change without public notification.
3. Coyote Drive-In
One thing that intrigued me in Fort Worth is the drive-in cinemas that I only saw in movies when I was a kid. If you wanted to try it, Coyote Drive-In is the place to go. You can enjoy affordable entertainment while reliving a classic outdoor movie experience. The attraction is family-friendly, pet-friendly and have a fully stocked snack bar offering a wide range of classic movie treats. The place is spacious – standing on 18 acres of land with 1,300 parking spots. Watch two movies per admission with the skyline in the background from the comfort of your own vehicle. There is no better deal than this!
Check their official website at www.coyotedrive-in.com
Admission: $5 – $8. | $5 every Wednesdays | FREE for 3yo and below.
Operating Hours: Fri to Sun 6pm – 11:30pm | Mon to Thu 7pm – 11:30pm
Parking: Comes with admission
See movie calendar and purchase tickets here.
4. Rooftop Cinema Club
Another way to enjoy movie nights in Fort Worth with stunning skyline views is through Rooftop Cinema Club. They have a sky-high setting, comfortable deck chairs and state-of-the-art wireless headphones. Gourmet snacks and craft beverages are available for purchase at the rooftop bar alongside classic movie snacks like popcorn and candies. It’s a little bit pricier than Coyote Drive-In but it is also a unique experience: an open-air, under-the-stars outdoor cinema with a touch of glam!
Check their official website at www.rooftopcinemaclub.com
Admission: $19.50 – $26.50
Operating Hours: 6pm – 1am
Parking: Free Street Parking or $10 at The Worthington Renaissance parking garage off Throckmorton Street
See movie calendar and purchase tickets here.
5. Downtown Fort Worth
When someone says “let’s head downtown,” you know you’re in for a good time. It’s impossible to miss Downtown Fort Worth because this is where everything comes together: Sundance Square, Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum, Fort Worth Water Gardens, JFK Statue, St. Patrick Cathedral and many more.
Whether you want to explore, shop, eat, or just soak in the city’s energy, downtown will fill you in. You are generally entering the economic and cultural heart of a city! Visit downtown for a quick rundown of what Fort Worth can offer!
Check their official website at www.dfwi.org
6. Sundance Square
From cafes, restaurants, shops, events and all kinds of entertainment (live music, theaters and museum) you will find it here at Sundance Square.
The plaza is clean, spacious and serves as a great place to hangout with family and friends. There is always something going on every week – from performances, movies and festivals. Also, kids will definitely enjoy the splash pad while you sit and people-watch! Make sure to take photos with the 16-foot mirrored cowboy hat resting in the middle of the square. I imagined the hat being the Cowtown version of ‘CloudGate The Bean’ from Chicago.
Check their official website at www.sundancesquare.com
7. JFK Memorial Statue
Erected in Sundance Square, the JFK Memorial Statue is a powerful piece of history when President Kennedy delivered an inspiring speech in Fort Worth on the morning of November 22, 1963, just hours before his tragic assassination in Dallas. It serves as a living tribute to President John F. Kennedy and a reminder of the optimism and hope that characterized his presidency.
Check their official website at www.jfktribute.org
Admission: FREE
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Parking: Street Parking available
8. Fort Worth Water Gardens
Fort Worth Water Gardens has a total of four attractions within it, composedly located in Downtown Fort Worth, usually coined as the “cooling oasis in the concrete jungle.”
The first attraction is the ‘Quiet Pool’ surrounded by 22-foot wet walls and tall cypress trees. It could be very tempting to jump in the serenity of the blue waters but note that swimming is not allowed for safety reasons. A short distance from the Quiet Pool is the ‘Aerated Pool’ that has nozzles that spray water as high as the ground. Walking close to it, you will hear the sound and feel the mist from the sprinklers that serves like a refreshing gentle massage to the senses. Facing the Aerated Pool is ‘The Mountain’ a 20-feet layer of narrow ledges to simulate rock and mountain climbing. This is the only non-water area in the park with a wide grassy lawn behind it. Lastly, the main centerpiece or the park is the ‘Active Pool.’ While the Quiet Pool gives the visitors a space of tranquility, the Active Pool gives a rush of excitement. I see it as a uniquely designed labyrinth of waterfalls; a set of terraces leading to a small pool 38-feet below. Visitors can enjoy walking on the concrete tops without getting wet. It is an overall mesmerizing experience that adults and kids will surely enjoy!
Admission: FREE
Operating Hours: 6am – 10pm
Parking: Street parking available. Pay via the parking meters from 8am to 6pm. Free Parking for 6pm onwards and during Saturdays and Sundays.
9. Trinity Park Trails
Trinity Park Trails provide expansive green space for visitors to explore, unwind, and reconnect with nature. The trails are perfect for hiking, biking, jogging, horseback riding and even leisurely stroll. There are bridge crossings, picnic areas and stunning views of the city’s rivers and lakes. The place was definitely dog friendly and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Here you can also see the Panther Island Pavilion, Dream Park, Martin House Brewing Company, HG SPLY CO. Fort Worth, Trailhead at Clearfork, The Shops at Clearfork, MUTTS Canine Cantina, Gateway Park, Backwoods Paddlesports and many other recreational opportunities. One interesting way to stroll is by trailing along the outdoor art exhibition “PAINTING THE RIVER: A Trinity Trails Mural Gallery” project. Some of the murals are designed to be interactive, allowing visitors to become part of the artwork by posing for photos.
Check their official website at www.trinitytrailsfw.com
Admission: FREE
Operating Hours: 5am – 11:30pm
Parking: FREE. Parking is abundant in various points and is easy to find.
Attraction Map: View full map here.
10. Modern Art Museum
The Modern Art Museum is the oldest museum in Texas founded in 1892. Designed by the Pritzker Prize–winning architect Tadao Ando, it was named as one of the “world’s most beautiful art museums” and “best-designed building in 2019” in Texas. The museum is definitely worth a visit with the displays of artworks from influential artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Mark Rothko. The Modern currently holds a permanent collection with more than 3,000 artworks that spans various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and new media. You can also enjoy the outdoor sculpture garden, the culinary experience at Cafe Modern, and their merchandise from the museum store.
Check their official website at www.themodern.org
Admission: $10 – $16 | FREE for 17yo and below. *Offers half-price tickets on Sundays *FREE admission on Fridays
Operating Hours: Tue to Thurs & Sat to Sun 10am – 5pm | Fri 10am – 8pm |
Closed every Monday
Parking: FREE
11. Kimbell Art Museum
Officially opened in 1972 with the goal of encouraging the art in Fort Worth and in Texas, the first founders’ dream is to make Kimbell Art Museum first-class by acquiring artworks with the highest possible aesthetic quality. Visitors agree that while the museum seems to be smaller than the others, it houses 350 high quality pieces including the works of Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso. One of the museum’s unique attributes is its intimate scale, unlike larger institutions, the Kimbell’s compact size fosters a sense of closeness to the art. The building itself has a modernist and minimalist design that features natural light through louvered skylights which makes the whole place inviting.
Check their official website at www.kimbellart.org
Admission: FREE (Special Exhibitions range from $14-$18)
Operating Hours: Tue to Thu, Sat 10am – 5pm | Fri 12nn – 8pm | Sun 12nn – 5pm | Closed every Monday
Parking: FREE. View Parking details here.
12. Amon Carter Museum
Founded in 1961 by Amon G. Carter Sr., the Amon Carter Museum established its mission to collect, preserve and exhibit the finest examples of American art. It started with the founder’s personal collection of more than 400 western-themed artworks to which it is recorded to have grown to over 175,000 today. The impressive collection revolves around paintings, sculptures, and a particular emphasis on American photography, all of which spanned from the early 19th century to mid-20th century. The museum features iconic works by celebrated american artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, Thomas Cole, Georgia O’Keeffe, and many others. It’s a must-see for anybody who is looking to explore American artistry.
Check their official website at www.cartermuseum.org
Admission: FREE
Operating Hours: Tue to Wed & Fri to Sat 10am – 5pm | Thu 10am – 8pm | Sun 12nn – 5pm | *Closed every Monday
Parking: FREE
Museum Map: View map here.
13. National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame
From iconic cowgirl attire and rodeo memorabilia to stunning Western art and photography, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame offers a rich tapestry and serves as a home for 4000 artifacts and stories of more than 750 remarkable women.
This is only museum in the world dedicated to honor women of the west who played pivotal roles in settling the American frontier; those everyday women who contributed to the West’s growth, be it through ranching, farming, or civic leadership and also women from around the world, living and deceased, from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures. Learn about legends like Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, and contemporary heroes who continue to break barriers in fields like rodeo, and beyond. It’s a must see for a complete western heritage experience.
Check their official website at www.cowgirl.net
Admission: $6-$12. Purchases available on-site only.
Operating Hours: Tue to Sat 10am – 5pm | Sun 12nn – 5pm | Closed every Monday
Parking: $6 for two hours or less. $12 for more than two hours.
14. Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest botanical garden in Texas boasting with its 120-acre land with 23 specialty gardens and more than 2,500 species of plants! Make sure to stop by the visitors’ favorite: the 7-acre Japanese Garden! This is one of the highlights with koi ponds, pavilions, bridges and cherry trees. The garden also houses the largest begonia collection in the US, established to prevent the loss of begonia species. The best season to visit is during spring (March) when everything is in full bloom.
15. Fort Worth Zoo
Visiting a zoo is a way to see animals up close, learn about them and foster deep appreciation towards them. Fort Worth Zoo is deeply committed to wildlife conservation and education. Here you will learn about the zoo’s efforts to protect endangered species and their natural habitats, and discover how you can contribute to these vital initiatives.
Check their official website at www.fortworthzoo.org
Admission: $14-$18 ($1 discount if purchased ONLINE.) | FREE for 2yo and below.
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri 10am – 5pm | Sat to Sun 10am-6pm
Parking: $5
Attraction Map: View regular and accessibility map here.
See complete admission details here.
See ticket options and purchase here.
Offers half-price tickets on Wednesdays.
16. Log Cabin Village
Log cabin village is a unique destination that serves as a living history museum. You can explore the collection of meticulously restored log cabins and structures that date back to the mid-1800s. Different cabins include the blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, smokehouse, and several residences. They are furnished with period-appropriate items, presented by knowledgeable tour guides, offering a vivid depiction of daily life during the 19th century. You can also participate in hands-on activities like candle-making, woodworking, and weaving. This is an interesting destination especially with kids!
Check their official website at www.logcabinvillage.org
Admission: $6-$7 | FREE for 3yo and below. Website only shows options for group purchases. Solo travelers can call (817) 392-5881 for buying tickets.
Operating Hours: Tue to Sat 9:30 am-4:00 pm
Parking: FREE
Village Map: View map here.
17. TX Whiskey Ranch
There are a lot of good distilleries in Fort Worth but visitors believed that TX Whiskey Ranch is the standard of what small distilleries aim to be. With a picturesque view of the surrounding countryside, its rustic charm and natural beauty makes this ranch stand out among the rest. Enjoy distillery tours and the art of whiskey making, whiskey tastings, bottling experience, and scenic views on this adult only (21+) destination. The staff is known to be knowledgable and really nice! Note that the food and wine festival takes place in March.
Check their official website at www.frdistilling.com
Maps & Addresses
This is how your trip might look! Here’s a list of all the interesting places we found in Fort Worth that I wrote about in this blog and placed together which ones are close to each other. I also included their addresses below that you can refer to when typing in your GPS because multiple pins might come up.
Tip: Mapping out places we want to visit has several benefits. It helps us see which attractions are near each other, reduces stress, saves time and makes our navigation easier. For instance, if one attraction is unexpectedly closed, we have our next possible destination ready at hand. By making a list and checking travel times in advance, we simplify the entire trip instead of googling on the spot (which is not a bad thing but) small preparations can really improve our experience.
Driving times from every point A to point B mostly ranges from 1 – 7 minutes. If you drive to one point, you can walk and reach the next point. The farthest drive you probably could have for this itinerary is 25 minutes if you try to drive between the farthest pins which is Bureau of Engraving and Printing to TX Whiskey Ranch. But the rest of the pins are sitting close together.
BLUE GREEN means the attraction has FREE admissions (Just a personal preference, I prioritize free things before anything else. Haha!) ORANGE means the attraction has specific admission fees (but do not fret, you can see from the details above that most of them charge decent amounts.)
Enjoy!
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