Things To Do in Fort Worth, Texas From a Local || What to Eat, Do, & See

Check out all the best things to do in Fort Worth! Although Fort Worth is so close to Dallas, few actually spend much time there. A shame since Fort Worth has such a unique and exciting culture, and it’s easy to spend days there without being bored.

I actually grew up just outside of Fort Worth, in Grapevine, so I always spent time there more than in Dallas. My parents moved back to Fort Worth, so now we call Fort Worth home! So sharing all our favorite local spots we’ve come to love in Fort Worth!

SEE MORE : 12 HIDDEN GEMS IN DALLAS FORT WORTH TO CHECK OUT

The Best Things To Do in Fort Worth, Texas

Walk Around Sundance Square
Sundance Square is one of the most walkable downtown areas and is full of things to do in Fort Worth. If you leave nearby, make sure you check out their local events calendar  for any fun upcoming festivities. This is the perfect spot a beautiful day as it is entirely outdoors!

Bass Hall for Concerts & Symphonies
Such a stunning music performance hall with an interior that will take your breath away. Go check out the symphony or catch a play here, and absolutely make sure you take a bathroom break just to see the stunning restrooms. Definitely a great nighttime activity to do in Fort Worth.

The Fort Worth Zoo
My favorite zoo in Texas! The Fort Worth Zoo is not only affordable, but it houses an impressive variety of animals. A treat for anyone.

Panther Island
Spend the afternoon kayaking and paddle-boarding over on Panther Island. This is a great way to enjoy the sunshine and the Trinity River! Also, love the breweries in the area are great here!

Fossil Rim Safari Park
Technically not in Fort Worth, but still have to include this. It’s a Safari Park you can drive through to feed and hang out with the animals! They come right up to your window, and you bet they want to come inside. It’s a blast!

West Bend Fort Worth
Home to some Fort Worth favorite eateries such as East Hampton Sandwich Co and HG Sply Co. Also home to some gorgeous luxury retailers if you want to do some shopping.

The Fort Worth Cultural District

Fort Worth Cultural Museum District is actually quite a beautiful area, and if you love a museum then this is a must-check-out area. It has every type of museum: from the Cowboy Museum to Science to Modern Art. Cultural museums are great things to do in Fort Worth if you have the afternoon to hit them all. Take your pick!

Fort Worth Science and History Museum
Probably one of my favorites, but this may be because I spent so much time here as a kid! A great spot for families and lovers of science and museums. Check out ticket prices here. 

Kimball Museum of Art
Full of Asian, Western, & European art this beautiful museum is perfect for art lovers. It is also home to works from Monet & Michelangelo! Check out ticket prices here. 

Amon Carter Museum of Art
Home to some incredible works of American art, ranging from paintings to sculptures and everything in between. If names like Karl Struss and Frederick Church mean anything to you, go here. The best part? It’s FREE!

Museum of Modern Art Fort Worth
Honestly, this one is my favorite. The building itself is a work of modern art and you should go just for that. Check out ticket prices here.

Fort Worth Cowboy Museum
I think the name is self-explanatory. This one is just fun and unique, so definitely go inside if you have the time and want to learn something about Texas cowboy culture. Check it out here.

Visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards

My absolute FAVORITE thing about Fort Worth. The Stockyards experience is so unique to this city and something fun for everyone, whether you are from Texas or not. You’ll fill your days with things to do in Fort Worth at the Stockyards:

The Fort Worth Rodeo
Seriously, this is a Fort Worth MUST. Grab your $20 tickets to the rodeo, grab a beer, and enjoy the show. Also, I did so much research into this and can confirm that no animals are hurt in this rodeo. Can confirm. Would not recommend if otherwise. 

Billy Bobs Dance Hall
The World’s Largest Honky Tonk, Y’all! Check out the live bull riding, two giant dance floors, local concerts, and over 30 bar stations. Get your two-stepping groove on here right after you hit the Rodeo! 

Cattle Drive in Fort Worth
Check out the Cattle Drive that runs at 11:30am and 4pm every day! It’s a parade of cattle and a treat for the young and old. 

Livestock Exchange
Where they keep the longhorns! And as a UT grad, you know I love my longhorns. Head on through the exchange building and into the back area where the pens of cattle are. 

Cavender’s Boots
Texas locals know we love our cowboy boots, and Cavenders is THE place to go. Try on a pair of boots from their flagship down in the Stockyards and pretend you’re a local for a min!

The Cattle Maze
Young little Michelle had to add this to the list. Whether you have kids or you are a kid at heart, this wooden maze is a classic that has been around since my dad was a kid. 

Where to Eat at the Stockyards
If you want some good ‘ole Tex-Mex then Joe T Garcia’s is the place to go. If you’re up for some classic burger grub, then Love Shack is your next stop. Want some BBQ from the Lone Star State? Then Riscky’s better be where you head! Something for everyone down in the Stockyards! 

The Locals Favorites in Fort Worth

South Main Street Fort Worth
This is probably where I find myself most often in Fort Worth! Lots of delicious restaurants to eat at like Panther City BBQ and Pouring Glory. Plus TONS of great bars! I love the beers at HopFusion and love their trivia nights, and then you can do Soma Winery if you’re a fan of Wines and Nickel City if you’re a fan of dive bars and cocktails!

West Magnolia Avenue
Love this part of Fort Worth! Especially great for the coffee shops and bakeries over here. Totally recommend Stir Crazy Baked Goods because their snacks are delicious. Melt is also a great spot to get ice cream down here!

Can also hang out at the Craftwork Coffee and Avoca Coffee that are both right around here. This is just such a nice street to walk through on a nice afternoon!

West 7th
Mentioned in my Fort Worth Nightlife section as well, but it’s great in the daytime too! I love starting coffee at Ampersand Coffee Shop, then strolling through the Museum of Modern Art, and ending my day with drinks at ANY of the awesome bars in this area. Cannot go wrong!

What To Eat in Fort Worth

The Best Nightlife in Fort Worth

West 7th Fort Worth
If you’re under the age of 25 this is probably a good spot for you! It’s very much night out on the down for the youths. My favorites are Rodeo Goat, Bar Louie, Whiskey Garden, Trophy Ranch, and America Gardens. Bar hopping time!

The Stockyards
An iconic must, obviously! The Stockyards have been VERY built up and are one of the main things to do in Fort Worth. I recommend doing Hotel Drover for cocktails, Second Rodeo if you’re looking for more chill beers, otherwise just wander down the street and I promise you will find a bar that fits the vibe you’re looking for.

OR you can go FULL Texas and pop down the road to Billy Bobs Dance Hall in Fort Worth! They’re a BLAST, and an experience. Bring your boots and expect to dance!

Thompson’s Bookstore
Such a cool speakeasy-style bar! While it appears to be a bookstore, there is a hidden bar in the back you have to check out.

South Main Street
Mentioned them above for good reason! This is more the drinks with friends vibe. We love going to HopFusion for beers, Soma for wines, Nickel City for cocktails, and just wandering around to the different bars in this area!!

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Hope you enjoyed these Things To Do in Fort Worth blog post and found some awesome spots for your day in Cowtown! I’ve loved being from Fort Worth, loved the culture, the people, and the environment. It’s so close to Dallas but so different!