Fort Worth Where the West and Best Begin
Fort Worth: Where the west (and best) begin

Is Fort Worth worth a visit? Y’all better believe it. The once sleepy town formerly known as “Cowtown” compared to its slick city cousin Big D has come into its own and is now a popular destination for culture, cuisine and kicking up your boot heels. Here’s the lowdown.

Fort Worth Cultural District – Considered the museum capital of the Southwest, the Fort Worth Cultural District is just a few miles west of downtown. Its serene setting is home to five major museums – Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

Fort Worth Botanic Gardens – The weather in Fort Worth in May is typically gorgeous, so add the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens to your must-see list. The oldest botanic garden in Texas, it’s just a few minutes from the Cultural District. Stroll through 23 specialty gardens connected by winding paths through lush surroundings. Especially popular is the Japanese Garden with its beautiful waterfalls, koi-filled ponds and impressive gardens. And don’t miss the rose garden, inspired by the historic gardens of Europe. 

Fort Worth Water Gardens – Another popular outdoor activity is visiting the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Experience the serenity of the cool breeze of majestic cypress trees juxtaposed against the soothing sounds of cascading water. It’s also a special place to visit at night, as the pools are beautifully lit. 

Stockyards National Historic District – See why they refer to Fort Worth as the spot where the west begins. It’s not quite like running with the bulls in Pamplona, but twice a day (11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.), there’s a cattle drive in the Stockyards to commemorate the time when the Stockyards was a major stop for cattle drivers along the Chisholm Trail. Do you prefer some boot-scooting nightlife? Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk, is a can’t-miss stop for every Ft. Worth visitor to the famous Stockyards.

Fort Worth Zoo – Consistently ranked one of the top zoos in the nation, the Fort Worth Zoo is home to more than 7,000 native and exotic animals. It’s a pleasant way to spend the day outdoors.

Dining and Shopping – Fort Worth boasts an amazing array of restaurants that offer that famous Texas fare—from slow-cooked BBQ ribs to world-famous Tex Mex to the finest in gourmet dining. Another must-see on a trip to downtown Ft. Worth? The bustling Sundance Square—a 35-square-block of shops, great food and the perfect spot to stroll and soak up all that Texas charm.

Fort Worth Gallery