Visit Fort Worth: First-Timer’s Guide to Fort Worth
By: Autumn Rose Reo
Check out this blog from Visit Fort Worth on FortWorth.com.
With so many amazing things to see and do, planning your first trip to Cowtown can prove overwhelming. And while there are a few must-dos, here is a rundown of everything you need to consider adding to your trip itinerary.
TAKE IN THE HISTORY
It’s Cowtown, y’all. If you’re looking to live out your cowboy fantasy, this is the place. Fort Worth was one of the last stopping points on the Chisholm Trail during the Cattle Drive Era in the mid-1800s. And life today doesn’t look much different in this historic district. Stop by and witness the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive and the world’s only year-round rodeo or sing-a-long with the Cowtown Opry on Sunday afternoons. Visit the newly renovated Mule Alley for rustic-lux shopping and dining at hot spots like Provender Hall, Lucchese and Wrangler.
You can also hit up The Love Shack for a burger or Riscky’s BBQ for some hearty ribs before heading to Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk. Expect 127,000-square-feet of pure entertainment. There’s live bull riding, a cafe and gift shop, two dance floors and over 30 bar stations. It’s a late-night well worth it. Don’t forget to try their signature shot – The Three-Legged Monkey.
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OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Panther Island
Hit the water for some tubing, kayaking and paddleboarding at Panther Island Pavilion. It’s the hub for year-round events like Oktoberfest, Fort Worth’s Fourth and Rockin’ the River. If you float a little further down the river you will run into Coyote Drive-In Movie Theater. The modern-day drive-in shows double features on three large screens and sells snacks and beverages from The Canteen.
Near Southside
As the name suggests, this trendy urban neighborhood can be found just south of downtown. South Main Street and Magnolia Avenue are hip drags loaded with local hangs. Designated as a cultural district by the Texas Commission for the Arts, there is plenty of eclectic venues and galleries to take in.
River East
This pocket neighborhood just east of downtown Fort Worth is no stranger to the city. The culinary scene has been vibrant for decades and lays claim to more mom ‘n’ pop barbecue and soul food restaurants per capita than in any other part of the city and is well worth the visit.
Westbend
Situated near the popular University Village shopping center and just minutes from the TCU campus, WestBend is unique in its relatively diverse mix of office space and places to eat and shop. Well-known eateries such as HG Sply Co. and East Hampton Sandwich Co. now call the area home as well as luxury retail vendors Pax & Parker, Dear Hannah and The Woodhouse Day Spa.
River District
Just beyond the Cultural District along the Trinity River is the newly developed River District. Salsa Limon, Lettuce Cook and Heim BBQ all call the area home.
Waterside
Another riverfront development, this 63-acre mixed-use property is located off of Bryant Irvin Road and is home to Whole Foods, REI, Sur La Table and many new restaurants.
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SEE THE MAIN SIGHTS
Fort Worth Zoo The Fort Worth Zoo is something to marvel at indeed. With more than 7,000 native and exotic animals, it’s ranked as the No. 1 zoo in nation and features the newly opened African Savanna and Elephant Springs exhibits. In the summertime, visitors are invited to cool off at the splash pad, Safari Splash.
Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
Need rest? This is a delightful respite in the busy city. You can meander through 23 specialty gardens in Texas’ oldest botanic garden, including the very beautiful Japanese Gardens.
Fort Worth Water Gardens
Take a moment while discovering downtown to visit the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Adjacent to the Convention Center, the garden is an impressive architectural installation and houses three water features.
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TASTE THE LOCAL FLAVOR
Reata Restaurant
If you are after a steak while in Fort Worth, look no further than the renowned Reata Restaurant in Sundance Square. The food is excellent, and the views from the rooftop bar and one-of-a-kind Dome are superb.
Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine
Bonnell’s has won a lot of awards, and for good reason. Chef Jon Bonnell serves up “Texan Cuisine” with a twist. The Elk Mini Tacos and Venison Carpaccio are must tries!
Joe T. Garcia’s
A Fort Worth staple since 1935, dining at Joe T’s is as much about hanging out on the patio with a margarita in hand as it is about the food.
Paris Coffee Shop
Serving up patrons in the Near Southside for over four decades, this unpretentious breakfast spot is known for serving breakfast dishes that taste like home: biscuits and gravy, crispy bacon and hearty omelets and pancakes to your hearts content.
EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS
Cultural District
Museums are abundant, but we have some of the best in the country. Home to the only Michelangelo in the country and numerous special exhibitions, the Kimbell Art Museum does not disappoint. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History has as many exhibits for adults as they do for children, along with a Planetarium and the OMNI IMAX Dome. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art was designed by the same architect as the Fort Worth Water Gardens and admission is free. The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and the Modern Art Museum round out the area.
Bass Performance Hall
The world-renowned Bass Performance Hall is the permanent home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Performances in the Hall run year-round while free, docent-led tours are offered on select Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
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CATCH A GAME, RODEO OR RACE
Go Horned Frogs! at Texas Christian University Football Game
As a part of the Big 12 Conference, TCU hosts some great collegiate sports. In Texas, football is king and catching a TCU football game is something truly enjoyed by Fort Worthians. Come out for the tailgate and make some friends, just be sure to wear purple!
Texas Motor Speedway
Hosting both NASCAR and Indycar races, Texas Motor Speedway is one of the premier racing facilities in the United States. TMS is also home to Big Hoss TV, the world’s largest HD television screen.
Dickies Arena
Opened in 2019, the state-of-the-art arena is capable of hosting concerts, hockey, basketball, wrestling in front of up to 14,000 spectators. The arena is the home of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and the Panther City Lacrosse Club.
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BOUTIQUE SHOPPING
Sundance Square
Located in the heart of downtown, this 35-block entertainment district is lined with cowgirl chic outfitters like Parts Unknown and Overland Sheepskin. Mainstream shops include H&M and Francesca’s.
Crockett Row at West 7th
Walking through this trendy area that links downtown to the Cultural District you will find West Elm, Food Hall at Crockett Row and plenty of independent restaurants.
The Shops at Clearfork
This luxury retail shopping center is THE go-to in Fort Worth for upscale nightlife and retail therapy. It’s anchored by Neiman Marcus had houses luxury brands like Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, Tumi, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and more.
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