A Local's Guide to Fort Worth, Texas

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Advisor - Connie Norwell
Curated By

Connie Norwell

  • City Travel

  • Weekend Getaways

  • Local Travel

  • Downtown

Advisor - A Local's Guide to Fort Worth, Texas
Curator’s statement

I moved across the country to Fort Worth, TX after graduating college, which gave me the unique opportunity of learning about my new city (and the place I still call home) as a tourist first. Having never been to Texas at the time, I couldn’t find Fort Worth on a map! I quickly grew to love this city and have learned it well from the many visitors I’ve hosted over the past decade. In my time in Texas, I’ve lived in downtown Fort Worth, downtown Dallas and now in the suburbs, but it’s Fort Worth that still has a piece of my heart. Come explore and see everything there is to offer ‘Where the West Begins.’

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Where to stay in Fort Worth

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Things to do in Fort Worth

Sundance Square — Sundance Square is a vibrant, 35-block district in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, known for its 19th century-charm, with a variety of shopping, dining and local attractions. Once a bustling center for cowboys, outlaws and cattle drives, you’ll now find a range of entertainment, including Bass Performance Hall, outdoor concerts at Sundance Square Plaza, art festivals, comedy clubs and the Scat Jazz Lounge, just to name a few.

Pro-tip: You don’t necessarily need to “do” anything to enjoy Sundance Square. Grab an ice cream or a coffee, head to the center of the square and find a place to sit and enjoy the nice weather, people-watching and the interactive fountains.

Stockyards — The Fort Worth Stockyards is a historic district that celebrates the city’s cowboy heritage and role as a major livestock hub during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area is home to live music venues, dining and nightlife options, cowboy boot shops and the iconic Billy Bob’s Texas, one of the world’s largest honky-tonks.

Pro-tip: Billy Bob’s is a ticketed venue most nights, especially on the weekends. Be sure to check the line-up and ticket cost ahead of time so you know what to expect. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Cowtown Coliseum Rodeo — For a true Texas experience, head to Cowtown Coliseum in the Stockyards to experience an authentic championship rodeo. This is something I’ve taken nearly every visitor I’ve had to go do because it’s so quintessentially Texan. The rodeo has kept its historic charm and it’s sure to entertain family members of all ages.

Pro-tip: Make sure you arrive in time for the opening ceremonies. You won’t want to miss it!

Dickie’s Arena — Dickie's Arena is a relatively new multipurpose venue located within the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, known for hosting major concerts, sporting events and the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. The arena seats up to 14,000, but there is not a bad seat in the house. Be sure to check the schedule when you are visiting to see who is in town!

Pro-tip: Try and sneak up to the Ariat Club bar for real, handmade cocktails and some of the best views in the arena. It’s part of the club level but is open to all guests.

Trinity Trails — The Trinity Trails span over 100 miles along the Trinity River, offering scenic routes for walking, biking and horseback riding. The trails connect many of the city’s highlights, including downtown, the Fort Worth Stockyard and the Cultural District. They provide a relaxing way to explore the city and enjoy the nice weather.

Pro-tip: There are several dining options right off the trails, including HG Sply and Press Cafe. Time your walk accordingly to end with brunch or lunch at one of these stops!

TX Whiskey Ranch — Overlooking the Trinity River and downtown skyline, TX Whiskey Ranch is a 112-acre distillery offering a unique blend of rustic charm and modern Texas hospitality. Here, guests can enjoy tastings, guided tours of the distillery and live music events in a scenic hilltop setting.

Pro-tip: Save room in your suitcase to stock up at the gift shop before you head back home. Sometimes you’ll find bottles of limited-batch bourbon or whiskey available for purchase.

Places to eat & drink in Fort Worth

Lonesome Dove — Lonesome Dove is a celebrated fine-dining restaurant by Chef Tim Love, located in the historic Stockyards District. The menu features bold, creative takes on Western cuisine, including wild game, prime steaks and signature dishes like elk sliders and rabbit-rattlesnake sausage. This is the perfect, quintessential special occasion restaurant to complete your Fort Worth experience.

Hudson House — A stylish neighborhood restaurant known for its East Coast-inspired menu, Hudson House features fresh oysters, lobster rolls and classic American fare. With its chic atmosphere, lively bar scene and popular happy hour, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors looking for a relaxed yet elevated dining experience.

Angelo’s BBQ — Texans can be particular about their barbecue, and Angelo’s has stood the test of time since 1958. This legendary, family-run joint is known for its tender brisket, ribs and ice-cold beer served in a no-frills, lodge-like setting. A true hole-in-the-wall: prepare for styrofoam plates and lots and lots of taxidermy, which all adds to the authentic charm.

Joe T Garcia’s — Open since 1935, Joe T. Garcia’s, located in the Stockyards, is a beloved Tex-Mex spot known for its sprawling patio, festive atmosphere and margarita pitchers. The menu is simple — enchiladas or fajitas — but in this case less is more. Pro-tip: arrive early and prepare to stand in line, which you can do with a pitcher of margaritas in hand. Also, it’s cash only and does have ATMs onsite.

Flying Saucer — Flying Saucer in Fort Worth, Texas, is a beer garden located in Sundance Square with an amazing outdoor patio. Known for its extensive beer selection featuring hundreds of craft and imported brews and a lively atmosphere, it’s a great spot to hang out and enjoy the best of the Sundance Square area.

Cane Rosso — A tried-and-true spot with a casual vibe, Cane Rosso uses fresh, high-quality ingredients and house-made dough to craft their pizzas. You’ll find classic pies alongside creative Texas-inspired variations with fresh and flavorful starters. Any first-timer should give the locally-inspired Honey Bastard pizza a try.

HG Sply — HG Sply Co. features "Hunted & Gathered" bowls, gluten- and dairy-free options, dishes like duck fried rice and quinoa burgers and cocktails made with house-infused spirits. With a spacious 7,000-square-foot patio and a commitment to clean, flavorful food, HG Sply Co. provides a welcoming spot for brunch, lunch and dinner located right off the Trinity Trails.

Need to know

Day trips from Fort Worth

Dallas: Just about 30 miles apart, Dallas and Fort Worth offer a completely different experience. If you’re wanting to see both sides of the Metroplex, head to Dallas for the day. For the history buffs, check out The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, or on a nice day head to Bishops Arts where you can stroll the streets of shops and restaurants while enjoying live music on every corner. With its lively atmosphere and plenty of attractions, Dallas is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering something for everyone, from culture enthusiasts to foodies.

Waco: Located about 90 miles south of Fort Worth, Waco offers a charming mix of history and culture. Visitors can explore the famous Magnolia Market — owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame — including its many shops and dining options. With its combination of small-town charm and unique attractions, Waco makes for a relaxing and enjoyable getaway just a short drive from Fort Worth.

Lakes: While you may not think of lakes when you think of Fort Worth, there are several options nearby that provide a peaceful escape and plenty of outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, sandy beaches and nature trails, or rent kayaks, boats and paddleboards to explore the calm waters. With close proximity to Fort Worth, these lakes offer a quick getaway for anyone looking to enjoy a day on the water just outside the city.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Texas page.

Advisor - Connie Norwell

Travel Advisor

Connie Norwell

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