## Introduction

Welcome to Fort Worth, a modern, vibrant city in North Texas with a rich history and plenty of sights and activities to keep you entertained. Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Fort Worth is the fifth-largest city in Texas and the 17th-largest city in the United States. It is home to over 900,000 people from all walks of life and backgrounds, as well as a growing number of tourists each year.

Fort Worth was originally founded in 1849 as an Army outpost along the Trinity River, but it quickly grew into a larger settlement as settlers began moving into the area. This growth was spurred by the arrival of the Chisholm Trail and the Texas & Pacific Railway in 1876, which helped the city become an important hub for livestock trade and transportation. Since then, Fort Worth has transformed itself into a center for culture and entertainment, with an impressive array of museums, galleries, restaurants, and attractions.

The city is home to many unique attractions and experiences, from its historic downtown with an array of 19th-century buildings to its world-class cultural institutions such as the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. And for those looking for outdoor activities, Fort Worth offers plenty to do. From hiking trails in the nearby Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge to kayaking on the Trinity River, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to visit in Fort Worth, from its top attractions to its best outdoor adventures. So whether you’re looking for a day of sightseeing or a weekend of outdoor exploration, there’s something in Fort Worth for you.

## Table of Contents

• Historic Downtown

• Sundance Square

• Fort Worth Stockyards

• Fort Worth Water Gardens

• Museums & Galleries

• Kimbell Art Museum

• Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

• Outdoor Adventures

• Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

• Trinity River

• Fort Worth Zoo

• Popular Tours

• ‘Best of Fort Worth’ Tour

• ‘Fort Worth Foodie Tour’

• ‘Fort Worth on Horseback’ Tour

## Historic Downtown

Fort Worth’s historic downtown has been lovingly restored and is now home to an array of 19th-century buildings, museums, and art galleries. This vibrant area is full of life, with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Here’s a look at some of the top attractions:

### Sundance Square

The heart of downtown Fort Worth is Sundance Square, a 35-block area filled with restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and office buildings. The square is named after the historic Sundance Hotel, which was built in 1876 and is now a popular destination for visitors. The hotel is home to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and is just one of many attractions in this vibrant area. Other points of interest include the Bass Performance Hall, which hosts many theatrical performances throughout the year, and the Fort Worth Convention Center. The square is also home to several public art installations and sculptures.

### Fort Worth Stockyards

The Fort Worth Stockyards is a National Historic District that celebrates the city’s long history as a major livestock center. This area is home to dozens of cowboy-themed attractions, such as rodeo shows, live music performances, shops, restaurants, and even a cattle drive. Visitors can also explore the district’s cattle pens and auction yards and take a “cowboy adventure” ride on a horse-drawn wagon. The Stockyards also houses several museums where visitors can learn about the city’s history and explore artifacts from its past.

### Fort Worth Water Gardens

The Fort Worth Water Gardens is an urban park located on the banks of the Trinity River. It features three different water features—the Aerating Pool, Quiet Pool, and Active Pool—each designed to represent different elements of nature. The Aerating Pool features two cascading waterfalls that create a tranquil atmosphere, while the Active Pool features rapids that flow over rocks and create an interesting visual effect. The Water Gardens also feature lush gardens and pathways that visitors can explore while they enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this urban oasis.

## Museums & Galleries

Fort Worth is home to many world-class museums and galleries that are sure to interest visitors of all ages. Here’s a look at some of the city’s top cultural institutions:

### Kimbell Art Museum

The Kimbell Art Museum is one of the most respected institutions of its kind in the United States. Founded in 1972 by Kay Kimbell, it is home to an impressive collection of artworks from across the world. The museum houses works from nearly every period of art history, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern works by artists such as Picasso and Matisse. The museum also hosts many exhibitions throughout the year and offers educational programs for children and adults alike.

### Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is one of the leading modern art museums in Texas. It was founded in 1892 and has grown into an impressive collection with works from renowned contemporary artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. The museum also features an extensive sculpture garden where visitors can stroll through a tranquil landscape while admiring works by artists such as Henry Moore and Alexander Calder.

### Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is an interactive museum that appeals to visitors of all ages. Its exhibits range from dinosaur fossils to live animals, from human anatomy to space exploration. Visitors can also explore interactive exhibits such as the “Be a Scientist” lab and take part in educational programs such as “Discovery Days” or “Museum After Hours” events. The museum also has a planetarium where visitors can enjoy shows about astronomy and space exploration.

## Outdoor Adventures

Fort Worth is home to many outdoor adventures that are sure to please any outdoor enthusiast. Here’s a look at some of the city’s best outdoor adventures:

### Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is a 3,622-acre park that offers visitors a chance to explore nature at its best. Visitors can hike on more than 20 miles of trails through forests, wetlands, prairies, and creeks. They can also take part in activities such as birdwatching or wildlife photography or just relax along one of the many nature trails. The park also offers educational programs such as “Nature Camp” for children or guided tours for adults.

### Trinity River

The Trinity River is a major tributary of the Red River that runs through north Texas. The river offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or birdwatching. There are also several hiking trails along the river with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. And if you’re looking for an adventure on dry land, there are plenty of biking trails along the riverside too.

### Fort Worth Zoo

The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the best zoos in Texas and home to more than 5,000 animals from around the world. Visitors can explore exhibits such as “African Outpost” or “Wildlife Carousel” or take part in educational programs such as “Tiger Talks” or “Animal Encounter” sessions. The zoo also features many interactive exhibits where visitors can get up close and personal with some of their favorite animals.

## Popular Tours

Fort Worth has many popular tours that are sure to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. Here are two popular tours that we recommend:

### ‘Best of Fort Worth’ Tour
This tour takes visitors on a journey through downtown Fort Worth to explore some of its most popular attractions. Visitors will get to explore landmarks such as the Bass Performance Hall, Sundance Square Plaza, Stockyards Station, and more. They will also get an inside look at some local businesses such as Del Frisco’s Steakhouse or Bob’s Steak & Chop House. This tour provides visitors with an all-encompassing experience that includes both sightseeing and insider knowledge about life in Fort Worth. [Book this tour here](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Fort%20Worth+Best%20of%20Fort%20Worth).

### ‘Fort Worth Foodie Tour’
This tour takes visitors on a culinary journey through downtown Fort Worth with stops at some of its best restaurants such as Reata Restaurant & Bar or Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. At each restaurant, visitors will be treated to samples of delicious local cuisine while learning about its history and its place in Fort Worth culture. This tour provides visitors with an opportunity to see (and taste!) some of Fort Worth’s best food while learning about its history and culture.[Book this tour here](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Fort%20Worth+Food%20Tour).

### ‘Fort Worth on Horseback’ Tour
This tour takes visitors on an adventure through downtown Fort Worth on horseback with stops at some of its most iconic landmarks such as John Peter Smith Hospital or Stockyards Station. Along the way, visitors will get an up-close look at these historic locations while learning about their place in Fort Worth’s history and current culture. This tour is perfect for those looking for a unique way to explore downtown Fort Worth.[Book this tour here](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Fort%20Worth%20Horseback%20Tour).

## Conclusion

Fort Worth is full of attractions and activities that are sure to please any visitor looking for a great day out or weekend adventure. Its vibrant downtown area has been lovingly restored and provides plenty of shopping, dining, entertainment venues, museums, galleries, parks, nature trails, and more. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or an outdoor adventure, there’s something in Fort Worth for you!