Things to do
Ranked by what's actually worth your time.
Explore vintage Old West buildings and watch the twice-daily Fort Worth Herd cattle drive down East Exchange Avenue. This 3-mile-northwest historic district is counted among Fort Worth's most popular attractions with free admission.
Experience Fort Worth's Wild West heritage with twice-daily cattle drives at 11:30 and 16:00. The historic district features honky-tonks, boot shops, and authentic cowboy cuisine in a preserved 19th-century setting. Free to watch the cattle drives, though arrive early for good viewing spots.
A world-class collection housed in a Louis I. Kahn masterpiece featuring works by Michelangelo, Picasso, Monet, and Matisse alongside treasures from Greece, Egypt, China, Japan, and the ancient Americas. Admission to the permanent collection is always free.
Permanent collection of paintings, photography, sculpture, and works on paper by leading American artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. Free general admission in a beautifully maintained museum dedicated to American art and heritage.
Founded in 1909 with just one lion and a handful of animals, this zoo now houses nearly 7,000 native and exotic animals and has been ranked among the nation's top zoos by Family Life magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and USA Today.
A renowned collection celebrating American art spanning centuries in the heart of Fort Worth's Cultural District. Free admission provides access to a comprehensive survey of American creativity.
Houses contemporary works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko in a striking Tadao Ando-designed building. Focuses on modern and contemporary art with rotating exhibitions.
Tadao Ando-designed museum showcasing modern and contemporary art without requiring an exhausting day-long visit. Free admission on Friday evenings and half-price on Sundays; $16 general admission otherwise.
Texas's oldest botanic garden featuring 23 distinct specialty gardens including a 1930s Rose Garden and Tropical Conservatory with rare plants from around the world.
Watch the world's only twice-daily cattle drive as the Fort Worth Herd moves down East Exchange Avenue at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Free and utterly authentic—this is how cattle were actually moved a century ago.
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, this museum features works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko in a striking architectural setting.
The world's largest honky-tonk spanning 3 acres, hosting country music performances, free dance classes, and professional bull riding events. A sprawling Fort Worth institution celebrating live music and western culture.
Home to the Championship Rodeo held Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m., where talented cowboys demonstrate riding, roping and racing skills. Located in the heart of the Stockyards Historic District on East Exchange Avenue.
A free downtown park featuring dramatic architectural water features including quiet, aerated, and active pools. The Active Pool's cascading water down terraces creates a striking architectural oasis in the heart of downtown.
Step back to 19th-century Texas with authentic log homes, a blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, smokehouse, and water-powered gristmill. Costumed interpreters bring the frontier era to life with hands-on demonstrations.
Honors the heroines of the American West through exhibits celebrating cowgirl history and achievements. A unique cultural institution dedicated to women's contributions to western heritage.
Features exhibits, films, and a gift shop celebrating women who shaped the American West and modern-day heroines. Provides a unique perspective on Western heritage often overlooked in traditional cowboy narratives.
Offers free guided tours allowing visitors to observe the process of printing United States paper currency in an operating government facility.
Home of the world's first indoor rodeo, this historic arena in the Stockyards hosts weekly rodeos, occasional concerts, and local team sporting events.
Hands-on displays covering science, history, art, and technology with interactive exhibits like Energy Blast exploring North Texas energy resources and a 4-D theater experience for all ages.
An award-winning rustic-luxe hotel with 200 rooms inspired by pioneering cowboys, located at the heart of the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Even without staying overnight, the lobby and grounds showcase a masterclass in Western luxury theater with direct Stockyards access.
Award-winning museum located in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards celebrating the life and legacy of Hollywood's iconic Western star. Explore artifacts and exhibits dedicated to John Wayne's influence on American culture.
Chronicles the history of the Fort Worth Livestock Exchange and the cattle industry's crucial role in building Fort Worth into a thriving Texas metropolis. Tells the definitive story of Cowtown's origins.
Miles-long trail system extending along the Trinity River offering scenic biking, jogging, and walking routes. A major recreational corridor connecting neighborhoods and providing outdoor access throughout Fort Worth.
Home of the world's first indoor rodeo, the historic Cowtown Coliseum hosts year-round championship rodeo performances on Saturdays and select weeknights. Experience authentic rodeo action in a legendary venue.
Multi-purpose venue hosting major events including the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, PBR professional bull riding, and specialty rodeos. The legendary 130th Anniversary Stock Show & Rodeo runs January 15 – February 6, 2027.
The world's only twice-daily cattle drive occurs at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., with the Fort Worth Herd moving down East Exchange Avenue. A must-see authentic Fort Worth experience that captures the region's ranching heritage.
Interactive museum featuring iconic artifacts, family stories, and exhibits celebrating John Wayne's legacy, voted Best Local Attraction by Fort Worth Magazine readers.
Home to the world's first indoor rodeo established in 1918, now hosting the world's only year-round professional rodeo. The venue also houses the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame and Bull Riding Hall of Fame.
A 35-block downtown district named for the Sundance Kid that has been entertaining Fort Worth visitors since the city's Wild West days with shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
Multi-mile network of biking, jogging, and walking trails along the Trinity River. Scenic riverside corridors connecting multiple neighborhoods.
Fort Worth's premier venue hosting the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra with film-and-orchestra experiences and classical performances. Recent programming includes The Wizard of Oz and Hook with live orchestral accompaniment.
Downtown public square hosting free cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Michelada Festival celebrating Hispanic heritage with food, live music, and competitions. Vibrant gathering space reflecting Fort Worth's diverse community.
A green space along the Trinity River offering walking trails, playgrounds, and a miniature train ride. Provides outdoor recreation and family-friendly attractions within the city.
Cluster of world-class museums and galleries in a historic neighborhood featuring free and low-cost admission options. Home to the Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum, and Modern Art Museum alongside theaters and dining.
Traditional science museum featuring dinosaur exhibits, Plains cultures displays, and hands-on interactive experiences for all ages.
Free, family-friendly experience featuring authentic Texas drovers leading a herd of longhorns down East Exchange Avenue twice daily at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weather permitting. Genuine working cattle drive captures the spirit of Western heritage.
A small, free gallery devoted entirely to Remington and Russell western art in the heart of Sundance Square. For pure Old West painting with no dilution, this downtown gem is more focused than the Amon Carter and takes about 30 minutes.
Specialized museum in Sundance Square dedicated to Western art. Part of downtown's cultural attractions offering a focused collection of work inspired by the American West.
A natural preserve offering trails and green space for outdoor recreation near downtown Fort Worth. Located conveniently close to other downtown attractions.
Honors individuals who made significant impact on rodeo, ranching, and the Western lifestyle in Texas through exhibits and inductee information.
Home to the half-mile dirt track hosting national sprint car racing championships and high-speed competition events throughout the season. A premier motorsports venue with exciting racing action.