Tours & excursions
Guided outings worth booking — boat trips, charters, and tours.
Watch the world's only twice-daily cattle drive down East Exchange Avenue at the Stockyards at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. A free, authentic Western experience that captures Fort Worth's cattle industry heritage in action.
Experience the world's only twice-daily cattle drive at 11:30am and 4pm, a free event that recreates Fort Worth's historic cattle-drive heritage. Witness authentic longhorns and cowboys moving through the Stockyards, paying tribute to the city's western roots.
Experience authentic Texas cattle drives twice daily (11:30 AM and 4:00 PM) as real longhorns parade through the historic Stockyards with experienced drovers, showcasing a living tradition dating back to Fort Worth's cowboy heritage.
Watch the Fort Worth Herd mosey down East Exchange Avenue in twice-daily cattle drives—a historic spectacle that's counted among Fort Worth's most popular attractions. This free experience captures the essence of Old West heritage in an active, working historic district.
Watch a herd of Texas longhorns and their drovers move through the streets twice daily at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM in this working historic district. Free to watch, this is the most authentic Western experience in Fort Worth—no theme park theatrics.
Daily guided tours through the historic Stockyards where cowboys still drive longhorns down Exchange Avenue twice daily. Learn the authentic history of Fort Worth's Old West heritage while exploring saloons, shops, and attractions that define the district.
Watch the Fort Worth Herd mosey down East Exchange Avenue in the world's only twice-daily cattle drive at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. This authentic recreation of how cattle were moved a century ago is free and utterly authentic to Cowtown's ranching heritage.
A 35-year-running three-day festival at Fort Worth Stockyards featuring ranch rodeo performances, Western swing dancing, chuck wagon cook-offs, and live performances from Western music legends. Authentic cowboy culture and music celebration drawing crowds for the real deal experience.
Watch professional and semi-pro bull riders compete at the world's largest honky-tonk on its 3-acre property, plus take free dance classes and enjoy live country music performances. Multiple events throughout the week.
Historic venue hosting the world's first indoor rodeo with championship events year-round. Saturday night rodeos at 7:30 PM showcase professional riders and traditional western competition in an iconic setting.
The 130th anniversary of this legendary rodeo runs January 15–February 6, 2027, featuring specialty events like the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, and Bulls' Night Out Xtreme Bull Riding. A quintessential Texas experience with competitions, exhibitions, and cultural celebrations.
The Ariat Texas Rattlers bring three days of professional bull riding to Dickies Arena with family activities and a parade in the Stockyards. High-energy rodeo action at its finest.
A three-day celebration of Western heritage featuring ranch rodeo performances, cowboy music, Western swing dancing, and chuck wagon cook-offs with live performances from Western music legends including Red Steagall and Jake Hooker.
Guided exploration of Fort Worth's livestock market history through artifacts, photos, and exhibits documenting Native American connections, the Chisholm Trail, and the packing plants that built Cowtown. Learn why Fort Worth earned its western reputation.
Home of the world's first indoor rodeo, Cowtown Coliseum hosts year-round weekly rodeos and the PBR Stockyards Showcase bull riding every Thursday. This historic arena delivers authentic rodeo action in an intimate venue setting.
Explore 120 acres across 23 specialty gardens featuring 2,500+ plant species in the Cultural District. Docent-led tours available for guided botanical education or self-explore at your own pace.
Free guided experience where drovers herd Texas Longhorns down Exchange Avenue twice daily at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. A authentic piece of Old West heritage performed on the same streets since the 1800s.
Hands-on instruction from five experienced pit masters on smoking techniques and creating various proteins at Fort Worth's best barbecue joint. Classes teach the fundamentals of Texas-style smoking with real-world application.
Step back to 19th-century Texas with costumed interpreters guiding you through authentic log homes, a blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, smokehouse, and water-powered gristmill.
The Ariat Texas Rattlers return for their annual homestand with three days of professional bull riding as part of the PBR Team Series, plus family-friendly activities and a parade in the Stockyards.
Three days of professional bull riding by the Ariat Texas Rattlers as part of the PBR Team Series with family-friendly activities and a Stockyards parade. Occurs October 2-4, 2026.
Three-day authentic western celebration featuring cowboy culture, western swing music, and hands-on demonstrations. The 35-year tradition combines education with entertainment in the heart of the Stockyards.
Year-round rodeo events held at the historic Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards, featuring professional bull riding and other traditional rodeo competitions. Thursday night PBR Stockyards Showcase events showcase professional bull riders.
Miles of scenic biking and walking routes along the Trinity River offering outdoor recreation opportunities. Hotel Otto at Trinity Trails provides direct access to this extensive trail system for organized adventures.
Tour the legendary Cowtown Coliseum, home to the world's first indoor rodeo in 1918 and current home of the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame and Bull Riding Hall of Fame. Explore exhibits and memorabilia chronicling rodeo history and Fort Worth's cattle industry.
Biannual Japanese festival in the oldest botanic garden in Texas featuring 23 distinct specialty gardens. Experience fall color-changing trees, authentic taiko drumming performances, and kids activities in the spectacular Japanese Garden.
Twice-daily cattle drives (11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.) where cowhands guide a herd of Texas Longhorns down East Exchange Avenue through the historic district. Free viewing of an authentic working tradition that embodies Fort Worth's Wild West heritage.
Stroll through this Phillip Johnson-designed architectural marvel featuring water features and urban landscaping near downtown. A refreshing oasis perfect for a meditative walk any time of year.
Home to 7,000 native and exotic animals, this top-rated zoo offers interactive experiences like feeding giraffes and observing the twice-daily cattle drive nearby. Half-price admissions available on Wednesdays.
Explore a world-class collection of 7,000 native and exotic animals spanning 542 species across African Savanna, Asian elephant herds, Australian Outback, and more. Open 365 days a year with half-price admission on Wednesdays.
Experience Michelin one-star Central Texas barbecue from Texas Monthly's No. 3 ranked pit in the state. Open Thursday-Sunday from 11am until sold out; arrive 8-10am for the full menu selection.
Three days of Professional Bull Riding featuring the Ariat Texas Rattlers at their annual homestand. Part of the PBR Team Series with family-friendly activities and a Stockyards parade.
Professional bull riding action happens every Thursday night at the historic Stockyards venue. This is high-octane Western entertainment in the heart of Fort Worth's cowboy district.
Learn the complete history of the Fort Worth Livestock Exchange and how cattle-raising built this city into a thriving Texas metropolis through exhibits and guided interpretation.
Chef Tim Love's 14,000-square-foot rustic smokehouse on the Trinity River with corrugated metal walls, pickled wood, and garage doors opening to outdoor dining. The restaurant's scale and operation offer insight into Texas BBQ traditions.
Chef Tim Love's pit barbecue tour combined with elevated dining featuring smoked meats, fusion cuisine like banh mi and ramen, and game meats. The riverside patio setting in the Cultural District offers barbecue with sophistication and views of the Trinity River.
Explore this free downtown architectural oasis featuring dramatic water features including quiet, aerated, and active pools with cascading water terraces. The Active Pool creates a striking visual spectacle in the middle of downtown.
Explore 7,000+ animals from 500+ species at the USA Today-ranked #1 zoo in America, then cool off at Safari Splash, the zoo's 14,000-square-foot water playground ($5 additional). Rating among top zoos nationwide.
No-frills BBQ spot offering how-to classes on smoking and creating various proteins. Learn from five experienced pit masters who have worked in major Texas cue operations.
Comprehensive exploration of John Wayne's film and television career through 400 pieces of memorabilia spanning his decades as Hollywood's western icon. A cinematic deep dive into America's most famous cowboy.
Explore Fort Worth's creative Near Southside neighborhood with its acclaimed restaurant row, live music venues, and galleries within walking distance. Home to farm-to-table fine dining, elevated Tex-Mex, Japanese izakaya, and innovative plant-based cuisine.
Michelin-recommended barbecue combining wood-pit smoking with Southside Fort Worth and Tex-Mex influences, featuring brisket, ribs, sausage alongside tacos and elote. Founded as a food trailer in 2018 by Chris Magallanes and Ernest Morales.
Housed in the Historic Livestock Exchange Building, this museum documents Fort Worth's cattle industry heritage, the Chisholm Trail, and packing plants. Costumed interpreters bring the 'Cowtown' story to life.
Housed in the former Livestock Exchange building, this museum contains extensive documents and artifacts from Fort Worth's Old West era. Guided exploration of the city's cattle-driving history and Western heritage through original materials.
Miles of scenic biking, jogging, and walking routes along the Trinity River through Trinity Park. Peaceful green space with duck ponds and riverside views perfect for self-guided exploration or guided excursions.
Extensive trail system extending miles along the Trinity River offering guided biking and scenic walking routes through Fort Worth's riverfront landscape. Multiple access points for various skill levels.
The legendary 130th anniversary Stock Show & Rodeo features specialty rodeos including Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Best of Mexico Celebración, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, and Bulls' Night Out Xtreme Bull Riding, plus livestock shows, pony rides, and carnival activities (January 15 – February 6, 2027).
The world's largest honky-tonk on a 3-acre property features nightly live entertainment, dancing, mechanical bull, and rodeo energy. A legendary Stockyards institution for nightlife.
Friday and Saturday night rodeo competitions (starting 7:30 p.m.) at Cowtown Coliseum featuring talented cowboys demonstrating riding, roping, and racing skills. Classic Stockyards rodeo experience showcasing traditional Western competitions.
Explore five world-class museums in a park-like setting: Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame within walking distance.
Founded in 1909, this top-rated zoo now houses nearly 7,000 native and exotic animals across expansive grounds. Ranked among the nation's best zoos by Family Life magazine, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today.
This 10,000-square-foot museum in the Stockyards features over 400 pieces of memorabilia chronicling the life story of 'The Duke,' offering an immersive journey through John Wayne's legendary career and Western heritage.
Navigate masterpieces by Michelangelo, Picasso, Monet, and Matisse through guided tours in this world-class museum housed in a Louis Kahn-designed architectural landmark.
Step back to 19th-century Texas exploring authentic log homes, a blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, smokehouse, and water-powered gristmill. Costumed interpreters guide visitors through living history.
Sample legendary Texas barbecue at H3 Ranch at the Stockyards Hotel with its live hickory wood grill and famous Lip Smackin' Sauce, followed by live music and dancing at Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky-tonk spanning 3 acres.
Explore the Stockyards Museum housed in the historic Livestock Exchange Building and walk the brick streets of the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. Learn the history of the Chisholm Trail and cattle-shipping empire.
Texas Monthly's most impressive barbecue chain serves Central Texas-style smoked brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, turkey and sausage in an authentic wood-fired setting. Located in the Cultural District.
Large urban park along the Trinity River offering guided walking and biking trails with scenic river views. The trails connect the Zoo, Botanic Garden, and Cultural District, providing locals' favorite outdoor recreation with picnic areas and playgrounds.
Fort Worth's organized art crawl connecting galleries, studios, and cultural venues. Guided exploration of the city's contemporary and cultural art scene.
A celebration of Western style and creativity featuring runway shows, live entertainment, original artwork, and exclusive shopping experiences at the Fort Worth Stockyards (October 2–4, 2026).