Fort Worth

Introduction

Located in the state of Texas, Fort Worth serves as the county seat of Tarrant County. You will find this city situated within a sprawling area that extends into Denton, Johnson, Parker, and Wise counties.

As part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, you can experience the scale of one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the United States.

Before you go

Prepare for a subtropical climate where you can expect mild winters and hot summers. While spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, be aware that the region sits at the southern tip of Tornado Alley, making springtime weather volatile with frequent severe storms. Summers are typically hot and dry but often humid, while winter conditions remain relatively dry and cool despite the occasional risk of ice storms.

When navigating the city, stay alert in high-traffic areas and be mindful of the fast-moving traffic on the freeways. You can explore various neighborhoods with distinct characters:

• The Stockyards, a national historic district known for its western atmosphere of cattle drives and country music.
• Sundance Square in downtown, which offers a laid-back nightlife compared to the rowdier bar and club district of the Stockyards.
• The Cultural District, also known as West 7th, which houses museums and the stock show and rodeo.
• Near Southside, an area undergoing a renaissance with microbreweries and a welcoming atmosphere for artists.
• The TCU area, where the university campus is prominent and features unique boutiques.

Getting there

You can reach Fort Worth by air through Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which serves as a major hub for American Airlines. From the airport, you can choose to travel to downtown via the TEXRail commuter train. If you prefer rail travel, the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center serves as a central hub for Amtrak trains, Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter trains, and local bus services. The Texas Eagle offers daily service from Chicago and San Antonio, while the Heartland Flyer provides daily service between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City. For those traveling by road, you can reach the city via I-20, I-30, or I-35W.

Several bus options are available for your journey:

• Greyhound and its subsidiaries provide inter-city service at the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center.
• Megabus offers service from cities including Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Memphis, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, and Norman.
• Trans-border bus lines, such as Autobus Americanos and Turimex Internacional, provide connections to various points in Mexico.
• Vonlane provides luxury coach service from Austin and Houston.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using Trinity Metro, which offers both bus and train options to connect various areas over mid-range distances. For those traveling between downtown Fort Worth, DFW Airport, and downtown Dallas, the Trinity Rail Express provides commuter train service from Monday through Saturday, with no scheduled service on Sundays or most major holidays. Within the downtown area, you can utilize the Blue Line bus for local transportation, including access to Sundance Square.

If you prefer to explore on two wheels, the Fort Worth B-cycle bike sharing program features stations located throughout the downtown district.

Where to stay

Depending on your preference for atmosphere and location, you can find a variety of accommodations throughout the city. For those seeking luxury, stay in a renovated historical building with attentive staff or choose a high-end hotel known for its friendly service and full amenities. If you prefer to be near the heart of the action, several options are located in the downtown area, including properties featuring modern renovations or those situated near the convention center.

For more convenient access to specific areas, consider these locations:

• Stay near the Fort Worth Stockyards at a location positioned at the intersection of major freeways.
• Choose an extended stay option located between Benbrook Lake and downtown.
• Select a property in southwest Fort Worth or one situated near University Drive.
• If your travel is focused on the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plant, choose accommodations nearby that offer breakfast or are located off University Drive.

Food & drink

You can experience the staple flavors of the region by exploring local BBQ and Tex-Mex. For a classic atmosphere, visit an old wooden barn where you can enjoy tender pork ribs and beans paired with cold beer. If you prefer a more casual vibe in the TCU area, find a taco dive for fish tacos or head to a shop featuring a unique hamburger created by a local chef. For those seeking high-quality burgers, look for a location housed in a kitschy old grocery store. You can also find authentic Italian dishes at a small restaurant with limited seating, diverse Tex-Mex options, or specialized Middle Eastern cuisine.

The culinary scene offers variety for every preference:

• Vegan dining is available at a dedicated restaurant featuring an eclectic menu.
• For a refined experience, choose from "Cowboy cuisine" in the Stockyards area, French country food in a cozy setting, or a high-end steakhouse.
• If you prefer a casual lunch, find large custom sandwiches and pizza at a gourmet grocery store cafe.

• Visit a brewery to sample local craft beers or visit a distillery to try Texas-distilled bourbon.
• Enjoy a wide selection of beer in a space featuring vintage dinnerware and a game room.
• Relax at a high-end craft cocktail bar on Magnolia Avenue for expertly mixed drinks, or find a chilled atmosphere with a solid drink selection.

What to see and do

Explore a wide array of cultural institutions that showcase both local heritage and international artistry. You can visit the Kimbell Art Museum to view works by masters such as Matisse and Picasso within a building noted for its modern architecture, or head to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth to see an extensive permanent collection in a striking contemporary structure. For those interested in Western history, the Amon Carter Museum and the Sid Richardson Museum both feature significant collections of American art and photography, while the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors the spirit of women of the American West. You can also explore the historical influence of non-White cowboys at the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum or delve into local history at the Stockyards Museum.

Experience the local atmosphere in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can enjoy a weekly rodeo and visit the Cowtown Cattle Pen Maze. Nearby, Sundance Square offers brick-paved sidewalks and a variety of shops and restaurants, often serving as a hub for outdoor events like the Parade of Lights. If you prefer to be outdoors, explore the expansive grounds of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden or find tranquility at the Fort Worth Water Gardens. For active pursuits, you can hike through rugged terrain at Eagle Mountain Park, view waterfalls at Marion Sansom Park, or walk the trails and boardwalks of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. Aviation enthusiasts can visit the C.R. Smith Aviation Museum to learn about American Airlines history or see warbirds at the Vintage Flying Museum.

You can experience Fort Worth across a variety of seasonal conditions, from mild winters to hot, humid summers. During the winter months, you will find the weather mostly dry and cool, though you should be prepared for significant daily temperature swings and the occasional occurrence of snow or ice storms.

If you visit during the spring or fall, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures as the seasons transition. However, be mindful that the spring is a notably wet season characterized by volatile and severe weather due to the city's location at the southern tip of Tornado Alley. Summer brings intense heat and humidity, while the fall offers a return to milder conditions with a period of wet weather.

Three days in Fort Worth

Day one, you can begin your journey in the Stockyards to experience the historic atmosphere of this district. You can also explore Sundance Square as you settle into the local culture.

Day two, head toward the Cultural District to immerse yourself in the arts and history of the area. You might also spend time exploring the vibe of the Near Southside neighborhood.

Day three, you can travel through the city while taking in the sights of Fort Worth before your departure from the region.