Best Things to do in Fort Worth, Texas in 2026
Fort Worth, Texas is an underrated city that blends Western heritage with modern attractions and establishments. Forth Worth has a lot to offer with surprisingly a lot to do and see from the historic Fort Worth Stockyards to the Botanic Gardens.
If you are looking for the best things to do in Fort Worth, I compiled a list of my recommendations including must-try food in Fort Worth even day trips that are worthwhile. Whether it’s visiting for nightlife or just family fun, Fort Worth has an abundance of things to do.
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Fort Worth, Texas is one of those cities that has something for everyone. If you are into museums or art, the Cultural District is a must, if you are traveling with a family, the Fort Worth Zoo is world class, or if you just want to try good food, there is amazing BBQ and Tex-Mex.
I spent a week in the Fort Worth area and did a nice mix of local attractions, day trips, sampling food, and just exploring. Here are my recommendations on the best things to do in Fort Worth in 2025.
Fort Worth Stockyards
Perhaps Fort Worth’s most popular attraction and place to visit is the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.
Don’t miss out on the daily cattle drives which occurs twice a day at 11:30 and 16:00. Cowhands guide a herd of Texas Longhorns down East Exchange to the stockyards. It’s free to watch, but can be crowded so find a spot early on.
If you want to enjoy a rodeo, check out a show at the Fort Worth Cowtown Coliseum.
Otherwise, the Fort Worth Stockyards are a great place to explore, shops, enjoy nightlife, and dine at local restaurants.
Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the top-rated zoos in the United States and a must see attraction. Visiting the zoo is a great family activity, just note that it can get crowded on weekends.
With more then 7,000 animals from around the world, the Fort Worth Zoo features beautiful exhibits. My favorite exhibits had to have bee Texas Wild and the African Savanna.
For families with young children there are hands-on experiences, a petting zoo, and other educational programs at the zoo.
Botanic Gardens
In my opinion, one of the top attractions in Fort Worth and a must visit site is the Botanic Gardens.
The Fort Worth Botanic Gardens are a huge peaceful escape with themed gardens, including a Japanese Garden. The Japanese Garden was the perfect replica of what a Japanese Garden in Japan looks like from the buildings to the maple trees.
The Botanic Gardens are the perfect place for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to get out and enjoy nature.
Downtown Fort Worth
Probably not on many people’s radars but walking around Fort Worth’s downtown area is actually pretty interesting and worthy of a couple hours at least.
I walked up and down Main Street reading the historical marker information, popping in and out of shops, and taking photos.
The Sundance Square area is the heart of downtown Fort Worth. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and theaters around here.
I walked to the Fort Worth Water Gardens and didn’t spend but 10-minutes here. It was just alright, more of a local cool down spot then a tourist attraction.
Visit a Museum
There are quite a few museums in and around Fort Worth. Whether you like art, history, or culture, there are plenty of museums to visit.
I visited the Sid Richardson Museum near Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth.
This museum was free and featured amazing paintings by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, both Western artists.
Eat Texas BBQ
I lived in Kansas City for seven years and fell in love with KC BBQ. I knew Texas was a contender as to who has the best BBQ in America. So of course, I had to be my own judge and see who had better BBQ, Kansas City or Texas.
I had BBQ a few times while visiting the Fort Worth area to include a BBQ restaurant in Dallas.
Fort Worth is known for authentic Texas BBQ where slow cooked meat, mainly beef takes the center stage.
I tried Natty Flat Smokehouse on the outskirts of Fort Worth and not only was the BBQ great but the restaurant was unique and in the parking lot there is the World’s Largest Cedar Rocking Chair.
I ordered a BBQ Plate with Brisket and Ribs and a few sides. I was impressed, the meat had a nice smokey flavor to it and a nice dry rub.
In my opinion, when it comes down to who has the better BBQ, sorry Texas, it’s Kansas City!
Try Tex-Mex
Speaking of food, you have to try Tex-Mex in Texas. Tex-Mex is a cuisine that blends traditional Mexican recipes with Texas-style flair. Think Tacos, Enchiladas, Fajitas, and huge portions.
In Fort Worth, there are a ton of Tex-Mex restaurants that serve your favorite dishes and great margaritas.
Arlington Medal of Honor Museum
If you are looking for Day Trips from Fort Worth or half day trips, I’d recommend driving to Arlington to visit the Medal of Honor Museum.
Arlington is about a 15 – 25 minute drive from Fort Worth.
The Arlington Medal of Honor Museum opened in March, 2025.
The Medal of Honor Museum is a powerful tribute to Americas bravest heroes and is dedicated to those individuals. Read about their heroic stories and how they achieved the nations highest Military Award, the Medal of Honor.
The museum is features exhibits, personal artifacts, media displays, and even has a VR experience, that I do recommend doing.
The Arlington Medal of Honor Museum is a must visit museum that is a quick drive from Fort Worth.
Day Trip to Dallas to Visit the Sixth Floor Museum
If you have multiple days in Fort Worth and are looking for other things to do, I recommend heading to Dallas to visit the Sixth Floor Museum.
From Fort Worth, Dallas is only a 30 – 45 minute drive.
In terms of tourist destinations in Dallas, the Sixth Floor Museum is the most visited landmark and a historical site that preserves the history and legacy of America’s 35th President, John F. Kennedy.
The museum is located in the former Texas School Book Depository which is the site where Lee Harvey Oswald fired that fatal shot on November 22, 1963 that took the life of John F. Kennedy as his vehicle was driving through Dealey Plaza.
Today, visitors can walk around Dealey Plaza and visit the Sixth Floor Museum. The museum showcases powerful exhibits about that day, has historic photographs, news footage, and information on the life and death of John F. Kennedy.
Conclusion
When planning a trip, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Fort Worth. Visiting the Stockyards is an absolute must as is the zoo and botanic gardens.
If you are into museums or just want to try good food, then Fort Worth is a must visit destination and often times overlooked by tourists. Fort Worth is one of the best destinations in Texas if you want to experience true Western charm.
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