Travel Guide

Ultimate Fort Worth Travel Guide 2023

By Brandon B.June 13, 2023

Fort Worth Travel Guide Overview

If you’re planning a trip to the United States and looking for a unique and exciting destination, then Fort Worth should definitely be on your list. This comprehensive Fort Worth travel guide will give you all the information you need to plan your trip and make the most of your visit.

When to Visit Fort Worth

To experience the best weather and avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Fort Worth is from March to May or September to November. However, if you’re interested in cowboy culture and western heritage, then you should consider visiting during the Stock Show and Rodeo, held annually in January and February.

Where to Stay in Fort Worth

Fort Worth offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some popular neighborhoods to stay in Fort Worth include Downtown/Sundance Square, West 7th Street, and Stockyards.

Downtown is the heart of the city, with high-end hotels, Eat and Drinks, and shops. Sundance Square, which is located in downtown, has a variety of dining and entertainment options. The downtown area also has a train stop so if you are coming from the airport this is a good option.

West 7th Street is a trendy district with a mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife options.

And if you’re looking for a unique experience, then you should consider staying in Stockyards, a historic district that showcases cowboy culture and western heritage.

How to Reach Fort Worth

Fort Worth is well connected to major cities in the United States. You can reach the city by plane, train, or car.
By Plane
The city is served by Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Meacham International Airport (FTW). DFW also has a train called the TexRail that can bring you from Terminal B straight into downtown Fort Worth.
By Train
Amtrak’s Texas Eagle and Heartland Flyer serve Fort Worth and the main stop is in downtown.
By Car
If you’re driving, Fort Worth is well connected by roadways. Interstate 35 runs right through the heart of the city running south to north. This makes it easy if you are coming from other Texas destinations such as Austin or San Antonio. I-20 and I-30 also come through Fort Worth connecting it to the east and west.

Getting around Fort Worth

Fort Worth has a public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and a streetcar system. The network is not that extensive so renting a car or ride share apps are sometimes a better option.

Top Fort Worth Travel Tips

Wear comfortable shoes as there can be a lot of walking involved. If you are walking around the stockyards the streets are also cobblestone.

Be mindful of the weather. Especially during summers when it can get really hot. Winter are usually pretty mild with Spring and Fall being quite nice and comfortable.

Get into the cowboy culture. Western heritage, which is an integral part of Fort Worth’s identity.

Got to a free event.Fort Worth hosts a variety of free events and activities throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts, movie screenings, and art exhibits. The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau offers free maps, brochures, and travel advice to visitors.

Try the BBQ. Texas is famous for its barbecue, and Fort Worth is no exception. Try some mouth-watering brisket, ribs, or sausage at one of the city’s many barbecue joints, such as Heim Barbecue, Panther City BBQ, and Goldee’s Barbecue.

Typical Costs in Fort Worth

Typical Costs in Fort Worth: Fort Worth is an affordable destination, with reasonable prices for accommodation, food, and activities.

Price Range for Hotels
The average cost of accommodation per night ranges from $60 to $200, while the cost of food can range from $10 to $50 per person.

Cost of Meal

For a casual meal, expect to pay around $10-$15 for a sandwich or burger, and $15-$20 for a full meal at a fast-casual or chain Eat and Drink. For a sit-down meal at a mid-range Eat and Drink, you can expect to pay around $20-$30 per person.

There are also plenty of budget-friendly options in Fort Worth, including food trucks and local cafes. These options can cost anywhere from $5-$15 per meal, depending on the menu and location.

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FAQ

How many days do you need in Fort Worth?

Two to three days is enough to cover Fort Worth's main sights. That gives you time for the Stockyards, a museum such as the Kimbell Art Museum, the Botanic Garden or Water Gardens, and a couple of barbecue meals. Add a day if you want to catch a rodeo or explore the food scene beyond downtown.

Is Fort Worth walkable?

Parts of Fort Worth are walkable, but the city as a whole is not. Downtown and Sundance Square are easy to explore on foot, as are the Stockyards once you are there, though the streets there are cobblestone. Getting between districts usually means a car or ride share, so pack comfortable shoes and plan on some driving.

Do you need a car in Fort Worth?

A car is helpful but not essential. If you stay downtown, you can take TexRail from DFW and walk to Sundance Square, and ride share fills many gaps. Public transit includes buses, trains and a streetcar, yet the network is limited, so rent a car if you want to visit several spread-out districts freely.

Is Fort Worth safe for tourists?

Fort Worth is generally considered comfortable for visitors, especially in busy areas like Sundance Square, West 7th and the Stockyards. As in any large US city, use ordinary precautions: stay aware at night, keep valuables out of sight in parked cars, and check current local advice for any specific neighborhood before booking a stay.

Is Fort Worth worth visiting if you are staying in Dallas?

Yes, Fort Worth is worth a visit even if you are based in Dallas, because it feels distinctly different. Its draw is cowboy culture and western heritage, from the Stockyards and Cowtown Coliseum to its museums. The two cities sit in the same metro area, and TexRail connects the airport to downtown Fort Worth, so adding it is easy.

What is there to do in the Fort Worth Stockyards?

The Stockyards are Fort Worth's best-known stop for western heritage. Expect live cattle drives, rodeos at Cowtown Coliseum and western-themed shops, all in a historic district with cobblestone streets. Check current schedules for cattle drives and rodeo dates before you go, since times change, and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.