Once a dusty cow town just 30 miles from Dallas, Fort Worth has traded tumbleweeds for top-notch cuisine and culture, earning its rank as a Texas hotspot. Just four hours from Houston, this city deserves its own road trip adventure.
We’ve curated more than 14 reasons you’ll fall in love with the Lone Star State’s fifth-largest city. And no matter when you saddle up and roll into town, don’t forget your boots and cowboy hat—Fort Worth knows how to show you a good time, Texas style!
Where to eat
Eating in Fort Worth is easy, with many delicious restaurants, including Goldee’s Barbecue and Joe T. Garcia’s. However, for an authentic Fort Worth dining experience, try any of chef Tim Love’s concepts. Known for over two decades as the unofficial ambassador for this Texas city and as a restauranteur and entrepreneur, Love has a coterie of must-visit culinary concepts.
Love’s iconic Lonesome Dove restaurant will celebrate its 25-year anniversary this year, and the chef will put his showmanship to work with a jaw-dropping 25-course meal. Those lucky enough to get a reservation to the limited-time event will be treated to some of Love’s most celebrated urban-meets-Western flavored bites. Visitors to Fort Worth should also check out Gemelle, Caterina’s, Paloma Suerte, and Atico for an unforgettable meal infused with Love’s signature flair.
Where to stay
Hotel Otto
Located in Fort Worth’s River District, Hotel Otto features eight micro-bungalows repurposed from 20-foot shipping containers. The hotel is adjacent to Gemelle, a casual restaurant and bar. Hotel Otto is a unique experience and is steps away from 45 miles of Trinity Trails.
Le Meridien
Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown, a partnership between Blueprint Hospitality and Remington Hospitality, is the first Le Méridien property in Fort Worth. Located in the former Hotel Texas Annex building, this 14-story boutique hotel features 188 guest rooms and suites with mid-century modern design, floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of downtown.
Bowie House, Auberge Resorts
The hotel on Camp Bowie Boulevard blends Western influences with an urban feel, offering three bars and restaurants, a day spa, and a rooftop pool. Bowie House provides a variety of accommodations, including 88 guestrooms, 12 lofts, and six suites. Many feature outdoor balconies, along with hat racks and boot benches for an authentic Western touch.
Where to play
The Stockyards District
This historic neighborhood is known for its legendary twice-daily cattle drive reenactment and unique way of capturing Western history through a modern lens. Visitors can experience the city’s iconic cowboy culture, browse for a pair of cowboy boots, and shop for Western-influenced and on-trend finds.
The Cultural District
This must-visit area is home to five renowned museums. Visitors can immerse themselves in the distinct art collections at The Kimbell, The Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and The Modern, and even explore the legendary women in Western culture at the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, from Annie Oakley to Miranda Lambert. These museums even offer discounted tickets or free tickets for kids under certain ages, gallery exploration programs, in-studio art projects, and more.