Fort Worth Offers More Than Just Cowboys — Featuring Impressive Modern Art, Trendy Hotels, and a Thriving Vegan Dining Scene.

Situated about 30 miles west of Dallas, Fort Worth is a city of contrasts with an international airport named after both cities, embodying the spirit of the American West. Visitors can experience this at the annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo every January or explore the Stockyards National Historic District, the birthplace of the late 19th-century cattle and livestock market.

However, a century and a half later, Cowtown has evolved into much more: between 2021 and 2022, it was the fastest-growing large city in the U.S. In the Cultural District, you’ll discover new hotels, including the city’s first luxury establishment, and a collection of world-class museums boasting an extraordinary array of art and antiquities. Notably, one of the world’s most significant photography collections and the only Michelangelo painting in the country can be found here. In the Near Southside neighborhood, a vegan scene that started nearly two decades ago is flourishing, featuring the city’s first plant-based fine dining restaurant along with a new ice cream and donut shop. Of course, traditional barbecue joints and innovative newcomers also abound. These are just a few reasons why Fort Worth ranks among the Best Places to Go in 2024, and its prominence continues to grow.

Top Hotels

The Bowie House

Inaugurated in late 2023, the Bowie House (pronounced ‘BOO-ey’) is celebrated as Fort Worth’s first luxury hotel, featuring an indulgent Ash spa, a heated outdoor pool adorned with cabanas, and a chic lobby bar that has attracted a sophisticated local clientele with its agave-based cocktails and freshly-shucked oysters. Each room showcases a contemporary Western flair, from the cowhide-covered club chairs and equine-themed art in the expansive lobby to the silver, saddle-shaped napkin rings at the Bricks and Horses steakhouse. Nestled in the Cultural District, just steps from renowned museums, the hotel also boasts a collection of art pieces from owner Jo Ellard, with guided tours hosted by the resident gallery director.

The Crescent Hotel

The Crescent Hotel, featuring a stunning glass facade and a vibrant, art-filled lobby, opened in November 2023 in the Cultural District, drawing inspiration from nearby art institutions. The hotel offers 212 luxurious rooms and suites that are as welcoming as the attentive staff, who are ready to assist with restaurant bookings, museum tours, and transportation with the house car. Its all-day dining venue, Emilia’s, celebrates Fort Worth’s sister city, Emilia-Romagna, with a menu of pastas and Mediterranean dishes. Additionally, health-conscious guests can enjoy the Canyon Ranch Wellness Club, the brand's first standalone facility, complete with advanced fitness equipment.

Hotel Dryce

Set in a repurposed dry ice warehouse, Hotel Dryce features 21 rooms that provide an ideal base for those looking to immerse themselves in the local vibe. The guest rooms boast a minimalist, modern design and include thoughtful amenities like mini-fridges and plush robes, while local artwork enhances the boutique atmosphere. In the evenings, Bar Dryce comes alive with trendy locals and hosts DJ sets on weekends.

Hotel Drover

Nestled in the bustling Stockyards, Hotel Drover, part of the Autograph Collection, offers a perfect blend of the city’s Old West charm, featuring cattle drives, honky tonks, and historic shops showcasing various western gear. When you seek relaxation, the Drover provides a contemporary retreat, especially in its enclosed Backyard, which boasts an outdoor pool, shaded patios, fire pits, and fun outdoor games. For a unique keepsake, don’t miss the on-site Lucchese Boots, a branch of the renowned brand where you can design your custom pair with your choice of leather, style, and stitching.

Best Restaurants

Goldee’s BBQ

For a taste of some of the finest barbecue in Texas, make your way about 12 miles south of downtown Fort Worth to Goldee’s. Here, you’ll find house-made sausages, succulent brisket, and what Texas Monthly hailed as “the best spare ribs” in the state. In addition to their standout smoked meats, the youthful team at Goldee’s also crafts unforgettable sides, such as jalapeño cheesy grits, and a nearly perfect bread pudding for dessert. Be sure to plan your visit, as they’re open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Taco Heads

Sarah Castillo launched Taco Heads in 2008, starting with a trailer and later transitioning to a food truck. Now, this Fort Worth native has expanded her brand to include two permanent locations, plus Sidesaddle Saloon in the Stockyards and Tinies, which serves up Mexican cuisine. At Taco Heads, you’ll find signature crispy beef and shredded chicken tacos, alongside generous bowls of loaded queso and a selection of agave spirit cocktails. Be sure to try the Mango Paleta, made with Castillo’s La Pulga tequila, and save room for the dulce de leche-filled churros for dessert.

Maiden Vegan

Given its nickname, Cowtown, it might surprise you that Fort Worth boasts a small yet vibrant vegan scene. This can be credited to Amy McNutt, who opened the plant-based gem Spiral Diner over two decades ago, and later introduced Dreamboat Donuts & Scoops in May 2023, followed by Maiden a month later. Maiden is the city’s first vegan fine dining restaurant, offering a four- or eight-course tasting menu, small plates at the bar, a Sunday roast, and a kid-friendly tea service.

Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar

“Many locals in Fort Worth were hesitant to promote this place on social media because we didn’t want to struggle to get a table, but the buzz has spread,” explains restaurateur Sarah Castillo. This 25-seat sushi bar has transitioned from a hidden gem to a popular hotspot, thanks to chef Jun Mo Yeon’s carefully selected seafood and dynamic menu. While they don’t accept reservations, Castillo suggests putting your name on the list and enjoying a drink at a nearby bar while you wait.

Piola

Set in a delightful 1920s cottage, complete with an outdoor patio twinkling with lights, Piola serves up Italian cuisine based on cherished family recipes. “It’s run by a local couple who are actively involved in the day-to-day operations,” says Gary Kurtz, concierge at the Crescent Hotel. This Cultural District staple is a favored spot for romantic dinners.

Best Things to Do

Fort Worth Stockyards

A trip to the Stockyards is essential for a genuine experience of Fort Worth. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, this historic site, originally a livestock market from the 19th century, has transformed into a district that celebrates the city’s cowboy heritage. Here, you can explore shops like Maverick and Lucchese to gear up in authentic western attire, from hats to boots. Nowadays, visitors can witness the famed longhorn steers during the twice-daily cattle drives along East Exchange Avenue, each lasting about 10 minutes.

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

'I'm in love with every inch of The Modern,' shares Jonathan Morris, owner of Hotel Dryce. 'It fills me with pride that one of the world’s premier contemporary art collections is right here in our backyard.' Designed by Tadao Ando, the building showcases over 3,000 pieces from renowned artists such as Picasso, Mark Rothko, and Jenny Holzer. Don’t forget to visit the Modern Shop, featuring a selection of Japanese-inspired gifts linked to the architect. 'Both inside and outside, it’s an absolutely breathtaking space and my favorite spot to unwind, whether alone or with friends in Fort Worth,' adds Morris.

Kimbell Art Museum

The Kimbell is celebrated not just for its remarkable collection but also for the iconic architecture that houses it. Featuring around 350 meticulously curated works across two buildings, the first is an elegant series of arches designed by Louis Kahn, designed to bathe the artwork in natural light while shielding it from the harsh Texas sun. More recently, the pavilion by Renzo Piano, a distinguished Italian architect, was added. Take your time to appreciate this unique collection, including Michelangelo’s 'The Torment of St. Anthony' — the only painting by the master in the U.S., created when he was just 12 years old.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

In 1961, newspaper mogul Amon Carter established his free-entry museum, originally focusing on Western art. Over six decades later, the collection has expanded to encompass a vast array of American art, featuring thousands of works on paper, including pieces by Winslow Homer and Georgia O’Keeffe, alongside one of the most extensive photography collections in the nation. By special request, artworks not currently exhibited can be viewed in the museum’s library for a more personal experience. The Kimbell, Modern, and Amon Carter museums are all within a short walking distance, and Sarah Castillo suggests hopping between them before enjoying a picnic on the museum lawns. 'We used to go as kids, and I still do,' she recalls. 'It offers a great view of downtown.'

Billy Bob’s Texas

Occupying an expansive three acres, Billy Bob’s is recognized as the largest honky tonk in the world. Music legends like Willie Nelson and Travis Tritt have performed on its stages. Day or night, the venue buzzes with neon lights, mechanical bull riding (and the real thing on weekends), pool tables, barbecue, and bars serving up shots of tequila and cold beers. The record stands at 16,800 beers served in a single night during a Ryan Bingham concert.

Sid Richardson Museum

With Fort Worth’s rich artistic landscape, it’s easy to miss the Sid Richardson Museum, warns Gary Kurtz from the Crescent. Nestled in Sundance Square, this collection primarily features works by iconic Western artists Charles M. Russell and Frederic Remington, along with some of Remington’s famous bronze sculptures. The museum’s permanent collection and rotating exhibits seek to highlight both the romanticized and realistic aspects of the American West, offering context that enriches your visit to the city and can’t be found elsewhere.

Best Shopping

Lucchese Boots

Established by Italian brothers who arrived in Texas during the 19th century, Lucchese has long been the premier destination for cowboy boots. Today, the brand offers an array of boots in various heights, stitching patterns, and leathers, including exotic options like ostrich, crocodile, and Pirarucu fish. Don't miss trying on the 17-inch Priscillas, the brand's most sought-after women's boots, still crafted by hand in Texas.

Record Town

'I could easily spend an entire weekend exploring the numerous record stores around town, but my top pick is Record Town for their expertly curated selection of rare vinyl treasures,” remarks Jonathan Morris from Hotel Dryce. A true blend of record shop and cultural landmark, this longtime favorite is a paradise for music lovers with diverse genres and artists on display.

Ephemera Plant Shop

Originally a stall at the Brooklyn Flea, Ephemera has transformed into a cherished brick-and-mortar in Fort Worth, overflowing with vibrant plants and unique charm. Here, you can discover potted tropical plants, a carefully curated assortment of comic books, cacti, succulents, and all the supplies needed to create your own terrarium through daily classes or DIY options.

Morgan Mercantile

For an impressive selection of Panther City-branded tees, hats, and hoodies, Sarah Castillo suggests visiting Morgan Mercantile in the Near Southside neighborhood. This welcoming shop, run by a creative husband-and-wife team, also features gifts like prints, bags, and bandanas.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal times to explore Fort Worth are from March to May and September to November, steering clear of the sweltering summer heat and the bustling school break crowds. Spring and fall offer more enjoyable weather for outdoor adventures and numerous annual festivals. In spring, be sure to check out the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival or the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival. In the fall, you can experience the Fort Worth Oktoberfest and the Lone Star Film Festival. Although January and February can bring chilly temperatures in the 30s and 40s, there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy, including the Cultural District's art museums and events like the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

How to Get There

Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW) ranks among the busiest airports globally, offering flights to destinations all over the world. Located about 20 miles west of downtown Fort Worth, you can reach the city by taxi or rideshare services like Uber. However, having a car makes it easier to navigate Fort Worth, so consider renting one at the airport. Alternatively, the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) is a commuter rail service that links Fort Worth to Dallas, with a convenient stop at DFW. The journey from DFW to Fort Worth takes around 30 minutes and costs $2.50.

Neighborhoods to Visit

Near Southside

Located just a mile south of the city center, the vibrant and eclectic Near Southside neighborhood of Fort Worth underwent revitalization in the early 2000s. Along Magnolia Avenue, the main thoroughfare, you'll discover art galleries, vintage boutiques, cafes, and eateries, including chef Amy McNutt’s vegan Spiral Diner & Bakery.

Cultural District

The Cultural District in Fort Worth boasts a remarkable concentration of museums, making it a paradise for art lovers. In this area, you can visit the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Close by, don't miss the Cowgirl Hall of Fame & Museum and the Will Rogers Memorial Center, which hosts equestrian events and the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

Downtown Fort Worth

At the heart of Fort Worth lies downtown, centered around Sundance Square—a pedestrian-friendly, 37-block area filled with restaurants, shops, galleries, and venues like the Bass Performance Hall. The district is characterized by its well-preserved architecture, and its lively public plaza is affectionately known as the 'living room of Fort Worth.'

Getting Around

While driving is the preferred way to navigate the expansive city, ride-share options like Uber are readily available for those not looking to rent a vehicle. Additionally, Fort Worth offers a bus service operated by Trinity Metro, which connects various neighborhoods and key attractions.