So, you have only one day in Fort Worth to experience all this city has to offer – you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re exploring the town for vacation or trying to decide on renting an apartment in Fort Worth or buying a home in Fort Worth, ApartmentGuide can help you plan the ideal day.
In this article, you’ll find a treasure trove of restaurants, activities, and parks handpicked by Fort Worth locals. Your task is to look through the list and select one item from each step to create your ideal itinerary. Feel free to choose more than one option if you wish! Think of this as a “Choose Your Own Adventure” for exploring a new city. The goal is for you to get a crash course in what it’s like to live in Fort Worth.
Step one:
Try a new experience
During your time in Fort Worth, make sure to take advantage of all the great experiences this city has to offer. See below for a myriad of experiences, from glass art classes to the oldest bookstore in Texas. Choose one or a few to explore during your stay.
SiNaCa Studios: “Escape the humdrum and head to SiNaCa Studios for some fun and excitement. You will have a blast with glass art classes at SiNaCa Studios. Whether you want to try glass blowing or flamework glass art, you will have a hot time at SiNaCa Studios.” – Clarissa M. of Romantic Spots Fort Worth.
Casa Mañana: “Casa Mañana is known for bringing captivating performances to life on stage. At Casa Mañana, you can enjoy a wide range of theatrical productions from Broadway favorites to family-friendly productions. From the moment you walk into the domed building, to the rise of the curtain to open the show, to the final applause, you will be fully immersed in the magic that is Casa Mañana.” – Clarissa M. of Romantic Spots Fort Worth.
Barber’s Bookstore: “Come visit the oldest bookstore in the state. We are one of the last independent bookstores in Tarrant County. We buy libraries and do appraisals.” – Brian Perkins, owner of Barber’s Bookstore and author of online stories.
Rooftop Cinema Club: “Enjoy a unique experience at Rooftop Cinema Club. You will have a scenic view of downtown Fort Worth at night while you enjoy a movie under the moonlight. The cinema provides personal headphones for each person, concessions where you buy drinks and classic movie snacks. Check out their website for exclusive screenings like Wooftop!, Singles Night, and movies that provide closed captions.” – Giselle Jimenez of Pax & Beneficia.
Tubman Gallery: “Visiting the newly opened Tubman Gallery to view beautiful art from local artists is a great way to connect with the east side of the city. The experience is unique, inviting, and inspiring.” – Black Coffee FW.
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden: “One of my favorite places to photograph couples is the Fort Worth Botanic Garden! The garden offers a variety of landscapes, from meticulously manicured lawns to wildflower-filled meadows and, my favorite, the Japanese garden. The landscapes there are especially beautiful in the fall and winter, bursting with warm and vibrant colors.” – Elizabeth Couch of Elizabeth Couch Photography.
Wanna try something else? Check out WhatsUpFortWorth.com: “If you are looking for something to do in Fort Worth, you just have to make one click to WhatsUpFortWorth.com. Whether it’s live music for the upcoming weekend, festivals in and around Fort Worth, or the live theater selections, WhatsUpFortWorth is your one-stop click for ‘what’s up’ in Fort Worth. Select the area of town and date, and you will know everything that is going on in Fort Worth.” – Greg Heitzman of WhatsUpFortWorth.com.
Step two:
Go on a scavenger hunt around town
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider exploring the town through one of the scavenger hunts put on by DFW Scavenger Hunt. Travel on foot as your host sends you on a quest to solve a puzzle before time runs out. If you like escape rooms, this will be right up your alley, testing your wits while exposing you to the art, culture, and history of Fort Worth. DFW Scavenger Hunt has provided a few destinations to get you started. Visit them for more!
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: “Lawmen dreamed of nabbing Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid for years, but here in Fort Worth they’ve been truly captured, in bronze, along with the rest of the Wild Bunch. Visit the Flatiron Building to see this unique piece of art, and snap a selfie with the gang.” – DFW Scavenger Hunt.
Find the panthers: “A 19th-century insult hurled at the city claimed it was so quiet that a panther was spotted sleeping undisturbed on the streets. The city reclaimed the slight, and now panthers can be found throughout town, including at the Sleeping Panther Fountain in Hyde Park.” – DFW Scavenger Hunt.
Spot the knights: “Here’s a mini-scavenger hunt for you. See if you can find the knight guarding Sundance Square. Here’s a hint: the figure stands on a ledge a few stories up from Main Street in a full suit of armor, a symbol of a secret society that once called this building its home.” – DFW Scavenger Hunt.
Step three:
Enjoy the local food and coffee
If you’re kicking around the idea of renting a home in Fort Worth, make sure to try the local cuisine. Fort Worth does not disappoint, with everything from hip coffee shops to mouthwatering Mexican food.
Joe T Garcia’s: “Joe T Garcia’s serves up more than just delicious Mexican food and drinks. Joe T Garcia’s also serves up the most enchanting garden oasis vibes. You will feel like you’ve found a little piece of heaven while you dig into delicious enchiladas surrounded by lush greenery.” – Clarissa M. of Romantic Spots Fort Worth.
Dr. Sue’s Chocolates: “Dr. Sue’s Chocolates is a great local chocolatier crafting all natural chocolates that are perfect pairings with wine or for gift giving.” – Gina Graves of Messina Hof Winery.
Pax and Beneficia Coffee: “Enjoy a hot or iced coffee at Pax & Beneficia Coffee in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. Each coffee bean is roasted at their Grapevine HQ by their very own roaster, Joan Juan. They take pride in making the best quality of specialty coffee and handmade syrups used in each of their locations and drinks. You also have the option to take their packaged coffee and syrups for an at-home experience.” – Giselle Jimenez of Pax & Beneficia.
Carpenter’s Cafe: “Having the most flavorful chicken salad at Carpenter’s Cafe & Catering will satisfy anyone’s hunger, and call them back to do it all over again. They also have amazing Asian zing nachos and the best smoked turkey club sandwich.” – Black Coffee FW.
Black Coffee FW: “Stop by Black Coffee to start your day with the best latte, cappuccino, or drip coffee you can have in the city. Our staff is friendly and always ready to quench your caffeinated thirst.” – Black Coffee FW.
Step four:
Explore a different part of the city
Fort Worth is a city of rich history and culture. In fact, locals preferred to recommend exploring a specific part of the city in full before moving on. Below are different parts of Fort Worth that each present their own unique culture. Pick one and enjoy all it has to offer!
Take a stroll in the Cultural District: “One of our favorite days spent in Fort Worth is in the Cultural District, specifically strolling the Kimbell Art Museum and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, both within walking distance to the hotel. Afterwards, you can pop in to The Circle Bar or the patio at Emilia’s at The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth for festive cocktails and dinner in the stunning atmosphere, and enjoy the impressive art program throughout the hotel along the way. After dinner, catch a concert or performance at Dickie’s Arena, less than a five-minute drive from the hotel.” – Lauren Lamp of The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth.
Explore South Main Street: “Beignets, breweries, and The Bearded Lady (It’s a restaurant): if you’re looking for an eclectic neighborhood to explore, ‘SoMa’ is it. You could spend a morning working from Roots Coffeehouse, grab Hawaiian food for lunch at the always-packed Coco Shrimp, finish the afternoon off with a few beers from HopFusion Ale Works and then grab dinner once the sun goes down at Funky Calavera, which has the best birria tacos in Ft. Worth. You might even be able to catch one of your favorite indie bands at Tulips FTW if you time it right!” – Justin Runyon of Runyon Coffee.
Discover Sundance Square: “I have a deep love for Fort Worth and its unique charm. Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth screams COWTOWN! The architecture, light, and colors in the area are a recipe for success during any photoshoot! Elopements at the Tarrant County Courthouse are becoming very popular and are a joy to photograph. When you visit downtown Fort Worth, she’s right there in all her glory: The courthouse – a stunning pink granite building that’s a true work of art. Inside, it’s like stepping back in time, with ornate staircases, gold accents, and light that make everything feel romantic and magical. Getting hitched at the historic 1895 Tarrant County Courthouse is memorable and special.” – Elizabeth Couch of Elizabeth Couch Photography.
Walk along the Trinity River: “When the weather is nice (say, spring or fall), a stroll along the Trinity River is a fantastic way to get some exercise and enjoy this small river that runs all the way through Ft. Worth. One of my favorite things is to start or end the day at restaurants along the river, like Press Cafe or Woodshed Smokehouse. If you’re a long-distance runner, there’s no better place to train as the trail is around 18 miles long from start to finish!” – Justin Runyon of Runyon Coffee.
Head North for a touch of nature: “As the owner of a portrait studio in North Fort Worth for the past 15 years, I can genuinely say that I love this vibrant community. Nestled in an area rich with scenic beauty and bustling with activity, North Fort Worth has provided the perfect backdrop for my work as a photographer. From the picturesque state parks to the charming downtown area and the iconic Stockyards, I have found endless inspiration for portrait sessions that truly capture the essence of this wonderful region.” – Jennifer Braly of Braly Studios.
Step five:
Grab a drink and reflect
Now that you’ve spent time exploring Fort Worth, it’s time to end the day with a drink and some time to reflect. What did you like about the city? What did you not like? Could you see yourself renting a house in Fort Worth or even buying a home in nearby Dallas?
Atlas Fort Worth: “Get ready for a trip around the world at Atlas. Atlas is a sophisticated, Edgar Allan Poe-inspired, cocktail bar with sophisticated decor, low lighting, and a refined ambiance. At Atlas, you can enjoy great cocktails inspired by a variety of global cultures.” – Clarissa M. of Romantic Spots Fort Worth.
Free Play: “Free Play is the place to be for fun and nostalgia. This epic arcade bar with a huge selection of classic arcade games and pinball machines that provide endless entertainment. Whether you are a Pac-Man fan or Street Fighter is more your vibe, you can enjoy unlimited play on a variety of your favorite retro games while enjoying a craft cocktail or beer.” – Clarissa M. of Romantic Spots Fort Worth.
Messina Hof Grapevine Winery: “We are an urban winery featuring multiple tasting areas with over 40 different wines, premium flights, wine on tap, and delectable small plates. Take in the sunshine as you sip and savor on the patio or balcony and enjoy the view of downtown Main Street. Messina Hof is the most awarded winery in Texas with over 45 years of winemaking experience and is committed to old-world hospitality.” – Gina Graves of Messina Hof Winery.
Martin House Brewing Company and TopGolf: “Nobody puts on a party quite like Martin House. Bring your favorite folding chair and sit alongside the Trinity River while enjoying one of their many, many events throughout the year. After enjoying a few beers for less than $20 and filling up on their food truck offerings, traipse over to TopGolf across the river and tee off for a few hours. You’ll get an action-packed evening with great views of downtown Ft. Worth.” – Justin Runyon of Runyon Coffee.