Things to Do, See, Eat, Drink, and Experience in Fort Worth
Downtown Fort Worth/Sundance Square
Just steps from the host hotel, the heart of downtown Fort Worth offers shops, art galleries, restaurants, and hangout spots.
To Do, See, Experience:
• Fort Worth Water Gardens – A celebrated urban Texas masterpiece by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee. With bold geometry, lush landscaping, and captivating water features, this iconic destination offers a one-of-a-kind sensory journey.
• Sundance Square – Fort Worth’s entertainment district comprises 37 square blocks of restaurants, shops, and live performance venues.
• Bass Performance Hall – A Fort Worth icon and nationally distinguished performing arts venue. Catch a show or take a tour of this gorgeous venue with a docent-led tour. Most Saturdays beginning at 10:30 a.m. FREE.
• Fort Worth Walking Tour- Go behind the scenes of Sundance Square and the greatness that is Fort Worth. Wed – Sun: 12:00 PM TO 8:00 PM. https://sundancesquare.com/ssq information-center/ *Be on the lookout for communication regarding WARR group sign-ups.*
• Rooftop Cinema Club – Movies on an outdoor rooftop? Yes, please! Signature cocktails, thoughtfully curated programming, and the kind of night out that creates a memory. Situated on the terrace of The Worthington Renaissance Hotel.
Restaurants/Bars:
• Mi Cocina – Great Mexican food, famous for their Mambo Taxis (sangria swirl margaritas) and brisket tacos.
• Reata – Upscale Texas cuisine in a contemporary western setting. Try the signature tenderloin tamales.
• Flying Saucer – Pub food with a great patio and more beers than you’ll ever drink in a lifetime. Happy hour 3-6pm.
• Little Red Wasp – Diverse American menu, excellent brunch, right across from the Hilton.
• Branch & Bird – Contemporary rooftop restaurant with locally sourced ingredients and remarkable views. Great for drinks and appetizers.
• Wicked Butcher – High end steakhouse known for dry aged steaks.
• Yolk- Expansive breakfast & brunch spot in an urban setting, whether you’re in the mood for eggs, pancakes, waffles or sandwiches.
• Riscky’s BBQ- You can’t come to Texas without trying Texas BBQ, conveniently located just minutes from the host hotel.
• Del Frisco Grill- More casual than its sister restaurant Del Frisco Steakhouse, with a diverse menu, excellent entree salads, and decadent espresso martinis.
• Jake’s Burgers- Casual burger joint with quality ingredients, juicy burgers, and more.
Bars and Nightlife:
• Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar – Two performers on baby grand pianos keep the crowd engaged with nonstop music, crowd interaction, and sing-along favorites. Perfect spot for post WARR event revelry!
• Thompson’s Bookstore – Don’t be fooled by the name. This bar and speakeasy has the charm of a vintage bookstore with the allure of a sophisticated gathering spot. Follow them on Instagram to solve the weekly riddle for the password to enter the 1920’s-style speakeasy downstairs. Or mingle on the main level bar or cigar bar upstairs.
• The Sterling – Chic, intimate cocktail lounge, featuring innovative craft cocktails. Perfect for happy hour or an after dinner drink.
• Scat Jazz Lounge – Live jazz from local & national talent in a speakeasy-style club tucked into a subterranean space. Performances Thu 8:00PM, Fri 8:00PM & 10:00PM, Sat 8:00Pm & 10:00PM, Sun 8:00PM.
Fort Worth Historic Stockyards
Stroll the wooden sidewalks, peek into the shops, and soak in the Old West atmosphere.
To Do, See, Experience:
• Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive – Real Texas cowhands drive Texas longhorns down East Exchange Avenue. Every day 11:30AM or 4:30PM. FREE.
• Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame – A fun intro to the cowboy culture that shaped the region.
• Stockyards Championship Rodeo – Year-round rodeos featuring calf roping, bronc riding, and other Western events. Fri 7:30PM, Sat 1:30PM, 7:30PM
Restaurants/Bars
• Joe T. Garcia’s – A Fort Worth institution known for their family-style fajitas, margaritas, and gorgeous expansive patio. Cash only, but they have an ATM onsite.
• Second Rodeo – Indoor/outdoor restaurant & bar featuring their own crafted beers plus a full bar. Lots of options for walk-up food and drinks, and live music 3 times a day.
• Cantina Cadillac – Open Fri and Sat 6:00PM – 2:00AM featuring music and dancing.
• Atico – Rooftop bar at SpringHill Suites with cocktails, tapas, and amazing views.
• Billy Bob’s Texas – The world’s largest honky-tonk — line dancing optional but encouraged.
Cultural District & West 7th Street
Fort Worth’s Cultural District is compact, walkable, and genuinely impressive.
To Do, See, Experience:
• Kimbell Art Museum – Small but extraordinary. Internationally renowned for both its collections and for its architecture. Open Tue-Sun 12:00PM – 8:00PM. FREE.
• Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth – Striking architecture, serene reflecting pool and a great collection. Named one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Art Museums” by Travel + Leisure magazine.
• Amon Carter Museum of Art- a gorgeous look at American creativity. FREE.
• National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame – Premier destination that ignites passion and instills pride in the pioneering spirit of women who shaped the West.
• Fleet Feet- Stop in for any last-minute race needs or to be fitted with the perfect pair of running shoes specifically for you.
Restaurants/Bars:
• Cafe Modern – Beautiful setting inside the Modern Art Museum
• J&J Oyster Bar – The place where locals have been going for decades for oysters, catfish, shrimp, seafood tacos, Po’ boy sandwiches, gumbo and more.
• Magnolia Motor Lounge – Fun watering hole with an automotive-inspired décor.
• Ampersand – Fort Worth’s best kept secret. Coffee shop by day, and inviting lounge by night.
University Drive/TCU/Zoo Area
To Do, See, Experience:
• Fort Worth Botanic Garden – Peaceful, lush, and perfect for a slow stroll.
• Japanese Garden – Inside the Botanic Garden.
• Fort Worth Zoo – Consistently ranked among the best in the country.
• Trinity Trails – Over 100 miles of scenic pathways along the Trinity River.
Restaurants/Bars:
• Flower Child- Healthy, fresh, and satisfying counter service restaurant.
• HG Supply- You can’t go wrong with anything on this diverse menu. And it has a nice patio right by the river and Trinity Trail.
• Woodshed Smokehouse- Delicious smoked meats and BBQ with outdoor seating and river views.
Near Southside/Magnolia Ave./Fairmount Historic District
Discover indie shops, murals, coffee spots and more in this walkable, artsy neighborhood.
Restaurants/Bars/Coffee Shops:
• Gus’s Fried Chicken – GQ Magazine believes Gus’s is one of the top 10 restaurants in the world worth flying to for a meal.
• Maggie’s R&R- Voted best outdoor dining with comfort dishes from their scratch kitchen.
• Avoca Coffee Roasters- Fort Worth’s original micro-roaster and craft coffee offers the perfect cup of joe in an intimate setting.
• Melt Ice Creams- Small-batch, quality ice cream, perfect for a midday treat under the Texas sun.
Museums for the Aviation Buff
• CR Smith Museum – Right outside of DFW Airport, this museum, named for the innovative aviation pioneer and former President of American Airlines, CR Smith, is the home of American Airlines history. Visit the Museum Store for aviation souvenirs. Open Thu 10:00AM to 2:00PM and Fri, Sat 10:00AM to 4:00PM. 4601 Hwy 360, Fort Worth
• Fort Worth Aviation Museum – This museum celebrates and showcases the people and aviation accomplishments of North Texas. Open Wed to Sun 09:00AM – 1:00PM. 3300 Ross Ave, Fort Worth
Restaurants/Bars Worth the Drive
You won’t regret carving a little time out of your day to try any of these notable restaurants/brewery.
• Fred’s Texas Café – Featured on Diners, Dive-Ins & Dives, Fred’s is known for their hamburgers. You must try the Diablo or Telway burgers or their chicken fried steak. 7101 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth.
• Swiss Pastry Shop – Famous for their Black Forest Cake. 3936 W Vickery Blvd, Fort Worth.
• Cousin’s Bar-B-Q – No time on your trip to experience real Texas BBQ? Get to DFW Airport early for your return flight and visit Cousin’s in Terminal B, gate B12. Cousin’s family owned restaurants have been cooking up real “low and slow” Texas Bar-B-Q in the Fort Worth area since 1983.
• Martin House Brewery – Casual brewery with a large backyard and outdoor patio and a beautiful view of downtown Fort Worth. Martin House brews and serves an eclectic selection of beers, ciders, and sours on over 40 taps. Try a meatball sandwich or bowl from their food truck Oh Balls!, in 14 different styles.
Michelin Mentions and Winner locations:
• Goldee’s Bar-B-Q- Only open 11:00AM – 3:00PM Friday to Sunday, but worth the effort and worth the wait. 4645 Dick Price Rd, Fort Worth
• Birriera Y Taqueria Cortez – Specializes in savory birria and street-style tacos made fresh with traditional recipes. 2108 E Rosedale St, Fort Worth