Our List of Must-See Cowtown Attractions

Come for the Stock Show and enjoy the city that surrounds it by checking out a few of our favorite Fort Worth hot spots.

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As many might imagine, tackling the ins and outs of a strange city can be an overwhelming task, to say the least. Especially if your focus is on livestock, bull riding, or even just plain outright partying. However, between these focused events, that’s right we take our partying seriously here, visitors may find themselves without any ideas on what to do during their downtime. Fret not, because outside of offering locals and out-of-towners a comprehensive guide to the Stock Show, we’ve also compiled a list of some of our city’s must-see attractions. This includes everything from a plate of fajitas at Joe T. Garcia’s to a tour of the TX Whiskey Ranch. Whatever your “thing” is, chances are Fort Worth probably has it. So, dust off your boots, because it’s time to explore the gems of Fort Worth.

(Editor’s note: this list is not set up in any particular order.)

Jaunt to a museum

Head across the street from Dickies Arena and visit one of Fort Worth’s world-famous art museums. There are three to choose from in this area, which sit within a city block of each other. Find out why this section of town is called the Cultural District. Note: these three museums are just a few of the museums that our city has to offer.

  • The Kimbell Art Museum – 333 Camp Bowie Blvd. – (817) 332-8451 – kimbellart.org
  • Amon Carter Museum of Modern Art – 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. – (817) 738-1933 – cartermuseum.org
  • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth – 3200 Darnell Street – (817) 738-9215 – themodern.org

Do the two-step at Billy Bob’s Texas

As iconic as Houston’s Gilley’s was in the 80s ­– remember the mechanical bull? Located just north of the Stock Yards, Billy Bob’s Texas is more than a series of over a dozen bars, it’s the honky tonk to end all honky tonks. Just try not to step on anyone’s foot while cutting a rug.

Visit the Fort Worth Zoo

Although the Stock Show is full of livestock and award-winning animals, the Fort Worth Zoo is host to some of Cowtown’s most exotic creatures. We’ve witnessed a bit of a baby boom in the last year. See baby elephants at play and check out the newest addition to the Zoo family by stopping by the Predators of Asia & Africa exhibit to see Moja, our newest lion cub.

  • The Fort Worth Zoo – 1989 Colonial Way – (817) 759 –7555   – fortworthzoo.org

Check out the twice-daily cattle drive at the Stock Yards

No trip to Fort Worth is complete without stopping by the famous and sometimes infamous Stock Yards. From shopping to eating, to historical reenactments, we have it all. What sets this locale apart from a normal tourist attraction is the twice-daily cattle drive, which takes place every day at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the button. Witness some of the most magnificent longhorns on the planet. Just make sure you are standing on the sidewalk in case of a potential horn encounter.

  • Fort Worth Herd Twice Daily Cattle Drive – 129 East Exchange Avenue – (Behind Livestock Exchange Building) – fortworthherd.com

Get a pair of authentic cowboy boots at M.L. Leddy’s

Besides a cowboy hat, a pair of cowboy boots can go a long way in making a statement in most if not all Western social circles. And no pair of boots smacks of authenticity like a custom pair from M.L. Leddy’s. Besides handcrafted boots, M.L. Leddy’s is also known for quality saddles, jewelry, belts, buckles, hats, and tailored clothing. Get some new duds while enjoying the aforementioned cattle drive just down the street.

  • M.L. Leddy’s – 2455 N Main St – (817)-624-3149 – leddys.com

Get a bottle of TX Whiskey from the source at the TX Whiskey Ranch

With its breathtaking views overlooking downtown Fort Worth, the 112-acre Whiskey Ranch offers campus tours and tastings of their various libations all created and distilled at the ranch. Get a drink at the Tavern and get a souvenir from the Ranch Store to remember your visit with. There is one catch, all visitors must be 21+. Click on the link to see a schedule of events.

  • TX Whiskey Ranch – 2601 Whiskey Ranch Rd. – (817) 840-9140 – frdistilling.com

Take a walk on the Trinity Trails

These trails, which run for over 100 miles, aren’t just for hikers, bikers, and joggers, horse riding is welcomed too. With an access point just southeast of Dickies Arena, these trails act as a crossroads between major areas like the Stockyards, Downtown Fort Worth, TCU/Zoo, and the Cultural District. This trail system spans 31 neighborhoods and 21 parks. Get away from it all for an hour or so and enjoy a bit of North Texas nature.

Wait in line at Goldee’s Barbecue

This James Beard nominated BBQ spot has become a reason all its own to visit Cowtown any given time of year. However, if you aren’t aware, there is always a line out of the door for the three days this spot is open. Swing by Goldee’s on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday at 8:30 a.m. to get a proper spot in line. Goldee’s hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. but most times they sell out before the line ends. Get a taste of Cowtown by earning your spot in line.

Go bar hopping at three of Fort Worth’s newest watering holes

All within several blocks of each other are three of Fort Worth’s newest upscale bars, which include the brand-new east-coast-inspired Hudson House at 4600 Dextre Avenue. Just down the street one block away from each other are the newly opened Crescent Hotel and Bowie House, both of which boast classy lounges with an upscale ambiance all within proximity to the Stock Show.

Wake up with a good cup of Joe and walk along Magnolia Avenue

Located on Fort Worth’s Near Southside, the Magnolia neighborhood has some of the best restaurants, coffee shops, art studios, and shops in town. Get some freshly roasted coffee beans at the Cherry Coffee Shop, stop by Vice Burger for a vegan-friendly burger, and catch glass artisans as they create their latest work at the Sinaca Studios School of Glass/Gallery.

Get your fajitas on at Joe T. Garcia's or Los Asaderos

 You just never know who you might see from one day to the next at Joe T. Garcia's. This nearly 100-year-old eatery has hosted everyone from Sir Paul McCartney to a-list actor Mark Wahlberg. Come for the food and stay for the margaritas. Joe T.'s has a stunning court yard full of ambiance and sizzling plates of fajitas. But you better come hungry because this family style eatery knows how to fill a plate. If the line is too long at Joe T.'s swing across the street to Los Asaderos. The food is so good a former first lady swears by it. Plus this is a hidden gem many a Forth Worthian keeps in their back pocket as a Tex-Mex favorite. 

  • Joe T. Garcias – 2201 N. Commerce Street – (817) 626-4356 – joetgarcias.com
  • Los Asaderos – 1535 N. Main Street – (817) 626-3399 – losasaderos.com