Come and experience why Fort Worth is known as the city “Where the West begins!” It’s not only the fifth-largest city in Texas, but it’s also the 12th-largest city in the United States. Besides its rich history involving the cattle trade and cowboys, Fort Worth also takes great pride in its progressive communities, lifestyle, and its fun, wild West vibe that attracts travelers all over the country!

1. WESTERN EXPERIENCE

• Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is a must visit! It earned it’s nickname “Cowtown” because of its lasting legacy and abundance contribution. The Stockyards is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the city’s most famous tourist attractions where tourists can enjoy activities like shootout shows, concerts, and rodeos!
• Take a peek into every cowboy’s fantasy! Billy Bob’s Texas houses the world’s official largest Honky Tonk, which is a bar that features country music. They also provide nightly live shows and a prestigious wall of fame full of legendary molded handprints by famous names in the industry.
• Is it really a trip to Texas without a visit to a rodeo? At Stockyards Championship Rodeo, you can watch thrilling performances of bronco riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. It’s held at Cowtown Coliseum every Friday and Saturday. Fun fact, Cowtown Coliseum was also the first North American rodeo indoor arena to ever be erected!
• Travel through time to the past by visiting the Log Cabin Village. This unique village gives a glimpse into the heritage of Texas through a perfectly restored living history museum. It is made up of six log cabins that are from the mid-1800s and is dedicated to preserving folk architecture and providing a glimpse of the frontier lifeways during the 19^th century.

2. NEIGHBORHOODS

• If you’re looking for a simpler and slower lifestyle, Fort Worth is the place for you! In 2011, Fort Worth was ranked 4^th in the “Best Cities to Relocate to in America” list. One of the biggest benefits of living in Fort Worth is its southern charm and small-town feel but at the same time, you can travel to nearby entertainment districts through the city’s walkable downtown. Plus, Dallas is only 45 minutes away!
• You’ll also find that living in Fort Worth is an affordable option. The cost of living is lower than the national average and the city is spread out primarily due to the vast amount of land in the area. Check out the list of the best neighborhoods here.

3. SPORTS

• Millions of fans also tune in to watch and support major league sports franchises based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex every season, which are Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys.
• Racing sports like NASCAR are held at Texas Motor Speedway. With an oval track measuring 1.5 miles and boasting 24-degree turns, this venue is a must for car racing fans! It is also home to the AA Texas 500 and the Duck Commander 500, which are NASCAR Spring Cup races.

4. FAMILY FUN ATTRACTIONS

• Spend a day with the animal kingdom at Fort Worth Zoo. Founded in 1909, the zoo originally only had 6 animal species. Today, the zoo is home to more than 7,000 exotic and national creatures! The Fort Worth Zoo is the oldest zoo in the state of Texas and was also voted as one of America’s top zoological parks by numerous prestigious publications. There are numerous family-friendly attractions to enjoy and choose from such as the Texas Wild attraction, Safari Depot, mini train, hurricane simulator, and a rock-climbing wall.
• Dubbed as the museum capital of the Southwest, Fort Worth boasts a myriad of museums of all sorts. Some of the notable museums in the city include the following:
• National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
• Texas Civil War Museum
• Vintage Flying Museum
• Kimbell Art Museum
• Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

5. SHOPPING

• Fort Worth is headquarters to well-known companies like American Airlines, BNSF Railroad, Justin Boots, and Williamson-Dickie, providing an incredible number of employment opportunities to its residents.
• Sundance Square is the pride and joy of downtown Fort Worth! From art galleries, shopping options, and dining establishments to movie houses, this downtown district is a staple destination for amusement and leisure.
• In line with the city’s Cowboy feel, chic western style is always in season! Fort Worth Stockyards offers Texas treasures and souvenirs. Get a chance to shop for locally-made items at one-of-a-kind boutiques and admire authentic western storefronts.
• Interested in something more luxurious? Clearfork is a one-stop-shop for all luxury brands and specialty retailers.

6. PARKS AND NATURE

• Become one with nature at Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. Also known as the FWNC&R, this preserve features over 3,000 acres of lovely protected wilderness, 25 miles of hiking trails, and many different creatures like deer, buffalo, alligators, and colorful birds. It is also one of America’s biggest nature centers that is city-owned!
• One of the must-see attractions in Fort Worth is definitely the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Created in 1934, it’s the oldest garden of its kind in Texas. This urban oasis has over 23 mesmerizing gardens and gorgeous sights to adore. If you’re visually impaired, there’s a specially designed Fragrance Garden to enrich your sense of smell, too!
• If you’re into pools with futuristic patterns, check out Fort Worth Water Gardens! Water Gardens are made up of multiple pools with odd and unique patterns and pool shapes. The highlight of the Water Gardens is the sci-fi-esque Active Pool in the center, which involves water pouring into a vortex-type pool down a huge wall of platforms and steps.
• Ride aboard the Forest Park Miniature Railroad to see some of Fort Worth’s beautiful but underrated locations, including certain areas of Trinity Park and hidden gems of the TCU/Zoo area. Each ride lasts about forty minutes.