Travel to Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth is a large city in the north central area of Texas in the United States. Known as “Where the West Begins,” Fort Worth is often recognized as the cultural gateway to the American West. While tourism is not the largest industry in the area, the area’s Western heritage make it a mecca for worldwide travelers that dream of being cowboys and cowgirls.

When Gary visited Fort Worth: Spring 2007, Fall 2009, Spring 2011

My Posts About Fort Worth:

Cowboy, Fort Worth Crocodile in Fort Worth Zoo Japanese Gardens, Fort Worth Flowers in Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth is often overshadowed by her neighbor Dallas. Although Dallas is larger and has many attractions, Fort Worth is a great travel destination. Whether you are traveling as a family or on your own, there is something for you.

Families and animal lovers will enjoy the Fort Worth Zoo and I wholeheartedly recommend it. It is often listed as one of the best zoos in America and has a wide range of animals in their habitats. The newly opened Museum of Living Art (MOLA) is particularly unique. Housing their reptiles and aquariums, the MOLA is a great way to beat the heat if you are visiting in the summer months.

Fort Worth’s Botanic Gardens and Japanese Gardens are a beautiful way to spend several hours. Children will have fun on the learning boardwalk where they learn about the animal and plant species native to the area, while adults will love the serenity of the gardens. While the Japanese Gardens charge a nominal fee, the Botanic Gardens are free. I think it is a great place for a picnic.

After your picnic in the Botanic Gardens, pop over to the nearby Trinity Park and take a ride on the Forest Park Miniature Railroad. This train has been providing 40-minute tours of the banks of the Trinity River for over 50 years. Check the calendar on the site as operation times vary, and any wind or cold will stop the train from operating.

Last but certainly not least, head over to the Stockyards. Steeped in history, this brick paved area of Fort Worth hosts cattle drives twice a day which is fun for everyone. Pick up a GPS guided tour to get the most out of your trip, and do not leave before having real Texas BBQ or a quality steak.

The Japanese Gardens, Fort Worth The Kimbell Museum, Fort Worth The Stockyards, Fort Worth Birds at the Fort Worth Zoo

Travel Information for Fort Worth

WiFi Availability: High in Hotels, Medium in other public spaces

Airports – Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL)

Driving: The interstates 20, 30 and 35 travel through Fort Worth. Rental cars are plentiful, but the extensive highway system can be confusing. A GPS is suggested.

International Driver’s License Accepted? Yes. May drive with a US Driver’s License. State max speed limit is 80, but most highways have a max of 70.

Crime: Medium. No current travel warnings, but common sense should be used to protect yourself and your things.

Electrical Adapters: None needed if traveling from North or South America. Asian and European visitors will need the grounded plug adapter WA-5 and the ungrounded plug adapter #3. Voltage is 120V.

Mass Transit: Practically nonexistent. You will most likely need a rental car. Molly the Trolley does offer free trolley service downtown.

Fort Worth Trivia: The city has many nicknames. The most popular is “Cowtown”, but is also known as “Where the West Begins”, “The Metroplex (includes Dallas and surrounding cities), “Queen City of the Prairie”, “Panther City” and “Funkytown”.

A Short History of Fort Worth

Originally established as an Army outpost on the bank of the Trinity River in 1849, Fort Worth began to grow in size during its time as a stop on the Chisholm Trail. As the railroad moved West, Fort Worth became the intersection of several different railway lines and helped the population grow after the city suffered due to the Civil War and Reconstruction. In more recent times, the oil boom in the 1970’s and the natural gas growth in the last decade has brought prosperity to the region.

Stockyard Station, Fort Worth Fort Worth Zoo Cattle Drive Fort Worth Duck, Fort Worth TX

How To Travel to Fort Worth:

DFW Airport is served by most US major carriers. It is a hub city for American Airlines, so their flights are plentiful. DAL Dallas Love is the hub airport for Southwest Airlines, and DAL is also served by American Airlines and Delta. Of note, DFW and DAL are not near each other and travelers that mistakenly book flights that connect through both airports will have to make an expensive 40 minute shuttle or taxi ride to the correct airport.

Travel Distances:

  • New York City 1,400 miles (2,250 km)
  • Los Angeles 1,218 miles (1,960 km)
  • London 4,789 miles (7,707 km)
  • Shanghai 7,375 miles (11,868 km)
  • New Delhi 8,218 miles (13,226 km)
  • Rio de Janero 5,210 miles (8,385 km)

Things to Do in Fort Worth:

Fort Worth Hotels

Other Fort Worth Resources: