The Best Itinerary for a Weekend in Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas, is a city full of charm, history, and good food. It’s the kind of place where you can have a great time without feeling rushed. If you’re looking for an itinerary for a weekend in Fort Worth filled with relaxation, shopping, and delicious meals, this is it.
This itinerary is designed for a slow, relaxing pace, allowing you to savor this Texas hot spot. You’ll enjoy local flavors, unique shopping experiences, and Fort Worth culture.
Fort Worth is calling, and here’s why it’s the perfect spot for your next weekend getaway!
He Works So I Travel content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For full details, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.
Day 1 of Your Weekend in Fort Worth
Arrive and Dive into the Stockyards
Morning
Start your weekend by checking into Hotel Drover, a rustic but modern hotel in the heart of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. This hotel is pure Texas charm with a touch of luxury.
Late Morning
Once you’ve settled in, step out and explore the Fort Worth Stockyards, just a few steps from the hotel.
You can wander through the shops, soak in the Western vibes, and catch the iconic Longhorn cattle drive each day at 11:30 AM or 4:00 PM. You’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a scene from an old Western movie!
Lunch
It’s time for some mouthwatering Mexican food at Joe T. Garcia’s.
Don’t be fooled by the exterior. This place is a Fort Worth legend, and its beautiful outdoor garden seating is the perfect spot for a long, leisurely lunch.
You will love the fajitas, margaritas, and mariachis. Please bring cash since the restaurant does not accept cards. There is an ATM on site if you need it.
Afternoon
On your first afternoon in Fort Worth, indulge in some retail therapy at M.L. Leddy’s for custom boots or a leather bag and at Stockyards Station for unique Texas-made treasures.
Nothing says Texas more than the smell of leather.
You’ll find some truly one-of-a-kind items to take home as souvenirs.
Evening
For dinner, head to Reata Restaurant in downtown Fort Worth, just a short drive away.
You’ll find a menu with Southwestern flavors and a Texas flair.
Enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant’s main dining room, which is adorned with cattle brands, or dine outside on the spacious outdoor patio.
After Dinner
Cap off the first night of your weekend in Fort Worth with a peaceful stroll through Sundance Square. The plaza is beautifully lit and offers a relaxing way to end your first day in Fort Worth.
Late Night
Don’t hit the hay just yet. If you are not quite ready to call it a night, you have some great options to enjoy live music, dance the night away, or ride a bull (a mechanical one, of course) nearby.
Just a short distance from Hotel Drover, you can visit Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk, where you can dance the night away.
Want to enjoy handcrafted drinks on an outdoor patio with a relaxed vibe instead? Visit Maggie’s, one of our favorite spots in Fort Worth.
Finally, for even more fun, wander over to Second Rodeo Brewing at Mule Alley. This brewery and bar garden have such a great vibe. Grab a picture with the giant-lit cowboy while sipping some of the most incredible cocktails.
Resources for Your Visit to Texas
- Find your perfect hotel in Fort Worth on Booking.com.
- If your adventure in Fort Worth leaves you craving more, uncover a world of activities on Viator.com.
- For air travel, navigate to Skyscanner.com to book the most economical flights.
Day 2 of Your Weekend in Fort Worth
Brunch, Trails and Gardens, and a Quiet Evening
Morning
Start your morning with a truly Fort Worth experience by enjoying a cowboy-inspired breakfast at the Hotel Drover’s signature restaurant, 97 West Kitchen & Bar.
The menu features hearty, Texas-inspired dishes made with local ingredients, offering a taste of authentic Western cuisine.
Late Morning
After breakfast, take a stroll through the hotel’s beautifully landscaped grounds. The outdoor spaces are designed with Fort Worth’s Western heritage in mind, featuring rustic touches, cozy fire pits, and even a courtyard with a picturesque bridge over a small stream.
If you want to relax a bit more, you can spend some time at The Backyard.
This unique outdoor space includes a pool area with comfortable loungers, perfect for enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee.
The space often hosts live acoustic music, adding a touch of local flavor to your morning routine.
Lunch
For lunch today, hop in the car and drive about five miles away to the river, where you will enjoy a laid-back lunch at Woodshed Smokehouse.
The Woodshed is a dog-friendly, family-oriented space where you can savor some unique takes on barbecue while soaking in the view and listening to live music on the outdoor patios.
Afternoon
After lunch, a leisurely walk along the Trinity Trails is the perfect way to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenic river views. The less than two-mile walk will take you to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
You can wander through the gardens, especially the serene Japanese Garden, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Tickets for the Botanic Garden are $15 in peak season, but you can save $3 if you buy tickets online in advance. Other discounts apply for military and Fort Worth residents, so ask when you purchase your ticket.
If you are visiting in the summer, I recommend driving to the Botanic Gardens instead of walking because of the higher temperatures.
Evening
Your treat for all the walking you did today will be dinner at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse. This dinner spot near Hotel Drover captures the Fort Worth vibe without being too fancy.
Cattlemen’s has been serving up classic Texas steaks since 1947. The restaurant’s rustic, Western-style ambiance makes it feel like an authentic Fort Worth experience.
After Dinner
For a cozy end to the day, head back to Hotel Drover for The Backyard Unplugged. Listen to live music as you sit creekside and enjoy handcrafted cocktails.
Day 3 of Your Weekend in Fort Worth
Breakfast, Culture, and Last-Minute Finds
Morning
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at Paris Coffee Shop, a classic diner that has been serving breakfast and lunch since 1926. With Texas-sized portions, it’s a great spot to start your day and will fuel you for the fun ahead.
Late Morning
After breakfast, take in some of the outstanding art in Fort Worth’s Cultural District. As the museum capital of the Southwest, Fort Worth has plenty of places to explore.
The Kimbell Art Museum has the only Michelangelo piece in the United States, and the Modern Art Museum has been named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Art Museums, with a reflecting pond that is worth a visit alone!
You could also visit the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, designed by the same architect who built the Fort Worth Water Gardens.
Finally, you can’t leave Texas without visiting the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, which houses over 4,000 pieces honoring over 750 exceptional women.
Lunch
Before heading home, grab a casual but oh-so-delicious lunch at Heim Barbecue. Their smoked meats are legendary. This lunch will be a perfect final taste of Fort Worth.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, do a little last-minute shopping back in the Stockyards, just in case you missed something earlier.
Then, it’s time to check out of Hotel Drover and make your way home, relaxed and with plenty of new memories.
Why Fort Worth?
Fort Worth is the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and just enough adventure to keep things interesting. With everything so close, you’ll enjoy the best of Fort Worth without ever feeling rushed.