Fort Worth on a Budget: A Day Trip Guide

Explore the charm of Fort Worth without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Explore the cultural and historical landmarks of Fort Worth while sticking to a limited budget. Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District for a taste of the cowboy life and catch a cattle drive for free. Check out the Fort Worth Water Gardens, an urban oasis with no admission fee, and end your day with a picnic at the beautiful Trinity Park.

Day trip plan

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  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Ol' South Pancake House for delicious pancakes and Southern-style dishes at affordable prices.
  • Next, visit the Fort Worth Stockyards to catch the twice-daily cattle drive and explore the Western heritage of Texas. Don't miss the free Fort Worth Herd cattle drive along Exchange Avenue.
  • Stroll through the historic Sundance Square and admire the art deco architecture while window shopping. You can also visit the free Sid Richardson Museum for Western art.
  • For lunch, stop by Heim BBQ for some mouth-watering Texas barbecue on a budget. Their smoked meats and sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser.
  • After lunch, head to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for a diverse collection of contemporary art. You can enjoy the outdoor sculpture garden for free.
  • End the day with a visit to the Fort Worth Water Gardens for a peaceful and unique urban park experience. It's free and open late, so you can enjoy the illuminated fountains at night.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Fort Worth by plane is to fly into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which is the largest airport in the area and located just 17 miles from downtown Fort Worth.

Car

The best way to get to Fort Worth by car is via Interstate 35W, which runs north-south through the city. There are also several major highways that intersect Fort Worth, such as Interstate 20 and Interstate 30.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no passenger trains that go directly to Fort Worth, but Amtrak does offer service to nearby cities such as Dallas and Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center, which is located in downtown Fort Worth.

Boat

Unfortunately, Fort Worth is not accessible by boat as it is located too far inland. The closest major body of water is Lake Worth, which is about 5 miles northwest of downtown Fort Worth.

Bus

The best way to get to Fort Worth by bus is to take Greyhound or Megabus. Both have stations located in downtown Fort Worth, making it easy to get to your final destination.

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