where is the best area to stay in fort worth, texas?

Where is the best area to stay in Fort Worth?

By Sarah Williams. December 10, 2024

What comes to mind when you think of Texas? Cowboy boots and BBQ, right? While you can definitely find a country pub and BBQ in just about any small or big Texan town, there’s no better place to live your Western dreams than in the original Cowboy City: Fort Worth. Located just a 30-minute drive from Dallas, Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, buzzing with entertainment, cultural activities, historic sites, and the best BBQ and western music around. As the 12th largest city in the US and known for its Southern hospitality, Fort Worth features multiple diverse neighborhoods where you can have an exciting, cowboy-themed or an urban, sophisticated stay.

The best area to stay in Fort Worth is in its true Cowboy essence: The Stockyards. Located north of the central business district, the Stockyards National Historic District will make you feel like you stepped back into the past. With its original brick walkways and wooden corrals, this area is home to a twice-daily cattle drive, the largest honky-tonk in the world, a live rodeo, and dozens of other fun Cowboy activities for the entire family or for a fun adult’s night out. The Stockyards is where the West begins and will give you the full Texas experience!If you are interested in where to stay in Fort Worth, you may also be interested in where to stay in Dallas.

The Stockyards, the best area to stay in Fort Worth

First- time / Cultural Experience / Nightlife

The Stockyards offers over 50 Western-style shops, Riscky’s Barbeque , craft cocktail bars, old-time photo parlors, historic walking tours, and live music venues. Whether you are staying on your own, with friends, or with family, you’ll find dozens of fun activities all within walking distance!

Staying at the Stockyards is like stepping back in time to the 1800s. Many hotels, like Hotel Drover or Miss Molly’s Bed & Breakfast, are decorated with Cowboy and rodeo themes, giving visitors the authentic Western experience!

Once you’ve picked your hotel, you can enjoy all that the Stockyards has to offer: get a custom-made saddle or handmade boots at Sean Ryon Western Store & Saddle Shop, pet a goat at the Petting Corral, take a walking tour with Cowtown Winery, ride a mechanical bull, watch a live rodeo, and finish the night two-stepping at Billy Bob’s. Don’t forget to bring your cowboy boots!

Hotels in The Stockyards

Other areas to stay in Fort Worth

Downtown Ft. Worth - Sundance Square

Entertainment / Shopping / Nightlife

The second-best area to stay in Fort Worth is Sundance Square. Staying here will give you an urban taste of Cowboy City while still only a 10-minute drive away from the Stockyards!

The heart of downtown Fort Worth, this pedestrian-friendly area covers 35 blocks of modern high-rise buildings and traditional architecture where you’ll find live music events, sports bars and diverse dining options, Western clothing boutiques and entertainment venues, like the Performance Hall.

You won’t want to miss Sundance Square Plaza, a meeting point for concerts, art festivals, and outdoor movies. Kids can have fun splashing through the fountains or running under the giant umbrellas that create a rest area during the day and a beautiful canopy display of lights at night. Another last thing you don’t want to miss are the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a quiet and enchanting area of the city where you can disconnect and enjoy nature!

Hotels in Downtown Ft. Worth - Sundance Square

Cultural District

Art / Culture / Family-friendly

While Fort Worth is known as “Cowboy City,” it’s also celebrated as the “City of Cowboys and Culture.” This area offers a mix of fine art, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Home to the best-designed building in Texas, Michelangelo’s “The Torment of Saint Anthony”, and the only Cowgirl Museum in the world, the Cultural District will give you a taste of art and fun for the whole family.

Within this district, you’ll find the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, a stunning building housing more than 3,000 contemporary works of art and Café Modern, a floor-to-ceiling café with amazing views of the museum’s pond. Within a few blocks, you’ll find four other renown museums, including the Kimbell Art Museum. In addition to Michelangelo’s work, you can also see masterpieces by Monet and Picasso.

For a more kid-friendly experience, we recommend the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Fort Worth Zoo, and the Fort Worth Botanical Garden— the perfect place to explore nature as a family.

Hotels in Cultural District

Fossil Creek

Nature / Outdoor Recreation / Suburban

While Cowboy and Culture vibes are great, we know it’s not for everyone. For those looking for a more natural escape, Fossil Creek is the perfect option for your stay. North of downtown, Fossil Creek features ten acres of parks and trails that wind through downtown Fort Worth. This peaceful, dog-friendly area offers a suburban feel while still being well-connected to dining options, grocery stores, and theaters.

Fossil Creek is also home to the Fossil Creek Trails, 5 miles of mountain bike trails, competitive softball fields, BBQ grills and picnic areas. If you’re up for an adventure, it’s just a short drive to the AT&T Stadium, the Six Flags theme park, and, of course, the Stockyards!

For an outdoor activity, we recommend The Golf Club at Fossil Creek, a premier 18-hole golf resort designed by pro golfer Arnold Palmer. Surrounded by beautiful lakes and lush trees, it offers challenges for both beginners and experienced golfers.

Hotels in Fossil Creek

Clearfork

Luxury shopping / Outdoor Recreation / Dog-friendly

What was once a 7,000-acres family-owned ranch is now Clearkfork, a sophisticated outdoor shopping, dining, and recreation area of Fort Worth.

About a 10-minute drive southwest of downtown, Clearfork is located along the Trinity River. It features two main entertainment hubs: 1. The Shops at Clearfok, a premier open-air shopping with over 40 luxury boutiques, Italian and French restaurants, and an open-air plaza. 2. The Trailhead at Clearfork River, a health and wellness community space offering a patio café, free yoga classes, a weekly farmers market, and seasonal events.

Clearfork also offers 60+ miles of bike and fitness trails along the Trinity River. Vistos can rent bikes and explore the area or bring their dog to Mutts Canine Cantina, an off-leash dog park with dining options for humans, too! Whether you’re looking for upscale shopping, outdoor adventure, or a peaceful day with your dog, Clearfork has something for everyone.

University Place

Shopping / Family-friendly / Suburban

The last neighborhood on our list is University Place, a charming and laid-back area located near Texas Christian University. This neighborhood is known for its quaint historic homes and quiet streets, making it a great option for families or those looking for a more relaxed stay.

You can take a walk on TCU’s campus and enjoy its vibrant dining scene, which includes ethnic restaurants and local cafés. For shopping, check out University Park Village, a sophisticated open-air center featuring over 30 premium outlet stores such as Madewell or Anthropologie, home decor shops, and tech stores like Apple. Just a few streets away, you’ll have access to the Trinity Trails, a series of scenic paths perfect for biking, walking, or jogging.

If you’re looking to explore more of Fort Worth, we recommend taking an electric bike tour of the city, sampling the local taco shops, and indulging in some authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. From cowboy culture to art, nature, and upscale shopping, Fort Worth truly has it all.