Fort Worth, Texas Self-Guided Driving Tour: Iconic Landmarks & Main Sites
Places: 17 POIsDistance: 13.44 miDuration: 43m
Tour #2653
About this English self-guided 43m driving tour in Fort Worth
Embark on this captivating UCPlaces self-guided driving tour through the heart of Fort Worth, designed for both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts. This meticulously planned itinerary takes you on an efficient journey, starting in the vibrant Sundance Square and culminating at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Discover Fort Worth's most iconic landmarks, popular historic monuments, and Instagrammable selfie spots without the hassle of backtracking. You'll explore the architectural marvels of downtown, including the historic Tarrant County Courthouse and the stunning Bass Performance Hall, before finding tranquility at the Fort Worth Water Gardens. The tour then sweeps through the renowned Cultural District, home to the Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and the National Cowgirl Museum. Continue your adventure through the lush Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo, before heading north to the legendary Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, where the Old West comes alive.
Are you ready to get started? Great! Just follow your navigation to our first place.
Distance: 0.00mi
, Attraction : Entertainment District
3925, 506 Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76102, USA
Vibrant Downtown Entertainment
Alright folks, pull up your virtual boots, because our first stop, Sundance Square, is where Fort Worth truly shines. This isn't just a downtown area; it's a meticulously crafted district that embodies our city's spirit, from its rugged past to its sophisticated present. Now, you might be thinking, 'Sundance... as in the Kid?' And you'd be absolutely right! Harry Longabaugh, the real Sundance Kid, allegedly hid out in Fort Worth's notorious 'Hell's Half Acre' – just a stone's throw from here – after his escapades. So, the name pays a clever nod to that Wild West legend.
But today's Sundance Square is a far cry from those dusty, lawless days. This remarkable transformation, primarily spearheaded by the vision and dedication of brothers Ed and Sasha Bass starting in the 1980s, turned a struggling urban core into a bustling, pedestrian-friendly hub. They didn't just build new structures; they lovingly restored dozens of historic buildings, blending their 19th-century charm with modern amenities. Walk these red-brick streets, feel the glow of the gas lamps, and you’ll appreciate the careful attention to detail.
The heart of it all is Sundance Square Plaza, a beautiful public space often featuring live music, fountains, and plenty of room to relax and soak up the atmosphere. You’ll find world-class dining, unique boutiques, and lively entertainment venues, all within a few walkable blocks. It’s a testament to urban renewal done right, where history is celebrated, and community thrives. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning friend, there's always something new to discover or an old favorite to revisit in this dynamic cornerstone of Fort Worth.
Look up folks, and prepare to be impressed by a true architectural marvel: the Tarrant County Courthouse. Standing proudly since its completion in 1895, this magnificent structure is more than just a government building; it’s a pink granite testament to Fort Worth’s aspirations at the turn of the 20th century. Designed in the opulent Beaux-Arts style by Frederick C. Gunn, you might even notice a striking resemblance to the U.S. Capitol building – a comparison we certainly don’t mind!
Built for a then-staggering sum of approximately $408,000, this courthouse was truly grand for its time, symbolizing the city's growing importance as a regional hub. Just imagine the horse-drawn carriages pulling up to these stately steps, bringing folks for all manner of legal proceedings. And speaking of legal drama, this very building saw its share of it. In 1935, the infamous Henry Methvin, a member of the Bonnie and Clyde gang, stood trial here for murder, a sensational case that captured national headlines. This building has witnessed countless tales of justice, conflict, and community life unfold within its hallowed halls.
The stunning central dome, reaching over 200 feet high, is a beacon you can spot from miles away, a constant reminder of our city’s rich heritage. Thanks to extensive preservation efforts in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the courthouse has been meticulously restored to its original splendor, ensuring its beauty and functionality for generations to come. It’s a place where history isn't just displayed, but actively lives and breathes.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Vibrant Downtown Entertainment
Place 2Tarrant County Courthouse
Place 3Bass Performance Hall
Place 4Fort Worth Convention Center
Place 5Clear Fork Trinity River
Place 6Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Place 7Kimbell Art Museum
Place 8Will Rogers Memorial Center
Place 9Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Place 10National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Place 11Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Place 12Fort Worth Zoo
Place 13Fort Worth History
Place 14West Fork Trinity River
Place 15Texas Longhorn Cattle Drive
Place 16Fort Worth Stockyards
Place 17Billy Bob's Texas
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How to take a UCPlaces tour
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Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
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When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).