Top Rated Attractions in Ft. Worth

Fort Worth's Water Gardens is a spectacular man-made creation. A crown jewel of Fort Worth, it is often used as a business, professional, wedding and tourist venue. Architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee were appointed by the Amon G. Carter foundation to create this masterpiece in the late 1960s. Covering over four blocks of downtown space, the Water Gardens offer outstanding sightseeing opportunities. More than 500 types of plants and trees adorn this 4.3 acre (1.7 hectare) park.

Architect Louis I. Kahn won an award from the American Institute of Architects for this building's striking design. He used a series of arched glass ceilings to let in natural light and enhance the presentation of the many important pieces in the museum collection. The artwork comes from all over the world, with maestros such as Renoir, Picasso, Rubens and Rembrandt represented. Those desiring more exotic artwork will enjoy the Asian, African and Mediterranean collections. The Buffet Restaurant is open daily, offering different kinds of light fare depending on the time of day. Admission to the permanent collections is free.

Often referred to as the state's oldest art museum, this facility has been in existence since 1892. The Modern Art Museum now houses more than 2800 sculptures, paintings, prints, photographs and other artworks created since World War II. The collection includes pieces by luminaries such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Andy Warhol. Tours are open to the public every Saturday afternoon. The gift shop offers books, magazines, posters and other artistic memorabilia as well as educational toys. The museum hosts various art classes for patrons of all ages throughout the year.

A mosaic of rolling prairies, scenic woodlands, and green pastures, Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is located 10 miles northwest of downtown Fort Worth. It is a 3,621-acre (1,465 hectares) refuge for animals and indigenous plants. This area has unique trails which delight avid hikers and immersive educational exhibits which make for a fun and informative perusal for all ages. Herds of buffalo and white-tailed deer roam the refuge. Birdwatchers will enjoy identifying the varied bird species flitting about the area. A visit to this refuge is ideal for a day-long outdoor family adventure.

Situated in the heart of downtown, this mercantile and entertainment district features 20 blocks of renovated storefronts from the turn of the century. The nostalgic buildings and red brick streets pay tribute to Fort Worth's heritage and provide a very popular place to find great shopping, food and live performances of all kinds. Green sightseeing trolleys make it easier to take in all the sights, while horse-drawn carriages might be the ride of choice for those wanting to add a Victorian flair to their tour. A tourist information center provides the inside scoop on the best Sundance Square has to offer.

Located in a very woodsy section of Trinity Park, this 19th-century grouping of log cabins is a true delight. The seven fully restored cabins originated in the 1850s. Volunteers who run the operation are adept at giving demonstrations of everyday activities from days gone by including corn grinding, candle dipping, spinning and weaving. Special programs such as pioneer pastimes are often held, showing children how people lived in pioneer times with examples of art, crafts and other displays. Check the website for admission prices and more.