If you only have a day in Fort Worth, head straight to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. This living museum pays tribute to Fort Worth's Wild West heyday with daily cattle drives and plenty of restaurants serving up cowboy cuisine like beef tenderloin and rabbit-rattlesnake sausage. Start your visit at Stockyards Station, which sits at the heart of this historic neighborhood – from here, you can join a guided walking or Segway tour or hop on a stage coach. If you're interested in the district's history, pay a visit to the Stockyards Museum, which is housed in the former Livestock Exchange building and now contains an extensive collection of documents and artifacts from Fort Worth's Old West era. Meanwhile, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Texas Trail of Fame will also offer insight into the people who made an impact on the sport and business of rodeo, and the western lifestyle in Texas. If you have kids in tow, take a twirl through the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze or a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

Recent visitors strongly recommend visiting the Stockyards on a Friday or Saturday night for the Championship Rodeo. Starting at 7:30 p.m., talented cowboys will show off their riding, roping and racing skills in the Cowtown Coliseum. Afterward, you can test your dancing skills at Billy Bob's Texas – at 3 acres, Billy Bob's claims to be the world's largest honky-tonk. While many reviewers said this was a great activity for first-time visitors, they also cautioned that it is quite touristy.

To get a sense of historic Fort Worth, pair your visit to the Stockyards with an afternoon at Sundance Square, which is located in the heart of the city. Named for the Sundance Kid – partner to the infamous Butch Cassidy – this 35-block district has been entertaining Fort Worth visitors since the city's Wild West days. During the 1800s, cowboys following the Chisholm Trail would stop here in town to linger in the saloons, gambling parlors and dance halls. Today, the area's red-brick buildings house a variety of shops, restaurants and bars. Sundance Square's pedestrian plaza (located along Main Street between Third and Fourth streets) also features several fountains – the jetted fountains being the most popular. Bring your bathing suit for an afternoon of ducking and diving beneath the spray of 216 jets, or bring your camera in the evening when the fountain is lit by underwater LED light fixtures.

Recent visitors to Sundance Square enjoyed their time, describing the ambiance as quaint and the dining options as varied and plentiful. Many say it's much more fun when there are events going on, which liven up the scene even more. Others were particularly impressed with the area's holiday displays.

Since it opened in 1909, this Texas zoo has been exposing Fort Worth residents and visitors to wildlife from around the world. When it first opened, the Fort Worth Zoo housed one lion, two bear cubs, a coyote, a peacock, an alligator and some rabbits; now, it's a full menagerie with exhibits showcasing everything from jaguars to flamingos. Make your way to the Australian Outback to observe Aussie residents like kangaroos, or visit the African Savanna for views of the Southern black rhinos. Recent visitors also highly recommend spending time in the Museum of Living Art, an award-winning facility that houses some 5,700 birds, reptiles and amphibians who live among hand-painted murals.

Those who have visited the zoo find plenty of aspects to praise, including the well-shaded pathways (lined with water misters primed to keep you cool on hot summer days) and the option to bring your own food and beverages. But heed the advice from these travelers to not ignore the other pastimes found on zoo grounds. For example, spend some time in Texas Wild!, a model Wild West village complete with a petting corral and a laser shooting gallery, as well as several snack options. Other attractions include a carousel, a 25-foot rock climbing wall and a 14,000-square-foot splash area complete with slides, a dump tower and water cannons.

The Kimbell Art Museum has earned a reputation as one of the top small museums in the world. The facility itself is a work of art, complete with vaults and skylights and a sculpture garden designed by prominent Japanese-American artist, Isamu Noguchi. And despite its modest size, this museum is a must-see for any art buff: the permanent collection houses works that span history and features artists ranging from El Greco and Rembrandt to Monet and Picasso. Other collections include Egyptian and classical antiquities, Asian, Mesoamerican and African art.

Although art aficionados were already impressed by the original Louis Kahn building, which was constructed in 1972, the addition of the Piano Pavilion (named for Italian architect Renzo Piano, who helped design Paris' famous Centre Pompidou) in 2013 has made the Kimbell feel less cramped, recent visitors say. Many reviewers call this one of the best-kept secrets in Fort Worth, and one that is not to be missed.

Visitors to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden can explore 120 acres of gardens, horticultural displays and exhibits. Dating back to 1934, the garden is the oldest of its kind in the state, and houses more than 2,500 species of plants. It is composed of 23 distinct gardens, including the renowned rose and Japanese gardens, the latter of which features koi-filled ponds and cascading waterfalls.

Recent visitors were blown away by the beauty of the gardens. Notably, for an outdoor attraction, many travelers say this destination is worth a visit during any month of the year. It's also a family-friendly attraction, although some note upkeep could be improved.

Can't get enough of Fort Worth's Cultural District? Art buffs should not miss the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Visitors will find quintessential artists like Grant Wood, Georgia O'Keeffe and Jacob Lawrence featured at this museum, and may discover a new contemporary favorite, too.  The museum exhibits American art from the 18th century to the present day represented across a variety of different mediums, including paintings, sculptures, photographs and works on paper.

Recent visitors raved about the collections, particularly the locally-relevant cowboy artworks. The museum is widely considered a must-see, and many noted that it is conveniently located near two other major art museums in the neighborhood (the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Kimbell Art Museum).

Billy Bob's Texas is a spacious honky-tonk, featuring an enormous dance floor (that can accommodate up to 6,000 people), pro bull riding and a stage graced by stars like ZZ Top. There are nearly three dozen bar stations in the neon-lit 1910 building – which was originally an open-air barn. Anyone looking for a quintessential Texas good time will find something to enjoy at this massive, 100,000-square-foot venue.

Recent visitors enjoyed the endless array of sights at Billy Bob's Texas. Nearly everyone notes the Texas-sized space, and many appreciated the live music and memorabilia on display. Several travelers mentioned that there is a $3 entry charge, including during the day.

The Fort Worth Water Gardens are a downtown "oasis" designed by famed 20th-century architect Philip Johnson. Spanning more than 5 acres, the site contains three "pools," including a Quiet Pool, an Aerated and an Active Pool. The Active Pool, which features a canyon of concrete terraces over which water flows to a basin 38 feet below, is perhaps the most visually striking. The Quiet Pool, which is surrounded by bald cypress trees, offers an ideal meditative spot. This shady urban paradise can be experienced year-round; an evening visit offers the chance to view the pools' dramatic architectural lighting. Note that though they are called "pools," swimming and wading is not allowed at the Fort Worth Water Gardens.

Recent visitors called this spot a hidden gem, especially in the summertime. It can be peaceful or quite lively, depending on the weather. Reviewers noted that following posted safety instructions is important, as ignoring them to enter the fast-moving waters is dangerous.

Whether you love live music, theater or architecture, the Bass Performance Hall is not to be missed. Inspired by European opera houses, the building, which opened in 1998, fuses a historicizing exterior with a decidedly modern – but no less spectacular – interior. Architectural highlights include two 48-foot-tall limestone angels on the hall's exterior and an interior dome that measures 80 feet in diameter and features paintings by two Fort Worth artists. After you've gawked at the architecture, step inside for shows ranging from Broadway tours, to concerts, to stand-up comedy.

Recent visitors praised the acoustics of the Bass Performance Hall, as well as its beautiful design. However, some reviewers found the security measures and staff less than welcoming.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. This interactive museum includes popular traditional exhibits featuring dinosaurs and Plains cultures, but also offers many opportunities for visitors to touch and experiment. For example, "DinoDig" replicates a field site with mock fossils, allowing visitors to become amateur archaeologists. Meanwhile, "Innovation Studios" allow kids to make memories – literally – with its focus on drawing, inventing and designing. The "Children's Museum" exhibit features a kid-sized grocery store, resources to design a building or train station, and a variety of age-appropriate play spaces. There is also a playground, a planetarium and the separate Cattle Raisers Museum on site, which features exhibits on the history and science of the cattle industry.

Recent visitors note that the museum is small, although it packs a lot of exhibits into the space. Some say it is best for young children and adults, though others found that toddlers to early teens alike enjoyed the outing for hours.

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame celebrates the women who helped shape the American West. The 33,000-square-foot museum features interactive galleries, theaters and archives that house thousands of artifacts that serve to tell the stories of more than 750 women. Artifacts include Annie Oakley's handwritten letters, her wedding ring and one of her shotguns. But it's not all ranchers and rodeo winners here; Laura Ingalls Wilder, Sacagawea and even Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor are honored in the museum's hall of fame. Among the museum's exhibits are some high-tech, interactive features, including the opportunity to create your own digital boot, shirt or horse projection, as well as the ability to superimpose yourself riding a bucking bronco in a digital rodeo.

Recent visitors enjoyed their stop here. Many noted that this is a unique museum experience and that there is a substantial variety of artifacts to reward a visit. Many were impressed with Annie Oakley hologram.

Modernists will not want to miss this museum in the city's Cultural District. The museum showcases art from the 1940s to the present day and is housed in a striking concrete, glass and steel building that features 40-foot transparent walls and an exterior reflecting pool. Inside, there are paintings by Rothko, prints by Andy Warhol and sculptures by Jenny Holzer. There is a cafe on site, and special events take place regularly, including film screenings, musical performances and drawing programs for children, teens and adults.

Recent visitors raved about this museum. Aside from the excellent collection, travelers also complimented the knowledgeable staff, cafe offerings and modern building. Exhibits rotate, so it is a good idea to make sure many are open for your visit, as occasionally a floor is closed for installation.

The Sid Richardson Museum is an art museum located in Sundance Square that showcases paintings of the American West. It exhibits the art collection of oilman and philanthropist Sid Williams Richardson. Exhibits seek to bring new context and depth to depictions of the West by artists, such as Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell.

Recent visitors recommend adding this museum to your itinerary if you have an interest in art depicting the American West. Reviewers praised the knowledgeable docents and many appreciated the artful landscapes. Some called this a "hidden gem" in Sundance Square.

Dedicated in 1892, Trinity Park is a spacious, 252-acre outdoor space that's equipped with a variety of amenities, including a basketball court, a playground and water features. This municipal park, which sits along the Trinity River, was the first parkland in the city. It includes walking and bike paths that connect to a 100-plus mile paved trail network known as the Trinity River Trails. Amenities like restrooms, water fountains and picnic areas make it easy to pass an entire afternoon here.

Recent visitors praise the park for its safe and clean atmosphere and grounds. According to reviewers, the park is very family friendly. Others applaud the number of activities it offers. Cyclists, in particular, love the many trails found here.