Fort Worth, Texas 7-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Oklahoma City & Car Rental

Arrive at Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), pick up your rental car for the road trip.

Book your rental car in advance for the best rates and availability. Ensure the car is suitable for a road trip.

Drive to Wichita Mountains

Begin your road trip with a scenic drive southwest from Oklahoma City to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Fill up on gas before leaving OKC. Enjoy the changing Oklahoma landscape.

Lunch near Refuge Entrance

Grab lunch at a local eatery in Lawton or Cache before entering the refuge.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Exploration

Explore this ancient mountain range and wildlife haven.

Drive up Mount Scott for panoramic views, spot bison, elk, and longhorn, and enjoy short hikes.

Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing. Check for any entry fees or specific driving regulations upon arrival.

Dinner in Lawton

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Visit Holy City of the Wichitas

Explore 'The Holy City of the Wichitas', a unique stone replica of biblical Jerusalem, located within the wildlife refuge.

A surprisingly detailed and serene site, offering a different cultural aspect to the natural surroundings.

Scenic Drive to Turner Falls Park

Depart the Wichita Mountains area and drive southeast towards Turner Falls Park in Davis, Oklahoma, a beautiful natural area in the Arbuckle Mountains.

Enjoy the changing scenery as you head into the Arbuckle Mountains region.

Lunch in Davis

Have lunch in the small town of Davis before heading into Turner Falls Park.

Explore Turner Falls Park

Discover Oklahoma's largest waterfall, explore caves, enjoy swimming (weather permitting), and hike along various trails in this picturesque park.

Entry fee required. Wear swimwear if you plan to get in the water. The trails can be rugged, so good shoes are recommended. Check their website for current hours and fees.

Drive to Ardmore & Check-in

A short drive south to Ardmore for your overnight stay.

Dinner in Ardmore

Enjoy dinner in Ardmore, a convenient stop before crossing into Texas.

Drive to Dinosaur Valley State Park

Cross the Red River into Texas and continue your drive to Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, famous for its ancient dinosaur footprints.

This scenic drive will take you deeper into North Central Texas.

Dinosaur Valley State Park Exploration

Walk in the Paluxy River bed to see real dinosaur footprints.

Enjoy moderate hiking trails and the natural beauty of the park. Also features two life-size dinosaur models.

The visibility of footprints depends on the river level; call ahead or check their website. Wear water shoes or old sneakers if you plan to wade in the river. Park entry fee required.

Late Lunch in Glen Rose

Enjoy a late lunch in the charming town of Glen Rose after your dinosaur hunt.

Explore Historic Granbury Square

Drive to nearby Granbury and explore its historic town square, voted one of America's best.

Enjoy boutique shops and the old-town ambiance.

Granbury is a picturesque town perfect for a leisurely stroll and photo opportunities.

Dinner in Granbury

Dine at one of Granbury's local restaurants, many offering views of the square or Lake Granbury.

Drive to Fort Worth

Enjoy a final scenic drive as you head into the city of Fort Worth, your base for the next few days.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Enjoy the beauty of every season at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the oldest public botanic garden in Texas.

A 120-acre oasis with diverse plant collections.

The garden is expansive, offering various themed areas like the Rose Garden, Tropical Conservatory, and Native Texas Boardwalk. Allow plenty of time to explore at your leisure.

Lunch near the Gardens

Grab a casual lunch at a cafe or restaurant conveniently located near the Botanic Garden area.

Fort Worth Japanese Garden

Discover the tranquil 7.

5-acre Japanese Garden within the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, featuring cherry trees, Japanese maples, bridges, and koi ponds.

A peaceful escape perfect for quiet contemplation and beautiful photographs. Entry to the Japanese Garden may require a separate fee from the main Botanic Garden.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel and settle in for your stay in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Dinner in Fort Worth

Enjoy dinner at a Fort Worth restaurant.

Consider exploring the options near your hotel or downtown.

Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

Step back in time at the Fort Worth Stockyards, home to daily cattle drives, historic hotels, and western-style shopping.

Experience the authentic Old West.

Check the schedule for the longhorn cattle drive. There are many shops, restaurants, and saloons to explore. Consider a visit to the Stockyards Championship Rodeo if visiting on a weekend.

Lunch in the Stockyards

Enjoy a classic Texan lunch at one of the many restaurants within the Fort Worth Stockyards, from BBQ to steakhouses.

Fort Worth Water Gardens

Visit the unique Fort Worth Water Gardens, an architectural and engineering marvel with various water features, including the Active Pool, Quiet Pool, and Aerated Pool.

This urban park is a refreshing oasis in the city, perfect for a leisurely walk and interesting photo opportunities.

Fort Worth Aviation Museum

Explore the history of aviation in North Texas at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum, home to many touchable warbirds and exhibits.

A great stop for aviation enthusiasts, offering a hands-on experience with military aircraft.

Free Evening in Fort Worth

Enjoy a free evening to relax, explore a different part of Fort Worth, or find a unique dinner spot.

Dallas Museum of Art

Explore diverse collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.

The museum offers a vast array of exhibits, perfect for a cultural morning.

General admission is free, but special exhibitions may have a fee. Check their website for current exhibitions. Parking is available nearby for a fee.

Stroll Klyde Warren Park

Walk through this urban deck park built over a freeway.

Enjoy the green space, watch the various activities, and perhaps grab a bite from a food truck.

A great spot for people-watching and enjoying the Dallas skyline. Numerous food trucks often line the park for casual lunch options.

Lunch in Arts District

Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes in the vibrant Dallas Arts District, offering a range of cuisines.

Options range from casual eateries to more upscale dining. Consider spots along Flora Street or near Klyde Warren Park.

The Sixth Floor Museum

Visit the poignant museum dedicated to the life, death, and legacy of President John F.

Kennedy, located in the former Texas School Book Depository.

Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for groups. Allow ample time for reflection.

Dealey Plaza Visit

Walk through Dealey Plaza, a National Historic Landmark District, and reflect on the historical events that unfolded here.

The plaza itself is an open public space, offering a somber but important historical context right outside The Sixth Floor Museum.

Reunion Tower GeO-Deck

Ascend to the GeO-Deck for panoramic 360-degree views of the Dallas skyline, especially beautiful at sunset.

Enjoy interactive exhibits and observation telescopes. Consider booking tickets online to secure your preferred time slot.

Dinner in Dallas

Dine at one of Dallas's many acclaimed restaurants, from Tex-Mex to upscale American cuisine.

Dallas offers a diverse culinary scene. Consider areas like Deep Ellum for lively options or Uptown for more refined dining.

Fort Worth Stockyards

Immerse yourselves in the authentic Old West at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

Witness the twice-daily cattle drive, explore unique shops, and soak in the cowboy culture.

The cattle drive usually happens at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot. Many shops and restaurants to explore.

Lunch in Fort Worth

Enjoy a classic Texan lunch in Fort Worth, perhaps near the Stockyards, with options ranging from BBQ to Tex-Mex.

Many restaurants in the Stockyards offer a taste of the Old West. Consider trying a local BBQ joint.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Relax and recharge in the beautiful 120-acre Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the oldest public botanic garden in Texas.

Explore various themed gardens including the popular Japanese Garden.

The Japanese Garden usually has an entrance fee, while other areas of the Botanic Garden are free. It's a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll and photo opportunities.

Drive to DFW Airport & Departure

Allow ample time to drive to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), return your rental car, and check in for your departure flight.

The drive from central Fort Worth to DFW Airport typically takes 30-45 minutes, but always account for potential traffic and rental car return procedures. Aim to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight, 3 hours for international.