Unique staycation spots in Fort Worth, TX

Planning a staycation? Fort Worth is full of amazing places to stay and fun things to do. Whether you’re wanting to enjoy a quiet, relaxing weekend or you’re ready to get out and explore the area, you’re sure to have a great time.

Image via Flickr by sashafatcat | License

Where to Stay

The Fort Worth area has a variety of places, ranging from rustic campgrounds to luxury hotels, that will help make your staycation one you’ll remember for years to come.

Stockyards Hotel

Tucked away in Fort Worth’s famed National Historic Stockyards District is the Stockyards Hotel: a contemporary hotel with a Western vibe. Built in 1907, the hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers on-site dining, free Wi-Fi, and access to a local gym. If you’d like plenty of room to spread out, consider booking the Celebrity Suite, which has hosted a variety of country music celebrities, including Trisha Yearwood, Willie Nelson, and Tanya Tucker. If you’d prefer cozier accommodations, plenty of well-appointed guest rooms are also available. 

During your stay at the Stockyards Hotel, go outside and take a walking tour, visit some of the nearby restaurants and bars, or check out the Stockyards Museum. Depending on when you plan your staycation, you may want to attend a rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum for a fun experience you won’t soon forget.  

Possum Kingdom State Park

Looking for an outdoor adventure and don’t mind a short drive? Consider camping at Possum Kingdom State Park, located just under two hours from Fort Worth. Plenty of campsites, ranging from primitive sites to those equipped with electricity and water, are available for a small rental fee. If you’re not interested in camping, consider spending the night at the on-site lodge or in one of the air-conditioned cabins.    

The lake at Possum Kingdom boasts some of the Southwest’s clearest water, and you’re welcome to go swimming, boating, scuba diving, or fishing during your stay. No fishing license is required if you’re fishing from the shore, but you’ll need one to fish from a boat. The park’s fish cleaning station and boat launch are free to use, and boat and kayak rentals are available at the state park store, which is located near the park’s entrance.

If you’re not interested in water activities, you’ll still find plenty to do. Hiking, geocaching, and biking are all popular activities at the state park. The entrance fee is $4 per person, and children 12 and under are free.  

The Joule

For a quiet, upscale experience, consider The Joule, a five-star hotel in downtown Dallas, featuring 164 luxurious guest rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and a full-service spa. It’s located within walking distance of many area attractions, including the Majestic Theater, the Bank of America Plaza, and the Renaissance Tower.    

During your stay, consider booking a treatment at The Spa, The Joule’s onsite spa and wellness center, and following it with a dip in the rooftop heated pool. The on-site fitness center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for guests who would like to get in a quick workout. 

If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary during your stay, call ahead and let them know for a nice surprise upon your arrival. A host of upgrades, such as in-room spa services, a penthouse personal chef, birthday cakes, and balloon displays are available upon request and for an additional fee, so take a look at the website when making your plans if you’d like to arrange something extra special. 

Things to Do

The Fort Worth area has no shortage of fun activities perfect for all ages to keep you entertained during your staycation.

Dallas World Aquarium

Located in the West End Historic District about a mile away from The Joule, the Dallas World Aquarium is an accredited member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. You’ll begin your tour in the rainforest exhibit, where you’ll see exotic birds, howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, and more. The Aquatic Level houses creatures such as marine toads, angelfish, moray eels, and arrow crabs.  

If you’re visiting during lunch hours, three restaurants are located onsite, offering everything from gourmet cuisine to Tex-Mex fare to simple sandwiches and pizzas. The aquarium is a popular area attraction, so it’s a good idea to purchase timed-entry tickets online in advance. Prices vary depending on age, so check the website when making your plans if you’d like more information.

Southfork Ranch

Want to plan a fun day trip? Make the one-hour drive to Southfork Ranch, the site where the famed CBS television series “Dallas” was filmed. Tours start at 10:15 a.m. daily and run every hour. If you’d like a more in-depth look at the ranch, treat yourself to a “Day on the Ranch Tour,” which includes a horseback riding lesson, an hour-long trail ride, a tour of the famous Southfork mansion, lunch, and gift shop credit.

Trail rides and riding lessons are available for guests eight years old and older. Entrance fees start at $16 for adults, with special tours available for an additional cost. The ranch is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Sundance Square 

Take an afternoon to meander through Sundance Square in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. Have lunch at the Sundance Square Plaza, where you’ll find a variety of eateries serving everything from ice cream cones to oysters on the half shell to lobster dinners. Afterward, explore the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a four-acre park filled with futuristic water features. When you’re done there, hop aboard Molly the Trolley, a vintage-style trolley that provides a fun, convenient way to explore the area. It runs every ten to fifteen minutes, seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.  

We hope this helps you plan your Fort Worth staycation. If we’ve missed one of your favorite places to visit, please let us know so we can add it. Just send us an email or give us a call here at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth. We’d love to hear from you!