Godley TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Godley, Texas.
1. Equestrian Trails
HORSEBACK RIDING ADVENTURE
Equestrian Trails offers visitors the opportunity to explore Godley on horseback with experienced guides. The facility provides expert assistance to help riders of all experience levels understand how to properly ride a horse. Visitors consistently recommend this attraction for its knowledgeable staff and memorable riding experiences.
2. Godley Historic Downtown District
STEP INTO THE PAST
The Godley Historic Downtown District stands as the heart and soul of the town with beautifully restored buildings. This charming district offers a glimpse into Godley's rich heritage and past. Visitors can explore local businesses including essential services like the post office, grocery store, and hardware store while experiencing the authentic small-town atmosphere.
3. Del Norte Tacos
TACOS AND LIVE MUSIC
Del Norte Tacos is a local favorite in Godley offering fantastic food and regular live music performances. The restaurant serves as a community gathering spot where locals and visitors alike can enjoy authentic cuisine. Its vibrant atmosphere and quality dining experience make it a standout destination in Godley's downtown area.
4. Dinosaur Valley State Park
ANCIENT FOOTPRINTS PRESERVED
Dinosaur Valley State Park, located near Godley, preserves authentic dinosaur tracks in the bed of the Paluxy River. Visitors can literally walk where dinosaurs once roamed and see their footprints preserved in limestone. The park also offers camping, hiking trails, and swimming opportunities along with educational exhibits about prehistoric life.
5. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
SAFARI NEAR GODLEY
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center provides a drive-through safari experience where visitors can observe endangered species in a natural setting. The center spans 1,800 acres and is home to over 1,100 animals representing nearly 50 species from around the world. Visitors can feed certain animals from their vehicles during the 7.2-mile scenic drive through this conservation facility.
6. Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District
AUTHENTIC TEXAS HERITAGE
The Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District showcases Texas's rich cattle industry heritage through preserved buildings and daily cattle drives. This National Historic District features western-themed shopping, restaurants, and entertainment venues that celebrate the authentic cowboy culture. Visitors can experience rodeos, live music, and the world's only twice-daily cattle drive down Exchange Avenue.
7. Sundance Square
URBAN ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Sundance Square is a vibrant 35-block commercial, residential, entertainment and shopping district located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. The plaza features restaurants, shops, and regular cultural events in an architecturally stunning setting. Visitors can enjoy the famous water features, outdoor concerts, and the lively atmosphere of this meticulously designed urban space.
8. Fort Worth Zoo
WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL EXHIBITS
Fort Worth Zoo houses over 7,000 animals representing more than 540 species from around the world. The zoo is consistently ranked among the top five zoos in the nation and features innovative habitats like the African Savanna and Meerkat Mounds. Visitors can enjoy close-up animal encounters, educational presentations, and specialized exhibits like the Museum of Living Art (MOLA) dedicated to reptiles and amphibians.
9. Lake Granbury
WATERFRONT RECREATION DESTINATION
Lake Granbury offers 103 miles of shoreline and 8,700 acres of water surface for recreational activities near Godley. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports on this popular reservoir created by damming the Brazos River. The lake is surrounded by parks, beaches, and waterfront dining options that make it a complete outdoor destination.
10. Historic Granbury Square
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Historic Granbury Square surrounds the stunning Hood County Courthouse with a collection of preserved 19th-century buildings now housing boutiques and restaurants. The square is recognized as one of the best-preserved historic downtowns in Texas and offers a vibrant shopping and dining experience. Visitors can browse unique shops, enjoy local cuisine, and attend productions at the historic Granbury Opera House located on the square.
11. Cleburne State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Cleburne State Park features a 116-acre spring-fed lake nestled among rolling hills just 15 minutes from Godley. The park offers hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, and swimming opportunities in a serene natural setting. Visitors particularly enjoy the 5.5-mile mountain biking trail system that winds through beautiful limestone formations and diverse ecosystems.
12. Kimbell Art Museum
ARCHITECTURAL ART MASTERPIECE
The Kimbell Art Museum houses a small but extraordinary collection of about 350 masterpieces in an internationally acclaimed building designed by Louis Kahn. The collection includes works by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Monet, Picasso, and ancient artifacts from around the world. Visitors can enjoy the museum's innovative natural lighting system that bathes the artwork in soft, natural illumination throughout the day.
13. Fort Worth Botanic Garden
PEACEFUL PLANT PARADISE
Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Texas, spanning 110 acres with 23 specialty gardens including the renowned Japanese Garden. Visitors can explore collections featuring over 2,500 species of plants displayed in themed settings ranging from rose gardens to native prairie landscapes. The garden hosts seasonal events, educational programs, and offers peaceful walking paths through meticulously maintained horticultural displays.
14. Dinosaur World
PREHISTORIC FAMILY FUN
Dinosaur World features over 150 life-sized dinosaur models displayed along outdoor walking trails in a natural setting near Godley. Children can participate in a fossil dig and potentially take home authentic fossils they discover during their visit. The attraction combines entertainment with education, offering informational displays about each prehistoric creature represented in the park.
15. Fort Worth Water Gardens
URBAN ARCHITECTURAL OASIS
The Fort Worth Water Gardens is a 4.3-acre architectural and engineering marvel designed by Philip Johnson featuring three distinct water features: the active pool, aerating pool, and quiet pool. Visitors can descend stone steps into the dramatic 38-foot deep active pool where water cascades down terraced walls creating a powerful sensory experience. This urban park serves as a cooling oasis in downtown Fort Worth and has been featured in several films including the science fiction classic 'Logan's Run.'