I moved to Waco in 2008 for college, and wow, it has changed a lot since then! The popular US home renovation show, Fixer Upper, first aired in May 2013, and that really put Waco on the map.
Chip and Joanna Gaines, owners of a small home décor shop and Magnolia Homes construction business, brought their charm and their quirks to television as they took “the worst house in the best neighborhood and turned it into (their) client’s dream home.” Since then, their Magnolia empire has expanded and changed the look and feel of Waco (in a good way!).
Whether you’re into the Magnolia scene or not, this great little town between Dallas and Austin is absolutely worth a visit – especially as a day trip or a stopover on a longer road trip.
What to Do
Drive Through Cameron Park
- Make your way up to Lover’s Leap for views overlooking the Brazos River (take a right at the entrance to the park and follow the road along the river and up the hills). As you drive, you’ll feel like you’ve left the city and arrived in Texas Hill Country. If you’re there in March, you’ll be treated to a gorgeous display of bluebonnets
- Bring a frisbee or football and hang out on one of the many lawn areas, or take an easy hike through the forest. There are several short trails from each parking area
- Spend a few hours at Cameron Park Zoo. It’s not too large, is easy to navigate, and is a perfect way to spend an afternoon with kids who love animals
Hours: Monday through Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm; Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm
Cost: Adults $12.50; Children $9.50
Be a Baylor Fan for a Day
- Walk around the campus. Be sure to stop by the Bear Habitat to say hi to the black bears living there!
- Attend a football or basketball game. Dress the part of a true fan with t-shirts and other Baylor gear from Barefoot Campus Outfitters
Check out a Museum
- Dr Pepper Museum
Indulge your nostalgia with memorabilia and old commercials in this small but interesting spot. Admission includes a free, handcrafted Dr Pepper, or you can play the role of soda taste tester with a flight of six soda samples. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your luck at making your own soda!- Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00am – 5:30pm; Sunday 12:00pm-5:30pm
- Cost: Adults $10; Children $6 (with military, educator, and student discounts); Reservations are not needed to visit the museum, but they are required for additional experiences like soda tasting and mixing
- Waco Mammoth National Monument
Did you know Texas was previously home to mammoths standing 14-feet tall and weighing up to 20,000 pounds? This off-the-beaten-path National Parks Service site gives visitors a glimpse into the world of history and archaeology. View gigantic fossils at an actual dig site, and learn interesting facts from a Park Ranger- Hours: Daily 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Cost: Adults $5; Children $3 (with military, educator, and student discounts)
- Mayborn Museum
Explore culture, history, music, and science at this small but children’s museum. Kids of all ages will love the many interactive exhibits, like the walk-on piano and the giant bubble maker. Adults will be intrigued by the natural and cultural history elements in particular, as well as many of the rotating special exhibits- Hours: Daily 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Cost: Adults $8; Children $6 (discounted in 2021 due to COVID-19); Baylor students get in free!
Explore Downtown
- Ride the Silo District Trolley around the shops and restaurants around downtown
- Hours: Runs every 15-20 minutes Monday through Saturday 9:00am – 6:30pm
- Cost: Free!
- Walk across the pedestrian suspension bridge (the lights make the bridge especially scenic at night)
- Go on a scavenger hunt for the murals dotted around the downtown area
Go Shopping
- Magnolia Market at the Silos
Shop beautiful home décor, let the kids play on the lawn, enjoy a treat from the bakery, or grab a pick-me-up from the coffee shop. Arrive as early in the morning as possible or visit on a weekday to avoid massive crowds. Park in the free garage on 4th and Franklin and take the free Silo District Trolley to avoid paying for parking- Market and bakery are open Monday through Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm; Press coffee shop opens at 7:00am; Closed Sundays
- Harp Design Co.
Custom and handmade furniture, as featured on Fixer Upper- Open Monday through Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm; Closed Sundays
- The Findery
Farmhouse-style and rustic home décor and clothing- Open Monday through Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm; Closed Sundays
- Spice Village
Collection of over 60 specialty booths specializing in home décor, clothing, jewelry, and gifts- Open Monday through Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm; Sundays 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Get Out on the Water (Summer Only)
- Rent a pontoon boat at Lake Waco (rentals available year-round; reservations recommended)
- Cost: Starts at $399 for four hours
- Paddle around the Brazos River on a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board (summer only; reservations not required)
- Cost: Starts at $20 for one hour
- Spend an afternoon at BSR Cable Park enjoying the water slides, lazy river, wave pool surfing, and cable wakeboarding (summer only; reservations may be required)
- Cost: Expect to spend close to $100 per person if you’re interested in all of the activities. You can also purchase each activity separately
What to Eat
Waco has a ton of great restaurants – you’ll have a hard time narrowing down which ones to try! Check out this post for the best local spots for meals, treats, and coffee.
How to Get Around
You’ll likely already have a car if you’re in Waco. There is a small, regional airport, but almost all visitors arrive by car, and it’s very helpful for getting around town.
Parking downtown can get tough on the weekends (and if you’re visiting Magnolia Market, expect crowds and tough parking every day), so utilize the trolley to save yourself the headache! On football game days, parking on campus is very difficult. On other days, visitor parking is fairly easy to find, and you may park in student spots on weekends and after 5:00pm on weekdays.
Pro tip: Do not pay for a bus tour of Waco! At $79 per person, you’re much better off driving around exploring downtown, Cameron Park, and Magnolia on your own.
When to Go
Waco can be enjoyed year-round, but be aware that it gets very hot in the summer (consistently over 100 degrees). When I was in college (and our football team was not yet very popular), they offered season tickets for the price of the high temperature each day in August!
If you aren’t planning to go to a football game, skip visiting on game days to avoid massive crowds and especially long waits at restaurants.
Where to Stay
While most visitors just come for a day trip, Waco is also a perfect spot for a weekend getaway to enjoy more of the activities and delicious food. There are several chain hotels downtown such as Hotel Indigo, Hilton, and Home2 Suites. If you’re in the mood for something more quaint (and are prepared to book early and pay more for the experience), check out Magnolia House.
Waco is a charming destination perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Enjoy your time exploring!
