23 BEST Things To Do In Waco
Although it used to be known as a college town, there are now are plenty of things to do in Waco, TX! It has recently grown into quite the tourist destination (thank you, Chip and Joanna Gaines...) and more and more fun things to do in Waco keep popping up!
And if you're a local Waco resident or maybe a Texas who happens to be drive through on the drive from Austin to Dallas, you're in luck. Waco is actually full of great restaurants, fun breweries, adorable book shops and boutique stores, and a massive destination shopping market.
About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites. As a native Texan, I spend my own time and money exploring this state to help millions of readers find the best food, things to do, places to stay in Austin and beyond. Check out my other sites: TheSanAntonioThings.com and TheAustinThings.com!
23 Best Things To Do In Waco
➡️ TL;DR? If you're planning a Waco trip in a hurry, here are some quick tips:
Best things to do (besides Magnolia Market):
🥃 Visit Balcones, an award-winning whisky distillery in downtown Waco. Take a tour or just stop by the tasting room!
🚐 Book this Fixer Upper tour to see all the cool homes Chip and Jo renovated. It includes $300 in coupons at Waco restaurants!
🦴Check out the Waco Mammoth Monument, the only place in the country where you can see a nursery herd graveyard of these pre-historic creatures
1. Visit Magnolia Market At The Silos
It has to be listed first because the Silos at Magnolia Market are what made Waco into the tourist destination it is today! Chip ad Joanna Gaines built this massive shopping destination where you can find beautiful home goods, eat at the food trucks, enjoy music and seasonal events, and so much more. Here's a guide to Magnolia Market if you plan to visit.
WEBSITE | 601 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706
2. Dr. Pepper Museum
Did you know that Dr Pepper was invented in Waco back in the 1800s? The Dr Pepper Museum was officially opened to the public in May 1991. It's located in the Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building, which was the first facility to produce Dr. Pepper! (Yep!)
The museum is very inexpensive and it's a fun and interactive place to learn, explore, shop, and you even get a free coupon for a Dr Pepper at the soda fountain, made the old fashioned way with soda water and syrup! If you're wondering if the experience of the Dr Pepper museum is worth the cost, read this!
WEBSITE | 300 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76701
3. Go On A Fixer-Upper Tour
If you love the show Fixer Upper and you want to see a bunch of the homes that were renovated on that HGTV show, book this 3-hour Waco tour! It includes a private van chauffeur, lots of Fixer Upper home sitings, and a tour of some of Waco's other hot spots like the historic suspension bridge, the stunning Cameron Park, and a free ice cream at one of my all-time favorite ice cream parlors in Waco.
Just be sure to book your tour in advance here to get the day/time that you want.
4. Visit the Waco Mammoth Monument
Even if you're not into bones or archeology, anyone will enjoy this attraction in Waco! I wrote a full review about visiting these 20,000-pound creatures here if you want to see more photos and detail.
It's basically an air-conditioned building that's built around the remains of a herd of prehistoric Colombian mammoths. This is the only graveyard of these massive creatures that have been found anywhere in North America...and they're right here in Waco!
Tickets are free for kids 3 and under and just $5-6 for everyone else, so it's a fairly cheap thing to do in Waco.
It’s open from Sunday to Saturday from 9am- 5pm but closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
WEBSITE | 6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX 76708
5. Climb Jacob's Ladder
Jacob's Ladder is a historic staircase in Cameron Park that dates back to the early 1900s. In order to get to the top, you have to climb 88 VERY steep steps - it's quite a workout! But it's a bucket list item in Waco, and it's one of the prettiest places in Cameron Park. Read all the details about climbing Jacob's Ladder here!
WEBSITE | 2500 Cameron Park Dr, Waco, TX 76708
6. Visit Waco's Craft Breweries!
Waco has 5 craft breweries right now (and that number is expected to grow in the near future!), and they're all a fun way to experience Waco's local beer scene, grab some lunch, and relax for a while.
My very favorite one is Pivovar, an authentic Czech brewery, restaurant, and hotel, but here's a map + guide to all the craft breweries in Waco so you can pick one closest to you.
7. Go Shopping at Spice Village
Shopping at Spice Village in Waco, Texas, is a true Waco experience! It's a treasure trove of handcrafted goods, and a glimpse into the heart of the city's central Texas culture.
You can find...well, pretty much anything here! This HUGE marketplace houses over 60 boutiques and shops under one roof! From southern home decor and clothing to jewelry, bedazzled gifts, and specialty foods like hot sauce and more, it's all at Spice Village.
WEBSITE | 213 Mary Ave entrance located at 2nd &, Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76701
8. Waco Surf
Waco may be a landlocked city, but we've got surfing! Waco Surf is one of the largest inland surfing and water sports facilities in Texas. Whether you're an experienced surfer or a beginner, you can catch waves and ride the surf in a controlled environment. They've got great instructors for the newbies!
Aside from surfing they also have a waterpark, cable park, and food and drinks area.
This is a year-round, family-friendly activity that caters to all skill levels, making it a fantastic addition to your Waco itinerary. Just be sure to make reservations in advance, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
WEBSITE | 5347 Old Mexia Rd, Waco, TX 76705
9. Cameron Park Zoo
If you need some things to do in Waco with kids, Cameron Park Zoo should be at the top of your list. It's seriously the most impressive small-town zoo I've seen in the entire state of Texas.
Cameron Park Zoo has been thoughtfully designed to replicate the animals' natural habitats as closely as possible. They have so many REALLY cool animals to see, and the zoo is arranged by continent (Asia, South America, the Texas Plains, etc.) so your kiddos also get a geography lesson.
Is it going to be too hot in the summer? Well, it is Texas, but Cameron Park Zoo does a remarkable job of providing lots of shady area, cooling misters, and indoor air conditioned breaks. Plus, kids are going to enjoy the playgrounds, splash pads, and interactive exhibits, so it's a lot more than just standing around in the hot sun. This is a can't-miss Waco experience.
WEBSITE | 1701 N 4th St, Waco, TX 76707
10. See a Baylor Football or Basketball Game
Seeing a football game at McLane Stadium or a basketball game at Foster Pavilion are more than just crazy fun sports experiences -- they're also excellent ways to immerse yourself in the vibrant Waco culture!
Built in 2014, McLane Stadium is Baylor’s football stadium that seats 45,000 fans. It has comfortable seating, excellent sight lines, and first-class hospitality services. It's located on the northern edge the Brazos River, and you'll see it every time you drive north on I35.
Foster Pavilion was built in 2024 and seats a bit more than 7,000 fans. It's located closer to downtown Waco, so there are lots of fun places to eat near Foster Pavilion before you see a Baylor basketball game.
WEBSITE | 1001 S M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Waco, TX 76704
11. Tour Balcones Distilling
Balcones is an award-winning distillery, and it's located right in the heart of downtown Waco! This is one of the most famous whisky distilleries in Texas, so visiting it and touring the property is a bucket list item for many whisky aficionados. Here's everything you need to know about visiting Balcones Distillery.
Make your tour reservation in advance, especially if you're stopping by on the weekend. Tours last about one hour, and your guide will provide an in-depth history of Balcones and an explanation of the whisky-making process, from grain to glass.
At the end of the tour, guests get to enjoy a guided tasting with other tour participants. It's a really fun activity to do in Waco, great to experience year-round, and highly memorable!
WEBSITE | 225 S 11th St, Waco, TX 76701
12. Shop At Some Waco Boutiques
I hardly know where to start with this, because there are so many adorable boutique shops in Waco! Lots of them are near Magnolia Market, but you can also use this map I made with some of the best boutique shops in Waco to find one near you.
Waco is also an excellent place for antique hunting. If you enjoy the thrill of scouring or vintage goods, check out some of these awesome antique stores in Waco.
13. Waco Suspension Bridge
Although it won’t take very much time, exploring the Waco Suspension Bridge is a cool things to do during your day in Waco.
It was completed in 1870 and was the very first suspension bridge built across the Brazos River, serving as a vital transportation link in the late 19th century. Today, it's an official Texas Historic Landmark and holds a special place in the hearts of Waco residents and history enthusiasts.
Pair this activity with a walk on the FREE Waco riverwalk while also enjoying the FREE Waco sculpture zoo. They all are in the same vicinity.
WEBSITE | 101 N University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76701
14. Mayborn Museum Complex
Don't let the word MUSEUM scare you away! The Mayborn is seriously so much fun (both for adults and kids) and one of the top things to do in Waco.
There's a lot of really cool, interactive exhibits about what Texas used to be like millions of years ago when it was under a shallow sea. You can see real historic fossils and bones!
And for kids, the Mayborn is legitimately one of the funnest places to play. They have an entire wing of the museum dedicated to kids play and discovery, including a "tiny town," a water discovery room, a bunch of space for engineering and inventing, and a huge outdoor historic village with life-size homes, barns, and stores. It's seriously a blast. Read my full review here!
15. Camp Fimfo
Waco is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, and Camp Fimfo RV resort + campgrounds take full advantage of its surroundings. Nestled in a pretty green space, it offers views for days and exciting activities.
They have some upscale RV sites, boutique cabins, and comfy tent sites. Activities include a water park, pool, mini golf, playgrounds, outdoor sports, bird feeding, hiking, and more!
If relaxation is on your agenda, the upscale RV sites are an easy place to stay for a few nights. They also offer boutique cabins and comfy tent sites.
{Photo: Camp Fimfo}
BOOK HERE | 1000 Chickadee Ln, Waco, TX 76708
16. Horseback Riding in Waco
How about some horseback riding in Waco? This is Texas, after all! You can book this 90-minute guided horseback riding tour (no experience necessary!) where you're led by a real cowboy!
Enjoy soaking up the Texas beauty and wide open spaces, riding on a gentle horse while you hear local stories and cowboy experience from your guide. Book the tour HERE.
WEBSITE | 7007 Gholson Rd, Waco, TX 76705
17. Texas Ranger Museum
Calling all history buffs! Spending your time at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas is an enriching experience. This museum allows visitors to delve into the fascinating history and legacy of the Texas Rangers.
From authentic artifacts like guns, badges, and the clothing of Rangers to immersive dioramas and video presentations in the theater, there's a LOT in this museum and you could spend a couple hours here. (Especially if you're the type of museum visitor who likes to read every little thing! There's a lot here.)
WEBSITE | 100 Texas Ranger Trail, Waco, TX 76706
18. Waco Sculpture Zoo
Not to be confused with the Cameron Park Zoo, the Waco Sculpture Zoo is free, open all day every day, and...made entirely of sculptures! It's one of the best FREE things to do in Waco!
The animal sculptures here are strategically placed along the river, allowing visitors to view them as they're traveling along the river path. Whether you're strolling, cycling, or enjoying a riverside picnic, you can enjoy the beauty of this art.
The Waco Sculpture Zoo features 28 artworks that vary in style, form, and materials. These sculptures represent animals found in Cameron Park Zoo or native to the region. Read all about the Waco Sculpture Zoo here!
WEBSITE | 407 N University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76701
19. Go Paddle Boarding
There's a river that runs through the middle of Waco, so paddle boarding is a fun activity on a warm summer day.
There are plenty of paddle board rental shops in Waco that offer different types of boards, from standard paddle boards to kayaks and even pedal boats. Sunshine Paddle Adventures has both daytime rentals, and nighttime "glow" tours where your kayak literally glows in the water!
20. Check Out A Great Waco Restaurant
Did you know there are SO many fantastic places to eat in Waco these days? Waco really has it all, from amazing barbecue to upscale restaurants to kid-friendly spots. Here's a guide to the best restaurants in Waco to get you started.
21. Lake Waco Wetlands
I'm always surprised by how many people don't know about the Waco Wetlands, because it's a really cool, beautiful, educational spot to visit in Waco!
The wetlands are an important component to Waco's biodiversity. When the city decided to dam the lake in 2000 and raise the water levels, the local wildlife was at risk. So the wetlands were built to mitigate the damage.
The wetlands offers 3.5 miles of hiking, bird watching, and photography. It's basically just a really peaceful, quiet place to hang out in nature.
WEBSITE | 1752 Eichelberger Crossing Road., China Spring, TX 76633
22. Check Out A Local Coffee Shop
Leave it to a college town to have some really great coffee shops! Waco’s coffee shop scene has expanded quickly in the past decade, offering unique places to experience locally roasted coffee beans.
Lots of these places have a cozy and inviting ambiance, making them the perfect spots to relax, catch up with friends, or work in a calm atmosphere.
23. Tour Baylor University
Sure, high school students are probably rolling their eyes because a college tour is essentially just more homework, but touring Baylor University is a fantastic experience that offers a glimpse into a prestigious academic institution and its beautiful campus!
Baylor University has a rich history dating back to 1845. The picturesque campus showcases architectural beauty and a sense of tradition. Did you know that Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in the state? Yep! It's 178 years old, which is pretty old by Texas standards.
Looking for some FREE stuff to do at Baylor University? The Baylor black bear habitat is fun with kids if you’re looking for a kid-friendly thing to do in Waco, and the Armstrong Browning Library and Museum or the Martin Museum of Art are great for adults.
WEBSITE | 1311 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76706
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