Things to Do in Waco: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Waco, in central Texas between Dallas and Austin, has become a destination thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Market at the Silos. Beyond that, the Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Dr Pepper Museum, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, Cameron Park and Baylor University make it a fun and varied stop.
This guide covers the best things to do in Waco, Texas, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Waco, Texas
Magnolia Market at the Silos
Shops, gardens and food trucks.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Columbian mammoth fossils.
Dr Pepper Museum
Birthplace of Dr Pepper.
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame
Law enforcement history.
Cameron Park Zoo
Zoo in a big park.
Waco Suspension Bridge
1870 bridge over the Brazos.
Baylor University
Campus and McLane Stadium.
Lake Waco
Water and trails.
Waco, Texas in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Magnolia
Spend the morning at Magnolia Market at the Silos, with shops, gardens, lawn games and the food truck park. Lunch at Magnolia Table or the food trucks, and pick up a cupcake from Silos Baking Co. In the afternoon, walk to the Waco Suspension Bridge over the Brazos River and the riverwalk, then dinner downtown.
2Day 2 · Mammoths and Dr Pepper
Visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument, where you can see a nursery herd of Columbian mammoths in their original dig site. Lunch downtown. In the afternoon, the Dr Pepper Museum in the original bottling plant, with an old-fashioned soda fountain float.
3Day 3 · Rangers and parks
Explore the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, then picnic in Cameron Park, one of the largest urban parks in Texas, with cliffs over the river at Lovers Leap. Visit the Cameron Park Zoo in the afternoon and enjoy Tex-Mex for dinner.
Waco, Texas in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Baylor and culture
Tour the Baylor University campus, the Mayborn Museum with its natural history and children's areas, and the Armstrong Browning Library's stained glass. Lunch near campus. Evening game or concert. The Mayborn Museum's historic village and discovery rooms are especially popular with younger children.
5Day 5 · Lake Waco and outdoors
Kayak on the Brazos or Lake Waco, or visit the Waco Surf park. Lunch by the water. Afternoon at a winery or brewery. Waco Surf offers wave pools for beginners and experienced surfers alike, a surprising experience in the middle of Texas.
Waco, Texas in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Day trip
Visit the Czech town of West for kolaches, or drive to the Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose. Lunch on the way. Return in the evening. West is about 20 minutes north on I-35 and its Czech bakeries are a beloved road trip stop.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Breakfast at a local café, a last stop at the Silos for souvenirs and a farewell Texas barbecue dinner with brisket and ribs. Dallas and Austin are both about 90 minutes away by car.
What to do in Waco, Texas on a weekend
Things to do in Waco on a weekend? Saturday: Magnolia and Suspension Bridge. Sunday: Mammoth monument and Dr Pepper Museum.
Silobration in fall and Baylor football season.
What to do in Waco, Texas in the evening
In the evening, downtown restaurants and Baylor events.
Sunset over the Brazos.
Waco, Texas for couples
For couples, Magnolia, riverwalk and a winery.
Waco, Texas with kids
With kids, the Mammoth monument, Mayborn Museum, zoo and Dr Pepper floats.
What to eat in Waco, Texas
Barbecue
Texas brisket.
Kolaches
Czech pastries from West.
Tex-Mex
Local favorite.
Cupcakes
Silos Baking Co.
Dr Pepper
Born here.
Where to stay in Waco, Texas: best areas
Downtown
Near Magnolia.
Baylor area
Campus.
Lake Waco
Quiet.
Hewitt
Suburb.
What to do in Waco, Texas when it rains
Things to do in Waco when it rains? Dr Pepper Museum, Mayborn Museum, Texas Ranger Museum and Magnolia shops.
How much does a trip to Waco, Texas cost?
Expect $120–220 per night.
Practical tips for Waco, Texas
Best time to visit
March–May and October–November.
Getting around
Car.
Our practical tips
- Arrive early at Magnolia.
- Magnolia Table waits.
- Summer heat.
- Combine with Austin or Dallas.
- Mammoth tour times.
- Kolaches in West.
Mistakes to avoid
- Summer midday heat.
- Weekend crowds at the Silos.
- Missing the mammoths.
- Rushing through.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Waco?
Magnolia, Mammoth monument and Dr Pepper Museum.
Things to do with kids?
Zoo and Mayborn Museum.
How far from Austin?
About 1.5 hours.
Best time?
Spring and fall.