When it comes to Waco, Texas, the first things that come to mind may be Baylor University or a certain home renovating TV show couple. But Waco is a first-rate destination with a huge amount to offer the locals and tourists alike. A thriving arts scene, one-of-a-kind shopping centers, a staggering array of dining options, a wealth of ways to enjoy the outdoors, and attractions like those a big city would be proud of can be found in Waco. Surrounded by all the natural beauty of central Texas and home to two picturesque rivers, Waco is a treat for all senses.
So when it comes to choosing where to go, or what to do and experience, a long list of attractions and places can become very daunting. With our list of the top ten best things to do in Waco, Texas, enjoy the video and start planning your trip to this Texas paradise.
The Mayborn Museum Complex
The Mayborn Museum Complex is at number one on our list. Located at Baylor University, you’ll find hands-on discovery rooms, interactive natural science and cultural history galleries, and outdoor exhibits. There’s also traveling exhibits. The Mayborn Museum manages to hit a nice compromise between being interactive while being informative. Kids will find plenty of hands-on fun, while the adults can learn plenty about Texas.
Magnolia Market
Magnolia Market is at number two on our list of the best things to do in Waco, Texas. Magnolia Market’s uniqueness is evident the instant you see it as it’s nestled at the base of two historic silos. It is without doubt a home décor wonderland. At the market you’ll find wall decorations, rustic kitchenware, candles, and plenty of trinkets to inspire your home renovations.
Make sure to check out the gardening supplies and hang out under the wooden teepee. Here you can grab something tasty from the array of onsite food trucks and enjoy a picnic on the expansive lawn. Grab a confection from Silos Baking Co. or get your kick of caffeine at the nearby Magnolia Press Coffee Co. There’s also The Old Church, renovated back in 1894, this church is one of the oldest buildings in Waco.
The Taste of Texas
Enjoying the tastes of Texas is third on our list. Whether you enjoy a good craft beer, are a wine lover, or fan of the hard stuff, you’ll easily find something local to tickle your taste buds in Waco. For the beer lovers, the taproom at Bare Arms Brewing is without a doubt the place to be. Enjoy one of Bare Arms’ year-round brews including the dark and brooding Java Joule coffee stout, or the light-bodied American-style lager Lux. If you’re looking for something a little different, then give one of the seasonal offerings a try. Don’t forget to check out Waco Ale Company for their grapefruit and tangerine 7th Day IPA or their Amber Avenue ale with notes of caramel and vanilla.
For the wine connoisseur, enjoy the delights of the tasting room at Valley Mills Vineyards. Waco is also home to Balcones Distilling, who produce award-winning bourbons, rums, and whiskeys, alongside their own craft beers. Reserve your spot on a tour and you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery and the distilling process, while sampling several spirits. You even get a souvenir tasting glass.
Dr Pepper Museum
At number four, the Dr Pepper Museum. You may not know it, but the sugary sweet and delightfully carbonated, Dr Pepper is not only a Waco original but a symbol of everything Texan. Visit the Dr Pepper Museum and see where the magic has happened for more than 100 years. Located within a historic 1906 bottling building in downtown Waco, you can explore the three-story museum and learn about Dr Pepper’s inventor, Dr. Charles Alderton. You can listen to radio broadcasts and commercials from the 1930’s, and get an up-close look at a 1924 pickup truck. Finish the whole tour with a tall cool glass of Dr Pepper at Frosty’s Soda Shop in the East Wing Building.
BSR Surf Resort
The BSR Surf Resort is number five on our list. While Waco might be the last place that comes to mind when you think of surfing, the BSR Surf Resort is there to fix that. Book a stay here and you’ll feel like you’re just steps away from the beach; because you are. A sandy shore leads you into waters churned by a surf machine that can produce waves comparable to those you might find on Oahu’s North Shore, one of the world’s premier surfing beaches. The waves here are so good that the USA Surfing team even came to train here for the Tokyo Olympics.
You can also get a beach pass if you’re just looking to dip your toes in the water and soak up the sun. If that’s not enough, you can relax as you float along the World’s Longest Lazy River, and soar down the Royal Flush slide. If wakeboarding is more to your taste, enjoy the BSR Cable Park. Set on a dedicated lake with ramps throughout, the park is a safe and easy way to work on your technique or try wakeboarding for the first time.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
The Waco Mammoth National Monument is at number six on our list. Tens of thousands of years ago, herds of enormous mammoths and predators like tigers roamed the verdant hills of what we now know as Waco. Although these animals went extinct long ago, they can still be seen at the Waco Mammoth National Monument. Enjoy the full experience of what’s on offer by taking the guided tour and walk the elevated pathway that takes you over an active dig site to see the remains of six Columbian mammoths, a relative of the Asian elephant known to grow up to 14 feet tall. Along the way, you’ll learn all kinds of interesting and exciting facts about these majestic creatures, the history of the site, and the other animals found in the area. Don’t forget that the Waco Mammoth National Monument falls under the National Parks Service, so if you have a National Parks Passport, bring it along so you can collect your stamp.
The Waco Downtown Cultural District
At number seven on our list is the Waco Downtown Cultural District. Browse art galleries, admire massive colorful murals, shop at boutique clothing and home furnishings stores, and enjoy the flavours of locally sourced cuisine at a one-of-a-kind restaurant. The Waco Downtown Cultural District, is a hip and happening hotspot that spans both sides of the Brazos River. Take in the beautifully restored 19th-century architecture as you stroll along quaint two-lane streets and avenues. You can also explore the area on the bike trails and lanes.
The monthly exhibitions of the Cultivate 7Twelve gallery showcase the talents of Waco’s artists. If you see something you like, fantastic, all the art on display is on sale, so you can leave with a new conversation starter for your home. On Saturdays, enjoy the Waco Downtown Farmers Market at the McLennan County Courthouse. Browse the selection of locally grown produce and art while enjoying a thirst-quenching drink and something tasty to eat.
Waco Suspension Bridge and Cattle Drive Monument
At number eight on our list is the Waco Suspension Bridge at Indian Spring Park with the Cattle Drive Monument. This is the perfect spot to snap some great pictures as the suspension bridge makes an awesome backdrop, and also enjoy a nice walk to admire the unique sight. The impressively larger-than-life sculptures tell the story of cattle drives and how they’re part of Waco’s history. Enjoy looking out over the Brazos River and appreciate the mural honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Waco’s breathtaking natural beauty
Waco’s pristine rivers and breathtaking natural beauty are at number nine on our list. Providing much more than just a scenic backdrop, you could base an entire stay in Waco on playing outdoors. Rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard at Pura Vida Paddle and explore the Bosque and Brazos rivers for stunning views of verdant parks and Waco’s historic bridges.
Another way to see and enjoy these rivers is by taking a leisurely stroll or jog along the Waco Riverwalk, a paved route that follows the Brazos from Baylor University’s Ferrell Center to Cameron Park. The sprawling Lake Waco just to the west of downtown offers a staggering array of things to do outdoors. You can hike the secluded trails at Lake Waco Wetlands, the Lake Waco Dam; or go, boating, and swimming at the five parks perched on Lake Waco’s shoreline.
Texas Sports Hall of Fame
At number ten on our list of the best things to do in Waco, Texas is the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Located on the campus of Baylor University, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame is a great place for kids and for people who love Texas sports. There are plenty of hands-on activities for kids to enjoy, as well as a wealth of room for the youngsters to run around. There are exhibits dedicated to the Southeast Conference, high school football, and to noteworthy Texas athletes of all types. There’s also an interactive children’s area with an electronic soccer game, jump ropes and other exhibits dedicated to youth physical fitness.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Waco, Texas? Is there something we missed? Let us know in the comments section below and don’t forget to subscribe to Viewcation for more. Click the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest content.