Best Things To Do In Waco Texas United States
Waco, the amazing central Texas city, is located on the banks of the Brazos River. Filled with world-class museums, stunning natural attractions, parks, delicious foods, happening events, culture, and historical things, there are plenty of enjoyable things to do in Waco.
Thanks to HGTVs Fixer Upper stars Joanna Gaines and Chip, Waco got more fame and attracted more tourists.
If you are looking for a list of the best things to do in Waco, Texas, United States, heres the ideal one for you.
Shop For Texan Souvenirs At Spice Village
Spice village, located in downtown Waco, is a great place to shop while in town.
Here you will find an excellent collection of over 50 small shops and boutiques located under one roof.
You can also pick up souvenirs like t-shirts, hats, jewelry, wooden toys and Texan themed decorations for your home at Spice Village.
Christmas With Wacos Oldest Residents At Waco Mammoth National Monument
Want to take a fascinating break from some of Wacos more traditional Christmas festivities? Consider heading over to the Waco Mammoth National Monument to celebrate Christmas with the citys oldest residents.
Here youll see fossilized mammoths that resided here about 65,000 years ago. These mammoths make up the only Columbian mammoth nursery herd found in the US, with 24 mammoths in the area still in their place of original discovery.
The guided tour at the dig shelter is a great way to see these mammoths up close!
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Things To Do In Waco: The Art Center Of Waco
First, it is located in a beautiful place. Second, it contains a lot of impressive artworks. Yes, it is about The Art Center of Waco.
Located near the Brazos River, The Art Center of Waco is an attractive Mediterranean-style home. It was actually established to encourage the local artists. Therefore, you can see a lot of impressive artworks of lesser-known local artists.
It is not all about paintings theres 2.5 acres of a wonderful sculpture garden as well.
On the other hand, The Art Center of Waco hosts educational events, art classes, and art exhibitions.
So, if you an art lover, this art center offers you a lot to see and learn.
Address: 1400 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76706, Unites States.
Dinner And A Show At The Waco Hippodrome
The historic Hippodrome location is a great place to take your date for dinner, a movie, a show or a nightcap.
You can choose to dine inside the Hippodromes movie theater and put up your feet inside one of the theaters luxury, reclining seats. It’s the perfect thing to do at night in Waco. There’s also a sit-down experience at the Raleigh Diner or on the roof at The Hightop if you want a fancier dinner date.
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How To Get To Waco
Another question that people often ask me is how to get to Waco. There is an airport there but its pretty small. We usually fly Southwest Airlines to Dallas Love Field but you could also fly to Austin. Rent a car and its a couple of hours drive either way on I-35.
If you cant make it to Magnolia Market, there are a couple of great websites where you can buy her home decor online:
- Pier One furniture, decor, rugs, pillows
- Target home decor, vases, stems, dinnerware, silverware, kitchen, home office, gifts
I hope this list of things to do in Waco helps you plan your trip. If you have a list of more things to do in Waco, please leave them in a comment. Id love to know all about your Magnolia Market road trip and what you enjoyed doing in Waco!
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Originally published February 10, 2016.
Til the next road trip,
Things To Do In Waco Texas
I completely get that the thing thats put Waco in your travel plans is probably Magnolia Market or Magnolia Table. Waco is an easy day trip from Dallas or road trip from Houston. It is even a doable day trip from Austin or San Antonio. Since youve already committed to the drive, why not make a weekend of it? Taking some time to explore the rest of the town is worth doing. This once sleepy little town has really boomed as a tourist attraction and theres lots to explore and enjoy.
TravelingMom Tip: Opening days and hours as well as rules are subject to change without warning. Always call ahead or check the website for the most up-to-date information before venturing out for the day.
Looking to explore Texas beyond Waco? Check out these 15 Texas road trip ideas.
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Things To Do In Waco: Harp Design Co
We all know that Wacos got huge fame due to HGTVs Fixer Upper. What do you think, if you can buy all the designs showcased in the famous Jo and Clints Show?
Well, you can. Just visit Harp Design Co. in Waco. It contains their unique talents with custom furniture, novelty furniture, unique woodwork, home decors, and more.
If you are a fan of Jo and Clints Show, you cannot miss Harp Design Co. when you are in Waco. Visit their website from the above link and discover more.
Address: 808 N 15th St, Waco, TX 76707, United States.
Take A Sunset Stroll On The Waco Riverwalk
If youre looking for outdoor things to do in Waco, then take a stroll along the Waco Riverwalk.
This Scenic Trail located on the Riverbanks is 7 miles long.
It continues from Cameron Park to Baylor University and even passes under the Waco suspension bridge.
The trail is especially beautiful at twilight when you can admire views of the river as well as Downtown Waco.
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Take A Tour Of The Town In A Pedicab
Grab your favorite beer or wine and hop in one of Wacos pedicabs. For a ride just for two, take a Hueco Pedicab Tour.
Each tour is 90 minutes long and can take you on a ride to through historic Waco, the citys finest breweries, or even through all of your favorite Fixer Upper sites.
For the party bike experience, book a tour with Waco Pedal Tours. You can even customize your experience or book a private tour.
If you’re looking to enjoy an adult night out, wine & dine together with these fun things to do at night!
Best Things To Do In Waco For Families
Finding family-friendly things to do in Waco is pretty much as easy as just showing up in the first place.
Waco is truly a kid and family friendly destination in almost everything it has to offer, so you dont have to worry about setting up babysitting for the kids or choosing from a list of 3 things that you can do together.
Instead, check out some of the top things to do in Waco for families from this list below, and let me know if you have any other suggestions of things your own kids loved!
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Board And Brush Creative Studio Waco
Lets learn how to create wooden artwork.
Broad and Brush Creative Studio is an amazing do-it-yourself shop in Waco TX. This place is ideal for a romantic artsy date as it allows you to create beautiful artwork together.
Or if you are in Waco with your friends, Broad and Brush will be a fun place to visit at night. And it offers you a great opportunity to let your inner DIY itching.
The special feature of this place is, you dont need to buy all the supplies to make artworks. So, just book a workshop at Broad and Brush Creative Studio Waco and have fun.
Address: 1201 Hewitt Dr Suite 106B, Waco, TX 76712, United States
Explore The Recently Renovated Downtown Area
Downtown Waco is as historic as the town itself, however, this area has been getting renovations over the past decade, making it more attractive than ever. With a more prominent nightlife, dozens of places to shop during the day, and unique dining experiences, downtown Waco should be on your list of places to visit during your stay. Year-round, the city of Waco provides great events that bring the community together. From a large food truck cookoff event to the downtown square turning into a Christmas Oasis, downtown Waco simply does not disappoint. Downtown Waco is also home to many of the venues listed above, making it a great place to start your trip to Waco.
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Best Things To Do In Waco You Shouldnt Miss
October 21, 2021// by Texas Travel 365//
If you are looking for fun things to do in Waco, then you have come to the right place! Sure, the city is not as popular as other cities in Texas but it has its own charm and unique attractions for the visitors to explore.
Located between Dallas and Austin, it has a diverse selection of museums, natural attractions, restaurants, and more. Most of you might be familiar with Magnolia Market or Silos, one of the major Waco attractions. However, there is a lot to do around here besides visiting the Magnolia Market.
Swing on the mighty suspension bridge, enjoy delicious meals at the local restaurants, shop at the magnificent Spice Village, or enjoy boating in the Brazos River. There is definitely no shortage of unique and fun places to visit in Waco.
If you are planning a trip to Dallas or Fort Worth, then you can always plan a day trip from Austin to this small town or even spend a few days here. For those who are going to visit, this article is perfect. It covers all the best things to do in Waco with your kids or friends!
La Fiesta Restaurant & Cantina
You cant go to Waco without indulging in some amazing Tex Mex.
Well, you could, but we wouldnt advise it.
Instead, head straight to La Fiesta Restaurant & Cantina where live music, nachos, burritos, enchiladas and other Tex Mex favorites await you.
This is one of Wacos favorite Tex Mex options and their family recipes add an extra layer of authenticity to everything they serve.
You can head here for lunch, dinner, or somewhere in between. Its one of the best romantic things to do in Waco for couples.
They also do full catering services if youre holding a special event that wont be as special without the queso.
Oh, and did we mention their obsession with the perfect margarita?
Let the drinks flow!
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Magnolia At The Silos
One of the really neat places in Waco to visit is Magnolia at The Silos. Magnolia is comprised of several city blocks that Chip & Joanna Gaines have bought and rehabbed over the years and turned into a destination that millions of people visit each year.
It includes the old grain silos, a large green space to relax, a seed store, covered pavilions and lots of seating, food trucks, a restored historic baseball park, a restored historic church, a furniture store, a massive coffee shop and more.
There are also plenty of local boutique shops, and a weekly farmers market held on the grounds at Magnolia as well. Overall, its just a very wholesome public space that has something for everybody of all ages and I highly recommend visiting Magnolia at The Silos while youre in Waco, even if youre not necessarily a fan of Chip & Joanna Gaines.
Dr Pepper Museum And Free Enterprise
Well, Dr. Pepper is the oldest soft drink in the USA. And it was the most famous soft drink at that time.
The first product, Dr. Pepper Soda, was manufactured in the 1880s in Waco. After that, Dr. Pepper was manufactured for a very long time in Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company Building.
You can now see the building as an exciting museum called Dr. Pepper Museum, which was opened in 1991 to the public. The aim of converting the manufacturing building into a museum is to preserve the USAs soft drink industrys stories, recipes, and history.
So, it contains a variety of memorabilia and artifacts of Dr. Pepper over three floors. Also, theres a gift shop that sells Dr. Pepper drinks and soda manufactured by the USAs oldest production plant. And the interesting fact is, it still runs and makes products for you.
So, to do the honor, Dr. Pepper considered the National Drink of Texas, and the building considers a part of the National Register of Historic Places. Also, it is a non-profit organization that is totally dedicated to visitors entertainment and knowledge dissemination.
So, do not miss Dr. Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise on your Waco tour.
Address: 300 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76701, United States.
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Things To Do In Waco: Red Men Museum And Library
Who is Red Men??
It is a fraternal organization established in North America in 1834. Its full name is The Improved Order of Red Men. If you like to know more about this organization, you have to visit Red Men Museum and Library in Waco.
Handled by the Texas Red Men Foundation, this museum contains many historical exhibits, artifacts, and information about the Civil War, World War II, and Wacos history.
Also, there are some highlighted exhibits as well. Ex: a complete collection of National Geographic magazine , a bugle found from the Gettysburg Battlefield, and more.
If you are a history lover, Red Men Museum and Library in Waco should be on your Waco bucket list.
Address: 4521 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76711, Unites States.
Hawaiian Falls Water Park
Hawaiian Falls Waco
If youre looking for good vacation spots, the Hawaiian Falls Water Park is easily one of the best things to do in Waco for fun this weekend!
Its a great spot for family-friendly, summer excitement with your kids.
Its one of Wacos most famous water parks and is known throughout the state, offering 10 acres packed with excitement!
Among the things that you can do at the Hawaiian Falls Water Park include the Keiki Kove for kids, the two 65-foot slides that free fall down, a high-speed mat called the Pineapple Express, the Kona Kooler for floating and relaxing, and even Cabana rentals!
Address: 900 Lake Shore Dr, Waco, TX 76708, United States
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Local Holiday Kolaches And Fruitcakes
Looking for festive local holiday treats? The Czech Stops kolaches and Collin Street Bakerys fruitcakes need to be on the top of your list during your Christmas in Waco visit.
A short drive away, the Czech Stop in the small town of West draws tons of Wacoans and Texans all over for its famous fresh-baked kolaches.
Best for a holiday breakfast, choices abound at this local roadside gas station and bakery. You cant go wrong with jalapeno sausage and cheese, in my opinion!
Want something more traditional? The Collin Street Bakerys world famous fruitcakes are always a big draw at Christmas. Theyre so good they ship internationally to 196 countries!
Best Historic Things To Do In Waco
What better place to do historic things in than a city so filled with American history?
History buffs will fall in love with the numerous museums and historic monuments open to the public, where you can learn more about the regions background dating back to the original settlers, a Wichita Indian tribe known as the Waco.
Photo by Jay Galvin. Licence.
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Start Planning Your Trip To Waco
Waco is packed with all sorts of exciting sights and spots, ranging from the artistic to the historic and from the sporty to the unusual.
There are HGTV famous locations, museums packed with specific historic facets, natural areas for relaxation and exploration, and lots of opportunities for shopping and dining.
Youll have no shortage of things to enjoy and discover here, so buckle up.
With any luck, this list has helped you determine which of the top things to do in Waco, Texas youll be adding to your itinerary for your next vacation!
Happy travels!
Paint Your Own Pottery At Practically Pikasso
Practically Pikasso provides patrons the chance to create one-of-a-kind creations for a nominal sitting fee and the cost of your pottery piece. You can paint your own pottery, create a mosaic, or create something out of fusible glass.
Then, head out for dinner at the number of restaurants nearby. You can create a whole memorable evening with these fun things to do at night.
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Hunt For The Downtown Murals
If you love amazing murals, then Waco is the city for you!
In the citys bustling downtown, you will find several amazing public artworks that are perfect backdrops for Instagram photos.
Some of the famous murals include the Dr. Pepper mural inside the museum Courtyard, the welcome to Magnolia silos mural, the city with the soul mural, and the Greetings from Waco mural outside Twisted Root Burger Co.
Looking for these delightful murals is a treasure hunt in itself and you will never know what you will find!
Enjoy The Waco Culinary Scene
Besides BBQ, Waco is also famous for other foods including burgers!
Try the amazing burgers at Twisted Root Burger Co. visit Lula Janes for breakfast, or the famous deli sandwiches at Schmaltzs.
Other great places to eat in Waco include the Silos Baking Co., Georges Restaurant, and Clay Pot.
Read our post on Best Places to Eat in Waco, Texas for more details.
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