The Ultimate Guide to Waco, Texas: Where to Stay, Eat, Drink, & Play
When you hear “Waco, Texas” one of two things probably come to mind – either the Waco Siege from the 90s (which actually didn’t happen in Waco) or Magnolia Silos created by Chip and Jo Gaines from HGTV’s Fixer Upper. But you’ll be surprised there are a billion reasons to visit this small town (okay, maybe a billion is a slight exaggeration – but you get the picture).
Outside of The Silos, there is a bustling arts scene, an international food palate, museums for days, miles of hiking trails, and even mammoths! Check out the guide below to enjoy at least a few, full days in Waco.
How to Get to Waco
While Waco does have its own small airport, Waco Regional Airport (ACT), it only offers one or two daily flights to/from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) on American Airlines. Waco is also conveniently located between Austin and Dallas. Fly into their airports and then rent a car or take a shuttle to Waco.
My shuttle with Waco Streak actually turned into a highlight of my trip when my driver, Richard, took me on an unofficial tour of Waco. Some of the highlights were learning about the 1953 tornado and the random humor (“Here on the right, we have a funeral home. We put our dead people there.”). I can’t promise you’ll also receive a tour, but I can tell you that you’ll have a safe ride.
How to Get Around Waco
Downtown Waco is very walkable with plenty of public parking available. If you don’t have a car, Uber and Lyft are available.
The city also has public bus transportation and a free shuttle that loops around Magnolia Market, Baylor Campus, and Magnolia Table stopping at shops and museums along the way.
Where to Stay in Waco
While looking for the perfect place to spend the night in Waco, you’ll discover hotel chains, boutique experiences, and even some “Fixer Uppers”.
Hilton Waco: Down by the River
Located downtown across the street from The Spice Market & the Brazos River, the Hilton is a great place to make your home base while in town. If lucky, your room might have a view of the river and the Waco Suspension Bridge. (Fun fact: The suspension bridge was actually a prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge). The Hilton also has a restaurant, Starbucks, and heated pool in a relaxing garden area.
Pivovar: Living in Czech Luxury
If you’re in town to explore Magnolia Silos, Pivovar is a great luxury choice located right across the street. Not only is Pivovar a boutique hotel (with brass bathtubs!), it’s also a Czech restaurant, brewery, and beer spa! While I didn’t stay here (yet), I did eat and drink here… definitely recommend enjoying the whole experience!
“Fixer Uppers”: The Whole Magnolia Experience
Photo Credit: VRBO
HGTV fans flock to Waco due to their love of the show Fixer Upper – well, more their love for the hosts, Chip and Joanna Gaines. While here visiting the Magnolia Silos, you can also stay at a handful of homes that were renovated on the show.
Three Little Pigs House (pictured above)
The Gorman Home (aka “The Catastrophe House”)
What to Do In Waco
I spent four nights in Waco, and it wasn’t enough to even scratch the surface of what this enchanting Texas town has to offer. Various tours, two rivers, more than 60 natural parks, street art, multiple museums, and of course, everything Magnolia.
Take A Tour
The best way to get your bearings around a new city is by taking a tour with a local, and Waco offers quite a variety to choose from. Learn about downtown Waco’s vast history while aboard The Waco Trolley, check out highlights from the show “Fixer Upper” with Waco Tours, or for my wine aficionados, visit local vineyards with Waco Wine Tours.
Explore The Great Outdoors
Waco is home to more than 60 parks and 1,200 acres of park land – enough to keep an outdoors enthusiast happy for a long time.
With over 20 miles of hiking/biking trails through oak trees and along the river, Cameron Park is a local favorite. Be sure to rise to the challenge and climb the nearly 100 zigzagging steps to the top of Jacob’s Ladder.
Stretching from Baylor University to Downtown Waco to Cameron Park and passing underneath the Suspension Bridge, The Waco Riverwalk has seven miles of scenic trail that captures the natural beauty along the Brazos River.
When the city raised the level of Lake Waco by seven feet in 2001, they created the Lake Waco Wetlands to provide habitat for native animals and plants. There are now over 180-acres to explore!
Rather be on the water than on the ground? Rent a stand-up paddle board, kayak, or canoe from Waco Paddle Company or take a river cruise with Waco Tours.
Check Out The Arts Scene
Designated as an official State of Texas Cultural District, Downtown Waco spotlights art, culture, and entertainment. Check out both local and international art exhibits at Art Center Waco and the hip Cultivate 7Twelve (which also houses a speakeasy!). Explore all the murals and sculptures hidden throughout town (don’t miss the six Blek le Rat murals!) with a Mural Selfie Tour from Waco Trolley or take a self-guided tour using this map as a guide. For a hidden gem, visit Armstrong Browning Library to view their sixty-two stained glass windows, believed to be the largest collection of secular stained glass in the world!
Expand Your Mind at a Museum
There’s a museum for every interest. History buffs would never want to miss out on The Red Men Museum and Library and The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum (Fun fact: the first female Ranger was in the Waco/San Antonio division.). Speaking of Texas legends, sports fanatics will score a touchdown at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
If natural science and culture are more your thing, check out the Mayborn Museum Complex which has multiple, family-friendly exhibits and a historic village that was relocated from Liberty, Texas. And be sure to explore my favorite site in Waco, the Waco Mammoth National Monument to dig in to not only mammoth fossils – but also to learn about the North American Camel. Yep, you read that correctly… camels originated in North America and hung out with mammoths in Texas!
Last, but not least on my list, is the Dr. Pepper Museum. This one is fun for all ages. Explore the origin of the beverage, view a plethora of entertaining advertising campaigns, taste the original Dr. Pepper, and even make your own soda! Plus, did you know Dr. Pepper was originally called “a Waco”?
Visit Magnolia Silos
A guide to Waco wouldn’t be a guide to Waco without mentioning Magnolia Silos brought to life by Chip & Joanna Gaines (from HGTV’s Fixer Upper). Shop at the famous Magnolia Market and other boutique stores, grab a bite at the food truck park, devour a cupcake (or two), play ball at Katy Wiffle Ball Field, and find a moment of peace at the renovated church. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours taking it all in! Want to take in the whole Magnolia experience? Check out this handy Magnolia Trail map (a self-guided tour for fans of Chip & Jo and Fixer Upper).
Where to Eat in Waco
More than just BBQ and Southern cooking (although there’s plenty of that as well), Waco’s diverse culinary scene is a foodie’s paradise.
Breakfast at Magnolia Table
Photo Credit: Magnolia Table
While I have not been here (I’m not really a morning person), Magnolia Table is one of the most well-known breakfast spots in town. They specialize in fresh, homegrown ingredients, and good, old-fashioned cooking. (Fun fact: Like many buildings in the Magnolia empire, this building represents the theme of restoration in Waco. It used to be Elite Cafe, a Waco-favorite diner that opened in 1919, and was restored by Chip & Jo.)
Lunch at Union Hall
Not quite sure what you’re craving, but know it’s something local and delicious? With over 20 diverse stalls, Union Hall has exactly what you need. You can even skip breakfast and enjoy a progressive lunch here – coffee at Be Kind, greens at The Salad Stand, authentic Thai at Curry Up, and ending with some edible cookie dough at Dough Re Mi. Sounds like a perfect afternoon!
Dinner at Tru Jamaica
As you know by now, breakfast is optional for me… however, dinner is not. And you don’t want to miss out on my favorite restaurant in Waco, Tru Jamaica. You’ll get a taste of both Caribbean food and hospitality – as the owners (a mom and son) are there on the daily. I highly recommend the Jerk Chicken – and a bite of every single dessert. But if you can only choose one, the Rum Raisin Bread Pudding is a must-have.
Dessert at Heritage Creamery
Yummy, freshly made ice cream that changes with the season? Sign me up! They use predominantly locally sourced ingredients with no additives or preservatives. Featuring both staples (like dark chocolate and vanilla bean) beside creative concoctions (like Strawberry Balsamic and Grapefruit & Honey), Heritage sets the dessert bar high. I had a scoop of Chocolate Covered Strawberry – perfection!
Read More: Best Places to Eat in Waco, TX, for Foodies
Where to Drink in Waco
Karaoke bars, country saloons, wine bars, and even an underground members-only speakeasy, Waco nightlife covers it all.
Truelove: Getting Dive-y
Large, dark, yet welcoming… Truelove is now my Waco home bar. With karaoke multiple nights a week, two huge bar areas, and a heated deck filled with people ready to chat, you really can’t go wrong here. While it has more of a punk dive bar feel, the crowd had a bit of everyone.
Freight Yardbar: Party On!
Basically, a bar located on a playground! They have darts, foosball, corn hole, basketball, and even a stage for music. Awesome beer selection and friendly bartenders. Great place to go out with a group on a warm, Texas night!
Undercroft Social Club: A Not-So-Secret Secret
Looking for a speakeasy? You got it! Undercroft is a BYOB social club built in an old bakery. (Fun fact: The bar is made from an original flour mixer and the bakery’s original dough sheeter has been repurposed into a music table.). While the space is members-only, they offer a day pass for those who want to experience the scene for a night!
Read More: 9 Bars in Waco, TX, That Will Make You Say Cheers
As you can see, it’s easy to get lost in Waco for a few days… and still have plenty left over to explore on another visit! What are you most excited to check out? Been to Waco?… What are your top recommendations? Let me know in the comments.
Note: While part of my Waco trip was in partnership with The Waco Tourism Board (which is a great resource for everyone!), all of my articles, recommendations, and tips are 100% accurate and true to my experience.
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