Waco bridge during the sunrise, Texas, USA

Things to do in  Waco

Sample all 23 flavors

When it comes to things to do in Waco, Magnolia Market has dominated every roundup since Chip and Jo first graced our television screens with Fixer Upper. The ever-growing Magnolia Market shopping, dining, and entertainment complex is almost a town in itself, but it’s not the only reason to visit Waco, Texas. Long before Dr Pepper was first poured, prehistoric mammoths called these streets home—they even ended up settling down forever at Waco Mammoth National Monument. From college sports to riverside festivals, Waco is worth a welcome.

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Explore Waco by interest

Top activities in Waco

Top Waco Fixer Upper/City Tour: 5 Star, Award Winning, Affordable
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Top Waco Fixer Upper/City Tour: 5 Star, Award Winning, Affordable

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$49.00
Fixer Upper Tour + City Tour
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Fixer Upper Tour + City Tour

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$84.50
Sunset River Cruise: #1 in the US

Sunset River Cruise: #1 in the US

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$93.00
Horseback Riding on Scenic Texas Ranch near Waco

Horseback Riding on Scenic Texas Ranch near Waco

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$89.00
Wacky Waco Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Wacky Waco Scavenger Hunt

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$21.60
$27.00  $5.40 savings
4-Hour Guided Wine Tasting in Waco

4-Hour Guided Wine Tasting in Waco

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$670.00
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Waco by Zombie Scavengers

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Waco by Zombie Scavengers

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$20.00
per group
Sunset Horseback Ride With Scenic Views, Campfire, S'mores, Games

Sunset Horseback Ride With Scenic Views, Campfire, S'mores, Games

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$169.00
Waco's Haunts and Legends Mobile Ghost Tour

Waco's Haunts and Legends Mobile Ghost Tour

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$39.00
Amazing Brazos River Morning or Sunset Boat Adventure in Waco
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Amazing Brazos River Morning or Sunset Boat Adventure in Waco

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$64.00
Waco Wine Tours
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Waco Wine Tours

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$125.00
Solar Eclipse Brazos River Boat Tour

Solar Eclipse Brazos River Boat Tour

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$149.00
Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Waco by Wacky Walks

Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Waco by Wacky Walks

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$10.00
Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Waco by Operation City Quest

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Waco by Operation City Quest

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$10.00
Waco Foodie Tour
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Waco Foodie Tour

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$74.00
Waco Brewery Tour
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Waco Brewery Tour

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$85.00
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All about Waco

When to visit

Like most cities in Texas, spring and fall are two of the best times to visit Waco. Autumn sees the return of annual cultural events such as the Homestead Fair, Heart o’Texas Fair & Rodeo, and Silobration at Magnolia Market. Plus, fall is an excellent time to uncork fresh Texas wine. Spring is a great time to kayak and fish on the Brazos River or visit Cameron Park Zoo and Waco Mammoth National Monument.

Getting around

Waco is very walkable and has public buses and rideshares, though most visitors come with a private car. On Baylor home football or basketball games, there’s a free Gameday Shuttle to the campus. It’s also a great city for cycling and features multi-use trails on both sides of the Brazos River. Waco has a regional airport, but the most convenient way to get there is to fly into Austin or Dallas and then drive to Waco. Rush hour traffic between cities will almost certainly extend your drive time.

Traveler tips

If visiting the Magnolia Market shopping complex, plan hotel reservations in advance and be prepared to wait in long lines. One way to maximize time at Magnolia is to skip dining at the restaurant and grab food from their on-site food trucks instead. To escape the crowds yet still enjoy the outdoors, trade visits to Magnolia and the Riverwalk with a trip to Airport Beach Park or Woodway Park on Lake Waco.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
CDT (UTC -6)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
0
Tours
16
EN
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People Also Ask

Is Waco Texas worth visiting?

Yes, Waco, Texas, is worth visiting for Texas tourists who want an easy day trip from Austin or Dallas. The Dr Pepper Museum and Magnolia Market aside, the Waco Mammoth National Monument has drawn visitors to Waco to see its nursery herd of Ice Age Columbian mammoths since 1978.

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What is Waco TX famous for?

Waco, TX, has made its impression on the world in several different ways. Baylor University is known as a top-tier research school; the soft drink Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in the 1800s; and the Waco siege of the 1990s was unfortunately newsworthy until the Magnolia Market in the 2010s redesigned Waco’s reputation.

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How many days should I spend in Waco?

Waco is a small city, so you can have a fulfilling visit during a day-long or overnight trip. For a weekend visit, plan on arriving on Friday evening and wandering the riverfront. Spend Saturday at Magnolia Market then Sunday at the Dr Pepper Museum, Texas Sports HOF, and Texas Ranger Museum.

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Does Waco have a riverwalk?

Yes, there are walkable riverwalk trails on both sides of the Brazos River. The East Riverwalk cuts through Doris D Miller Park to the North Waco Riverwalk Trailhead, which then continues up through the City of Waco Brazos Park East. The West Riverwalk runs from Baylor Ballpark to Cameron Park.

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Is Waco a walkable city?

Yes, Waco is a small, walkable city if you’re keeping close to the downtown core. The Magnolia Market complex is a few blocks from multiple shops, restaurants, and hotels. Parking near Magnolia fills up quickly, but street parking, garages, and lots even on the edge of downtown are within minutes of the city center.

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What time of year is best to visit Waco Texas?

Spring is a great time to visit Waco, Texas, especially in April when the weather is comfortable and outdoor events along the Brazos River kick off months of family fun. Although the summers are hot, visiting in August sees the start of Texas wine harvest season which overflows with European vino vibes.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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