Take an Awesome Day Trip to Waco, Texas
Right in the middle of Texas, along Interstate 35, is a small town called Waco. Pronounced Way-kow, the city gained international fame due to its exposure on HGTV’s show, The Fixer Upper with Chip and Joanna Gaines. Only an hour and a half drive north of Austin or south of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, there are many incredible things to do during a day trip to Waco.
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Where is Waco?
Waco is smack dab in the middle of the state of Texas. You can drive to Waco from Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin within a few hours. We began our girls trip to Waco on a summer weekday from San Antonio. The drive takes under three hours, using IH-35 and the toll road around Austin.
Of course, any time you travel throughout Texas, you must stop for road trip snacks at Buc-ee’s, a massive convenience store that wows visitors.
Things to Do in Waco
There are many fun things to do in Waco and luckily, many of these places are very close to each other.
Baylor University Campus
Before Waco became ultra-popular with its T.V. fame, many recognized Waco as home to Baylor University.
This private university which dates back to an original charter in 1845, lies on over 1,000 acres in the middle of Waco. The beautiful campus shares similarities to private New England universities with similar architectural style buildings and tree-lined walkways.
Even if you are making a quick day trip to Waco, visiting this beautiful campus is worth a stop.
Visit the Baylor Bear Habitat
Make sure to check out the free self-guided walking tour of the campus.
If you visit Waco in the fall or winter, the walking tour is quite enjoyable in cooler weather. However, the temperatures in summer can hover close to 100 degrees, so you may want to pick your stops carefully. We chose to stop and walk around the school’s mascot habitat instead of the entire campus.
The American black bear mascot has a giant habitat on the Baylor campus, similar to Mike the Tiger’s habitat in Baton Rouge at LSU.
McLane Stadium and Fan Shop
While on the Baylor side of the highway, drive to McLane Stadium, Baylor’s massive football stadium.
Even if you aren’t a sports fan, a stop at McLane Stadium should be on your list of things to do in Waco.
This giant college football stadium rivals many NFL facilities. As you walk around the stadium, its unique features become apparent.
For example, the stadium sits on the banks of the Brazos River, affording visitors a fantastic view.
As you walk toward the back of the stadium, you’ll find Baylor Basin, a water area where fans can “sailgate.” Like tailgating, fans party in their boats on the water before the home games.
For a deeper dive into McLane Stadium, check out the ninety-minute stadium tours for around $10.
For fun souvenirs, check out Bruiser’s Locker Room at McLane Stadium for all Baylor and Waco-related items.
TRIP TIP: If you want to do things in Waco with kids, check out Baylor University’s youth camps. Drop your kids off for a fun day of sports or activities while you shop at Waco’s fun and unique stores.
The Dr. Pepper Museum
Dr. Pepper is America’s oldest soft drink brand, dating back to 1885, and originated right here in Waco. Its flavor is somewhat similar to root beer but more unique tasting in that it combines over 23 fruit flavors for its taste.
Luckily, you can visit the Dr. Pepper Museum, the home of Dr. Pepper, on your day trip to Waco.
Visitors can learn about the soft drink through museum exhibits and fun, hands-on experiences such as make-a-soda, taste-a-soda, and the museum mystery game.
Although admission is $10 or under, depending on your age, it does come with a free Dr. Pepper.
Things to note: most experiences cost extra, and the only close parking is $10.
Go Shopping in Waco
Shopping was a highlight of our girls day trip to Waco.
With the addition of everything, Magnolia, Chip and Joanna Gaines have completely revamped downtown Waco. You will find the Magnolia Market, Magnolia Home, Shops at the Silos, food trucks, and overall welcoming outdoor spaces.
The Silos
The shops and restaurants consume blocks of real estate around the two giant silos downtown.
Limited street parking and a parking lot across the street are available for $10.
If you drive just a bit down Webster Ave., there are plenty of free parking spaces in those lots, with a short walk to the entrance of Magnolia Home.
If you make a day trip to Waco for nothing else but to visit this area, your day will feel complete.
Sign the guest book and let them know you visited.
Hang Out in the Outdoor Spaces
The entrance into the Magnolia shopping center welcomes visitors with homey outdoor spaces. Concrete patios with grass inserts and paved walkways guide you to cozy shaded sitting areas, lined with string lights, water features, and giant outdoor fireplaces.
The relaxed atmosphere invites you to sit and stay a while. Games like outdoor table Jenga add to the ambiance. You can even listen to live music from local artists every other Friday.
Magnolia Shops
No matter what you are shopping for, you can find it at the Magnolia Shops.
Adorable storefronts that mimic small white houses dot the property, with each one specializing in its own unique products. I especially recommend visiting the handbags and bath and body products stores.
Everything in the Magnolia Center has been carefully thought out and planned for a complete visit.
In addition to shopping, the food truck area has plenty of shaded spaces to sit and eat. Easily accessible restrooms are located throughout the entire complex too.
If you have kids with you, the play area is a spot I am sure they will find quickly.
Silo Baking Co.
Stop at the Silo Baking Co. for a sweet treat when you finish shopping. These are, honest to goodness, the best cupcakes I have found at a bakery in a long time!
More Shopping
If you just can’t get enough of all things Magnolia, make sure to check out the Magnolia Little Shop on Bosque just ten-minutes from the Silos. This cute store carries last-chance Magnolia items and scratch-and-dent merchandise with deep discounts.
We bought a fun Magnolia baseball cap and tank top for around $20. Check it out to see what you might find.
Things to Do in Waco with Kids
If your day trip to Waco includes bringing the kids, check out the Cameron Park Zoo and Waco Mammoth National Monument.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
ThWaco Mammoth National Monument sits on over 100 acres along the Bosque River, just a short drive from downtown. Here, the fossils of over sixteen Columbian mammoths and various other animals, including a saber-toothed cat, were discovered.
The park is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Visitors to the park can take a Dig Shelter Tour for a small fee.
The Cameron Park Zoo
When heading to the Cameron Park Zoo, look for the Waco Suspension Bridge close by. It is the oldest suspension bridge still standing in Texas.
You will know you’re close to the zoo when the Cameron Park Zoo statues begin to appear along the Waco Riverwalk.
The zoo is open year-round, Monday – Saturday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is $13 for adults and $10 for kids.
Waco Tours Worth Taking
Waco has some great tours you will want to check out while you are here, especially if you are fans of Joanna Gaines.
Waco Fixer Upper Tour
Get ready for an unforgettable Waco experience with the Waco Fixer Upper Tour!
Perfect for design enthusiasts, this guided tour takes you through the charming neighborhoods, houses, and landmarks featured on Chip and Joanna Gaines’ popular HGTV show, “Fixer Upper.”
With an intimate group of up to 14 people, you’ll explore the iconic locations, including a stop at Clint’s workshop. You may even be able to step inside a Chip-and-Joanna-designed home from the show!
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to join this unique tour in the “Fixer Upper” world and gain inspiration for your home improvement projects.
Magnolia Silos
In addition to the Waco Fixer Upper Tour, you can also take a tour of the Magnolia Silos. Tours are offered Monday – Saturday at 8:15 AM and last 45 minutes.
For $25, you will get a free coffee from The Magnolia Press Coffee and a special visit to the roof of the Magnolia Market for a bird’s eye view of the property. These tours are popular, so reserve your spot in advance.
See Waco by Water
Take a delightful adventure on your day trip to Waco with the Amazing Brazos River Morning or Sunset Boat Tour.
This 2.5-hour experience offers a unique and relaxing way to explore the city’s landmarks, history, and local wildlife from the serene waters of the Brazos River.
Choose between a morning tour to witness Waco as it awakens or a sunset tour to enjoy the stunning colors of the sky and the mesmerizing city lights reflecting off the river.
The knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about Waco’s past and present while you sit back, unwind, and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Perfect for a girls’ getaway or a special occasion, this boat tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, camaraderie, and enchanting scenery.
Where to Eat on a Day Trip to Waco
Waco has a great selection of places to eat. You can grab lunch at The Twisted Root, a fun and casual hamburger spot.
Located across the highway from Baylor University, the restaurant has a laid-back vibe that I imagine appeals to a college crowd.
Diners order at the registers and then wait for their given pop-culture name to be called while watching oversized TV’s in booths and counter-height barstools.
The hamburgers are good, but the milkshakes are great!
You’ll find one of the many Waco-painted murals at The Twisted Root. The Greetings from Waco sign adorns the back wall next to buckets of their homemade pickles.
For other dining options on your day trip to Waco, check out these fun places to eat:
- Cricket’s Draft House & Grill – 221 Mary Avenue, Waco, Tx 76701
- Crickets is a bar, but it is family-friendly during the day. The food and drinks here are excellent. Plus, there are many games to keep the kids occupied while waiting.
- If you eat here, make sure to check out Spice Village in the same shopping center. It is a fabulous boutique-style shopping experience.
- The Magnolia Table – 2132 S Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76706
- The Magnolia Table is only open for breakfast and lunch. If you plan to eat here, know that it is not near The Silos. The wait times can be up to two hours, so plan ahead.
- Magnolia Food Truck Park – 601 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706
- The food trucks at the Magnolia Silos offer plenty of food options to please everyone, like hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, and snacks. An outdoor dining area is set up. Consider that if you visit in the summer when the temperatures are scorching.
- Union Hall – 720 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76701
- The Boiler Room at the Findery – 501 S. 8th St., Waco, TX
- This isn’t a restaurant but rather a craft beer and wine bar near The Silos. It is also where we found the super cute City With A Soul mural. You can shop while you sip and cool off.
Best Time to Visit Waco, Texas
There isn’t a bad time to visit Texas. But there are some things to remember when planning a day trip to Waco.
Waco is located in the middle of Texas, and you should know that Texas has HOT summers! If you visit in the summer, be prepared for the heat by dressing in loose-fitting clothes and a large hat.
As a college town, the closer you get to the beginning of the fall semester, the more people will be coming to town.
Game days are popular. If planning a day trip to Waco, be prepared for crowds on Baylor’s home game days. But hey, those weekends can be a lot of fun!
Have a Little More Time? Spend a Weekend in Waco
No matter how you spend your time, you won’t regret traveling to Waco for a fun little getaway.
While a day trip to Waco is excellent, consider staying a while if you have the time. These hotels in downtown Waco are perfect for a weekend stay.
