What is there to do in Waco Texas you ask? While Waco has been the long-time home to Baylor University, it’s become even more famous as a result of HGTV’s Fixer Upper hit. Aside from the famed university and Gaines name, you might wonder what there is to do in Waco Texas that makes it so dang special. If you’ve never been or considering a Texas trip, here are 18 fun things to do for a girls trip, solo trip or first-time visit to Waco.
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Table of Contents
18 Fun Things To Do In Waco
Eat At Magnolia Table
Although a wait might deter you, don’t even think about skipping the opportunity to eat brunch at Magnolia Table. There are plenty of options on site to keep you distracted, including the Magnolia Table Shop and coffee stand.
The top two must-try foods at Magnolia Table include the deviled eggs and pepper jam with jalapeño drip jam, and strawberry butter with biscuits. So delicious!
Magnolia Table brunch is 100% worth the wait
You can book reservations Monday through Thursday, but other days are on a first come first serve basis. And don’t be fooled by its location due to its name. Magnolia Table is located at 2132 S Valley Mills Dr which is 10 minutes away via I-35 from Magnolia Market.
Explore Magnolia Market
There is so much to do at Magnolia Market that it’s often THE thing to do in Waco – especially if you’re on a girls’ day trip. Between eating, shopping, and lounging around the silos, 4 hours can easily fly by.
Places to eat and food trucks to try at Magnolia Market:
- Silos Baking Co – Buy the cupcake 6 pack!
- Magnolia Press Coffee – A bag of Magnolia Press coffee makes a great souvenir.
- Fun Food Trucks – Airstream, Maggie’s Sweet Shoppe (soda fountain and ice cream), Magnolia Table (limited menu in case you can’t make the real thing), Alabama Sweet Tea (in a large mason jar), Luna Juice Bar (get the famous Waco watermelon drink in the summer)
Great photo spot at Magnolia Market for a Waco girls trip
Shops at Magnolia Market:
- Magnolia Home
- Magnolia Seed + Supply
In addition to the massive Magnolia Home shops that bookend Magnolia Market, there are 6 little shops at the silos in a square on the other side of the Old Church. The shops at the silos represent different themes of shopping interest:
- Books & Paper – Chapter One
- Handbags & Accessories – Tried & True
- Classic Apparel – Reverie
- Spa – Vie Bien Aimee
- Sports + Outdoors – No. 16
- Plants – Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop
Mandatory Magnolia Silos girls trip photo
Things to do at Magnolia that are not shopping or eating:
- Take a photo in front of #milestomagnolia
- Visit the Old Church – One of the oldest buildings in Waco, and oldest church. Chip and Joanna moved the 1894 church across town and restored it, doing whatever they could to preserve its original beauty.
- Katy Ballpark – Yes! You can play a round of Wiffle ball with the kids at Magnolia Market.
Lastly, with so much to do at Magnolia Market, there are loads of covered and uncovered places to sit and relax.
Shop The Findery
Across from Magnolia Home on the corner of Webster and 8th is The Findery. This is a home decor store in Waco where you’ll find the best faux succulent stems and potted plants. Apparel and accessories are upstairs while rustic goods are on the first floor in the back. But beyond cool home decor finds, check out the winery and beer room, The Boiler Room, in the back.
The Findery also has “The Boiler Room” serving beer + wine
Dr Pepper Museum & Mural
Waco is home to Dr Pepper! Since 1885, Waco has been delivering the oldest soft drink in the US. And you can learn all about it at the Dr Pepper Museum. If museums aren’t at the top of your must-do Waco list, there are several Dr Pepper Experiences and Tours to choose from, including The Paranormal Experience and Holiday Make-A-Soda.
This Dr Pepper mural is on Jackson Ave
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Waco Mammoth National Monument is a paleontological site protecting a herd of fossilized Columbian mammoths discovered in 1978. This is the first and only evidence of ice-age mammoths in the USA, and you can see the Mammoth Dig Shelter for yourself while in Waco.
Little Shop on Bosque
Another thing to do in Waco for Fixer Upper fans is to visit the Little Shop on Bosque. This was Joanna’s first store. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Magnolia Market.
Tour Baylor University & McLane Stadium
For Baylor fans, or anyone who’d love to see the grounds of a Texas football stadium, a top thing to do in Waco is touring McLane Stadium.
Eat at Milo
What is there to do in Waco Texas at night? Eat and sip at chic Milo. Milo is a southern-inspired open-air restaurant (in warm temps), with industrial-rustic decor, a young Baylor vibe, and offers great service with a make-your-mouth-water seasonal menu. Seriously so good!
Milo is the BEST place to dine in Waco
Milk Bottle Cookies
Milk Bottle Cookies is a top dessert spot in Waco. In addition to Waco’s yummiest cookies, you can occasionally sign up for special events.
Horseback Riding at Brazos Bluff Ranch
Wondering what is there is to do in Waco Texas for someone who loves an offroad adventure? For a truly Texan experience, go for a sunset horseback ride. “The Lone Star” or “The Rancher” horseback rides are suitable for kids 7 and up. In the winter, combine the ride with hot drinks and s’mores. This might be the one thing to do in Waco that puts a visit over the top.
Spice Village
If your mission is to shop during your visit to Waco, Spice Village has you covered. Spice Village is a large indoor collection of shops and restaurants. Find shopping on the 2nd floor with restaurants on the first and second. Ninfa’s is THE popular restaurant choice after shopping.
Find shops and restaurants on 2-floors at Spice Village
Waco Surf
Waco is home to one of the largest inland surfing and watersports venues in the USA. Learn how to surf in Waco, Texas! Who knew?!?!
Cameron Park Zoo
Waco’s 52-acre Natural Habitat Zoo is located along the Brazos River and is home to 300 species. Travel through different regions at the zoo, including the Cameron Park Herpetarium and a 50,000 gallon salt-water aquarium. Ranked number 48 out of 2,400 zoos in America, Cameron Park Zoo is a top thing to do in Waco for all ages.
Waco Riverfront Walk
Search for Indian Spring Park in Google Maps to use as your starting point for the Waco Riverfront Walk. Walk right and you’ll find Texas Ranger about 1 3/4 miles in. Walk left is Brazos Park in 2 1/4 miles. The entire loop around the Brazos River is 4+ miles.
The Waco riverfront walk is a 4 mile loop
Waco Suspension Bridge – “Branding the Brazos”
Even if you choose to not complete the Waco Riverfront Walk, be sure to stop and see the Waco Suspension Bridge. Although the Suspension Bridge is closed for construction, the things to see near the bridge entrance include:
- “Branding the Brazos” – These sculptures are a line of steers that represent the Chisholm Trail Crossing.
- Vietnam War Memorial
Waco Suspension Bridge plans to reopen in early 2023
Bluebonnets in Spring
At the end of March, bluebonnets line Highway 6 leading into and out of Waco. Bryan is particularly strong – so much so in fact that you’ll see people pulled over lying in beds of bluebonnets taking selfies. Don’t be afraid to take a few side roads during your Waco trip to capture these bluebonnet beauties in spring.
Where To Stay In Waco Texas
A Unique Place To Stay In Waco With Rooftop Deck
For 2 nights in Waco, book The Black Oak Container Home located 12 minutes away from Magnolia Market. There are many Airbnb options and hotels for a 2-Day Waco trip, but for totally unique accommodations book the container.
Fun container to stay at for a Waco girls trip!
The Black Oak Container Home is a super fun option. The Black Oak is equipped with essentials to make your Waco stay perfect, and there is a rooftop deck that makes you want to do nothing more than lounge with coffee in the mornings and enjoy a glass of wine in the evenings. The rooftop deck was a highlight of my 2-day Waco girls’ trip.
The rooftop deck is perfect for happy hour evenings
An Uber from the Black Oak Container to downtown Waco costs around $18 at 7pm and $25 for the return at 10pm. Factor Uber costs into your Waco trip if you don’t plan to drive.
A Convenient Hotel In Waco
If you prefer to be more central to Magnolia Market and other things to do in Waco, Hotel Indigo Waco is a convenient choice. Located only minutes from Magnolia Market and the Waco Riverfront, Hotel Indigo is the preferred choice if the need for Uber is a concern.
What To Bring & Wear In Waco
What to bring can vary depending upon the time of year you visit Waco and where you choose to stay.
Consider packing these items for a 2-day Waco trip:
- Snacks, bottled water, wine, and light breakfast items. You’ll want to pack these items for The Black Oak Container Home so that you can enjoy the rooftop deck both in the morning and sunset hours. Always nice to have for a hotel stay too.
- Cute comfortable trainers. You’ll be on your feet all day so be sure to pack trainers that double as cute and comfortable. A couple of my faithful favorites are Veja and Nike.
- Sneakers, for the Riverfront Walk (currently loving the ON brand), horseback riding (if you don’t have cowboy boots), and for other active things to do in Waco.
- Jeans, cute t-shirts, and tanks are quite popular to wear in Waco, but a sundress or casual dress is practically Waco dress code for a girls’ trip. A casual dress is perfect for warm Waco visits and can carry you from morning all the way through to evening dinner.
- Wide-brimmed hat, like this top-rated one, for protecting you against the sunny Texas rays.
- Comfy loungewear (matching pjs for a girls’ trip) for coffee mornings and wine evenings on the Black Oak deck.
Tips For Visiting Waco
Although Waco’s population is growing almost 1% annually, and as high as 75% for 5-year house price appreciation, poverty in Waco is 10% higher than the US rate.
With that in mind be aware of neighborhoods if you’re visiting Waco for the first time. East Waco is a poverty, low-income area. Don’t veer off the main roads if driving through East Waco.
Parking lots near Magnolia Market fill quickly. If lots are full drive around the block. Street parking is free. Parking lots charge $10+.
Magnolia Market is NOT open on Sundays. Be sure to factor this into your 2-day Waco trip so you are not disappointed.
A Joanna look-a-like is sitting at the Magnolia Table Bar
Magnolia Table is a 2-hour wait on a Saturday morning. Arrive early and prepare to wait. Thankfully Magnolia Table has plenty of outdoor lounge seating (covered and not covered), a shop, and a coffee stand. These options make the wait go by quickly.
If you love the strawberry butter as much as I do, ask the Magnolia Table shop to put it on ice so that you can take a tub of this strawberry butter goodness home with you. Definitely not your typical Waco souvenir but you won’t find this anywhere else.
The Dr Pepper Paranormal Experience looks so intriguing! I’d love to tell you more but I didn’t book tickets in enough time to share the inside scope. Book Dr Pepper tours in advance.
Silas Baking Co is best to visit in the morning so that you can buy and return the cupcakes to the hotel. Or if you’re staying at the Black Oak, purchase your Silos Baking Co 6-pack at the end of the day. This way the cupcakes don’t melt due to the hot Waco temps.
Final Thoughts For A Waco Texas Visit
Since Magnolia and Baylor consume most of the press, it’s no wonder why people question what there is to do in Waco Texas. But between Dr Pepper, Brazos Bluff Ranch, a mammoth paleontological site, and even a unique facility to learn how to surf, Waco offers many things to do for a first-time visit – especially a girls’ one.
If you’re looking to combine a few Texas destinations into 1 Texas road trip consider:
- Santa’s Wonderland in College Station (thing to do in winter) – 1 hour and 45 minutes from Waco
- Round Top Texas – 2 hours from Waco
- Fredericksburg Texas – 3 hours from Waco
- Houston Texas – 3 hours from Waco
Been to Waco? What’s your favorite thing to do?
