Things to do in  Waco

Yes, Waco, Texas, is worth visiting for Texas tourists who want an easy day trip from Austin or Dallas. You can even come for the day from San Antonio and Houston, which are both three hours away by car. 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.

While the city doesn’t have enough to do to warrant a full week-long trip, you can also easily spend the weekend here and have a great time. There’s plenty to do in the span of 2–3 days whether you want to be indoors enjoying the AC at Baylor University’s world class museum or outside wandering around the Cameron Park Zoo, home to nearly 2,000 animals representing hundreds of species.

Waco, TX, has made its impression on the world in several different ways. Baylor University, home to the Baylor Bears and the Mayborn Museum Complex, is known as a top-tier research school. The soft drink Dr Pepper was also invented here in the late 19th century. Learn all about it at the Dr Pepper Museum.

Unfortunately, the city is also known for the Waco siege that started on February 28, 1993 and lasted for 51 days until it ended on April 19, 1993. It was an unfortunate event that claimed the lives of 80 people, mostly members of the Branch Davidians including one of its leaders, David Koresh. That said, four federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms also perished.

Fortunately, the debut of Magnolia Market in the 2010s redesigned Waco’s reputation. It put the city on the map, again, and today, the mention of Waco doesn’t stir up the negative connotation that it once did.

Since it’s a small city, you can have a fulfilling visit during a day-long trip from San Antonio or Houston, which are about three hours away by car, or Austin, which is just two hours away by car. If you’d like to stay overnight, consider coming for the weekend like many Texans do. Plan on arriving on Friday evening and catching a high school football game (high school sports are a religion in Texas) or wandering the riverfront. The multi-use walking paths on both sides of the Brazos River stretch for nearly 7 miles.

Spend Saturday at Magnolia Market which is open all day. Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds. While Magnolia Market is closed on Sundays, the Dr Pepper Museum is open in the afternoons. You can also stop by the Texas Sports HOF and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Yes, there are 7 miles (11.3 kilometers) of 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 where you’ll find the zoo. Because the riverwalk is dog-friendly and so close to downtown, it can be crowded on weekends. Follow the direction signs, and pass with caution.

Yes, it’s 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.

If you really want to stretch your legs, head over to the riverwalk where you can easily get in your 10,000 daily steps. The 7 miles (11.3 kilometers) of trails can be found on both sides of the river and depending on where you’re at, you’ll either be within walking distance of the Cameron Park Zoo, Mclane Stadium, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, the Mayborn Museum Complex, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame.

Spring is a great time to visit 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.