Waco · updated june 2026
What to do in Waco right now
96 source-backed places, routed walks, and stories that play as you move — the must-sees, where to eat, the spots locals keep naming, and what’s on today.
Quick answers
Waco, straight to the point
How should I start planning Waco?
Start with places like Baylor University Campus, Buc-ee's, Cameron Park Zoo, and Downtown Waco, save what fits, then turn the shortlist into your Waco plan.
What kinds of things does Gyde include?
Gyde includes places, events, walking tours, stories, restaurants, reservations, tickets, and other bookable experiences when they belong in the plan.
How are these recommendations different from a list of attractions?
Gyde gives short reasons, source-backed place pages, and map-ready routes so you can decide what belongs in your Waco day.
Source-backed place · Museums
Dr Pepper Museum
Celebrate the fizzy history of America's oldest major soft drink at this quirky museum housed in the original 1906 bottling plant…
The original Dr Pepper story comes alive with quirky exhibits and a giant soda-bottle photo op.
Source-backed place · Museums
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
A dedicated museum honoring the storied history of the Texas Rangers, exploring the legacy of the lawmen who helped shape the Ame…
See Texas history up close with Ranger artifacts, stories, and one of Waco’s strongest museum stops.
Source-backed place · Museums
Cameron Park Zoo
A sprawling 52-acre sanctuary near downtown Waco, Cameron Park Zoo houses over 1,700 animals from 300 species in naturalistic hab…
Texas' most impressive small-town zoo featuring native animals, a splash pad, and immersive habitats in Cameron Park.
Source-backed place · Landmarks
Waco Suspension Bridge
A historic single-span suspension bridge over the Brazos River, once the longest of its kind west of the Mississippi and a vital…
Walk the city’s most photogenic historic bridge for Brazos River views and easy downtown access.
Source-backed place · Museums
Mammoth Site
A National Monument featuring the remains of the largest known concentration of Ice Age Columbian mammoths in North America, disc…
A preserved excavation site where 23 mammoths and other prehistoric mammals were discovered.
Source-backed place · Activity
Waco Surf Park
A premier inland surf resort in the heart of Texas, featuring a 2-acre wave pool using PerfectSwell technology, a water park, a l…
A world-class man-made wave lagoon where you can surf perfect barrels in the Texas countryside.
Source-backed place · Food and drink
Magnolia Table
A charming farmhouse-style restaurant in Waco, opened by Chip and Joanna Gaines, specializing in Southern-inspired breakfast and…
Come for the famous breakfast plates and Texas-style comfort food tied to Waco’s biggest draw.
Source-backed place · Food and drink
Vitek's BBQ
A fourth-generation family-owned Texas BBQ institution in Waco, famous for the award-winning Gut Pak and its lively biergarten at…
The legendary Gut Pak turns smoked meat into a messy Waco rite of passage.
Source-backed place · Brewery Distillery
Balcones Distilling
Located in the heart of downtown Waco, Balcones Distilling is one of Texas's most awarded and famous whiskey distilleries, offeri…
A local distillery in an old theater serving award-winning Texas whiskeys and craft cocktails with a gritty, unpretentious vibe.
Source-backed place · Food and drink
Magnolia Press Coffee Co.
A highly visited coffee shop in Waco, Texas, offering a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to sip, read, and relax.
Cute corner coffee shop inside Magnolia Market with surprisingly excellent coffee and outdoor seating.
Source-backed place · Bars and nightlife
The Backyard Bar Stage & Grill
A high-energy sports bar and live music venue in Waco, featuring a massive outdoor concert stage, rooftop deck, and a variety of…
Big-name shows, a huge outdoor stage, and a rooftop deck make this Waco’s marquee live-music hangout.
Source-backed place · Shopping
Magnolia Market at the Silos
A sprawling shopping and lifestyle complex created by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV's Fixer Upper, featuring restored grain silo…
Stunning industrial-chic home goods and exclusive Chip & Joanna Gaines merchandise inside converted silos.
Source-backed place · Museums
Art Center Waco
Located in the heart of Waco's silo district, Art Center Waco is a community-focused space where visitors can view, learn, and cr…
Local art, rotating exhibits, and classes make this a true working arts hub downtown.
Source-backed place · Museums
Martin Museum of Art
Located on the Baylor University campus, the Martin Museum of Art offers free admission to a diverse collection of international…
Baylor’s free museum with rotating shows and a strong permanent collection—easy, calm, and uncrowded.
Source-backed place · Bars and nightlife
Bertie's On The Rooftop
An art deco rooftop bar and restaurant located on the 4th floor of the Hotel 1928, offering panoramic views of Waco and bespoke c…
Sunset cocktails and rooftop views make this one of Waco’s most polished date-night bars.
Reservations Resy
Source-backed place · Food and drink
George's Restaurant
A Waco institution since 1930, George's Restaurant is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and the 'Big O,' a massive goblet of be…
Go for the legendary **chicken fried steak** and Big O’ beer that locals have loved since 1930.
Source-backed place · Food and drink
Pinewood Coffee Bar
A nationally recognized coffee roaster and public house in Uptown Waco, offering specialty coffees from around the world and loca…
Roaster-level coffee with a polished bar setting that travelers consistently rank among Waco’s best.
Source-backed place · Bars and nightlife
Red Herring
An upscale dining and cocktail venue located within the luxury boutique Hotel Herringbone, Red Herring features Waco's first raw…
Stylish small-plates spot for oysters, cocktails, and a dinner that feels very downtown-insider.
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