All places

Places to visit in Waco

Browse landmarks, parks, museums, music spots, food stops, public art, and walkable places Gyde can turn into a plan.

Browse by category

Pick the kind of stop you want

Jump from the full Waco list into the kind of stop you want first.

Food and drink 20 Museums 13 Landmarks 9 Bars and nightlife 8 Parks and outdoors 8 Shopping 8 Brewery Distillery 7 Public art 7 History 6 Activity 3 Theaters and music 3 Markets 1 Spa Wellness 1 Tour 1 Viewpoints 1

20 places

Food and drink

Magnolia Table

A charming farmhouse-style restaurant in Waco, opened by Chip and Joanna Gaines, specializing in Southern-inspired brea…

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 bie…

Food and drink

Be Kind Coffee

Be Kind Coffee is a beloved independent Waco roaster and cafe known for exceptional coffee and tea, offering a unique e…

Food and drink

DiamondBack's

DiamondBack's is an upscale downtown Waco steakhouse renowned for its prime cuts of beef, elegant ambiance, and an exte…

Food and drink

Fabled Bookshop & Cafe

An independent bookshop and cafe in the heart of downtown Waco, offering new books, unique toys, and gifts alongside co…

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 go…

Food and drink

Helberg Barbecue

A two-time Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ winner located in Woodway, serving award-winning ribs, melt-in-your-mouth brisket,…

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.

Food and drink

Milo All Day

A modern barn chic destination in downtown Waco, Milo All Day serves chef-driven Southern fare made from scratch for br…

Food and drink

Pinewood Coffee Bar

A nationally recognized coffee roaster and public house in Uptown Waco, offering specialty coffees from around the worl…

Food and drink

Tru Jamaica

Tru Jamaica is Waco's most renowned Jamaican restaurant, now operating from a food truck in front of its building at 93…

Food and drink

For Keeps Coffee

A local favorite in Waco, For Keeps Coffee and Bakery combines a modern, welcoming atmosphere with the quality of coffe…

Food and drink

For Keeps Coffee & Bakery

A charming coffee shop and bakery located on Bosque Blvd, known for its aesthetic appeal and cozy atmosphere, making it…

Food and drink

Opal's Oysters

Opal's Oysters is an elevated, fine dining destination in downtown Waco, renowned for its rave reviews and a sophistica…

Food and drink

The Brasserie at Hotel 1928

Located on the first floor of the luxury Hotel 1928, The Brasserie serves Southern and French-inspired classics with a…

Food and drink

Alabama Sweet Tea Truck

A popular food truck at the Magnolia Silos serving freshly brewed Southern iced tea in iconic, reusable glass mason jar…

Food and drink

George's

A legendary Waco institution since 1930, George's is a laid-back diner famous for its renowned chicken fried steak and…

Food and drink

Jake's

A nostalgic trip to the 1950s, Jake's Texas Tea House is a themed restaurant in downtown Waco serving homemade southern…

Food and drink

Ranchito on Waco Drive

A beloved local favorite on Waco Drive, The Ranchito #5 serves authentic, made-to-order Mexican cuisine, ranging from h…

Food and drink

Revival East End

Located in the heart of East Waco, Revival Eastside Eatery is a welcoming restaurant established in 2019 within a beaut…

Food and drink

13 places

Museums

Cameron Park Zoo

A sprawling 52-acre sanctuary near downtown Waco, Cameron Park Zoo houses over 1,700 animals from 300 species in natura…

Museums

Dr Pepper Museum

Celebrate the fizzy history of America's oldest major soft drink at this quirky museum housed in the original 1906 bott…

Museums

Mammoth Site

A National Monument featuring the remains of the largest known concentration of Ice Age Columbian mammoths in North Ame…

Museums

Armstrong Browning Library

Located on Baylor University's campus, this unique museum and research center houses the world's largest collection of…

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, lea…

Museums

East Terrace

An iconic Italianate Villa-style mansion situated above the Brazos River, East Terrace House serves as a museum showcas…

Museums

Historic Waco Foundation museums

A volunteer-driven foundation preserving Waco's heritage through three distinct historic house museums: the McCulloch,…

Museums

Homestead Heritage

An agrarian- and craft-based intentional Christian community featuring a 550-acre farm and a Craft Village showcasing a…

Museums

Martin Museum of Art

Located on the Baylor University campus, the Martin Museum of Art offers free admission to a diverse collection of inte…

Museums

Mayborn Museum Complex

Located on the Baylor University campus, the Mayborn Museum Complex is an interactive hub of natural science and cultur…

Museums

Texas Sports Hall of Fame

A dedicated space honoring the legends of Texas athletics, featuring multiple halls of fame including high school footb…

Museums

The Texas Collection

Established in 1923, The Texas Collection is one of the largest privately held collections of Texana in the world, serv…

Museums

9 places

Landmarks

Baylor University Campus

Explore the sprawling 1,000-acre campus of Baylor University, the oldest continually operating university in Texas, nes…

Landmarks

Downtown Waco

The vibrant hub of Waco, Texas, blending historic charm with a modern tourism boom. Explore a mix of boutiques, award-w…

Landmarks

Magnolia Market at the Silos

A charming blend of shopping, dining, and family fun in downtown Waco, inspired by Chip and Joanna Gaines, featuring ic…

Landmarks

McLane Stadium

The home of Baylor University football, McLane Stadium is a modern landmark of Waco, replacing the older Floyd Casey St…

Landmarks

The Silos

The iconic 120-foot silos of the former Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company, now a bustling community hub owned by Chip an…

Landmarks

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Explore the United States' only recorded evidence of an Ice Age Columbian mammoth nursery herd, preserved in situ withi…

Landmarks

Waco Suspension Bridge

A historic single-span suspension bridge over the Brazos River, once the longest of its kind west of the Mississippi an…

Landmarks

Cottonland Castle

A historic home designed to resemble a German castle on the Rhine River, echoing Waco's early days as a thriving cotton…

Landmarks

Waco Visitor Center

The official gateway to the city, the Waco Visitor Center provides essential tourism counseling, local guides, and uniq…

Landmarks

8 places

Bars and nightlife

5IVE Bar

5IVE Bar is Waco's premier day-and-night club, offering a high-energy atmosphere with bold cocktails, VIP bottle servic…

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…

Bars and nightlife

Marie’s Wine Bar

A sophisticated downtown Waco destination featuring a serve-yourself wine experience, curated global and Central Texas…

Bars and nightlife

Red Herring

An upscale dining and cocktail venue located within the luxury boutique Hotel Herringbone, Red Herring features Waco's…

Bars and nightlife

Sloane's

Sloane's is a trendy neighborhood cocktail bar in Waco, known for its intimate speakeasy atmosphere, minimalistic retro…

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 v…

Bars and nightlife

True Love Bar

A classic downtown dive bar offering a fun, high-energy atmosphere with mixed drinks, craft beers, and a dance floor.

Bars and nightlife

One Day Bar

One Day Bar is widely regarded as the best cocktail destination in Waco, offering a highly curated, limited menu of cla…

Bars and nightlife

8 places

Parks and outdoors

Brazos Park East

A sprawling riverfront park 5 miles north of Waco, offering scenic views of the Brazos River, paved trails, and a top-r…

Parks and outdoors

Cameron Park

One of Texas' largest urban parks, Cameron Park offers over 400 acres of hiking trails, scenic bluffside overlooks, and…

Parks and outdoors

Cameron Park Trail System

Explore the Cameron Park Trail System, a multi-use National Recreation Trail in Waco featuring approximately 26 miles o…

Parks and outdoors

Jacob's Ladder

A historic staircase of 88 steep steps located within the scenic Cameron Park, offering visitors a challenging climb an…

Parks and outdoors

Lake Waco Wetlands

A peaceful 180-acre wildlife refuge providing a sanctuary for native plants, insects, and diverse bird and wildlife spe…

Parks and outdoors

Indian Spring Park

A scenic riverfront park in Waco's River District, known for its cattle-drive tribute sculptures and free community con…

Parks and outdoors

Doris D Miller Park

A powerful downtown monument honoring World War II hero Doris Miller, the first African American to receive the Navy Cr…

Parks and outdoors

Indian Spring Park

A historic riverfront park in downtown Waco, serving as the site of the original Waco Indian settlement and hosting the…

Parks and outdoors

8 places

Shopping

Buc-ee's

An iconic Texas roadside experience, Buc-ee's is a massive travel center chain known for its pristine bathrooms, vast f…

Shopping

Magnolia Market

A premier destination for home goods and design inspiration curated by Joanna Gaines, anchored by two iconic 120-foot s…

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…

Shopping

Bonnie's Greenhouse

A long-running local Waco staple, Bonnie's Greenhouse is a family-run plant nursery offering a comprehensive range of g…

Shopping

The Findery

A curated boutique offering antiques, local art, and home decor, The Findery is a serene alternative to the nearby Magn…

Shopping

Artier Resale

A welcoming community hub for local artists and creatives, Artier Resale offers affordable art supplies and a diverse c…

Shopping

Fabled Bookshop

Fabled Bookshop & Cafe is Waco's independent bookstore, offering a curated selection of new books, unique gifts, and a…

Shopping

Homestead Craft Village

A peaceful, faith-based agrarian community featuring hand-crafted goods, historic barns, and a restored 1760 gristmill,…

Shopping

7 places

Brewery Distillery

Balcones Distilling

Located in the heart of downtown Waco, Balcones Distilling is one of Texas's most awarded and famous whiskey distilleri…

Brewery Distillery

Balcones Distilling Company

A pioneering Texas craft distillery founded in 2008, Balcones Distilling is renowned for its award-winning American Sin…

Brewery Distillery

Brotherwell Brewing

A Waco-founded brewery serving locally crafted beers in a welcoming space featuring a taproom and an outdoor beer garde…

Brewery Distillery

Pivovar

Pivovar is a luxury destination in Waco that blends Czech heritage with modern amenities, featuring a brewery, hotel, s…

Brewery Distillery

Southern Roots Brewing Company

A family-owned craft brewery and dining venue in Waco, emphasizing southern hospitality, camaraderie, and a welcoming a…

Brewery Distillery

Bare Arms Brewing

Waco's oldest continuously operated craft brewery, Bare Arms Brewing is a local favorite known for its family-friendly…

Brewery Distillery

Waco Ale Company

A family-owned, local craft brewery located in the heart of downtown Waco, offering a relaxing atmosphere and a wide va…

Brewery Distillery

7 places

Public art

ALICO Building neon crown sign

A striking neon crown sign featuring 15-foot letters that crowns the historic ALICO Building, a landmark that survived…

Public art

Branding of the Brazos Sculptures

A monumental bronze sculpture series by Robert Summers, depicting a diverse group of cowboys driving 25 longhorn cattle…

Public art

Dichotomy Rooftop Mural

A hidden rooftop mural spelling out 'Waco' by artist Mike Trozzo, located atop the first public rooftop deck in downtow…

Public art

Starry Night mural

A vibrant rendition of Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night, this community-driven mural stands out against a plain brown br…

Public art

6 places

History

Austin Avenue historic corridor

A historic downtown Waco thoroughfare established in 1849, featuring a diverse mix of 20th-century architectural styles…

History

McCulloch House

A Greek Revival gem in downtown Waco, the McCulloch House Museum showcases early Texas art and the legacy of a prominen…

History

Paul Quinn College site

The historic site of Paul Quinn College, a pioneering pioneer educational institution for former slaves, has been trans…

History

Praetorian Building

A historic seven-story skyscraper in Waco, designed in the Chicago School style, that survived the catastrophic 1953 to…

History

3 places

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…

Activity

Hawaiian Falls Waco

A family-friendly water park featuring thrilling slides, a massive wave pool, and a relaxing 800-foot lazy river, provi…

Activity

Waco Surf

Experience the thrill of the ocean in the heart of Texas at Waco Surf, one of the largest inland surfing and water spor…

Activity

3 places

Theaters and music

Baylor Theatre

Located on the Baylor University campus, the Baylor Theatre is an elite, accredited theatre arts program featuring thre…

Theaters and music

Texas Music Cafe

A vibrant live music venue in downtown Waco, celebrating Texas' musical legacy through live performances and profession…

Theaters and music

Waco Hippodrome Theatre

A historic downtown Waco landmark, the Waco Hippodrome Theatre is an intimate 400-seat venue that has evolved from a va…

Theaters and music

1 place

Markets

Waco Downtown Farmers Market

A vibrant year-round community hub featuring local agricultural producers, artisan vendors, and fresh cuisine from with…

Markets

1 place

Spa Wellness

Essential Rejuvenation Spa

A highly-rated day spa in the Waco area offering a comprehensive suite of beauty and wellness services, including speci…

Spa Wellness

1 place

Tour

Waco Tours River Cruise

Experience a peaceful journey along the Brazos and Bosque Rivers, featuring local history and wildlife sightings. This…

Tour

1 place

Viewpoints

Lover’s Leap

A breathtaking, high-altitude outlook in Cameron Park, offering expansive views of the Brazos River and the Waco countr…

Viewpoints