If you find yourself down south, make sure to stop by Waco.
This city in central Texas is famous for its exciting history, notably the 1993 standoff between federal agents and a religious cult.
Besides that, Waco also offers tons of fun stuff to do, like zoos, parks, and local markets.
They even have fascinating museums that focus on things from paleontology to soft drinks.
A trip down to this city is definitely enjoyable for everyone, whether you want to relax or learn something new.
To help you get started on planning your vacation, here’s a list of the best things to do in Waco, TX.
1. Waco Mammoth National Monument
6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive
Waco, TX 76708
(254) 750-7946
The Waco Mammoth National Monument is the site where paleontologists unearthed the fossils of numerous mammoths.
It was established in 2015.
Why You Should Go
Lovers of history, especially natural history, will enjoy going around this paleontological site to see the uncovered fossils.
When it comes to attractions in Waco, this site is pretty one-of-a-kind because they have 24 Columbian mammoth fossils & Ice Age mammals displayed around the exhibits.
What to Do
Walk around the dig center and look below to see the fossils that researchers unearthed.
It’s pretty exciting to see the remains still connected to the rocks where they were found.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Waco North – Near University Area
2. Waco Suspension Bridge
101 N University Parks Drive
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 750-5980
The Waco Suspension Bridge is a single-span pedestrian suspension bridge that crosses the Brazos River. It was built and opened in 1870.
Why You Should Go
An iconic downtown landmark, this bridge should be added to your list of things to see in Waco for its scenic views of the Brazos River and the surrounding parks.
What to Do
Cross the suspension bridge if you want to spend the day from one park to another, as it connects two: Indian Spring and Doris D. Miller.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Waco Baylor Downtown
3. Cameron Park Zoo
1701 N 4th Street
Waco, TX 76707
(254) 750-8400
Cameron Park Zoo is a 52-acre zoological park located along Brazos River.
It was established in 1993.
Why You Should Go
The park houses many exotic animals that visitors, young and old, are sure to adore.
You’ll be able to see meerkats, jaguars, giraffes, elephants, lions, and more.
What to Do
Explore the beautifully designed habitats of the zoo to meet the animals.
Trips to the Herpetarium, African Savanna, Asian Forest, and Lemur Island are just some of the top things to do in Waco with kids.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Waco
4. Dr. Pepper Museum
300 S 5th Street
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-1025
Dr. Pepper Museum is a gallery that focuses on the history of the Dr. Pepper soft drink.
It is housed in a 1906 bottling plant.
Why You Should Go
Besides looking at memorabilia and history exhibits when it’s raining or cold, this museum has fun and unique activities.
Some of the things you can do here are soda testing and even making your own soda in a bottle.
What to Do
Don’t miss experiencing the taste of the Dr. Pepper Float.
Go to the Soda Fountain and order the kind of Dr. Pepper and ice cream combo you want to try.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Indigo Waco, an IHG Hotel
5. McLane Stadium
1001 S Martin Luther King Boulevard
Waco, TX 76704
(254) 710-1000
McLane Stadium is a football stadium owned by Baylor University.
This 45,140-seat arena was opened in 2014.
Why You Should Go
Home of the Baylor Bruisers, this stadium is a pretty popular local site that any sports fans will love to see.
They even have stadium tours that take you to the Bruiser’s Locker Room, the Press Box, Suites, and even onto the field.
What to Do
Catch a Bruisers game this weekend, and don’t forget to buy green-gold merchandise in the stadium shop.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Waco North
6. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
100 Texas Ranger Trail
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 750-8631
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame is a state-designated museum that focuses on the Texas Rangers law enforcement agency.
It was opened in 1968.
Why You Should Go
When looking for unique places to visit in Waco, this museum is a top choice because it shows the history of the famous Texas Rangers local to this city.
From memorabilia to facts on display, you’ll be able to learn about two centuries worth of Texan history while you’re here.
What to Do
Besides looking at the exhibits, make sure to check out the Hall of Fame to discover which Texan rangers made significant contributions in their line of duty.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites By Hilton Waco
7. Mayborn Museum Complex
1300 S University Parks Drive
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 710-1110
The Mayborn Museum Complex is a 142,000-square-foot area inside Baylor University dedicated to a natural science and history museum.
It was opened in 2004.
Why You Should Go
There are lots to learn about Central Texas, and the exhibits in this museum can help you out with that.
Some of their permanent collections include paintings, fossils, and space exhibits.
What to Do
Besides the indoor exhibits, check out the Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village, which has 9 wood-frame structures from circa-1890.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Waco Near University Area
8. Baylor University
1311 S 5th Street
Waco, TX 76798
(800) 229-5678
Baylor University is a private university located along the Brazos River.
It was established in 1845.
Why You Should Go
While it is a currently operating institution for higher learning, this university houses different locations that are open to the public.
Some of the areas you can visit are Armstrong Browning Library, Mayborn Museum Complex, and McLane Stadium.
What to Do
Besides the buildings, you should also go to the Baylor Marina for some water activities.
Go kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding along the Brazos River.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Waco
Also See:
Austin, Texas Things to Do
San Antonio, Texas Things to Do
9. Branch Davidian Memorial Park
1781 Double EE Ranch Road
Waco, TX 76705
Branch Davidian Memorial Park is the site for the infamous 1993 siege.
Why You Should Go
If you’re interested in local history, there’s nothing more well-known in recent times than the Branch Davidian-ATF siege, and this site is where it all happened.
What to Do
Take a look around the place and read the memorial commemorating the 80 people who died during the encounter.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn & Suites Near University
Related: Best Restaurants in Waco
10. Cameron Park
2601 N University Parks Drive
Waco, TX 76708
(254) 750-5980
Cameron Park is a 416-acre city park that overlooks the Brazos and Bosque rivers.
It also houses the Cameron Park Zoo.
Why You Should Go
This park has stunning nature views wherever you turn.
The live oaks all around, the lazy river, the towering rocks all make for beautiful backdrops for photos.
What to Do
A cheap way to have fun is to hike around the park today to see beautiful views of the rivers, the bluffs, and the forest.
You can also go mountain biking, picnicking, and bird watching in different areas of the park.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Waco North
11. Valley Mills Vineyards — Valley Mills
1686 FM1637
Valley Mills, TX 76689
(254) 848-4343
Valley Mills Vineyards is a 30-acre local Texas winery about 29 minutes away from Waco.
Why You Should Go
This local winery is known for using only Texas grapes grown from its vineyards, making their wines 100% locally made.
What to Do
Go on a tour around the vineyards to learn how they make their Texan wine, and even indulge in a bit of tasting while you’re here.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Woodway – Waco South
12. The Findery
501 S 8th Street
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 235-1777
The Findery is a market space in the heart of Waco that sells antique furniture and decor.
Why You Should Go
One of the fun things to do in Waco, Texas, is to shop for country-chic items from this marketplace.
There’s definitely something here to help spruce up your home from small house accessories to farmhouse-style furniture.
What to Do
Take a break from your furniture shopping indoors and join one of the chalk paint classes in the area.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Candlewood Suites Waco, an IHG Hotel
Also See:
Fun Things to Do in Abilene, TX
Round Rock, TX Things to Do
13. Waco Hippodrome
724 Austin Avenue
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 296-9000
The Waco Hippodrome is a well-known local performing arts theater.
It was opened in 1914.
Why You Should Go
Lovers of concerts and plays will enjoy watching a show in this century-old theater.
It is known for its Broadway-style performances and can even host movie films.
What to Do
Watching a show here is a definite must-add to your list of things to do in Waco tonight as their schedule is ever-changing.
Get a chance to see a concert, a comedy sketch, and more during your visit.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Woodway Waco South Inn & Suites
14. Spice Village
924 Austin Avenue
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-0921
Spice Village is a shopping complex located in River Square Center with more than 80 boutiques inside a 1908 warehouse.
It was opened in 1997.
Why You Should Go
A unique and fun experience you’ll only get in Waco is shopping inside a century-old warehouse.
Despite its name, you can find more than spices here as shops sell things from home decor all the way to men’s accessories.
What to Do
Go to the warehouse and shop ‘til you drop.
Or just go window shopping as the atmosphere inside is already fun and worth the trip.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Waco North
15. Armstrong Browning Library
710 Speight Avenue
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 710-6702
The Armstrong Browning Library is a university library located inside Baylor University known for its collection of poetry.
Why You Should Go
Bibliophiles will enjoy browsing through this library’s vast English poetry collection (as it is considered the most extensive collection globally).
It is also known for its magnificent stained glass, which fans of architecture will like to see.
What to Do
Look through the shelves and read your heart out with the many choices.
A visit to this library is one of the fun, free things to do in Waco if you like books.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Waco North – Near University Area
Related: Things to Do in Lampasas, TX
16. BSR Cable Park & Surf Resort
5347 Old Mexia Road
Waco, TX 76705
(254) 447-0030
The BSR Cable Park and Surf Resort is a water center with different kinds of pools.
Why You Should Go
Avid surfers and those wanting to learn how to surf will enjoy the various wave pools in the resort.
There are three levels to choose from, Beginner Wave (for surfers just starting out), Intermediate Wave, and Expert Wave.
What to Do
If you’re done riding the waves or just don’t feel like surfing, you can also go down the resort’s slides or relax along the lazy river.
Surfing and wading in the pools of this resort are just some of the best things to do in Waco for water lovers.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Waco Baylor Downtown
Related: What to Do in Texas: The Top Things
17. Balcones Distillery
225 S 11th Street
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 755-6003
Last but definitely not least, on our list of the best things to do in Waco, TX is the Balcones Distillery.
It is a small local distillery known for its Texas whisky and was founded in 2008.
Why You Should Go
The Texan spirits and craft beers from this distillery are well-known around the city and are worth the trip for their unique blends.
Some of the spirits to try are Baby Blue, Lineage, and Rumble.
What to Do
Go for a tasting and indulge in a glass or two of local spirits.
Sipping cocktails and beers in their tasting room are some of the things to do in Waco for couples looking to spend a relaxing time.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Super 8 by Wyndham Waco University Area
Related: Best Hotels in Waco
Also See:
Things to Do in Fredericksburg, TX
Things to Do in Wimberley, TX
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Map of Things to Do in Waco, TX
Waco Things to Do: The 17 Best Activities for 2023
- Waco Mammoth National Monument
- Waco Suspension Bridge
- Cameron Park Zoo
- Dr. Pepper Museum
- McLane Stadium
- Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
- Mayborn Museum Complex
- Baylor University
- Branch Davidian Memorial Park
- Cameron Park
- Valley Mills Vineyards — Valley Mills
- The Findery
- Waco Hippodrome
- Spice Village
- Armstrong Browning Library
- BSR Cable Park & Surf Resort
- Balcones Distillery
