A Weekend in Waco: The Perfect Itinerary!
Are you looking to spend a weekend in Waco, TX soon? I just spent four days exploring what Waco has to offer and I was completely surprised at how much there is to do here – especially for adventurous travelers!
This unique city is located halfway between Dallas and Austin and you can explore a unique blend of attractions ranging from historic sites to fun outdoor opportunities.
Whether it’s exploring the Cameron Park Zoo, seeing remains of a Columbian Mammoth nursery herd, or catching a wave at Waco Surf, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this fun-filled weekend trip.
And I haven’t even mentioned Magnolia at the Silos yet!
I came with my mom, sister, and grandma for a girls’ getaway to Waco and we had the best time. I hope this Waco itinerary will help you plan your own amazing trip!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going! This was part of a sponsored trip with the Waco Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. All opinions are my own.
How to Spend a Weekend in Waco, TX
This itinerary assumes that you arrive around lunch time on Friday and leave mid-afternoon on Sunday.
If you only have 2 days in Waco, then you can shift visiting the Silos to Saturday and replace one of the other activities on that day. Just remember if visiting the Silos is on your bucket list, they are not open on Sundays.
Friday
Hit the ground running as soon as you get to Waco and knock out two of the best things to do here – visit the Silos and go horseback riding.
Browse the Silos
Visiting the Silos in Waco is a must for any fans of Magnolia, as it’s home to the famous Magnolia Market, Silos Bakery, and the Silos themselves.
While you can’t go inside the Silos, they really make a beautiful backdrop and there are some great photo ops here.
For Joanna Gaines fans, you’ll want to go in all the stores like Magnolia Market, Magnolia Home, and the Shops at the Silos.
The Shops at the Silos include six different stores with different themes – my personal favorites were the bath & body and women’s clothing stores.
Silos Bakery offers delicious cupcakes and cinnamon rolls while the Magnolia Press serves up an amazing Lemon Blueberry Roll and a few other pastries.
We got a seasonal sampler cupcake box to share and I loved trying all the cupcake flavors. My mom and I visited Magnolia Press and we can both highly recommend the mocha and The 1905.
Be sure to join Magnolia Perks when you visit, too – it’s free and you get 10% off all qualifying purchases!
For the ideal weekend in Waco, I would recommend planning to spend at least half a day here exploring all that this iconic destination has to offer especially if you love Chip & Joanna.
Sunset Horseback Ride at Brazos Bluffs Ranch
Depending on what time of year you visit, you may want to eat dinner before your horseback ride. Since we were here in early March, our ride was supposed to begin at 4:15pm but the start time will get later as summer approaches.
Sadly, severe weather was coming in so we had to reschedule to the afternoon ride the following day. This was a very scenic trail ride though and my sister and I had so much fun.
The crew at Brazos Bluffs Ranch takes customer service to another level and they really make you feel at ease. I’ve ridden horses a few times and even took a few lessons when I was younger but I always get very nervous before riding these days.
They took that into consideration and gave me one of the older horses that had been doing this for a while. They even kept checking up on me throughout the ride to make sure I was doing okay.
You do go up and down a few steep hills during the ride and one of the highlights is a beautiful view of the Brazos River about halfway through.
I really enjoyed seeing what a Texas ranch looks like – it was gorgeous!
Dinner at Cafe Homestead
As I mentioned above, you’ll want to double-check hours based on what time your horseback ride starts at Brazos Bluff. Cafe Homestead and Brazos Bluffs Ranch are just a few minutes away from each other though.
The original 30-year-old Cafe Homestead burned down early in December 2022, but a brand new cafe was rebuilt and re-opened just 18 weeks later.
They focus on fresh, natural ingredients and have been one of the best restaurants in Waco since opening in 1994. You’ll find things like burgers, sandwiches, and tacos on the menu as well as entreés like Chicken Fried Steak.
If you are in the area earlier and want to grab something quick, Homestead Heritage also has the Red Wagon BBQ food truck beside the Marketplace. They serve brisket and other smoked meats.
Drinks at Southern Roots Brewing Co.
Located downtown, Southern Roots Brewing Co. offers unique brews like Suspicious Minds, a stout with notes of peanut butter and banana. Yes, I was skeptical too until I tried it.
I also tried two of their Flagship beers – West of Czech and H.O.T. Blonde – plus the Mercury 7 which is a hazy IPA. I was very happy with all of them.
With its spacious indoor area as well as an outdoor patio, this family-friendly spot is perfect for any beer lover looking to try something new.
They also have fun games available for you to play here so my mom and sister played Mancala and then we all played a round of UNO while I drank my flight.
If you aren’t a beer drinker, then they do have a selection of wines, champagne, and some non-alcoholic options. While we didn’t try the food here, their pizza came highly recommended by a local.
It was definitely one of my favorite Waco breweries!
Saturday
Now for a full day exploring iconic Waco attractions! The plan for today allows for ample time at each location so you aren’t rushing from place to place. I typically make a bad habit of trying to stuff way too much into one day.
Breakfast at Magnolia Table
Make reservations as soon as you can if you want to visit this popular restaurant! The atmosphere screams Joanna Gaines and should be on any fan’s bucket list.
They serve breakfast and lunch so we chose to do breakfast. I went with the Breakfast Sandwich and it could not have been more delicious. The flavors of the buttery croissant, heirloom tomato, and Havarti cheese put this sandwich on another level.
I was also able to try the seasonal Lemon Blueberry Pancakes that my sister ordered and thought they were amazing as well.
This is definitely an Instagram-worthy restaurant in Waco. Just note that this restaurant is not located at the Silos!
Check Out the Cameron Park Zoo
The zoo was absolutely one of the highlights of our trip. I had no idea that Waco had such a great zoo and it was only $14 for admission!
I would plan to spend 2 – 3 hours here minimum as we only had 2.5 hours and definitely could have stayed longer.
It’s split up into four different parts – The Meadows, Brazos River Country, African Savanna, and Asian Forest.
We visited on a cloudy day and it had just rained before we got to the zoo so we assumed the animals wouldn’t be very active. Thankfully, we were completely wrong!
So many of the animals were out and moving around like the tiger, mountain lion, black bear, and orangutan.
Make sure you pull up the zoo map as you are exploring and wear good walking shoes! They also have a nature trail in the middle of the zoo which looked really neat. I can’t recommend this enough when planning a weekend in Waco.
Lunch at Hecho en Waco
Hecho en Waco serves up delicious Mexican cuisine and has been voted the best Mexican restaurant in Waco multiple times.
One of their most popular dishes is the Che Taco, which is a carnitas taco on two stacked corn tortillas with cheese in between and topped with avocado, pickled onion, and tomatillo sauce.
They are also well known for their jalepeño margarita. I got to taste one on the Waco Foodie Tour. It was too spicy for me but they added pineapple juice to it which made it delicious.
The salsa that comes with the free chips is pretty spicy too but their bean dip is a must-try for anyone who loves chips and dip.
They are conveniently located in the Silo District downtown and are within walking distance of so many attractions.
Visit the Dr Pepper Museum
Visiting the Dr Pepper Museum is a super cool experience. You’ll get to explore its history with exhibits dedicated to the history of mineral water, then sodas in general, and of course, Dr Pepper.
There is also a large exhibit that showcases past advertising campaigns for the brand and one on W. W. Clements who built the Dr Pepper brand into what we know today.
The building itself was once the headquarters and manufacturing plant for Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company which originally produced Dr Pepper.
You have to stop in at their old school soda fountain where they pump the syrup into the cups and then mix in the carbonated water. You can choose to add flavors like vanilla or cherry or you can get an ice cream float!
Admission to the museum includes a free 10oz Dr Pepper or you can get $1 off something else on the menu.
Don’t miss the other exhibits in this building with the soda fountain. It’s where you can learn more about the bottling process for sodas.
Optional: More time at the Silos
If you didn’t get to do everything you wanted at the Silos then this would be a good time to go back over and spend some more time there.
They don’t open on Sundays so Saturday would be your last chance. It’s within easy walking distance from the Dr Pepper Museum and Hecho en Waco.
Check out Waco Mammoth National Monument
Waco Mammoth National Monument is an incredibly unique place to visit and explore. Here you’ll find a collection of fossilized remains from a Columbian mammoth nursery herd that lived over 65,000 years ago.
It was made a National Monument because it is the only location in the US where you can see remains of a nursery herd. Typically fossilized mammoths that people find are lone males.
You can explore the site with a self-guided tour or take advantage of ranger-led programs that provide additional insight into the species and dig site.
We chose to go with a ranger-led tour and I am so glad that we did! I feel like I retained much more of the information than I would have if we did a self-guided tour.
I recommend calling them to confirm their tour times for the day as the website says tours are led every 30 minutes but when we arrived, there were much fewer tour times listed.
Also, if you have an American the Beautiful Pass just note that it will not cover the Dig Site Entry Fee. This site is managed by the City of Waco so you still have to pay.
Dinner at One Thirty Five Prime
If you are looking for fine dining in Waco, then One Thirty Five Prime is your place. Their menu features a variety of steaks and fresh seafood with family-style sides as well as a dessert menu to die for.
The patio is very nice, equipped with heaters and fans to keep you comfortable no matter the weather. Service is absolutely excellent and the food is top-notch as well.
Their salmon was flavorful and the filet was especially tender. For dessert, we had key lime pie and cheesecake.
The cheesecake was my personal favorite. Definitely make reservations here if you’re looking for an upscale dining experience!
Drinks at Waco Ale Company
After a long day of exploring the sights in Waco, a stop at Waco Ale Company is the perfect way to end the day. They brew a nice variety of craft beers and they also serve wine and mimosas.
My favorite beers here were the New Waco Haze and their Blonde but the brewmaster let me try the Hop-Burst Orange before it was carbonated and I could tell that would have been on the list.
The people who work here are super nice and welcoming and really make this a great hangout spot.
Not only do they offer drinks, but they also serve bar food like burgers and wings. The windows are blacked out from the street so it may look a little intimidating going in but it’s very nice on the inside.
Sunday
Today’s itinerary is very much dependent on when you visit and what the weather is like. If you are visiting during the winter months then Waco Surf won’t be open and you’ll have to check out some of the other things to do in Waco listed below.
Breakfast at Our Breakfast Place
The two breakfast restaurants that we ate at were Magnolia Table and Butter my Biscuit but neither one are open on Sundays. Our Breakfast Place comes highly recommended as one of the best breakfast restaurants in Waco.
Pancakes and eggs benedict are fan favorites here and the wide variety means you’ll please even picky eaters.
Another breakfast option would be The Olive Branch – my mom and grandma did eat there for lunch and really liked it so I would definitely try their breakfast.
Spend the Day at Waco Surf
Visiting Waco Surf was probably one of the most unique things I’ve done while traveling as I had never been surfing before.
Here, you can surf, relax on the beach, enjoy their water park, and ride the (alleged) longest lazy river in Texas!
I was able to take a beginner surf lesson while visiting Waco and can’t believe how much fun it was. If you’re worried about embarrassing yourself – I had my wetsuit on backward the first time I put it on and walked out of the bathroom, so you can’t do worse than me.
Once I got situated though, we went out by the beach and one of the guys taught me the correct form of how to get up on the board. When I got comfortable with that, another one took me out into the wave lagoon.
I was nervous about falling and hitting my head (the bottom is concrete) but after my first ride, I realized that was pretty unlikely. I just tried to remember to fall flat and no nose-dives into the water.
If you’ve ever gone skateboarding, snowboarding, or wakeboarding then surfing is a bit like that but it still takes some getting used to.
I was out there for about 45 minutes and only wiped out REALLY badly once or twice. It was honestly super fun and empowering to try something new!
If you absolutely don’t want to try surfing, they also have a Water Park and Cable Park here or you can buy beach access to gain access to the surf lagoon.
In the Water Park, they have huge water slides and an enormous lazy river that’s very popular in the summer. They don’t have locker rooms yet so you’ll want to keep that in mind and pack light.
Other Things to Do in Waco, TX
There are plenty of other things to do for a weekend in Waco so if your taste is a little different than mine then here are some other ideas!
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum
The museum is an incredible place to explore the history and legacy of this legendary law enforcement agency.
You’ll find a variety of exhibits that tell the stories of the men and women who served in the state’s first law enforcement organization, from its founding in the early 1800s until today.
The museum also features interactive displays, audio-visual presentations, artifacts, photographs, and more for visitors to enjoy.
There are exhibits about the founding of the agency, major cases like Bonnie & Clyde, and how they’ve been portrayed in the media over the years.
I especially loved the case with Walker, Texas Ranger memorabilia since I grew up watching the show with my grandpa.
I also loved the artwork throughout the museum that represented the life and work of a Texas Ranger.
They do show a 45-minute video and when you purchase admission they will tell you when the next start time is if you are interested in that.
Shopping Downtown
If you think that the only shopping available in Waco is at the Silos then you are sorely mistaken. There are some adorable shops downtown!
One of my favorites was Ramble & Co where I got a cute graphic tee. Fox & Gray was another cute women’s boutique.
Fabled Bookshop & Cafe is one of the cutest coffee shops in Waco and a bookstore. My sister picked up some things from Firefly Boutique and my mom and grandma loved the collection of shops at Spice Village.
While you’re downtown, do not miss Milk Bottle Cookies. These were the BEST cookies I’ve ever had. You’ll find traditional flavors but they also rotate unique flavors like fruity pebbles and lucky charms.
Homestead Heritage Craft Village
If you have any interest in sustainable agriculture or craft goods where you can actually visit the artisan’s workshop then this is for you.
A few of the different workshops that you can visit are blacksmiths, potters, woodworkers, and weavers but there are many more. They also have a neat cheese shop with its own cheese cave.
Usually, you can go down into the cheese cave but it was closed for cleaning while we were there.
You can purchase many of the goods made on-site at The Barn. Stop by the Homestead Market for locally sourced and natural food products and the General Store for homesteading and sustainable-living related items.
Baylor University
Baylor is a private Christian university that was established in 1845 and is located in the heart of Waco. There are just over 20,000 students enrolled here and it’s actually the oldest continually operating university in Texas!
The first night that we were in town, we stayed right next to campus and it was really bustling. You can take a walk around – it’s especially pretty at sunset.
If you’re visiting the area and considering Baylor for school then they also have a self-guided tour option that you can listen to from their app.
Waco Foodie Tour or Fixer Upper Tour
My family is all about some food tours so of course we took the Waco Foodie Tour with Brazos Tours.
We stopped at Pivovar for schnitzel, Hecho en Waco for Che Tacos, Vitek’s for a smoked meat sampler, and churros from Huaco Eatery in Union Hall.
This is not a walking food tour as the restaurants are too far apart so they drive you around in a van. Our tour guide, Bonnie, was wonderful and full of fun facts about Waco.
My mom and grandma also did the Fixer Upper Tour and loved learning more about Chip & Joanna and the Magnolia brand.
You even get to go into one of the houses that Joanna designed on this tour!
Attend Local Events
There are all kinds of events in Waco that are held throughout the year from art exhibits and live music to outdoor events and races.
I was able to meet with Matt who is Executive Director of the relatively new Waco Rowing Center and they put on some fun events during the year. Follow their Facebook page to find out when!
Waco Paddle Company
Waco Paddle Company is open seasonally so I wasn’t able to get out on the river during my trip. This looks like it would be so much fun though!
They are located on the Brazos River across the street from Indian Spring Park near the Waco Suspension Bridge.
Here you can rent paddle boards, single and double kayaks, or canoes. They also offer river trips where they’ll take you and your boat up river so you can float down.
Where to Stay in Waco
There are some pretty cool places to stay in Waco from a traditional Texas ranch to a Czech-inspired hotel. Here are a few ideas for places to stay during your weekend in Waco.
Brazos Bluffs Ranch
The log cabin at Brazos Bluffs Ranch is perfect for anyone looking for some seclusion on their weekend getaway. You will need a car if you stay here as it’s about 15-20 minutes outside of town.
There are two large bedrooms plus a loft with two single beds so it’s perfect for families, two couples, or a girl’s getaway. You also have a large living, kitchen, and dining area.
Two rocking chairs on the porch overlook a small lake which makes for a peaceful spot to sip your morning coffee.
We loved having so much space to spread out and my sister loved that they had puzzles here that she could put together.
🏠 Check Reviews on VRBO here. 🏠
Pivovar
Pivovar is located in downtown Waco and right next to the Silos. Everything here is Czech-inspired from the restaurant to the beer and even their spa.
Their spa is a little different as it’s a beer spa. This is where you soak in a tub full of warm water, hops, barley, and medicinal herbs!
They also have a bakery here that makes delicious kolaches and bread. We tried the apple kolache and I could have eaten my weight in those. The restaurant is delicious as well.
✅ Check availability on Booking.com here. ✅
1700 South 2nd Street Condos
These are the condos we stayed at during our first night in town that are right next to Baylor’s campus. The condos are adorable and have a nice seating area in front of each one.
They are two bedrooms with a living area, kitchen, and small dining area downstairs. It’s perfect if you’re visiting for anything related to the university or want to be close to downtown with a spacious place to stay.
✅ Check availability on Booking.com here. ✅
Best Time to Visit Waco, TX
The weather in Waco ranges from mild winters to hot summers. Based on the weather, the best time to visit is March through early June and September through November.
This is when it will be busiest though. You’ll want to check the event calendar at Magnolia as well as Baylor’s schedule as you’ll want to avoid things like football games or graduation if you don’t like crowds.
While winters are typically mild, it can still get cold and windy here! Summers are HOT as it is anywhere in Texas. If you’re willing to brave the weather though then you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds.
What is the best time of year to visit Magnolia Market?
We visited in early March and I think that was the perfect time. The most popular times here are the spring and fall months as that’s when you’ll have the best weather.
Every year they do a Spring at the Silos event and then the Silobration event in the fall. If you’re a hardcore fan and crowds don’t bother you then visiting for these is a must.
Getting Around Waco
It’s best to have your own car when in Waco as some of the attractions and best restaurants you’ll need to drive to.
You can always get around via Uber or Lyft though. We used Uber while in town and never had a problem with availability but we did not try Lyft.
The town used to have a Silo District Trolley to get you around the downtown and Silo District area but that was discontinued after COVID hit. There have been stories of the town bringing it back to life though.
FAQs About a Weekend in Waco
How many days do I need in Waco?
You will need 2 – 3 days in Waco at the least. You can spend a day exploring things downtown and then a day visiting attractions on the outskirts of Waco.
If you enjoy water parks like Waco Surf or if you are a big Magnolia fan then you may want to plan for more time.
Is Waco worth visiting?
Waco is absolutely worth visiting! Whether you are an adventure seeker, Fixer Upper fan, or history buff, you’ll love spending a weekend in Waco. It’s one of the top getaways in Texas!
What is Waco, TX known for?
Waco is known for the Magnolia silos and home to Chip & Joanna Gaines. It’s also the location of Baylor University and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum.
Can you visit Chip and Joanna Gaines in Waco?
You cannot visit Chip & Joanna while in Waco but they occasionally do events around town like book signings. Joanna was actually doing a book signing at the Silos the Friday that we visited.
Check their list of events before planning a trip to Waco if this is something you’re interested in.
How much does it cost to visit the Silos?
Visiting the Silos is completely free! You can even find free street parking pretty easily nearby. The things you’ll need to budget for are food, drinks, and any shopping you might do.
Wrap Up: Weekend in Waco Guide
There you have it – a fun-filled weekend in Waco, Texas! Did you realize there were so many things to do in town other than visiting the Magnolia Silos?
I didn’t until I started planning this trip. We really enjoyed Waco Surf, Brazos Bluffs Ranch, the Dr Pepper Museum, and the Cameron Park Zoo.
Whether you are planning a family outing, couple’s trip, or girl’s getaway to Waco, I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect weekend!
