• Countries
• United States
• Waco

Weekend of Fun: Discovering Waco's Hidden Gems

Discover the charm and history of small town Texas in Waco.

22 April 2023

Waco, located in central Texas, is a great destination for tourists looking to experience small-town charm with big city amenities. Visitors can explore the Magnolia Market at the Silos, Baylor University, and Cameron Park Zoo, among other attractions. The city also boasts a vibrant food scene and plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Travel plan

• Check-in at the cozy Hotel Indigo Waco – Baylor, located in the historic downtown area
• Start the day by visiting the famous Magnolia Market at the Silos, where you can shop, eat and be merry
• Next, head to Cameron Park, a natural oasis in the heart of the city with hiking trails, scenic views and playgrounds for kids
• Grab lunch at Vitek's BBQ, a local institution serving up juicy brisket and loaded sausage wraps
• Visit the Dr Pepper Museum, dedicated to the history of America's oldest soft drink and taste some vintage flavors
• End the day with a stroll along the Brazos Riverwalk, taking in the sunset and the vibrant murals adorning the walls

• Start with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Cappuccino, known for its fluffy pancakes and warm hospitality
• Head to Lake Waco, perfect for fishing, boating, swimming or soaking in the sun
• Take a guided tour of the Waco Mammoth National Monument, where you can see fossils of Columbian mammoths and other Ice Age animals
• Lunch at Clay Pot, a Vietnamese restaurant known for its fragrant pho and crispy spring rolls
• Visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, showcasing the legendary law enforcement agency's history and artifacts
• End the day with dinner at Balcones Distilling, a craft spirits maker with a bar and tasting room, where you can sample their award-winning whiskey and rum.

• Brunch at Lula Jane's Bakery & Cafe, a charming spot with fresh pastries and sandwiches made with local ingredients
• Check out the Martin Museum of Art at Baylor University, featuring an impressive collection of classic and contemporary works
• Explore the Cameron Park Zoo, home to over 1700 animals from around the world
• Grab a quick bite at the Union Hall food court, featuring a variety of vendors serving up global cuisine
• Visit Spice Village, a shopping mecca with over 60 locally owned boutiques and gift shops
• End the day with dinner at Milo All Day, a popular restaurant offering modern American fare with a twist, like bourbon-glazed pork chops and roasted beets with goat cheese.

• Have one last breakfast at the eclectic Cafe Homestead, a farm-to-table eatery with homemade bread and jams
• Visit the Armstrong Browning Library, a stunningly beautiful building with a collection of poet Robert Browning's works and artifacts
• Stop by the Mayborn Museum Complex, a fun and interactive museum filled with science, history and culture exhibits
• Lunch at Captain Billy Whizzbang's Burgers, a funky burger joint with creative toppings like guacamole and bacon jam
• Shop for souvenirs at Magnolia Press, the coffee and merchandise store adjacent to Magnolia Market
• Say goodbye to Waco with a sweet treat from Hey Sugar, a nostalgic candy store with retro candies and ice cream.