Waco on a budget: Magnolia, Mammoths & more!

Experience small town charm without breaking the bank in Waco, USA.

21 June 2023

A trip to Waco, United States on a limited budget can be an exciting experience for budget-conscious travelers. Visiting the famous Magnolia Market and Silos, the Waco Mammoth National Monument, and the Cameron Park Zoo are some affordable tourist destinations. Staying at a budget-friendly accommodation like a hostel or a budget hotel can also help save some money while visiting Waco.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Waco!

  • Check into the Hotel Indigo, a trendy hotel with a vintage vibe and a rooftop bar
  • Have lunch at Magnolia Table, owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines of "Fixer Upper" fame
  • Tour the Dr Pepper Museum, learning about the history of the iconic soda
  • Walk through Cameron Park, a sprawling green space with great views of the Brazos River
  • Have dinner at the Health Camp, a local spot serving up burgers, fries, and milkshakes since the 1940s
Day 2

Magnolia Madness

  • Start your day at the Magnolia Market at the Silos, a shopping destination filled with home decor, clothing, and baked goods
  • Take a stroll through the nearby Spice Village, a collection of boutique shops with unique gifts and souvenirs
  • Stop by the Waco Hippodrome for a movie or live performance in a historic theater
  • Check out the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, featuring exhibits on the state's most famous law enforcement agency
  • Have dinner at Torchy's Tacos, a popular chain with inventive tacos and sides
Day 3

History & Culture

  • Begin the day with a tour of Baylor University, the oldest continuously operating university in Texas
  • Visit the Mayborn Museum, featuring exhibits on natural history, science, and the cultural heritage of Central Texas
  • Take a drive to nearby McGregor to see the historic Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast, featured on "Fixer Upper"
  • Learn about the local art scene at the Martin Museum of Art, showcasing works by both regional and internationally known artists
  • Have dinner at Clay Pot, a Vietnamese restaurant with tasty pho and summer rolls
Day 4

Outdoor Adventures

  • Explore the trails and gardens at the Waco Mammoth National Monument, an active archaeological site with the skeletons of 24 Columbian mammoths
  • Go fishing or boating on Lake Waco, a 12,000-acre reservoir just outside of town
  • Visit the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, honoring the state's most accomplished athletes
  • Take a picnic lunch to the peaceful Lake Waco Wetlands, a nature preserve with plenty of birdwatching opportunities
  • Have a farewell dinner at George's Restaurant & Bar, a Waco institution since 1930 with burgers, steaks, and Tex-Mex fare.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Waco via plane is to fly into the Waco Regional Airport (ACT) which has non-stop flights from Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Austin.

Car

The best way to get to Waco via car is to take I-35, which runs directly through the city. This interstate connects Waco to major cities such as Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.

Train

There currently is no train station in Waco, so the best way to reach Waco is via alternative modes of transportation.

Boat

There are no navigable waterways that connect to Waco, so boat transport is not a viable option for reaching the city.

Bus

The best way to reach Waco via bus is through Greyhound Lines which has a station located in downtown Waco, making it a convenient option for travelers arriving by bus.

Destination

Waco

Welcome to the city that's not quite Austin and not quite Dallas, but still manages to be charming in its own right. It's the birthplace of Dr. Pepper and the home of the infamous Branch Davidian compound, so bring your taste buds and your conspiracy theories!

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Waco on a Budget: Explore, Eat, and Adventure!

A budget trip to Waco, a city in Texas, can be a great experience. You can explore it's main attractions like the Magnolia Market, Waco Mammoth National Monument and hike at the Cameron Park. The city's affordable lodging options like Airbnbs and hostels can help make the trip possible.

4 Days of Waco Wonder: Family Fun on a Budget

A trip to Waco, United States is perfect for a family-friendly getaway, offering a variety of activities for all ages. Visit the renowned Magnolia Market at the Silos, where kids can enjoy games and treats while parents explore the delightful shops. Don't miss a trip to Cameron Park Zoo, where the whole family can observe and learn about various wildlife species in a beautiful setting.

Experience the Best of Waco in 3 Days

A touristic trip to Waco, United States offers a blend of history, culture, and excitement. Visitors can indulge in Fixer Upper TV Show's filming locations, stroll through the Cameron Park Zoo or take a leisurely walk across the Waco Suspension Bridge that hovers over the Brazos River. Travelers will also have the opportunity to learn about the area's vibrant arts scene by visiting museums, galleries, and craft shops.

5 Days of Waco Wonder: Magnolia Magic and More.

When travelling to Waco, United States as a tourist, visitors can experience the iconic Magnolia Market at the Silos, which is a must-visit shopping destination for fans of the HGTV series Fixer Upper. Visitors can also explore the Waco Mammoth National Monument park, which features 14,000-year-old mammoth fossils on display. Additionally, tourists can take a stroll through the Cameron Park Zoo, which houses more than 1,700 animals across 52 acres of land.