One of the most iconic places to visit in Texas is a town on the rise of popularity due to HGTV’s Chip and Joanna Gaines show Fixer Upper. But, there are plenty of other reasons to visit Waco, Texas. Whether you are spending one day in Waco, a whole weekend, or just passing through – Visit the Best of Waco, Texas now!
Waco is a small town in the heart of Texas in between the capital, Austin, and Dallas, making it a perfect day trip from either of the two. If you’re like me, you’ve heard of Waco from HGTV’s infamous show, Fixer Upper, with Chip and Joanna Gaines. The Magnolia Market they have created is enough reason itself to visit Waco, but while you’re there, there’s a few other sites that you can catch along the way! Here is what to do in Waco, Texas.
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Magnolia Market at the Silos
The main reason I visited Waco during my Texas road trip was to see the Magnolia empire that Chip and Joanna Gaines has built. Unfortunately when I visited (Summer 2020) half of the property was shut down due to renovations, which kind of sucked at the time, but made me even more eager to return and see all of the new details!
I started my day early and waited in line to be one of the first to enter the Magnolia Store. If you keep up with their show and love home decor, start saving your money now because you will want to buy everything in there!
While exiting the store I made sure to get a few pictures of the Silos, then headed to the Silos Baking Co. where you can get the most beautiful, delicious cupcakes. My mom and I each got one and split them to try both. We had the Silobration and the Lemon Lavender.
Another site on the property we visited was the Magnolia Press. This location is more of a coffee shop, but they have some tea and pastries as well. As I said, we visited in the summer, so this was a water break for us.
Unfortunately, that is all we were able to do at the Magnolia Market due to all of the construction, but I can’t wait to return! Other things on the property to visit are the garden, where the Magnolia Seed + Supply is. They also feature a good bit of food trucks to stop and grab a bite to eat. There is plenty of outdoor space to enjoy and relax, outdoor swings, picnic tables, etc. The perfect place to enjoy some time with your family.
Check out their site for all other information about the Magnolia including hours, announcements, and how to access free parking or the free Silo District Trolley.
Other Things To Do
Dr Pepper Museum
As the birthplace of Dr Pepper, Waco is home to the Dr Pepper Museum. A full priced ticket is $10, but they offer discounts for students, kids, military, educators, etc. You also get a free drink handcrafted in their Soda Fountain with the purchase of a ticket. At the museum you can taste a soda, make a soda, and of course, learn about the history of Dr Pepper. There is also free parking across 5th street from the museum building.
The Findery
Another popular attraction to match the home decor theme of Waco is The Findery which is a short walk from the Silos. Here you can shop for antique furniture, farmhouse and rustic home decor, or chalk paint classes. Even if you’re not on the market for home decor, I still enjoyed looking through the marketplace.
Harp Design Co
Another popular attraction due to the success of the show is Harp Design Co. If you are familiar with the show, you may want to stop here also. This is Client’s shop where you can find all different types of wooden home decor.
Cameron Zoo Park
If you’re in town for a longer time or have kids, the zoo can be a good place to visit! It’s a 52 acre zoo next to the Brazos River.
Waco Suspension Bridge & Branding the Brazos
Take a stroll and walk across the Brazos River. At the time of the bridge’s completion, it was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi.
At the beginning of the bridge is the “Branding the Brazos” sculpture of cowboys and bronze longhorns getting ready to cross the bridge.
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum
At this museum learn about the history of the famed Texas Rangers Law Enforcement Agency.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
This location is a paleontological site and museum where fossils of 24 Columbian mammoths and other mammals have been uncovered.
Where to Stay
Courtyard by Marriott Waco
This is where we stayed for our night in Waco. It’s right along the Brazos River and a 5 minute drive to the Magnolia Market.
Where to Eat
Other than the options that the Magnolia Market & Silos offer, there are some other places to grab a bite to eat while in Waco, Texas!
Hecho en Waco – We ate here for dinner and it was amazing! I am the biggest fan of Mexican food and this place did not disappoint. It is right by the silos and has the perfect porch to sit and eat while enjoying outside.
Magnolia Table – The Magnolia Table is another part of the Magnolia company. It’s not so much in the immediate Waco area where everything else is located. My mom and I tried to eat a late lunch here on our way out of town, but it was packed and had a very long wait time. If eating here is in your plans, be sure to make a reservation. Their site says you can book 4 weeks in advance, but not within 24 hours of your visit.
If you have extra time while in Waco, Texas, or you are planning a Texas Road Trip like I did, check out my blog post: Wineries in Fredericksburg, Texas. Fredericksburg is a 3 hour drive from Waco and hands down was one of my favorite places to visit in the U.S. so far – at least if you love wine as much as I do!
Waco is such a cute little town and I had such an amazing time while visiting. Although the Magnolia Market was almost completely under construction, the positive note is that I’ll have to go back one day. There is so much to do in Waco, Texas! Have you’ve ever been to Waco? If so, is it because you’re a Chip and Jo fan like me? Leave it in the comments below!
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Interested in the camera gear I use while traveling to capture my pictures?
- Camera: Canon EOS M50 with EF-M 15-45mm lense
- Small tripod: Fotopro Flexible Tripod
- Large tripod: Phopik 77”
- Memory cards: SanDisk 128GB
- Extra batteries: BM Premium batteries
- Camera bag: Bagsmart backpack
Who knew there was so much to do in Waco?!?! Next time I am in Dallas I want to plan a day trip here and go Hecho in Waco! I am such a foodie and you made this place sound great!
Yes! That’s where I came from, visiting my cousin in Dallas. And Hecho en Waco was sooo delicious! Highly recommend.
WAAAAIT WAIT WAIT HOL UP JUST A GOSH DARN MINUTE – Waco is the birthplace of DR PEPPER?!?!?!?!?!?!??!!?
IM THEREEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why isn’t that more advertised than the Magnolia Store???? Thanks for showing so many great things to do, though tbh imma just go for dr pepper
Right, for something so iconic, who would’ve thought! I’m not the biggest fan of soft drinks, but crafting your own Dr Pepper sounds yummy!
Yes, give me all the Joanna Gaines vibes! Super helpful though, because I did not know what else there was to do in Waco.
Yes! We love Chip and Jo! Name a more iconic couple duo…
I never realized that Waco had so many things on offer. I know hubby would go straight to the Dr Pepper museum. I would probably cruise around and see the sights.