Overview
Waco is a city in the Blackland Prairie region of north central Texas. Waco is best known in Texas for being the home of Baylor University, the largest Baptist university in the world, chartered during the Republic of Texas.
25 sights · 3 things to do · 12 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 11 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Waco
Armstrong Browning Library
Located on Baylor University's campus, the library contains the world's largest collection of works related to British poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The building has 62 stained glass windows depicting them…
Cameron Park
Cameron Park consists of over 400 acres of trees, trails, and nature that sit in the heart of Waco. Upstream from downtown Waco, the park is lined by the Brazos and Bosque rivers and the trails weave deep into the forest…
Cameron Park Zoo
Waco's zoo is in one of the country's largest undeveloped municipal parks. The zoo is next to the Brazos River and has 52 acres of vegetation. The walkways of Cameron Park Zoo meander through lush landscapes and natural …
Mayborn Museum Complex
The Mayborn Museum is across from Baylor University and walking through, you will walk through the natural history of central Texas. Spend hours in 16 discovery rooms for hands-on learning with themes from transportation…
Lake Waco
Lake Waco was constructed by the Army Corp of Engineers in 1929. Since then, Lake Waco has grown and become the city's primary source of water. The lake offers fishing, camping, day-use recreation areas, boating, swimmin…
Red Men Museum and Library
The Red Men Museum and Library is a historical reference museum and research library pertaining to the Improved Order of the Red Men, an organization tracing its founding to 1765. The museum exhibits artifacts of histori…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 96°F; winter lows dip to about 35°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Oct and May. (climate data from nearby Fort Worth)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ACT Waco Regional Airport, Waco — 6 mi away. Directions
- GRK Killeen Regional Airport / Robert Gray Army Airfield, Fort Cavazos — 52 mi away. Directions
- DAL Dallas Love Field, Dallas — 91 mi away (major hub). Directions
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Dallas Love Field, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport are each about a 1-hour 40-minute drive from Waco.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $8 per person at listed restaurants.
Options are grouped as Bed & Breakfasts in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Armstrong Browning Library, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Mayborn Museum Complex
- Lunch Fuego Tortilla Grill
- Afternoon Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute
- Dinner Magnolia Table
- Evening Common Grounds
Day 2
- Morning Cameron Park, Waco Mammoth National Monument, Lake Waco
- Lunch Baris
- Afternoon Art Center of Waco, Baylor University Theatre
- Dinner Schmaltz's Sandwich Shop
- Evening Scruffy Murphy's
Day 3
- Morning Red Men Museum and Library, Homestead Heritage, Practically Pikasso
- Lunch Dubl-R Burgers
- Afternoon Waco Civic Theatre, Waco Symphony
- Dinner Lolita's Tortilleria
- Evening Dancing Bear Pub
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Waco is now a city of 139,000 people (2020), with 280,000 people in the metropolitan region. Waco has a number of worthwhile attractions.
History
Founded in 1849 near the site of an abandoned agricultural village of Waco Indians, Waco rose to prominence in the 1870s as a major junction for the transport of cattle; by 1871 between 600,000 and 700,000 head of cattle had passed through the city. As time progressed, Waco's location at the crossroads of major railroads and its location on the Brazos River helped the city grow and thrive. The Dr Pepper soft drink was invented in Waco in 1885.
Waco came to the world's attention, and is still remembered by many people, for the February 28, 1993 stand-off between federal agents (FBI, ATF) and the Branch Davidians, a Seventh Day Adventist offshoot religious group, led by David Koresh, the sect's leader. It resulted in the deaths of 86 people. The incident took place 15 miles outside of Waco, though - not in the city. When asked about the incident, most residents will answer; just realize that generally Wacoans are tired of the subject and would rather talk about something else.
In 2014, due to the immense popularity of HGTV's hit show, Fixer Upper, the Magnolia Silos became a place of pilgrimage for HGTV viewers from all over the world.
Get in
By plane
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Dallas Love Field, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport are each about a 1-hour 40-minute drive from Waco.
By car
Waco is along I-35, thus allowing easy access by car from Dallas and Austin. On I-35, it is a 90-minute drive south of Dallas, and a 90-minute drive north of Austin. State Highway 6 is the preferred route to reach Waco from Houston, a three-hour drive.
By bus
Waco has a Greyhound Bus Terminal in the center of downtown, on S 8th St, between Mary Ave and Jackson Ave.
By train
While Amtrak does not service Waco directly, there is a nearby station on the Texas Eagle route between Los Angeles, San Antonio and Chicago in McGregor, a small community 15 miles west of Waco on highway 84. McGregor station is at 1 Amtrak Blvd. Trains run once daily, with the northbound train arriving in late morning, and the southbound train arriving in late afternoon. There is no scheduled public transport from McGregor, meaning that a taxi or private transport is required in order to reach Waco.
By boat
The Brazos River flows through downtown Waco and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Reaching Waco by boat will be a challenge due to the shallowness of this river, along with frequent dams and falls.
A more practical (and entertaining) way of reaching Waco by boat would be to launch a kayak or canoe at the Lake Whitney dam, (approximately 40 miles upstream) and float downstream to Waco.
Get around
The easiest way to travel around Waco is by car. The city of Waco does run a Waco Transit public transportation system; however, it has few stops and only runs during the daytime.
See
See Cameron Park
Cameron Park consists of over 400 acres of trees, trails, and nature that sit in the heart of Waco. Upstream from downtown Waco, the park is lined by the Brazos and Bosque rivers and the trails weave deep into the forest which are perfect for running, walking, biking, and horseback riding. Stationed throughout the park are pavilions, water fountains, fire pits, and public restrooms, making the park a haven for Waco families and visitors alike. Also includes a 23-hole disc golf course, fishing and boating facilities, and a "Spray Park" with water fountains and playgrounds free to the public.
See Cameron Park Zoo
Waco's zoo is in one of the country's largest undeveloped municipal parks. The zoo is next to the Brazos River and has 52 acres of vegetation. The walkways of Cameron Park Zoo meander through lush landscapes and natural habitat displays featuring animals from Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and Madagascar. An 1880s Texas ranch house serves as an education facility, complete with whitetail deer, turkey, and peccary display. A state of the art Herpetarium opened in 1997. Grammy Nell's Play Area opened in 1998 with a focus on nature-based play and a zero-depth splash fountain. The following year a $600,000 African lion display was built thanks to the family and friends of Sam "Jack" McGlasson. Lemur Island is home to three species of Lemurs including the Sclater's black lemur, a critically endangered species that is held in only 14 institutions worldwide.
See Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute
The Dr Pepper soft drink was invented in Waco in 1885 and the museum houses the original bottling plant. The first floor of the museum explains the history of Dr Pepper, complete with the original machines, an artesian well, and an animatronic to introduce visitors to the history of Dr Pepper. The second floor displays the commercial history of Dr Pepper and other independent soft drinks, such as 7-Up and RC Cola. The third floor houses a conference center, the "Soft Drink Executive Hall of Fame", and a conference center dedicated to free enterprise as an economic system.The real highlight, though, is the vintage soda fountain on the first floor - no price of admission necessary for purchase of Dr Pepper, mixed and served straight from the tap. It's leagues better than what you can get in a can.
See Homestead Heritage
Homestead Heritage celebrates life by sweeping you back to what life was like in the 1800s. Visit the 200-year-old restored barn which offers handmade crafts, housewares and furniture, enjoy a relaxing lunch of homegrown and homemade treats at the Homestead Farms Deli, and take a walking tour of an herb farm, 1750s gristmill, pottery barn and blacksmith shop.
See Mayborn Museum Complex
The Mayborn Museum is across from Baylor University and walking through, you will walk through the natural history of central Texas. Spend hours in 16 discovery rooms for hands-on learning with themes from transportation to TV news and pioneers, and explore the natural history of central Texas through walk-in dioramas of a limestone cave, a Texas forest, and the Waco mammoth dig. On the grounds of the complex is the Governor Bill & Vara Daniel Historic Village-- an 1890s village moved from Liberty, Texas with a livery, church, general store, plantation home, and other authentic historic buildings.
See Lake Waco
Lake Waco was constructed by the Army Corp of Engineers in 1929. Since then, Lake Waco has grown and become the city's primary source of water. The lake offers fishing, camping, day-use recreation areas, boating, swimming, hike and bike trails, horseback riding trails, and hunting. Parking is available off Airport Road. Parking lot hours are 6AM to 10PM. The hiking trail next to Lake Waco opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour before sunset. Sometimes the park holds irregular hours due to weather.
See Red Men Museum and Library
The Red Men Museum and Library is a historical reference museum and research library pertaining to the Improved Order of the Red Men, an organization tracing its founding to 1765. The museum exhibits artifacts of historical significance such as a writing desk that belonged to Aaron Burr, a bugle recovered from the battlefield at Gettysburg, and a peace blanket that belonged to the Apache warrior Geronimo.
See Waco Suspension Bridge
Built in 1870, it was the first bridge across the Brazos River and the longest bridge west of the Mississippi River at that time. Now a walking bridge, the architecture is a token of Waco used by walkers, joggers, and is a popular spot for picture taking and having picnics. Wacoans have created a game consisting of tossing tortillas from the bridge aiming to hit a concrete pillar stationed in the Brazos River. Learning the art of tossing the tortilla is much more difficult than it first appears and keeps players continually coming back to the bridge.
See The Alico Building
When completed in 1911, this beautiful 22-story building was the tallest in the Southwest. It is still used for commercial purposes on the inside but the outside is ready for pictures anytime, day or night. Unfortunately, access to the interior is not available to the general public.
Art
See Baylor's Martin Museum of Art
The Martin Museum of Art is located on the Baylor campus in the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center. The art museum periodically features different artists from around the country. Outside of the actual museum, student paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more can be found displayed on the walls and in cases throughout the building. For specific exhibit information, see their website or contact them. Contact: Karin A. Gilliam, director.
See Art Center of Waco
The Art Center of Waco is a gallery and an interactive studio where the community can indulge in their own artistic endeavors. It is a great place to learn and grow artistically. Ways to get involved with the Art Center include festivals, adult classes (like pottery, calligraphy, fabric dye, hair bows, handmade soaps, photography, and holiday cards), children's classes, and working in their Artists' Open Studio. For more information on upcoming exhibits, visit the website.
See Practically Pikasso
Practically Pikasso is a colorful, fun, family-and-pet-friendly atmosphere that offers a local artistic experience where you can choose your own piece on pottery and paint it however you'd like. Their friendly staff and fair prices are nothing compared to the amusement and enjoyment you'll find when you're painting, glass fusing, or building a mosaic with your friends. Contact: Koury Fadal, store manager.
See Waco Arts Initiative
Waco Arts Initiative (WAI) is a special program created for under-privileged children. Art is used as an emotional and expressive outlet for children who could otherwise not afford art supplies. WAI believes that "this poverty goes beyond economics and is a problem that every human faces within the context of their own paradigm," and they hope to "confront the poverty of the soul through the creative arts via a program of empowerment conducted by an inspiring staff." Contact: Grace Ladd, program director.
Theatre
Although Waco is a relatively small city, it does have a moderately rich theatrical life. There are several companies that produce performances throughout the year, including the Waco Hippodrome, Baylor University Theatre, McLennan Theatre, and Waco Civic Theatre. The Waco Children's Theatre offers a theatrical outlet to local children during the summer.
Music
See Waco Symphony
The Waco Symphony entertains the greater Waco community throughout the year. Their performances are held at Waco Hall on Baylor University campus and the symphony is led by Maestro Stephen Heyde. Dress for Waco Symphony performances is casual. Attendees are encouraged to "come as you are" whether that be in formal wear or jeans.
*
See Sunday Sounds
Sunday Sounds is a concert series by the Waco Symphony held on Sunday afternoons at 3:30PM. 30 minutes prior to each show, attendees can learn about the lives of composers and their music in the adjacent concert hall. After the show attendees can visit with the symphony musicians and enjoy refreshments provided by the Waco Symphony Council.
See Baylor Symphony
Begun in 1944, the Baylor Symphony is a part of the Baylor School of Music. The Baylor Symphony is conducted by Maestro Stephen Heyde and performs in Waco Hall on Baylor campus. Each year, the Baylor Symphony performs at least four concerts, full opera production, and a children's concert series. A performance schedule can be found on the Baylor Symphony website. Most performances are free of charge.
Do
Do Baylor Bears
Baylor University sports, competing in 19 sports (8 men's, 11 women's) as members of the Big 12 Conference. Football and basketball (both men and women) are traditionally the biggest draws, with basketball being the most successful in recent times (with three national titles for the women and one for the men in the current century). The football team plays in McLane Stadium on the banks of the Brazos River, with one end zone open to the river. For now, the basketball teams are playing at Ferrell Center, but they will move to the new (but smaller) Foster Pavilion in January 2024.
Buy
Eat
Eat Schmaltz's Sandwich Shop
Local sandwich shop since 1970s. The owner wakes up every morning and makes the bread fresh - sandwiches are served warm and delicious! There are two soups served daily, one of which is always Wisconsin cheddar cheese soup
Eat Lolita's Tortilleria
Locally owned Mexican restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch all day, or until 2PM. It's downtown near many of Waco's attractions so you don't have to travel far to start off your day on a full stomach. Must try: the queso is one of a kind - looks different so don't knock it before you try it!
Eat Kitok's Restaurant
Kitok Restaurant is a popular "hole in the wall" restaurant in Waco, Texas. The original owners, Bob and Kitok Moore, sold the restaurant but the current owners maintain the look and feel of the original Kitok restaurant. The prices are very reasonable. One of the most popular, the Lip Locker hamburger, is a double-patty cheeseburger that is a favorite among regulars. The oriental fries are also very popular. The Asian food offered at Kitok's is also very good, but it is the burgers and fries that the restaurant is known for. The staff is friendly and attentive to your needs. The waitresses go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable and even the cooks love chatting with diners.
Eat Poppa Rollos Pizza
"The best pizza on earth!" Poppa Rollo's was founded in 1969 and is still thriving in Waco. They primarily serve Italian food, but also offer sandwiches and a health-lite section on their menu. The health-lite section consists of vegetarian and organic- style pizza. Poppa Rollo's won the Outstanding Business Award in 1994 and was voted the "Pizza Pace Setter" by the National Association of Pizza Operators Trade magazine. Service tends to be brisk and somewhat rude—very New York style service. Bottom line: great food, but less friendly service.
Eat Diamond Back's Texas Bistro
Diamond Back's is downtown near the Brazos River in a small historic warehouse district. Interior is tall ceilings with rustic, yet sophisticated, wood ceilings. There is a bar and upstairs seating, which includes outdoor seating. It is the best steak house in Waco, and the most expensive. An 8 oz. filet is roughly $32, and a 12 oz. filet is closer to $40, which includes a salad, but no sides. Mashed potatoes with garlic are delicious, and run $5 additional. The beef is a good cut of Angus, and delicious. It is trying to be like Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, in terms of product delivery, but has the feel of an expensive Texas bistro. Overall, worth it if you are looking to spend a ton of money on a steak.
Eat Clay Pot
Clay Pot is an interesting change from the other Asian food establishments in Waco. The food is very affordable and there are specials offered throughout the week. The "clay pot," the meal the restaurant is named after, can be served with several different types of meat and is one of the least expensive and tastiest dishes on the menu. Clay Pot's decorations make it worth the visit, as Vietnamese symbols and art decorate the main room. There are both standard tables for the traditional diner, and there are lowered tables with pillow cushions available for those wishing to dine authentically. The restaurant is also b.y.o.b. yet the tea they offer with meals is free of charge and quite good.
Eat George's Restaurant and Bar
George's, "where everybody knows your Name beer," has been around since the 1930s. George's is well-known for their chicken fried steak and their extremely large serving of beer, fondly known as the "Big O," George's is both a great place to go before a football game for some good food or to relax at the bar with some friends after a long day. George's was once named the "Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year." In 2003, Maxim Magazine named them "Bar of the Month."
Eat Baris
Inexpensive, delicious Italian. A small, family-owned restaurant, with fantastic, authentic Italian cuisine. Everything on the menu is under $10.
Eat Fuego Tortilla Grill
Tex-Mex restaurant serving unique tacos, as well as other Tex-Mex staples. Popular with students.
Eat Vitek’s BBQ
Since 1915 Vitek's has drawn the hungry crowds. Whatever your carnivorous pleasure, it's all homemade and excellent. If you have a big appetite, order the Gut Pak, a monster of a sandwich with Fritos, cheese, chopped beef, beans, sausage, pickles, onions and jalapeños. Great beer selection; enjoy in the covered outside area.
Eat Magnolia Table
Specializing in homegrown foods, with workshops. Owned by Chip and Joanna just like Magnolia Market at the SIlos.
Drink
Since Dr. Pepper originated in Waco, it is the "primary" drink to try. "Dublin Dr. Pepper" is made using the original sweetener—pure cane sugar—which makes it different from other soft drinks that now use the less expensive high fructose corn syrup.
Drink Common Grounds
Common Grounds is a local coffee shop and site for many concerts, primarily of local artists and bands. The shop offers free Wi-Fi.
Drink Dancing Bear Pub
Locally owned, small pub. Ambience isn't great, but the selection is nice. Next door is Food for Thought, from which you can get sandwiches.
Drink Scruffy Murphy's
Classic college dive bar. Popular with Baylor students, especially on its frequent karaoke nights.
Sleep
Bed & Breakfasts
Stay safe
Waco has a reputation for a higher-than-normal crime rate for a small to medium size city. Visitors should exercise normal caution. That said, most violent crime occurs in residential areas, away from most areas visitors may visit. If you do find yourself in such an area (usually for dining), use normal caution. Drive with the doors locked, do not draw attention to yourself, and do not make prolonged eye contact (i.e. stare at other drivers).
It is strongly advised not to be at Cameron Park at night unless you are with a large group.
Waco, and Texas in general, is not frequented by pedestrians as much as a lot of other places. If you decide to walk, be careful, as the drivers are not used to pedestrians and may not see you, and be aware that many sidewalks are in poor condition, if they exist at all.
Tornadoes are not a frequent occurrence in Waco, but when they do hit, they tend to be very strong. Do not panic if a tornado warning is issued. If such a warning is issued, turn on the local news and keep updated. The weatherperson will explain what cautions need to be taken, and who should take them. If the weatherperson, any hotel staff, or public officials give you directions, follow them. It should go without saying that you should not go outside during a tornado. See the tornado safety article for more information.
If on the Baylor campus, while you can call 911, a faster emergency response can be obtained by calling the emergency number for the Baylor Police, +1 254 710-2222.
Go next
- Clifton - 20 minutes west on Route 6 is this small town which is very proud of its Norwegian heritage.
- West - 10 minutes north on Interstate 35 is a small, confusingly named community of Czech expats, known for its numerous kolache shops.
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