Waco is one of the top spring destinations in the U.S. This town was made famous by the HGTV show Fixer Upper, and visiting Magnolia Market at the Silos is a must-do activity when you’re here.

The Best Getaways in the Southwest U.S.

Plus, Waco has an incredible food scene, great outdoor activities, and is home to the famous Baylor University.

Here’s the ultimate Waco travel guide!

When To Go

Spring is one of the best times to visit Waco. The Bluebonnets will be blooming, the humidity will be low, and the temperatures will be pleasant – not too hot during the day and still cool in the evenings. Spring is the wettest time of the year, so bring your rain gear, and make sure you check out the Spring at the Silos festival.

Waco summers are very hot and humid. Always have water, sunscreen, and a head covering with you, and plan indoor activities or pool time during the middle of the day. Accommodation and tour rates peak in the summer, so book in advance to save some money.

September – November is an enjoyable time to visit Waco. The weather will be cooler, drier, and less humid than in the spring or summer. Accommodation prices and crowds will decline, and the Heart O’Texas Fair & Rodeo is in October. Be aware, though, that the Baylor football season can drive hotel prices up, so check the team’s home game schedule.

Winter is surprisingly cold and windy. Waco usually gets some snow every year, and below-freezing temperatures aren’t unheard of. So bring plenty of layers. You can find some great accommodation deals during these months, and the city is beautifully decorated for the holidays.

What To Do

Visit Magnolia Market at the Silos (plan to spend at least half a day here shopping, exploring the property, taking pictures, and eating)

Walk across the Waco Suspension Bridge

Tour the Dr. Pepper Museum

See a show at the Waco Hippodrome Theatre

Do a wine tasting at the Waco Winery & Vineyards

Shop at the Waco Downtown Farmer’s Market

Have a picnic in Indian Spring Park

Do a beer tasting at Bare Arms Brewing

Visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument

Kayak on the Bosque or Brazos River

Bike the Waco Riverwalk

Where To Eat

My favorites: The Hightop at the Hippodrome ($$$), Cafe Homestead ($$-$$$), Brazos Bar & Bistro ($$-$$$).

Fine Dining: One Thirty Five Prime (Steakhouse, $$$$), DiamondBack’s (Steakhouse, $$$), Di Campli’s Italian Ristorante (Italian, $$$).

Breakfast Places: Butter My Biscuit Cafe ($$), Magnolia Table ($$-$$$), Our Breakfast Place ($$).

Mexican: Wacool Tacos & Tamales ($), Chuy’s Restaurant ($$-$$$), Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant ($$-$$$).

Pizza & Burgers: MOROSO Wood Fired Pizzeria ($$-$$$), Whizzbang’s Best Burgers ($), Twisted Root Burger Co ($$).

BBQ: Chute 4 Rodeo Foods ($$), Papa Jack’s BBQ ($$), Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q ($$).

Food Trucks. Waco has food trucks everywhere, including inside Magnolia Market at the Silos. So make sure you sample some of the local food-on-wheels.

Where To Stay

Waco is a hub for nice chain hotels, so this is a great destination to earn or cash in some Hilton, Marriott, or Hyatt points. From downtown high-rises to bed and breakfasts to all-suite hotels, here are the best hotels in Waco.

The Ultimate Guide To Earning Points and Miles

If you’re bringing an RV, I suggest Flat Creek Farms RV Resort or Riverview Campground. Waco also has some incredible vacation homes (many of which were remodeled by Chip and Jo from Fixer Upper)!

Best Day Trips

Valley Mills Vineyards. This Insta-perfect vineyard (pictured above) is just a short drive from Waco. You can do a wine tasting and walk around the gorgeous fields and property – I highly recommend bringing a picnic lunch! The winery is open every day from 12-6 pm, and you don’t need a reservation unless you’re bringing a group of more than five people.

Dallas. If you want to visit a big city for the day, then make the short drive to Dallas. When you’re in Dallas, I highly recommend touring the Sixth Floor Museum, going up in Reunion Tower, finding the Traveling Man statues in the Deep Ellum neighborhood, eating at Velvet Taco, and taking in the views from the rooftop pool and bar at Waterproof.

Ennis Bluebonnet Trails. If you’re in Waco in April, then you’ll want to spend half a day driving the Bluebonnet Trails in Ennis. The Ennis Welcome Center has daily updates and maps for the best bluebonnet sightings. This is one of the Best Flower Displays in The U.S.

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This post is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this Waco travel guide are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Waco travel guide are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.