This Texas Town Offers More Than 'Fixer Upper' Fame

Waco has undergone an interesting evolution over the past few decades—and its latest iteration is one of the most exciting. Starting with an image boost from HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines’ home improvement series “Fixer Upper” in 2013, this small Central Texas college town soon started buzzing with electric fandom. Just a few years after the show’s debut, long lines started appearing at Magnolia Market for the Gaines’ growing empire of rustic farm chic home decor, roasted coffee, and baked goods, and the excitement hasn’t waned.

Nowadays, business is booming throughout the downtown corridor and beyond, including new boutique hotels, eclectic restaurants, and boutiques. Even if you’re not a home decor fan, chances are you’ll find something special to love about Waco, Texas.

What to Do

Surf the perfect wave, year round.

Though the city is located hours away from the Texas coastline, surfers from around the world flock to Waco to catch some gnarly waves. That’s because Waco Surf can create the perfect wave conditions at their oversized wave pool, with 65 settings to suit everyone from beginners to pros. There is also a 5,280-foot lazy river (allegedly the world’s longest) that can take 30 minutes to float, a cable wakeboarding park, and a set of waterslides that are for the most daring souls—they end by launching you several feet into the air.

wacosurf.com, 5347 Old Mexia Rd, Waco, TX

Toast With Texas’s favorite soda.

Dr. Pepper has a rabid fanbase in Texas, and nowhere is that more apparent than its birthplace of Waco. Learn about the fascinating history of the soda’s creation in 1885 by a local pharmacist at the Dr. Pepper Museum, see decades of advertising throughout the years,  and even mix your own soda flavor in the on-site Liquid Laboratory.

drpeppermuseum.com, 300 S. 5th St., Waco, TX

Visit the Gaines’ empire.

Even if you're not a huge “Fixer Upper” fan, it's worth checking out the iconic Magnolia Market silos. A large artificial grass lawn is the ideal setting for yard games and a picnic assembled with snacks from the bakery and local food trucks.

magnolia.com, 601 Webster Ave., Waco, TX

Stop by the Cameron Park Zoo.

This 52-acre zoo is a favorite of young families looking for a pleasant, well-shaded stroll among the animals, without feeling overwhelmed by the scope of a larger zoo. There are plenty of play spaces and a clear slide through the otter habitat, as well as plentiful on-site food and drink options for mid-day refreshments.

cameronparkzoo.com, 1701 N 4th St., Waco, TX

Nibble on some craft chocolates.

Created by a Baylor University graduate in 2020, Splendid Oaks Chocolate Truffles are hand-crafted with delicious fillings such as bourbon and peanut butter and jelly. Try a sampler box—the hardest part is leaving any flavor behind.

splendidoakschocolates.com, 1020 Franklin Ave., Waco, TX

Learn the history of the Texas Rangers.

As one of the nation’s oldest law enforcement agencies, the Texas Rangers Museum and Hall of Fame presents a fascinating historical account of its duties starting in the 1800s, with run-ins with famous criminals like Bonnie and Clyde.

texasranger.org, 100 Texas Ranger Trail, Waco, TX

Explore the story of Texas.

Located on the Baylor University campus, the 20-year-old Mayborn Museum includes exhibits on natural and cultural history; a historical village; a Discovery Center for younger children; and a new exhibit, “Etruscan Legacy,” open through 2024, delves into insights gleaned from an ongoing Baylor University archaeological research project in Italy.

mayborn.web.baylor.edu, 1300 S University Parks Dr., Waco, TX

Dig the mammoths.

Explore the fascinating remains of at least 24 Columbian mammoths at the Waco Mammoth National Monument. First discovered by teenagers in 1978 and receiving national parks designation in 2015, this dig site is still an active one, with researchers still uncovering layers of prehistoric mystery. 

nps.gov/waco, 6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr., Waco

Where to Eat

Treat yourself to a Mediterranean meal.

Red Herring, located at Hotel Herringbone, incorporates whimsy and sophistication in its mod 70s lounge. Enjoy a menu of Coastal Mediterranean flavors like lamb kofta skewers and perfectly grilled whole fish, in addition to a raw bar.

resy.com/cities/waco-tx/venues/red-herring, 319 S 4th St., Waco, TX

Eat up swanky Southern vibes.

Head to the sunny, plant-filled Milo All Day for a hip-casual take on Southern-inspired cuisine for lunch, brunch, and dinner. Try the fried quail eggs, salmon and grits, and locally sourced short ribs braised in (what else?) Dr. Pepper.

milowaco.com, 1020 Franklin Ave., Waco, TX

Enjoy a decadent dinner.

Located just south of Waco in the suburb of Woodway, Butcher's Cellar is a new addition to the city's fine dining scene. Chefs curate a flavor-forward menu filled with surprises, such as a recent offering of oysters with a kiss of chorizo, lobster alla vodka, and Thousand Layer Potatoes with a side of aioli.

butcherscellar.com, 13701 Woodway Dr. Bldg. 5, Woodway, TX

Go to a retro diner.

Though you might be led to believe otherwise by the name, Health Camp is an old-school greasy spoon beloved by generations since 1949. If you’re in the mood for a simple burger, shake, and fries in vintage environs, this place is for you.

wacohealthcamp.com, 2601 Circle Rd., Waco, TX

Enjoy a local tradition.

As the home of Baylor University, Waco has certain local college favorites, and Vitek’s Market is among them—namely for the Gut Pak, a concoction created with corn chips, chopped beef, beans, cheese, jalapeños, pickles, onions, and barbecue sauce.

viteksmarket.com, 1600 Speight Ave., Waco, TX

Where to Stay 

Soak up the vibes.

Velvet furniture and a jewel-colored mid-century color palette create a distinctive loungey style at Hotel Herringbone. Constructed from shipping containers, the interior feels like it is straight out of a “Mad Men” filming set. The property has a restaurant, wine bar, and coffee shop, and more shops are planned for the near future.

hotelherringbone.com, 319 S 4th St., Waco, TX

Enjoy Czech hospitality.

Central Texas has strong Czech roots (ask around for a kolache shop recommendation), and Hotel Pivovar embraces that identity. Located at a brewery, you can even order up a beer soak for two people as an add-on to your stay, and enjoy a nice glass of house-brewed pilsner.

pivovar.com, 320 S. 8th St., Waco, TX

Stay at the Gaines’ place.

Hotel 1928 is one of the latest developments at Magnolia, and it also represents Chip and Jo’s first foray into hotel hospitality. The 33-room historic hotel was lovingly restored from its roots as the Grand Karem Shrine Building. Its renovation was chronicled in a 2023 episode of “Fixer Upper: The Hotel.”

hotel1928.com, 701 Washington Ave., Waco, TX