Spending a weekend in Waco? Here's the curated hour-by-hour itinerary from Waco News: Friday evening arrival through Sunday afternoon departure, with the can't-miss attractions, top-rated restaurants, and local tips for first-time visitors.
Settle in, get a feel for the city, light dinner + walk
Settle into your hotel. Most downtown Waco hotels are walking distance to Magnolia.
Magnolia Table for the Chip + Joanna experience; or try one of Waco's growing food scene options — Milo, 135 Prime, or Diamondback's.
After dinner, walk Magnolia Market at the Silos with evening lighting. Less crowded than daytime. Food trucks may still be open.
Morning to evening — the big-day itinerary
Common Grounds is a Baylor institution with coffee and breakfast. Magnolia Table opens 6 AM but expect waits.
Browse the shops, food trucks, lawn games. Don't miss the bakery (Silos Baking Co.). This is the can't-miss Waco experience.
Magnolia Table is iconic but very crowded Saturday. Alternative: head to Cameron Park area for picnic.
One of the best zoos in Texas (1,700+ animals). Adjacent Cameron Park is one of the largest urban parks in Texas with great hiking and Brazos River views.
135 Prime is Waco's standout steakhouse. Or try a Magnolia-area restaurant. Heritage Creamery for dessert after.
Relaxed pace before heading out
Try Milo for All-American brunch, or Magnolia Table if you haven't yet.
Both are downtown and small (1-2 hours each). Dr Pepper Museum is more family-fun; Texas Ranger is more for history buffs.
Walk the Baylor campus (Pat Neff Hall, statues), or drive 10 min to Waco Mammoth National Monument for a quick fossil tour.
Waco is midway between Dallas (90 min) and Austin (90 min). Plan return accordingly.
Add a day trip: Homestead Heritage (10 min) for craft demos; Lake Whitney (30 min) for water recreation; Belton (45 min) for small-town Texas.. Or use the extra day for a slower revisit of your favorite spot from the weekend.
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Recent reporting and curated coverage across every beat we cover.
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A McLennan County jury sentenced Anthony Odiong to life in prison after finding him guilty on multiple counts of sexual assault.
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