Waco Travel Guide: Best Hotels, Restaurants and Things to Do
Located 100 miles north of Austin along Interstate 35, Waco is a scenic midpoint between Austin and Dallas. Known for Baylor University and the Magnolia empire established by Chip and Joanna Gaines of “Fixer Upper” fame, the city also features a range of notable hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions.
Where To Stay
Hotel 1928
701 Washington Avenue
We already mentioned the massive influence that Chip & Joanna Gaines have wielded on Waco’s recent development, so it’s no surprise that one of the city’s most luxurious hotel experiences is a Gaines project. Hotel 1928 inhabits a historic Moorish Revival building in the “Silos District”, and the Gaineses and their team spared no expense where decor, amenities, and overall comfort are concerned. High-end furnishings, pet-friendly rooms, Le Labo toiletries and multiple on-site dining and drinking options can all be found at Hotel 1928. Located within walking distance of Magnolia Market, the property is just a 10-minute stroll from one of Waco’s most-visited attractions.
Hotel Herringbone
319 South 4th St.
A quirky, stylish and indulgent boutique hotel in the heart of Waco, Hotel Herringbone is a natural choice for visitors who want pure comfort and convenience, along with some very compelling photos for the ‘gram. In addition to rainfall showers, high-def TVs, premium linens and speedy WiFi, Hotel Herringbone offers complimentary coffee service and a gratis wine happy hour for all guests. For those planning to stay for dinner, Hotel Herringbone’s Red Herring Restaurant—led by celebrated local chef Corey McEntyre—offers a menu designed to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Pivovar Hotel
320 South 8th St.
For a little touch of Central Europe in Central Texas, Pivovar Hotel is exactly the right place. Located in a historic building with Pivovar’s beloved Czech-style brewery on the ground floor, Pivovar Hotel leans into the Czech influence with beautifully-woven rugs, richly embroidered pillows and quilts, deep copper baths in the guest suites and even an on-site “beer spa” where guests can soak in a relaxing blend of beer, herbs and natural extracts.
What To Do
Magnolia Market at the Silos
601 Webster Ave.
With the development of Magnolia Market at the Silos, Chip and Joanna Gaines have played a major role in revitalizing Waco’s central district, drawing thousands of visitors each year and encouraging nearby small businesses to grow. The market remains one of the city’s most popular attractions. The property features a large home goods store with dishware, serveware, décor and other items curated by the Gaineses; a gift shop with Magnolia- and Waco-branded merchandise; and a bakery offering cupcakes, cookies and other pastries made from Joanna Gaines’ recipes. The site also includes a collection of locally owned food trucks, outdoor lawns with lawn games such as cornhole and T-ball, and more.
Dr. Pepper Museum
300 South 5th St.
Joanna Gaines’ baked goods aren’t the only sweet treats that Waco claims as its own. The city is also the birthplace of Dr. Pepper soda, and fans of this fizzy elixir can learn all about its invention at Waco’s Dr. Pepper Museum. In addition to traditional tours of the historic Dr. Pepper buildings, the museum provides experiences like a make-your-own-soda lab, a paranormal “ghost tour” of the buildings and the chance to enjoy a Dr. Pepper float at the soda fountain.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive
Waco Mammoth National Monument offers an up-close look at the prehistoric past. The site preserves the dig area where the fossilized remains of more than 20 Columbian mammoths were discovered between 1978 and 1997. Estimated to be over 60,000 years old, the bones provide insight into the massive creatures that once roamed Central Texas, the environment they inhabited and the ancient world they left behind.
Waco Suspension Bridge
101 North University Parks Drive
It’s hard to think of a better sunset date idea in Waco than taking a stroll across the Waco Suspension Bridge. This remarkable structure, which was built using cables from the same company that built the Brooklyn Bridge, stretches across the Brazos River and was specifically designed to be a pedestrian pathway, so visitors won’t need to worry about dodging car traffic as they enjoy a leisurely jaunt. The ground-level riverwalk also provides plenty of opportunities for exploration, and the two parks on either side of the river, Indian Spring Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Park, host an abundance of fun festivals and events throughout the year.
Waco Downtown Farmers Market
200 East Bridge St.
Saturday mornings in Waco mean a trip to the Waco Downtown Farmers Market, which sets up shop every week. Here, visitors can browse over 40 vendors offering local produce, fresh meat, fish and dairy, baked goods, prepared foods and much more. During the spring and summer, the Downtown Farmers Market also pops up on Wednesday evenings, which gives locals and savvy travelers a chance to beat the weekend crowds.
Where To Eat
Magnolia Table
2132 South Valley Mills Drive
In addition to their market, outdoor lawn spaces, food truck collection and hotel, the Gaineses have also added a restaurant to their Waco empire. Magnolia Table, just two miles south of Magnolia Market at The Silos, focuses on homey cuisine with a chef-driven twist and plenty of fresh seasonal ingredients. Several of Joanna’s recipes appear on the menu, so any especially Gaines-curious travelers will find plenty to love about this comforting and well-executed American restaurant.
Milo
1020 Franklin Ave.
Corey McEntyre, the chef who designed the dining program at Hotel Herringbone, also presides over the kitchen at Milo, so diners can expect to find locally-sourced and expertly-made Southern fare here as well. Milo’s menu changes regularly to reflect the seasonal ingredients available at any given time, but guests can generally expect to find their excellent cast-iron cornbread, Nashville hot chicken bao and signature burger with Texas-raised beef, caramelized onions, cheese and chimichurri aioli at any point in the year.
Pivovar
320 South 8th St.
We mentioned that Pivovar Hotel’s decor scheme and spa treatment lean into Czech influences, and that makes sense when you consider that Pivovar features a massive Czech-style brewery and restaurant on the ground floor. Pivovar specializes in Czech-style lagers brewed on-site, complemented by a menu of hearty dishes such as a giant soft pretzel with mustard and beer cheese, Czech schnitzel and short rib goulash.
Maria’s Mezcaleria
724 Austin Ave. Ste. 102
A true favorite among Waco locals, Maria’s Mezcaleria serves regional Mexican cuisine inspired by family recipes, alongside an extensive cocktail menu highlighting agave spirits, particularly mezcal. Menu items range from tacos and tlayudas to ceviche and enchiladas, with exceptional margaritas complementing every dish.