Best Things To Do in Waco, TX

Are you planning to move to Waco, TX? Or are you visiting for the weekend and are not sure what to do? This charming city is filled with culture, history, and fun Waco attractions and events to enjoy all year. If you are into shopping, dining, outdoor activities, or visiting museums, this is the place...

The sun sets behind the Magnolia Market building in Waco, TX.
1 August 2025
- 5 Minute Read

Are you planning to move to Waco, TX? Or are you visiting for the weekend and are not sure what to do? This charming city is filled with culture, history, and fun Waco attractions and events to enjoy all year. If you are into shopping, dining, outdoor activities, or visiting museums, this is the place for you.

Waco, TX, is nationally recognized for its attractions, such as Magnolia Market and the Dr. Pepper Museum. Our blog will also highlight some local hidden gems, landmarks, and activities, so you don’t miss anything during your time here!

What To Do in Waco, TX

Visit Magnolia Market

When it comes to popular attractions in Waco, TX, Magnolia Market takes first place. Located in the downtown area, it is the most visited destination in town, and there is a reason why! This establishment offers boutique-style shopping, a beautiful home goods store, a bakery, and a vast lawn with food trucks where you can unwind or play lawn games.

Magnolia Market is not just a shop—it’s an experience, and you don’t want to miss it.

Stroll Through History at the Dr. Pepper Museum

If you always order Dr. Pepper at restaurants, the Dr. Pepper Museum is something you definitely should check out. Located in the original bottling plant where the drink was first produced in 1885, you can learn about the drink’s origins, see vintage advertising, and enjoy a soda out of the old-fashioned fountain bar.

Discover Waco Events and Live Music

Aerial view of downtown Waco, TX, during the spring.

When you want to try something new on a Friday night, try out events in Waco, like live music. These events showcase various local musicians and songwriters. You can listen to live piano performances, acoustic sets, or rock concerts, and dance the evening away!

The city also offers many other cultural events liketheatre plays, art fairs, bingo nights, and even barrel races.

Explore Baylor University and the Mayborn Museum

Founded in 1845,Baylor University is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in Texas. Strolling through campus is a peaceful way to take in historic architecture and manicured grounds.

Adjacent to campus is the Mayborn Museum Complex, which offers interactive exhibits, a natural history wing, andweekly programs and fun events. This makes it one of the best educational things to do in Waco, TX.

Stuff To Do in Waco, TX, in the Outdoors

Located very close to the downtown area, Cameron Park is a beautiful 416-acre paradise with wonderful trees, breathtaking cliffs, playgrounds, and two rivers where locals go to unwind, connect with nature, and exercise. Visitors can hike wooded trails, bike scenic paths, and explore the iconic Jacob’s Ladder. This offers a scene so beautiful that it makes many people think of a fairy tale.

Take the Family to Cameron Park Zoo

Wander through the 52 acres of natural habitat and lush native vegetation that Cameron Park Zoohas to offerand visit the 1700 animals that call Waco their home. Eagles, elephants, giraffes, big cats, black bears, and orangutans are some of the animals you will encounter in this zoo, making this attraction worth the trip. They also have fun exhibitions and shows, like a penguin encounter and zoo camps.

Walk or Bike The Waco Riverwalk

Waco suspension bridge crossing the Brazos River with trees and green lawns in the background and a cloudy sky.

With approximately seven miles, the Waco Riverwalk that follows the Brazos River is a very popular spot among locals and visitors for a good reason. It connects major landmarks like Baylor University, Cameron Park, and the downtown area, making it ideal for biking, running, or walking.

The bridge in the walk was designed by John Roebling Co., the same company that developed the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The bridge is the centerpiece of many community festivals and events and serves as a great venue for parties and special events.

Eat and Drink Local in Waco, TX

Waco is home to several excellent restaurants, so make sure you eat your way around! Here are a few eateries, coffee shops, and dessert shops that are worth stopping by:

  • Milo All Day. With southern-inspired American cuisine in a charming atmosphere, their lunch and supper dishes are excellent. They also have a brunch menu available!
  • Red Herring. A modern restaurant at the Hotel Herringbone, which has a stunning art deco design, offers Mediterranean-inspired food with a raw bar and cocktail bar.
  • 135 Prime. Try out delicious, high-quality seafood and steak accompanied by an incredible wine selection.
  • Be Kind Coffee. This popular spot in downtown has delectable bagels, cookies, pastries, and excellent coffee in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Sweetness Desserts. A popular sweets shop specializing in cupcakes, cookies, and truffles.

Find Top-Tier Apartments in Waco, TX, With Case & Associates

Whether you’re visiting family in Waco or moving here to attend Baylor University, you won’t have to stress out about finding a reasonably priced apartment with all the features and amenities on your list. Case & Associates has four pet-friendly apartment communities in Waco, all offering modern features, sleek finishes, and welcoming communities. Explore our Waco apartment communities today, and contact us online to schedule a tour! We’re excited to help you find the perfect apartment.

Recent Articles

Oklahoma City’s downtown area at sundown.

An Expert Guide on the Best Neighborhoods in Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City is full of vibrant neighborhoods and diverse communities. Whether you’re looking for a walkable district close to nightlife or a peaceful suburb with access to parks and green spaces, the neighborhoods of Oklahoma City offer plenty of variety. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best areas in...

7 Minute Read
A home garage that is well-cleaned and free from clutter, featuring a blue roll-up garage door.

5 Reasons to Get an Apartment With a Garage This Winter

You’ll see that you have a lot of choices as you search for your next apartment home, but which one is right for you? If you are searching for a space for a small family or as a single renter, you have your pick between floor plans, from open-concept homes to vertical layouts in townhomes...

5 Minute Read
An apartment community gym featuring racks of dumbbells, weight machines, and a workout bench.

What to Expect in a Modern Apartment Fitness Center

Do you want to stay in shape but would rather stay at home than go to a gym? It’s always easier to work out when you can do it close to home, so skip the commute and get your workout right outside your front door at one of our apartment fitness centers. We’ll go over...

5 Minute Read
A gift wrapped in green paper and a red bow sits by a Christmas tree and a lit fireplace decorated with lights.

Apartment-Friendly Christmas Decorating Ideas

A cozy, decorated home for the holidays is always fun and festive, but it can become a bit tricky when you have limited space. While it might seem like some decorating ideas are out of reach, there are plenty of creative ways to bring the season’s magic into your home. With a bit of imagination...

5 Minute Read
Apartment Balcony and Patio Christmas Decorating Ideas Alt Text: A balcony with classical columns decorated with gold and red Christmas ornaments attached to pine branches. (Source) Winter is here, so it’s time to bring out the holiday cheer! Decorating an apartment balcony for Christmas is a wonderful way to get started. We know it can be tricky to find the right way to spice up your apartment for the season, but your balcony can be an excellent place to show off your decorating skills. There are plenty of creative ways to make your outdoor space festive and inviting, and today, we’ll go over small apartment Christmas decor ideas that brighten your home and make your space feel cozy, cheerful, and full of holiday spirit. [H2] Apartment Balcony Christmas Decorating Ideas With Lighting Lighting can be a great way to keep your apartment festive during the holidays or any day of the year. It’s practical, affordable, and easily adjustable, but make sure you get the perfect lights for your home. While all LEDs will save you money in efficiency, not all are made the same. If your balcony or patio is exposed to the elements, either because it’s uncovered or you experience frequent severe weather, opt for lights designed to handle outdoor conditions. Rope lights are often built into surgical tubing, and while they may not be as easy to bend around corners, they’re highly resistant to bumps, scratches, and moisture. Another great option is LED lamps. Like any lamp, they’re enclosed to keep bad weather out and can create a warm, cozy glow. For a classic holiday look, try flame-imitating bulbs, and to get the most out of your decorative lighting, plug your setup into an outlet timer so you can set exactly when your lights turn on or off. [H2] Year-Round Christmas Decor for Your Apartment Balcony Alt Text: A wreath made of dried plants and goldenrain tree seeds, wrapped in evergreen and wheat, sits on a deck railing. (Source) Some of the best Christmas decor for apartment balconies are the kind you can keep up all year. While certain decorations like inflatable Santas and stockings may need to come down after the New Year, there are plenty of festive touches that can stay outdoors long after the holidays. Wreaths are a great example, and it’s easy to refresh them with each season. You can swap out ribbons or add new ornaments for a quick, inexpensive update. Plants are another excellent way to stay festive year-round. As we mentioned in our Apartment-Friendly Christmas Decorating Ideas guide , potted Christmas trees can look great both indoors and on your balcony. With proper care, your tree can last through the year and be ready to decorate again when the holidays return. [H2] Life-Size Apartment Balcony Christmas Decorations Wreaths and garlands are one thing—but have you ever created your own Santa scene? Many families have enjoyed creating these friendly Santa mock-ups for generations. Whether it’s posed on a bench or waving from the window, they’re easy to make and fun for the whole family. Grab some old pillows and stuff them into an oversized red jacket. A foam head topped with a stocking cap and a white beard can complete the look, though feel free to get creative if you have different supplies on hand. Depending on how you style it, your Santa can look elegant, whimsical, or delightfully funny. Either way, the photos and memories will bring a smile to every guest who stops by. [H2] Keep Your Balcony or Patio Decorations Accessible We love seeing all the creative decorations our residents across our communities put up during the holidays, but it’s always important to make sure your outdoor spaces are ready to withstand winter weather without becoming a hazard. Snow, freezing rain, or even high humidity can cause your patio to ice over. Even a thin layer of ice can become slippery, especially on concrete, where it’s difficult to see. Before freezing temperatures hit, take an extra step to keep your space comfortable and accessible. Sprinkle anti-icing salt or use other approved de-icing products on your balcony or patio before setting up your decorations. This strategy works well for walkways, steps, pavers, and any ice-prone surfaces around your home. A quick pre-treatment helps keep the area ready for family gatherings, guests, and cozy evenings spent admiring your handiwork. [H2] Get Comfortable in Your New Home From Case & Associates Alt Text: A comfortable patio with wicker furniture, a string of light bulbs, and cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows on top. (Source) Find your next home in an apartment from Case & Associates. Our communities across the Midwest and South are built with convenience and comfort in mind, with upscale amenities designed to make every season enjoyable. From personal fireplaces and private patios to beautiful poolside views, there’s always a cozy spot to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. Browse our available apartments at a Case & Associates community near you, and see how easy it can be to call one of our communities home. We’d love to show you around and help you find the perfect place to start your next chapter. Contact Case & Associates today to schedule a tour.

Apartment Balcony and Patio Christmas Decorating Ideas

Winter is here, so it’s time to bring out the holiday cheer! Decorating an apartment balcony for Christmas is a wonderful way to get started. We know it can be tricky to find the right way to spice up your apartment for the season, but your balcony can be an excellent place to show off...

5 Minute Read
A kitchen counter with a cornucopia with pumpkins next to a pitcher of golden leaves with twinkling lights behind.

Apartment-Friendly Fall Decor Ideas To Welcome the Season

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year. As leaves fall and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to bring that festive spirit indoors. That’s why we’ve gathered some of our best fall decor ideas to help you create a warm, inviting apartment that feels perfectly in tune with the...

4 Minute Read