The Best Things to Do in Waco, Texas on a Group Trip

Prior to 2013, Waco was probably best known to other Texans as the home to Baylor University, a nationally ranked liberal arts institution chartered in 1845 with a winning football team. Some trek there because it’s the birthplace of Dr Pepper. Others simply considered it a convenient pitstop along I-35 on the drive between Dallas and Austin. Yet when the first episode of Chip and Joanna Gaines’s Fixer Upper TV series debuted at the end of May 2013, Waco was suddenly thrust into the national spotlight—and in the coming years, it would grow into a tourist destination unlike anything the region had ever seen.

Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend, a bachelor or bachelorette party getaway, or a multi-generational gathering for the entire family, Waco can accommodate (and entertain) a small group of friends or a big reunion crowd. Take a cue from the more than 30,000 people a week who now visit the city, thanks to the aspirational influence of television programs like the Magnolia Network, the expansion of the university’s presence as a national football contender, and more—quite a surge in foot traffic for a city of just under 150,000 residents. Because of the increased interest and ample space in the Texas Hill Country, waves of new restaurants, shops, and hotels have risen from the grasslands along the Brazos River, joining long-treasured businesses to make Waco an equally exciting weekend getaway for non-fans, too.

A diverse array of activities makes it an ideal destination for visiting with a group in tow. Go on horseback expeditions and splashy adventures at nearby waterparks. Then find plenty of other only-in-Waco experiences, along with boutique hotels and multi-room vacation rentals with craftsman charm. Downtown Waco has been designated a State of Texas Cultural District packed with museums, galleries, performance venues, restaurants, and bars. The city and surrounding areas boast multiple breweries, distilleries, and wineries. It’s also a Music Friendly Community, as determined by the Texas Music Office, meaning you can catch incredible live music throughout the town.

Better yet, it’s less than two hours from Dallas and Austin, and only three hours from Houston and San Antonio, making it perfect for a leisurely weekend. Check out our suggestions below to build an itinerary that suits your group best and guarantees you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.