• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Visit three floors of exhibits at the Dr Pepper Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Courtesy of Shelley - Fotolia.com

2. View the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© Courtesy of riccardo - Fotolia.com

3. Take the kids to Cameron Park Zoo

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of Michael - Fotolia.com

4. Stroll through the Carleen Bright Arboretum

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Gregory Johnston - Fotolia.com

5. Have a snack at Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits

6. Browse books at the Armstrong Browning Library on a rainy day

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of rcfotostock - Fotolia.com

7. Take a tour of the East Terrace Museum

Tours in the Area
© East Terrace Museum

8. Go for a walk on the Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk Area

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Beth/stock.adobe.com

9. Buy a delicious treat at Heritage Creamery

Category: Kids & Family Fun

10. Have a picnic or camp at Lake Waco

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of visi.stock - Fotolia.com

11. See water lilies at Lake Waco Wetlands

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Mykola - Fotolia.com

12. Go shopping at Magnolia Market at the Silos

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Magnolia Market at the Silos

13. See the fossils at the Mammoth Site

© Courtesy of Krzysztof Wiktor - Fotolia.com

14. See FREE exhibitions at the Martin Museum of Art

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Martin Museum of Art

15. Take the kids to the Mayborn Museum Complex

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Mayborn Museum Complex

16. Visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Courtesy of Shelley - Fotolia.com

17. See a variety of interactive exhibits at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Texas Sports Hall of Fame

18. Visit The Art Center of Waco for free

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© The Art Center of Waco

19. Taste beer at Bare Arms Brewing

Category: Nearby Food & Drink

20. Splash around Hawaiian Falls Waco

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Victoria/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Sitting on the banks of the Brazos River about 2 hours from Austin, Waco is a moderately sized Texan city with a big heart. The city first started gaining attention as a tourist destination because of HGTV's Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, but it also boasts an excellent selection of museums, restaurants, and beautiful natural attractions. You're sure to find a pleasant way to spend your time here, whether you prefer perusing the museums on the campus of Baylor University, marveling at heritage homes in downtown Waco or strolling through one of the parks on the shores of Lake Waco.

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