Summer road trip season is fast approaching central Texas, and you should consider Waco for your next weekend destination. An easy 2 hour drive from Dallas or Austin, Waco boasts an impressive resume of activities for all ages and interests. Here are a few notables:



  • Learn to surf. No, really! Tucked into landlocked Waco is Waco Surf, a world-class wave pool where you can take an on-land surfing lesson to master the basics (how to paddle, stand up, balance, etc.), then hit the waves. The two acre lagoon uses a technology that mimics real ocean wave patterns, so after a few sessions at Waco Surf, you might be skilled enough to hang ten on some actual swells. It’s also attached to a water park with some crazy slides and the longest lazy river in the world.

  • Enjoy farm-fresh foods. Waco is nestled deep in central Texas, surrounded by farmlands, which means extremely fresh local produce is readily available. The Waco Downtown Farmers Market (Saturdays from 9am-1pm) houses about 40 local vendors, offering the most delicious fruits, veggies, meats, dairy, eggs, and pastries, plus gorgeous flowers, artisan goods, ready-to-eat baked goods and breakfast tacos, and more.

  • Dine at world-class restaurants. Along the same lines as suggestion #2, the quickly-growing Waco food scene certainly takes advantage of the area’s agricultural prowess. Check out some of my favorite hot spots like Milo All Day, which serves seasonally rotating farm-to-table fare and Vitek’s BBQ, a Waco staple that originally opened in 1958. I’d also recommend Maria Mezcaleria, a Mexican-owned fonda that specializes in Mezcal cocktails and authentic Mexican dishes.

  • Relax on the water. The Brazos River, which cuts right through downtown Waco, is a perfect mix of gorgeous views and gentle waters, making it ideal for paddle boarding. A rental at Pura Vida Paddle is $20 for the first hour, and $10 for each additional hour, and includes a board, paddle, and life jacket.

  • Learn all about Texas’ favorite beverage. Waco is the birthplace of Dr Pepper, aka the best soda of all time. At the Dr Pepper Museum, you can learn all about the history of soda and how Dr Pepper was created, plus watch old ads, see how the company’s branding changed over the years, and treat yourself to an ice-cold freshly mixed soda (free with your $10 museum general admission purchase) or a Bluebell ice cream float at the soda fountain next door.

This is only the very beginning of what you can expect to find in Waco, TX.

Other recommendations:

  • visit furry friends at the Cameron Park Zoo
  • see live music at the Backyard Stage and Grill
  • shop for home decor at Magnolia Market.

From delicious food to fun water sports, Waco has everything you need to make a fun and memorable weekend getaway.

Article and images by EMILY | (@theaustinaesthetic)