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30 Best Stops Between Georgetown and Waco
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Georgetown to Waco?
The direct drive from Georgetown to Waco is 75.8 mi (122 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 11 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Georgetown to Waco, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like San Gabriel River RV Park and Sun City, or the ever-popular Creative Playscape.
Visiting Georgetown or Waco? See our Georgetown Trip Planner and our Waco Trip Planner.
75.8 mi
Total Distance
1 hr 11 mins
Drive Time
30 stops
Cities / Attractions
Best stops along Georgetown to Waco drive
The top stops along the way from Georgetown to Waco (with short detours) are Dr Pepper Museum, Waco Mammoth National Monument, and Cameron Park Zoo. Other popular stops include Sun City, Topsey Exotic Ranch & Park, and Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum.
1
Angela C — Google reviewBadura A — Google reviewTaylor P — Google reviewKatherine G — Google reviewMike A — Google reviewJamie B — Google reviewUnscriptedmomlife — Google review•
Creative Playscape
Mentioned on
Playground
Fun & Games
Park
Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, the Creative Playscape is a remarkable transformation of an old playground into a vibrant space that intertwines history with play. This unique park invites families to embark on an interactive journey through time, featuring a captivating history wall that narrates the rich story of the area. Kids can truly unleash their adventurous spirits here, as this playground goes beyond traditional slides and swings.
The park is fantastic! Lots of activities for a wide range of ages and abilities. Definitely need to check out the area behind the recreational center! There is a skatepark and a splash pad. Nice restrooms. Wide open with lots of space to play!
Robyn L — Google review
A FUN & SAFE SPOT FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES. **Parents of children with disabilities**(Would not recommend for disabled children. There were not a lot of options and it was not accessible friendly.)
If you’re looking for a playground that truly has something for every age, Creative Playscape is a gem! I took my kids (11, 10, 6, 4) here on a very hot summer day (between 1–2 PM), and I was so impressed by how thoughtful the design is for all my kids.
The playground has shaded areas throughout—including a covered section for parents, which was a lifesaver in the heat. The equipment is fantastic: slides, bridges, monkey bars, musical play stations, swings (including toddler swings), and a toddler-sized playground for the littlest explorers. It’s a wonderful place for kids to play, create, and burn off energy safely.
One feature I especially loved is that the entire playground is fenced in with only one entrance. That gave me peace of mind while letting my child explore freely.
A couple of things to note:
• There are no bathrooms on-site, which can be a challenge with little ones. Bathrooms are available across the parking lot at the San Gabriel Park Skate Park.
• Parking is shared with the nearby Recreation Center, so while we were the only ones at the playground, the lot still felt a bit limited.
Overall, this park is a wonderful spot for young families, and I’ll definitely be bringing my little one back for more outdoor play.
My son absolutely adores this park! While it can get a little busy and seating is somewhat limited, it’s always buzzing with energy and friendly faces. He enjoys meeting other children and quickly makes new friends, which makes every visit exciting and engaging. There’s plenty for him to explore, from slides to swings and open play areas, so time flies by as he plays. Despite the occasional crowd, we can easily spend hours here without running out of things to do. The lively atmosphere, combined with the chance to socialize and play freely, makes this park a favorite spot for our family.
This park is definitely cute and has a big playground for many kids to enjoy. We came on a summer morning in July and it was really hot! There isn't a lot of covered areas and most of the playground is directly in the Sun. The water fountains were also not working so be sure to bring your own water! The monkey bars are a little on the shorter end- my 6 year old could still touch the ground while using them, and she was disappointed in that. There were 3 different sets of field trips there that morning so it was pretty crowded. Overall my kids had fun. The best part is all the different types of climbing rocks and ladders the playground offers!
I love bringing my great grandson here to play with children from the community. The playscape is always clean, but one of the slides is blocked off. When it's super busy with children, it would be nice to have all the slides operational. The slide that is out of order is one that younger children can use!
Really great park with plenty of play space for kids of all sizes. There is also a large, shaded pavilion in the center for parents to sit and watch their kids. The whole area is fenced so you don't have to worry too much about a child wandering off. Overall a very well thought out and cared for park.
Big park with lots of space to run around up high and on the padded ground in the fenced in area. Little and big kids areas, various slides and climbing for all ages. Swings for babies, big kids, and harness swings for big kids/adults who need assistance. There is also wheelchair access to the large upper level of the playground. Not much shade in the midday on the actual playground (hot slides and swings), but there are good areas to get out of the sun.
This is a nice park. Bathroom and drinking fountains. No picnic tables in the área. Free library stand. Lots of climbers and swings. People leave a lot of their stuff around. Shaded some by trees but not the actual climber.
4.7
(369)
4.8
(37)
1003 N Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
2David M — Google reviewGaila R — Google reviewTiffany E — Google reviewLilia P — Google reviewEdwin S — Google reviewRusty P — Google reviewMark G — Google review•
San Gabriel River RV Park
RV park
Nature & Parks
RV storage facility
Bodies of Water
This place is amazing! So peaceful, the grounds are very well kept, throughout the park there are mature trees, lots of shade, friendly people, social events, first class all the way. They have thought of everything, even a dog grooming station with an outdoor tub to bathe your dogs!!!!
Luciana D — Google review
The park itself is beautiful with mature trees which is both good and bad…the squirrels are relentless, during the pecan harvest season. Not to mention dead fall limbs inevitably hitting your roof. The pad sites are gravel and mostly level. The location is beautiful, right on the San Gabriel River. The camp staff work hard to keep it presentable. The amenities are good and clean with the exception of no ventilation in the bathrooms which is brutal in the summer. Also the septic tank near the showers/mailboxes simmer and smell during the summer. I stayed there a little over a year and was pleased until my wife joined me with our large service dog. They are not tolerant AT ALL with any larger dog regardless of how sweet it is, especially if it’s a “mean looking breed” for example a German Shepard. The community is very click-ish and not receptive of the younger crowd visiting (College age or younger. Most everyone keeps to themselves. The management is hard to get ahold of but will eventually communicate back with you. Just my honest assessment both good and bad.
Pretty property, but stickers and fire ants are allowed to thrive. Due to low water levels, the river is completely covered in scum all summer, every year. Management consistently ignores emails concerning harassment from residents and problems with dogs off leash. Management also favors long term residents who share gossip. Does not fairly enforce the rules.
Very beautiful place to stay, people are so nice. This like a retirement community, they don’t allow you to live there if you have kids living with you.
The place looks very pretty but they have a few people living there who act like they own the place and there's nothing to do about it, except for.that everything it's really niece and pretty but somebody has to do something about some negatives people living there who doesn't respect the rules,
and act like flattered with managers so they won't ask to move out of the property
This park is great. We love management and the service they provide. They’re working hard for us even during difficult weather making sure we are all taken care of. The neighbors are friendly and very helpful which we appreciate as we learn the Rv lifestyle. We love living here and we are thankful to have found a spot when we got our RV this year. I love it here and my wife loves how easy it is to contact management for help or for inquiries.
I recently came to visit the park to see if it would be a good fit for me. I had high hopes from seeing their website with nice photos. And while the grounds seemed to be well kept for the most part, the staff was what turned me off completely. The manager came out and asked me what I wanted! She was beyond rude and told me there was a long waiting list, almost 2 years she said. However, there were multiple empty spots throughout the park. I just felt like she was lying to me. I noticed there were other management complaints but I was hoping those stemmed from some minor incident. Now I see they are completely valid complaints. I certainly hope the owners of the park see these complaints and deal with her. The park seems like it would be a great place to live and I'm sure it would absolutely flourish with fresh new friendly management. No one wants to live in a beautiful place with people who have ugly personalities.
Very nice and quiet RV park. We just moved in this week. It’s an adult only community and management has advised us that all residents have gone through a background check. The lots are good sized, the roads are paved, and there are a lot of amenities. The North San Gabriel River passes through the property and they allow fishing. The current monthly rent is $515.00 which is well worth it for a place like this.
4.1
(64)
4.5
(98)
40005 Heritage Holw, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
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Sun City
Mentioned on
Outdoor Activities
Beach & Pool Clubs
Sun City, a 4,750-acre age-restricted community in Georgetown, Texas, is part of the chain of Sun City communities by Del Webb. Georgetown itself offers diverse neighborhoods with unique charm and character, catering to various preferences such as golf-course communities, serene residential areas, and family-friendly neighborhoods. This Texan city provides an array of options for finding the perfect place to call home.
4.5
(182)
Georgetown, TX 78633, USA
4Jason S — Google reviewPatricia L — Google reviewHugh H — Google reviewJohn W — Google reviewRuben M — Google reviewLisa S — Google reviewMegan M — Google review•
The Vineyard at Florence
Winery
Nightlife
Gift & Specialty Shops
Wine Bars
I just recently started to do reviews on things and I wanted to share my experience here.
I came in last night with 2 other people to celebrate a birthday. Our server Destiny was amazing. Despite it being busy we received full attention and great conversation. She made the table laugh and feel like we were at home every time she came.
When she was walking by she would casually check on us in an non obnoxious way. Which was nice. I didn't feel rushed out and she told us to enjoy our first time there and soak in the atmosphere. She definitely seem like the calm in the chaos and can tell she loves her job and what she does.
Needlessly to say when I come back I will request Destiny as our server.
GO SEE DESTINY!
Daisy J — Google review
I first visited The Vineyard 15 years ago, and even then, it was a special place tucked away just outside the sleepy town of Florence. Back then, it had a quaint, unspoiled charm that made it feel like a well-kept secret. Over the years, the venue has definitely evolved—more villas have sprouted, and seating options both indoors and outdoors have expanded.
The addition of a new restaurant, Farmers Common, with a diverse menu at reasonable prices is a definite highlight. The food selection is impressive, offering quality fare that won’t break the bank. The new event venue is perfect for special occasions.
However, my only complaint is with the wine offerings. The prices are definitely disconnected from the quality. A $20 glass or a $60 bottle feels steep, especially considering the value. It’s a shame to see such a lovely place, which was once accessible and affordable, shift toward a more exclusive—and expensive—experience.
Overall, The Vineyard remains a stunning and charming venue worth visiting, especially for those looking for a beautiful setting and good food. Just keep in mind that the wine prices don’t match the quality.
I am really disappointed with my stay at The Vineyard Florence. Starting with the check-in process, when I arrived, they could not find my booking, and instead of searching, they just said no, we don’t have a reservation (they knew that they had an internet problem). It took them a long time to find my reservation even after I gave the number. Definitely not the welcome I was expecting after hours of driving to get there. Then I wanted to enjoy the pool. Surprise! You need to get the car to get there. At dinner, they were having a musical bingo; it was loud and definitely not the ambience I was expecting at this kind of place, I could not stand it long. Then the room, it is really pretty, decorated with taste, comfortable, and has a great view, but again… spoiled by the noise. At room number 4, I heard all night long the air conditioning from the building annexe, as if there was a truck by the door. In the morning before I leave I thought I would give a try to the 9 miles trail that it is advertised as, but it was another deception; the path is not marked and the grass was so high impossible to walk. I hope your are not an early bird, breakfast at their restaurant is not available before 9am, a bit late for my taste.
What a great experience. Ask to sit with Hailey, she was so attentive and professional. She made sure we had a great night even after we left her section and moved out to the (wonderful) patio with live music. Food was great. Split a pizza with your date and enjoy some great wine.
My wife and I have been patrons of Florence Vineyard for nearly four years, visiting several times a week, and it continues to be our absolute favorite place to go out. What makes the wine tasting side of the venue so exceptional isn’t just the wonderful selection of wines, but the extraordinary people who make every visit special.
The Wine Tasting Room Team-Jordan, Alondra, Calvin, Reyna, Erica,Pearl and Michael —are truly outstanding. Each one of them brings a unique warmth, professionalism, and genuine care that makes every guest feel welcome and valued. Whether it’s a recommendation tailored to your taste, impeccable service, or simply their friendly energy, they elevate the experience in a way that is unmatched.
Equally deserving of recognition is the management team, who have clearly invested in cultivating such an extraordinary group of people. It is no small feat to assemble a team of this caliber, and Florence Vineyard is fortunate to have such dedicated and talented individuals representing their brand. The consistent excellence we’ve experienced over the years is a direct reflection of both strong leadership and the exceptional staff on the front lines.
Florence Vineyard is not just a place to enjoy incredible wines—it’s a community, a second home, and a shining example of what happens when passionate people come together to create something special. The food has always been perfect the Chef and his Team do an amazing job. We feel grateful every time we walk through the doors, and we can’t recommend it highly enough.
We’ve been coming to this place for years now and it always delivers. So peaceful and picturesque. The staff is always so friendly and seem to really enjoy what they do. Shoutout to chef Ruben and his staff in the kitchen, great food, quality and service. The hotel rooms are very nice and clean. The bed itself is super comfy and I appreciate the black out curtains. Love to come here and get away from Dallas’ fast pace. Really appreciate that the hotel is dog friendly which increased the overall value of your stay. Had a great time at the pool overlooking the vineyard and the Tuscan inspired villas.
An attempt at fine dining, the food was excellent, little pricey, but food. The atmosphere, was however, not in keeping with the culinary level they charge. The bar is in front of the kitchen and the staff, "bartender", was loud and dropping "F" bombs right next to guest tables. Not sensitive to rough talk, but absolutely not professional, and keeping with decorum of a dinner service. Wheel barrow of fire wood hauled right passed diners inside the restaurant multiple trips after dinner service opened. Definitely could have been done prior to opening the restaurant at 5 pm for dinner service. Overall food taste gets a 5 star. Price $$$$. Service was 3 star. Atmosphere was more of a diner. Bar should be relocated away from diners.
Hands down the best wedding venue! Everything you need in one spot. Made our wedding day smooth and stress free. Everything turned out better than I could have asked for. Starting with the best rehearsal dinner. The food was amazing! I was so impressed. The bridal suite was a dream and having everything on the property truly made the day go so smoothly and had less vendors to deal with. Highly suggest having your wedding here . Also simply because it’s so beautiful and not that far away.
4.3
(449)
4.5
(18)
111 Via Francesco, Florence, TX 76527, USA
5Patii C — Google reviewLisa J — Google reviewEmery S — Google reviewEsteban C — Google reviewVictoria — Google reviewCharles R — Google reviewMichael M — Google review
Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
I got a wonderful picture of this Church and had fun leaving a little gift behind for the members to know I am praying for them.
Kaylee D — Google review
Father Hilario and Deacon mark are so welcoming! Thank you for a great mass and unforgettable memories!
I come here when I'm staying the weekend at my dad's (he has land in Granger). This parish has been renovated and they did such an amazing job. It is absolutely beautiful! The stations are detailed and large, plenty of saints in various places (my confirmation saint is there, I've never seen a statue of her in a parish before) and the alter!! The alter is so elegantly decorated! The parishioners are friendly, as are the deacon and priest and the organist played amazingly well, like a professional. I wish I didn't live in Killeen.. I would make this my home parish. I was truly surprised at how few people attended the 1000 Mass, especially seeing as they only have Masses at 8 and 10 on Sunday. I guess it's just a small town.
Amazing history of the settlers of Granger, TX
Very beautiful church , great places to sit and thank GOD for the blessings he has blessed me with and remind me of all his
gifts to this world.
My fiance and I are getting married here in April 2021 and we love how beautiful the the church is inside and out!
Beautiful church!
Literally got murdered here and some dude wore my skin. LoL
I'll never travel to Waco without this trip planner again
6Paul F — Google reviewJerrie D — Google reviewAlice M — Google reviewMary S — Google reviewCharles I — Google reviewDanny F — Google reviewShoeless D — Google review•
Granger Lake
Lake
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Took my son n his buddies for a camping n fishing trip for the weekend.
We had a blast n topped it off with a day of swimming.
A++ on lifetime memories.
Matt S — Google review
I love the hiking around the lake, but this weekend I was not happy with what I saw. Trash, fallen trees across the trails and a busted bridge. Y'all can do better.
Granger Lake is a hidden gem. There’s is plenty of room to swim and ski. The scenery is beautiful and some wildlife to watch. It is quiet and not much boat traffic so if you are looking for a place to go that is not busy consider this lake over the others. Cons: No marinas and In August the water is much too warm to cool off in the water.
Typical lake, easy to Kayak & swim. I don't fish but supposedly it's good fishing. We also liked the town of Granger.
Went there for Easter was very nice there if I lived closer would definitely go more
The walk was a little wet to the floating dock. Luckily, I planned to go swimming anyway.
Rented the park by the lake for b day nice has grills lake volleyball horse shoe sticks awning to hold your people when they come to party with you there's room for 120 people with electric outlets out there had a great time will be doing it again
Nice lake, did some fishing. As we were leaving we found the camping area and will be going back soon for a weekend. Will report back.
4.6
(78)
4.0
(14)
Texas 76530, USA
7Mr B — Google reviewKristen B — Google reviewJoseph G — Google reviewYasmin — Google reviewHeidi — Google reviewLisa D — Google reviewKatie S — Google review•
Cinergy Copperas Cove
Movie theater
Fun & Games
Dine-in multiplex with recliner seating, a gaming arcade & a bar serving American fare.
We had a great experience at Cinergy, it was our first time visiting this place. We found several fun games for adults and children, we went to see a movie too. We will definitely come back here, I thought their rooms were super VIP.
Jaquelyn M — Google review
Went for movie. They have great service. Can order you food and will be brought to your seats. Also have a arcade and axe throwing which I enjoyed there.
We always enjoy coming here for movies. The reclining seats are very comfortable, and we appreciate that only previews are shown before the film rather than ads. My son especially loves the macaroni and fries kids’ meal, which has become his go-to choice. The self-serve drinks are convenient, and having food delivered directly to your seat adds to the overall experience.
The theater also offers a variety of entertainment options beyond movies, including a mini arcade, axe throwing, VR gaming, and adult beverages. These features make it a fun destination for families as well as groups of friends.
Overall, the service is consistently great, and this theater provides a welcoming and enjoyable experience every time we visit.
We attend EVERY slasher screening specifically for the trivia and the fun prizes that come with it—but tonight was a total letdown. No trivia at all, and the movie still hasn’t started even though it was scheduled for 10:30pm (it’s now 10:34pm). This is really disappointing, especially for loyal guests who come out late just for these events. Do better, Cinergy.
We went to watch Toy Story today for the sensory-friendly show and it was free! My family and I are very happy and pleased with everything.
I’m so thankful that Cinergy takes the time to offer this for children with sensory sensitivities. It means so much to feel included and respected in the community and to have a safe space where kids can relax and enjoy the movie theater experience just like any other child
Nice theater setting with 8+ individual theater rooms. All seats were state of the art, leather recliners with footrests and food/beverage tray that’s attached to the seat. Very comfortable!!
Facility was clean and well maintained. Drawback was the price at the concession stand - ouch!
The staff is friendly and greet you upon entering. I have had their pizza, BBQ nachos, Southwest egg rolls, hamburgers, and fries. The food doesn't disappoint! The reclining chairs are always a win win too! I highly recommend Cingery.
The theater is nice and has decent food options. But the arcade is always greasy and if you’re watching a movie in theater 1 you can hear the arcade sounds through your entire movie which really takes away from the experience.
4.6
(3120)
4.5
(70)
402 Constitution Dr, Copperas Cove, TX 76522, USA
8A S — Google reviewKeasha E — Google reviewBrian B — Google reviewVivian — Google reviewKelsey C — Google reviewCasey P — Google reviewKaitlin B — Google review
Salado Lone Star Winery & Chupacabra Craft Beer
Bar
Food & Drink
American restaurant
Beer garden
Hamburger restaurant
Karaoke
Stopped here on our way back to San Antonio and glad we did!
Staff was super friendly and helpful. They had 57 different beers on tap and the folks there provided suggestions and answered any questions we had.
Great variety and the food nextdoor was all super tasty so we will definitely make a plan to come back.
Corey B — Google review
My friends and I did a wine tasting and really enjoyed it. Liz was so knowledgeable and gave us just what each of us liked. Wednesday is 25% off bottles too! Best experience we had in Texas Hill Country. Liz actually took the time to explain the wines to us.
We went in on trivia night, it was very crowded. We ordered our food Nextdoor and by the time it was done we had found seating. it took a while to get drinks ordered and to find someone to tell us how to join the trivia. The place is very cluttered with items they sell and lots of boxes! Once we figured it all out it was fun, just wish that could have been clearer to us new people. Anyways I’m sure we’ll return since we know how it all works.
First time here. Walked in and with 4 people standing behind the bar we were not greeted or acknowledged. As one of the bar tenders walked by us we asked if we just sit anywhere and he muttered “yep”. So we sat and waited. After about 10 minutes we were about to get up and leave when one of the girls saw us and came over to tell us we have to go next store to order food but they can bring it here. At least she made an effort which is why I gave 2 stars instead of just 1. I guess I missed the sign coming in. We got up and went next door then decided it wasn’t worth the effort and we went to the Shed instead.
The bartender, Lawonna, was incredibly kind and absolutely fabulous. The wines she chose for us were so good and tailored to our tastes. Highly recommend!
Great place to try a variety of beers/wines for an affordable price. There is plenty of seating. They have good specials on different days. Parking is plentiful and free. Employees are kind, friendly, and helpful. They sell a lot of different kind of merchandise as well.
Husband and I stopped in for a drink and this place was great, so great we came back again later in the evening for trivia. We enjoyed sitting at the bar having great conversations with the bartenders. This is definitely the place to come to whether visiting or staying in town. Thank you so much!!
Stumbled upon this place when passing through town. There are a lot more beer and wine options than what I was expecting from the outside. Just goes to show you can't always judge a book by it's cover. Chatted with the staff a bit. They were all friendly and knowledgeable. I can definitely imagine spending a lot of time here if I was a local. Thank you for making me feel welcomed as I was passing through
9Josh — Google reviewNick B — Google reviewLeWayne B — Google reviewRichard C — Google reviewTroy — Google reviewNathaniel B — Google reviewBlanca G — Google review
Barrow Brewing Company
Brewery
Food & Drink
Brewpub
Great beer, great space. Beers were all solid with a good variety to choose from. Friendly staff with a lot of seating, indoor and out. Collocated with a pizza place so there are food options as well. Looking forward to trying that on our next visit! Pet friendly too!
Ki R — Google review
Enjoyed a flight of beers at this spacious indoor outdoor brewery tasting room. The have several tables inside and out on a shade patio. Inside there is also bar seating and a shelf of games to play while enjoying the beer. They host creative events including training for the highland games.
The detached outside patio has several food trucks around it and looks down toward the beautiful creek.
We look forward to coming back to try more of their beers.
This place is always fantastic. Great outdoor area with a gorgeous dog&kid friendly creek. It’s the perfect stop off i35 for food & drink. Beer is always delicious although I wish they’d experiment more, the classics still always hit!
Originally came here for a Bonsai Bar, but arrived early to have a few drinks. Bartender was very friendly and explained several of their brews. They had a good mix of lights, darks, seltzers, ciders, etc... Tried a few different and all were fresh and crisp. Nice place to have a beer as they have both inside and outside areas with many special events.
Family and pet friendly brewery, usually has live music on weekends, it does has a creek that you can jump to with your kiddos
What an amazing experience with BBC. KD knows how to care for her guests and creates an environment that is fun! The beer was top notch and this is coming from a Colorado native where micro brews are one the best in the nation. We'll be back every time we visit our family here. Thanks KD!
Great little brewery on the way to Belton worth checking out! They have a good variety of brews to try out and food stands nearby outside are great too. River is nearby as well to go cool off afterwards!
Love this place. We like to take the kids so they can play in the creek. A plus that we are able to grab some great beer.
Now that food truck that was here for Oktoberfest, it was quite the disappointment. They should be ashamed of themselves putting BBQ on currywurst. Especially with the wife being German. And the serving size was pretty sad also. I would expect more for roughly 13 bucks.
10Josh — Google reviewJessica W — Google reviewBilly B — Google reviewIsabelle S — Google reviewKathy C — Google reviewJennifer P — Google reviewLena M — Google review
Salado Winery and Salado Wine Seller
Winery
Food & Drink
Wine cellar
Wineries & Vineyards
If you're searching for a hidden gem that embodies charm and warmth, look no further than Salado Winery. This very small, quaint winery bar is a delightful escape from the ordinary, making it the perfect spot for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, allowing you to truly unwind while sampling a fantastic selection of wines.
One of the highlights of my visit was the incredibly friendly staff. They greeted us with genuine smiles and were eager to share their knowledge about the wines on offer. The unique tasting experience allowed me to sample different varieties before making my choice, ensuring I found the perfect glass to suit my palate. Plus, the option to purchase bottles to take home is a wonderful touch for those who wish to extend their delight beyond the visit.
I had the pleasure of attending a bridal shower at Salado Winery, and it was nothing short of magical. The host had booked a private room for the event, creating an intimate setting that made the occasion feel extra special. A fantastic perk of the winery is that you are allowed to bring your own food, which adds a personal touch to the celebration and allows for a delightful pairing of culinary treats with their exquisite wines.
Overall, Salado Winery is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a wonderful wine experience in a charming atmosphere. With friendly staff, a great selection of wines, and the ability to customize your visit, it’s no wonder this little winery has stolen my heart. Cheers to many more visits!
B U — Google review
We loved our wine tasting in this cabin with lovely trees around it and a cute cat. The winery employee was so welcoming and helpful in explaining the wines. By getting two tastings we tried nearly everything they had on the menu.
It's a quick walk to the sculpture park and antique & book shop. We're looking forward to going back again.
They were amazing! And a great place to sample some fine wine of the vineyards from their on back yard and temple grown grapes. The staff and owner were very pleasant, kind and courteous and they made you feel right at home. I must say the bathroom was very nice, tight and clean. So it made me feel confident in their ability to adapt to Covid rules and regulations. I spent about $200 and it was totally worth it! My mom enjoy her vacation and visit and I left with 4 bottle of great wine selections, 1 huge bottle of cider, a mask, a magnet, 4 coasters and 2 wine purchase tastings. Overall it was a great experience. I am sad as I wasn't able to find my electric bottle opener here that I purchased back in 2012. But the owner did recall and said they rotate a lot of their items. I think this is one item worth keeping because it was awesome little tool.
I'm not sure if this matters or not to anyone but I always like to mention whether they have military discounts or not. And I am sad to say they do not.
We had the pleasure to visit this winery last week. We literally walked in at 12:02, 2 minutes after it opened that Saturday. We were greeted by Hannah, who had the most sparkling personality. She was simply delightful, and we thoroughly enjoyed her, and of course, the wine tasting. We bought a bottle of the Nig Bully, a wonderful red blend. Just as we were paying, at least 3 other couples walked in, so we left at the right time (12:45). Thank you, Hannah, for making this a wonderful experience.
They don't have a big selection, but we loved everything we tried and ended up buying 3 bottles. I will definitely be back one day to buy more wine! Reasonable prices for how good they are.
Our impromptu visit was wonderful! Hannah was a treat - very friendly, outgoing, and extremely knowledgeable! We purchased flights and were quite pleased with the selections. I love sweet wines so really enjoyed their Rootin’ Tootin’ and Dillo Dally. Their Tigre Volant - Hard Cider was delicious and refreshing! And I’m not a fan of port, but theirs was spectacular. We will definitely be back!
I placed my wine order online, drove 3 1/2 hours to the winery, and my order was ready and waiting for me when I got there. Staff was VERY friendly, and my bag even had a personal thank you note attached to it. The verdict is still out on the taste of the wine, but I'll need to wait until I get back home to open it. 😉
The wine was delicious and Hannah was so great! Her knowledge of wines was very apparent and informative. She also had great recommendations for the rest of our stay in Salado!
I'll never travel to Waco without this trip planner again
11Marilyn — Google reviewWarren F — Google reviewSraCasanova — Google reviewKerri R — Google reviewTimothy D — Google reviewCristina ( — Google reviewBecky A — Google review•
Killeen Family Aquatics Center
Temporarily Closed
Water park
Water & Amusement Parks
Well we all had fun swimming. No big issues or complaints. Only con is you have to get out of the pool every 45 minutes. I understand to prevent drowning but never heard of it until I moved here.
Frances S — Google review
We arrived when it first opened on a Saturday. Surprisingly it wasn’t crowded. Adequate lifeguard supervision with one in each section. Music was appropriate. Pool was a little dirty with debris. Shallow sections for toddlers with the splash pad and age appropriate slides was sufficient. Slides for the older children looked fun and entertaining. This is a nice and decently sized family aquatics facility.
Nice place ,The water was a bit warm but also a great place for the kids ,We had an a counter with a women who was by herself at a family table and didnt want to share all because of first come first serve basis ,Instead of being a wonderful human being and saying hey you guys can share ,I'm the only here at this Big family table or I'll move to a chair ,No she calls staff had us move ,Than later checks her bag to see if we stolen something ,You can tell what that means ,Judging a books by its COLOR. THIs place has to do better with Seating arrangements especially for single individuals
Visited today the last two hours before they closed and my family and I had a good time. The employees, especially the ones at the front of the park, were exceptionally friendly and courteous. The life guards were vigilant as well.
Fun friendly family place. Great atmosphere. Good fun and music for entertainment
Slides/pools 3/5: This place is small but good to go get wet for a few hours. There are a total of 4 slides, a kids splash area and a pool with a couple diving boards but they wont let you do any flips. There's a 3" area so babies can get wet too :)
Food 4/5: They sell brisket nachos that were really good but were $8. They have pulled pork sandwiches, burgers and more. You can bring coolers but can only bring in waters.
Seating 3/5: The gazebo areas are for rent so get there early to get an area under a big community umbrella or a tree. There are chairs but no lounge chairs to lay out and tan on.
Staff has no people skills here. The manager seems to always be in a mood & the teens running the snack shop have poor attitudes. I stopped hosting bday parties here because they create their own rules separate from what’s posted online or in the contracts with the city when doing so. However my kids still request to come on occasion & I think that’s officially out the door now. I’d rather make the drive to Belton than to come here anymore.
Had my youngest grandson's 3rd birthday here. We all had a blast. All the employees were so nice and helpful. Very clean restrooms. Thank you to everyone.
4.1
(345)
4.0
(54)
1800 E Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen, TX 76542, USA
12Amanda J — Google reviewRandale A — Google reviewKamryn M — Google reviewErika R — Google reviewGreg 2 — Google reviewMz B — Google reviewJAcoB J — Google review•
Topsey Exotic Ranch & Park
Ranch
Zoos & Aquariums
Zoos
We had so much fun! The animals were all so cute and friendly. Much larger than we expected. Great way to spend a couple hours with the family!
Ashley H — Google review
Loved it! You drive through and the animals come up to the car and you can feed them. There were deer, zebras, emu, prairie dogs, gazelle, and rams. It was pretty hot outside but well worth the windows down to see all the new editions to the ranch. (the babies) They have a petting zoo. A gift shop with cold drinks and souvenirs. It wasn't too expensive. For 3 people with 3 xl buckets of food was 75$. Well worth the experience of seeing all the beautiful wild (not so wild) life up close and in person. Staff were friendly.
We live coming here, great place to see some exotic animals up close. We rode in the back of the truck to have a more close-up experience. The pretty zoo with goats is pretty fun. Wear closed toe shoes and clothes, you don't mind getting dirty, they'll try to climb on you if you're feeding them.
This was a nice fun family event! My 2 year old enjoyed throwing the food out to the deer. The animals were very sweet.
Just watch out for that huge ostrich/emus. They’ll peck at you or the car.
It is hard to believe that you will see buffalos in the middle of Copperas Cove. This is a cool experiment for children and also adults. You can purchase the food for the animals and feed them as you drive. They have all kinds of animals and they come to your car to feed. The place is pretty big so it takes about an hour to finish. At the end they have a petting zoo filled with goats that you can pet. This place is an amazing experience for a child who loves animals. The zebras all came to our car to eat and the kids fed them. All the kids were thrilled but don’t forget to buy the food otherwise they won’t come to your car.
A Good local family outing place to show the children... it is best to have a vehicle with the doors open and drive slowly through. Like a suv, van, or truck with the tailgate down...
yes, I would recommend to others...
✌🏽😉
I love going to Topsey it is always a fun day for me and the kids. I was able to see all my favorite animals today and had a blast. Your never to old for the Topsey Ranch. Can't wait for the Camel to come back. I'm ready. 😁
Loved the place. Came with a toddler and he loved as much as he could see. Lots to explore and will definitely visit again when he's older.
4.7
(2268)
4.5
(125)
945 Co Rd 118, Copperas Cove, TX 76522, USA
13Brandon C — Google reviewAdd N — Google reviewDaeLynn K — Google reviewJaime T — Google reviewLiz W — Google reviewNikki G — Google reviewThomas L — Google review•
1st Cavalry Division Museum
Museum
Military Museums
Great museum, saw a lot of great history in there that I was not aware of. Good displays for the kids and very interactive.
Jeremy E — Google review
Maybe post this somewhere other than the door? My son and I drove an hour to be greeted by a paper note. Unreal in this digital era….
Awesome for a day in summer when it's just too hot. Plenty of displays and interactive pieces to watch. Loved it!
This was such an amazing place. My boyfriend was in the army and took me to see some of the satellites he knew about and used. My grandfather was a mortar gunner and seeing the things he used made me choked up. This was a beautiful experience and I'll never forget it.
Loved how well organized this place is. Very nice staff, there to answer any questions and it is free to visit and no id required to enter, just sign in.
The staff was great. The scavenger hunt they have set up for kids is such a smart idea. We were able to explore while they were finding clues.
Truly enjoyed walking around taking pictures of all the historic tanks and planes. The museum is small but still nice to get sense of history. Great spot for veterans and children.
Much larger on the inside than it appeared from the outside. My whole family had s as great time learning a bit of history.
4.7
(518)
4.5
(24)
105 Trooper Lp, Fort Cavazos, TX 76544, USA
14Richard M — Google reviewNatalia O — Google reviewSara W — Google reviewAmanda C — Google reviewMariela R — Google reviewLauren — Google reviewRenee M — Google review
Walker Honey Farm
affordable
Honey farm
Family-owned business since 1930 with a retail store offering honey, gourmet foods & gifts.
Just received my order from Walker Honey Farm! The packing was excellent. I believe I could have dropped it from the roof and it would have still been unharmed (but I’m not going to test that theory). Let’s stick with excellent! I have a pallet for honey and the two flavors I bought do not disappoint. They are absolutely delicious! I do not live in their area, but I found the prices to be very reasonable and the shipping as well. I eat honey from local small businesses and other small businesses throughout the state of Texas every day! I highly recommend Walker Honey Farms. Thank you Walker Honey Farm.
Buffalos W — Google review
A very amazing
Store. That provides knowledge on how bees perform they duties on making honey. Staff is very educated and very friendly & helpful.
We found Walker Honey Farm just a month after moving to Temple, TX, and we are so happy we did! This place is truly a local gem. Their honey is absolutely delicious — you can taste the quality and care in every drop. One of our favorite things is the option to bring your own jar and fill up on their tap honey — it’s eco-friendly and fun!
The farm store is filled with an amazing variety of products: beeswax items, handmade soaps, and so much more. It’s the perfect spot to pick up unique gifts or natural treats for yourself. You can tell they’re passionate about what they do, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
We’re all about supporting local businesses, and Walker Honey Farm is now our top spot for everything honey-related. It’s a must-visit — you’ll be hooked in no time!
We drove down to visit this place at my mother's request for her birthday. This made for a nice little day trip from Fort Worth. The farm has a huge store full of all sorts of honey goodness in all kinds of flavors. They even have massive urns where you can pour your own. I absolutely loved the orange blossom honey. My favorite feature, though, has to be the window into one of their bee colonies. The comb is visible and you can safely watch the bees doing their thing. We ended up doing the wine tasting and cheese tray. I usually love mead, but honestly there were very few flavors I liked. Most were VERY strong, and I ended up drinking them like shots to get it over with. Seating is all outside, which was a bit warm. I do wish they had indoor seating. I would like to go back and give it another go, as I do love mead. I just need to find the right one for me.
Prepare to be charmed, delighted, and utterly swept away by the sweet wonders of Dancing Bee Honey Farm! Stepping into their store is like entering a haven of golden delights, where the air is thick with the promise of natural goodness and the genuine warmth of a family-run business.
The sheer assortment of honey flavors on offer is truly impressive, each jar a testament to the bees' incredible artistry and the farm's dedication to quality. Beyond the amber hues, you'll discover a delightful array of homemade salsa, soothing soaps, and even a collection of books, making it a perfect spot to find a unique gift or simply treat yourself.
For the young and the young-at-heart, the free samples are an absolute highlight. Get ready to experience the pure joy of tasting fresh honeycomb – a revelation in texture and flavor! And for a truly unique and refreshing experience, don't miss their honey root beer; it's a delightful twist on a classic that both kids and adults will adore.
The real magic for the grown-ups begins with their exquisite selection of wine and mead. I ventured into their offerings and was utterly captivated. For those with a sweet tooth, the Moscato is an absolute dream, a luscious and undeniably delightful choice. Close behind in its alluring sweetness is the Strawberry Rose, a fragrant and beautifully balanced option that's perfect for a relaxed afternoon. And for the mead purist, their Traditional Mead is a sure winner for any connoisseur.
Dancing Bee Honey Farm isn't just a store; it's an experience. It's a celebration of nature's bounty, a testament to passionate craftsmanship, and a place where every visit leaves you feeling a little bit sweeter. Do yourself a favor and buzz on over – you won't be disappointed!
Bees and honey were always part of my childhood, my father and my grandparents loved that work from which I learned a lot. And the Walker Honey Farm brought back many memories. It's an amazing place.
We really enjoyed our visit and would highly recommend! Wine and honey tastings, charcuterie treats and the nicest host took great care of us. Thank you!
We bring our own quart and Gallon glass containers and get honey here. There is a selection to choose from and everyone is very helpful.
15Gregory O — Google reviewApril Y — Google reviewPatricia A — Google reviewCarole J — Google reviewAnonymous — Google reviewChris M — Google reviewBrent B — Google review
Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum
Mentioned on
Museum
Event venue
History Museums
The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum is a delightful destination for families and individuals alike, offering an engaging glimpse into the world of railroads. While it may be compact, this museum is thoughtfully organized with a variety of fascinating artifacts and exhibits that cater to both young children and adults. Visitors can explore interactive displays, climb aboard train cars including an engine and caboose, and enjoy outdoor views of an active rail yard. The museum also hosts monthly family days filled with fun activities like crafts and astronomy for kids.
Very nice museum with plenty of railroad artifacts inside. You can go on, in, and through some actual trains, caboose, and passenger cars. My family enjoyed it. It's next to a busy train yard to watch them slowly go by.
James M — Google review
Fun family oriented museum. Scavenger hunt. Lots of cool things to view and you can even explore the trains cars out on the tracks. The interactive section of the museum was a little messed up from overzealous kids not being watched by their parents. The typewriter was actively being destroyed while we were there by a young child. Had to pick up typewriter keys off the ground and reattach them when they stepped away. Close to downtown Temple as well. Good place to walk when you are finished.
Such a great spot! My 3-year-old was obsessed. A lot of interactive areas to poke around in and try new things. It’s super engaging, calm enough for toddlers, and we could’ve stayed for hours.
I went to see the opening of the graffiti gallery and had a Wonderful time! I enjoyed hearing the artist/ photographer talk about his work and thought process. Thank you so much for letting us look around the other parts of the museum. Lots of hands on activities!
I returned here again this year for my Birthday Photo shoot. It's so rich with railroad history and I have a few favorite places. We didn't do the Waterpark this year but I still enjoyed the shoot.....I'm HEADED SOMEWHERE!!!
(Photo Credits: SkyLens Imagery & Patrick Rayson, Temple, TX)
Love this place. It's so cool. They have seasonal events, too! Pretty neat.
There's a room up top where you have a giant window and you can even see the trains departing. There's also rooms in the museum where you can type on a type writer and see other interesting old tech up close. I really love demonstrational museums.
Took my kids here, first time for all of us coming to this museum. Very friendly people and atmosphere. Very helpful and my girls had a great time with the picture scavenger hunt while I enjoyed learning. Definitely recommend
Very nice museum. Be sure to go outside to go in the REAL train cars and especially the HUGE Old Steam Engine. Pull to ring the Bell also !
Plus it's close to the Temple rail yard so you get to see the real things, like working train engines moving cars around the yard, and maybe an Amtrak too.
I'll never travel to Waco without this trip planner again
16Gracie Z — Google reviewStacy L — Google reviewAlexandra — Google reviewMichael M — Google reviewRyan J — Google reviewUncle T — Google reviewDustin A — Google review•
Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center
Mentioned on
Museum
History Museums
Nestled in the heart of Temple, Texas, the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center is a delightful gem that beautifully encapsulates the rich tapestry of Texan-Czech culture. This charming museum features stunning mosaic tiles and offers an engaging glimpse into Czech history through its well-curated exhibits, including traditional costumes and captivating stories.
Definitely a stop you shouldn't miss if you are in the area. My wife and I are from Czechoslovakia (it was that when we were born), but you don't have to be to thoroughly enjoy this small museum and its beautiful exhibits.
Ken, the proprietor, will walk you through the history, enlighten you with cool stories of other visitors, and you'll definitely get a lot of recommendations for other Czech-and-Slovak-related sights and activities in the area, such as dance halls, or stores and restaurants with delicious Czech foods. I never knew Texas has such a rich Czech and Slovak history.
The museum itself is very small, so if you only have an hour or two to spare, you can easily get through it, if you walk and read fast.
The museum was not busy at all on Saturday around 1pm (there were only 2 other people there). It's definitely suitable and exciting for kids too, but keep in mind that there are things within reach they shouldn't touch and handle.
The exhibits on 'loutky' (puppets), 'kroje' - the traditional clothing, and old farm and household equipment from the Old World is pretty neat to see (in great condition, too).
They dedicated a few exhibits to the Sokol athletic movement, Tomáš Gariggue Masaryk, Václav Havel, Ján Hus and other statesmen, and influential figures.
Peter B — Google review
Best tour guide around! A wealth of knowledge. So glad we stopped by this interesting place!
This museum is beautiful with beautiful items. I truly enjoyed the items. The gentleman who was going to give us a tour was very nice and passionate about this museum which is a big plus....however very talkative.. just to get through the front part of the museum which should have taken 10 to 15 mins at most took almost 30 minutes. I kind of was bored after all these dates and facts. 2 people entered the museum after we started so we had to wait for him to catch them up and go through everything he just told us. Well then we were gonna go to the next part and watch a 9 minute video but the tour guide and the 2 other people got to talking and wouldn't stop. My mom and I walked around the entire museum. 30 to 45 minutes later he came and found us at the end of the museum and ushered us back to watch the video. We left after that. Kind of a waste to go back through the museum again. My guess is the complete tour takes 2 to 3 hrs so make sure you make enough time to visit
I loved learning about the Czech culture and how they got here in Texas, the owner, Im assuming thats who he was, was really helpful and informative. would highly recommend if you want to learn about Czech-Texan history
I had a lovely visit to the museum today. I ended up gabbing with the docent for a good 30 minutes, but we shared some interesting connections to the Czech culture (I am not Czech). One particularly impressive part of the collection was the assortment of marionettes that are a good 150 years old but still in great condition with intricate detailing. For the low admission fee, it's worth a visit.
Very well educated staff. Found out my family came over on a boat and ported in Galveston. It was very well put together with a lot of Czech paintings and art. I really enjoyed myself and plan on being back for another visit real soon.
Nice little museum. The elderly museum worker talked my ear off and wouldn't stop. I avoided him on the way out. Other than that it's worth a visit on a 'nothing to do' day.
The video had an interesting fact. I always thought that traditional Mexican music sounded similar to the German Polka music my dad listen to when I was growing up. In the video it explains that Czech Polka and Mexican bands played together and influenced each other. So that explains the similarity. :-)
Checklsovakia History Museum
4.7
(93)
4.5
(40)
119 W French Ave, Temple, TX 76501, USA
17Nadine N — Google reviewBarb K — Google reviewDarnell D — Google reviewCTX T — Google reviewNed G — Google reviewStephanie R — Google reviewBo W — Google review•
The Last Drive-In Picture Show
Drive-in movie theater
Fun & Games
Movie Theaters
Classic drive-in theater offering double features of first run movies & a snack bar.
A fantastic time for me and my son! We made it to town from Austin with just enough time to get a room and make it to the movie on time. His first double feature and his first drive-in experience. A thunderstorm rolled in and the box office lost power to the movie and sound but everything was re-established in a timely manner and backed up to a short time before the power went out. No harm - no foul. The storm added an additional touch to a fun time. Thanks for having this place!!
Robert W — Google review
Run down, over grown with weeds by the bathrooms . Ugly . Feels like you are parked in a trashy run down abandoned parking lot . Obstructed views .Oh my goodness ! Stay at home and get a pizza from CiCis. Candy selection is scarce. There are these 2 small long buildings right in the center front of the screen that need to be moved . Dumbest ideal to put them right there. With a little tlc,this place would be so cool. The owners dont know what they could have. That long building with the projector needs to be cleaned and weeded around and shortened. Or Hint - tear it down ! Everything here is off. A diamond in the rough. $10 dollars for 2 movies is ok but really,no ones sitting through 2. And you dont have the choice to say I only want 1 . My kids wanted to leave time we got there because it didnt look safe at all but we endured. Turned out to be a goodish experience every kid should have at least once. Just find a better one to go to.
.So bring your off mosquito spray because mosquitos are living large with these overgrown weeds right by the car. Help in the front are ok. They donot take debit cards. Only cash or venmo. The atm machine in their office is very hard to see and use. Be prepared to pony up $2.50 to get your cash out . Bring your own food and drinks...and sence of humor and you'll be just fine.
Quaint Family drive in. Low prices. One screen. Clean bathrooms. Small snack shop with all the snacks. The mini gulf needs a face lift but everything else there encompasses a perfect drive in experience.
First time at I drive in! This place has mini golf, an indoor theater playing different movies and plenty of room for you and your crew to roll in and post up… real cool
Great place for the family. 2 movies for $10. Bathrooms and snack bar inside. Could use a little updating. Prices are fair. Listen to the movies from your car radio. Bring lawn chairs and a blanket for the ground. Pillows and blankets for a suv or truck. Get there first so you can pick your spot. Great hidden gem. We’ll be back
These folks were wonderful hosts for the 2024 eclipse. The facilities are clean, the snacks are very good, and the mini golf course was fun. Wish we could come back for a movie!
My boyfriend took me here to see the new Minions movie The rise of Gru. I don't like leaving my dog at home and we were able to bring her also. It cost $10 for a car load. We got a great parking spot up close to the screen. The food was very reasonably priced! I got a large soda, extra large buttery popcorn, and nachos with cheese and jalapenos and it only cost $9.00. They also have pizza, hot dogs, all sorts of candy and some other things that I can't remember. The bathroom are kinda outdated but don't really feel it's fair to rate them on that. We go to see the movie not the bathrooms. I feel it shouldn't matter if it's a five star bathroom as long as the viewing of the movie is. Also they do at least keep them clean. The only problem we had was the car in front of us was parked backwards so they could sit in the back part of their van. They couldn't figure out at first how to turn their auto-headlights off with the van running. But my boyfriend helped them and the movie was great after that. À lot of people go there and have tailgate barbecues and bring their chairs and everything. It's a great place to bring kids also.
Awesome place to go not many out there anymore. Cheap price for a double feature decently priced drinks and snacks. Also have putt putt
4.6
(952)
4.5
(32)
2912 TX-36, Gatesville, TX 76528, USA
18Kaitlin B — Google reviewAshley V — Google reviewRoamer222 — Google reviewCheri F — Google reviewSeaGreen S — Google reviewSeyyed A — Google reviewDavid — Google review•
Mother Neff State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
Park
Texas's first state park, with woodland trails, a limestone river basin & prairie, plus campsites.
Small but very clean and beautiful State Park.
We had a full hookups pull through perfectly level on a concrete slab! Dang near perfect for a state park. Nina Bonifer was outstanding. The best state park employee I have ever interacted with!
We hiked most of the trails and enjoyed our stay. My only negative would be that bikes are not allowed on the trails. . No big deal but my mountain bike sat chained to a tree for three days.
I would definitely visit her again!
Island M — Google review
On the smaller side, this Texas State Park offers lots of history. It's arguably the oldest Texas State Park, and there is a lot of CCC history still preserved today as well. The park offers some short hikes that offer some mild rocky hiking, and not just flat dirt trails. The tower's view is nice, at least for the roughly Waco area. It made for a pleasant day trip.
Beautiful state park! We only had about an hour and a half to explore (part of the park was closed), but we managed to see quite a bit and really enjoyed it. It was a fun little stop before heading to our main destination. Main restrooms next to the entrance was very clean. Lots of sight seeing, terrain, and bugs and birds to see. Bonus points — we were out catching Pokémon and the park had tons of PokéStops, which made the visit even better. 🤣
Great park for RV camping with close proximity to Waco for tourist attractions. Full hook ups, very clean facilities and well maintained trail system. This is an awesome park. If you like stargazing there is very little light pollution. The only con is that the road noise is actually pretty intense at times but definitely shouldn’t deter you from staying.
Beautiful little park. Very well kept and quiet. Staff were super nice. Only 2 small ponds, but the road to the river was closed due to flooding so maybe there’s riverfront there, not sure. Lots of trees and shade! I think it was too hot for most wildlife, but saw lots of dragonflies though!
This is a beautiful state park. It's small, but don't let that discourage you from visiting. It has a rich history that's explained in the welcome center. You will not want to miss the informative exhibits that explain its backstory, including how it got its name. The staff were extremely friendly and made me feel welcomed instead of just a number. The cave was AMAZING, by far my favorite part. Make sure you don't touch the brown patches on the ceiling; it is daddy long leg SPIDERS huddled together.
I cannot say it’s the best state park in Texas but I really enjoyed and liked it. It’s a small park though. My favorite part was the rock tower and the cave reminded me of home. Definitely worth the visit.
This is a fun little state park! It's one of the easier sets of trails that I've hiked, however it's still a beautiful walk. The history behind this park is really sweet too. Governor Neff pushed for his mother and fathers donated land to become the first Texas State Park, and here it is!
4.7
(1261)
4.5
(54)
1921 State Park Rd 14, Moody, TX 76557, USA
19Lorne M — Google reviewStacie C — Google reviewJuan R — Google reviewElizabeth C — Google reviewAshton T — Google reviewScott T — Google reviewJose R — Google review
Kissing Tree Vineyards
Winery
Food & Drink
Italian restaurant
Wedding venue
Wineries & Vineyards
I’ve been out to the new location for this winery several times now. It is quiet and comfortable and perfect for me and a friend to just sit and enjoy some wine. Also great for groups as they have more seating in the back of the large building! The owner, Crystal was so friendly and very helpful and knowledgeable.
There were even baby sheep out next to the building! So pretty out there, especially around sunset.
Chelsea G — Google review
New location but same awesome wines. They moved to the vineyard for their wine venue! Not close but worth the drive. The wine club dinners are same as 5 star restaurant! Customer service is fast and friendly! Owners are such friendly people! It’s a must go and see location!
My boyfriend and I stopped here on a whim while traveling back from Dallas, and this is a gorgeous 3 part venue with a wine area, a lounge area and a dining area. The decor and atmosphere are beautiful and the owner, Christopher is friendly and very helpful with choosing wines. The Cabernet was my favorite wine. They have dinner service on Saturday evenings.
We really enjoyed this place!! The wine was great. The staff was knowledgeable and kind.
The art gallery and old fashioned bank was worth it. We would definitely come back!!
We stopped in from a day trip we took. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The selections of wines are really good. I recommend the First Kiss wine. The ambiance is cozy and relaxing. They also serve 4 course dinner on Saturdays. It's a shame I don't live closer by otherwise I'd be a regular.
Great and quaint little winery with a lot of history. You don't want to miss out on the wine tasting experience.
Found this winery during a road trip!! I said winery but in fact it’s more than that. It’s also a live concert venue, an artist sanctuary and former early 20th century bank remodeled into a winery. The service was awesome, I was so welcomed by the sommelier Rachel! My favorite was the Merlot!! Highly recommended!!
Let me start by saying this is not an expert opinion. In regards to visiting vineyards in the local area this i would have to say this is one vineyard you can overlook. I bought the bottle that is pictured and I knew somthing was not going to be good the second I started uncorking it as the the cork started to Crack and about 1/3 of the way the cork started spinning as the cork did not have a good seal to the bottle. Once uncorked you can tell the bottle has been kept in the upright postion since 2018 as the bottom of the cork had no discoloration to it. Now to the wine itself, the first smell was a reminder of nail polish remover and unfortunately the taste was not far behind that. I love the local wines and try to support them and I really wanted to like Kissing Tree. Maybe it was this batch and maybe there other wines are better. Unfortunately for $29 I feel robbed.
20Nancy C — Google reviewConi J — Google reviewCTX T — Google reviewJAY 0 — Google reviewDiana B — Google reviewJerry B — Google reviewDonna J — Google review•
Cedar Chest Mall
Antique store
Shopping
New Review- Cedar Chest Mall is still such an amazing antique shop. Takes hours to walk around and check out each booths goodies. This place has everything you're looking for, antique wise. Enjoyed my second visit, just as magical as my first visit.
Older Review- I'm sure in one of my older reviews I mentioned how I love antique shops, I'll say it again, I definitely love perusing antique shops. Cedar Chest Antique Mall has to be, hands down, the biggest antique shop I have ever visited. This place is massive. Expect to be here for hours walking through vendor area after vendor area checking out all the cool, unique antique items. I ended up buying two, cool items and there was still, so much more items worth bringing home. Friendly staff, fair (at times really cheap) prices on the thousands of items for sale. If your in McGregor, TX and you want to kill some time, check this place out you will not be disappointed. Now, if your like me and you love visiting antique shops, this place is a must stop for you.
Michael O — Google review
Went just to look around and it made my day because a lot of the stuff reminded me of my grandma so it made my day. Spent a good 4 hours in there.
The most exciting shopping ever! The place is so big and so much to see. I happen to have a booth there, stop by #139. They also play great music while you’re shopping!
I would give three stars but my fiancé is convincing me other wise. This place was very large and full of vintage, antique stuff. All types of stuff. But I do question how vintage and antique some of this stuff is. $5 for an empty soy sauce bottle that would be found on a table at a Chinese buffet, wasn’t vintage or antique. $12 for a old cooking book that was just…old. $650 for furniture that was missing a knob or two. Don’t get me wrong not all things are like this. But you’ll find some.
The absolute best antique mall that we’ve ever been to hands down. The selection and customer service was amazing and the prices were great too. If you’re in Waco, make sure you stop in. Just give yourself a couple of hours to shop. It’s that big 😳
I think we spent three hours checking out all the booths. There is a lot to see if you like vintage items. Bought two mid century Siamese cat figurines and a non-working German Black Forest cuckoo clock. My husband has already spent four hours working on the clock and is making decent progress. There were other items I wanted to purchase but did not take the truck on this trip. I really like this establishment and plan to return in the near future.
Come check out this place. I know the guy who has booth #79. He actually has 6 booths on site. He is very reasonably priced. Worth the drive. Some of the attached pics are from booth #79.
This is still the best antique mall in central Texas. They have 30,000 SF of treasures. Go early so you have time to peruse through all the great booths. Worth the drive from Dallas, Austin or Houston. I found some great side tables as a sample of their stock. So many great finds. Happy hunting.
I go pretty regularly. I love it!! It always changes with new and different things. The people who run the place are great. Friendly and willing to help. Saturdays you can meet alot of the vendors. It's grwat
4.7
(474)
4.5
(34)
31707 US-84, McGregor, TX 76657, USA
I'll never travel to Waco without this trip planner again
21Jeffrey J — Google reviewKim H — Google reviewGeorge S — Google reviewRobert C — Google reviewRita F — Google reviewNancy E — Google reviewGlenn — Google review
Falls On the Brazos Park
Park
Nature & Parks
Cafe
Convenience store
Watch for snakes!!! Very cool spot with hidden histories. I saw 6 water moccasins in my visit. The old low water crossing is a great example too of why rebar is important in concrete lol.
Mason V — Google review
Great little park. Decent play ground equipment. Falls aren’t much for sight-seeing but nice nature walks and things. Store/cafe doesn’t seem to be used much anymore. Bathrooms are usable but a bit run down (typical public park bathrooms). Park manager is super nice, talked to him a bit.
You can reserve the pavilion and camp here. The phone doesn’t always work. He said if that happens, call the correctional facility (aka prison) nearby and they should be able to patch you through.
First: I have been to the Falls probably 200 times in the past 18 years. I have NEVER seen a poisonous snake there. There are some watersnakes there sometimes but they are harmless. This place is an amateur naturalists heaven. If the water is low you can wade and see all kinds of aquatic wildlife, fowl and even the occasional otter or beaver. And of course deer. A real hidden gem for the true outdoor enthusiast.
Pretty trashed facilities but the falls were nice
I remember our Dad actually driving our car over and through the Falls/Brazos River, back in the early 1960’s!
It was very slippery walking across to the other side of “The Falls River”!
Maintenance badly needed - sunken concrete picnic tables/benches
Location by river 5*, very quiet, lovely view of Brazos. County park employee very polite. Entrance diff to find d/t sign 90% blocked by overgrown bush. Wud have given 5* if upkeep addressed.
Large playground.
This was one of the best places to come to go cool off and enjoy cookouts and all your friends would be here. I haven't been out there in years because they charge you to go in and the main reason is that the back side was sold! And the rights to the river and the state county road to the river has been cut off to the public! I don't understand how a state park can number taken from the people if the town. And why didn't tax payers get a say so? I just saw what was done to the only place we had to go to that have fun is ruined!!
As another reviewer mentioned maintenance could be better. The grass has been mowed recently, and the dirt roads are easily accessible by car. My favorite part though is my campsite overlooking the falls. Additionally there is a bathroom with a hot shower. What more could you ask for?
22Patricia K — Google reviewHailey F — Google reviewBonnie M — Google reviewErika B — Google reviewD N — Google reviewBrittany R — Google reviewJill C — Google review•
JDH Iron Designs
Home goods store
Shopping
Gift & Specialty Shops
Gee I wish there was a higher rating than 5 on Google Maps because I'd give JDH Iron Designs 100 stars without hesitation. While visiting Waco last week, I knew that I wanted to take a ride to Crawford, TX, to visit Jimmy Don's shop. So, Saturday, 7/30/2018. The drive was beautiful and once we arrived, we met a very sweet young lady behind the desk and a kind gentleman who was also working with her.
We browsed the store and purchased a few in-stock items and also placed an order for two other custom items. We overheard another customer ask if Jimmy Don was there and apparently he was expected any minute. Since we began chatting with the other couple who had come in, we decided that we'd hang out for awhile as well.
Sure enough, Jimmy Don arrived about 45 minutes after we had arrived. He apologized over and over that we had waited so long for him. Believe me, the pleasure of meeting Jimmy Don was well worth it. A nicer more humble gentleman we have NEVER met. He stood and talked with us and the other couple for about 20 minutes and was so kind to sign two pieces that we bought. The custom pieces will also be signed when they are completed.
Jimmy Don shared freely about how he came to know and work with Joanna & Chip Gaines and Fixer Upper. I love the fact that their working relationship was sealed with a handshake. Also, he shared that Joanna & Chip are wonderful, honest and down-to-earth people and it's clear that they are friends as well.
It was amazing to meet Jimmy Don and talk with him and take a few pictures. He clearly enjoys greeting and talking with people who come to the shop and find out where they are from. It is wonderful to know that true gentlemen do still exist and that Jimmy Don is an honorable man who's word is his bond and a handshake seals the deal. This man is a true blessing.
Jimmy Don, if you and your family are ever in the Winchester, VA area again, our door is open and I will be happy to feed you. Feel free to call. God Bless you and your family.
M D — Google review
Thank you JDH for the beautiful sign. My friend got all teary eyed when she opened it. It's going to be hung at her ranch that she calls the "Happy Place", a haven for her family and a place she generously shares with her friends. I am so impressed with the level of craftsmanship, detail, and professional/courteous service at JDH. Thank you for making this gift extra special and correcting the proofs to make it 100% perfect. I was so thrilled to speak with JDH himself as I have admired his work throughout the years on Fixer Upper. This sign is made to last and surely will!
What a great experience! It was about 20 minutes outside of Waco, but well worth it! The land was beautiful. It's a big place with more than enough parking. The shop inside was fairly small but had a wide variety of items ranging from $20ish and up. Items can be shipped or custom ordered. The viewing window in the back was neat. Jimmy Don came out to meet the customers. Never met such a humble and down to earth kind of guy. He stood and talked with us for about 20 mins. If your anywhere near Waco this is definitely worth the trip.
Everyone was helpful and friendly, Audrey was great! Best part of my visit so far!! Jimmy Don has a delightful personality!
I ordered my custom design on 10/21/23 during Silobration. I approved the proof on 12/1/23 since the paperwork stated it takes 2-4 weeks for JDH Iron Designs to turn around proofs. After waiting over 9 weeks since approving my design, I received my custom sign on 2/6/24. Unfortunately, I did not receive the design I approved. I immediately emailed JDH Iron Designs and included photo documentation of the error. I also followed up with a phone call. I expressed in my email and in my phone conversation with the individual who answered my call, that not only did I want the sign corrected, but I requested a partial refund due to the error and excessive wait time of nearly 4 months. The individual shared that he would speak to his manager and follow up with me. It has been over a week and the only resolution I have received is today I was emailed that another sign is on the way. JDH Iron Designs' customer service leaves a lot to be desired. The difference between good and bad customer service is simply letting customers know they matter by responding in a timely matter with empathy and kindness, especially when your business fails at providing the design that was ordered.
Always a great experience, and we spend too much money every single time. We have been lucky enough that each time we have shopped at the store or the trailer, Jimmy Don was there, he is very friendly and can really tell a story. I can't imagine you entering this place and not finding something that you "need", the trick is getting out of the shop without needing too much. The drive out is always nice and relaxing, I recommend making a couple of wrong turns to make it last a little longer.
Thank you JDH, you have a great staff.
We drove all the way from Florida to pick up my custom made sign. Communicated vis email with Chris for months with the design and timing for when we would make our trip there. Chris was very helpful and responsive the entire time. The sign is beautiful and Jimmy Don was very gracious to sign it for us. Great experience, great people, worth the trip!!
Just left JDH Iron Designs. It's a little bit of a drive from waco but so worth it. Got there and did some shopping. Bought a couple beautiful pieces and getting ready to order a couple of custom orders. Jimmy Don came out to say hello and spent 15 minutes with us and took pictures. What a humble, kind and genuinely sweet man. Told us his story. This kind of success couldn't have happened to a nicer man. Thank you for making our trip a memorable one!!
4.8
(90)
5.0
(29)
9685 N Lone Star Pkwy, Valley Mills, TX 76689, USA
23John V — Google reviewPatrick S — Google reviewLilly W — Google reviewTanner L — Google reviewDon W — Google reviewBarbara S — Google reviewErica — Google review
Red Caboose Winery Clifton
Winery
Food & Drink
Wineries & Vineyards
Very nice experience! Calm and relaxed room, peaceful. The lady from Rhode island was friendly and professional. Drinks mixed well...frankly surprised they had mixed drinks and thankful they did! Sampled many wines, variety of tastes. Can find something u like...
Mike S — Google review
Charming place to sample local wines and spirits from their vineyard in Meridian, Texas. I think the live-edge tasting bar adds is own charm. There's some really wonderful flavors Temp, Merlot, Sharaz that goes well with their charcuterie board matched with bread and flavor olive oil. If your not into wines, please go for the jalapeno or cilantro flavored vodkas. Plus their new bourbon is very good neet. Look for the occasional live music on a Saturdayevening. I'll be back again.
The wine selection was great and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. I really liked their ports. I wand to check out the one in Meridian now!
Hubby and I out day tripping and came across this winery. Well we really enjoyed all the flavors. I highly recommend the frozen Strawberry Rita, very delicious. Plan on going back on a Saturday.
Best winery around lake Whitney. They have a porch you can sit on and the lady will take excellent care of you. I bought a lot of wine and got turnt up.
It gives no pleasure to write negative reviews, to me anyway. But it can be helpful to others. The Red Caboose Winery has a pleasant roomy interior and generally friendly staff and patrons. However, all products I tried were of mediocre quality at best, especially for their price. The price I paid for one item was much higher than that listed. My fault for not questioning this. The spirit flight I tried was VERY lightly poured. I was offered a snack with my tasting that never showed up. The people next to me got one. One item that stood out was their cilantro-infused vodka ... delightful! They have a beautiful painting of some dogs chasing a red caboose. Perhaps symbolic? Sadly, that alone is not a reason to catch this train.
We've been visiting this Clifton winery since it opened. The wines are excellent, and the service is also excellent. The folks there are friends. Just wish they still served soup & sandwiches, but they do offer meat & cheese plates that are a nice accompaniment to any wine they have.
Customer service was absolutely horrible. Not so much as a hello as she stayed to talk to the only other two people in the establishment. Spent forever trying to figure how to read our IDs and then placed them on the counter instead of our hands where we gave them to her. She didn't follow what I asked for in my tasting. I was not fond of the wine. I've only been here once before but we will not be back.
24Christine K — Google reviewPatricia — Google reviewBianca M — Google reviewJoseph A — Google reviewJohnny S — Google reviewAmanda K — Google reviewPatricia C — Google review
Dr Pepper Museum
Mentioned on
Museum
Historical landmark
The Dr Pepper Museum, located in a 1906 bottling plant, is a nonprofit gallery dedicated to exploring the history and memorabilia of soft drinks. It showcases the legacy of Dr. Pepper, one of the oldest and most iconic soft drinks globally, created before Coca-Cola. The museum offers visitors an opportunity to delve into the brand's history through various activities such as making soda, tasting different flavors, and exploring paranormal encounters.
I had an amazing experience at the Dr Pepper Museum, thank y’all so much for making this Birthday another amazing, very special day. To me that means a lot, y’all had an awesome, friendly staff, great flavor selection for the Soda Laboratory/Make-A-Soda. The Staff Gave Me A Birthday Pin To Go and I absolutely love it! I’m all here for it! Thank y’all again! Oh! And if y’all need an extra face or spokes person for Dr Pepper, well I’m the man!
Jonathan B — Google review
We visited as part of a conference held at the Waco Convention Center so we were not charged admission. But if we were charged admission, I would say that it is worth it. The museum tells the history of Dr. Pepper, including the original artesian well that provided the water for a time. Be sure to check out the gift shop for some really clever souvenirs. The soda shop has Dr. Pepper drinks for sale as well as U.S. history. Specifically, the shop has exhibits on the civil rights movement and sit-ins at lunch counters, as well as the history of women in the workplace. Both museums are really well done.
We had a great time visiting the Dr Pepper Museum! It was both fun and educational with lots of interesting history about one of America’s most iconic sodas. The exhibits were well put together and easy to follow with a nice mix of artifacts, photos, and interactive features. One of the best parts? We got a free soda at the end and it was delicious, ice cold, and made the experience even sweeter. If you’re a fan of soda history or just looking for a unique activity, this museum is definitely worth the visit.
It was fascinating to learn interesting facts about Dr Pepper. The experience was enjoyable for all ages, evoking nostalgia and featuring captivating vintage ads and bottles. As Dr Pepper enthusiasts, we found this experience to be highly engaging and culminating in an amazing Dr Pepper float.
Enjoyed every moment at the Extreme Dr Pepper Museum. Kevin, our Dr Pepper guide, was full of knowledge and a blast. Being from Hawaii, my wife is the most Pepper of us both. It was worth it all the way! 10/10 Kevin FTW! #BeAPepper
Ok so before you go realize that it is a museum about the local Waco culture and is not directly about the soda brand lol. We thought it was like still active but that's on us. It's really good and not super busy. Some of their things I highly highly recommend a week in advance get reservations because you can't do it with walking up.
You can't beat the price for this cute museum.It was totally fun to check out the history of the Dr. PEPPER- Alot of history... almost too much but, with a quick one hour experience- we didn't make our own soda, but we definitely got a float at the end and it free cup of Dr. Pepper. So it was a fun way to wrap up the experience and tons of picture opportunities between the 2 buildings.
My family and I absolutely loved it! We learned so much cool history, and getting to make our own sodas was such a fun experience. My husband is a huge Dr Pepper fan, and it was awesome to finally understand why 👀😂 everything just clicked!! definitely recommend a visit!
25Tim P — Google reviewJesse H — Google reviewListenThenSee — Google reviewJR T — Google reviewPamela D — Google reviewAmy J — Google reviewLeeanne C — Google review•
Mayborn Museum Complex
Mentioned on
Museum
Science Museums
The Mayborn Museum Complex offers a fascinating exploration of science, natural history, and communications. Visitors can marvel at the 28-foot Pliosaur replica and explore an 1890s village with nine wooden buildings. The museum features themed Discovery Rooms for interactive learning experiences and a Backyard Ecology exhibit with a water table and climbable honeycomb structure. Additionally, there are hands-on activities for children under five in the soft-play area.
They have a pretty cool exhibit on Etruscan stuff right now, so there's something here for every age range. There are play areas upstairs for younger children, as well as exhibits downstairs for more advanced kids; younger kids should still be able to enjoy the exhibits downstairs, they just might not get as much out of it as older kids do. The gift shop is alright; they have lots of the Audubon plush birds! Plus a little area to grab some packaged snacks if you get hungry.
Catsur N — Google review
The Mayborn Museum Complex was a nice stop in Waco, though it wasn’t quite as big as I expected. It’s definitely geared more toward kids, with lots of hands-on activities and discovery rooms that younger visitors will love.
As an adult, I found some of the exhibits a bit underwhelming, but the mammoth display was by far the highlight—really well done and worth the visit just for that section. The staff was friendly, the museum was clean, and everything was easy to navigate.
If you’re visiting with children, you’ll get a lot out of it. For adults traveling without kids, it’s still worth a stop, but you might not spend as much time there as you’d think.
The museum has a lot of activities that children will enjoy. It’s possible to spend more than 3 hours here, plenty of interactive exhibits too.
Awesome place for kids and toddlers. Many hands on for them to touch and be creative. 2nd floor is the must go! We found out too late and only got a little time to go through the exhibitions. Will go again for sure!!
We love this place! Get the membership because it can be used at museums all over the U.S. Including NASA in Houston!! We always visit the new exhibits and we're loving the new art/ craft room upstairs!! Don't miss the outside village! Really fun to bring a pinch and let the kids run out there in the Fall!
Absolutely loved this experience. Will 100% come back on our next Waco visit. It had something for all ages, even my 1 year old was having the time of their life.
The Mayborn Museum Complex hosted a Candlelight Queen Concert. The concert is by reservation and an after hours event. The theme to this one was songs by Queen. It was nice that is was a small group setting. The string quartet put on a great performance.
Always a fun way to spend some time in a kid friendly environment!
4.8
(2171)
4.6
(345)
1300 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76706, USA
I'll never travel to Waco without this trip planner again
26Wil T — Google reviewNicholas I — Google reviewAngela E — Google reviewCaitlin M — Google reviewStephanie W — Google reviewVanessa — Google reviewShyah ( — Google review
Cameron Park Zoo
Mentioned on
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Cameron Park Zoo is a sprawling 52-acre zoo located within Cameron Park along the Brazos River. It is home to over 1,700 animals from 300 different species. The zoo offers various attractions for visitors, including a clear slide through the river otter habitat and a 50,000-gallon aquarium. Children can enjoy activities at Grammy Nells playground area and witness live animal presentations.
Visited this zoo on a spontaneous Friday afternoon trip from Austin and it was very quiet (only saw a few other visitors) which made for a more enjoyable experience! Arrived at 3:30 and the park closes at 5 but still had enough time to see everything! Although some exhibits are under construction like the gibbon lake right when you walk in. Clean, walkable, lots of shade and places to sit, if neeeded. It’s a well-designed zoo with a wide arrange of animals. I especially liked the indoor exhibit with all the snakes, as well as the giraffes and penguins.
Sarah E — Google review
Not sure if it’s because it’s the dead of summer or if it’s because places like this aren’t frequented like they used to be but I was a little sad seeing all the animals hiding from the heat with little fresh water to be seen. Some of the enclosures were cleaner and well kept than others. With that being said the grounds are clean and the facilities are well kept. Staff seemed friendly but didn’t see many people working and staff was very minimal. The zoo is a decent size and is under renovation in many areas. Maybe when these are all done and things reopen it will be a better experience.
Éxcellent zoo experience! The zoo is a great size, we strolled the exhibits for about 3 hours with plenty of time to stop and look. Not too busy either on a Friday afternoon. The animals looked well kept and moderately active, the staff was kind and not invasive at all, and the layout has plenty of restrooms and indoor stops to take a break from the heat if the day. You can pay at the gate ($18/person) and bring your own food and drinks. I really don't have anything bad to say at all. Will be back again!
My primary reason for going to the Cameron Park Zoo was for the Penguin Encounter. It was super cute and our guide, Candice, was awesome. The zoo had some wonderful animals on display 😍 including a 49-year-old elephant in addition to a 31-year-old penguin. Plenty of places to sit & a small hiking trail. You could easily spend a couple hours at this gem.
Cameron Park Zoo is such a great place to visit! Super easy to walk through with tons of amazing animals and a wide variety of exhibits. It’s really toddler-friendly — smooth paths, shaded areas, and plenty to keep little ones entertained. We spent about 2–3 hours walking at a faster pace, and it was the perfect size — not huge, but big enough to wear out my 1.5-year-old! Easily one of my favorite zoos we’ve visited across the country.
Experience was great. A lot of staff around and for the most part everything was very clean. Bathrooms where cleans and dining or sit down areas. Great place for children and easy access ramps for strollers. The signs for information on the animals were clear and easy to explain or understand for children
I’m trying to wrap my head around how this place has anything over 1 star. It has to be the worst “zoo” in history! A few years back I went to this zoo for my oldest child’s field trip. I was traumatized then. The animals were enclosed in tiny spaces and looked depressed. I told myself I would never return. Fast forward to this past week, I found out I was going to go again for my youngest child’s field trip! I did not want to go, but went anyway to accompany her. We were met at the gate by RUDE employees! To our surprise, that’s the only and last place they were seen. There were no employees anywhere else in the park. The animals were discolored and were withering away! The lion, who is supposed to be the “KING” looked like he was a few days away from dying. This zoo is depressing and a cruelty to these poor animals!! Stay away from this place. Also, $18 admission is a joke!
This is one of my favorite zoos ever. The enrichment in the enclosures is great, and the keepers are always so kind and educational.
Side note: The chicken tender combo from the cafe is fantastic! I didn't expect it to be as good as it was. Large portions, made fresh, and great quality.
27Michael S — Google reviewJoe E — Google reviewKaela J — Google reviewJeff L — Google reviewKnolly W — Google reviewLeonardo G — Google reviewTamara O — Google review•
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum
Mentioned on
Heritage museum
Museums
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum in Waco, Texas, is a tribute to the legendary lawmen who have served and protected the region since 1823. The museum, established in 1968, showcases over 20,000 artifacts including firearms, badges, saddles and uniforms used by the rangers throughout history. It also features an extensive collection of fine art depicting early Western life.
The Texas Ranger Museum in Waco offers a fascinating dive into the rich history of the Rangers, tracing their roots from the early days of cowboys and Native American encounters and the evolution of the revolver to modern crime scene investigation methods. This is the perfect spot to explore their storied past, with well-curated exhibits that bring their legacy to life. A must-visit for every cowboy at heart!
Madelyn S — Google review
I’ve been wanting to come here for many years to check it out, and never had been able to until today!
The many exhibits of firearms from past and present Rangers are a big part of the Rangers history. They also had several items from the old Lone Ranger TV show , and even a few from Walker, Texas Ranger on display.
If you are a fan of history, it’s a great place to come visit!
I loved it. I haven't visited in 20 years and was excited to take my grandchildren this time. It has expanded so much and the exhibits were really nice. The scavenger hunt was fun and kept the kids engaged.
We visited the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame as part of a homeschool outing and were truly impressed! The museum is much larger than it looks from the outside, with so much to see and learn. The exhibits are fascinating, and the introductory video was excellent—very informative and engaging.
While we were part of a larger group (mostly from Fort Worth), we want to sincerely apologize for the rowdy and disrespectful behavior from many in that group. They were not part of our personal homeschool circle, and we were honestly embarrassed by the noise and lack of manners.
Despite the challenges, our tour guide was incredibly patient and kind the entire time. She handled the situation with grace and continued the tour with professionalism and warmth. We really appreciated her and the whole experience.
We also enjoyed browsing the gift shop and picked up some great items. We’re already planning to come back again next year on our own. Highly recommend for anyone interested in Texas history!
Great visit, takes an hour and a half easy. Could take 2 hours of you like to read everything. Very cool displays and lots of old guns, knives and swords
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco is a must-visit! The video presentation was outstanding—it didn’t shy away from sharing the good, bad, and ugly of Texas Ranger history, which made for an informative and engaging experience. The entire museum is exceptionally clean, well-organized, and easy to navigate. The exhibits are well done and packed with fascinating artifacts that bring history to life. It’s a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something unique to do in Waco, I highly recommend stopping by!
Wonderful place to take your family. It’s always good to learn about the history of every place.
So much interesting information. One could easily spend 2 plus hours here, especially if you watch the documentary.
4.7
(3139)
4.6
(1147)
100 Texas Ranger Trail, Waco, TX 76706, USA
28Dan M — Google reviewS F — Google reviewKenneth B — Google reviewElham P — Google reviewRosie R — Google reviewHoward ( — Google reviewHeather C — Google review•
Waco Suspension Bridge
Mentioned on
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
The Waco Suspension Bridge, a historic landmark in Texas, was built in 1870 and was the longest of its kind west of the Mississippi at that time. It spans the Brazos River and consists of over 3 million bricks. The bridge offers picturesque views during both day and night, with the river reflecting moonlight after dark. Originally constructed for cattle, travelers, soldiers, and settlers, it now only allows pedestrian traffic.
We really enjoyed spending time at the suspension bridge. It's handicap accessible. The bronze statues were so real looking. They almost take you back in time. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this place.
William J — Google review
Great bridge to visit when in Waco. So much history in one single place.
One can only imagine how it was crossing the river before the bridge was build.
Today the bridge is well maintained and easy to walk. There are great views to the west and east, and you can walk the nearby parks along both sides of the river.
We walked it a Saturday near lunch. Not to many people. And when you walk it from south to north you end up at a farmer’s market.
The kind of bridge that is reminiscent of something from the East Coast. To which, the builder was from New York. Spanning the Brazos and near to Baylor University and nice hotels, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and much more, this is a sweet suspension bridge featured in a clean and nice little city.
A great place to go at night and enjoy some history of the bridge and the beautiful view night time view is way better than daytime
The Waco Suspension Bridge, completed 155 years ago in 1870 using cables from the builders of the Brooklyn Bridge, was the first major suspension bridge in Texas. Spanning 475 feet across the Brazos River, it served the public for over 100 years—carrying cattle, wagons, and pedestrians—until it closed to vehicles in 1971 and now stands as a scenic pedestrian landmark.
Beautiful place to walk, great sculptures, park around is great right on brazos rover
Nice walk, although some of the riverbanks are under water. Texas having a rough time recently with heavy rain.
Simple little walk, with water views, sculptures and impressive architecture.
4.7
(2763)
4.4
(1044)
101 N University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76701, USA
29Shelly E — Google reviewSonia P — Google reviewScott M — Google reviewAshley B — Google reviewTaylor O — Google reviewAbel G — Google reviewAlicia A — Google review•
Cameron Park
Mentioned on
City park
Nature & Parks
Cameron Park in Waco, TX is a sprawling 400-acre park that offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. The park features two rivers, cliffs, playgrounds, and festival areas. It boasts over 20 miles of lush trails that cater to both avid hikers and casual strollers. The trails wind through dense native vegetation and forests, offering scenic beauty at every turn.
Vast trail network with biking trails ranging from green to double-diamond, plenty of great views along the Brazos. I would recommend parking near the playground/bridge or baseball area since usually other spots down the river are full. Be sure to checkout the inner areas, such as the hidden bamboo forest, and beware that even the diamond trails can be challenging for some mountain bikers.
Kishan P — Google review
It was very pretty, but I am training for a marathon so I was hoping what I was told were running trails would have been smoother and had better signs for people like me who are direction challenged. Great for mountain biking or hiking! When I finally made it to the lake , I was much more comfortable, but most of that trail was concrete which is hard on the body. A huge shout out to Adam who ran some with me!
The park was just awesome, the trails and scenery was beautiful! The people! So sweet so welcoming. The river view also beautiful. Highly recommend!
Waco has an amazing gem with this park! We played disc golf and enjoyed the amazing cliff side views.
Nice paved trails and unpaved trails through woody areas. Great river views along the paved paths. Dog friendly on a leash. Lots of shady places to walk, bike, jog.
A beautiful park complimented by the Brazos River... Hiking/Biking trails & lookout points scattered throughout the park that rank amongst the best you'll find anywhere...
Amazing place to be! I came from out of town and was recommended this park. Its a must go!
Beautiful! Not very crowded. It looks like their Frisbee course is cool because they had tons of players. My Mom can't walk far with her bum leg so we loved that you can see so much beauty from the car. We did walk a bit. I loved the animal statues, the amazing views, and the beautiful river.
4.8
(4052)
4.7
(326)
2601 N University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76708, USA
30Jeffery R — Google reviewBelynda W — Google reviewCarol H — Google reviewJenny N — Google reviewShannon W — Google reviewCtine D — Google reviewRuby — Google review•
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Mentioned on
Science museum
Museums
Waco Mammoth National Monument is a significant paleontological site that showcases the in-situ fossils of a herd of Ice Age mammoths and other animals. This national monument, established in 2009 and covering 100 acres, offers guided tours through wooded parkland along the Brazos River to the dig shelter. Visitors can experience the terrain and life during the Ice Age while learning about the discovery of these fossils.
My boyfriend and I stopped here on our way down to Galveston and had a really great time. It only cost a few dollars to get in and we got to take the guided tour and learn all about how these mammoths and other fossils were discovered in this area. We headed to the gift shop and purchased the usual souvenirs (shot glass, magnet) as well as some matching T-shirts and some super cool minerals! Then after that, we hiked on one of the trails and the Rangers weren’t even mad when we came back late because we got lost. 😆 it was a great time, we would recommend for both kids and adult adults alike!
Gina M — Google review
Waco Mammoth National Monument was a really cool and unexpected find. It’s not every day you get to see actual mammoth fossils still in the ground where they were discovered! The covered dig site is the highlight—climate-controlled and well laid out, with elevated walkways so you get a great view of the fossils without disturbing anything.
We took the guided tour, which I highly recommend. Our guide was knowledgeable and made the history feel very alive, explaining how the mammoths likely ended up there and what makes the site so special. There's also a short nature trail and a small visitor center with some interesting displays and a gift shop.
The only reason I'm giving four stars instead of five is the price. For a National Park Service site, it felt a little pricey, especially since the visit is on the shorter side—maybe an hour to 90 minutes total unless you linger. Still, it's a unique and educational stop that’s well worth it if you're in the Waco area. Great for families, history buffs, or anyone who just thinks mammoths are awesome (because they are!).
We stopped in with only 45 minutes of time available and managed to get in the full tour. The tour guide (John Proctor) did an outstanding job- much better than I was expecting. He was informative while also being entertaining. I appreciated his passion.
The walk to the dig site is paved and smooth, mildly hilly. The dig site itself is inside an air conditioned building and is comfortable. There are no restrooms except at the welcome center.
They do have a national park passport stamp station and a reasonably priced gift shop. Parking is free and the tour is only $6 for adults. Absolutely worth the stop! No need to buy tickets in advance.
Just visited the Waco Mammoth National Monument in Texas, and wow, what an unforgettable experience! We got to see real, in-situ fossils of Columbian mammoths from the Ice Age – these massive creatures stood up to 14 feet tall and weighed over 20,000 pounds. It’s the only recorded nursery herd of mammoths in the U.S., discovered back in 1978 by two local teens exploring the area. The site is incredibly well-preserved in a climate-controlled dig shelter, protecting the bones exactly where they were found over 65,000 years ago. It’s like stepping into a time capsule of prehistoric Texas!
The tour guides were fantastic – super patient and knowledgeable, explaining everything from how the mammoths likely died in a flash flood to the ongoing excavations. My kids were absolutely mesmerized, staring wide-eyed at the enormous tusks and skeletons. We even joined the Junior Ranger program, where they earned badges by learning about paleontology. It’s educational, interactive, and perfect for families – not too long or overwhelming, but packed with “wow” moments that spark curiosity about ancient life.
If you’re in Waco or planning a road trip through Texas, this national monument is a must-see. It’s affordable (just $5 entry!), accessible, and combines history, science, and nature in one spot. Pro tip: Go early to beat the crowds and catch the guided tours for the full story. We left feeling amazed and inspired – highly recommend!
Super cool spot in Waco! The mammoth fossils are still in the ground, which makes it way more interesting than just looking at bones in a museum. The place isn’t huge, but the tour guides keep it fun and you actually learn a lot. Trails are easy, kid-friendly, and the whole site feels peaceful. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in Waco.
This place is very cool and one of a kind experience. You don't ever get to see an active dig site, so this was a very unique experience. The walk down is pleasent, the tour guides are very engaging, and the cost is very low to get in.
I am still blown away to have found this hidden gem of a state park so close to us. It was such a fun place to explore for not only us adults, but for our little ones too. The dig site was such a cool thing to experience. Kind of wild to see real life mammoth bones along with other wildlife bones so up close and personal. We were so fascinated we stayed for multiple park ranger tours and loved both of their teachings. We want to try and come back to get lucky enough to see the paleontologist hard at work one day. I’d definitely recommend stopping in not only to support one of our local state parks but to experience the wonders of this dig site.
$6 for the tour. Really nice park. The female park ranger who gave the tour was amazing and I loved her little jokes. I'd love to come back in a couple years and see what more they have discovered. I loved that this was an active dig site and they have a full-time paleontologist.
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4.6
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6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX 76708, USA
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