There is lots to do close to the Hilton in Waco. The best time to check some of these attractions out would be Thursday, but they are so close, you could probably find time on Friday and Saturday between the tour activities. I suggest checking out the attractions you like on Thursday because they will be more crowded on Friday and Saturday. If you would like a map of the area click here.
Doctor Pepper Museum
If you are a fan of Doctor Pepper or just interested in its history, you are just a 15 minute walk to the Museum from the Hilton Hotel. There is parking for $10 across the street if you prefer to drive. The museum is on 300 South 5th Street. Admission is $12. More information can be found on their website: drpeppermuseum.com
Magnolia Market
Chip and Joanne are TV personalities that developed Magnolia Market (also known as The Silos). There are shops and food here. I personally like the Silos Bakery (the classic cinnamon roll and Blueberry Muffin Crumble are my favorites). They do offer tours that cost from $25 to $75. You could take a 15 minute walk from the Hilton or drive. Parking was available for $10, but not a lot of it. It is located at 601 Webster Ave. Admission to the market is free. For more information, visit their website at: magnolia.com
Texas Sports Hall of Fame
If you are a Texas sports fan this place would be a great opportunity to see stories and memorabilia of over 400 Texas athletes from a variety of sports. It is on the east side of I35 about 1.1 miles from the Hilton, I suggest driving. There is plenty of parking at the museum. It is located on 1108 South University Parks Drive. Admission is $8.00 for seniors, $10 general admission. More information can be found on their website: tshof.org Also note that the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum is next door (well very close).
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
This is a really cool museum. Can you assemble an old colt Paterson revolver? Do you wanna see the original mask of the Lone Ranger (worn by Clayton Moore)? Lots of memorabilia and stories. Plan on at least an hour to take it all in. The museum is 1.4 miles from the Hilton and walking distance to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Museum. You could actually walk from the Hilton if you walked along the Brazos River walk, but I suggest driving. There is plenty of fee parking. It is located at 100 Texas Ranger Trail. Admission for seniors is $8.50 and $10.50 general admission. More information can be found on their website texasranger.org If you want to know more about the Texas Rangers here is a video.
McLane Stadium (home of the Baylor Bears)
If you are a Baylor Bears alumni or just a fan, the stadium offers a 90 minute walking tour. Now that sounds like a lot of walking, if you are a fan of college football it could be fun to take a full sweep of the level 100 concourse. See President’s suite and more. The stadium is on 1001 South Martin Luther King Blvd about 1.2 miles from the Hilton. I would suggest driving. Admission is $15.00 Check their website to purchase tickets. The website address is: mclane-stadium/event/mclane-stadium-tours
Historic Homes
Four historic home are open to the public if you want to take in a little history. The tours take 45-60 minutes and are only minutes from the Hilton. They are open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm. If this sounds interesting to your, go to their website for more information: historicwaco.org.
Stanton Studios
Stanton Studios, expanded from well-known Stanton Glass Studio, was founded in 1979 by Bryant J. Stanton. The company began with workbench in a loft studio with a couple crates of glass and has grown into a nationally-recognized business with completed work in businesses and homes across Texas and the United States. In addition to Bryant, his four sons, and their team of craftsmen operate Stanton Studios just north of Waco. Their address is 318 Rogers Hill Road, about 14 miles from the Hilton. Admission is by appointment only and their hours are 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. The number to call is 254-829-1151 Visit their website for more information; stantonstudiostx.com
What about places to eat?
Between the meals we will be eating on the tours and at the Hilton you won’t have enough time to check out all the different places to eat in Waco. However, if you find time or the need for yet another meal, here is a list of restaurants give to us by the Texas Rangers Museum. They are vendors approved for special events. If you are looking for BBQ, Seafood, Comfort Food, Burgers, a Variety, Mexican, Asian, Pizza or just coffee, check out this list. I circled a couple of the local favorites.
2026 Texas Tour, West, Texas Attractions
On Saturday there will be a Tour drive with a stop in West, Texas. There are several places to eat in “downtown” (corner of Main Street and Oak Street). There is also the History of West Texas Museum on 112 E Oak Street. They are open 10am to 3pm.