10 Short Road Trips From Waco, Texas for Weekend Adventure

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10 Easy Road Trips From Waco, Texas: Fun Things To Do in the Counties Around McLennan

Looking for simple, fun day trips from Waco, Texas that get you out of town but not too far from home? You’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 short road trips outside McLennan County into the nearby counties of Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Hill, and Limestone. Each spot is an easy drive and packed with things to do, from swimming holes and small-town cafes to museums and hiking trails. All of these ideas keep you out of Waco and McLennan County, just like you asked—perfect if you’ve already done the local stuff and want to explore more of Central Texas.

1. Belton Lake & Stillhouse Hollow Lake (Bell County)

If you’re craving water, sunshine, and a cooler breeze, head south toward Belton in Bell County, about an hour from Waco depending on traffic. These two lakes—Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake—offer a classic Central Texas lake day.
  • Swim at one of the designated swimming areas.
  • Rent a kayak or paddleboard from a local outfitter.
  • Pack a cooler and grill out at a picnic site.
  • Try your luck fishing for bass and catfish.
On one hot August afternoon, I parked under a shade tree by Belton Lake, kicked off my shoes, and watched families float on giant pool floats while someone grilled burgers nearby. It felt like a neighborhood cookout, just with a better view. Road trip tip: Bring a folding chair, plenty of water, sunscreen, and maybe a Bluetooth speaker for some background music.

2. Temple’s Museums & Downtown Eats (Bell County)

Just a little farther down I‑35, Temple is an easy out-of-county road trip from Waco and has more going on than many people expect. Here are a few ideas to fill an afternoon:
  • Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum – Housed in the old Santa Fe Depot, with exhibits on trains, local history, and changing displays.
  • Walk Downtown Temple – Old brick buildings, murals, and a growing food scene.
  • Grab coffee or dessert – There are several cute coffee shops and bakeries downtown that make a nice mid-day stop.
If you like mixing a little history with your road trips, this one checks all the boxes: short drive, easy parking, and plenty of food options when you get hungry. SEO tip for you as a traveler: When you search “things to do near Waco,” don’t skip Temple. It’s one of the most underrated Central Texas road trip stops.

3. Clifton: “Norwegian Capital of Texas” (Bosque County)

Head northwest from Waco and you’ll roll into Clifton
  • Stroll through downtown Clifton and check out local shops and galleries.
  • Visit the Bosque Arts Center for regional art, events, and performances.
  • Look for Scandinavian touches around town, especially during festivals.
    • Clifton has that Hallmark-movie small-town vibe. On my last visit, I ended up talking with a store owner about old family recipes and left with a jar of local jam I absolutely didn’t plan to buy. Why it’s a great Waco day trip: It feels like you’ve gone much farther than you really have—ideal if you want a change of scenery without a long drive.

    4. Meridian State Park: Quiet Escape in Bosque County

    Need some quiet time away from crowds? Meridian State Park in Bosque County is a peaceful spot centered around a spring-fed lake. Here’s what makes it special:
    • Hiking on short, manageable trails with lake views.
    • Fishing and paddle boating on the small lake.
    • Picnic spots under shade trees—perfect for a slow afternoon.
    The park isn’t huge, which I actually like. It’s easy to see a lot in just a few hours, and you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. Road trip idea: Spend the morning hiking, then stop for a simple meal in nearby Meridian or Clifton on your way back to Waco.

    5. Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) & the Town of Copperas Cove (Coryell County)

    West of Waco, you’ll reach Coryell County, home to military history and small-town charm. The area around Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) and Copperas Cove makes a unique out-of-county day trip. Depending on current security rules and events, you may find:
    • Military-related exhibits and outdoor memorials.
    • Public events honoring service members and veterans.
    • Scenic drives with views of rolling hills and open sky.
    Nearby Copperas Cove offers local diners and shops where you can grab lunch or coffee. It’s not a tourist trap—more like a real Texas town where people are just living their everyday lives. Good to know: Always check ahead for any base access rules, event schedules, or ID requirements if you plan to enter military property or attend official events.

    6. Gatesville & “The Spur Capital of Texas” (Coryell County)

    Also in Coryell County, Gatesville makes an interesting stop, especially if you’re curious about cowboy culture and Texas history. What you might do there:
    • Look for references to its nickname, the “Spur Capital of Texas.”
    • Explore local history sites and downtown streets.
    • Stop at a local café for classic Texas comfort food.
    Gatesville has that “real Texas” feel—pickup trucks, friendly smiles, and the kind of place where people still wave at you when you drive by. Why it’s worth the drive from Waco: It gives you a different side of Central Texas than the more touristy areas. You’ll see ranch land, wide-open spaces, and a slower pace of life.

    7. Falls On the Brazos Park (Falls County)

    South of Waco, Falls County offers a peaceful spot along the Brazos River. Falls On the Brazos Park is a low-key destination where you can unplug for a few hours. Here’s what you can do:
    • Walk along the river and enjoy the view.
    • Have a picnic under big shade trees.
    • Take photos of the gentle “falls” area and river scenery.
    It’s the kind of place where you bring your own fun—a frisbee, a book, or just good conversation. No big attractions, just simple outdoor time. Perfect for: A slow Sunday drive from Waco when you want to be outside but not around a crowd.

    8. Hillsboro’s Historic Downtown & Outlet Shopping (Hill County)

    Just north of Waco, but in neighboring Hill County, you’ll find Hillsboro—a mix of small-town charm and easy shopping. You can make a full afternoon out of:
    • Exploring Historic Downtown Hillsboro – Check out the restored courthouse, antique shops, and local restaurants.
    • Visiting nearby outlet stores off I‑35 for deals on clothes, shoes, and more.
    On one of my trips, I spent the morning browsing antique shops downtown, then swung by the outlets for new walking shoes on the way home. It turned into a practical and fun day trip without feeling rushed. Why day trippers from Waco love it: It’s less than an hour away, has free parking, and gives you both history and shopping in one stop.

    9. Lake Whitney: Cliffs, Camping & Sunsets (Hill & Bosque Counties)

    If you only pick one out-of-county road trip from Waco, Lake Whitney is a strong contender. This large lake sits mostly in Hill County, with parts touching Bosque County, and is known for clear water, white rock cliffs, and big Texas sunsets. Popular things to do:
    • Swimming at lakeside parks and designated swimming areas.
    • Boating and fishing – You’ll see everything from fishing boats to pontoon boats.
    • Camping at Lake Whitney State Park or nearby campgrounds.
    • Scenic overlooks – Great for photos and evening views.
    One evening, I watched the sun drop behind the cliffs and the sky turned shades of orange, pink, and deep purple. People got quiet for a moment, like we all agreed not to ruin it with noise. Then someone clapped, and a few others laughed—it felt like a tiny, unplanned ceremony. Road trip idea: Pack for the whole day—swimsuit, towel, snacks, and a light jacket for after sunset.

    10. Groesbeck & Fort Parker Area (Limestone County)

    To the east of Waco in Limestone County, the Groesbeck and Fort Parker area offers a mix of nature and history. While staying outside McLennan County, you can:
    • Take a scenic drive through the countryside around Groesbeck.
    • Enjoy local cafés and small-town shops.
    • Spend some time near the Navasota River region, which offers peaceful, green views.
    This area feels tucked away from the busier parts of Central Texas. It’s a good place for a “no agenda” day—just drive, explore, and stop wherever looks interesting. Why it belongs on your Waco road trip list: It gives you another flavor of rural Texas, with quiet roads, fields, and a slower pace that’s hard to find in bigger cities.

    How to Make the Most of These Short Road Trips From Waco

    To keep these out-of-county adventures fun and stress-free, here are a few quick tips:
    • Plan your route: Check drive times and road conditions before you leave.
    • Pack a small road-trip bag: Water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, a phone charger, and a light jacket.
    • Check hours: Especially for museums, parks, or any place that might have seasonal hours.
    • Leave some flexibility: The best part of a Central Texas road trip is sometimes the random small-town stop you didn’t expect.
    Road trips from Waco don’t have to be long or complicated. Within a couple of hours—or often less—you can be by a lake, in a historic downtown, or on a quiet country road in Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Hill, or Limestone County.

    Share Your Favorite Road Trips From Waco

    Now it’s your turn:
    • Have you been to any of these places near Waco?
    • Do you have a favorite lake, small town, or hidden spot in one of these nearby counties?
    Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear where you like to go when you want to escape Waco for the day. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for easy day trips from Waco, Texas. The more we share local ideas, the more we all discover new corners of Central Texas together.
    Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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