About Waco
Waco is a city in and the county seat of McLennan County, Texas, United States. It is situated along the Brazos River and I-35, halfway between Dallas and Austin. The city had a U.S. census estimated 2025 population of 147,788, making it the 24th-most populous city in the state. The Waco metropolitan area consists of McLennan, Falls, and Bosque counties, which had a 2020 population of 295,782. Bosque County was added to the Waco metropolitan area in 2023. The 2025 U.S. census population estimate for the Waco metropolitan area was 308,807 residents.
Places to visit in Waco
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Magnolia Market at the Silos
MarketChip and Joanna Gaines' popular retail complex built around old grain silos, with home decor shops, food trucks, a bakery and a large lawn where visitors relax and play games.
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Waco Mammoth National Monument
Nature · 4 mi from centreA covered dig shelter where visitors can see the fossilized remains of Columbian mammoths that died together in place, explained in detail on regular ranger-led tours.
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Dr Pepper Museum
MuseumLocated in the old bottling building associated with the drink's early production, with exhibits on soft drink history, vintage advertising and an old-fashioned soda fountain serving floats.
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Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
Museum · 2 mi from centreTells the story of the Texas Rangers law enforcement agency through firearms, badges and artifacts, along with exhibits on notable cases, famous personalities and the agency's complicated history.
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Waco Suspension Bridge
LandmarkA historic pedestrian suspension bridge over the Brazos River, once a crossing on the Chisholm Trail cattle route, with riverwalk paths and parks on either side.
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Cameron Park Zoo
Zoo · 1 mi from centreA naturalistic zoo set within wooded Cameron Park, featuring a large Brazos River Country exhibit of regional wildlife along with animals from Africa, Asia and other parts of the world.
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Baylor University
Landmark · 2 mi from centreThe campus features red-brick buildings, the Armstrong Browning Library with its many stained glass windows, and the Mayborn Museum with natural and cultural history exhibits.
Where to stay in Waco
Popular hotels in Waco, out of 76 properties you can book.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Waco
From $110 per night
Indigo Waco - Baylor
From $140 per night
Quality Inn & Suites Near University
From $87 per night
TownePlace Suites Waco South
From $138 per night
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Waco South
From $113 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Corsicana
From $152 per night
La Quinta Inn & Suites Woodway - Waco South
From $102 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Waco South
From $102 per night
Comfort Inn & Suites Waco TX
From $92 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo
From $146 per night
Super 8 by Wyndham Hillsboro TX
From $101 per night
Fairfield Inn & Suites Waco South
From $97 per night
Best time to visit Waco
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Waco is October, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Waco weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 78° 53° 1%
- Thu 22 Oct 85° 60° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 84° 64° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 83° 60° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 80° 60° 2%
- Mon 26 Oct 85° 60° 4%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/ChicagoUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Waco
These are the airports closest to central Waco. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ACT Waco Regional Airport7 mi (11 km) from the city centre
- CNW TSTC Waco Airport7 mi (12 km) from the city centre
Getting around Waco
The easiest way to travel around Waco is by car. The city of Waco does run a Waco Transit public transportation system; however, it has few stops and only runs during the daytime.
Waco travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Waco?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Waco is October, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Waco?
August is usually the warmest month in Waco, with average highs of 98°F (37°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 38°F (4°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 182 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Waco?
Waco Regional Airport (ACT) is the closest airport, about 7 miles (11 km) from the centre of Waco. Other nearby airports include TSTC Waco Airport (CNW, 7 mi).
What time zone is Waco in?
Waco uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Waco?
The easiest way to travel around Waco is by car. The city of Waco does run a Waco Transit public transportation system; however, it has few stops and only runs during the daytime.
What are the best places to visit in Waco?
Top sights in Waco include Magnolia Market at the Silos, Waco Mammoth National Monument, Dr Pepper Museum and Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Chip and Joanna Gaines' popular retail complex built around old grain silos, with home decor shops, food trucks, a bakery and a large lawn where visitors relax and play games.
Where should I stay in Waco?
Popular areas for hotels in Waco include Waco. Well-reviewed options include Home2 Suites by Hilton Waco and Indigo Waco - Baylor.
How many hotels can I book in Waco?
Destina Holidays currently lists 76 properties in and around Waco, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
