Waco Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in and seat of McLennan County, Texas, United States
About Waco
Waco is now a city of 139,000 people (2020), with 280,000 people in the metropolitan region. Waco has a number of worthwhile attractions. Founded in 1849 near the site of an abandoned agricultural village of Waco Indians, Waco rose to prominence in the 1870s as a major junction for the transport of cattle; by 1871 between 600,000 and 700,000 head of cattle had passed through the city. As time progressed, Waco's location at the crossroads of major railroads and its location on the Brazos River helped the city grow and thrive. The Dr Pepper soft drink was invented in Waco in 1885. Waco came to the world's attention, and is still remembered by many people, for the February 28, 1993 stand-off between federal agents (FBI, ATF) and the Branch Davidians, a Seventh Day Adventist offshoot religious
Top Attractions in Waco
Explore the best things to see and do in Waco:
- ★Armstrong Browning Library
- ★Art Center of Waco
- ★Baylor Bears
- ★Baylor's Martin Museum of Art
- ★Baylor Symphony
- ★Baylor University Theatre
- ★Cameron Park
- ★Cameron Park Zoo
Where to Eat in Waco
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Baris
- 🍴Clay Pot
- 🍴Diamond Back's Texas Bistro
- 🍴Dubl-R Burgers
- 🍴Fuego Tortilla Grill
- 🍴George's Restaurant and Bar
Where to Stay in Waco
- 🏨America's Best Inn & Suites
- 🏨Colcord House Bed & Breakfast
- 🏨Comfort Suites
- 🏨Creekside Garden
- 🏨Fairfield Inn & Suites Waco North
- 🏨Hampton Inn Waco North
Waco Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: