When visiting your favorite spots in Downtown Waco, it can be a bit tricky to find a place to park that’s stress-free and a short walk from your car. We want you to have a good experience exploring the city without the impending doom of a ticket or a tow truck. Here are some places to find parking, as well as where to avoid when you’re hitting up popular Downtown Waco areas! 

You can find shuttle information and parking updates on the Heart of Waco website. Pro tip: there is free parking along Austin Ave. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with a two-hour limit and at the city parking garage at Fourth St. and Franklin Ave.!

Gameday

The only stress you should experience on game day is during the last quarter of the game, not while finding a place to park. If you’re planning on attending a Baylor University football game, there are several free parking lots plus a free shuttle service to transport you to McLane Stadium and back downtown. The Tailgater shuttle picks up at Third St. and Franklin Ave. starting three hours before kick-off to an hour after the game ends and is ADA accessible!

Downtown Waco Farmers Market

Although parking is more limited on the weekends, don’t let this stop you from filling your Saturday with fresh produce and handmade goodies at the Downtown Waco Farmers Market! Even though it’s close by, the Cafe Cappuccino parking lot is off-limits to those attending the farmers market. Instead, head to the city parking garage located at Fourth St. and Franklin Ave. Just look for the entrance facing an alley parallel to Austin Ave. and find the black and white pillar that says PARK.

Jury Duty

If you’re reporting for jury duty, parking is free and simple! Juror parking is available at the lot bordered by Ninth St. and Franklin Ave. There is also a smaller lot across Ninth St. if that one is full. Avoid parking in two-hour limit zones if you plan on parking in the street!

Magnolia

As one of Waco’s most popular tourist attractions, parking around Magnolia tends to fill up fast. Our biggest tip is to try and arrive early! There is free parking on 6th St., 8th St. and Webster Ave. as well as at the corner of 9th St. and Webster Ave. Handicap parking is also available at 6th St. and 8th St.

Union Hall

The delicious food at Union Hall is worth finding a good parking spot for! There are free spaces right outside the establishment, along the streets near the building, and across the street in the lot on the corner of Franklin Ave. and Eight St. Pro tip: this lot used to require payment, but no longer does!

Don’t let the stress of parking keep you from exploring all the enjoyable things Downtown Waco has to offer! Just be sure to double-check for any hourly limit signs, meters and tow zones!