Waukegan, IL

Travel Guide

A field of white flowers with a line of trees in the background.
A park with green benches, playground equipment, and trees with autumn leaves.
A sandy beach with gentle waves, a clear blue sky, and a solitary tree.
A frozen lake at sunset with ice formations and a clear sky.
A sunset over a frozen lake with icebergs.
Red Roof Inn Gurnee - Waukegan

Red Roof Inn Gurnee - Waukegan

2 out of 5
3031 Belvidere Rd Waukegan IL
$89 nightly
The price is $100 total per night from Oct 30 to Oct 31
$100 total
Oct 30 - Oct 31
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Waukegan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
"When in the area and need a place to bed down for the night RED ROOF WILL GET MY BUSINESS. VERY PLEASED TO HAVE STAYED."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

Red Roof Inn Gurnee - Waukegan
Courtyard Chicago Waukegan Gurnee

Courtyard Chicago Waukegan Gurnee

3 out of 5
3800 Northpoint Blvd Waukegan IL
$145 nightly
The price is $162 total per night from Oct 9 to Oct 10
$162 total
Oct 9 - Oct 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Waukegan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Staff were absolutely incredible- from the front desk to the bistro. Clean rooms, clean pool area & the breakfast options were delicious. We enjoyed our stay and would absolutely come again!"

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2026

Courtyard Chicago Waukegan Gurnee
Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee

Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee

3 out of 5
1440 S White Oak Dr Waukegan IL
$113 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$127 total
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Waukegan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,714 reviews)
"The location was perfect for the RTC graduation. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The bathroom and microwave was not cleaned very well. There were public hairs in the tub and food debris in the microwave. There also wasn't any coffee packs for the coffee machine in the hotel. Also 2 of the ..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee
See all 769 properties in Waukegan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Family frndly TwnHm by navy base

Family frndly TwnHm by navy base

Waukegan IL
Stay at this vacation home in Waukegan. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Six Flags Great America and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
"I love all the amenities and the spices to cook. I also enjoy the home feel. It’s the 2nd time we have been here and love each time."

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2026

Family frndly TwnHm by navy base
Entire 3 Bedroom Cozy Unit

Entire 3 Bedroom Cozy Unit

Waukegan IL
Stay at this vacation home in Waukegan. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Six Flags Great America and Gurnee ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
"Make sure to follow the welcome instructions for making sure the door locks"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2026

Entire 3 Bedroom Cozy Unit
Cozy Wauk-Townhse near navy base

Cozy Wauk-Townhse near navy base

Waukegan IL
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Waukegan. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Six ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Great place to stay for a boot graduation. Very close to the graduation location."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2026

Cozy Wauk-Townhse near navy base
See all properties in Waukegan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Waukegan attractions

A waterfront with a dock, buildings, and a large tree reflecting in calm water.

Waukegan Harbor

8.2/10 (152 reviews)
Explore the waterfront in Waukegan with a trip to Waukegan Harbor. Wander the lakeside in this family-friendly area.
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Things to do

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

$24
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Flyover in Chicago

Flyover in Chicago

$38
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Flyover in Chicago
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

$41
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
cruise ship sailing past navy pier in chicago

City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Premier Dinner Cruise

$158
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Premier Dinner Cruise
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago

$26
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago
Museum of Illusions Chicago Admission Ticket

Museum of Illusions Chicago Admission Ticket

$43
per adult
Museum of Illusions Chicago Admission Ticket
See all activities in Waukegan

Frequently asked questions

Is Waukegan worth visiting?
Waukegan is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including the Genesee Theater and Waukegan SportsPark. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse food scene, with options for Latin American and Italian dining. Plus, the city offers practical transit access via train, making it easy to explore.
When is the best time to visit Waukegan?
The best time to visit Waukegan is from May through September, when the weather is generally most pleasant for travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, the months of December through March are a good option, offering a quieter experience with cooler temperatures.
What is Waukegan known for?
Waukegan is known for its Genesee Theater, a prominent entertainment venue. Travelers can also enjoy the Waukegan SportsPark and the scenic Waukegan Harbor. The city also offers a strong Latin American food culture, providing diverse culinary experiences.
What is a good itinerary length for Waukegan?
A good itinerary length for Waukegan is two to three days to explore key attractions like the Genesee Theater, Waukegan SportsPark, and Waukegan Harbor. An extended stay of four to five days allows travelers to enjoy more of the local dining, including Latin American and Italian options, and experience the area at a more relaxed pace.
How do you get around Waukegan?
Waukegan is served by train, making it easy to arrive or explore nearby areas. Travelers can access train services at Waukegan Station. For getting around within the city, rideshare services provide a flexible and convenient way to reach your destinations.
What are the top things to do in and around Waukegan?
Waukegan offers travelers a variety of attractions, from historic venues to natural outdoor spaces:


How do I plan a trip to Waukegan?
When planning your trip to Waukegan, book flights and hotels early. Explore attractions like Genesee Theater, Waukegan SportsPark, and Waukegan Harbor. For outdoor activities, always have indoor backups ready for weather changes. Consider a rental car for flexible travel, or utilize the available train service to get around.
What cuisines can you find in Waukegan?
In Waukegan you can find Caribbean cuisine, with dishes like jerk chicken, rice and peas, and plantains. Travelers can also enjoy Latin American options such as Mexican tacos, Italian pasta, and Asian dishes like Chinese stir-fries or Japanese sushi. North American and steakhouse options are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Waukegan?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Waukegan by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Waukegan with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Waukegan trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Waukegan?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Waukegan can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Waukegan trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Waukegan trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Waukegan trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Waukegan trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Waukegan?
If it's your first trip to Waukegan, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Waukegan hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Waukegan hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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