Austin is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. With miles of hiking trails, a strong network of off-leash parks, and patio bars that welcome four-legged guests, dog-friendly is a way of life here. Whether you're a visitor planning a trip with your pup or a local looking for a new spot to explore, here's how to do Austin with your dog in tow.
Before You Go: What to Know
- Austin summers can be hot. From June to September, remember to bring water, stick to shaded trails and avoid mid-day outings in peak summer.
- Most dog parks require current rabies vaccinations and reccomend spay/neuter. Check each location prior to visiting for specific rules.
- Leash laws apply in all city parks unless you're in a designated off-leash area. Keep that leash handy.
- Blue-green algae can be a seasonal hazard in some of Austin's waterways like Lady Bird Lake. Check the City of Austin algae monitoring page before water outings with your pets.
Barkin Springs. Credit Tomek Baginski.
Off-Leash Parks
*Several Austin waterways are at increased risk for harmful algae in the summer and fall, when water is stagnant and temperatures are warm. If you allow your dog to swim at Lady Bird Lake and Barton Creek at Sculpture Falls, you do so at your own risk. Please refer to the City of Austin's website for current information and recommendations.
Austin's off-leash options range from a 13-acre river island to a 390-acre metropolitan park — plenty of room for even the most energetic dog!
Red Bud Isle is an entire off-leash island. Access the 13-acre island by bridge and let your dog explore to his heart’s content. Visit during a weekday morning for a quieter experience.
Closer to downtown, Auditorium Shores has a 4.5 acre off-leash area right on the banks of Lady Bird Lake. After the run around, walk the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike trail together. It's paved, dog-friendly and circles the lake.
Water-loving pups can also visit the unofficial dog beach “Barkin' Springs” just east of Barton Springs Pool. Dogs love to splash in the cold spring water, and you can wade along with them. Sometimes, blue-green algae levels get high in this area. Always check for algae levels before visiting to make sure they’re not harmful to pets.
The off0leash area of Zilker Park is on the north side of Barton Springs road. It's a popular open field, great for fetch, frisbee and letting your dog socialize.
In southeast Austin, Onion Creek Metropolitan Park sprawls over 390 acres. Hike the Onion Creek Trail with your four-legged friends, and then let them run free at the 106-acre Dog Park Blue off-leash area.
There is no shortage of off-leash areas for your four-legged friend, refer to this map for the city of Austin’s many options and local ordinances.
Yard Bar. Credit Amanda Livingston.
Dog-Friendly Bars & Breweries
Austin's patio bar culture is legendary, and dogs are welcome at most of them. These spots go above and beyond, some with dedicated off leash areas, others with dog menue and Bark Rangers on duty.
North Austin’s Yard Bar has a fully fenced off-leash dog area monitored by Bark Rangers, plus water dises and a full bar. It's a solid choice for a long afternoon hang with your pup.
Chalmers, a converted gas station turned east side bar, even allows dogs inside. Look for tiny paw prints in the clay tiles all around the bar.
If you want to be close to the water, Mozart's expansive patio right on the lake is the perfect spot to chill with your pup for summer movie nights, or an early morning coffee.
Most of Austin’s breweries allow dogs outside. Some also allow the pups inside to enjoy the A/C, like Celis Brewery, Hi Sign Brewing, and Nomadic Beerworks (Ask the bartenders at Nomadic for dog treats!).
At Neighbors in South Austin, you can get a coffee while your pupper hangs out at the dog park (with full-time attendants). One of the co-owners is a private dog trainer, so your fur baby will be in good hands. The Watering Bowl ATX is all dog park, with a full bar! Let your dogs run wild with full-time attendants while you chill.
SUP on Lake Travis. Credit Everstream and Co.
Get Active Together
The Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake is flat, paved, dog-friendly, and is one of the best urban walks in the country. At about 10 miles, you can choose one of the shorter loops, or go the full distance.
so bring your pup with you for a run around Lady Bird Lake. Or rent a kayak or paddle board from Austin Paddle Shack or Rowing Dock to get out on the water together. Lake Travis is another great spot to SUP or kayak - find rentals here.
To relax after a long day, you and Fido can do a yoga workout at home with Austin Doga. You’ll stretch and strengthen, and help your dog relax with gentle massage. For extra pampering, bring your pup to Barkin Creek for a bath, nail trim, and blueberry facial. Enjoy your own treatment at Queen Spa just across the street while you wait.
Blues on the Green. Courtesy of 93.3 KGSR.
Culture & Community
Some of Austin’s favorite cultural events are dog-friendly! Enjoy the music together at Blues on the Green at Zilker Park, or take a stroll through the Zilker Botanical Garden to take in the beauty of native plants.
Grab a Texas Capitol grounds brochure and tour the exterior of the Texas State Capitol with your dog to soak up some history. You can also wander the grounds of local art museum Laguna Gloria to enjoy the gardens and sculptures.
It’s a big city, so get out there and explore it—together.
Contributed by Kate McDermott.
Kate McDermott is a local copywriter, content writer, and mocktail enthusiast. She writes about and for restaurants, hotels, event companies, and more from her home in Way South Austin.
Website: lastcallcopy.com
Instagram: @lastcallcopy
