Austin is known for its vibey patios, expansive green spaces and welcoming neighborhoods—and it’s just as friendly to four-legged visitors. Whether you're planning a long weekend or a short getaway, this guide offers a full three-day itinerary with pet-friendly options morning, afternoon and night.

Men and women walking past the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue on the Butler Hike and Bike Trail with their dogs.Butler Hike & Bike Trail. Credit to Jeff Djayasaputra.

Day 1: Outdoor Adventure and Iconic Austin Experiences

Morning
Start the day with a walk or jog along the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. This 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake offers shaded stretches, scenic overlooks and plenty of places to stop for water. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the trail, with a leash-free zone at Auditorium Shores. Afterward, grab coffee and a pastry at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, a lakeside café with a large shaded patio and live music on select weekends.

Afternoon
Let your dog burn off some energy at the off-leash area in Zilker Park. This spacious green field is a favorite among locals and offers skyline views and plenty of room to run. From there, head to South Lamar or East Austin for lunch at Bouldin Acres, where you'll find food trucks and shaded seating for you and your pup. Cosmic Saltillo is another excellent option with garden seating, koi ponds and tacos from their onsite taco stand.

Evening
Spend the evening strolling South Congress Avenue. Many of the local boutiques allow dogs, and nearly all patios are pet-friendly. Stop for a photo in front of Jo’s Coffee and the “i love you so much” mural before grabbing dinner at Perla’s, where pets are welcome on the twinkle-lit , oak tree covered patio.

Man and woman sitting with dog in the grassy area of Laguna Gloria, near sculptures.Laguna Gloria. Courtesy of The Contemporary Austin. 

Day 2: Art, Dog Parks and Local Brews

Morning
Begin with breakfast on a shaded patio. Josephine House has dog-friendly seating and an underrated breakfast menu (try the croissant breakfast sandwich). Then, head to Laguna Gloria for a peaceful stroll among outdoor sculptures and gardens. Leashed dogs are allowed on the grounds.

Afternoon
Plan lunch and playtime at Yard Bar in North Austin or Neighbors Dog Park and Coffee Shop in South Austin. Yard Bar features a fully fenced play area monitored by attendants, along with a bar and kitchen. Neighbors offers day passes, dog treats, beer and wine, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe. 

Evening
Visit one of Austin’s many dog-friendly breweries for drinks and dinner. Nomadic Beerworks has a welcoming patio and frequent live music. Hopsquad Brewing is spacious and located near Q2 Stadium, making it a good stop for soccer fans. Hi Sign Brewing is surrounded by greenery and often hosts food trucks. Most breweries allow dogs on patios, and some even welcome them inside.

Chihuahua dog in a sweatshirt, with paws on a table next to a Banger's "manmosa".Dog at Banger's. Credit @potatounleashed.

Day 3: Brunch and a Relaxed Send-Off

Morning
Begin your day with brunch at Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden on Rainey Street. The weekend brunch menu features house-made sausages, chicken and waffles and an extensive beer list. Dogs are welcome on the patio, and the kitchen even offers a special Woof Wurst just for pups. Arrive early to beat the crowd and enjoy a leisurely meal before your final strolls around the city.

Afternoon
Spend your last few hours in Austin relaxing at Chalmers, a colorful East Austin bar and patio with plenty of space for you and your dog to unwind. Chalmers offers an extensive menu of frozen and draft cocktails, barbecue from Rollin' Smoke and large TVs for catching weekend sports. The shaded outdoor space is great for dogs, but pups are also welcome indoors—just look for the paw prints in the terracotta tile near the bar. On select afternoons, you may even catch live music on the outdoor stage, making it an easygoing and memorable final stop before heading home.