Looking for fun things to do and places to go with your dog in Austin? Want to know which places are dog-friendly, and which aren’t? Check out our lists of the most pet-friendly places in Austin, TX.
What Can I Do with My Dog in Austin?
If you have a dog and you live in Austin, want to visit, or plan on moving there… this is the article for you! We will help you find all of the right dog-friendly places to try out. And we’ll even help you find pet-friendly places to stay while visiting. Although there are tons of dog-friendly parks, trails, restaurants, bars, and hotels in Austin, TX, the lists below will tell you some of our top picks.
Most Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails in Austin
Are you and your pup the outdoorsy types? Perfect! There are plenty of dog-friendly parks and trails in Austin, TX. Here are a few of the most popular, and why they made the cut. Nervous about losing your dog? Check out the Fi Smart Dog Collar to keep track of your precious pup.
1. Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail and Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
This beautiful dog-friendly trail is a 10-mile loop that surrounds Ladybird Lake. It’s an on-leash trail with lots of walkers, bikers, and runners. And you can enjoy watching the people on Ladybird Lake as they kayak and paddleboard.
2. Auditorium Shores
Auditorium Shores is a 4.5 acre off-leash area. It has three beach spots with access to water for your pooch to swim and play. You and your dog can also enjoy the walking trail and drinking fountain. Don’t forget to check out the Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial, right next to the Auditorium Shores.
3. Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a MUST see for anyone who is up for some hiking with their canine. You and your dog can enjoy 7.8 miles of hiking trails through the popular Hill Country. And along the way, stop off for some swimming at one of the many waterfalls and watering holes just off the trail.
4. Norwood Estate Dog Park
Norwood Estate is a large off-leash dog park. It is completely fenced-in, and even has a separate area for small dogs. This popular dog park has both grass and dirt areas, and plenty of room for your pup and his friends to run and play.
Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Bars in Austin
If you’re ready for a night out on the town with your favorite furball, we can help you find the right places to go. There are tons of pet-friendly restaurants and bars in Austin, but these are some of the best from the tops of all the lists.
1. Austin Terrier
This adorable name tells you right off the bat—it’s a very dog-friendly restaurant. In addition to their delicious burgers, pizza, and beer, this restaurant is dog-friendly, family-friendly, and gives free water and treats to it’s four-legged visitors.
2. Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
With the largest selection of sausages in Austin, this dog-friendly restaurant even offers a special sausage list just for your dog. You can enjoy one of their many unique sausages and select from a variety of beers, while your pup plays in their off-leash dog area.
3. Dog House Drinkery Dog Park
This unique dog-friendly bar is actually a dog park and bar combo. They provide a half acre, fenced-in, off-leash area for dogs to run and play, with a separate area for small dogs. They also have a section at the front of the property for adoptions, training, birthday parties, and more.
4. Yard Bar
The Yard Bar is a dog-friendly restaurant and bar with popular gourmet pub food and plenty of drinks. They have an all-ages patio that welcomes furry friends on-leash—and has a section of the menu just for canines. In addition, they provide a 21+ dog park where your furry friend can be off-leash, and you can still enjoy their full bar.
Most Pet-Friendly Hotels in Austin
If you’re taking a trip with your pooch to Austin, TX to visit friends and family, or for some vacation fun, let us help you pick the hotel. Believe it or not, there are tons of pet-friendly hotels in Austin. But here’s a few of our favorites.
1. The Line Hotel
The Line Hotel is a classy, newer, dog-friendly hotel. It has no pet fees, provides water bowls and treats for your pup, and accepts cats and birds too. They even have a restaurant within the hotel called Dean’s One Trick Pony that offers a dog-friendly patio.
2. Hotel Ella
This beautiful, historic hotel is dog-friendly and has no pet fees. They provide pet bedding, bowls, a plush toy, and a bandana for your pup. They welcome dogs of all sizes, but the dogs cannot be left unattended.
3. Hotel Van Zandt by Kimpton
Kimpton is one of my favorite pet-friendly hotel chains. They are known for their love of dogs. They have no pet fees, and no limits on the size of your pets, or the number of pets you bring. They provide pet beds and blankets, bowls, mats, and guides to pet-friendly restaurants and activities.
Is Austin a Dog-Friendly City?
With all of these wonderful pet-friendly establishments, it’s easy to see how pet-friendly Austin really is. Now that you know where to go, it’s time to plan your trip, and check out some of the best dog-friendly things to do in Austin, TX.
