Dog-Friendly Guide to Austin, TX
Is Austin dog-friendly? You will be hard-pressed to find a city more pet and dog-friendly than Austin, Texas. It seems like almost every resident has a four-legged best friend always in tow, which makes a lot of the activities and places to eat and stay in and around the city very dog friendly for tourists who don’t want to leave their pets behind.
As a walkable city, you will notice public dog stations throughout the downtown and popular areas, and some restaurants even have a dog run so they can socialize while you do the same. Throughout this dog-friendly Austin, TX guide you will find all the best things to do, dog-friendly hotels, and dog-friendly restaurants in Austin, Texas!
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Visiting Austin WITHOUT your dog? Check out this PERFECT 3-day itinerary! Otherwise keep reading for the best dog-friendly things to do in Austin!
Table of Contents
When is the best time to visit Austin?
The best time to visit Austin is from September to November or March to May. This is when the city is usually in the 70s or 80s with mild humidity. In the summer months, it can get into the upper 90s, low 100s daily. And since Austin is such an outdoorsy city, the winter may not be the best time to experience the city as you should…unless you are from the North and 40’s and 50’s are a nice summer day :).
Dog-friendly Things to do in Austin:
1. Zilker Park Off-Leash Dog Area
Sit in the large, open field with your dog and let them run around as you sip on a Joe’s Coffee in the morning. There isn’t a fence, so keep your eye on your buddy. If you want to get some exercise to, bring your leashed dog onto the trails.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 5AM to 10 PM
- Physical Address: 2100 Barton Springs Road
2. Yard Bar
An Austin classic, sip on seasonal beers and crafted cocktails while your dog interacts with other dogs all under the supervision of Bark Rangers. There are food trucks in the back that you can fuel on before round two of running around.
- Cost: $9 per dog, free for humans, must be 21 and up
- Hours: 11Am to 10PM
- Physical Address: 6700 Burnet Rd
3. Red Bud Isle
A peninsula in Lady Bird Lake, dogs and humans come here to socialize and swim in this off-leashed area. There are dog bags provided. Please check the lake conditions before going—there can be blue-green algae that can be harmful to unvaccinated dogs.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM
- Physical Address: 3401 Red Bud Trail
4. City Scavenger Hunt
Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts make exploring a new city EXTRA fun. After purchasing your self-guided tour, you can download the app and start the hunt! In Austin, you can choose from a ghost tour, mural tour, and even a bat tour! It’s a perfect (affordable and fun) way to see a new city WITH your dog!
- Cost:
- Hours: Can be done on your own time and schedule!
- Physical Address: You complete the tour/scavenger hunt through the app. It will tell you where to start and where to go!
5. Lady Bird Lake- Hiking, Kayaking, People Watching
For an experience on the greater Lady Bird Lake, walk the boardwalk and take in the sights and people of Austin as you and your dog walk—or join the runners—on a lively outdoor trip. You can also stop at places like the Rowing Dock and rent a kayak or paddleboard at this dog-friendly business. As long as there is no blue-green algae in Lady Bird Lake, they will let you take your best friend out.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 5AM to Midnight
- Physical Address: Boardwalk around Lady Bird Lake with many entrances around downtown, South Congress, and South Lamar.
6. Cedar Bark
Located on the outskirts of Austin in Cedar Park, Cedar Bark (get it?) is a large park that is perfect for dogs of all sizes. There are three sections inside—a small dog park, a large dog park, and an area for all dogs with a water feature. The water feature is really popular in the summer heat when dogs are looking to cool off. And with shaded spots for humans, you’ll want to stay all day.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 7AM to 10PM
- Physical Address: 2525 West New Hope Drive, Cedar Park 78613
7. Zilker Gardens
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, you and your pup can explore the different themed gardens. The gardens are open from 9am-6pm, but you do need to reserve a ticket online beforehand.
- Cost: $6.00
- Hours: 9am-5pm
- Physical Address: 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78746
8. Mckinney Falls State Park
Just 13 miles from the state capitol, you and your dog can swim, hike, and/or camp at one of the 81 campsites.
- Cost: $6.00 per person
- Hours: 8am-10pm
- Physical Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744
8. Barton Creek Farmers Market
Held every Sunday from 10-2, the Barton Creek Farmers Market is a great place to check out all the local food and art vendors! Leashed dogs are welcome.
- Cost: Free to enter + purchases
- Hours: 9am-1pm
- Physical Address: 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746
9. Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Who doesn’t love a fun themed mini-golf course? Andd it’s dog-frienldy which makes it 100 times better! You can even bring your own cooler with snacks/lunch and drinks!
- Cost: 8.00 per 18 holes
- Hours: 9am-11pm
- Physical Address: 1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
10. Mount Bonnel
Hike up to the highest point in Austin for beautiful views of the Colorado River, Austin, and Texas HIll country. Although Mount Bonnell stands at 775 ft above the city, it is a quick .5 mile (rt) hike up. It’s a great spot for a picnic or to watch the sunset.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 5am-10pm
- Physical Address: 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd; Austin, Texas 78731
11. Austin Ghosts
You and your pup can join a spooky tour around Austin. During the ghost tour, you will walk around the city listening to spooky tales for approximately 90 minutes. Walking Tours of Austin also offers a morning tour, murder walk, and private tours!
- Cost: Starts at $22.00
- Physical Address:412 Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78701
Dog-friendly Stores in Austin
1. The Domain
An outdoor mall not only are there a lot green spaces for you and your dog to stretch your legs, but many of the stores are dog friendly and will let you shop together. Grab a bite at Cyclone’s or Velvet Taco to end your day!
- Hours: Store hours range from 10 AM to 9 PM
- Physical Address: 11410 Century Oaks Ter
2. Hope Farmers Market
Way more than just a farmers market, you can shop local vendors for foods and crafts, as well as eat and listen to live music with your leashed dog.
- Hours: Sundays 11AM to 3PM
- Physical Address: East 5th and Comal
3. Half-Priced Books
Leashed dogs can come inside as you look through the recycled and preserved books, DVDs, CDs, and more inside.
- Hours: 10AM to 8PM
- Physical Address: 2929 S Lamar Blvd
Dog-friendly Restaurants in Austin:
1. Bangers
Get your dog a “woof wurst” while you drink on a famous man-mosa. There is a fenced-in dog park so you can enjoy your German food and music—or just the vibes of Rainey Street—while your dog socializes with their new friends too.
- Hours: 12PM to 9PM
- Physical Address: 79 and 81 Rainey Street
2. Easy Tiger
There are multiple locations for Easy Tiger but they all promise the same thing—good outdoor patios where you can enjoy your fresh baked goods and spaces for your dogs to relax with you.
- Hours: 7AM to 10PM
- Physical Address: 709 East 6th Street
3. Austin Eastciders Restaurant
Enjoy the best hard ciders you can find in Austin while enjoying a meal on the dog friendly patio of Austin Eastciders Restaurant in Barton Springs! Located close to Zilker Park, this is a great spot after running around the park.
- Hours: 9Am to 10PM
- Physical Address: 1530 Barton Spring Rd
4. Mozart’s Coffee
Located on Lake Austin, this is a great spot to bring a laptop or a good book and post up for the day with your dog. There is a lot of shade on the patio on the lake and accessible wi-fi for guests to use.
- Hours: 7AM to 12AM
- Physical Address: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd
Dog-friendly Hotels in Austin:
South Congress Hotel
1603 South Congress Avenue
There is no pet fee, and no weight restrictions. You can bring two dogs per room, and they may be left unattended in your room. There is an area where your dog can go to the bathroom on site, and you will be close to the action on South Congress.
Hotel Ella
1900 Rio Grande Street
Any sized dog is allowed and you won’t be paying a fee for them either. The front desk will happily give you a welcome treat bag as you and your dog check-in, with treats, a bed, bandanna, and bowls for your stay. Pets cannot go to the pool or restaurant and cannot be left unattended in rooms.
Casa del Sol Bed and Breakfast
3905 Highland Drive
You won’t have to worry about a pet fee or breed or weight restrictions. You are allowed two dogs during your stay, but no cats. The hotel has a grassy area for dogs to relieve themselves. It is about 30 minutes from downtown Austin though.
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
605 Davis Street
With no pet fee, weight restriction, or dog limit, you will feel at home at the Kimpton. You can also bring your cats! Animals cannot be left unattended in your rooms. The front desk will provide treats and waste bags upon request too!
Booking.comTip! If using the above map, be sure to use the “pet-friendly” filter.
Dog-friendly Austin Guide Packing List
It wouldn’t be a complete Dog-friendly Austin Guide without a complete packing guide?!
Pet Blanket
This will come in handy to help keep your dog off the furniture at your Airbnb or hotel. Make them feel at home by creating a “comfy” bed on the floor while being respectful of your accommodation at the same time!
Pet first-aid kit
Grab a small first-aid kit to make sure you are prepared for the unexpected. These pet first-aid kits include bandages, tick removal tools, gauze, saline solutions, tape, flashing collar, and so much more!
Collapsible Kennel
Just in case you ever need to leave your pup at your Airbnb. Remember to double-check with the hosts about their rules!
We don’t leave Thor back very often, but sometimes there may be a certain tourist attraction you reallllllyyyy want to see, but they aren’t dog-friendly.
(I know I know, everywhere should be pup-friendly!)
Water jug
This was a tip we learned after a few trips. It is so much easier to be able to grab the jug and be able to give your dog water whenever need be instead of having to run into every gas station to buy water.
Collapsible Dog dishes
GIVE YOUR DOG WATER THROUGHOUT THE DRIVE. (I hate to admit it, but we learned this the bad way). Collapsible dog dishes are great for the drive, your accommodations, and easily packed for your hikes!
Doggy Bags
Just be a good citizen and CLEAN UP your dog’s business.
Dog Hiking Boots
These obviously are not a necessity, but if you have a city dog that isn’t used to rough terrain, their paws are likely sensitive. A good pair of doggy boots can be helpful in extending your hikes and protecting your dog’s paws.
+ all your human supplies of course! You can check that list out here!
Is Austin dog-friendly?
YES! From hiking trails to botantical gardens to ghost tours, Austin is such a dog-friendly city! With mild to hot temperatures year-round it makes for a great weekend trip with your pup! What else would you add to this dog-friendly Austin guide?
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