This week in my Dog-friendly Road trips around the United States series we are headed to the great state of Texas. I have lived in Texas for the past 7 years and will admit, I was not initially excited to be here. I did not think there was ANYTHING to do outside. It was hot. And so. many. people. WELL with some searching, we did end up finding some pretty cool things to do around the state. In this post, I have compiled the best dog-friendly thing to do in Texas and organized it so you are able to create your very own Dog-Friendly Texas Road Trip!
Reminder: The map shows a starting point and then works around the state in a round-trip manner. You can of course start from any point you choose and pick and choose the stops you make! Basically, I have created an ultimate list of dog-friendly things to do in Texas that you can use to create a road trip of your choice!
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Table of Contents
Dog-friendly Texas Road Trip Map
Dallas Trip on RoadtrippersTip! Sign up for Roadtrippers here to use this EXACT MAP on your trip. You can adjust accordingly and find other hidden gems you may want to add! Use code:: BTR5QTP to save 5 dollars on your Yearly Subscription…only 20 dollars!
*I have grouped the dog-friendly activities near a major city to have as a “home base” for several days. From here, you are able to take day trips from the city then move on to the next base.
Need to rent a car for your dog-friendly Texas road trip? Search for the best rental prices here!
Dog-friendly things to do in Dallas, TX
Have a picnic at Klyde Warren Park:
A unique park located right in the middle of the city! Here, you and your pup can people watch, borrow a board game, grab a bite to eat off the food trucks, or play in the dog park on-site!
Cost: Free + food
Walk along the Katy Trail:
This 3.5 miles trail is not your typical hiking trail as it is located right downtown. But, it’s perfect for a quick walk, bike ride, or rollerblade with your dog. The Katy Trail Ice House is located along the trail where you can stop and get a cold margarita and dinner in their large outside dining area. It’s my FAVORITE dog-friendly restaurant in all of Dallas!
Cost: Free + food
Explore with Let’s Roam City Scavenger Hunt
Let’s Roam is an exciting (and affordable) way to see and learn more about Dallas. They offer 4 different self-guided tours from .5 miles to 2 miles. Each tour can be easily followed through their engaging app! They give you interesting facts and turn the tour into an interactive game! It can be a great date night or competition against teams!
Cost: You can purchase each tour for 12.99 or pay just 19.99 for unlimited monthly access to all of their games and tours.
Hike at Cedar Hill Nature Reserve:
Although you will not find any mind-blowing hikes in Dallas, Cedar Hill Nature Preserve is a good escape. Located less than 20 minutes from downtown, you will find 600 acres and over 9 miles of trails. It’s a great place to look for butterflies, birdwatch, or picnic after your hike. It is a nonprofit and runs off donations!
Cost: Free, but a donation of $3.00 (or more) is suggested.
Swim at Grapevine Lake
After you are finished strolling the charming streets and window shopping in downtown Grapevine, bring your pup down to the lake for a swim.
Cost: 5 dollars per vehicle
Search for dog-friendly stays near Dallas (Make sure to check the pet-friendly filter)!
Keep reading:: 31 Things to do near Dallas for Adventure-lovers or this ULTIMATE Dog-friendly Dallas Guide!
Dog-friendly things to do in Fort Worth, TX
Paddle Board down the Trinity River:
Grab your pup, rent a paddleboard with Backwoods Paddle Sports, and head down the Trinity River. You will be right in the heart of Fort Worth will city views all around you! After renting, the employees will explain your different route choices and you will be on your way.
They also rent kayaks (solos and tandems) and canoes, or you can bring your own to launch at Panther Island!
Cost: 18 dollars per hour per person
Note: They do require all dogs to wear a life jacket. If you do not have one you can rent one for just $5.00!
Step back in time at The Stockyards:
The Fort Worth Stockyards is definitely one of my favorite places in the DFW metroplex. When you think of Texas, I automatically think of longhorns, cowboys, rodeos, and country music….the Stockyards give you exactly that. The “real” Texas feel.
You and your dog can watch the daily cattle run (at 11 and 4), window shop, people watch, and grab some BBQ.
Cost: Free to wander the streets, but you will have to pay to park and for additional activities.
Watch a Movie at Coyote Drive-In:
Coyote Drive-in is open 7 days a week. You can purchase your tickets at the gate beginning at 6:00 pm (8 dollars for adults, 4 for children). They are currently playing one movie on each of their four screens. After choosing your movie, head over to the Coyote Canteen for all the movie snacks. Check out their current showings here!
Cost: $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids
Wine Taste at Lost Oak Winery:
Choose between wine tasting, tours of the property, or a combination of the both! There is also a 2.25 hiking/biking trail onsite that you are free to use. A hike, tour, AND wine tasting WITH YOUR DOG?! Sounds like a perfect day to me.
Cost: $14.00 for wine tasting, $20.00-$45.00 for Tour + Wine Tasting.
Click here to see best prices on Dog-friendly Stays near Fort Worth. Make sure to select the “pet-friendly” filter when searching!
Dog-friendly things to do in Amarillo, TX
Take a hike at Palo Duro State Park:
This was really the first stop that changed my mind about Texas. After driving for miles and miles in all the flat land, you will be pleasantly surprised to find the 2nd largest canyon in the United States. I highly suggest hiking The Lighthouse Trail here as you will be left in awe at the natural rock formation! It’s a pretty easy hike and completely dog-friendly!
Tip: Although I wouldn’t recommend doing this hike in the summer due to the extreme heat, Texas can be hot year-round. Be sure to pack your Day Pack with a full water bladder!
Cost: $8.00 per person
Spray Paint at Cadillac Ranch:
Photo by Matan Levanon on Unsplash
A quintessential dog-friendly Texas road trip stop. While at this unique roadside attraction you can admire the 10 Cadillacs, take those insta pics, and even leave your mark with spray paint. You can buy spray paint at the Second Amendment Gift Shop close by!
Cost: Free to enter +cost of spray paint.
Click here to see best prices on Dog-friendly Stays near Amarillo. Make sure to select the “pet-friendly” filter when searching!
Dog-friendly things to do in West Texas
Find the mysterious desk on top of Hancock Hill:
A super unique and dog-friendly trail to add to your West Texas list! Located in Alpine, this 1.8 mile hike will take you up a hill to an old school desk….I know…weird…but also unique. The trail is located right next to the college, and years ago a few college students carried the desk all the way to the top and now it is a fun endpoint to your hike! There is also a bicycle tree near the desk.
Aside from the bikes in a tree and the strange desk, you will also get great 360 views of the city. Its a great quick hike to do at either sunrise or sunset!
Cost: Free
Explore a slot canyon at Big Bend Ranch State Park
Although the neighboring National Park is not dog-friendly, the state park is equally as amazing! (I would argue even more amazing because you can enjoy it with your pup!) There are three dog-friendly hikes and plenty of amazing overlooks to stop at along your drive.
Cost: $6.00 per person
Wander through the Terlingua Ghost Town:
Located outside of Big Bend Ranch State Park, you’ll find the remains of an old mining town. You can wander around the cemetary, visit the old jail, and see the other ruins. There is one gift shop and a couple of restaruants to visit after your self-guided tour.
Although there are many unique stays to choose from near Terlingua, I highly suggest staying at Ocotillos Village. These cozy glamping tents allow for the best stargazing through the plexiglass roofs!
Cost: Free to walk around the Ghost Town
Keep reading: Complete West Texas itinerary with a dog!
Take a photo in front of Marfa Prada:
If you have spent any time on Instagram, it’s likely you have seen this unique roadside attraction. Although there is not much to actually do here, it makes for a great photo op!
Ride the Dunes at Monahans Sand Hills State Park
Did you know that there were sand dunes in Texas?! They are pretty hidden but make for a great pit stop on your way to Big Bend. Rent a sled from the gift shop and spend the day riding the dunes!
Dog-friendly things to do in Austin
Tour the Zilker Botanical Garden
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
Chase waterfalls at 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
Shop at 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
Hike 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
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
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
Click here to see best prices for dog-friendly hotels near Austin. Make sure to select the “pet-friendly” filter when searching!
Dog-friendly things to do in San Antonio
Learn about The Alamo:
Although dogs are not allowed on the tours/in the building, you can still get a picture in front of this famous Texas landmark with your pup!
Cost: free to view!
Stroll Along The Riverwalk:
With many pet-friendly restaurants, great views, and all the people watching, the riverwalk is a great way to spend a day! If looking to truly explore the entire riverwalk, check out this pet-friendly 15-mile tour guide!
Cost: Free + any additional purchases
Click here to see best prices for dog-friendly hotels near San Antonio. Make sure to select the “pet-friendly” filter when searching!
Dog-friendly things to do in Corpus Christi
Admire the views along Corpus Christi Bay Trail
This 9-mile paved trail connects many of Corpus Christi’s attractions and parks. It is great for biking, hiking, rollerblading, or a quick walk with your pup. The trail also leads to beautiful waterfront views the entire way!
Cost: free
Beach day at Padre Island National Seashore
The National Seashore encompasses over 70 miles of shoreline. At the park, you can swim, relax, explore the Laguana, observe a Hatchling Release, birdwatch, fish, camp, and canoe or kayak! Dogs are allowed almost everywhere except inside buildings!
Cost: $10.00 per person
Admire the beauty at South Texas Botanical Gardens
As long as you keep your pup out of the flower beds, your dog is invited to explore the Botanical Gardens with you. For 9 dollars per person, you can explore all the different themed gardens.
Cost: $9.00 (adults), $5.00 (3-12)
Click here to see best prices for dog-friendly hotels near Corpus Christi. Make sure to select the “pet-friendly” filter when searching!
Dog-friendly things to do in Houston
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is home to 14 different short trails, guided walks, and other nature programs. Your little slice of nature heaven in the midst of the big city!
Cost: Donations
Grab a Brew at 8th Wonder Brewery
Bring you pup along to this unique patio and fun zone! 8th Wonder serves many unique different beers to try along with fun games to play. There is also a food truck onsite!
Cost: Varies
Click here to see best prices for dog-friendly hotels near Houston. Make sure to select the “pet-friendly” filter when searching!
Pinkys Kayak Rental
You and your pup can take a self-guided tour of the Armand Bayou and the surrounding waterways via kayak. Make sure you make a reservation beforehand though as Pinkys Kayak Rental is by reservation only.
Tip! There is a likelihood of seeing alligators during your trip so be sure you know the safety tips AND your dog is comfortable in a kayak.
Cost: $45.00 (for 3 hours) for a single kayak, $55.00 (for 3 hours) for a tandem kayak.
Keep Reading::: The ULTIMATE 3-day Houston Itinerary!
Dog-friendly things to do in Galveston
Baywatch Dolphin Tours
How cool is a dog-friendly dolphin tour?! The boats depart every 30 minutes and holds between 34-39 passengers each. Although spotting dolphins is of course not guaranteed, you will for sure have a fun and informative 45-mintue tour. And the best part is is that your pup rides completely free!
Cost: $15.00 (12 and up), $10.00 (0-11)
Ghost Tour
The Ghost of Galveston tour is a perfect addition to your dog-friendly Texas Road Trip. This spooky tour last about 90 minutes. You will visit between seven and eight hautned locations during this tour. It is a walking tour, so be sure to have proper walking shoes on and layers just in case you get chilly!
Cost: $25.00 (12 and up), $9.99 (0-11), Five and under are free.
Beach day
There are two dog-friendly beaches near Galveston to let your pup splash around for a bit! Stewart Beach is a popular spot located close to the Seawall. East Beach is a bit further from the seawall and the rest of the action and is usually a bit quieter. Both beaches have restrooms, concessions, and other amenities onsite.
Cost: $12.00 per vehicle (weekdays), $15.00 per vehicle (Weekends)
Click here to see best prices for dog-friendly hotels near Galveston. Make sure to select the “pet-friendly” filter when searching!
Dog-friendly things to do near Waco
Dinosaur Valley State Park
One of my favorite Texas State Parks! Here you can swim in the river, take your dog for a hike, and search for real dinosaur footprints. Make sure to reserve your campsite online beforehand, they do fill up quickly during peak times!
Cost: $7.00 per person
Magnolias Silos
Photo by Brandi Alexandra on Unsplash
Any Fixer Upper fans out there? Magnolia Market was created by Chip and Joanna Gaines and features shopping, a bakery, cafe, food trucks, and a fun outdoor courtyard (complete with yard games). Dogs are actually allowed in the buildings as well (except for the bakery and cafe). The market is open Monday-Saturday from 9 am- 6 pm. Be sure to check here for any special events.
Cost: Free admission, paid parking and shopping
Click here to see best prices for dog-friendly hotels near Waco. Make sure to select the “pet-friendly” filter when searching!
What other stops would you add to this ULTIMATE dog-friendly Texas Road Trip?
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