Austin boasts an incredible number of dog-friendly destinations. In fact, this hip Texas city is often listed among the top five dog-friendly cities in the country. But sometimes too many choices can be just as confusing as limited options. With dogs accompanying humans almost everywhere, where are the best places to take your four-legged friend in the Live Music Capital of the World? Take a look at our video city guide.
Dog-Friendly Things to do in Austin
Austin Doga
Offering private small and group classes, Austin Doga is a great way to relax and unwind in a location of your choice with your dog. Soak up some sun and zen in a park, and start (or end) your day with some serenity.
All you need is a leash for your dog, a yoga mat, a blanket or towel for your dog, and your dog’s vaccination records.
Zilker Park Boat Rentals
2101 Andrew Zilker Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Established in 1969 and family-owned, Zilker Park Boat Rentals is located in scenic Zilker Park, offering canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks for use on Barton Creek. They welcome dogs, though you need to bring your own dog life jacket.
Why not try something new and enjoy the natural beauty of the Lone Star State?
The Domain
11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758
High end retails stores aren’t always associated with a lot of canine traffic, but almost every store in this glitzy shopping stretch allows dogs inside.
Whether you’re on a mission, just window shopping, or letting your dog taste the high life, shopping in Austin is a dog’s domain.
Austin Carriage Ride
Multiple locations
After a long and tiring day, let another kind of four-legged friend give you and yours a break. You might associate horse-drawn carriages with date night, but make it “dog night” and let this canine conducive business treat you to an elegant tour of downtown Austin.
Zilker Park Boat Rentals
2101 Andrew Zilker Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Jump on the bandwagon—or more accurately, the stand-up paddleboard—and “SUP with your pup.” This will provide adventure, exercise, and water play for you and your pet.
You provide the appropriate doggy lifejacket. If you’re not already part of this community, check out the adorable pictures on the how-to Facebook page.
Canine Camp
Many parents send their kids to summer camp…does your dog deserve any less? They won’t even need to write home because you’ll be with them.
The Canine Center’s seasonal weekend camps offer activities that can make training your dog fun. (Nosework murder mystery, anyone?) They also offer adventures for you and your furry best friend, such as camping and seasonal activities like skijoring.
Austin Dog Parks
Red Bud Isle
3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746
In the shadow of the Lake Austin dam, this park is a peninsula that provides an array of options for your pooch to play in. Expect them to get muddy, but they’ll cherish the opportunity to frolic, splash, and run free while you enjoy the scenery.
Onion Creek District Park
7001 Onion Creek Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Situated along beautiful Onion Creek, this off-leash park has a plethora of shaded hiking trails and other fun outdoor activities you can enjoy with your dog.
From wading or swimming in the creek to exploring over 200 acres of land, this park even offers doggy bag stations stocked with poop bags for your convenience.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
12138 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
Located just north of downtown Austin, this park has over 200 acres of trails to explore, as well as a stream for splashing. Whether you’re looking to hike, stroll or just cool off on a hot day, this park has what you and your dog need.
There are many more outdoor places to have fun with your dog in Austin. See our guide to dog parks in Austin for more.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Austin
Bangers Sausage House
79 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
Bring your dog and eat a jalapeño cheddar bratwurst. Boasting the largest selection of sausages in Austin, this Rainey Street restaurant also provides a selection of sausages made specifically for dogs.
They also have brunch from 10AM – 4PM on Sundays, with a tasty menu. Why not relax with your dog while getting your brunch on?
Red’s Porch
South Lamar, 3508 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Dishing up “half Cajun, half texmex, half southern” food and a whole lot of style, Red’s Porch is a must-visit. The welcoming staff and Texas-chic décor will have you thinking you’re at a neighbor’s backyard BBQ.
Dogs are welcome on the front and back porch of the restaurant, which makes the BBQ vibe even better.
P. Terry’s Burger Stand
Multiple locations
Looking for a quick bite or the opportunity to eat some fast food on an outdoor patio? P. Terry’s earned the “best dog-friendly patio” nod from the Austin Chronicle. They’re known for having dog biscuits on hand for pooch patrons whether you’re hanging out or rolling through the drive-through.
They also boast hormone-free meats, cage-free eggs, and other humane, quality ingredients for humans, too. Your dog might not be the only one hanging an eager head out the window!
Of course, these are just a few of the dog-friendly restaurants Austin has to offer. Like Bangers, many of the restaurants on Rainey Street are dog-friendly.
Dog-Friendly Bars in Austin
Yard Bar
It’s a full bar, and it’s a 21+, off-leash dog park. What else do you need? Food? Add in the full menu of human small plates and sandwiches as well as a dog menu, and Yard Bar is the place to spend an evening unwinding with your dog.
They do charge admission to the dog park, and there are some rules, but that’s a small price to pay for sharing happy hour with your pup, right?
Opa Coffee and Wine Bar
2050 S. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78704
Located in south Austin, this cozy Greek coffee shop and wine bar has a small plate Mediterranean menu as well as a nice selection of wine and spirits. Even if you’re not feeling like a glass of vino at the end of the day, you can order a Greek coffee or a nice mug of tea.
They have a good-sized shaded patio that’s dog-friendly, with dog treats and water bowls available. (Though they do ask dogs be on leash at all times.) As a bonus, they have live music Friday-Sunday, making it a great place to enjoy what makes Austin the Live Music Capital of the World with your dog.
Dog House Drinkery
3800 Co Rd 175, Leander, TX 78641
A hot spot for meet up groups and dog-centric special events, this eatery, bar, and dog park offers food and drink to help the humans socialize while the dogs fraternize with each other.
The bar area is covered and dog-friendly, with TVs, pool and board games to enjoy while your dog is making friends. A half-acre of lighted off-leash area is available for an annual membership fee or the cost of a day pass.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Austin
Finding a place to stay with your dog can be hard. Thankfully, Austin has a nice selection of dog-friendly hotels that offer top-notch doggy amenities. Why not stay somewhere you can both feel pampered?
South Congress Hotel
1603 South Congress Austin, TX 78704
- A boutique hotel located in Austin’s South Congress neighborhood (shopping, food, entertainment!)
- Dogs stay for free
- Guest Services is happy to arrange dog-centric services during your stay
- Dog pack ‘n play, or doggie treats available upon request
Hotel Van Zandt
605 Davis Street Austin, TX 78701
- Situated next to Lady Bird Lake, with miles of trails to wander together
- Pets stay for free—no size, weight or breed limitation
- They have Directors of Pet Relations to ensure a fun, comfy stay
- When you arrive, you’re given treats, maps to local dog parks and a toy
- Comfy pet beds and clean blankets provided
Hotel Ella
1900 Rio Grande Austin, TX 78705
- Close to the University of Texas and other must-see locations
- Features a cabana-style pool and Texas-modernist works of art
- Dogs of all sizes are welcome for no additional fee, but let them know in advance
- Pets will have bedding, bowls, a plush toy and even a bandanna waiting for them upon arrival
There are so many great places to stay with your dog in Austin, we can’t list them all here. Take a look at our article on the best dog-friendly hotels in Austin, TX for more ideas on where to stay during your trip.
Whether it’s playing in the mud, mingling with the elite, or grabbing a getaway weekend, your options for dog-friendly places in Austin abound. Looking to kick up your heels somewhere that isn’t dog-friendly during your trip?
A short stay at a local doggie daycare or with a pet sitter in Austin lets you explore the city while your dog continues to have the time of their life.
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