If you’re in Austin and looking for the perfect day out with your dog, Rover has you covered. We talked to our community of dog people in Austin to get their recommendations for the best dog-friendly activities their city has to offer. This complete route includes a fabulous dog walk, dog park, and dog-friendly restaurant. Your dog is ready for this! Read on for all the details you need.
For more dog adventures, check out our dog-friendly guides to cities across the country.
Total Distance: 1.4 miles / 30 minutes of walking
*At this time, Lady Bird Lake is experiencing an algae bloom, which is very dangerous for dogs. Water access is currently closed to dogs at parks including Auditorium Shores Dog Park and Red Bud Isle. Watch for warning signs and keep your pup safe!*
In Austin, start off your adventure in the lush greenscape that is Auditorium Shores Dog Park. Capture a photo of your dog with the Austin city skyline and enjoy a dip in the water. Expect muddy paws!
Next up, join the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, known locally as “Town Lake Trail.” After a short stroll, head up the stairs to the S 1st Street bridge and enjoy expansive views as you and your dog cross the Colorado River.
Then head to your final destination, the casual and dog-friendly Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden. Merge onto West Cesar Chavez Drive and continue on the trail toward Rainey Street. At the first traffic circle, take the second exit onto River Street. At the second traffic circle, take the first exit onto Rainey Street and Banger’s will be on your right.
Dog's Day Out: Austin
Auditorium Shores Dog Park
Address: 800 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704
This expansive waterfront park to the south of Lady Bird Lake and was recently re-developed in 2016. Here you’ll find an expansive 57 acres full of open greenspace for play, city views and access to water.
A 4.5-acre off-leash play space is designated at the western side of the park, featuring three distinct water access areas, an interior walking trail, and a dog drinking fountain and dog shower. Keep an eye on escape artist pups as the fencing can be inconsistent and nearby Riverside Drive is busy with traffic.
Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 5am-10pm
Why we love it:
This dog park has beautiful skyline and river views and lots of space to play.
Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Location: Street parking is available along S. Lakeshore Blvd. between Pleasant Valley Road and Riverside or at Festival Beach across the river.
The Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake is a lush, urban path that meanders the water’s edge. With more than 2.6 million visits a year, the 10-mile trail is Austin’s most popular recreational area. The trail was named for a former Austin mayor and his wife.
Hours
- Daily, 5am-12am midnight
Why we love it:
This trail is a nice safe distance away from the road with a gorgeous view.
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
Address: 79 Rainey Street, Austin, TX 78701
A family-owned bar that serves house-made meats (including 30 varieties of sausage!), craft beer, pickled vegetables and more. Banger’s features more than 200 beers on draft and another 50 in cans and bottles, making it the largest draft system in Texas!
Contact Info: (512) 386-1656
Hours:
- Mon-Wed: 11am-11pm
- Thurs-Sat: 11am-12am
- Sun: 10am-11pm
Why we love it:
Happy hour from 4-6pm on weekdays is a blast. The kitchen serves up delicious food—even a special dog-friendly sausage!
Bonus Locations (not featured on route) featured in our Dog-Friendly Austin City Guide.
Austin DOGA
Address: 3610 Abbate Circle, Austin, TX 78721
Practice yoga while your dog hangs out and soaks up a gentle, zen massage. Enjoy a fun, one-on-one activity with your pup, while improving your wellness! Relax, renew, and rejuvenate and learn mindfulness techniques for lowering and coping with stress.
Contact Info: (512) 413-3648
Hours:
- By appointment
Why we love it:
Learn how to enjoy massage, yoga, and meditation with your pup! Ideal to “Zen out” with your dog during a 45-minute class.
Scholz Garten
Address: 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Packed during football games, this famed spot features beer and burgers in a shaded outdoor setting. Enter through the garden side on 17th and all dogs should be on a leash.
Contact Info: (512) 474-1958
Hours:
- Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm
- Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm
- Sunday: 12-8pm
Why we love it:
The tasty German food and great selection of beer make this a worthy visit with or without your dog.
Red Bud Isle
Address: 3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746
A lakefront, off-leash dog park with 13 acres of recreational space, plus hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. Make sure to look for signs and watch out for warnings as recent algae blooms have closed the water access.
Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 5am-10pm
Why we love it:
This is a great place to bring your dog for a swim, run, or walk. Dogs love cooling off in the water of Ladybird Lake. If your dog is up for it, try a canoe outing!
More Dog-Friendly Austin Activities
You’ve taken the walk, but are hungry for more dog-friendly restaurants, coffee shops, and activities in Austin. We’ve got you covered with our picks for dog-friendly eateries, hotels and more in and around Austin.
- 10 Top Dog-Friendly Hotels in Austin
- Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Austin
- 11 Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Texas
