Dog-Friendly Places in Austin TX

There's no place like Austin, Texas for fun in the sun with your pup. Not only is the weather great for getting outdoors most of the year, but the Texas capital is super dog-friendly. Here's how to fuel your dog's adventure in Austin.

Photo Credit: "Barton Springs: Downstream" by Lars Plougmann via Flickr. License info.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Address: 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704

Zilker Metropolitan Park is 351 acres of dog heaven in downtown Austin. Let your pup run and play off-leash in the sprawling, unfenced fields next to the Colorado River as you take in the view of the Austin skyline, or stroll with your furry friend on-leash through the beautiful Zilker Botanical Gardens. Feel like a dip? Both of you can splash around in the chilly downstream waters of Barton Springs to cool off on those hot Texas days.

Photo Credit: "Island Texas Lake Shore Swim Summer Travel" via Max Pixel. License info.

Red Bud Isle

Address: 3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746

Red Bud Isle, a.k.a. Dog Island, is 17.5 acres of off-leash parkland in the middle of Lady Bird Lake. There are fields for playing, shady wooded trails for exploring, and the refreshing lake for swimming. Relax on a bench at the water's edge, and check out the beautiful views of the lake and the mansions lining its edge while your dog explores. It's an adventure that requires some serious energy, so let your pup fuel up with a bowl of Nature's Recipe™ Grain Free Easy to Digest Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe food.

Photo Credit: Rowing Dock

Rowing Dock

Address: 2418 Stratford Drive, Austin, TX 78746

If you're craving some outdoor adventure with your furry friend, Rowing Dock is the perfect fit. Dogs are welcomed on rental kayaks and canoes, and Rowing Dock provides dog-specific standup paddleboards called Ruff SUPs (along with doggy life jackets). Every Tuesday is Yappy Hour – you and your pup get your second hour of SUPing free. If your pooch is in need of a sweet treat after paddling, Rowing Dock occasionally has ice cream socials with dog-friendly ice cream and pupsicles.

Photo Credit: Kendra Gorleski

HOPE Outdoor Gallery

Address: 1101 Baylor Street, Austin, TX 78703

Austin is famous for its music, but there's a vibrant art community in this creative city too. The HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) Outdoor Gallery is a dog-friendly, open-air gallery and studio. Explore the art with your pup while you watch muralists, street artists, art education classes, and community groups appreciate and add to the colorful collection. Climb to the top of the gallery for best place in the city to take a picture of your pup against the Austin skyline.

Photo Credit: Yard Bar

Yard Bar

Address: 6700 Burnet Road, Austin TX 78757

Many restaurants and bars in Bat City are dog-friendly, but Yard Bar is the best of the best. This off-leash, fenced dog park/restaurant and bar has agility equipment, water bowls, an activity-filled play area, and a full bar with great food for humans. The wonderful “Bark Rangers" will ensure your pup is safely having fun while you enjoy lunch or dinner and a casual drink. The dog park portion itself is 21+ because of the bar location, but the separate dining patio is all ages – bring the whole family and enjoy.