I recently attended TravelCon in Austin, TX, and while I didn’t bring Lady with me for this trip, I was blown away by just how pet-friendly this city really is!

Almost everywhere I went to in the “Live Music Capital of the World” boasted dog-friendly areas, and not to mention the wide variety of outdoor activities was absolutely astounding. If there’s one city in Texas that you’ll want to visit with your dogs, this is it!

Before you get there, here are some suggestions for dog-friendly activities in Austin, TX that you won’t want to skip!

Pet-friendly travel is quickly becoming more and more popular, so there’s never been a better time to get out and explore new places with your four-legged friends. Before you embark on your next adventure, however, you’ll need to know exactly what to bring to keep your dog healthy and happy during your trip.

That’s why I’d love to offer you my handy dandy Doggie Packing Checklist for free! This is the same checklist that I and hundreds of other pet parents use to stay organized during the packing process and ensure we bring everything our pups will need on our travels. 

Download yours for free right now and let’s start planning your next dog-friendly getaway!

8 of the Best Dog-Friendly Activities in Austin, TX

1. Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Lady Bird Lake

This river-like reservoir in Downtown Austin provides a plethora of ways for locals, visitors, and their pets to get out and enjoy the spectacular year-round weather. From hiking and biking trails to kayaking and paddleboarding on the water, you and your dogs could spend the whole day exploring Lady Bird Lake.

The lake is also the site of South Congress Bridge where hundreds of Mexican free-tailed bats make their home. Tourists from all over the nation flock here between March and November to watch the bats swarm from underneath the bridge at sunset.

It’s a must-see experience that you can only get here in Austin, TX! After spending the day on the lake, find a cozy spot near the bridge to watch this unique local phenomenon.

2. Run Off-Leash at Red Bud Isle Dog Park

Red Bud Isle Dog Park is 17.5-acres of off-leash fun for your pets! The best part? It’s located right on Lake Austin and provides a nice spot for dogs to splash in the water and cool off on a hot day.

There are also trails open for exploration of the nearby wooded areas. Don’t forget to bring a towel in case your four-legged friends decide to take a dip. I’m sure you won’t want to put a wet and muddy dog back in the car!

3. Enjoy the Views at Auditorium Shores Dog Park

Another popular off-leash dog park, Auditorium Shores is my personal favorite because of its stunning view of Downtown Austin!

The park is always full of playful dogs that love to run, socialize, and go swimming. While your dog runs off his energy and makes new friends, you can find a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy views of the Austin skyline. The park also provides public restrooms, drinking fountains, and trails for walking or biking!

4. Hang Out With Your Friends at Yard Bar

If there’s one place in Austin, TX that I wish I could have spent more time at, it’s definitely Yard Bar!

This local bar is one of the coolest spots for dog lovers and their four-legged friends to unwind and relax with good food, drinks, and company. While you chow down on some of the best hush puppies in the city and wash it down with locally crafted beers, your dogs can play in the bar’s own off-leash dog park!

During your meal, you won’t have to worry too much about keeping a close eye on your pet because the bar’s “Bark Rangers” are always there to keep dog play moving safely. It’s a fun and unique hotspot that is well worth the visit!

5. Dine in Dog-Friendly Austin Restaurants

Did you know that Austin, TX has one of the highest volumes of dog-friendly restaurants? In fact, I felt like it was more difficult to find a local restaurant that DIDN’T allow pets!

Most dog-friendly restaurants in Austin can be found on 2nd Street or Rainey Street, but you’ll be sure to find a decent place to dine with your four-legged friends nearly anywhere. Here are just a few of my personal favorites to help you get started!  

• Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden: This is one of the most popular restaurants in Austin, and for good reason! With over 100 beers on tap and 30 delicious house-made sausages to choose from, your options for a tasty meal are nearly limitless. Plus, much like Yard Bar, Banger’s has an outdoor dog park for your furry friends and even supplies sausages made specifically for dogs on their menu! Don’t forget to also try their dog-friendly brunch in Austin.

• Red’s Porch: While in Austin, it is IMPERATIVE that you indulge in some authentic Tex-Mex cuisine (trust me on this one!). If you want to bring your dogs along for mealtime, Red’s Porch is a great option. This South Austin restaurant features Tex Mex, Southern, and Cajun cuisine all under one roof. The covered front and back patios are pet-friendly and bowls of water can be provided by the waitstaff.

• Austin Terrier: Why wouldn’t you take your pets to a restaurant that literally has a dog breed in its name? Austin Terrier is a friendly neighborhood restaurant with a pub-like atmosphere. On the dog-friendly back patio, your pooch will be given yummy treats to snack on while you treat yourself to tasty selections such as creative pizzas, burgers, and Tex Mex food, all of which are made using 100% natural ingredients. 

6. Go Shopping at The Domain

Most Austin locals know exactly what I’m talking about when I say, “The Domain.”

This outdoor shopping center is set in a park-like atmosphere and includes high-end boutiques and shops such as Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Dillards, and Louis Vuitton. If you’re in need of some retail therapy, you won’t have to feel bad about leaving your pets behind at home or the hotel. In fact, most shops in The Domain are pet-friendly and will even give out treats to visiting pooches.

7. Explore Zilker Botanical Gardens

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city life and a place to rejuvenate in the beauty of nature, a trip to Zilker Botanical Gardens may be in order!

Leashed pets are welcome to join you and explore the walking paths through variously themed gardens. More than 300,000 people visit the gardens annually to admire the exotic plant life and participate in their fun-filled events.

8. Take a Yoga Class With Your Dog

Yes, you read that right! Austin Doga’s yoga classes are centered around de-stressing your body, creating self-acceptance, and improving the bond between human and animal.

The teacher, Nicole Vykoukal is a trained yoga instructor, psychotherapist, and self-proclaimed animal lover. I didn’t get the chance to participate in one of the yoga classes myself, but you can bet that I’ll be there next time I’m in Austin with my dog.

Talk about giving a whole new meaning to the “Downward Dog” pose!

Private sessions can also be arranged if you’re afraid your pup may not get along with the other dogs or become too hyper.

Where to Stay With Your Dogs in Austin, TX

As one of the most pet-friendly cities in America, Austin unsurprisingly provides several accommodations near downtown that allow your fur babies to lodge with you.

Just to help you with your vacation planning, here are just a couple suggestions that I’ve thoroughly researched and highly recommend for you and your dogs.

I also recommend using Airbnb to find pet-friendly lodging at only a fraction of the price of typical hotels or using my guide to the best dog-friendly hotel chains in America.

• Four Seasons Hotel Austin: This luxurious hotel in the downtown area features finite details that perfectly illustrate what makes Austin one of the nation’s most unique cities. During your stay, you’ll enjoy incredible amenities such as spacious rooms, miles of lakeside trails, a saltwater swimming pool, and more. Your pups will also be pampered with a plush dog bed, in-room spa services, and even a doggie room-service menu! Up to two dogs under 60 pounds will be permitted for an additional $100.

• Hilton Austin: Located just one block from Austin’s 6th street entertainment, Hilton Austin is the place to be if you want comfortable accommodations within walking distance of the city’s major points of interest. Plus, their pet-friendly lodging allows pets up to 75 pounds with a $50 deposit.

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I could go on and on with more dog-friendly activities in Austin, TX! We’ve only scratched the surface of all the fun things to do in this incredible city. 

After trying the activities on our list, go out and discover your own, and don’t forget to share what you find with us!

Until then, be sure to check out other dog-friendly destinations that I’ve visited with my own dog or pet health and safety tips that you can use while on the go or at home!

Happy Travels!