The Best Dog-Friendly Destinations in Austin, Texas
Austin is dog friendly, and we’ve got the city’s best destinations to take your four-legged friend.
Dog-Friendly Destinations
Austin is known for being pet-friendly, and the city is often cited highly on lists of top cities for dogs. You can regularly see dogs sashaying down the aisles at Home Depot and into the dressing rooms at Anthropologie, slurping treats at Starbucks, and taking in the scene at outdoor restaurants and bars all over town.
There are a dozen off-leash dog areas on city parkland — the most of any city in Texas. Various websites count more than 60 local dog-friendly hotels and 200-plus restaurants, almost 40 dog day cares, dozens of dog walkers, sitters and trainers. Plus, untold numbers of Austin businesses, including groomers and bakeries, that cater to dogs and their owners.
Whether you’re looking for a park, restaurant, coffee shop, or bar, here are some city highlights, all just minutes from Easton Park.
Barking Springs
While Zilker Park is best known for Barton Springs, it’s dog-friendly cousin, Barking Springs, is located along the creek just to the north. Dogs love splashing in the cool clear water, but be sure to check the blue-green algae levels before you go – too much can be harmful to dogs.
Doga
If you want to do yoga with your dog, Doga is your spot! Put on your comfy pants and make an appointment at this private yoga studio. The instructor leads you through restorative poses and meditations while your dog gets gentle massage and energy work. It can be a profound bonding experience for you and your pup.
Cosmic Coffee and Beer
With beautiful grounds featuring shaded decks, rainwater-fed ponds, raised bed gardens and even chickens, Cosmic Coffee and Beer welcomes all kinds of creatures including dogs. You’ll find coffee, tea, and boozy drinks as well as local food trucks offering tasty eats.
Yard Bar
The Yard Bar in Austin was specially set up to be a great place to drink and hang with your pet. The space is 30,000 square feet — 20,000 of which is an off-leash dog park with agility equipment, mister fans, and large trees for shade. There are house-made dog treats and even a chicken broth-based, non-alcoholic dog beer.
Bull Creek District Park
Bull Creek is one of the tributaries that feed the Texas Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country. The Bull Creek District Park is a great Austin recreational area for dogs and their owners, which has one of pups’ favorite delights – plenty of water, including springs, waterways, waterfalls, and limestone seeps. There are also seven basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, a multipurpose field, fishing and swimming areas, and multiple barbeque pits.
Kerbey Lane
Kerbey Lane is one of Austin’s many pet-friendly restaurants (see a fuller list here), and is perhaps of special note because of its unique Austin history. On May 5th, 1980, Kerbey Lane Cafe opened its doors for business, operating out of a small house on Kerbey Lane in north-central Austin. The restaurant focuses on creating homemade quality food that is local, healthy and affordable. Dogs are welcome on the covered patio.
Driskill Hotel
The Driskill hotel is happy to welcome four-legged friends. Amenities include: Custom Driskill pet bed, designer dishes and mat, bottled spring water, gourmet pet treats from 1886 Café & Bakery, supply of Driskill doggie business bags, and a map of Austin with designated pet-friendly areas.
Of course, if you don’t want to leave the neighborhood, you can hit Easton Bark dog park or any of our parks! Not yet a resident? Find your home (with a big yard!) now!
