For many of us Austinites, our canine friends are family. They afford us with extra opportunities to get out and experience a different side of Austin.
Our family is in the process of adopting this sweet boy from Gold Ribbon Rescue.
Our last dog was friendly enough, but he just wasn’t the type we thought about taking too many places, for various reasons. Our new pup is very easygoing, so it has us all excited to get out there and explore.
Here are some ways to have fun in our fabulous city with your pooch in tow:
OFF-LEASH DOG PARKS
The City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department off-leash areas are open from 5am until 10pm, barring any events or maintenance issues. Check here for reminders about rules while in off-leash areas.
Red Bud Isle
- Auditorium Shores (new off-leash area projected to be completed in February 2015; until then, the West Lawn area will be off-leash), 900 W. Riverside Dr. 78704
- Davis White Northeast District Park, 5909 Crystalbrook Dr. 78724
- Turkey Creek Trail at Emma Long Metropolitan Park, 1600 City Park Rd. 77830
- Mary Moore Searight Off-Leash Trail, 907 W. Slaughter Ln. 78748
- Norwood Estate and Off-Leash Area (fenced in), 1009 Edgecliff Terrace 78704
- Onion Creek District Park, 7001 Onion Creek Dr. 78744
- Red Bud Isle, 3401 Red Bud Trail 78703 (Review)
- Shoal Creek Greenbelt, 2600 Lamar Blvd. 78705
- Walnut Creek District Park, 12138 N. Lamar Blvd. 78753
- West Austin Park (fenced in), 1317 W. 10th St. 78703
- Zilker Park’s Great Lawn, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. 78746
Turkey Creek Trail
Outside of Austin:
- Bark Park, 151 Holly St. Georgetown 78626
- Cedar Bark Park (fenced in), Veterans Memorial Park at 2525 W. New Hope Dr. Cedar Park 78613
- Falcon Pointe Gardens and Bark Park (fenced in), 19417 Murchison Ridge Tr. Pflugerville 78660
- Puppy Playland Dog Park (fenced in), 1240 Landa St. New Braunfels 78130
- Round Rock Dog Depot (fenced in), 800 Deerfoot Dr. Round Rock 78664
DOG-FRIENDLY EATERIES
While many restaurants allow dogs on their patios, here are a few I’d recommend:
Alta’s Cafe
- Alta’s Cafe, 74 Trinity St. 78701
- Austin Java, 301 W. 2nd St., Suite 100 78701
- Austin Terrier, 3435 Greystone Dr. 78731
- Banger’s, 79 & 81 Rainey St. 78701 (monthly Mutt Mondays feature pet vendors, live music and treats)
- Crown & Anchor, 2911 San Jacinto 78705
- Jo’s Coffee, 1300 S. Congress 78704
- Freddie’s Place, 1703 S. 1st St. 78704 (dog biscuits and watering station and menu includes a dog burger)
- Lucy’s Fried Chicken, 2218 College Ave. 78704
- Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. 78703
- Opal Divine’s, 3601 S. Congress Ave, Suite K 78704
- Red’s Porch, 3508 S. Lamar Blvd. 78704
- Rudy’s BBQ, 2451 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. 78735
- Spider House Cafe, 2906 & 2908 Fruth St. 78705
- Whole Foods,525 N. Lamar Blvd. 78703
- Zocalo Cafe, 1110 West Lynn 78703
ANNUAL EVENTS
- Austin Pet Expo – August
- Austin Pittie Limits – September
- Barkitecture – October
- Buda Weiner Dog Races – April
- Dog Beard and Moustache Competition (1st held in 2014) – November
- Dogtoberfest – October
- Great PUGkin Fest – October
- Jo’s Easter Parade and Costume Contest – around Easter
- Snout by Snoutwest – November
- Doggie Dip Days in New Braunfels – April and September
A recovering workaholic, Nicole Basham now spends her time rediscovering Austin through her 8-year-old son’s eyes. A soccer-playing mom, Nicole also enjoys tickling too close to bedtime, taking in some live music and being silly. You can also find her writing at LiveMom.
