Looking for places to go and things to do with your furbaby in Austin? You and your pooch are in for a treat—the City of the Violet Crown is full of dog-friendly spots and activities! These are just some of them.
Dog-friendly breweries in Austin
Austin is home to dozens of
breweries. Most allow canine visitors outside, while some welcome them inside. Here’s where you can bring your furkiddo when grabbing a drink in ATX!
Beerburg Brewing
Located on a 15-acre site, this family-owned brewery offers an extensive selection of food and drinks. While the taproom is off-limits to canines, there’s a fenced-in dog park where your pup can run a few laps as you sip your beer. Fido is also welcome to join you on the patio and in the beer garden.
Celis Brewery
If you’re a fan of Belgian-style ales, then you don’t want to miss this brewery in North Austin. There’s plenty of dog-friendly outdoor seating, but leashed pups are allowed in the taproom as well—a great option to have if you’re visiting in the summer and want to escape the heat!
Nomadic Beerworks
Known for being super dog-friendly, this South Austin brewery lets furry patrons inside the taproom and even has a water tap and bowls for them. Visitors say the atmosphere is chill and relaxed, making it a good place to stop by at the end of a busy day or after zoomies at the
dog park.
Where to take pics of your dog in Austin
Austin is a beautiful city with no shortage of Insta-worthy locations. Here are some dog-friendly places where you can take “grrreat” pictures of your furry BFF!
360 Bridge
The Pennybacker Bridge, also known as the 360 Bridge, is one of the most popular bridges in the city. To get to the overlook, take the Lake Austin/360 Bridge Overlook Trail. The hike, though short, is a bit steep and rocky. But once you and Fifi get to the top, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the bridge, the Colorado River, and the Austin skyline.
Greetings From Austin Mural
Austin is full of many colorful murals, and this vintage postcard-inspired one on Annie Street is arguably the best-known. Located on the side of the Roadhouse Relics gallery, the mural features landmarks like the Congress Avenue Bridge and Barton Springs. Be prepared to wait in a short line if you and your dog go on a weekend.
Mount Bonnell
Another spot that offers “puptastic” views of the Colorado
River is Mount Bonnell. Located in Covert Park, Mount Bonnell is one of the
highest points in Austin, but don’t let that intimidate you. The short hike up
is actually easier than the 360 Bridge Overlook Trail as you will be climbing
stairs instead of rocks. At the top is a view deck and pavilion where you and
your pooch can take a break before heading back down.
You're My Butter Half Mural
If you’re crazy about your pup, you wouldn’t want to miss this
cute mural on E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. It’s the perfect backdrop to pose
in front of with your canine better half. Try to go in the morning so you can
avoid the afternoon shadows.
The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
Part of the
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake is an urban trail located on the south shore of the Colorado River. Spanning 1.3 miles, it takes visitors over the water and through greenery while offering beautiful views of the downtown skyline. Stop at the viewing areas that jut out over the water to get the best snaps of your pooch!
Dog-friendly activities in Austin
Looking to spend a fun afternoon with your furry friend? Here are some activities that you and your pup can enjoy in ATX!
The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
Discover modern art from around the world while enjoying a
stroll with your best friend at The Contemporary Austin’s outdoor sculpture
park. Located at historic Laguna Gloria, the park features permanent outdoor
art installations amid woodlands, meadows, gardens, and a variety of flora and
fauna. Be sure to keep your pup away from the sculptures and on a leash at all
times.
Rowing Dock
Explore Lady Bird Lake together with Fido! Rowing Dock offers dog-friendly kayak and canoe rentals, and even provides
doggy life jackets for four-legged patrons. If you and your pooch visit on a Tuesday during non-algae season, you can take advantage of Yappy Hour and get your second hour free!
The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
Discover modern art from around the world while enjoying a stroll with your best friend at The Contemporary Austin’s outdoor sculpture park. Located at historic Laguna Gloria, the park features permanent outdoor art installations amid woodlands, meadows, gardens, and a variety of flora and fauna. Be sure to keep your pup away from the sculptures and on a leash at all times.
The Domain
If you’re going shopping at The Domain, there’s no need to leave your pup at home. Canine visitors are welcome at this outdoor mall, and almost all of the stores and restaurants here are dog-friendly. Multiple dog waste stations are also located throughout the area for easy cleanups.
Dog-friendly event in Austin
Puptopia Festival Austin
The first-ever amazement park for dogs is coming back to Austin in October! Puptopia is a festival for dogs that no four-legged Austinite will want to miss! Tail-wagging experiences include photo ops, agility courses, spa treatments, and eats and drinks for canines and humans. The main stage will feature shows throughout the day, and pet parents can peruse the vendors for the best products for their furchildren.
Puptopia Austin is happening at Pease District Park on October 21, 2023 from 10 AM to 5 PM. Early bird tickets are now on sale through May 31st. Each ticket includes entry to the festival for one human and up to two dogs. For more information, check out the
Puptopia Austin website!
Animal shelter spotlight in Austin
Austin Pets Alive!
Originally founded as an all-volunteer advocacy group in 1997, Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) was reborn as a rescue organization in 2008 and has since saved over 100,000 lives. With a focus on saving animals who are most at risk of euthanasia, the nonprofit organization has helped make Austin the largest no-kill city in America. APA! also has programs to help people and their pets stay together and to support US shelters with high euthanasia rates.
The animals that APA! rescues include orphaned puppies and kittens, seniors with chronic medical conditions, and those who have been neglected or have contagious illnesses. The nonprofit also saves animals from other parts of Texas and surrounding counties.
Planning to add a new member to your family? See the adoptable dogs and cats on the APA!
website or
Instagram!