Dog walking in Lytle

Downtown Lytle

Downtown Lytle is home to the John Lott Municipal Park, an area beloved by locals for its picnic areas, playgrounds and community playing fields. There’s also a scenic walking trail for you and your pup to explore -- however, you won’t be able to let them loose. Hold tight so your dog doesn’t tear off! The park is just off the main street. While there are several dining options here, none of them are particularly pet-friendly. However, the Railway Cafe LLC makes mean meals for take-out, so you and your canine companion can dine alfresco in the park across the street.

Hidden Cove Indian Creek

Located in the Lackland Air Force Base borough of San Antonio, the recently opened Pearsall Park is South San Antonio’s answer to the better known Brackenridge Park on the north side, with 500 acres of open space chock full of amenities. It also contains the closest off-leash dog park to Lytle, located just twenty minutes up the I-35. The park provides water fountains, waste bags and agility equipment to give your boisterous bundle of energy a thorough workout! The park’s 1.5 acres does not contain separate areas for large and small dogs, so be mindful of your pup’s temperament. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park, so there’s also a 5 km trail to explore!

Downtown San Antonio

As dog-friendly neighborhoods go, Downtown San Antonio certainly welcomes wagging tails with open arms. The city’s Riverwalk is five miles of paved pet-friendly paradise. Swing by the Pearl Farmer’s market (Avenue A Pearl Parkway) on a weekend morning and sample some doggie-licious treats from the stall of the Pawsitively Sweet Bakery, which also has a brick-and-mortar store located further east at 3363 E. Commerce (near AT&T Center). We’ve written before about the fabulous Brackenridge Park in Tobin Hill, but it would be a huge faux-paws not to add the much smaller, but conveniently located Madison Square Dog Park at Lexington Avenue in the northern part of downtown to your off-leash list. Poop bags and a doggie drinking fountain are provided.

Southtown

Once your pooch is all tired out, why not continue at a leisurely stroll down the Riverwalk to San Antonio’s hip Southtown? Leashed dogs are welcome to walk around the King William’s historic district, so you can soak up some culture as your furry friend ambles along at your side. Southtown is also home to a large range of dog-friendly shops and restaurants. Canine customers are greeted gladly at The Friendly Spot Ice House on South Alamo Street, a large outdoor restaurant and bar beloved by locals and tourists alike. The trendy Burleson Yard beer garden on Austin Street has plenty of shady seating so your pup can cool down, and even provides doggie-doo bags to keep the area clean!