Dog walking in Martindale

Martindale

Martindale is a small and quiet town, with only a few places to bring Fido out for a walk. One of those places is Hog Island, a small island in the middle of the river on the north side of town. Park on the road and this sandy plot of land with a dirt trail leading from one end of the island to the other. There's a small grassy field and beach area, perfect for playing in the water and running around. Dogs are not required to be on a leash inside this park, but remember to bring water and clean-up bags! On the west side of town is a small group of lakes. From here, you can access the River Lakes Trail that follows a small island bridge and leads to the center of the lake and a small grassy field. Dogs are welcome on the trail and do not need to be on a leash.

Wonder World Drive

The neighborhood of Wonder World Drive is a suburban neighborhood on the outside of downtown San Marcos, just 6.4 miles from Martindale. Stokes Park is the most popular park of the neighborhood, thanks to its abundance of green space along the San Marcos River, walking trails, and picnic space. There are benches, picnic tables, and shaded seating, with over a mile of trails, access to the river for fishing and swimming, and trash bins. The best part of the park is that dogs do not have to remain on a leash inside the park, although it is not fenced-in. Be sure to bring water and clean-up bags.

Rio Vista

The Rio Vista is a neighborhood mixed with residential homes and natural woods. The area is in San Marcos, 7 miles north of Martindale. The dog-friendliest park in the area is the Rio Vista Park, which rests on the western side of the San Marcos River. The park boasts a lot of unique features, like a walking bridge that goes over the river, a fishing pier, boat launch, and beach area for swimmers. On the inner part of the park, there are enclosed tennis courts, a playground, open spaces, shaded sitting areas, water fountains, clean-up stations, and a paved walking trail. Fido can walk, run around or go for a relaxing swim here as long as he remains on a leash.

Fairlawn

The Fairlawn community is a residential area in the city of San Marcos, 5.3 miles north of Martindale. The main dog attraction in the neighborhood is the Gary Sports Complex, which has multiple recreational fields and open space for visitors and residents. There are 8 fenced-in baseball fields, grassy fields, paved walkways, restrooms, and a pavilion for picnics. Whether going for a walk, or needing room to run around and play, Fido will love it at the park, especially with access to amenities like water fountains, benches, trash bins, nighttime lights, and clean-up stations. The Blanco Shoals Natural Area is another dog-friendly spot that has over 30 acres of protected land along the Blanco River. There are nature trails, space to play, and an area for recreational use. Dogs must be on a leash inside both parks.

Central San Marcos

Central San Marcos is the main location to the city's shopping district and business area in San Marcos, located 7.7 miles north of Martindale. Inside the bustling neighborhood is Dunbar Park, made popular thanks to its grassy fields and open space, and surrounded by trees that offer privacy and shade. The park has a fenced-in basketball court, a playground, and pavilion for picnics available for leashed pups. Willow Springs Park is another dog-friendly park in the neighborhood that has a clean open area to run around and play in, with a looping trail and playground. Dogs do not have to be on a leash inside this park, but remember to bring some water!