Tejano Walking Trails

Just blocks from downtown are a couple of trails that are not only a furrific spot to take a walk with your pup, but also tell the story of central east Austin. Located in the heart of the East Cesar Chavez and Holly neighborhoods, the Tejano Walking Trails consist of the 4.9-mile Tejano Healthy Walking Trail and the 5.6-mile Tejano Music Legends Trail. Both routes begin and end at the northeast corner of Comal and East 2nd Streets; look for the big red kiosk with the trail map. Free guides may be obtained from the Neighborhood Center on Comal or the public library on East Cesar Chavez during business hours.

The Tejano Walking Trails highlights nearly 40 historic, community, and cultural treasures. The Healthy Walking Trail focuses on historic and community structures, while the Music Legends Trail commemorates the city's Latino music icons from the '40s and '50s. The former can be completed in 2.5 hours, but allot more time than that for reading the interpretive signs and grabbing a bite to eat at the one of the many restaurants in the area (lots of them have dog-friendly, outdoor seating!). Points of interest include the LBJ Historic Oak Grove, Willow-Spence National Historic District, and El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church. Sites along the Music Legends trail include public areas dedicated to music artists, such as the Roy Montelongo Scenic Overlook and Johnny Degollado Pavilion. These are spread farther apart, so you may want to take a car to check them out.

When strolling on the trails, always keep your pupper on a leash and remove any waste immediately. Remember to bring pick-up bags and drinking water to ensure a pawsitive time for you both. Learn about the past and enjoy the present state of central east Austin when you and Fido embark on the Tejano Walking Trails!