This City In Texas Is One Of The Best For Vacationing With Your Dog

If you're planning to visit the Texas Hill Country area with your pooch anytime soon, there's one city in particular that's worthy of a stop: Austin. Many Texans and tourists consider this capital one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country, and for good reason. In fact, in 2024, Sniffspot users gave it an A+ and ranked it second only to St. Petersburg out of 50 cities for dog-friendliness, based on more than 6,000 responses. 

Whether you plan to stay overnight or just pass through, Austin offers plenty of locations that will gladly welcome you and your pup. Some spots allow you to spend hours with your pup around a 400-acre lake while getting some miles and sightseeing in, with Austin's skyline as the backdrop. Others offer opportunities to sit and relax near waterfalls while basking in the sights and sounds of nature.

On the dining front, more than 500 restaurants in the city limits allow you to hang out with your pup — while enjoying a meal in a designated outdoor patio. Some even have off-leash areas. Many tourists and Austinites have shared raving reviews on a few of the top dog-friendly locations in the state's capital. And, with dog-friendly hotels like the LINE on Cesar Chavez St. and Aloft by Marriott on Domain drive, it's a top destination to take your pup on vacation.

With its abundant green space and eco-friendly nature, it should come as no surprise that hiking is a popular pastime in Austin. Consider the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake if you're looking for an urban hiking experience with your dog. This 10-mile, mostly paved loop provides a scenic view of Austin skyscrapers, neighborhoods, Lady Bird Lake, and parks. More than 2,600 reviewers gave the trail a four- or five-star rating, with many commenting on the dog-friendliness, wide trails, and happy canine sightings.

If you and your dog aren't a fan of long walks, check out McKinney Falls State Park, where you can fish, picnic, or just relax together near the water. The park features two sets of waterfalls — Upper Falls and Lower Falls — both of which are dog-friendly. However, keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in the water. Per TripAdvisor reviews, the walk from the parking lot to the falls is only about five minutes, making it the perfect option if you want a memorable experience in nature but don't have a lot of time for a visit. 

Texans have the luxury of enjoying a couple more months of warm weather than the northern states, so you'll find plenty of restaurants with outdoor dog-friendly dining areas throughout the area. Throughout Austin, you'll find over five dozen bars and pubs, and more than 500 restaurants that welcome dogs at their outdoor tables. Keep in mind it's best to call ahead of time to find out for sure. Some spots, like MUTTS Cantina on Lake Creek Parkway, even offer a special food menu for your canine companion. 

If you're looking for a place to eat and have fun, stop by Bouldin Acres on South Lamar Boulevard. At this local favorite beer garden and eatery, you can have a drink with your dog at your side in the outdoor patio while munching on tacos, wraps, and burgers. In addition to providing a fenced-in dog park for your pup, this space offers food trucks, pickleball courts, lawn games, and more for you and your family.

If you are seeking a relaxing place to enjoy a cocktail or mocktail while your dog makes a new furry friend, check out Yard Bar, "Austin's original dog park and bar serving happy dogs and their humans." You'll find this bar and dog park in the Allandale neighborhood, complete with picnic tables, lounge seating, and plenty of space for your pooch to play. With just a 30-minute visit, you'll see why more than 82% of visitors recommended this bar/dog park on Facebook.