If only you could walk your dog down the street while holding a beer...
Alas, within the city limits of Austin, this isn't a legal option. But we have the next best thing. If you're a dog lover who enjoys great food, drinks, and socializing with other pet parents, you’re in luck. The city is home to an impressive selection of dog-friendly parks that offer more than just open spaces for pups to romp around. These unique spots combine off-leash dog play areas with bars and restaurants, creating a perfect setting for both humans and their furry companions to unwind. See which one is closest to you!
NOTE: Some of these spots require memberships or admission fees, so plan accordingly!
If you're looking to foster or adopt an animal in the Austin area, check out our guide here.
And check out our full Dog Friendly Guide here!
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Photo via Instagram
5609 S Congress Ave #220
This one's for pet owners in need of a pick-me-up. Neighbors Dog Park & Café, situated on South Congress, offers a welcoming environment where dogs can play off-leash while their owners enjoy some much-needed coffee. The park is designed with dogs in mind, providing a safe space for them to socialize. To ensure the well-being of all canine visitors, Neighbors requires that dogs be spayed or neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. Access options include a $15 day pass, as well as monthly memberships at $50 for a single dog and $75 for two dogs from the same owner. The venue also hosts community events, so keep up to date on their Instagram and let your pooch know about it!
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photo via bark house social
5020 E Cesar Chavez St
Located in East Austin, BARk House Social is designed with a more elevated, neighborhood-social atmosphere than a traditional dog park, with amenities focused on both dogs and their owners. A pass is required for dogs to enter, with monthly and annual memberships available, while day passes are also offered for first-time or occasional visitors. The park is exclusively for adults 21+ and dogs and features a turfed off-leash yard, gated splash zone, and a full-service bar and kitchen for the humans.
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photo via instagram
9825 N Lake Creek Pkwy
Brew & Paws was created by a group of Austin dog lovers who wanted a better alternative to traditional dog parks and dog-friendly patios. Safety is a major focus at this 1.6-acre space, with vaccination requirements, temperament standards, and Bark Rangers who help keep playtime under control. Brew & Paws also offers Wi-Fi and space for remote work, making it a place to hang out, work, socialize, or celebrate with your dog.
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Photo via Instagram
820 FM 1626
South Austin's mighty Watering Bowl serves a variety of local craft beverages, including beer, cider, wine, seltzers, hard tea, hard kombucha, and non-alcoholic options. If you're hungry they have a truck up front serving up delicious corn dogs.... oh yeah, and they have an outdoor off-leash park for your REAL dogs, too. To ensure safety, the establishment is restricted to adults aged 21 and over, and all dogs must be spayed or neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. Park passes start at $12, with monthly and annual memberships available for frequent visitors. For puppies too young to be spayed or neutered, The Watering Bowl offers a Puppy Play Hour every weekend from 9 AM to 11 AM.
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Photo via Instagram
3800 Co Rd 175 (Leander)
When you get out of the big city, you can really roam! Just ask your furry friend, they know all about it. Dog House in Leander boasts a half-acre main yard where dogs can play freely, as well as dog-friendly seating areas both indoors and outdoors. For access to the off-leash park, visitors can opt for an $8 day pass or an annual membership priced at $200, with an additional $50 per extra dog. There's also a private front park available for rent in 3-hour windows, an ideal spot for hosting dog-friendly events.
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