Austin is said to be a dog-loving town and has some pretty amazing trails that welcome dogs to join you. Yes, not all parks and nature trails allow dogs to be off their leash, but Austin does have a few great parks and trails throughout the city that allow dogs to roam freely and make friends. We have put together a list of some fantastic parks that are dog friendly, and some have some great swim areas for dogs to enjoy.
Auditorium Shores
Location: 900 W Riverside Dr. Austin, TX 78704
Auditorium Shores dog park is a great park located along the shores of Lady Bird Lake with great city views. This park is not fenced so that dogs can roam freely in the leash-free dog zone. There is a vast area along the lake that allows dogs to jump in and fetch toys and go for a swim to cool off during those hot summer days.
www.austinparks.org/auditorium-shores
Shoal Creek Greenbelt
Location: 2600 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78705
Shoal Creek Greenbelt is about 76 acres of trails, making it a great destination to take your dog. Dogs are required to be on leashes for most of the path, but there is a designated off-leash area along the trail where you can let your dog off the leash, this area is located between 24th and 29th street.
www.austinparks.org/shoal-creek-greenbelt
Red Bud Isle
Location: 3401 Redbud Trail Austin, TX 78746
Red Bud is a dog’s paradise! It’s a small piece of land that sticks out in Town Lake with a dirt trail that loops the 13 acres of land. It is not fenced in, and the area along the water is a bit rough, so it’s wise to wear appropriate shoes, dogs seem to have no issues jumping off the tree roots into the water after their favorite toys.
www.austinparks.org/red-bud-isle
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake
Location: 1820 S Lakeshore Blvd Austin, TX 78741
The Ann and Roy Butler hike and bike trail is an excellent trail for your dog with plenty of terrains to keep them engaged throughout your walk. This 10-mile trail offers a full loop around the shores of Lady Bird Lake and beautiful city views.
www.austintexas.gov/department/ann-and-roy-butler-hike-and-bike-trail-and-boardwalk-lady-bird-lake
Bull Creek District Dog Park
Location: 6701 Lakewood Dr Austin, TX 78731
Bull Creek dog park is located off of 360 and welcomes leashed dogs. There are 32 miles of trails that run along the creek for you and your dog to explore, and occasionally you will see dogs going for a swim to cool off.
www.austinparks.org/bull-creek
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Location: 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B Austin, TX 78704
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a 7 miles trail that runs along 360 and Mopac with multiple access points. It offers a lot of shade for you and your leashed dog. There are several popular swimming holes along the way for you and your four-legged friend to cool off in.
www.austinparks.org/barton-creek-greenbelt
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Location: 1600 City Park Rd Austin, TX 78730
Emma Long Metropolitan Park located in northwest Austin, Texas, along the shores of Lake Austin. This is a city park, and all dogs must be on a leash at all times.
www.austinparks.org/emma-long-metro-park
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Location: 12138 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78753
Located in Walnut Creek Park, you will find an area designated just for your dogs to run free and make friends. The 1-acre area offers separate areas, one for small dogs and the other for larger dogs. There is a creek for dogs to cool off after a long day of playing, and dogs are welcome to go on the other trails as long as they are on a leash.
www.austinparks.org/walnut-creek-metro-park/
Davis White Northeast District Park
Location: 6705 Crystalbrook Dr Austin, TX 78724
Take the dog out for some off-leash fun at the designated dog area at Davis White District park. The off-leash area is not fenced, so it is best to keep an eye on your dog at all times. There are other trails that dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.
www.austinparks.org/davis-white-neighborhood-park
Dick Nichols District Park
Location: 8011 Beckett Rd Austin, TX 78749
Dick Nichols District Park is located in southwest Austin; it offers about a mile-long loop trail. The trail is mostly covered with a lot of shade and is a short but great trail for your dog. Dogs should be leashed at all times.
www.austinparks.org/dick-nichols-district-park
We hope you and your four-legged friend get out there and enjoy one or all of these fantastic dog parks around the city.
