Best dog parks in Austin: find options near you

This park offers beautiful trails that are ideal for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying nature. The paths are well-maintained and scenic, making it a peaceful spot for regular outdoor activity. Please keep in mind that there are a number of off-leash dogs. Additionally, there are occasional issues with pet waste not being picked up, which detracts from the overall cleanliness and enjoyment of the park.

Great playground. 5 lifeguards on duty at the pool. Kids were very safe. Young kids were able to do a swim test in order to dive off the diving board in the deep end (10ft depth).
Friendly staff.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is a wonderful spot for anyone looking to get outdoors and enjoy a bit of nature without leaving the city. It’s one of those places where you can truly unwind, whether you’re walking, biking, or just soaking up the scenery.

The parking lot is well-designed and spacious, making it easy to find a spot early in the morning. However, it’s worth noting that it can get busier as the day goes on, especially after 9 am. Arriving earlier is a good idea if you want a stress-free start to your visit.

The trails are the park’s biggest highlight. There are well-maintained paths for both bikers and walkers, and they weave through some of the prettiest parts of the park. Bikers will love the variety in the trails, while walkers can enjoy a more relaxed pace with plenty of shady spots and scenic views.

The creek access is another standout feature. Walking in the creek is a fun and refreshing activity, especially when the weather is warm. It adds a sense of adventure to your visit and is great for kids and adults alike. The natural beauty of the park, with its tall trees and open spaces, makes the whole experience feel peaceful and rejuvenating.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is one of Austin’s gems, offering a perfect mix of nature and convenience. Whether you’re out for a hike, a bike ride, or just looking for a calm place to relax, it’s a place that won’t disappoint. Just plan to arrive early if you want to avoid the rush!

We went to the park to eat breakfast and the go for a walk. We sat at the picnic tables near the park. It was really peaceful. We then went for a walk on the paved trail. It was pretty busy when we went so it was a little difficult to find parking. There were lots of people walking, riding bikes and dogs on/off leash. The park is really big so we will definitely be going back to explore more areas.

There are so many hidden trails. You could get some good miles in. I usually take my dog on the trails and its the best part of my day.

Came here for mountain biking. The trails are great, and there is also a natural pump track. It would have made for a great ride, but beware, there is no dog leash law at this park. Most dogs are behaved, but people are out there with a pack of 2 to 3 dogs each, so it gets congested, especially the first 3 to 4 miles.

This literally has to be the best park I’ve ever gone to ever very pleased with this find my daughter had a blast never seen a merry go round like the one they have or playscape that’s two stories tall that was so unique in design. Don’t even get me started on the trails that was remarkable mind-blowing I loved how many options and how far and unique and beautiful the trails there was the beauty in that Park is exceptional very well maintained walkways and bike paths and bridges in so many beautiful sights to see while you’re there

It’s a beautiful little get away location. We stayed just in front of bathrooms which were left lighted all night. The spot we did was only 1 night, no electricity hook up or water. Their RV locations have 3 or 4 spots where you are allowed to have tents. Nice fishing area and very clean, grass is well maintained.

This place was ok. Nice but ok. Because it’s narrow, with all the jet ski and boats zooming by there are tons of waves depending on your mood that worse, that could be a good or bad thing. Also, the are no grills in the big grassy area before the lake so bring your own. There is plenty of space to grill and they table tables.The entrance to the lake- there is a small drop down after stepping over some branches and twines so young kids and less mobile adults may need some help up and down. There are restrooms and porta potties

A. Well-maintained public access point to lake Austin. Whether it’s for the day or the weekend, malong offers relaxing views in a natural environment.

Lake Austin doesn’t have a no wake rule, which has pluses and minuses. It means you can have jet skis delivered to your camp spot on the water and it means as a swimmer you have to be a little bit more cautious.

I felt safe the whole time. I was swimming and it felt like the boats and other water goers were very sure to give swimmers a wide berth.

Hiking fun with the girl Scouts! The trail is great for anyone without mobility issues. Also, if your knees hurt or you get winded climbing stairs, and your balance is off, then do not attempt this trail.

Gorgeous views… but can we talk about the dog poop bags left everywhere? If you can bag it, you can trash it. Let’s keep these trails beautiful, y’all! This is also an off leash area.

It’s a beautiful place with a flowing river, but sadly, people have made it very dirty. There is black charcoal-like debris scattered along the banks. When boats create waves, this debris floats out into the water, and if you try to enter the river, your legs get covered in the muck both while going in and coming out. So much garbage has been thrown around, and it clearly needs strict vigilance to stop people from polluting it further.

We paid $10 for an entrance ticket, but there was no one to check whether people had actually bought tickets. This place has the potential to be a serene and beautiful destination, but it’s being taken for granted and misused. The boat riders and skiers drive so fast that it disturbs those who come here seeking peace and quiet

This park is great! Idk how I hadn’t been here before. I’m always telling yall my secret spots n I comeback n it’s jumping. This is a great spot to picnic and enjoy a fun day with the family. So beautiful and fun and there’s usually good parking if it’s not too too crowded. Basically one of my fav spots in austin and a great place to bring 1st timers.

Beautiful scenery all around! A perfect spot to enjoy the water or hike along the trail. The rocks and bouldering areas are a highlight, making it great for climbers as well. There are plenty of swimming spots to cool off, and the views are stunning throughout. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a scenic hike, a refreshing swim, or some fun rock climbing.

Bull Creek Park was a great option for some easy, family-friendly hiking. Most of the trails are at least partially shaded, which is good in the hotter months. There are many access points to water and lots of wildlife. I’ve seen exotic birds, little lizards, snakes, rabbits, turtles, all types of stuff here. It’s really a beautiful place. Just be mindful, there is a good amount of glass on the ground in the open gravel lot, so be sure to lock up your valuables.

I officiate and photograph engagement and weddings here frequently for Matthew Chambers Photography! It offers amazing views without terribly long walks if you don’t want them. Lots of hiking trails! I do recommend you take everything with you.As the park is frequently targeted for smash and grabs.

A beautiful spot for photos! There are a lot of photographers here in the fall, but there are so many gorgeous spots available, you can always find a picture-perfect backdrop. Parking can be limited, but people are in and out pretty quickly.

Very clean creek with some obvious homeless related trash to be found which is inescapable these days. Fishing was excellent many beautiful small green sunfish,bluegill, texas chichlid and smaller bass plentiful. Water was so clear you could see to the bottom and fishing off the sidewalk of the bridge you can also catch plenty of fish. Will definitely return if in the area again.

Easy to access, very beautiful, but also crowded with all kinds of people who are taking photoshoots and leaving drink bottles behind

Gorgeous place! I wish the water had been deeper and less dirty but we enjoyed our visit. They need to add showers to the restroom as one is quite dirty and Sandy after a swim.

My zen land!
Amazing, peaceful place where you can hike, kayak, paddleboard, fish, and picnic — but maybe not swim. Swimming is usually not allowed, but the place is definitely worth the trip. I’m never disappointed… unless I don’t get there early enough to find a parking spot. The parking lot is small, so if you come in the middle of the afternoon on a weekend, you might have to wait to park.

Beautiful dog park, to walk your dogs off-leash! Our dogs absolutely loved it, especially since they were able to jump into the water, if you can find an area that is not occupied by people who fish!!
The negative parts are that many people fish exactly on all the water entrance parts, and there are numerous fishing lines and fishing hooks lying around by all the water entrance areas. My 5 month old puppy almost swallowed a small fish that was still attached to a hook and line that was lying around. You have to watch yourself and your dog in every step to not step on one near the water.

So majestic and beautiful, a bit disappointed it took me so long to get here, but we timed it perfectly on a Sunday right before a short rainstorm so it was mellow in terms of the crowd. Only a couple other dogs- everyone else’s were on a leash so I put mine on a leash after a little bit too. She loved roaming around though. Appreciated the posted signs of poison ivy as well as the algae to be aware of especially if you have a dog.

Nice off leash dog park. Trails weren’t very long so not really somewhere to hike, but it’s pretty and shaded. Our dog appreciated it.

It is a great place to walk your dogs! You can have your dog on/ off leash. There is great spots for your dogs to walk and swim!

I absolutely love Red Bud Isle Park! The park boasts a smooth, easily navigable trail and offers plenty of seating areas with lovely views of the lake. It’s a perfect spot to relax and unwind. I often see happy dogs enjoying the park with their owners, making it a truly dog-friendly destination. This park is suitable for visitors of all ages. Even in the winter when the leaves aren’t as vibrant, it remains a wonderful place to escape and find some peace.

Great place to read a book and just relax. You will see dogs running off leash with their owners so if you can’t be okay with that then this is not the place for you. I saw lots of people fishing but I have t tried it yet.

I love Pease Park. The Shoal Creek Greenbelt Trail, for me, has its pros and cons. A section on the west side has been in disrepair for a good while, but the paths are often shady and you get moments among jagged the limestone walls. Overall it’s a nice walk if you can stay off the East side of the trail hugging Lamar and exhaust fumes. When I’m in the area it works just fine, and if I lived here in the area I’d use the trail often, but if I’m driving to a trail for a nice nature-filled hike, there are several I’d prefer to visit if I’m not also visiting Pease Park.

Beautiful trail located next to Austin downtown.Its an hidden gem located within the Austin city to feel the nature.I have attached the seren location of the trail so that you can get the feel of the place. I has an ample parking space and has an attached dog park. You can also bring your kids to the trail and have a walk. Right now the trail is very hot and dry in summer but i feel the streams will be flowing once the rain showers fall over. Kick off your couch and hit a trail. #HappyTrailing

Truly beautiful and peaceful. Trails throughout with many sites to see. Great place to bring dogs to. Long day come here and enjoy what nature’s beauty has to offer. So grateful for these moments.

Lovely walking trails with fun places to walk over the creek. The trail is paved differently in different areas: some dirt, some concrete, some gravel, some asphalt. I wouldn’t consider this wheelchair accessible because there are quite a few bumps and potholes in the asphalt. I love how there are trash cans throughout the trail and doggy waste stations. Some of the trails were closed due to damaged but we still had fun on our family walk! My kids used their razor scooters on most of the trail and had a good time.

Good Evening Everyone! I’ve endured a lot, I am going through a lot. I continue to find “Peace Of Mind,” walking & taking pictures.
I haven’t had the opportunity to really walk Shoal Greek but, from what I saw…it’s going to be….Amazing.

Please Spread LOVE, not hate. Together We Are A Better Race: Of Human Beings. ❤
These are not of Shoal Creek….I have pain to sort through, hundreds of pics. A lot of walking. I will do better. “Peace”

Beautiful park nestled right next to a creek along side a giant hill across the street. Great place to walk or run on a beautiful day.

Loved to walk from 38th Street all the way down to Ladybird lake. However it needs a lot of help. A part of it has to be closed because of a landslide, other parts needs to be worked on so one can pass easily and one part you have to walk in the street because there is no trail.

Love this new park area with grass and open space for the dogs. Better than the wood chips and I enjoy the regulars that come here too.

Favorite place to take our dogs. We always meet so many friendly dogs here, clean and very short walk away from the stores

Domain Central Park is where I take my pup few times a week. Tiphy enjoys it here, she roams around free and get her exercise a secure and fenced in area with access to drinking water.
Waiting for that proposed shed for that sun shade. Love the chairs and benches though. I feel there should be a smaller fenced in area for the smaller size dogs with attitude towards bigger dogs.

Clean and well maintained space. Dogs are pretty much well behaved and owners do pay attention to catch bad behavior before it gets aggressive. It is pretty busy in the evening around 5pm with larger dogs, but not so busy in the mornings 630-9ish.

BRING WATER. Both water fountains are broken. A regular told me one of them has been down for at least three months and the second is now also gone. The exterior apartment side gate is also completely gone so be careful not to let out other dogs.

Nice area and easy parking. Park itself is in pretty good shape! Nice people.

This dog park is great and always seems to have the friendly kinds of dogs! Highly recommend! There’s water spouts there too!

Very nice I like that there are two fenced of dog zones and alot of grass for on leash activities around the actual dog park.

I’ve been coming to Neighbors Dog Park and Cafe for a while now with my pup and I’m also a monthly unlimited member. It’s been a consistently great experience. The staff does an excellent job keeping the space clean and welcoming, and you can tell they genuinely care about the dogs and the community.

This is a small business with a small but dedicated team running it everyday, so if you’re signing up, just remember to show a little grace, it goes a long way. The unlimited membership is very reasonably priced, especially in today’s economy, and offers real value you won’t easily find elsewhere.

The wranglers are attentive and kind, they do their best to keep the dogs company, help out if an owner is tied up, and step in if any scuffles break out. Of course, it’s still up to us as dog owners to be responsible and pay attention, but this is such a nice spot to work, read, or just hang out while your dog burns off energy.

The park is secure, and although I did have one close call where someone didn’t latch the first gate properly, there’s a second gate before the actual exit that prevented anything from happening.

Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a laid-back, well-run spot to bring your dog and relax!

I jokingly refer to this as my country club, office, and favorite place, but I’m also not joking. I am at this park almost every day sometimes twice a day. It’s clean, it’s beautiful, the community is unparalleled. The people who work there truly love dogs and so does everyone that attends. The coffee is incredible, but the community is what will always keep us coming back. my American bulldog lab mix has a ton of energy and is very social— but he can be a lot! He is treated like family when we come here and so am I . 10 billion stars

Happened to find Neighbors on Google Maps and popped in here randomly while traveling through on a road trip.

My dog happily scouted the place while I talked to the friendly staff to get checked in. I ordered an iced matcha which was quite good, and also purchased some wine to drink later.

The park itself is spacious and well organized. There are features for the adventurous dogs, and places to rest for the calm ones. It was noon in July so I was happy to see plenty of shady spots, and even a few portable fans. The workers were happy and attentive, making sure each dog had a full water bowl within reach.

My dog is on the smaller side. He’s older and pretty chill. He often has trouble at dog parks because the big dogs will gang up and chase him. But here the dogs were calm and got along great.

There were tables to sit, and free WiFi. I brought my computer and caught up on some work while my dog socialized.

10/10 was a great experience. I wish I had something similar back home.

My partner and I wanted to love this place and incorporate it into our daily routine since we live in the neighborhood.

Our quality of experience seems to depend on the staff outside that monitor the dogs and keep the play friendly during peak times when there are 8+ dogs present. Some staff are wonderful and engaged while some are completely checked out or simply inside on their phones for long stretches of time.

For $50 membership fees, I’d expect more trained staff outside at peak times.

There is no weight minimum for the dogs, and there are no separate small dog/large dog enclosures. So if you have a very small dog, I would not recommend this place to keep your dog safe as the average dog there is 30/40+ lbs. I have observed this multiple times over with different very small dogs when a group of big dogs swarm a smaller one, creating a potentially unsafe situation.

Additionally, while the gates are heavy duty, they are almost always unlatched and sometimes partially open.

Great coffee shop/dog park. Tons of space, almost all is turf, lots of seating, they even have heaters, nice mix of shade and sun. Some of it was a little weird, maybe unexpected coming from a regular dog park. They ask for collars, not harnesses as the harnesses are easier for dogs to get caught on; not a big deal but caught us off guard. $15 for a day pass, $35/mo for a membership, $13 for any additional dogs. A fun spot that is very welcomed in South Austin.

At the risk of sounding dramatic, Neighbors has truly changed our life. My two dogs (10-year-old Husky mix and 2-year-old Great Pyrenees mix) started coming here almost a year ago after moving to the South Austin area. We had already been in Austin for three years at the time, but I was still really searching for that sense of community that I felt was missing from my life. At the time we started going to Neighbors, I had just started working completely remotely, and I was terrified of being home all day every day without that sense of community.
Neighbors is more than we could have ever asked for! After going for the first time, we immediately signed up for a membership and have been going every morning since. I have made lifelong friends, my girls have made lifelong fur-ends, and I finally found that community I was so very badly craving. ALL of this while allowing my big girls (with loads of energy) to get their zoomies out in a safe and clean environment.
We will be Neighbors members for years to come. This is seriously the best place in all of Austin, and I could never express just how much it means to us.

What a perfect mix of a coffee shop and dog park! The staff is kind and attentive, the cold brew is SUPERB and the vibes are always good. I love taking my lil guy here to hang with all the coffee loving pups! 20/10 would recommend for any pup and their person.

This place is amazing! I started coming about a month ago and am now attending 4-5 days a week. I even signed up for their monthly membership. Staff is amazing, and they keep a close eye on the dogs so you don’t have to give full attention. They also have a bar and this past weekend an awesome doggy prom event! My dog Bella, even met a boy. (Dad does not approve ).

I highly recommend others to check it out!

I found The Watering Bowl a few weeks ago and was wary with my dog-reactive rescue. Hawk was immediately made to feel at home as much as possible around a new environment. The ruffarees ensured he stayed safe and no big brawls got started. Each time we’ve gone, he’s gotten better and better. An amazing thing happened this weekend. Hawk told me that I was nuts for walking around in the sun. So he chose to lounge in the shade then wandered off to make some two- and four-legged friends. The staff and other patrons are fabulous, and soon maybe my little guy will play with the big dogs!

Our dog loves it here. We are there almost everyday. He doesn’t play as hard as the other dogs but is always thrilled to be there.

The ruff-a-rees are top notch. They are always watching and engaged in keeping the dogs safe. I can’t say enough good things about them!

It really is the kind of place that if you want to chill by yourself you can sit in a corner but if you want to meet people you can do that too.

The Watering Bowl has been such a gift for me and my dog. When I first rescued her, she was timid and unsure at dog parks. The rufferees here are truly amazing—they keep a close eye on the dogs, step in when needed, and create such a safe, positive environment. Because of them, my once-shy pup now runs in with confidence and excitement every time we visit. On top of that, the park itself is fantastic: shady spots, a relaxed vibe, and a community of dog lovers. You can really feel how much the owner cares about the dogs and the people who come here. It’s hands down the best dog park experience we’ve ever had!

Fun times with the pups!
Hot dog stand
TV’s
Drinks
Snacks for the gang

Tip:
Set up a profile before coming.
Day or monthly passes

We love taking our dog to Watering Bowl! We’ve been coming almost daily for the past two years. The staff is incredible!! They are always friendly, welcoming, attentive, and truly caring when it comes to the dogs. One thing I really appreciate is how seriously they take the health and safety of all the pups by ensuring vaccine records are always up to date. It gives us so much peace of mind. On top of that, the park is a great community of dog lovers!

I can’t say enough amazing things about The Watering Bowl dog park! When I first rescued my pup Bix, she was nervous and shy at dog parks. Thanks to the incredible “rufferees” who do such a great job monitoring and making sure play stays safe and fun, she’s now a super confident dog every time we go. The atmosphere is awesome—plenty of shade, great vibes, and a community that feels welcoming to both dogs and their humans. You can tell the owner truly cares about this space, the community, and every pup that comes through. This has become one of our favorite places, and I’m so grateful for it!

This is one of my favorite parks in Austin and I love that it still has AstroTurf so I like to take my son here after rainy weather. My son is autistic and prefers low noise and this park is usually quiet, people don’t blast music the times we have been here and its much appreciated! I haven’t been to the pool since I was a kid but its pretty deep for small kids, I would say its for 10+ unless they know how to swim good. A basketball court is in front of the pool. The park has a great atmosphere in a wonderful neighborhood that fortunately still has the old Austin vibe (I was born and raised here, but on the eastside and urbanization made my old neighborhood almost unrecognizable). Its really great to come here and experience some nostalgia as a “90s kid”.

The park is decent size with many areas including a playground, picnic area, and large open space. We went to the fenced dog park which has water for the dogs.

Very nice park tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Austin. Lots of different areas, nice playground, walking trail, and bathrooms. Very nice community feel, you can tell that the local neighborhood residents shows up here and mingle. Very clean. Looks like there is probably a splash pad that is shut down for the winter. We came here after discovering Pease park was under construction. Very pleased with our choice. We will be back for sure.

Would be amazing if the area next to the dog park wasn’t swarmed with untrained owners who let their dogs swamp People trying to use the area.

Dog park is great! Hours are different for the dog park. Fenced in area and off leash, also the rest of the park is dog friendly but on leash. There is a water spigot near the north end of the fenced in area for dogs, and plenty of bowls left by other folks. Also plenty of poop bags just in case you forgot yours!

What a nice little park. They have a couple of playscapes and one basketball hoop. It’s more of a park than a playground. There’s a lot of room to walk around or sit and throw a ball or frisbee or have a picnic. There’s a pool that’s covered, so I don’t know if it’s operational during the summer.

It’s a great park with plenty of room to roam ofd leash. There can be a lot of dogs there however and sometimes the group can get testy. Great humans to chat with as well

Things I feel others should know when coming here.

It’s all trees. No field. Can get stuffy, no breeze because you’re in the trees.

Not fenced in. There are remains of what could have possibly been a fenced in area.

I find this area boring for the dogs, so when we want a nice boring walk we come here. Usually twice a year.

La parte desde la 1st street, con el pequeńo estacionamiento, es más una vereda para pasear perros muy agradable y tranquila. Estas áreas son muy bonitas con sus flores y árboles. Es muy agradable caminar ahí. Fue agradable pasear el perro mientras mi nieta vivía una pequeńa aventura. Lo único es q el estacionamiento no es seguro.

Writing this to warn people of the recent coyote activity we’ve experienced. We bring our dog to the trail every Sunday. About a month ago we encountered coyotes for the first time (in five years). Our dog got a puncture wound from that altercation and I saw two coyotes run off.

Today we didn’t see the coyotes but we talked with a couple who had just encountered them and sure enough at the end of our loop we heard our dog barking and eventually he came running back to us with his tail tucked and had two puncture wounds on his back leg.

We love this off-leash trail but wanted to warn others of the coyote presence, especially if you have smaller dogs or dogs who like to explore/roam.

We just moved to the area. This is not a completely fenced in off leash area incase anyone else new thought it was! The trails are nice with plenty shade, we will be back but on leash!

Great spot to bring my 7 month old pup to gain trust with her off leash! She loved playing in the water and getting to explore as I walked close by. For water crossings there are some rickety boards laying across to walk over which is actually kinda fun. There are one or two gaps in the fence so if your dog likes to bolt, beware.

Nice little trail. Lots of homeless in the area, definitely wouldn’t recommend a solo female to go in the area. It is shaded so heat-intolerant dogs can still get out and not be in direct sunlight.

Restrooms, Tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court, playgrounds. Trails, seats though out the park. tables creek, lots of wild life deer, crawfish,roadrunner, dragonfly,