Howdy, pals! Are you looking for a laid back, nature-packed getaway where there is endless art, BBQ, live music and tacos? This weird-cool Texas city is begging to be explored by you and your pup as the trees regain their leaves. You guessed it. Austin, Texas is calling.
Austin is the capital of Texas. Her current claim to fame is being the live music capital of the world, and Austin is also one of the best cities to visit with a four-legged companion. With its greenways, rivers, lakes, dog bars, and seemingly endless dog-friendly restaurants, venues and activities to explore, Austin guarantees fun for the whole pack every day of the week.
Where to Stay with Your Pup
Our Pick:
This LGBTQ+, dog-friendly vintage motel is one of the coolest places to stay with your pup while in Austin. You will feel right at home, with the motel’s eclectic, art-forward interiors and its unbeatable location in South Congress. You won’t want to miss getting your dose of sunshine at the pool, which is said to be the best in town.
Austin Motel - Image courtesy of Hotels.com
The Runner-ups:
Where to Eat and Drink with Your Pup
Our Pick:
What better place to eat down home, delicious comfort food with your pup at your side than on the porch of a historic Austin home? Moonshine Grill is an Austin dog-parent favorite for its mouthwatering southern dishes and yummy cocktails that will wet your whistle.
Image courtesy of Austin Eater
The Runner-ups:
Where to Eat and Drink without Your Pup
Our Pick:
Located in the swanky Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt, Geraldine’s is the hottest place in town to eat, drink and rock out. Geraldine’s features a contemporary menu of eclectic and savory dishes and cocktails created with locally sourced ingredients, nightly live music, and a rooftop bar “offering a bat’s-eye-view of Lady Bird Lake and the downtown skyline.” Be sure to check out the concert calendar and get a reservation for your night out on the town experiencing the best of Austin!
Geraldine's - Image courtesy of Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
The Runner-ups:
What to Do with Your Pup
Our Pick:
Run free and swim at Red Bud Isle
Red Bud Isle is an entire off-leash island in the middle of Austin’s Colorado River, which is a great place for hiking, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing! This is an off-leash dog park unlike any other and you and your adventure buddy will have a blast exploring its tree-lined terrain and fresh waters.
Red Bud Isle - Image courtesy of Austin Parks
What to Do without Your Pup
Our Pick:
One of the many amazing things about Austin is its loving-embrace of its LGBTQ+ residents. All year long, you will find rainbow flags and artwork across the city–on the iconic Austin murals, at shops, hotels, restaurants, bars and other venues–standing in solidarity with the queer community. This summer, Austin Pride is taking place in August! It is a truly amazing time of year to visit Austin, as the city turns into a rainbow-sunburst, love-filled celebration of equality and pride!
Image courtesy of Capmetro
The Runner-ups:
Gaze at the iconic Austin Murals
Rent a boat and take a day off on Lake Travis
Explore Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Services for Your Pup
Sometimes Fido needs a little relief and pampering… and you may need some time to experience the sights and museums on your own. We have all the bases covered for your pup’s particular needs and emergencies while exploring The Capital of The Lone Star State.
Image courtesy of Three Dogs One Bar
Image courtesy of Travelnuity
So load up your cowboy boots, Out-of-Office Carry-All and Out-of-Office Pet Food Travel Kit, zip your pooch in their matching Out-of-Office Pet Carrier, and fly down to the Silicon Hills for a BBQ-infused celebration you and the pack will never forget!
P.S. Remember to tag @roverlund in your all your photos from colorful, beautiful Austin!
