Austin might be the most dog-friendly city in America. It’s not even close. Between the off-leash parks, the dog-friendly patios (basically everywhere), the swimming holes, and a culture that genuinely embraces dogs, it’s a must-visit for anyone who travels with their pup.

And yes — there’s a Kimpton. Here’s everything you need to know.

My Pick: Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt

Why this one?

The Rainey Street location and Kimpton’s legendary pet policy make this an easy choice:

No fee, no weight limit, no breed restrictions. They provide pet beds, bowls, and treats at check-in. The location on Rainey Street puts you in one of Austin’s most vibrant (and dog-friendly) neighborhoods.

Rainey Street is a collection of converted bungalows that are now bars and restaurants — almost all with patios, almost all dog-friendly. You can walk out of the hotel and have a dozen options within minutes.

The Pet Policy Details

Kimpton genuinely loves pets:

• No weight limit — If your dog fits in the elevator, they’re welcome
• No breed restrictions — None at the corporate level
• No pet fee — $0
• Pet amenities provided — Beds, bowls, treats, and waste bags
• Pets can be left unattended — If you notify the front desk
• Nightly wine hour — Dogs are welcome to join (Geraldine’s, the hotel restaurant, has a great patio)

How to Book It Free

Kimpton is part of IHG, so you book with IHG One Rewards points. Austin typically runs 50,000-70,000 points per night, though it can spike during SXSW, ACL, and other events.

The math:

• The IHG One Rewards Premier card has a 175,000 point sign-up bonus
• That’s 2-3 free nights at this property
• You’d pay $0 in pet fees

Cash rates run $250-450/night depending on events, so points deliver strong value.

👉 Full breakdown of IHG cards

Dog Daycare While You Explore

Austin has tons of daycare options. Here are the best:

Barking Springs Pet Resort

Named after the famous “Barking Springs” off-leash area at Barton Springs, this is one of Austin’s most popular daycares.

Requirements: Dogs must be spayed/neutered, current on Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella.

Taurus Dog Training & Daycare

Well-regarded facility with a focus on training and socialization.

Camp Bow Wow Austin

Multiple locations around Austin with consistent quality and webcam access.

Dogtopia Austin

National chain with several Austin locations. Climate-controlled, webcams, trained staff.

Dog Parks

Austin has incredible off-leash options — including places where dogs can swim.

Zilker Park Off-Leash Area

The most famous dog park in Austin, located within Zilker Park near Barton Springs.

• Address: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
• Features: Large open fields, creek access for swimming, shaded areas
• Hours: 5am-10pm
• Pro tip: “Barking Springs” is the unofficial name for the area below Barton Springs Pool where dogs can swim in the creek

Red Bud Isle

A 13-acre off-leash island park on Lady Bird Lake. One of the best dog parks in the country.

• Address: 3401 Red Bud Trail, Austin, TX 78746
• Features: Trails, swimming in Lady Bird Lake, completely off-leash
• Hours: 5am-10pm
• Note: The entire island is off-leash. Dogs can swim anywhere along the shoreline.

Auditorium Shores Off-Leash Area

Downtown location right on Lady Bird Lake with swimming access.

• Address: 800 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
• Features: Lake swimming, skyline views, close to downtown
• Distance from Kimpton: ~10 min walk

Norwood Estate Dog Park

Smaller but well-maintained park with separate areas for large and small dogs.

• Address: 1009 Edgecliff Terrace, Austin, TX 78704
• Features: Fenced, shaded, water fountains

Bull Creek District Park

If your dog loves water, this is the spot. Multiple creek access points for swimming and wading.

• Address: 6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731
• Note: On-leash in most areas, but dogs can access the creek

Dog-Friendly Breweries

Austin has an absurd number of dog-friendly breweries. Here are the highlights:

Meanwhile Brewing Co.

Massive outdoor space with food, beer, and dogs everywhere.

• Address: 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744
• Features: Huge lawn, covered areas, lake views, food on-site
• Vibe: This is THE dog brewery in Austin. Expect to see dozens of dogs on weekends.

St. Elmo Brewing Company

South Austin brewery with a great patio and food trucks.

• Address: 440 E St Elmo Rd, Austin, TX 78745
• Features: Spacious patio, rotating food trucks

Pinthouse Pizza (Multiple Locations)

Brewpub with excellent pizza and dog-friendly patios.

• Locations: Burnet Rd, South Lamar, Round Rock
• Try: Electric Jellyfish IPA

Lazarus Brewing Company

East Austin brewery in a converted church with a large outdoor area.

• Address: 1902 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
• Features: Great tacos, unique space, very dog-friendly

The ABGB (Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.)

Huge beer garden with house-made sausages and pizza.

• Address: 1305 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
• Features: Massive covered patio, games, great food

Jester King Brewery

A bit outside Austin but worth the drive. Hill Country brewery with a sprawling outdoor space.

• Address: 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736
• Features: Farmhouse ales, pizza, goats, and lots of space for dogs

Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Patios

Rainey Street (Multiple Options)

The entire Rainey Street district is dog-friendly patio heaven. Highlights:

• Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden — Huge beer garden, 100+ beers, house-made sausages. Dogs welcome.
• Lustre Pearl — The original Rainey Street bar with a big backyard.
• Craft Pride — Texas craft beer only, dog-friendly patio.
• Container Bar — Built from shipping containers, open-air, dogs welcome.

South Congress (SoCo)

Austin’s famous strip has plenty of dog-friendly patios:

• Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar — Upscale seafood with a patio
• Güero’s Taco Bar — Tex-Mex institution with outdoor seating
• Jo’s Coffee — Home of the “I Love You So Much” mural, dog-friendly

East Austin

• Suerte — Modern Mexican with a patio
• Launderette — American fare in a converted laundromat, great patio
• Paperboy — Breakfast spot with a dog-friendly backyard

Food Truck Parks

Austin’s food truck parks are almost universally dog-friendly:

• The Picnic — Barton Springs area, multiple trucks
• Meanwhile Brewing — Beer + food trucks + dogs
• Radio Coffee & Beer — South Austin, coffee/beer/food trucks with a huge yard

What Else to Do

Barton Springs Pool

Dogs aren’t allowed in the pool itself, but “Barking Springs” (the area just downstream) is an unofficial off-leash swimming spot that’s been a local tradition for decades.

Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail

10+ miles of trails around the lake. Dogs must be on-leash, but it’s a beautiful walk with downtown skyline views. Multiple spots to access the water.

Mount Bonnell

Short but steep hike with incredible views. Dogs allowed on-leash.

South Congress (SoCo)

Walk the strip, pop into dog-friendly shops, grab tacos. Very dog-friendly neighborhood.

Domain NORTHSIDE

Outdoor shopping district where dogs are welcome. Multiple dog-friendly restaurants and shops.

Other Hotels I Considered

If Kimpton Van Zandt doesn’t work for your dates:

Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt is the only Kimpton in Austin proper, but there are other options:

Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown — Hilton’s boutique brand, known for being pet-friendly. ~$50-75 pet fee, 75 lb limit.

W Austin — Marriott property downtown. Accepts dogs up to 40 lbs with a $100+ fee.

Hyatt Regency Austin — On Lady Bird Lake. Pet-friendly but has weight limits and fees.

Home2 Suites Austin — Hilton extended-stay with kitchens. 75 lb limit, ~$75 pet fee.

Aloft Austin — Marriott brand known for being pet-friendly. Usually no pet fee but has weight limits at some locations.

The Kimpton remains the best choice for large dogs or multiple pets.

Quick Reference

The Bottom Line

Austin is a dog paradise. The off-leash swimming at Red Bud Isle and Barking Springs, the endless dog-friendly patios, the brewery culture that welcomes dogs — it’s all built for traveling with your pup.

The Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt makes it easy: no pet fee, no weight limit, perfect Rainey Street location, and bookable with IHG points.

Have you stayed here with your dog? I’d love to hear how it went — leave your pawprint or email me at woof@thepointspup.com.

This is part of my Destinations series — one hotel pick per city, plus how to book it free with points.

Read next: Best Credit Cards for Dog Travelers | IHG & Kimpton Pet Travel Guide | Dog-Friendly Hotel in Nashville