Located on Town Lake, Red Bud Isle is 13 acres of puppy paradise. It’s one of the city’s most prized off-leash parks, a popular destination for dogs and their owners.
Rollingwood and West Lake Hills are affluent neighborhoods nearby. Residents enjoy the lakeside trails, picnics, and the beauty of nature. See more.
It’s a Dog Park
If you’re looking for an off-leash dog park in Austin, this lakefront spot is a great place to visit with your pup. This small island is surrounded by water and has a hiking trail where your dog can burn off energy and socialize with other dogs. The lake is also a popular place for kayakers and canoeists, so be sure to check out the water conditions before you go swimming!
Some reviewers have mentioned that the ground can get muddy, so be sure to bring boots or shoes that will help protect your feet. The area can also get quite warm, so you may want to bring a light jacket or sunscreen too.
This dog park has no entrance fee, and pet waste bags are usually available on-site. While many public dog parks provide pet water bowls and water fountains, it’s always best to pack your own water for your pup just in case. This will ensure that you don’t expose your dog to dangerous germs on shared drinking surfaces!
It’s a Beach
If you’re looking for a great beach for a dog walk, Red Bud Isle is the place to go. This 17-acre park is a small island in Lady Bird Lake just below Tom Miller Dam. This pet-friendly park offers a variety of things to do, including hiking, swimming and just enjoying nature. It’s a great spot to relax on the water with your pup, and you can even participate in regularly scheduled guided hikes.
Unlike many other parks, there are no fences at this dog park. The surrounding water provides a natural barrier to keep dogs safe. The area is also used as a launching point for kayaks and canoes. It is a popular place to see boats, so it’s important to arrive early to find parking. Bags are available for picking up after pets, and there seems to be a culture of care in this area, as there is little trash or poop anywhere on the island. More about Austin here.
It’s a Park
Red Bud Isle is an island in the middle of Lady Bird Lake. This off-leash park is a popular spot for Austin dogs and their owners, but it’s also a place where people of all ages can enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about a dog running off-leash into an area where they shouldn’t be.
The city of Austin maintains the area around the island and has a variety of paths that you can walk or run along. You can even go kayaking here, but be aware that the water around Red Bud Isle is faster than most of the rest of the lake because it’s located below Tom Miller Dam.
As you might expect, there are often blue-green algae in the area. The Austin Watershed Department warns that it’s been found at Red Bud Isle and Jessica Hollis Park on Lady Bird Lake as well as at other parks throughout the city. This algae can produce neurotoxins that are dangerous to humans and pets. It’s recommended to rinse any skin or fur that’s come into contact with the water, especially if it’s warm or if you see scum, film or algae.
It’s a Hike
The city of Austin is notoriously dog-friendly, with many restaurants and parks offering on-leash and off-leash options. But one park in particular takes the cake: Red Bud Isle is a 17-acre island park that’s completely off-leash. It’s like a dog-owning paradise, complete with a loop trail and plenty of open space for dogs to run wild.
The trail is moderately trafficked and great for all skill levels. There are lots of shady spots along the path, and kids can easily navigate it. The trail ends at a small beach that’s a popular spot for dogs to swim, with watering stations and plenty of parking available nearby.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, head north on the trail to Bright Leaf Preserve, where you can see the limestone bluffs and natural springs that make up this stunning natural area. There are even regularly scheduled guided tours of the preserve, led by experts who can share fascinating tidbits about this unique natural treasure of the city. Check our next area of interest here.
Driving directions from Wise Coatings Austin to Red Bud Isle
Driving directions from Red Bud Isle to Zilker Botanical Garden
