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Auditorium Shores - Leash-free dog zone
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
41 reviews for Auditorium Shores - Leash-free dog zone
41 reviews in English
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Review from D T.
Austin, TX
9/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My dog loves this place. At any given time of the day you can find at least a half-dozen different dogs for your best furry friend to play with. Oh, and there's an 8-foot statue of the legendary Austinite, Stevie Ray Vaughn too.
Located under the southside of the 1st St. bridge, right along the Town Lake (Lady Bird) jogging trail, this is the perfect spot to let your pup run, play, swim, and poop until his or her little fast-beating heart is content. As stated, there is always a handful of other dogs as this is a very popular place for leash-free playing. Parking can be a little sparce, especially on the weekends, but there is extra parking down Riverside Dr. and on along the eastside of the bridge near Run Tex.
If your dog is a swimmer (like mine), then it's gonna love jumping in the cool water of the Colorado River (aka Town Lake, aka Lady Bird Lake). Or if he/she just likes to get it's little paws wet, there are rock stepping stones that descend into shallow water.
There are plenty of squirrels that live in the trees of the park, perfect for those dogs that love (or hates) those rascally, fluffy-tailed rodents. And every time my dog and I go to the park, we find a lost tennis ball left behind by some sad puppy. It's good to bring your own, but you may just find an extra, or lose the one you brought, on any given visit.
This park has everything. The views from this park are the best in town. If you love looking at the city's skyline during the day or night, you literally have a front-row seat. It's perfect for people watching too as it is directly along the jogging trail at Town Lake. And of course, there's dog watching- lots and lots of funky four-legged friends for you and/or your dog to check out. Butt sniffing optional. And scoop your poop!! -
Review from Stephanie S.
Austin, TX
4/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm letting Gilbert T. Hounddog take this one. I'll help a little with the translation:
It aight. Nice water. Further down, you can watch turtles. I I think turtles are fascinating. We had a very nice walk down a nice path. I sent some pee-mail and smelled the flowers.
Some people had dogs on those stupid leashes that were really long. I think they call them "retractable". My mom says those people who walk their dogs on those leashes are....I think she said something like that rhymes with poochbags. I don't know what that means. I do know that dogs on those leashes take up the whole damn trail so no one can get by and sometimes people and dogs can trip and fall on them. I don't want to be a "poochbag".
ooo, wait......... .SQUIRRELSQUIRRELSQUIRREL SQUIRRELL!!
DAMMIT, do you not see the SQUIRREL!! ??
barkbark.....BARKBARKBARKBARKBARKBARKBARK.BARKBARK BARKBARKBARKBARKBARK. SQQQQQUIIIRRRLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!! BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK. BARK BARKBARK BARKBARKBARKBARK.BARK BARKBARK BARKBARK BARK BARK. bark bark...
oh, I met some nice dogs, but a few were a little too rowdy and shook water all over me. oh wait. Someone is chasing a ball. A BALL! They are chasing a BALL! BALL BALL! BARK BARK BARK BARK
BARKBARKBARK.BARKBARKBARKBARKBARKBARKBARK. BARKBARKBARKBARKBARKBARKBARK.BARKBARKBARKBARKBARK
Who are these weird zombie people who look miserable running who run right past me staring into space? Why don't they stop and have fun with me? That's weird. My mom does this, too, so she says. I don't understand. She says she has to do it to fit into her pants. Pants are stupid.
Oh, and there is a really scary big guy who stands on a big cement platform. He is a terrifying dog-eating giant and you should stay far away from him.
Last thing - I went to a big TEXAS DOG WALK today. It was fun. I met a lot of people and dogs. The nice people from Carl's Junior said they wanted to hear me talk. So I did. They gave me a hot dog and said I was wonderful. Well, duh. -
Review from Ananda C.
Austin, TX
4/30/2012 2 Check-ins Here
My dogs love it here but I live in a constant state of fear when I venture this way. Fear of oncoming traffic, fear of the pups running off with a nice looking jogger, fear of incurring the wrath of an overbearing new mother because the pups decided a baby was lickable.
I like Red Bud better and will only go here for dog park purposes in a pinch. -
Review from Lindsey H.
Austin, TX
3/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Love bringing my two fur babies here, a great place for an athletic dog to stretch their legs. Not too many days recently have I seen more than a handful of dogs but I come later than most people. The lake also provides a great place for the kiddos to cool off after burning themselves out after play time.
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Review from Kristin B.
Austin, TX
3/6/2011
Here's the picture: You're playing fetch with your awesome dog and he/she gets excited and goes sprinting off like dogs do...straight toward busy Riverside where there's a 2 ton moving vehicle that's being driven by someone who's texting, tweeting, chatting, LOL'ing, face-booking, reaching for their Los Lonely Boys CD in the back seat, and wiping hot coffee off their crotch while looking at the round-a-bout like it's a three-headed woman.
Got it? MMkay.
Here's the deal: Auditorium shores is a multi-use/high volume city park with an OLA (off-leash area) - not a dog park. You are required by the Off Leash Area Advisory Committee to have control over your dog at all times, be respectful of other visitors, and you are required to immediately remove your dog when behaving badly (those are just the "big" rules).
I love Austin. I was born and raised here, and Auditorium Shores is an awesome and beautiful park for sure (hence the 5 stars). I have been jogging in this area for years. I love this area so much that I live - literally - a block away. I go through this park EVERY SINGLE DAY - and I have some serious issues with the no-leash thing. Serious issues. Don't get me wrong - I'm a HUGE dog lover. I have dogs of my own and I understand their needs...so, please...just hear me out:
In case you haven't actually been to this park I'll fill you in. The park is bounded by Town Lake (aka Lady Bird Lake), Bouldin Creek, 1st St, and Riverside Drive. Both 1st St and Riverside Dr are BUSY city streets - the OLA ends at the curb - and there's NO fence.
Issue #1: Dogs are fast. Dogs can be unpredictable. You guys can't even imagine how many dogs I've seen run across the park area only to continue running ACROSS Riverside Drive and just barely miss being hit by a car. You can't even imagine how many times I've had to slam on my breaks to avoid hitting a dog. Have you ever actually seen a dog get hit by a car? I have - it's traumatizing. And don't tell me, "Well, people should pay more attention while they're driving." Have you driven down 35 lately? OBVIOUSLY people should pay more attention while they're driving - but when you take your dog off the leash in this park, you are basically saying that you TRUST that motorists will be watching out for YOUR dog when it goes chasing after that hot poodle on the other side of the street. Good luck with that one!
Issue #2: As a jogger/cyclist you get harassed by dogs. I don't run "aggressively" (...if that's even possible), but I've been bit 3 times on my heels (we're talking blood, people) while running through this OLA. Also, I don't attempt in any way to play with the dogs there, yet I've come home so many times with dog paw prints on my chest that my boyfriend has started referring to them as souvenirs. And don't tell me, "Well, people should train their dogs," because I'll just look at you like you have NEVER had to train a dog in your LIFE and tell you in a gentle tone that dogs aren't programmable robots that are super-reliable or infallible and they don't behave the same way in every environment, or in every situation. Then I'll pat you on your head and give you a cookie.
So. Yeah, your dog is beautiful and I'd love him/her for sure and I'm sure you're a "good" person...but I don't care if you think your dog is the most obedient dog on the planet - in this park the dogs are too stimulated by the other dogs, joggers, cyclists, squirrels, and cars to actually listen to their owner's frantic "COME HERE" shouts as they sprint toward the busy street, or harass a jogger/cyclist.
I don't know. Maybe you'll have to have that feeling you get when your dog goes sprinting toward traffic and your heart jumps into your throat and your stomach falls out your a** before you think to yourself, "Hey, self...maybe Redbud Isle or West Austin Park would be a better option. And, I know how we hate driving...but Emma Long is a really awesome place where our dog wont end up as a hood ornament."
This no-leash thing in Auditorium Shores may sound awesome, but it's not safe. End of story.
ps - on the off chance that you don't hate me for telling it like it is, go give your doggie a big hug for me. Tchau :) -
Review from Stevie B.
Austin, TX
9/4/2011
LOVE our Sunday morning outings with Tama & Sabian to Auditorium Shores. We Usually grab Tacos, or Pastries & Coffee @ Genuine Joes, then head down after 8, but before 10, early runners are out of the way by then, and dogs have started t come out to play!
Unless there is an event of some type that is tying up the parking areas, you can usually park around the park, and close enough to jaunt over to the doggie water ramp area. This is a great gathering place in the off leash zone, were dogs of all sizes and varieties congregate, and an area where it is easy to access both the water, and an good clear running area, very close together, which is ideal for many breeds, and their owners!
Biggest drawback here perhaps is that owners are sometimes mistaken about how well trained or behaved, or even socialized their pets are, and sometimes do not pay as close attention to them as they need to. While i have not seen any serious issues develop at the area, I have seen owners, who obviously got frightened over their dogs very normal behavior, react badly or inappropriately, and actually escalate a situation first, instead of diffusing it, before eventually being able to gain control. Lesson here, owners take care, not just of your animal, but be aware of others & their owners too.
That said, not only have our trips to Auditorium shores been full of fun, and exercise for us all, but we have met and socialized with some great "friends" in the years we have been going there, and can not imagine a week going by with at least one trip to this - one of Tama & Sabians FAVORITE Doggie Water Holes of Austin! -
Review from Mary L.
VA
3/20/2011
I live in Texas so I know that this place isn't a concert space year round, but I will say it's a FANTASTIC space for concerts during SXSW.
This year, Auditorium Shores was home to daily Free concerts for big bands like The Strokes. Last night, I came here to see a Bright Eyes show and LOVED it.
The outdoor venue is perfect because it gives people room to spread out and the cool breeze makes the show way better because you're not cramped in some bar or club against other people with no free flowing air.
Last night's show was phenomenal. One, because I love Bright Eyes (I mean, how can I not? They were the soundtrack to my late High School and throughout my college years). Two because there was a full moon and it made it feel a little more magical. Three, the music and crowd was great. Four, they ended their set with a firework show which was spectacular.
Though I love this place as a dog park, it really is such an ideal music venue that can accommodate large crowds. I would love to see more concerts here throughout the year and not just during SXSW. -
Review from Heather F.
Austin, TX
1/2/2011 4 Check-ins Here
One of the best things about Austin!
How many dog parks can boast a bronze statue of Stevie Ray Vaughn with his guitar? Just one. Auditorium Shores.
The location is a-ma-zing, being next to Lady Bird Lake which overlooks the skyline of downtown Austin. There is a major swath of the river that you will find dogs leaping in and out of. There are long stretches of grass for your dog to play fetch, and there are gorgeous, tall trees you can spread a blanket under and read a book by while your pooch plays (keeping an eye on him or her at all times of course).
Of course Auditorium Shores is part of the entire trail system of Lady Bird, meaning that you will have bikers, joggers and runners passing through the park. This means that most times of the year you will find hotties with great pecs running without their shirts on, thank you Austin for having a warm climate year round! Now if only my dog was a sexier sounding breed than "cockapoo"...Listed in: What Makes Austin So Cool
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Review from Megan S.
1/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm surprised that there are only 26 existing reviews of Auditorium Shores. However, that being said- I think I will still struggle to add anything unique to the reviews. We all love it for the same reason.
Right on the water, where the dogs can jump in if they are fond of getting wet. Beautiful skyline when you look up. Friendly dogs everywhere. Lots of room to run around, play frisbee, or just sit and hang out. Running trail passes right through.
For those unfortunate enough to not have a dog of their own, this is a great place to get your fill of dog petting and playing. -
Review from Derek D.
Starkville, MS
7/19/2010
My (our) most frequented dog park by far. There are almost always lots of people and dogs here. It is centrally located and right on the lake and the trail system.
It's the perfect place for dogs and their owners to have fun. There are steps going into the lake, so even if you're dog doesn't swim, they can run around and cool off in the water. When they're not in or by the water, there is a massive area where they can run around and wrestle, chase, play fetch, etc. If you get tired of the off-leash area, you can just walk or run along the trail until you and your dog's hearts are content (or explode).
Before I came here I remember being a little uneasy about the lack of a fence - but trust me, it doesn't matter. The area is so huge and so far away from the street, it doesn't need a fence.
Because this area is so popular, parking is almost always a problem (as usual). The only thing you can do is post-up and wait for an opening. Lots of people park on the grass or curbs...and lots of people get tickets (I just made a $25 donation to the city of Austin myself). I also got in an argument with a fellow/rival parker today. But seeing how much fun my dog has when he's at Auditorium Shores makes all the parking battles worth it. Maybe one day I'll get a gigantic dog and just ride on his back to all the dog parks around Austin so I can avoid having to park at them. -
Review from JoAnne M.
Austin, TX
10/3/2011
My dogs love to swim here! I like to see the mix of people, breeds, modes of transportation, etc. Always a friend waiting to be made. Rarely do I see a "bad dog" (aka - bad owner) at the park... and usually some human peer pressure and the evil eye gets the bad owner to leash up his/her dog and both leave w/ their tails between their legs.
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Review from Devan D.
Austin, TX
10/29/2011
I absolutely love this park! My dog had fun when we were there and it has very nice scenery. :)
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Review from jamie w.
Austin, TX
9/2/2011
I've been taking Jack regularly to dog parks for probably a year and a half now. SO many people had told me how wonderful Auditorium Shores is, but I was afraid that Jack would run to Riverside or S.1st and get hit by a car. One day, after not being able to park at Red Bud, I decided to just give it a shot. As he's gotten older, he has become more dependable about staying pretty close to my side. I am so happy that we went that day! He LOVES this park and not once has he ever headed towards a busy intersection. As soon as we get out of the car, he heads towards the water and the other dogs. When it's time to go, he is so tired he just lags behind me to the car and has no interest in wandering off. It's so important (especially this time of year) for dogs to have fun places to play where they can also take a dip in the lake to cool off. I, personally, get a kick out of the people watching. (Dude running in a superman costume, the old guy w/his speedo who is always singing loudly to whatever is on his ipod as he passes by, the tourists, the ppl that make you think "oh - i bet he/she has a Keep Austin Weird sticker on the car or bike")
I've also met some pretty cool peeps who bring their dogs there regularly. Definitely easier to access for me than Red Bud. I'm always a little concerned that I'm going to see a nasty cyclist/dog accident, but so far only close calls. Other than that, I think it's a safe place to bring your four legged friend for some socialization and exercise. Much safer than I imagined, as well! -
Review from Brian F.
Austin, TX
6/20/2008
Dog, I am so freakin' bored. I could go back to sleep, but I've been napping all day here by myself. When's he getting home? He should be home by now. He'd better not be at the gym. Nah, he never goes to the gym anymore. He'll be here soon. Unless he's somewhere with that lady. Wait, what was that noise? Sounded like a car door...Keys! Keys outside the door! That's gotta be him!
Hey man! Where you been!? Where you been!? Oh, hey lady. You're here too, huh? Where you two been!? We're going outside, right? Like right now, right? I wanna go to that place with the other dogs! I wanna go to that place with the other dogs! I swear to Dog if you just take me to that little patch of grass right outside, I'm gonna wipe my butt on your rug.
Hey! Hey! That's my leash! Yeeeeeehaaaaawwwww! Let's go let's go let's go let's go let's go! Yes! We're turning left at the bottom of the stairs--that means the park!!! Come on, come on, come on! Dogdamn, this asphalt is effin hot! Ai-yo! Walk faster, man, hurry! Keep up, lady! Phew...sidewalk is much better.
Mmmmm...I smell french fries. Dude, I smell french fries. French. Fries. There's french fries right in that trash can! That girl at the bus stop has french fries too! Holy crap, that girl is eating french fries! Hey girl... Ow, man, you don't have to pull so hard--I wasn't going to do nothin'. Hey, wait--I see another dog! Look! Another dog is up ahead there! Let's go get 'im! Is that the park? I think I smell the park. That's gotta be the park.
Undo my leash. Dude, seriously, undo my leash. I'm not gonna run off, just undo my leash...I'm gonna pee on every fu@#in' tree in this joint. Hey, look-- a whole bunch of other dogs! What's up, little dog? Do I know you? Holy crap, that's a big dog over there. Uh-oh, he's coming over. Hey, dog, I don't want any trouble...yeah, OK. Laters. That's what I THOUGHT, chump. Bigger they are the harder they...oh sh*t, he's coming back...Let's go this way instead.
Man, look at all those dogs running around like fools. I think I'll just hang out here with y'all if that's cool. But don't try to get me to go in the water again, because that sh*t is NOT acceptable. -
Review from Meggie A.
Austin, TX
10/8/2010 3 Check-ins Here
This is the best dog park ever. I feel very comfortable unleashing my two beasts here. They are labs and this place is their Disney World.
My pups usually head straight for the dog-friendly water area and swan-dive in. There are typically lots of other playful dogs and cool dog owners hanging around. We've been there more times than we can count and have only run into an aggressive dog twice (one sent my dog to the vet with a gash in her leg) -- but that's just the risk you take going to any dog park.
The grassy areas are kept a nice distance from the streets and there are sticks galore for the retriever in your dog.
Besides being a great place to wear your four-legged children out, there are two fantastic aspects to Auditorium shores for human companions:
One is that mile 0 for Town Lake Trail starts at Auditorium Shores. There is a .25 mile stretch of water and grass for my dogs to run on leash free while I start in on my run. It wears them out and makes the rest of my run with them more bearable. Then when you circle back, they can jump back in the water to cool off. Win-Win my friends.
Two is that the view of downtown is just breathtaking and always reminds me just how lucky I am to live in a beautiful, pet-friendly city like Austin. -
Review from Mary T.
11/10/2008 2 photos
I don't own a dog and I don't live in Austin, but if I did I would be a regular at this place.
When I told my friend I wanted to go see the Stevie Ray Vaughan statute he never mentioned that it was also a dog park. His girlfriend's dog, Cosmo, really lucked out by my naivete because he was hanging out with us for the day.
Why did I like it so much? Well, for starters there was a water station, I'm not sure if it was for all of the walkers, runners and bikers or for the dogs, but we used it for both. Cosmo had a blast running around, rolling in the dirt and sniffing other dogs butts - you know typical dog stuff. There's even a section with stairs into the lake where dogs tend to congregate, fetch balls and swim. Everyone was friendly and their dogs well socialized, all in all it was a nice afternoon. To top it off, Austin wouldn't be Austin if there wasn't someone strolling along the trails playing guitar and singing.
All in all this is a leash free dog park done right.Listed in: Austin City Limits, Spoiled Rotten
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Review from Tara M.
5/24/2008 3 photos
I can't believe this place is so close and I had never taken my Pup here before today.
Mia had fun jumping in the water to fetch sticks thrown in by Rick G. who then had to look for more sticks because Mia does not bring back the sticks.
There is a short portion of the Lady Bird hike and bike Trail that runs through the off-leash area which could be potentially dangerous. Mia darted in front of a cyclist who stopped so fast I thought he was going to flip.
What impressed me the most was the well behaved dogs. The dogs were all running around sniffing butts and chasing balls; but, none of the rough housing that goes on at Bull Creek. I know certain dog breeds like to jump up on each and growl and bite I just don't want my Pup playing like that in public around children and people who do not know dog play and think they are fighting. So, they get an extra star for that.
I ran back and forth on the trail about 5 times until I got bored and had to put Mia back on her leash to explore more of the trail. So, I wish it was longer for my enjoyment.
At the East end there are water coolers with cones to drink out of and a dog bowl and port-a-potties. Yeah for toilets and cold water!
With gas prices so high I will definitely be going here more often instead of driving all the way to Bull Creek.Listed in: I love the outdoors list, My Pup's favorite Places
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Review from Jennifer S.
Austin, TX
2/5/2011
This is a really unique dog park, right on the water, a sky line behind it, plenty of fun to be had! However... if you're going on the weekends be sure you go early enough to miss the crowd that comes during the day. I love this place and in my opinion, the only thing that could improve it is a little bit more owner responsibility! It's not meant to be a substitute for a long walk and exercising your best friend, it's meant for fun and some people just don't understand that so it can get a little rowdy with the wrong crowd there.
But it is truly a fantastic spot for your pup! -
Review from Jim B.
Austin, TX
7/15/2009
My boy Quincy loves this place. There is plenty of open field space to run around, and the big steps into the lake make it easy for the dogs to get in and out without everything getting muddy like some of the other dog parks around town.
And the people watching is good too, with the jogging/biking trail running right through the off-leash area. I did have an issue with a biker flying through so fast that he hit Quincy broadside. Quincy just jumped up un-phased, but the guy's bike tire was bent and he flew over the handlebars and scraped his shoulder up. He tried to make a deal out of it, but I just told him it's clearly marked as off-leash and he was going too fast.
I've also overheard a number of joggers saying things like "I hate dogs, there are too many dogs here, etc." Well HELLO people, it is an off-leash area and there are hundreds of miles of other trails in Austin so go pound sand somewhere else if you don't like dogs. Seriously, what is wrong with someone who doesn't like dogs? Sure sign of a spiritual deficiency in my book. Of course, on the flip side, us dog lovers need to pick up the poop and keep the pooches under control.
I jog a lot with Quincy on-leash around the rest of the lake, so this is a great place to stop and grab some water (at the near-by water coolers sponsored by Run-Tex) and let him cool off with a dip and play with his friends for a few minutes. -
Review from Bek S.
Austin, TX
1/19/2008
Meat Market for Mutts! Gawkers can peep a dizzy assortment of designer dogs and blue-ribbon rescue mongrels at this leash-free freak-out zone along the fluffy shores of Town Lake. Puppers can jump in the water and steal other dogs' toys, then jump out and shake all over some dolled-up joggers HA HA HA HA HAAAA! Then play chase with fifty other dogs and roll in the dust-that-used-to-be-grass and piles of poo that nobody picks up -- except me, I pick up everyone else's dookie so tip me, will ya?
Would get a 5 if it wasn't for the lazy scuds that don't pick up poo.
UPDATE: February 20, 2009
In response to complaints that dogs "get in the way" of bikes, jump on kids, etc...
Lemme just say that kids (and dogs) have been hit by speeding bikes, but nobody is talking about getting rid of the kids or the bikes.
And yes there is too much poop on the ground, but there are also too many cigarette butts on the ground and nobody is talking about a no-smoking law in the park. We can solve all these problems with creative design and green technology! Poop-eating frogs! Or whatever.
Redirect the trail -- or add another trail -- that doesn't cut through the middle of the doggie play and swimming area.
How about making a "safe zone" for picnics and little kids, where dogs can't get in. I too would like a place to sit and watch the dogs play, without having them jump and shake on me (on those rare days when I'm just not in the mood for doggie mayhem).
Bikers and runners (like me) have the entire rest of the Town Lake Trail to use without dogs running free. The hike and bike trail is not a race track, it's a scenic trail for everyone. When I ride through the dog zone I SLOW DOWN, or get off my bike and walk it.
People with dogs need to use the public park space too -- and that's a LOT of people. And dogs.Listed in: The Outside Places I Go
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Review from Laura O.
Austin, TX
10/30/2008
To quote someone I respect deeply: Auditorium Shores is a happy place!
Wide, open spaces for dogs to run off leash. - Check!
A place for dogs to swim. - Check!
Happy, nice, interesting people. - Check!
Dramatic views, esp. of downtown Austin. - Check!
Can bring food and drinks to picnic while dogs have fun. - Check!
Additionally, I haven't sees many overly aggressive dogs there yet. - Yay!
The only drawbacks I see with Auditorium Shores are that parking can be difficult sometimes, it's so big that people lose track of their dogs' poop and there are so many other things going on there that sometimes we have to cut Ziggy's fun short. Not only that, I've heard of bikers running into dogs because they don't think to slow down.
Auditorium Shores is neck and neck with the unofficial (not really leash free, but used as leash free) dog park at Bull Creek and 45h for Ziggy's favorite dog park in Austin. We'll be back with Ziggy again and again.
If you enjoy taking your dog to dog parks, Auditorium Shores is not to be missed.
PS: As for being good kids? It's as good a place as any. But if you bring your kids to any dogpark, be prepared that some dogs simply don't or won't know any better. Good luck! -
Review from Beth A.
Pflugerville, TX
6/25/2011
The concept of this off leash area at auditorium Shores is great, but there are too many accidents waiting to happen. Don't get me wrong, my dog loves it here. And why not with Lady Bird Lake to swim in, Auditorium Shores to fetch on and hundreds of people and dogs to mingle with.
But I have seen people get hurt. I witnessed a dog running in front of a cyclist, causing the cyclist to fall on to the gravel of the hike and bike trail. He was pretty cut up and bleeding. Plus, the stone walls in Auditorium Shores caused a good size gash on my dog's leg after she leapt over it chasing her stick. This required an emergency trip to the vet on a Sunday afternoon. She stll has a noticeable scar.
Not sure how to make this better but we don't come here very often anymore. -
Review from wenting x.
Jersey City, NJ
4/13/2010
Great place to take your dog and even better is that it's a lease free dog zone so you can let your pup run and play to their hearts content!
I also like how there is a lake where dogs are able to swim and play fetch. i enjoy coming here because theres so many different types of dogs that come here that its a great place to get your pup acquainted with fellow dogs.
the only complaint i have is that i wish there was a bbq pit and more benches so that owners can spend more time outdoors and have things to do. but i guess that would defeat the purpose of the dog park if it got turned into a recreation park and everyone just started showing up and crowding the park.
also beware that there are runners and bikers everywhere, so if you have a puppy, keep a close eye so that it does not get hurt. Last thing is a lot of dogs get lost in these areas bc it is a lease free zone so sometimes dogs will wonder off. make sure you know where your dog is at all times..microchip is the way to go. -
Review from Carrie G.
Austin, TX
5/9/2009
I only give this four stars due to the fact that it's not an enclosed park. My Riley will not run away, and usually comes when called, but not all dogs will, especially if they get scared or hurt.
My pup loves this place! This summer, we find out if he will get in the water...and I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing, but as long as he has fun that's all that counts. Cars can be cleaned. And if you wear your Sunday best to the dog park, you asked for it.
Watch out or the runners and bikers on the trail on the way to the water, and be aware of your pup's location at all times...if you follow these two simple rules, you'll have a great date with your pup! -
Review from caroline m.
Houston, TX
7/31/2009
If my dog could write a review, I'm pretty sure she would say that Auditorium shores is as good as it gets. No leashes, no fences. Open space to run. Dirt, water, dogs, more dirt...
New visitors to Auditorium shores are often amazed that the dogs do not run away. They marvel at the view of the Austin skyline, and then they squeal when my dog runs up and shakes water on them. (oops, sorry about that!) I go so often to the park that when I watch visitors it reminds me of how truly unique this place is and to not take it for-granted!
It's also a great spot to "people watch" and of course "dog watch." Have you ever noticed how dogs look or act like their owners? Or maybe it's the other way around? ;) -
Review from walker f.
2/16/2010
I frequent this park with my boyfriend's dogs, and would return even with no dog of my own.
Some pluses:
The area is huge and your dog can run free and go ape sh-t
Again, this place is HUGE
Dogs can get into water if they wish, but can also be avoided if you so desire
Dogs are well behaved and owners are social
Water for humans and a bathroom
View of Town Lake and skyline is gorgeous (view of the pull up bar or random jogger can be as well)
Negatives:
The area is huge and your dog can run free and go ape sh-t
Because of the sheer size, might be difficult to keep your eye on your dog 100% of the time. Thus, more poop that some other parks
No place to sit, unless you count that wall (I don't)
Parking can be a tough to find. Be patient or just know you're gonna hafta hike a bit.
I love to go here and see, as another Yelper put it, "dogs be dogs." My favorite dog park in Austin, and a wonderful way to spend a couple hours outside. -
Review from erik w.
2/24/2010
I've been hanging out downtown and in south Austin more often as of late as the lady friend live just south of the river. Typically, I bring my pups if I'm staying over and part of what has now become a weekend routine is a visit to a dog park. My personal favorite dog park if I am near downtown would have to be the Auditorium Shores Leash-Free dog park.
Auditorium Shores lines the southern side of Town Lake. It's pretty nice and there is quite a bit of grass for the pups to run around on. The dog park is kept fairly clean for the most part, but there are always those owners who do not watch their dogs very closely, so stay vigilant. Parking is very difficult, but I have always managed to find a parking spot.
Auditorium Shores is definitely a great dog park, but I have a preference for Bull Creek because of how picturesque that it is. Still a close second for me. -
Review from Carson G.
Austin, TX
2/16/2010
Man, do I love this place, but not nearly as much as my dogs! There is sense of overwhelming glee as soon as the park is in sight of these guys. This is by far the best dog park in town and I wish I could come every day. Good job Austin, TX. Where else can you find such a picturesque setting a stones throw from downtown, where dogs can be dogs?
The people there are normally very friendly and it's a rare occurrence to see an aggressive dog. There are, and always will be those who don't pick up after their dogs, but that's everywhere. I hope this place never changes. -
Review from Orion G.
Austin, TX
4/8/2011 26 Check-ins Here
Absolutely great place for taking a walk, people watching, and viewing the city. We bring our dog here regularly and he loves it more than we do!
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Review from Michelle C.
Austin, TX
8/9/2008
While my pup Mindy and I were out with Tara M. and her girl Mia today, Tara said to me, "I can't believe you haven't reviewed Auditorium Shores!"
I can't believe it, either.
Auditorium Shores, a/k/a Dog Heaven, has become our favorite place to meet Tara and Mia for some leash-free fun. The leash-free zone extends along Riverside Drive from just east of Lee Barton to South First. It's a huge area, and provides tons of space for running and playing with your pup. There's a spot just a little ways east of the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue where there is always a pretty huge four-legged convention going on. There's easy access to the lake right there and a nice, wide, flat field, so everyone seems to congregate there and the dogs go wild swimming, chasing balls, chasing each other, and generally enjoying the chance to be themselves. Thanks to the city, there are also little kiosks all over with bags for picking up any little gifts your precious pup might choose to leave behind. And there is also an outdoor shower, water fountains, and usually the coolers brought by the fabulous RunTex folks within the zone.
You do have to watch out for the occasional overly-aggressive dog, and for the dogless runners and bikers on the trail who may not be too excited when your tail-wagging friend runs up to them, dripping with lake water, but it's a small price to pay for this city-sponsored slice of doggie paradise. -
Review from Julia S.
5/30/2010
Off leash trail. Along the lake. What's not to love? I wish there were more places like this. Plenty of poop bag stations along the trail is an added bonus. Just beware it's not a fenced in area.
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Review from Phyllis K.
Austin, TX
9/13/2009
Mr. Kingsley Shacklebolt loves Auditorium Shores. He loves it so much that upon reaching the leash-free zone he's gotta take a poo (which I promptly pick up). Then he scrambles off after squirrels, and pretends he can't hear me when I call him over. The little jerk looks at me and then turns around an runs toward another tree. But he doesn't know I've got his frisbee in my hand, and now we've neared the shoreline. He runs to the edge of the water in anticipation. So now Mr. Shacklebolt, fetch this!
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Review from Julia M.
Austin, TX
My two pugs have differing dog-park pursuits. Chewbacca wants to run with the pack and sniff some butts, while Jabba is content with the more solitary joy of running relatively far to fetch tennis balls. This park made both my smoosh-faced fwiends quite content! Even though my stout pups won't go near the water yet, it was entertaining to see the more athletic dogs go for a swim. Other dog owners were nice enough and their pets were also admirably behaved. This location is much grassier than most dog parks I've seen and poop bags are plentiful. My only worry is the close proximity to a road, given that my little guys have lots of heart but are less than bright, for the most part. Maybe I'm just being neurotic but I saw another dog named Sammy roam into the street, and I'm afraid, no matter how diligently I watch them, that one of my pugs will pull a Sammy!
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Review from Catherine D.
Austin, TX
2/24/2008
This is the prefect place to slow down if you are walking around Town Lake. You know those endorphines you get when you are falling in love, well I get overloaded with them here. Something about all those doggies running around and jumping in the water has me falling in love about every 2 minutes. A great place to bring your doggies for a little doggie happy hour.
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Review from kerissa b.
Austin, TX
10/25/2009
I'll probably get a lot of flack for this, but I really do not enjoy Auditorium Shores. It's beautiful and I am sure dog owners really appreciate the leash-free zone. I wouldn't mind it either, but when I'm finishing my run and your dog runs into me, please do not blame me. I realize I could 'go another way,' but it's a loop. And I really really enjoy that loop. So in conclusion, let your dogs roam free among the runners, but if said dog slams into the side of the runner, understand it is not the runner's fault.
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Review from Alicia W.
7/21/2009
Okay, so maybe I own a cat. Either way, I always hit this area on the last leg of my run through town lake. Therefore, happy, swimming puppies plus endorphins makes a happy me.
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Review from Christina A.
Austin, TX
6/14/2009
This was the first dog park we took our boy to when he was a pup because we figured it was the best place to socialize him to all kinds of people and bikes, strollers, etc. It is not enclosed, which might be a problem for some, but most of the dogs tend to stay in the same general areas and are well-behaved. I like the fact that after a leashed walk around Town Lake, my pup can have a swim and play fetch for a while as a treat for a job well done. This is especially great in the summer when the temps are well into the 100s.
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Review from Julie E.
Austin, TX
2/5/2009
Great multiple use area, but I believe it could use some more prominantly posted suggestions for how to be a responsible pet owner, combined with some real consequences for those who do not comply. More risky, it seems to me, is the speed at which bikes tear down these crowded paths. THAT should be a considered more carefully, rather than responsible pet use!
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Review from Jim C.
Austin, TX
12/27/2009
I have a Labrador Retriever. This means that Auditorium Shores is as good as it gets. Water, tennis balls, and other dogs. The only thing missing is an automatic tummy rubbing machine. The attitude of the people who frequent the place, friendly, understanding, and forgiving, make this the quintessentially Austin hangout. No worries at all. My only advice to newbies.... "The tennis ball you came will likely NOT be the one you take home."
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Review from April S.
Austin, TX
8/24/2010
I have been here many times but this time was for the Bat Fest. It was cool. I had never seen the bats before. Not much to it. They smelled bad. You just take a walk along the river at the bottom so you don't have to cross traffic. It was such a nice night on the bridge looking over the water and enjoying the music. A nice breeze. I had a daquiri which seemed like a virgin to my sister. I didn't feel a buzz so maybe it was. They had everything so nice. I went around 8pm and there weren't many people there. That felt nice because I didn't feel like bumping into people. They had lots of vendors, food and drinks. They had mostly Tejano music and some rock. They had a costume contest. Wasn't really interested in seeing that. I saw some cute doggies. Some people just brought a blanket and sat in the grass at the bottom. We stayed until midnight when it was over. Fun in the Sun.
