Marble Falls is full of great spots for you and your pets to check out. Whether you have high-energy pups, or your dog can barely muster the energy to lay in the sun all day, Marble Falls is sure to have the perfect scene for you and your best bud to explore.
The Highland Lakes is one of the most beautiful places to spend Texan summers. With wineries, shopping, and 4 different lakes to choose from, it would be hard to leave your four-legged friend at home. Luckily you won’t have to! Full of incredible sights and sounds you won’t find anywhere but here, Marble Falls’ vibrant parks and local businesses are a huge part of what gives this town its unique flavor. What makes it such a find, however, is all the exciting opportunities available not only to you, but to your four-legged best friend as well.
Swimming and Kayaking
For those looking to explore the area, take a dip, and hunker down for the night by the fire with their pup, there are a number of outdoor adventures in the area to look into.
Muleshoe Bend is a short drive from Marble Falls with nearly 10 miles of trails to hike, as well as a lake where visitors can fish or dive in to escape the heat of the summer sun. Kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent for those who love to spend the day out on the water.
In the spring, this area’s hills turn blue as the official state flower, the Bluebonnet, blanket the fields. This is the perfect opportunity to get those glamour shots for your dog’s Instagram… we know he has one.
Muleshoe Bend is one of several parks provided through the LCRA in the Hill Country. Turkey Bend, Shafer Bend, Pace Bend, and Black Rock Park are all great options for you and your pup to explore with water access at each.
Parks
If you and your furry friend are looking for an active day out but are not interested in packing for a full-blown camping trip, Marble Falls has several beautiful city parks for you and your pet to check out.
Whether you have a dog who needs to get a couple miles out of their system every day, or one of those little sausages that likes to be carried around in a backpack, Inks Lake State Park is the ideal destination. With its sparkling blue water, colorful rock outcrops, and striking sunsets, this gem of the Hill Country is just an hour northwest of Austin. The lush trails that are teeming with wildlife, making Inks Lake is one of the most visited state park in Texas. This park is a paradise for pups who love to run around and be outdoors.
If your dog is less concerned with getting their steps in and more interested in making local friends, the Ruff Dog Park located inside Westside Park is a perfect match. With plenty of room to run around and optional seating for owners, Ruff Park provides a great atmosphere to socialize with other dogs or just let out a little pent-up energy. And don’t worry, doggie bags will be provided.
Dining
After a long day out, you and your best bud can get a bite to eat at one of Marble Falls’ dog-friendly food trucks, such as Local Eats or Augustino’s. Grab a bench and enjoy the summer weather and the authentic, handmade food, or take it with you and head back for the trails. If you are looking for more of a sit-down environment, Oli’s, , Wingman’s BBQ, and Adriano’s Italian on Main Street are all great outdoor seating alternatives that serve everyone, two-legged and four-legged alike.
Breweries + Wineries
Home to several dog-friendly wineries, breweries, and distilleries, the Hill Country is the quintessential getaway for aspiring canine sommeliers.
Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery, founded on a beautiful 15-acre property back in 2014, is located just outside Marble Falls and is a fun, easy way to spend the evening with family, friends, and pets. Relax as you try Iron Wolf’s signature line of spirits and enjoy the view alongside your own little wolf.
Save the World Brewery, Double Horn Brewing, Bear King Brewing Company, El Gaucho Winery, Fiesta Winery, and Perisso’s Vineyard are also all pup-friendly alternatives.
Shopping
Camping and hiking can be a blast, but sometimes a more laid-back afternoon out on the town can be a great way to switch it up, and Marble Falls has a great selection of local shops and markets accessible to you and your pups.
Dog owners on the hunt for some new, unique decor should check out Pottery Ranch, a popular stopping spot along Hwy 281 with an excellent range of original pieces that have a distinct Hill Country feel to them. After being greeted by Rufus, Pottery Ranch’s resident chocolate lab, customers are free to browse through the artwork for sale. Be sure to come by the Visitor Center to get a coupon for a free flowerpot and Texas Wildflower seeds.
If you and your dog are keen on keeping the shopping spree going, Birdie’s Market is an excellent shop for interior decoration, and Eve Couture is a boutique with an excellent stock of women’s apparel. Indian River and Main Street Consignment are great for dog owners looking for jewelry or furniture respectively, and Backbone Valley Nursery has a wide variety of beautiful, flourishing plants to peruse through.
Lodging
With such an exhaustive list of exciting new places for you and your pup to check out next, only one question remains: where is the best place for the two of you to crash after a long day out?
There are several hotels in town that accommodate dogs. The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Marble Falls is an excellent option for out-of-towners. With reasonable pricing and friendly staff, each room in the hotel faces the lake and has its own balcony.
Other pet-friendly lodging alternatives include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Motel 6, Comfort Inn & Suites, Hill Country Inn & Suites, and the Quality Inn Near Lake Marble Falls.
Half the fun of exploring the Hill Country is getting to share that experience with your furriest friend, so as we dive headfirst into summer, make an effort to include your dog in your travels. Take in the beautiful sights, mingle with the wonderful people, and remember- your cute canines are always welcome in Marble Falls.