Your dog wants to come with you everywhere you go, and you know it. Don’t close the door on those wide eyes — plan a dog-friendly trip to Marble Falls that you and your best friend are sure to enjoy.
1. First and foremost, find a place to stay
Don’t fret! Several hotels in Marble Falls are dog-friendly.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites allows a maximum of two pets up to 30 pounds each. Located at 501 RR 2147 West.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites allows dogs up to 50 pounds with a pet fee of $50 the first night and $10 each additional night. Located at 714 Corazon Drive.
• Motel 6 always lets well-behaved pets stay free. Located at 1400 Ollie Lane off U.S. 281.
• Quality Inn Near Lake Marble Falls allows up to two pets no more than 50 pounds each and charges a $10 pet fee per night. Located at 1206 U.S. 281 North.
[image id="19155" title="Dog Fun in Marble Falls"]Inks Lake State Park near Burnet has unbelievable scenic trails that your dog is sure to enjoy. Photo by Jason Kopp.2. Go for a hike
Explore the outdoors and let your dog’s natural instincts run wild. For a true Hill Country experience visit Inks Lake State Park. With more than seven miles of hiking trails, there’s a route for every skill level. Dogs of all sizes are allowed, and there’s even a designated swimming area just for them! Keep your dog out of public swimming areas, though.
Inks Lake State Park is located at 3630 Park Road 4 West near Burnet. Go to tpwd.texas.gov and search for Inks Lake State Park or call (512) 793-2223.
3. Find a waterfall
Colorado Bend State Park has a trail system covering 32 miles with easy to difficult terrain. Explore the trails and find the stunning Gorman Waterfalls, which make this Hill Country park an oasis. Go north on U.S. 281 to Lampasas, and from the intersection of 281 and U.S. 183, take FM 580 west 24 miles to Bend. Follow the signs to the park entrance. Go to tpwd.texas.gov and search for Colorado Bend State Park or call (325) 628-3240.
4. Play a round of disc golf
Disc golf courses are typically dog friendly. Unless your dog is a Frisbee fanatic, feel free to bring it along. The course at Westside Park is located in Marble Falls at Second Street and Avenue Q. There’s also a fenced-in dog park next to the course. Hancock Park, located off U.S. 281 in Lampasas, is a new disc golf course with more holes. Read more in our guide to local disc golf courses.
[image id="19152" title="Dog Fun in Marble Falls"] Stand-up paddle boarding with your best friend is the only way to do it. Courtesy photo.5. Go stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Marble Falls
Stand-up paddle boarding is a balancing act. If you trust your dog enough to stay still, you can take it along, too. Rent a paddle board at Jolly Rodgers Paddle Co., 120 S. Main St. by the edge of Lake Marble Falls. Go to jollyrodgerstx.com or call (830) 220-3027.
6. Splash around at the Kingsland Slab
This mass of smooth, flat pink granite on the Llano River is very dog-friendly. Let your dog off the leash and splash around in the shallow water. The Kingsland Slab is located where FM 3404 and the Llano River intersect in Kingsland. A line of parked cars on the side of the road is a dead giveaway that you’ve reached your destination.
7. Go for a boat ride
If your dog loves sticking its head out the car window, it will certainly love going on a boat ride. If you aren’t towing your own boat, there are several places for dog-friendly boat rentals: Log Country Cove in Burnet, Splash Boat Rentals in Kingsland, Lake LBJ Resort & Marina and the LBJ Yacht Club & Marina, both on Lake LBJ, and the Thunderbird Resort on Lake Buchanan. Find the full details and contact information for each business in our guide on boating.
8. Feed your hunger — and forget the doggy bag
Angel’s Icehouse welcomes dogs in its outdoor seating area. The menu even has a section with dog entrees: bacon strips, burger patties and sliced hot dogs — served with a water bowl, of course. Angel’s Icehouse is located at 21815 Texas 71 West in Spicewood. Call (512) 264-3777 for more information.
9. Indulge in fine wine
Spicewood Vineyards is a scenic winery with an array of award-winning wines. The best part — besides the wine — is the patio and outdoor areas are dog-friendly. Relax with your pooch on the shaded patio at the tasting room, sip some wine and take in the vineyard view. Spicewood Vineyards is located at 1419 CR 409 in Spicewood. Call (830) 693-5328 for more information.
[image id="19154" title="Dog Fun in Marble Falls"] Relax alongside Backbone Creek at Johnson Park in Marble Falls. Photo by Jason Kopp.10. Keep it simple at an off-leash dog park
Johnson Park in Marble Falls has a large, shady grass field designated as an off-leash zone. While you’re appreciating the nature or mingling with other dog owners, your best friend is free to roam to its hearts content! The park is on the edge of Backbone Creek, so it’s perfect for dogs that love to swim. Johnson Park is located at 230 Ave. J South in Marble Falls. The newest dog park in town is the one at Westside Park. Ruff Park is fenced in and features a doggy water fountain. It’s located at Second Street and Avenue Q in Marble Falls.
Keep in mind that these tips are for travelers with well-behaved dogs. If your dog is noisy or dangerous, it might not receive a warm welcome at these dog-friendly parks and establishments. Also, be a responsible pet owner! Read posted signs, pick up any dog waste and keep your pooch on a tight leash where required to avoid any fines.