With its temperate climate, outdoorsy vibe, and wide variety of trails, streams, and hills, Austin counts among the nation’s best cities for dog owners. Downtown Austin and South Austin each feature their fair share of dog-friendly parks, but the relaxed and residential neighborhoods of North Austin can’t be left out of the conversation. We’ve chosen our top five northside dog parks for your pooch to explore.

Bob Wentz Park

While technically located within Austin city limits, Bob Wentz Park near Comanche Point feels very away-from-it-all, thanks to its position at Windy Point, directly on the banks of the Colorado River. This park features plenty of options for those who love outdoor activities, from windsurfing to swimming to boating to relaxing on the beach. While park rules require pups to stay on-leash, they’re welcome on much of the coastal expanse (with the exception of The Point peninsula) and on the natural-grass lawn spanning over 150 acres. If your dog enjoys splashing in the water and cavorting in an open field, you’ll want to take the 30-minute drive from Downtown Austin and spend some time here.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

If your canine companion enjoys hiking trails, Emma Long Metropolitan Park in Northwest Austin is the spot for you. While most of the park requires dogs to remain on-leash, the Turkey Creek Trail is an exception. It’s a two-and-a-half-mile path where pups are welcome to roam free and fully enjoy the streams and pools along the trail. With numerous changes in elevation, this is an athletic hiking path guaranteed to keep your dog entertained during and happily tired-out afterward.

Yard Bar

Photo courtesy of Yard Bar

Yard Bar in Allandale provides a unique service for Austin dog owners as a spot that’s equally fun for pups and their humans alike. While many bars in Austin allow dogs in their outdoor patios and yards, Yard Bar offers an off-leash dog park for canine visitors. A $5.50/day pass gives dogs access to a sizable dirt run with splash pools and adjacent picnic tables for owners to sit and enjoy a beer while keeping an eye on their pets.

Davis White Northeast District Park

Located just north of Downtown Austin by Las Cimas, Davis White Northeast District Park is a popular recreational destination for Austinites thanks to its shady picnic spots, basketball and volleyball courts, and scenic hiking trail. Dog owners will enjoy Davis White’s off-leash dog park, a large expanse (nearly 40 acres) of grassy terrain perfect for exploration

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

Photo courtesy of Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

With one of the largest off-leash areas of any public park in Austin, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park in North Lamar features over 200 acres of trails where your pooch is welcome to wander off-leash. With a splashable creek, lush vegetation, and twisty passages, this trail system is the ideal fit for a playful pup eager for an adventure. Just make sure you bring a towel with you or else your car is gonna get messy on the ride home.