If you’re planning a pet-friendly tour of Texas Hill Country, take a short drive from Austin to Vista Brewing in Driftwood. This 21-acre backcountry brewery is the most dog-friendly brewery in The Lone Star State. Take a load off in the expansive gardens at one of the outdoor tables and enjoy fresh air, fresh beer and picnic-style eats made using hyper-local ingredients. Don’t forget to reserve a table outside for weekend visits as they fill up fast.

Keep the Hill Country vibes going at this honky tonk getaway, which offers nine acres of land to explore with your best friend.

Road trippers along Route 66 will want to stop at Palo Duro Canyon State Park for a Texas-sized adventure. Texas’ most dog-friendly state park’s central feature is the 120-mile-long canyon that plunges more than 800 feet to the floor. Palo Duro is believed to be the country’s second-largest canyon. Drive with your furry co-pilot along 16 miles of paved roads to admire the scenic views, stopping along the way for photo ops and historical markers. Or, hike one of the pet-friendly trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous.

Spend the night in the park at Palo Duro Canyon State Park Campground. For more creature comforts, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Canyon is located nearby.

Kick off your next Gulf adventure on South Padre Island, famous for sea turtles swimming ashore and laying their eggs during nesting season, usually in April. Two- and four-legged visitors can find out more about the natural phenomenon, sit in on a turtle talk and meet rescue reptiles at Sea Turtle, Inc., the most dog-friendly attraction in The Lone Star State. This nonprofit sea turtle rescue invites dogs to tag along for an introduction to the center’s permanent turtle residents. Fido can also tour the museum and browse the gift shop. Presentations that highlight the importance of protecting these loveable creatures are made throughout the day.

After taking it slow with the turtles, belly up to the beach bar with your best friend at Wanna Wanna Inn. This affordable hotel loves four-legged guests and is a short walk from Padre Island National Seashore.

It’s hard to imagine a better vacation with Fido than a camping trip to Waggin’ Tail Ranch RV Resort, Texas’ most dog-friendly campground, in Pilot Point. Book a fully fenced RV site so your pooch can relax after a day of playing on the agility equipment or splashing in the dog pond. You’ll be able to clean up at the grooming area before enjoying dinner with your pup and his new friends at the community pavilion. Kick back in a swing at the “paws and swing” area, or let your furry friend join you for a game of cornhole or washers. Dogs of any size are allowed for no additional fee.

ZBonz Dog Park is built on the former site of the Z. Boaz Golf Course in Fort Worth. The former life of Texas’ best dog park can still be seen in the rolling grassy hills and two water obstacles, which are now used as epic fetch spots and swimming ponds for visiting pups to take a plunge. This 10-acre park is divided into separate sections for small and large canines, and both contain agility equipment, benches, and shelters. Dog owners can clean off paws in the washing stations provided before leaving.

Conveniently located off the interstate and near the park entrance, La Quinta Inn & Suites Fort Worth West I-30 welcomes dogs of all sizes to stay in a variety of rooms with access to a grassy relief area outside.

At Palo Duro Canyon State Park, you can marvel with your mutt at multicolored rock formations that reach out of the earth on The Lighthouse Trail, Texas’ top trail to hike with your dog. Here, hikers scramble over red rocks surrounded by canyon views to the most famous rock tower in the park, The Lighthouse. This moderate out-and-back trail is just under six miles and has a steep section towards the end. For a guided tour of the area, book a Jeep excursion and explore the scenic canyons with Palo Duro Creek Ranch.

Formerly the location of a Sky Ride attraction in the state park, ChairLift Cabin boasts more out-of-this-world views from both inside and on the porch.

Southern hospitality abounds at the Inn on the Creek in Salado. Relax with your best friend in the landscaped gardens next to a gorgeous creek at the best pet-friendly bed and breakfast in The Lone Star State. Guests with pets can choose between the spacious Tonkawa Room with Native American accents throughout, and Bungalow One, which features a private patio that’s just steps away from Critchfield Spring. Pups who enjoy retail therapy can join you for a spree at the Shoppes on Main Boutique Marketplace & Cafe.

Inn on the Creek welcomes dogs for an additional fee of $25 per pet, per stay.

Put your game-face on and hustle over to the Annual Puppy Bowl at Yard Bar. This can’t miss dog event in Texas begins at the Austin Humane Society with an abundance of tailgating snacks, goods from local vendors, drinks by Tito's Handmade Vodka and, of course, lots of adoptable dogs available for meet and greets. The party will continue at one of Austin’s favorite pet-friendly restaurants, Yard Bar, which hosts the annual Puppy Bowl. This game before the Big Game pits teams of “fur-ociously” cute pups taking to the gridiron in an epic display of uninhibited adorableness. The pooches go head to head to secure the coveted championship title, chosen by celebrity “ruff-erees” and VIPs (Very Important Puppy-fans).

When the final whistle blows, head back to the Renaissance Austin Hotel for a meal in the pet-friendly restaurant and a relaxing night.

If our Best of Texas preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!