Dog sitting in Washington and wondering where to go with your furry friend? Or perhaps you’re a pet parent who’s already got a Washington pet sitter lined up, and you want to show them the best spots to explore with your four-pawed family member.
Either way, we’ve got you covered! Our guide to dog-friendly Washington is packed with everything you need to have a tail-waggingly good time, from scenic parks and fun activities to the cafes and dog-friendly restaurants Washington has to offer.
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Best dog parks in Washington
The best way to tire out your canine companion? Head to one of the best dog-friendly Washington parks, of course.
Shirlington Dog Park
This beautiful off-leash park in Arlington has a stream for dogs to splash around and play in, plus hiking trails and seating areas for pup parents.
Location: 2710 S Oakland St, Arlington, VA 22206, United States
Westgrove Dog Park
A hidden gem in Alexandria with huge open fields, this park is ideal for pooch pals who love to run free and enjoy endless games of fetch.
Location: 6801 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22307, United States
S Street Dog Park
A local favorite for pet parents in the city, this fully fenced urban dog park offers plenty of space for pooch pals to run around and socialize.
Location: S Street Park, Washington, DC 20009, United States
Shaw Dog Park
This is one of Washington DC’s most popular off-leash parks, featuring a double-gated entrance for safety, a separate small dog area, and plenty of benches for pup parents to take a load off.
Location: 1673 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Benjamin Banneker Dog Park
This fenced-in dog park has it all – agility equipment, benches, picnic tables, running water, waste stations, and plenty of surrounding trails for furry friends who need a break from all the socializing.
Location: 1700 N Sycamore St, Arlington, VA 22205, United States
Congressional Cemetery Dog Park
Looking for something a bit different? Dogs can roam off-leash through this unique historic site, filled with beautiful old headstones.
Location: 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States
Newark Street Dog Park
This well-maintained dog park in Northwest DC features separate areas for dogs big and small, and shaded seating for pet parents.
Location: Newark St NW and 39th St NW Washington, DC 20008, Washington, DC 20016, United States
Matapeake Park Dog Beach
If you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches, Washington locals have to drive a little way out of the city. This clean, spacious dog beach is around an hour from the city, and offers shade to relax in and shallow water for furry friends to test their doggy paddle.
Location: 1112 Romancoke Rd, Stevensville, MD 21666, United States
Dog-friendly restaurants, Washington
Good grub’s made even better with a four-pawed pal by your side, so check out these dog-friendly restaurants in Washington.
The Coupe
Furry friends are welcomed with a bowl of water and some treats on the dog-friendly patio of this American-style diner, which serves everything from cocktails to milkshakes, breakfast burritos to salad bowls, and fried chicken sandwiches to steak frites.
Location: 3415 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
Art and Soul
Located near Capitol Hill, this award-winning restaurant specializes in breakfast, brunch, and bar bites, plus it’s got a dog-friendly patio and a special menu for pooch pals.
Location: 415 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
The Pembroke
Dig into fresh salads, homemade pastas, and meat and fish dishes on the gorgeous patio of this French restaurant, located in the Dupont Circle Hotel.
Location: 1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States
Green Pig Bistro
Whether you’re stopping by at brunch time for deviled eggs and shrimp & grits or you’re looking for a tasty short rib risotto and gnocchi with pork belly, the staff here have always got time for your four-pawed pal on the dog-friendly patio.
Location: 2900 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, United States
Fun dog-friendly activities in Washington
Once you’ve ticked Washington’s dog parks and all the pup-friendly restaurants off the list, what more is there to do in this city? Let’s take a look at some of the activities that are 100x better with a four-pawed pal in tow.
National Mall
Stroll around the dog-friendly grounds of this historic landmark to admire monuments like the Lincoln Memorial before a game of fetch on the lawn.
Cost: Free
Date and time: Open daily
Location: Washington, DC, United States
Go on a pedicab tour
Rest your legs and enjoy a tailor-made tour of some of the most impressive sights from the back of a pedicab, which dogs are welcome on at no extra cost.
Cost: Hour-long tours start at $175
Date and time: Daily 9am-10pm
Location: Free pick up from your location
Boating in DC
Go kayaking, canoeing, rowboating or paddle-boarding with your pup pal, who’ll be in safe hands with a life jacket made specially for dogs.
Cost: Starts from $22
Date and time: Open seasonally from April-October
Location: Over 7 locations, including Key Bridge, the Wharf, and Fletcher’s Cove.
Best dog-friendly walking trails in Washington
When the dog park just isn’t cutting it and you both need to stretch your legs, it’s time to hit one of these dog-friendly hikes, Washington.
Rock Creek Trail
Rock Creek Park is a refreshing breath of fresh air in the heart of the city. With miles of scenic hiking trails to explore, free parking, and plenty of spots for pups to splash in the stream, it’s the perfect place to explore and unwind.
Location: 1730 Juniper St NW, Washington, DC 20012, United States
Length: Varies
Mount Vernon Trail
One of the best dog-friendly walks in Washington, this picturesque trail runs along the Potomac River, stretching from historic Mount Vernon at one end to downtown Washington at the other.
Location: Mount Vernon Trail
Length: 18 miles each way
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
There’s plenty to explore on the leash in this nature preserve, whether you and your canine companion stick to the trails or end up splashing through the water!
Location: 7400 VA-193, McLean, VA 22102, United States
Length: 336 acres of woodland to explore
The best dog-friendly cafes, Washington
You and your pup always deserve a treat, and luckily, Washington is packed with dog-friendly cafes where you can grab a coffee while your pooch pal relaxes by your side.
Lost Dog Cafe - Alexandria
Grab a spot on the dog-friendly patio and enjoy a laid-back lunch with your pup – plus, this cafe raises money for dog and cat rescue charities. Good food, a great cause, and dog-friendly – it’s a total no-brainer.
Location: 808 N Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States
Wine & Butter Cafe & Market
This deli-come-coffee-shop serves pastries, sandwiches, and pizzas, and offers plenty of people-watching and dog-spotting opportunities on the dog-friendly terrace.
Location: 1023 E Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States
Big Bear Cafe
A neighborhood favorite in Bloomingdale with a dog-friendly patio and locally sourced menu items, perfect for breakfast, lunch, and candlelit dinners.
Location: 1700 First St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Annual dog events in Washington
Here are some of the must-attend dog events happening all year round in Washington DC.
Pups in the Park
This special event held at Nationals Park lets you bring your dog to enjoy a baseball game alongside fellow pet lovers, with all proceeds donated to the Humane Rescue Alliance.
Cost: $10 for pups and $35 for humans (2024)
Date and time: Select game days
Location: Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States
Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash
Adorable Dachshunds race for the title of fastest pup in this annual Oktoberfest event. All furry friends are welcome to come and watch, but you’ve got to be a Dachshund to take part!
Cost: Free for spectators
Date and time: Every October
Location: 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States
Kids and Family Festival at Shipgarten
Furry family members can join in the fun at these weekly themed festivals, which offer activities like face painting and live magic for kids and pup cups and kongs filled with peanut butter for pooch pals.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: Various dates throughout the year
The best dog-friendly bars, Washington
Why leave your furry bestie at home when you could grab a drink together? Here are some of the best dog-friendly bars in Washington, where you can sip, snack, and socialize alongside pup pals.
The Wonderland Ballroom
Spend some time on the dog-friendly patio as you listen to local bands and DJs spinning their decks in this casual beer garden.
Location: 1101 Kenyon St NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
Wet Dog Tavern
This is the place to be for pet parents, pup lovers, and of course, their four-legged friends! The dog-friendly patio is the main draw here, where pooch pals will have plenty of opportunities to meet other furry friends.
Location: 2100 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
the brig
This traditional tavern serves different types of German beer, pretzels, bratwurst, and of course, pups are welcomed with treats and a bowl of water – what more could you want?
Location: 1007 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States
The Midlands Beer Garden
There’s plenty of room for four-legged friends to relax in this spacious beer garden while their pawrents enjoy tasting the craft beers.
Location: 3333 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
Dog-friendly wineries in Washington
Washington has plenty of dog-friendly wineries where you can savor a glass while your pup soaks up the scenery. Here are some must-visit spots!
Maryland Meadworks
Live music, friendly staff, a dog-friendly indoor space, and a selection of mead made locally (plus alcohol-free options) make this a top spot to quench your thirst.
Location: 4700 Rhode Island Ave Suite Bee, Hyattsville, MD 20781, United States
Windridge Vineyards
Head out into the countryside to do some wine tasting with your four-pawed pal by your side, plus you’ll find cozy fire pits, live music, and a variety of food trucks to choose from.
Location: 15700 Darnestown Rd, Darnestown, MD 20874, United States
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
A great place to sit back and enjoy the views after a long hike with your pooch, this vineyard has friendly staff, pizza trucks, and wine by the glass or bottle – of course.
Location: 18125 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842, United States
Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Washington from dog owners and pet sitters
Here are some recommendations from local pet parents and sitters to bear in mind:
@Mary-Kay tells sitters to check with pet parents before visiting any dog-friendly spots:
“I also like to know if dogs are used to going to dog-friendly pubs/restaurants and if they’re used to taking public transportation.”
@Maggie8k reminds people to check online before turning up somewhere with a pup:
“In the U.S., where I live, some parts are more dog friendly than others. It’s usually pretty easy to check online.”
And if your furry pal’s going to be joining you in the car, @MichelleC makes a suggestion:
“On my checklist, I’ve made a note to ask owners if they have a blanket or covering for the backseat for when I take their dogs out and about, so that I don’t spend hours vacuuming my car.”
Tips for pet parents
Things can be a little different with a four-pawed pal in tow, here are a few things to remember:
- Check local regulations: Washington DC has specific laws for leashed dogs, and many parks require permits for off-leash areas. Check the DC Department of Parks and Recreation for details.
- Bring the essentials: Always carry waste bags and water for your furry friend, especially on long walks.
- Plan ahead for your vacation: If you're traveling, don’t forget to find a trusted pet sitter to keep your furry family member safe and happy at home.
Tips for pet sitters
New to Washington? Here are a few tips to bear in mind when dog sitting in the city:
- Explore dog-friendly parks: Make the most of the pet-friendly green spaces, which give you plenty of room to explore while your furry friend gets a good leg stretch and sniff.
- Stick to your furry friend’s routine: Keeping a pup on their regular schedule makes for a smoother pet sitting experience, and ensures everyone’s happy.
- Find a place to stay in exchange for pet care: Find a new, more exciting way to discover the city with a furry (or feathered) friend for company.
