Dog parks are not the only places where you and your pet can visit in DC. Break out from the ordinary with man’s best friend in new destinations to visit, fun activities to engage in, and pet-friendly places to dine with Duke or Daisy.
Take a look at the best things to do with your dog in the DC area:
Go for a hike
- Theodore Roosevelt Island
- Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
- Cabin John Dog Park
- King Farm Dog Park
Washington, DC
Theodore Roosevelt Island used to be a neglected piece of farmland. Now, it’s a manmade forest made to resemble the original natural landscape of the area. The walking trails are only a few miles long, going through woods and wetlands along the Potomac River. It’s the perfect trail for a short hike with your dog. There is no admission fee and it’s open all year so you can drop by anytime.
7400 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax County, Virginia
The Scott’s Run Nature Preserve has around 300 acres of trails that hikers can use for walking or running with their dogs, as long as they (the dogs, not the hikers) are on a leash. Forest trails here are picturesque and a rocky terrain leads visitors to the Scott’s Run Waterfall. Note though that the waterfall is only for viewing, not for swimming.
7400 Tuckerman Lane Bethesda, Montgomery County, Maryland
This is a fenced-in and off-leash dog park found in Cabin John Regional Park. It is a place that gives pets and owners a chance to socialize with other dogs and dog lovers. There are special spaces for small and big dogs, a doggy water fountain, and picnic tables.
1913 Piccard Drive, Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland
King Farm Dog Park is a neighborhood park with fenced-in areas and plenty of amenities like water fountains, picnic tables for the fur-parents, baby pools, and a Mutt Mitt Station. It’s the perfect place to let your pup off the leash and have fun.
Grab a bite
- The Dairy Godmother
- Jackson 20
- Art and Soul
2310 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria
The Dairy Godmother serves delicious dessert treats in Alexandria to make your sweet wishes comes true. They specialize in frozen custards and offer a special flavor every day. Sorbets and homemade marshmallows are also available for satisfying sweet cravings. Dairy Godmother also makes special treats for your beloved dog. Owners can choose between a yogurt snack in pumpkin and banana flavors called “puppy pops” and a baked dog biscuit cheekily named “squirrel.”
480 King Street, Alexandria
The fine dining experience extends to our furry companions via Jackson 20, a restaurant that dedicates itself to Old American flavors. Apart from its hearty American tavern-style dishes, this restaurant also boasts of a creative cocktail menu. Tuesdays are specifically allotted for dog owners through a special event called “Yappy Hour.” During this period, they serve pup-tinis and special treats for the doggos in your life. Relax and enjoy your meal while your dog mingles with other patrons’ furry companions in the outdoor courtyard.
415 New Jersey Avenue, Northwest
The name itself is a dead giveaway to this restaurant’s dedication toward making our pets their Very Important Person, er Dog. Art and Soul’s Pooch Patio has an entire menu for dogs that’s good enough for humans too. There are delicious brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert options offered here, as well as an extensive bar selection. While you enjoy your food, your pet can munch on grilled and sliced sirloin or peanut-butter banana pupsicles and drink a non-alcoholic brew aptly named Bowser Beer.
Go on a cruise or boat ride
- Capitol River Cruises
- Potomac River Boat Company
- Key Bridge Boathouse
Explore beautiful views of Washington, DC on the Potomac River with Capitol River Cruises. This tour cruise line allows well-behaved canines in their local 45-minute historical tour. You and your pooch can enjoy the nice river breeze as you take in the sights.
The Potomac River Boat Company offers pet owners and their dogs a “howling experience” via a dog-friendly sightseeing cruise along the Alexandria Seaport. This canine cruise is a local favorite not only because it offers a magnificent glimpse of DC, but also because dogs get to ride for free.
If you want more active water activity with your pup, then head over to the Key Bridge Boathouse. The boathouse provides all sorts of waterrelated recreational activities like kayaking, sailing, swan boating, and SUP rentals. They also offer doggie lifejackets so your dog stays safe while you go paddling together.
Learn about your real estate options in dog-friendly DC with the real estate experts at Heller Coley Reed. Get in touch with the team today by calling 301.674.2829. You can also send a message to hellercoleyreed(at)gmail(dotted)com.