4 Dog Friendly Adventures in the DC Area

We all get excited when we are packing up our suitcases and heading out the door for vacation. But if you are like me, you hate the look your dog gives you every time you leave the house. So why not take them with you on your next weekend adventure? Luckily in the DC area and surrounding suburbs, there are many dog friendly spots, including several that are part of the national park system. So take a hike, a stroll along the Potomac River, have a picnic or just spend some time outdoors enjoying nature with your furry friend. Here are 4 adventures that have been dog tested for fun! And don't forget to bring lots of water and extra treats!
*This post was updated June, 2024

Hike on Theodore Roosevelt Island. Continue celebrating the 100th birthday of our National Park Service by hiking with your dog at Theodore Roosevelt Island. This lesser known memorial on the Potomac River just off the George Washington Memorial Parkway, pays tribute to our 26th president. Leashed pets are allowed on the trails, but know that you won’t be able to take your pet on any ranger-led programs. Take the 1 ½ mile Swamp Trail which circles around the island, or the shorter Upland Trail, which is less than 1 mile long. Check out the park website, where you can find directions for getting there either by car, bike or on foot. Before you go, download one or all of the 4 Track Trail adventures for kids, which include a Scavenger Hunt and an Animal Athletes Adventure.  Kids can also participate in the Junior Ranger program.  

Related post: 8 Things to Know Before Taking Your Dog On a Road Trip

Explore the Streets of Old Town Alexandria. From pet-friendly hotels to outdoor patios that welcome dogs, Old Town Alexandria, Virginia is a fun place to wander with your dog. Take a walk through Founders Park where you can enjoy views of the Potomac River. Grab a bite to eat or a glass of wine at one of many outdoor dining spots, like Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge or BARCA Pier & Wine Bar with your leashed dog. For dessert, hopefully you brought a two-legged friend who can watch the dog while you run into Dolci Gelati for some award- winning gelato! While pets are not allowed at the historic Saturday Old Town Farmers' Market, they are welcome at the Old Town North Farmers’  Market held every Sunday. Check the Visit Alexandria website for information on other dog-friendly special events. 

Visit Wineries and Breweries in Loudoun County. Spend the day in beautiful Loudoun County, Virginia, where dogs are welcomed at many of the local wineries and breweries (in fact you will often find furry mascots greeting you upon your arrival). Pack a picnic, grab the kids and head out for an adventure. Grab the LoCo Ale Trail Guide before you go, and check the website for the latest information about pet policies.  With many dog friendly wineries, and plenty of breweries that allow dogs, there is no excuse not to take your pet along for some fun in the sun!

Spend the Afternoon at Great Falls Park. Visit Great Falls after a rain storm to truly experience the thundering falls. Leashed pets are welcomed in all the areas of the park, including trails and overlooks. There are 15 miles of hiking trails, but not all may be suitable for pets. Every time we have gone there have been plenty of four-legged companions on the trails. One of my favorite trails runs along the river from the Great Falls Visitor Center to the nearby Riverbend Park Visitor Center.  Great Falls also has a Junior Ranger Program, so it's a great way to get the kids outside as well. 

There are plenty of great resources out there to help you plan your next dog friendly adventure in the DC area, including Pet Friendly Alexandria and Visit Loudoun.