Travel Guide To Dog Friendly Washington DC: Plan A Weekend Trip To Washington DC With A Dog
Is Washington DC A Dog Friendly City?
When you think of taking a trip to our nation’s capital, you may think Washington DC isn’t dog friendly. In reality, there are many dog friendly activities to do in Washington DC! It’s true that you will have a different experience if you bring your dog versus not bringing your dog. But this may force you to see different parts of Washington DC than just museums. This travel guide to dog friendly Washington DC will help you plan a memorable weekend trip with your dog to Washington DC. It’ll give you ideas for dog friendly hotels in Washington DC to stay in, what dog friendly bars in dc to try, the best way to get around, on and off-leash dog parks in DC and many dog friendly activities to do with your pup while visiting Washington DC.
When I planned a weekend trip to Washington DC with my dog Teddy, it was specifically during cherry blossom season so we could enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom. We also explored the dog friendly side of Washington DC and we weren’t disappointed!
You may not know this, but I graduated from Howard University in Washington DC years ago and spent time exploring the area as a college student. During that time I had different interests such as exploring the bars at Adams Morgan versus exploring museums or checking out the Cherry Blossom Festival. Many people visit the nation’s capital during cherry blossom season to enjoy their beauty in full bloom. That is precisely why we visited during this time and I truly recommend the experience! There is nothing like seeing the National Monuments in the Tidal Basin draped in cherry blossoms.
When Is Cherry Blossom Season In DC?
Cherry blossom season in Washington DC is mid to the end of March. You can get updates on exactly when they will be in peak bloom in 2022 here. One of the best places to experience the cherry blossoms is along the Tidal Basin.
Dog Friendly Hotels Washington DC
There are many pet friendly accommodations available in DC depending on how much you’d like to spend per night and what location in the district you would like to stay. You can stay close to the National Mall, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, the Capital. There are many great options! You will also have to decide if you’d like to stay in a dog friendly hotel or Airbnb.
If you stay at hotels with your dog then you know that some hotels are truly dog-friendly while some just allow dogs. The difference is how the hotel staff treat your dog. A true dog friendly hotel offers dog bowls, treats and beds and the staff greets your dog as part of the family. Some of those well known dog-friendly hotels such as the Sofitel, Fairmont Washington and Four Seasons don’t charge a pet fee. The Kimpton has multiple hotels in the area and allow all size dogs, big or small, for free. If you’re looking for a dog friendly hotel that is more affordable, I recommend The River Inn. Depending on the hotel, behaved pets may be left unattended in guest rooms. But housekeeping may not service your room.
During our stay in Washington DC, we stayed at The Watergate Hotel found on the banks of the Potomac River. The hotel is located in Georgetown, within walking distance to the National Mall, monuments, The White House and historic Georgetown. They are dog friendly but have a pet fee. The rooms are comfortable and the sunset views of the river from the rooftop bar are amazing!
Dog Friendly Restaurants And Bars In DC
You can find many restaurants and bars in the Washington DC area that have a dog friendly patio to enjoy a meal and drink. Some of these pet friendly restaurants and bars offer heated areas to enjoy the outdoor space year round. I’ve listed a few well known dog friendly restaurants that you may want to visit depending on what part of the district you are located in. I recommend asking your hotel concierge or searching on BringFido.com for dog friendly restaurant suggestions around you. Some of the dog friendly restaurants offer water bowls, yappy hour and a special treat for your furry friend. Please check each restaurant’s website for any updates and hours of operation.
Where To Eat in washington dc with your dog
Start the day with breakfast and coffee at Baked & Wired (1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW) where you can get bacon & cheese dog treats for your dog and pastries for yourself. Colada Shop (multiple locations) is another great pet friendly option for Cuban coffee and food.
After a day of exploring DC and it’s many historic monuments, grab a beer and burger at Wet Dog Tavern (2100 Vermont Ave NW). The garden bar area has a heated outdoor area for cold days and welcomes well behaved dogs. For a dog-friendly German-style beer garden, check out Wunder Garten, Dacha Beer Garden or Bardo. Dacha Beer Garden has multiple locations at Shaw (1600 7th St. NW) and Navy Yard (79 Potomac Ave SE) where they offer a dog menu that has non-alcoholic beers for your pup! They also offer a great happy hour menu for humans. Bardo is located in the Navy Yard near Nationals Park and has a dog park area for your dog to run around.
Hook Hall (3400 Georgia Ave NW) offers a tropical oasis (with cabanas to rent) that welcomes dogs with dog ice cream and has happy hour specials.
If your dog still has energy to burn then take them to Bark Social to run free. There has been a lot of talk about this dog park and restaurant on Instagram and I can see why! They serve drinks and food for humans and even have ice cream for your dog. Bark Social didn’t exist when I visited Washington DC but I will make sure to stop by on my next visit. Check out their Instagram posts shared here.
End the day enjoying the sunset views on the banks of the Potomac River while hanging with your dog on the patio of Farmers Fishers Bakers (3000 K St. NW). You will find regionally inspired American food made “through the eyes of the farmer.” Hence the name. They also offer a decadent buffet style brunch on the weekends.
Dog Parks In DC
Dog parks are a great way to burn your dog’s energy. DC has quite a few on and off leash options for your dog. The National Mall is best for sight seeing in Washington DC and is worth spending an entire day exploring. You can walk your dog on-leash from the The Capital Building all the way to the Lincoln Memorial. There are many museums and memorials such as the Georgia Washington Monument along the route but keep in mind some restrict dogs from entering. Around the Tidal Basin you can find the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and of course the beautiful cherry blossom trees. The reflecting pool is mesmerizing and is worth the walk up to the Lincoln Memorial for the view.
Rock Creek Park is an urban National Park great for walking, riding a bike or having a picnic.
For an off-leash dog park experience, Barkhaus located in Alexandria (529 E Howell Ave) offers food and drinks for the humans while your dog can run around. The already mentioned Bark Social is another great off-leash dog park option.
Dog Friendly Activities To Do In Washington DC
Whether it’s your first time visiting Washington DC or you live in the area, there’s always fun dog friendly attractions to explore. Bringing your dog along for the road trip does have it’s challenges but there are still plenty of pet friendly activities to do:
- Explore the National Mall. Walk from The Capital Building to the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool. You’ll see many museums and memorials along the way including the George Washington Monument.
- Walk around the Tidal Basin to see the beautiful cherry blossom trees, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. According to National Park Services, dogs are allowed on the grounds of the memorials but not inside the memorials themselves.
- Pay tribute to FDR’s beloved dog, Fala at Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
- Visit off-leash outdoor dog parks such as Barkhaus and Bark Social.
- Eat at dog friendly restaurants and beer gardens such as Dacha Beer Garden or Bardo.
- Walk along the banks of the Potomac River in Georgetown.
- Enjoy hiking trails at Rock Creek Park which is a National Park.
- Take your dog to a Nationals game for Pups in the Park.
Are Dogs Allowed On The National Mall?
Dogs are welcome to join you on a walk around the National Mall. The rules at The National Mall state you must keep pets on a leash, pet waste must be picked up and disposed of properly and pets are not allowed inside the buildings, in the National Sculpture Garden or inside many of the memorial. With that being said, many people (including me) walked or carried their dogs into the monuments and memorials without being told to leave. If you do take your dog to the memorials, please be respectful!
Are Dogs Allowed At The National Monuments In Washington DC?
Dogs are not allowed inside the buildings, in the National Sculpture Garden or inside most of the memorials. There are signs at the entrances of each memorial and monument telling you the rules. With that being said, many people (including me) walked or carried their dogs into the memorials without being told to leave. If you do take your dog to the memorials, please be respectful!
Are Dogs Allowed at the Lincoln Memorial In DC?
According to National Park Services, dogs are allowed on the grounds of the memorials but not inside the memorial. You can walk your dog along the Reflecting Pool leading to Lincoln Memorial.
Are Dogs Allowed at Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial?
Well behaved leashed dogs can pay tribute to FDR’s beloved dog, Fala at Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
Are Dogs Allowed at Thomas Jefferson Memorial?
According to National Park Services, dogs are allowed on the grounds of the memorials but not inside the memorial. With that being said, many people (including me) walked or carried their dogs into the monuments and memorials without being told to leave. If you do take your dog to the memorials, please be respectful!
Are Dogs Allowed at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial?
According to National Park Services, dogs are allowed on the grounds of the memorials but not inside the memorial. With that being said, many people (including me) walked or carried their dogs into the monuments and memorials without being told to leave. If you do take your dog to the memorials, please be respectful!
Dog Friendly Transportation In Washington DC
There is bound to be crowds of people and lots of traffic no matter what time of year you decide to visit Washington DC! Here are some ways you can get around Washington DC with your dog:
Ride The Metro
The Metro serves DC and a few neighborhoods in Maryland and Virginia. The Metro allows dogs as long as they travel in a pet carrier.
Rideshare Apps: Lyft And Uber Pet
Passengers using Lyft can ask to bring their pets along for their ride. It’s up to the driver to allow the passenger into their car. Contact your driver after requesting a Lyft.
Uber Pet allows you to bring your pet on an Uber trip for an additional charge.
Capital Bikeshare
Capital Bikeshare provides over 4,300 bikes in metro DC and the surrounding areas. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to get around the city. Don’t forget to bring a backpack along for your furry friend to enjoy the ride.
Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals permitted to ride unconfined on Metrorail and Metrobus. However, a pet may be transported on Metrorail and Metrobus, provided it is carried aboard in a secure container from which it cannot escape.
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