We have lived in the outer suburbs of Washington D.C. for over 20 years and still have not had a chance to explore every part of this 10 mile x 10 mile square! With so many pet-friendly things to do in the city (and right outside the city), this makes it the perfect spot for you and your pup to visit!
THE NATIONAL MALL
Located right in the center of Washington D.C., the National Mall is home to many iconic monuments, with plenty of sightseeing for you and your pup! Have a picnic on the lawn right below the Washington Monument or take a stroll across the reflecting pool to visit the Lincoln Memorial. There is no doubt you can easily spend 1-2 hours walking around and snapping photos here!
GEORGETOWN
This is a charming neighborhood with cobblestone roads and a beautiful waterfront of the Potomac River. In the summer, take your pup for a kayak ride along the Potomac River or have a meal at one of the many outdoor restaurants! This area is home to many high-end fashion shops and yummy baked goods! We haven’t had any issues taking our pups into the shops at Gerogetown as everyone absolutely adores dogs! You’ll notice plenty of water bowls laying out for your puppers as you’re strolling through the streets!
THE TIDAL BASIN
This is a beautiful scenic area where the Cherry Blossom Festival is hosted every Spring. Take a stroll around the basin to find The Jefferson Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT ISLAND
This 88-acre island located right in the Potomac River is filled with many trails for you and your pup to explore! Parking can get pretty crazy over the weekends so we recommend coming a little earlier in the morning!
OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA
If you don’t mind driving out of Washington D.C. for a bit during the day, Old Town Alexandria located in Northern Virginia is a great spot to explore for the day. Located right by the Potomac River, there are plenty of spots to dine outside, shops, and lots of green space for your pup to roam around! Many shops are pet-friendly in this little neighborhood so don’t be surprised if you get stopped occasionally so that people can pet your pup! What we love most about this city is the old town feeling of historical Alexandria — find plenty of cute cobblestone streets and unique colorful homes during your stroll!
WINERIES
For those of you who want to relax after walking miles in D.C., come visit the many wineries right outside the city. Some of our favorites include Quattro Goomba’s Winery, Cana Vineyards & Winery, and Stone Tower Winery. Picnic at these spots, sip on a glass of wine, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Have you explored any big cities with your pup? Let us know below where has been your favorite spot!

I’m Christine, momma to two adorable mini-dachshunds! When we’re not at home working on our pet apparel business @sassywoof, you can find us traveling the country! Follow us @mayathedox & @winstonthedox on social media!
One comment
WOW, what a great list of things to do! Not to mention, incredible photo opps! Looks like we need to add DC to our list of places to take Nash. I had no idea DC was this pet-friendly. Thanks so much for sharing!!