Treat your canine to a good time at restaurants, shops, parks and hotels in the nation's capital.
Traveling with your dog? Plenty of Washington, DC locales cater to canines. We’ve compiled a list of dog-friendly restaurants, patios, scenic parks, hotels and activities that will be perfect for your four-legged friend.
Restaurants & Cafés
While many of DC's favorite patios are pet-friendly, here are a few favorites:
This Georgetown favorite bakes dog treats in flavors like Peanut Butter Krunch, in addition to fresh bread, pastries, muffins, cookies, quiche and coffee for the humans. Outdoor seating is dog-friendly.
Taco Bamba
The “Houndgarten” patio is a staple at this popular taco spot's DC locations, equipped with water bowls and free treats. Humans get to enjoy chilaquiles, brunch tacos and fresh coffee.
Indulge in French-inspired cuisine on the chic patio with your pup.
Basically dedicated to doggies, Wet Dog has plenty of space and activities for the canines. You’ll dig the varied drink menu and burgers while your best bud runs wild.
Just outside of DC is the area's newest dog-friendly bar and restaurant, which features an off-leash indoor & outdoor dog park.
Breweries & Beer Gardens
Lost Generation Brewing Company
The winner of Washington City Paper's Best Pet-Friendly Bar in DC welcomes your pet(s) both inside the taproom and on the patio so no matter what DC's weather brings, you won't have to worry about leaving your fur baby at home.
This spot in the Shaw neighborhood welcomes canines with open arms on its open air patio, where you can sip on brews and chow down on bar bites.
This popular NoMa & Union Market hangout offers games and lounge chairs
Shaw, featuring farm-to-table fare and Bavarian beverages (there's also a location in Navy Yard that is well worth your time).
Drinks, food and decor are inspired by the venue's changing themes, while dogs drool over the Hook Hall Hounds offerings.
When exploring the U Street corridor, have a coffee and enjoy some Cuban cuisine with your pet by your side on the gated patio. All locations offer special dog cookies, made with guava and peanut butter.
In the heart of Logan Circle, you can set your pup free in the dog garden and enjoy smoothies, coffee or handcrafted cocktails along with any meal of the day, all while hanging with fellow dog lovers. The food and beverage menu is extensive for both canines and humans; Dog Daze offers fun events such as caricaturists as well. Check the site for hours and prices (the club is closed on Mondays).
Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails
Canines on leash are welcome to join you as you stroll past the monuments and memorials and take in the view. The backdrop of the Tidal Basin and the cherry blossom trees in the springtime is a can't-miss scenic spot where pets are a part of the experience.
Accessible by footbridge from the George Washington Memorial Parkway, the island features two miles of trails along the Potomac River, perfect for an afternoon excursion with your pup.
One of the city’s most popular parks, Meridian Hill features plenty of real estate for dogs to stretch their legs. If your pooch likes rhythms, the park hosts a drum circle on Sundays.
A true urban oasis, DC's largest park offers roughly 1,800 acres of natural beauty, with more than four miles of trails.
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
Located along the Anacostia River, Kenilworth offers beautiful aquatic gardens to enjoy while taking your dog for a stroll.
Hotels
Welcome dogs for all sizes at no extra charge and even offer special amenities so that your pup can have the best experience possible.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
Pets stay for free at this Georgetown hotel and even get their own handmade treats and V.I.P. (Very Important Puppy) specials at the Courtyard Bar. Human guests can make use of maps to nearby parks and loaner leashes and collars.
Dogs of all sizes are welcomed for no additional fee.
Housed inside a 110-year-old church in Adams Morgan, this hotel welcomes four-legged friends for free. Don’t forget to ask the front desk for courtesy bags, water bowls and treats. Feel free to bring your pet into the lobby café and restaurant.
One of DC’s most historic hotels, the Hay-Adams allows one dog weighing no more than 25 pounds per room for free.
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.
Pups that weigh 15 pounds or less can stay at the at no additional charge (you could even bring two).
Any breed up to 50 pounds are welcome and receive dog bowls, beds, treats and more.
This ultra-hip hotel allows two pets of any size for no additional fee. Both dogs and cats are welcome. Pet beds, food and water bowls are available upon request.
Yours Truly DC
Allows dogs up to 70 lbs. for no additional charge, with complimentary treats from Doggy Style Bakery and special Bowser Beer for Dogs available upon check-in.
Two pets of any size can stay for no additional fee, with both dogs and cats permitted. The hotel provides treats, bowls, beds, waste bags and pet-in-room door hangers for four-legged guests.
Sofitel Washington, DC Lafayette Square
This spot allows dogs up to 50 pounds for a refundable $500 deposit.
Tours & Activities
If you select the dog-friendly tour, dogs are welcome in the cabs, and with your approval, their expert guides will stay with and even walk your dogs while you enter memorials that do not allow them. The company also has a free dog-friendly map (and other free maps) of the National Mall available for download, regardless of whether you use their services.
Pups in the Park at Nats Stadium
On select days during the Washington Nationals season, you can take your pup out to the ball game. Humans require a regular ticket and four-legged friends can gain admission with a special discounted ticket.
Get out on the water with Boating in DC
Dogs are allowed on board all rentals from Boating in DC with the exception of the Tidal Basin. For some incredible views of DC, go kayaking along the Georgetown Waterfront or taking off from the Ballpark Boathouse. In some locations, doggie life jackets are available, but if you have your own,it's recommended to bring it along.
Now that you’ve seen DC’s dog-friendly options, check out free things to do for families.
