Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, you won’t run out of things to do with your pooch in Alexandria. As one of the most dog-friendly cities in America, George Washington’s hometown is teeming with
parks, trails, restaurants, and shops that welcome canines.
Dog-friendly activities in Alexandria
Bring your pup along for these fun activities around the city!
Old Town Alexandria Walking Tour
Explore
Old Town Alexandria with your pooch through this dog-friendly walking tour by DC Military Tours. Led by a resident historian, this private walking tour starts at the Alexandria Visitor’s Center and includes several stops. It’s a great way to learn about the neighborhood’s rich history and architecture!
Torpedo Factory Art Center
This old munitions plant houses the nation’s largest collection of open artists’ studios under one roof. Canine art connoisseurs are welcome to roam the galleries, and some even have water bowls out front. There are three floors of art to check out, including photography, painting, jewelry, ceramics, and sculpture.
Old Town Waterfront
There are plenty of things you can do with your pup on Alexandria’s waterfront. Take a stroll next to unbeatable views of the Potomac River and Washington, DC, relax on a bench and watch the birds, dine at one of the many restaurants, or take pictures at the temporary public art installation.
Dog-friendly event in Alexandria
Paws in the Park
Get ready for a fun-filled day with the whole family at Paws in the Park, Alexandria’s biggest event for animal lovers! This free event is a celebration of the love the community has for animals and will feature a wide range of artisans, businesses, and nonprofits. Pick up some treats for your furbaby and animal-themed decor for your home, and enjoy local fare and beverages from the food court and beer garden. There will also be a variety of entertainment and interactive activities, including musical acts, kids crafts, and a pet costume contest.
Paws in the Park 2023 is happening on October 15, 11 AM to 4 PM, at Oronoco Bay Park for the benefit of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to attend. For those who don’t have a furchild of their own yet, many of the participating rescues and shelters will have adoptable animals. For the schedule, vendor list, and other information, visit the
Paws in the Park website.
Dog-friendly eateries in Alexandria
Looking for a place to grab a bite to eat with your pup? Dog-friendly bars and restaurants are aplenty in Port City!
Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato
This ice cream shop serves Argentine-style gelato and sorbets that are made fresh on-site. There are dozens of flavors available, including vegan and sugar-free options, plus a dog gelato for furry friends! Head to the back patio to let your pup enjoy their sweet treat.
Lost Dog Cafe
This casual cafe offers gourmet pizza, deli sandwiches, and craft beers on tap, with several gluten-free and vegan options. Canine customers are allowed on the patio, and a portion of profits are donated to the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation.
Hops N Shine
It’s easy to dismiss this bar due to its unusual location in a strip mall, but patrons rave about the food, drinks, and atmosphere at this hole in the wall. Snag a dog-friendly table on the outdoor patio in the back, and enjoy your moonshine and grilled cheese with your pup relaxing at your feet.
Where to take pics of your dog in Alexandria
Here are some of the best places to take pictures of your photogenic pup in Alexandria!
King Street Mile
Red brick sidewalks and centuries-old architecture make the King Street Mile in Old Town an extremely charming location. Strict architectural and demolition control has preserved the street’s 18th- and 19th-century buildings, providing visual variety and endless photo opportunities. If your pup needs a break from posing, many of the boutiques here have water bowls outside.
Captain’s Row
There’s a good reason why the 100 block of Prince Street, also known as Captain’s Row, is a popular photo spot for engaged couples, bridal parties, and prom-goers. Cobblestones, tree canopies, and 18th-century houses make it one of the most picturesque streets in Old Town!
Wilkes Street Tunnel
This intriguing pedestrian walkway is a former railroad tunnel that runs right down the middle of Wilkes Street on a downward slope while the street goes upward. But don’t just stop at the entrance—the ivy-covered brick walls farther down make for a cool backdrop too.
Del Ray
The artsy neighborhood of
Del Ray is home to several colorful murals, particularly on and around Mount Vernon Avenue. Stop by the Greetings from Del Ray, Historic Del Ray, Dogs of Del Ray, and Mount Vernon Recreation Center murals for some fun photos!
Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge
The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge is certainly impressive from afar, but underneath it is where you can take amazing urban photos of your pup. It’s easily accessible from the
Jones Point Park parking lot and
Mount Vernon Trail. Tip: You’ll want to get low and shoot upward to capture the bridge’s architectural details.
Hollensbury Spite House
While there are a few spite houses in Old Town, this bright blue one on Queen Street is the spite house of all spite houses. In fact, it’s the skinniest historic home in America at just 7 feet wide! It was built in 1830 to deter carriages and loiterers, but today it’s a famous tourist attraction.
Animal rescue spotlight in Alexandria
Project Second Chance
Project Second Chance is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding forever homes for homeless dogs in Puerto Rico, disaster areas, and other emergency situations. The nonprofit also takes in special needs canines and assists overwhelmed shelters.
Because PSC is entirely foster-based, all of its rescues go straight into foster care from day one, allowing them to heal in a loving home environment and avoid the stress of being in a shelter. This also allows the PSC team to know each rescue and match them with the right family, resulting in a rehoming rate of less than .01%.
PSC has saved over 3,000 lives to date. To see the dogs available for adoption, visit the Project Second Chance
website,
Instagram, or
Facebook.