Whether you’re an Arlington resident looking to spend a fun afternoon with Fifi or a visitor searching for dog-friendly weekend activities, here are some places to go and things to do with your furry friend!

Dog-friendly restaurants in Arlington
Grab a bite to eat with your canine pal at these dog-friendly restaurants!
Northside Social
Northside Social is a popular cafe in Clarendon, and for good reason. People love the food, service, and vibe, and for pet parents, there’s a spacious dog-friendly patio. Stop by for a sandwich and coffee on your morning walk with Fido—it opens at 7 am!
Saigon Saigon
Bring your pup when you get your pho fix at Saigon Saigon. This restaurant at Pentagon Row serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine and has an outdoor seating area with umbrellas so your pup stays cool while you enjoy your lunch.
Courthaus Social
This beer garden in the Courthouse area boasts a large patio where one can hang out with two- and four-legged friends. And not only does Courthaus Social offer a great selection of food and beers, but it also has a dog menu! Items include Beer & Biscuit and K-9 Fro-Yo Bowl.
Dog-friendly activities in Arlington
Here are some activities you can enjoy with your pooch in Arlington!
Ballston Quarter
Go shopping with your pup in tow at Ballston Quarter. Four-legged visitors are welcome at this multi-level shopping center’s outdoor areas, including The Mews and The Plaza. While the food hall is off-limits due to health code policies, Ballston Quarter hosts dog-friendly events every now and then so canine mall goers don’t feel left out.

US Marine Corps War Memorial
One of the many historic sites along the gorgeous George Washington Memorial Parkway, the US Marine Corps War Memorial depicts the second flag-raising on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. Your dog is welcome to join you on the grounds, from which the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol Building can be seen as well.
Dogma Dog Bakery
Treat your pup to freshly baked goods at Dogma Dog Bakery. Cookies and cakes are baked on-site at the
Shirlington location using human-grade ingredients without added salt, sugar, or preservatives, so you can rest assured your furbaby is getting fresh, healthy treats. Dogma also carries various pet supplies so you can pick up kibble, toys, and accessories while you’re there.
Dog-friendly event in Arlington
Columbia Pike Movie Nights 2023
Enjoy free outdoor movies with your canine BFF this summer at Columbia Pike Movie Nights! Catch more than a dozen family-friendly films ranging from animations to musicals at the Arlington Mill Community Center on Fridays and Penrose Square Apartments on Saturdays throughout July and August. All movies start at sunset and will be shown in English with Spanish subtitles.
While this popular event is free, you’re encouraged to bring your own chairs and blankets. Four-legged attendees must be leashed as well. For more information and updates, check out the Columbia Pike Partnership’s
website or
socials!

Where to take pics of your dog in Arlington
Love taking pictures of your pup? Don’t miss these Instagrammable spots around the city!
Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden
Located in the 24-acre Bon Air Park, this beautiful flower garden features 120 different varieties of roses. It’s a popular wedding venue, but it’s also a perfect spot to stop and smell the roses and snap photos of your furkiddo. Remember to keep them on a leash at all times!
Harmony Mural
This colorful mural can be found at the Crystal City Metro Station plaza, right next to the entrance. Created by DC artist Lisa Marie Thalhammer, it aims to “inspire a sense of joy and wonderment.” And it makes for great pics too!
Dark Star Park
Dark Star Park by Nancy Holt was the first public artwork commissioned by the county. Installed in 1984, this pocket park in Rosslyn features five gunite spheres that represent fallen stars. Pose your pup next to the spheres and in the tunnels for some really interesting photos!
Gravelly Point
Gravelly Point’s unique location attracts planespotters who wish to watch aircraft arriving and departing from nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. See if you can snap a photo of your pooch with a plane flying overhead!
Hyatt Place Arlington/Courthouse Plaza
On the corner of Wilson Boulevard and N Adams Street is an eye-catching sculpture wrapped around the facade of Hyatt Place. Created by furniture designer Vivian Beer, the drapey sculpture is actually a bench where you and your pup can sit for selfies.

Animal shelter spotlight in Arlington
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) has been helping animals in need for more than 70 years. Founded in 1944, AWLA provides shelter for homeless animals (dogs, cats, and other small animals), helps them find loving homes, and offers community services for both pets and people. AWLA’s many programs and services include regular low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics, low-cost spay and neuter, veterinary assistance, a pet pantry, various youth programs, and Kitten College, which rescues neonatal kittens.
Aside from pets, AWLA supports the needs of wild animals through its Wildlife Resource Center, which was established in 2021. Each year, the Wildlife Resource Center responds to thousands of calls to help orphaned squirrels and raccoons, injured deer, stunned birds, and more.
Planning to expand your family? See all the adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, and other critters on the AWLA
website or
Instagram!