Dog walking in Merrifield

Shirlington

Arlington, Virginia is just a few minutes away from Merrifield. In the southern tip of the city is the neighborhood of Shirlington, and it's also where you'll find the Shirlington Dog Park. Dog parks don't get much better than this spacious doggy playground with big and small dog sections, as well as access to a stream where dogs can swim and play. There are also water fountains and waste disposal stations, and you'll want to bring a towel to dry your dog off after they swim. More than 200,000 visitors come to the Shirlington Dog Park every year, and this well-maintained dog park is kept in such good shape by a team of dedicated volunteers!

Courthouse Road

Vienna, Virginia is only a five-minute drive from Merrifield, and it's also home to a great dog park you won't want to miss! Vienna Dog Park is in the southwestern corner of Vienna, and it's one large space for dogs of all sizes and breeds to play together. The dog park includes agility equipment, drinking water, and waste disposal items. The surface of the park consists of wood chips, which is convenient for cleaning up messes, and there is plenty of seating and shade to keep visitors comfortable. Just behind the park is a walking trail that connects to a beautiful garden, and you're welcome to visit it with your dog when they're on a leash.

Eisenhower East

Alexandria is a city in Virginia with a population of more than 150,000 people. In the southeastern Alexandria area known as Eisenhower East sits the Dog Run Park at Carlyle Park, and it's just a 15-minute drive from Merrifield. The Carlyle Dog Park is a nearly three-acre park that includes big and small dog sections, with grass and gravel patches. Some visitors note that after it rains, this park can get muddy, so be sure to bring a towel. This clean and well-maintained park also has a paved walking path, benches, drinking water during the warmer months of the year, and waste disposal items. Carlyle Park also has tennis courts and picturesque landscaping to enjoy.

Landmark Van Dorn

Alexandria is home to another excellent dog park, and this one is also only a 15-minute drive from Merrifield! Located in the Landmark area of western Alexandria, the Duke Street Dog Park is a wide, fenced-in, and grassy off-leash dog park. This dog park doesn't separate dogs by size, so be prepared for your pooch to interact with dogs of all shapes and sizes. The high, secure fence surrounding the park prevents dogs from escaping, and the grass and mulch surface helps cut down on mud. There are tennis balls throughout the park, as well as water bowls, but there isn't a running water source so be sure to bring your own.

Cabin John Regional Park

Bethesda is north of Merrifield, across the border in Maryland. In northwestern Bethesda, there's a place called Cabin John Recreational Park. This park has playgrounds, sports fields, and several other amenities, including its own dog park! The Cabin John Dog Park is a large, fenced, off-leash park with big and small dog sections. This dog park gets cleaned once a week, so it's well-maintained, and the mulch surface makes it easy to clean up after your pet. There is drinking water for dogs, and there is also seating and shade in both sections of the dog park. There are miles of walking trails in Cabin John Recreational Park, and your dog can walk those with you if they're on a leash.