If you’re in Washington DC and looking for the perfect day out with your dog, Rover has you covered. We talked to our community of dog people in The District to get their recommendations for the best dog-friendly activities their city has to offer. This complete route includes a fabulous dog walk, dog park, and dog-friendly restaurant. Your dog is ready for this! Read on for all the details you need.
For more dog adventures, check out our dog-friendly guides to cities across the country.
Total Distance: 2.9 miles / 58 minutes walking time
Start your day in D.C. with a bite to eat at Art and Soul: Pooch Patio, a Capitol Hill restaurant serving up Southern cuisine and a menu for dogs!
Next, get ready to walk the National Mall by heading south on New Jersey NW and take a right on Louisiana NW. Keep walking until you merge on with Constitution Ave NW where you’ll soon see the National Mall grounds entrance on your left.
The long, grassy National Mall is home to iconic monuments and welcomes visitors year-round. For the ultimate photo opp, visit the Washington Monument by taking Jefferson Dr. NW through the park.
Finish the day along the waterfront at Hank’s Oyster Bar. Head south on Raoul Wallenberg Place SW until you merge with Maine Ave SW. Turn onto Wharf St SW and continue on until you reach the destination on the left.
Washington, D.C.
Art and Soul: Pooch Patio
Address: 415 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Southern cuisine served in a contemporary dining room and on a patio with views, plus a menu for dogs.
Contact Info: (202) 393-7777
Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 11:30am-3:30pm; 5:30-10:30pm
- Sat: 10:30am-3:30pm; 5:30-10:30pm
- Sun: 10:30am-3:30pm; 5:30-10pm
Why we love it:
Celebrate your dog every day with Art and Soul’s Pooch Patio where your furry family member can choose from a dog-friendly menu including dog refreshments, entrees, and treats located in the heart of Capitol Hill.
National Mall
Address: Between Independence and Constitution Avenues from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial
The long, grassy National Mall is home to iconic monuments including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. At the eastern end is the domed U.S. Capitol, and the White House is to the north. It’s also flanked by Smithsonian museums, and its lawns and pathways are often crowded with school groups, joggers and softball teams. Nearby, the Tidal Basin reservoir is known for its blossoming cherry trees. If your dog shies away from crowds, make sure to visit on a weekday or when there aren’t events going on.
Hours:
- Daily, 24 hours
Why we love it:
The National Mall, including the monuments, is a center point to D.C. but is also a dog-friendly destination, making it a great long walk for you and your dog.
Washington Monument
Address: 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024
The trowel used to lay the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was the same trowel used by George Washington to lay the cornerstone at the Capitol in 1793.
Hours:
- Daily, 9am-10pm
Why we love it:
Enjoy an iconic photo opportunity with you and your dog! Dogs are welcomed to walk the grounds and enjoy the scenery.
Hank’s Oyster Bar – Wharf
Address: 701 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Waterfront location in The Wharf for New England and coastal beach shack fare, raw bar and cocktails.
Contact Info: (202) 817-3055
Hours:
- Mon-Thurs: 11-12am
- Fri: 11:30-1am
- Sat: 11-1am
- Sun: 11:30am-10pm
Why we love it:
After a long day of walking around the city, you and your furry friend are invited to relax and refuel in the patio section of the restaurant. Pro tip: call ahead to ensure you get a spot for you and your dog.
More Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Activities in Washington DC
You’ve taken the walk, but are hungry for more dog-friendly activities in our nation’s capital. We’ve got you covered with our picks for dog-friendly restaurants, dog parks and more in the DC area.
