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President Harry Truman probably never said, "If you want a friend in Washington, buy a dog." But D.C. still loves its canine friends, and luckily the whole Beltway has plenty of ways to entertain them.
Leash up your good boy or girl and head to these places in D.C., Maryland and Virginia where human's best friend is more than welcome.
Summertime Pup at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
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9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, Virginia
The first and third Wednesdays of the month though September, you can bring your dog to Meadowlark Botanic Gardens between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $6 per dog, plus $6 for humans 18 to 54, or $3 for adults 55+ and kids 6-17.
Dog owners must sign a risk form and keep their pup on a leash that's 6 feet long at most. Details.
Bark Social
935 Prose Street, North Bethesda
A dog haven inside Pike & Rose hosts lots of events and offers a menu of drinks and food for two- and four-legged friends. Doggy visitors will need to register, plus get a day pass ($10.99-$14.99 for the first dog) or membership. Details.
Barkhaus
529 East Howell Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia
This dog-friendly bar and restaurant offers an off-leash indoor and outdoor dog park. There are menus of puppucinos, peanut butter snacks and Bark-Ables (Lunchables for pups) for dogs, plus specials and a yappy hour for people. You must register and provide proof of vaccines. Daily passes cost $10, or you can purchase a membership. Details.
Baseball Game: Pups in the Park
Nationals Park (1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, D.C.)
Bring your dog to Nationals Park! Fur babies can sit in the pet-friendly outfield reserved section during select games. Pups in the Park dates for 2023 include May 19, June 7, Aug. 16, Sept. 5 and Sept. 25. You’ll need to buy tickets for each human ($35) and one for the dog ($10), plus sign a waiver. Proceeds from dog tickets go to the Humane Rescue Alliance. Details.
Brookeville Beer Farm
20315 A Georgia Ave., Brookeville, Maryland
Grab your pooch, a pizza and a pint then sit at the outdoor picnic tables. Dogs should remain leashed. Details.
See also: Doc Waters Cidery in Germantown, Maryland.
Congressional Cemetery
1801 E St SE, Washington, D.C.
Pick up a day pass ($15 per dog) or join the K9 Corps to roam the 35-acre historic site. Dogs are not allowed during certain events, including funerals. Text DOG to 515-608-8682 for the latest updates. Details.
Lost Boy Cider
317 Hooffs Run Dr., Alexandria, Virginia
Grab a cider (including uncommon options like Gherkin pickle and sugar-free) and chill with Sparky while enjoying special weekly events. Details.
Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia
Your pup is welcome to visit George Washington’s historic estate during regular daytime hours. Just stick to the outdoor attractions and follow a few rules. Details.
Swampoodle Park
Corner of 3rd & L Streets NE, Washington, D.C.
Of course, a park named Swampoodle welcomes dogs and even lets them run wild on an agility course. The nonprofit Friends of NoMa Dogs maintains the space. Details.
Wet Dog Tavern
2100 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Two dog-friendly patios and a weekday happy hour will keep humans and furry friends happy in the Shaw area. Details.
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