Best Places to Take Your Dog in D.C. This Summer
Tails on the Trail
The Potomac Overlook Trail is a great spot to take your dog to cool off. Pups can paddle in the water, jump around in the shallower areas, and climb the hills of this winding trail. Just make sure to keep Fido on a leash and watch out for other wildlife including deer and coyotes. The trail starts in Arlington, VA.
Paw Lickin’ Good
Starbucks offers a puppuccino for dogs that like dairy. It’s really just a cup of whipped cream, but how cute is that drink name? Shake Shack also offers sweet treats for dogs. Order a pooch-ini and the staff will hook Fluffy up with a dog biscuit, peanut butter sauce, and vanilla custard mixture. Nothing is funnier than seeing a happy dog with a white beard. These desserts are perfect after a hot summer walk and prevent, hopefully, any table-side begging while you eat human food.
Ruff on the Rocks
Rock Creek Park in D.C. is another great trail for your pooch. The water isn’t too good for K9 swimming, but lots of dogs love getting their paws muddy on this hike. There are plenty of squirrels to chase and fish to bark at, just keep your furry friend leashed.
Pups with Plants
Bring your pet to check out all the flowers and butterflies at the National Arboretum. Dogs can explore the walkways of the gardens and chomp at all the colorful insects landing on plants. Just be careful your tail-wagger doesn’t get stung by a bee.
K9s Under Key Bridge
Stick your best friend in a dog-friendly boat at the Key Bridge Boathouse in Georgetown, D.C. The dock even has doggie life jackets in case any four-legged animals take a dive into the beautiful, clear, untainted river that is the Potomac.
Hound Happy Hour
Jackson 20 restaurant in Alexandria, VA offers a dog “Yappy Hour” where diners can bring their mutts on the patio. The dogs socialize just as much as their owners at this event from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday nights during the summer. Cantina Marina is another D.C. restaurant that offers doggie bowls and playtime for summer happy hours on Monday nights from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
