Greetings, WTU followers!!  Stella (@stellathespy) here!  If you’re a dog owner and anything like Mamz (that’s what I call my mom—you might know her as Kat) then you probably want to take your furry best friend everywhere with you!  I’m quite the adventure pup and love to explore the amazing dog-friendly city I live in!  That’s why, in honor of National Dog Day, I thought I should share some of my favorite spots in DC with you!

Be sure to bring your furry best friend for a stroll along the National Mall and Tidal Basin to see the beautiful monuments!  Pro tip: “golden hour” aka just after sunrise or before sunset is the best time to get that glamour shot of your beloved pup in front of your favorite memorial!

Stella’s Top Five City Strolls

Rock Creek Park:  Want a break from the urban walks, but don’t want to leave the city?  Rock Creek Park is the place to be!  This national park located in the nation’s capital is one of my favorite places to hike locally with over 32 miles of trails spread across more than 1,700 acres!  There are plenty of spots for your pooch to take a swim in the water along the way!

Meridian Hill Park:  Located in Columbia Heights, this park is maintained by the National Park Service as part of Rock Creek Park (although not connected to Rock Creek)!  Visitors love to play sports and picnic in the green space located in the heart of the city!  Be sure to check out the placards located throughout the park to learn more about the history!

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens:  Also part of the National Park Service, this park is located in the SE quadrant of DC.  During peak bloom (typically late July/early August) you can enjoy the beauty of the lotuses and lilies along the boardwalk trail.  The park also connects to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail if you’re interested in a longer stroll!

Yards Park:  Enjoy a lovely stroll along the Anacostia River and stop for a bite to eat or a drink (of H2O for the pooches) at one of the many dog-friendly restaurants!  There’s even a brewery with a dog park connected so the humans can enjoy a cold beverage while the pups play.  If you come during baseball season, the Washington Nationals host a Pups in the Park series so you can bring your furry friend to cheer on the home team!  Best part?  Your pooch gets their own seat and proceeds from the sale of the pup tickets benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance!

National Arboretum:  Located in the NE quadrant of DC, the arboretum is administered by the Department of Agriculture.  It is home to the National Capitol Columns, which were part of the US Capitol from 1828-1958.  The arboretum is located on 446 acres and contains various gardens and collections, such as the Azalea Collection and Bonzai Garden!  Pro tip:  If you want to see Cherry Blossom trees, but want to avoid the crowds along the Tidal Basin, check out the arboretum!

If you’re looking for other dog-friendly activities (restaurants, lodging, parks, etc.), be sure to check out Two Paws Up!  Two Paws Up is a searchable map of dog-friendly spots throughout the DC metropolitan area!  The map is updated frequently with locations that have been recommended by the community, as well as those that have been featured on the We the Dogs DC Instagram.