Fun Dog Friendly Day Trips in Northern Virginia – Out Top 10 Picks

Fun Dog Friendly Day Trips in Northern Virginia – Out Top 10 Picks

Northern Virginia is a great place for dog lovers. There are so many exciting adventures right around the corner for dog owners and their furry best friends. If you are looking for something to occupy your time besides your daily walks around the neighborhood, consider taking a day trip. From dog-friendly wineries, historical landmarks, cruises, and charming dog-friendly towns to serene lakeside retreats, Northern Virginia offers many opportunities to create unique and unforgettable memories with your four-legged sidekick. Here are fun dog-friendly day trips in Northern Virginia that allow traveling dog owners and their pets to experience the area.

Occoquan Town in Northern Virginia 

If you are looking for a fun-filled day trip in Northern Virginia, you can’t do better than the town of Occoquan. The little town is located on the Occoquan River and is famous for its charming restaurants and shops. The town also has a few dog-friendly stores you can pop in at. After your day trip, spend the rest of the day relaxing at one of the many parks in town, or take a scenic stroll with your pup along the riverfront.

Arlington National Cemetery

Explore the solemn grounds of one of Northern Virginia’s key attractions with your furry best friend by visiting the Arlington National Cemetery. Leashed pets and their owners can stroll the beautiful paths and honor the soldiers who gave up their lives so they can enjoy freedom. The cemetery also features the famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which you and your pup are welcome to visit. After your day trip, head down to Downtown Arlington and enjoy a signature brew and great food at the dog-friendly Capital City Brewery.

Potomac Riverboat Cruise

Take a trip to Alexandria with your pup and enjoy a cruise on the Potomac River courtesy of the Potomac Riverboat Co. Canine Cruise. The company allows owners and their pups to explore the river on a special 40-minute cruise. After your day’s adventure on the river, head down to Faccia Luna Trattoria, a dog-friendly restaurant nearby, and enjoy American and Italian cuisine.

Petersburg National Battlefield

Are you a history enthusiast? Northern Virginia offers interesting historical day trips like the dog-friendly Petersburg National Battlefield. Learn more about Peterburg’s historic Civil War siege by visiting the Petersburg National Battlefield. The park features a 33-mile route with more than ten sites you can explore with your leashed dog. They offer several live history demonstrations throughout the year, so be on the lookout for those. After a day of learning about the history of Petersburg, grab a bite with your dog at one of the nearby dog-friendly restaurants.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is one of the lushest forests in the U.S. On top of that, the park boasts a wide range of wildlife and may be one of the most dog-friendly parks in Northern Virginia, a good place to visit with your pup. The park has four entrances from where you can explore the vast 300-mile park and more than 500 miles of hiking trails. Canines of all sizes and their owners are welcome to explore what the park offers if they are on a leash. The Shenandoah National Park also features great picnic grounds. However, if you want a nice sit-down meal, head to Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint, a nearby pet-friendly restaurant.

Sandy Bottom Nature Park

Sandy Bottom Nature Park is a good place to start if you want to spend time outdoors with your furry friends. This dog-friendly park allows leashed dogs and even has a fenced off-leash area. There are so many activities you can partake in with your pup, like boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. The park also features picnic areas if you and your pup want to enjoy a meal in nature. Besides that, there are a few dog-friendly dining options, like Joe’s Crab Shack, where you can enjoy delicious seafood on the spacious patio area with your pup.

Barrel Oak Winery

Barrel Oak Winery makes for a fun dog-friendly day trip in Northern Virginia. Enjoy country views, spend quality time outdoors, and sip Northern Virginia’s finest wine. The owners are dog owners and have named most of their wines after their canine companions. The winery makes for a great day trip since you can schedule a personal tour with your furry friend. After your visit, dine at the dog-friendly Red Horse Tavern, just 20 minutes away.

Shenandoah River Canoeing and Kayaking 

Go canoeing or kayaking with your pup at the Shenandoah River courtesy of the Front Royal Canoe Company. The river that flows between the George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah National Park makes for an unforgettable experience. And if you are hungry, you can grab something to eat at Spelunker’s, one of the many Front Royal’s dog-friendly restaurants.

Alexandria’s Footsteps of the Past Walking Tours

Have you always wanted to see Alexandria on foot in the company of your canine companion? If so, take an unforgettable walking tour with Alexandria’s Footsteps of the Past. They allow dog owners and their leashed pets inside. Listen to great storytellers and learn more about the town’s 200-year history. After your day trip, grab a bite at Chadwicks, one of Alexandria’s dog-friendly restaurants.

Sky Meadows State Park

If you want a unique day trip with your dog in Northern Virginia, consider visiting the Sky Meadows State Park. The 1,860-acre park is home to hundreds of bird species thus making it a great destination for birdwatchers. The park also boasts miles of dog-friendly hiking trails and scenic views. After a day of exploration, you and your pup can relax at one of the park’s many picnic sites.

And there you go. As you can see, Northern Virginia has so much to offer when it comes to dog-friendly activities and tourist attractions. Improve your bond with your furry friend by taking one of these fun dog-friendly day trips in Northern Virginia.