Alexandria
VA
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Alexandria
As the first Virginia community certified as a “Better City for Pets” by Mars Petcare since 2022, Alexandria boasts a deep-rooted culture of puppy love and pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, just minutes from Washington, D.C. Whether strolling through Old Town or Del Ray, you won’t get far before you see water bowls (and free treats) set out for four-legged companions. Keep reading for all the details on dog-friendly places to eat, scenic dog parks around the city and more.
Dog Parks Around Alexandria
Enjoy the city’s strollable sidewalks and expansive greenspaces with your pups in tow. Alexandria has multiple public parks with unfenced off-leash dog exercise areas, many complete with waterfront views. Explore walkable Old Town, where dog bowls line King Street’s red brick sidewalks, or Del Ray‘s Mount Vernon Avenue, where your pup is sure to make a few friends along the way. Plus, take your furry friend to George Washington’s Mount Vernon to smell the flowers gardens, visit the animals in the farm and walk by the Potomac River.
Dog-Friendly Dining
Alexandria’s eateries keep furry friends at the forefront. Find special “doggie menus” at restaurants such as Vola’s Dockside Grill and Mia’s Italian Kitchen and dog-friendly patios at Del Ray Café, Southside 815, Rocklands Barbecue, Chadwicks, Lost Dog Café, Cameron Café, Hops N Shine and more. Get your pup a special frozen treat from Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato or a wheat-free yogurt “puppy pop” at The Dairy Godmother.
Mount Purrnon Cat Café + Wine Bar
Never fear, feline fans! Alexandria has cat lovers covered with Mount Purrnon Cat Café + Wine Bar, housing 25-30 cats adoptable rescue cats just off King Street in a home-like environment with a separate café/wine bar downstairs. Guests can play with the cats, get work done via free Wi-Fi, learn more about the history of the area or simply relax. There are a variety of special events to attend as well, such as cat yoga, guided meditations, tarot readings, trivia night, wine tastings, and more.
Pup-Forward Parades and Festivals
There are quite a few annual events in Alexandria where dogs are the star of the show. On April 5, 2025, the ALX Dog Walk & Sustainability Festival lets you parade your pup along the waterfront alongside live music, an emceed dog show with prizes, eco-friendly shopping and more. The next day, April 6, the 3rd Annual Del Ray Dog Fest features dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food.
In October, four-legged friends and their owners vie for top costume prizes at the Del Ray Halloween Parade. And on the first Saturday of December, the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade sponsored by Wegmans features dozens of terriers in Scottish tartans strolling proudly through the streets of Old Town to the tune of bagpipes.
Image Credit: John Carney/The Zebra Press
Shop for Your Best Friend
Alexandria’s dog-friendly spirit extends to its shopping scene. Find out where to shop for your four-legged friends across Alexandria’s independent boutique scene.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly getaway, Alexandria is the place for you. More than half of Alexandria’s hotels are pet-friendly, and there are more than 2,000 pet-friendly hotel rooms in the city. Plus, take advantage of the “Pampered Pup” package at The Alexandrian and Morrison House.
