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Alexandria

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Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Alexandria

A woman kneels and smiles at a standing dog outside a building decorated with a colorful mural of many dog portraits. The scene is bright and cheerful.
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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

A small, fluffy white dog runs on grass while carrying a white toy in its mouth. The background is blurry, suggesting a park with people and trees in the distance.

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.

Parks

A large white riverboat with yellow trim and an American flag floats on a calm river, with people walking and sitting on benches in a park along the waters edge under clear blue skies.

Old Town Alexandria

A man in green clothing smiles while walking past outdoor diners seated under red umbrellas at O’Connell’s Bar & Restaurant, with lush plants surrounding the patio area.

Del Ray

A group of six people sit and stand outside an ice cream shop called “The Dairy Godmother,” enjoying frozen treats and chatting on a sunny day. Small U.S. flags and plants decorate the storefront.

Mount Vernon

A large historic mansion with red roofs, white walls, green shutters, and a central cupola, surrounded by a grassy lawn under a partly cloudy sky.

Dog-Friendly Dining

Two women and two young girls sit on benches outside an ice cream shop, The Dairy Godmother. A large white dog sits in front, and a woman with a stroller and small dog stands nearby. The window advertises frozen custard.

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.

Restaurants

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Outdoor Dining in Alexandria

Vola-s-Dockside

Brunch Spots in Alexandria, VA

A brunch table set with pancakes topped with strawberries and syrup, eggs Benedict with salad, grilled grapefruit, a cappuccino, a glass of orange juice, and a red checkered napkin.

Mount Purrnon Cat Café + Wine Bar

A fluffy, light orange cat lies on a carpet, wearing a brown tricorne hat and looking slightly to the side with a calm expression.

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.

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Pup-Forward Parades and Festivals

Two small dogs, one white and one black, wear festive holiday sweaters and walk side by side on leashes during an outdoor event. Their tongues are out, and people are visible in the blurred background.

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

Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

A group of men in green sweaters and tartan kilts play bagpipes and a drum outdoors. The background shows trees with autumn leaves and a blurred crowd.

Shop for Your Best Friend

A storefront with large windows displays pet-themed decorations and toys. A white bone-shaped sign above the door reads “The Dog Park.” The store is open, and dog-related items are visible inside and on the windows.

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.

Pet Stores in Alexandria

A black and brown dog wearing a red collar sits on a cobblestone alleyway lined with brick walls and greenery, looking directly at the camera.

Old Town Shopping

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The Ultimate King Street Shopping Guide for Old Town Alexandria

Three women smile as they walk out of a store, shopping bags in hand. The storefront window reads Virginia and Made. Sunlight and shadows dance across the brick sidewalk in front of the shop.

Where to Stay

Outdoor patio with brick flooring, wooden tables and chairs, potted plants, string lights overhead, umbrellas, and surrounding brick walls with arched windows and doors. Cozy and inviting evening ambiance.

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.

Alexandria Hotels

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Alexandria Hotel Packages

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A collage shows people walking past shops, friends clinking drinks at an outdoor restaurant by the water, and groups enjoying vibrant outdoor dining at colorful tables on a brick sidewalk in a lively town.
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Pier Lounge on the Alexandria Waterfront
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