Washington, DC
Sniffed out: the city’s best ideas for a full day of doggie nirvana.
Herewith, Washington's top dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, shops, and outdoor spots.
Georgetown Pet Boutique
2910 M St. NW
(866) 434-8609
Shop for stylish gear, organic food, and top-quality pet toys at the Georgetown Pet Boutique, and feel good that you’re purchasing from a place that supports the Police Rescue Dogs Association and Homeless Society in Washington. Recently renovated, Georgetown also offers grooming services for a last-minute, presidential-pup-worthy primp. georgetownpetboutique.com
Doggie Style Bakery, Boutique & Spa
1825 18th St. NW
(202) 667-0595
Get pupcakes, canine cookies, and “candies” or even Mutt Licks ice cream, if it’s an especially warm fall afternoon, at Doggie Style Bakery. They offer a variety of tasty treats, and toys too, a welcome pick-me-up for weary canine tourists or to bring home as a pawfect souvenir. doggiestylebakery.com
Chateau Animaux
524 Eighth St. SE
(800) 354-8710
Located on Historic Barracks Row, this chateau has gone to more than just the dogs. A full-service pet supply store, Chateau Animaux has a self-service dog wash, professional grooming, companion animal adoptions in conjunction with local rescue societies, and a range of high-end accessories and toys to choose from, should you need a little something to remember your trip. chateau-animaux.com
Hotel Monaco Alexandria
480 King St.
Alexandria, VA
(703) 549-6080
Twenty minutes from downtown is the
suburb of Alexandria, VA, the heart of
the old DC. There you’ll find the very
dog-friendly Hotel Monaco Alexandria,
which hosts a Doggie Happy Hour every
Tuesday and Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m.,
April through October. Refreshments
for dogs and humans alike make it the
ultimutt social mixer. See the hotel’s
website for rules for Rover’s happy-hour
etiquette. monaco-alexandria.com
Café Milano
3251 Prospect St. NW
(202) 333-6183
Take a power lunch with your pooch
on the patio at Café Milano, the place
to hob-nob with Washington’s elite and
partake of Italian cuisine. The wine list
alone is impressive, as is the star-quality
service. cafemilano.net
The Ritz Carlton
1150 22nd St. NW
(202) 835-0500
The recently renovated Ritz Carlton resides in the heart of DC and has much to recommend it. For you, it’s central to historic landmarks, entertainment, and shopping; for your dog of any size, it offers a fee-free stay and Ritz Carlton collar tag, bed, and bowls. But, best of all, you can feel good about your stay. The Ritz regularly partners with the Washington Animal Rescue League to raise money for less fortunate Fidos through fundraisers (example: their auctioning of the Skip Sroka-designed White House doghouse designed in honour of the new First Dog, Bo.) ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/ washingtondc
The Westin Washington DC City Center Hotel
1400 M St. NW
(202) 429-1700
At the Westin Washington DC City Center Hotel comfort awaits you and your furry family members under 40 pounds. Settle into their signature Heavenly Bed while Poochie enjoys a celestial experience of his own with a Heavenly Dog Bed. Other amenities include a welcome kit, “dog in room” sign, and food dishes thoughtfully provided for your canine companion. Sign the welcome waiver and pay no fees unless your mutt makes a mistake. starwoodhotels.com/westin/ washingtondccitycenter
The Hotel George
15 E St. NW
(202) 347-4200
Hip Hotel George, a Kimpton property, offers boutique benefits in the center of Capitol Hill culture. Built in 1929, George is a stylish and super-modern hotel with history, the perfect base from which to explore its historic hometown. Pup will get the presidential treatment with welcome refreshments and toys, complimentary dog walking while you’re out on the town, a day at the Doggie Style spa, and an invitation to the wine reception that takes place every weekday, among other perks. hotelgeorge.com
Washington Marriott Wardman Park
2660 Woodley Rd. NW
(202) 328-2000
Literally located in the middle of a manicured park, the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel offers modern convenience in a historic setting; the hotel has hosted US presidents and other important personages over the years. The Wardman offers your VIPs (that would be Very Important Pooches—up to two per room) a stay in its luxury surroundings for a non-refundable fee of $50. We’re guessing your dogs will love the location. marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasdt-washington-marriott-wardman-park
Capitol River Cruises
31st & K St. NW
Washington Harbour, Georgetown
(800) 405-5511
Discover the nation’s capitol without walking your paws off. Cruise past historic monuments such as Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Memorial, provided refreshment in hand, taking in the sights with your best canine bud in tow at no extra charge. Celebrating something special? Charters are available. capitolrivercruises.com
National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave. NE
(202) 245-2726
With Fido, tour the National Herb Garden and its surrounding flora, from bonsai to flowering trees and traditional flowers, in the nation’s botanical research center. Bring lunch and have a peaceful picnic in the National Grove of State Trees, but keep Rover leashed at all times for an incident-free visit. usna.usda.gov
Lincoln Memorial and National Mall
The National Mall stretches from the foot of the US Capitol past the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial and over to the Jefferson Memorial. Each year, an estimated 25 million people (and dogs!) walk the Mall, taking in its monuments, memorials, and expansive green lawns. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed from the Capitol right up to the Lincoln Memorial (though not under the dome), providing Fido with a fantastic overview of the nation’s history. nps.gov/linc
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Dog-friendly US Travel Spots from the Quirky to the Sublime
