If you are a dog owner in a big city, you know the importance of having a good dog park nearby. Dog parks allow dogs to not only run out their energy, but to get comfortable sniffing and playing with other dogs and meeting other owners off leash.
There are many important features of dog parks, and knowing your dog can help you decide which kind of park is right for you. For example, some dogs are jumpers and can easily clear fences. You will want to know the height of the fences at the dog park beforehand, so you don’t have to worry.
DC is a fantastic place for dogs. There are dog parks all over the city and many businesses that cater to the canines among us. Below is a very short list of some great parks in the area and some features that make them stand out.
DC Dog Parks
S Street Dog Park (Dupont Circle)
- S St at 17th St NW near Dupont Circle
S Street Dog Park provides an enclosed area for dogs to play off-leash. Located just a stone’s throw from Embassy Row, Dupont Circle, and the Connecticut Avenue scene, it’s a great way for both dogs and their owners to plan a fun-filled day. The cozy run is covered with antimicrobial turf to promote cleanliness and prevent digging, and a water fountain ensures that pooches stay adequately hydrated. Benches positioned strategically around trees provide shady resting spots for owners who need a break or who love watching the dogs’ antics.
Rosedale Conservancy (Cleveland Park)
- 3518 Newark St NW, between N 35th St and N 36th St in Cleveland Park
Rosedale Conservancy permits dogs to roam off-leash for several hours each day; other times, dogs must remain on leashes in deference to visitors who are unaccompanied by pets. This 260-year-old fenced-in property complements an historic farmhouse with beautiful landscaping and is preserved by the local community. Dogs love the hills, lush green grass, and shady trees. Be aware that to visit this not-for-profit corporation, you must become a member and register your dog for a fee, but these charitable contributions are tax deductible.
Lincoln Park (NE Capitol Hill)
- East Capitol and 11th St, in the NE Capitol Hill neighborhood
Lincoln Park provides a versatile spot of greenery that’s therapeutic for people and dogs alike. Plunked right in the middle of DC activity, the park includes two children’s playgrounds and an unfenced large area for dogs to play. The park’s circumference measures one mile with a dirt path, making it popular with exercise enthusiasts looking to escape the cement. Shady trees in the middle maintain a cool and refreshing ambiance, while sunny spots on the ends attract sunbathers.
Langdon Dog Park
- 2901 20th Street NE, between N. Franklin St and N. Hamlin St
Langdon Dog Park is a fenced-in, off-leash dog run that opened just last year. As a spacious new playground, word is still spreading about the cleanliness, plentiful water fountains, and thoughtful design so there’s no need to worry about the park being crowded. A separate area is marked off just for little balls of fur, and numerous bags and trash cans encourage owners to contribute to keeping the park pristine.
Shaw Dog Park (Logan Circle)
- 1651 11th St NW, between N Q St and N R St in Logan Circle
Shaw Dog Park is one of the largest dog spots in DC. A double gated entry keeps dogs secure, and plentiful bags, trash cans, water, and water bowls keep everyone healthy and clean. Evening romps are encouraged with lights, and a separate area is designated for small dogs. Lots of trees and benches make this a people-friendly spot too.
Newark Street Dog Park
- 39th St NW and Newark St NW
Newark Street Dog Park offers separate play areas for large and small dogs with benches and water fountains for human visitors and water bowls for the canine variety. Located in the southeast corner of the Newark Community Garden, it also offers a Children’s Garden with monthly learning sessions, picnic table, and children’s garden equipment.
Stanton Park (NE Capitol Hill)
- C St between 4th and 6th St NE in the Capitol Hill/Northeast neighborhood
Stanton Park generally sees an eclectic mix of dogs and dog owners as well as families who enjoy the fenced-in children’s playgrounds. A loosely enclosed area allows dogs to socialize and run off extra energy. Numerous benches and plush grass offer owners a choice of where to relax.
Montrose Park (Georgetown)
- R St and 32 St NW in Georgetown
Montrose Park, while not strictly a dog park, is a beautiful park that’s favored heavily by locals. Many strive to keep this great Washington, DC dog spot a well-kept secret. A variety of regions, including a children’s playplace, tennis courts, picnic areas, and short trails, are tucked away so thoroughly that a simple stroll can remove you entirely from the sights and sounds of the city. Typically, however, dogs here should be kept on-leash, which differentiates this one from the others on the list.
Yards Park
Come experience DC’s new waterfront destination and centerpiece of the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood! Located just south of Capitol Hill and to the east of Nationals Ballpark, this thoughtfully designed park is a place to be active or relax and enjoy the outdoors. At the Yards Park you’ll find open grassy areas and well-landscaped outdoor rooms, a waterfall and canal-like water feature, an elevated overlook, an iconic bridge and light sculpture, terraced performance venue, and a riverfront boardwalk. Dogs are welcome off-leash in the designated dog run, but must be leashed in the rest of the park.
Walter C Pierce Community Park (Adams Morgan)
Small–but always busy—dog park between Woodley Park and Adams Morgan. Easy to access off of Calvert Street just east of the Duke Ellington bridge.
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The Stokes Group is a team of dedicated professionals who have passion for the real estate business and will advocate for our clients with the utmost honesty, integrity, and confidentiality.
