Fido-Friendly Fun: 10 Pet Friendly Day Trips to Take in NOVA

 

Looking for a fun weekend activity that you and your furry friend can enjoy? Visit Northern Virginia! There are plenty of pet friendly day trips to take in the area. 

 

Virginia is said to be "for lovers," but you might not be aware that Virginia is also a fantastic spot for animal lovers! For dog owners and their puppies in Virginia, exciting activities are just around the corner. You can choose from a large range of pet-friendly activities, such as pet-friendly wineries, cruises, historical sites, and retail centers. Regardless of your hobbies and those of your four-legged best friend, Virginia's various attractions, rich history, stunning scenery, and eclectic culture have something to offer everyone. These enjoyable day outings for people with pets let them explore the area with their dogs and let locals get involved in their communities.

 

 In this blog post, we will discuss 10 of our favorite pet friendly day trips in Northern Virginia. We hope you and your pup have a great time exploring the area!

1. Alexandria's Footsteps of the Past Walking Tours, Alexandria’

 

See Alexandria by foot with your pup by taking a walking tour with Alexandria’s Footsteps of the Past. You and your leashed pooch will listen to great storytellers and learn about more than two hundred years of town history and its many historical figures, including George Washington and Robert E. Lee. After your tour, satisfy your hunger by having dinner at Chadwicks, one of Alexandria’s pet friendly restaurants.

 

 

2.  Daisey's Island Cruises, Chincoteague Island

 

A wonderful alternative for seeing the Chincoteague and Assateague Islands with your four-legged pet buddy is Daisey's Island Cruises. Dogs are more than welcome on this charter tour, where you'll get to see dolphins, the abundant bird population, the legendary Chincoteague ponies, and beautiful sunsets from cozy pontoon boats. Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine at Saigon Village, a Chincoteague pet-friendly dining establishment, after a day spent discovering the natural beauty of the Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.

 

    3. Potomac Riverboat Co. Canine Cruises, Alexandria

 

With a Potomac Riverboat Co. trip, you may float down the Potomac River with your canine best friend. Alexandria canine cruise. Dogs are welcome on a special pet-friendly 40-minute cruise that takes place every second Thursday during the summer. After your adventure on the river, enjoy Italian and American cuisine Faccia Luna Trattoria, a nearby pet friendly restaurant.

 

4.  Front Royal Canoe Company, Front Royal

 

Go canoeing or kayaking on the Shenandoah River in Front Royal with your dog and Front Royal Canoe Company. You and your four-legged family member can enjoy novice to intermediate class waters on the river cruises that are situated on the South Fork of the lovely Shenandoah River, which flows north between the Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest. After your river trip, if you're still hungry, stop by one of Front Royal's pet-friendly eateries, Spelunker's, for frozen custard, burgers, and fries.

 

5.  Barrel Oak Winery, Delaplane

 

Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane invites you to take in the scenery of the countryside, relax in nature, and sip Virginia wine with your four-legged best friend. Because they adore them so much, the owners of Barrel Oak Winery named their wines after their pets. Additionally, you can arrange a private tour of the winery for you and your dog. After your visit, have dinner at the nearby, pet-friendly Red Horse Tavern in Middleburg.

6. Sandy Bottom Nature Park, Hampton

 

Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton is a terrific place to spend time outside with your dog. This gorgeous natural park has an off-leash area that is fenced in and welcomes your animal pals on a leash. Other activities you can partake with your pooch include fishing, boating, camping and hiking the park's extensive nature trail system. The park has picnic areas for you and your pup if you want to enjoy a meal in nature. Pet friendly dining options in the area include Joe’s Crab Shack, where you can eat seafood in the patio seating area.

            7.  Stony Point Fashion Park, Richmond

 

At Richmond's pet-friendly Stony Point Fashion Park, spend the day shopping with your dog. The mall not only contains many of your favorite businesses, but it also features eateries that your dog will adore, such Three Dog Bakery, which offers baked goods and treats for dogs. If you search for the dog sticker in the window, many shops will let you take your dog shopping with you. Even "rest" spaces with water and trash bags are available for your pet. If you're starving after your shopping trip, stop by the pet-friendly Roy's Big Burger for a burger.

 

           8. Shenandoah National Park, Luray

 

Shenandoah National Park is not only home to some of the most lush forests in the country and a variety of species, but it's also one of the National Parks that welcomes dogs the best. Bring your dog along for a fun trip! To explore the large park that spans more than 300 miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains and contains more than 500 miles of trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail, you can enter at one of four access stations, one of which is in Luray. On a 6-foot leash, dogs of all sizes are allowed to explore with their pet parents. Although Shenandoah is a fantastic area to picnic with your dog, if you prefer to eat a sit-down dinner, check out the adjacent Harrisonburg establishment Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint.

 

            9. Petersburg National Battlefield, Petersburg

 

Visit the canine-friendly Petersburg National Battlefield to learn about the famous nine and a half month Civil War siege of Petersburg. You can tour 13 distinct places along the park's 33-mile loop with your leashed pet. Check the calendar if you want to take your dog to one of the many live historical presentations that take place throughout the year. After spending the day learning about Petersburg's fascinating past, stop by Acacia, one of Richmond's pet-friendly eateries, for a bite to eat. After visiting the cemetery, stop by the pet-friendly Capital City Brewery in Downtown Arlington for a specialty beer and delicious food.

 

        

            10.  Occoquan River ,  Northern Virginia

 

If you are looking for a fun-filled day trip, look no further than the town of Occoquan! This quaint little town is located right on the Occoquan River and is known for its charming shops and restaurants. Be sure to stop by one of the many pet friendly stores in town, such as The Dog Store or Pawsibilities. After a day of shopping, you and your pup can relax at one of the town's many parks or take a scenic stroll along the riverfront.

 

            11. Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington

 

Visit the solemn and venerated grounds of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington with your canine companion to see one of Virginia's top tourist destinations. Pets on leashes are welcome to wander the lovely paths with their owners in remembrance of the departed. To visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, feel free to bring your dog along. 

 

 

11.  Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia

 

For a truly unique day trip, head to Sky Meadows State Park. This park is home to over 100 species of birds, making it a great place for birdwatching. The park also offers miles of hiking trails and scenic views. After a day of exploring, you and your pup can relax in one of the park's many picnic areas.

 

If you are looking for a day trip that is both educational and fun, head to the National Zoo! This world-renowned zoo is home to over 400 species of animals, making it a great place to learn about wildlife. The zoo also offers several pet friendly exhibits, so you and your pup can explore together. After a day at the zoo, be sure to stop by one of the many restaurants in DC for a bite to eat.

These are just a few of the many pet friendly day trips you can take in Northern Virginia. We hope you and your pup have a great time exploring the area! Visit our website jacobsandco.com  for more information on things to do in Northern Virginia. Thanks for reading!

JACOBS & CO. REAL ESTATE, LLC.

12923 Fitzwater Dr. Nokesville, VA 20155 

(703) 594-3800 | jacobsandco.com