Where to take your dog off-leash

Walter Pierce Park

Between Calvert Street NW, Adams Mill Road NW, and the National Zoo
Washington, DC 20009
(Adams Morgan)
There is a temporary (experimental) fenced-in dog run area which is being used as a model for other dog walks in DC parks and is the only public are where dogs may legally run off leash in the District of Columbia. The community organization AMDOGS: Adams Morgan Dogs advocated, built, and maintains the dog run in Walter Pierce Park. Consider donating to AMDOGS to help support dog parks in the District.

Congressional Cemetary

1801 E. Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
While the historic congressional cemetary is a great place to let your dog run off leash, there are more restrictions than in the past, and the membership fee (ahem, donation) is now $200 plus $50 per dog. But the fees serve the good purpose of helping restore the grounds. The cemetary offers 33 fenced-in acres. Your dog can roam around the headstones of such historical figures as J. Edgar Hoover and John Philip Sousa. Read their policies carefully - you can't just show up with your dog without going through the procedures to obtain a tag.

Maryland Dog Parks

Quiet Waters Park

600 Quiet Waters Park Road
Annapolis, Maryland 21403
(410)222-1777
With a section of beach dedicated to dog swimming, and a separate large fenced-in area (including a separate area for smaller or elderly dogs), Quiet Waters Park is a must-see. There is even a dog rinsing station (though the ground is so muddy around it that it partly defeats the purpose). After your dog is exhausted from all the fun, humans can enjoy seafood at Buddy's Crabs and Ribs to cap off a fun day trip.

Northview Enfield Chase Neighborhood Park

3600 Northview Drive (across from Enfield Drive)
Bowie, MD 20716
This community park includes a dog run with a separate small dog area.

Gaithersburg Dog Park

151 Bickerstaff Way
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
(301)258-6343 One and a half acre dog exercise area where your dog can run off leash. City residents must have a current pet license for each dog. Nonresidents must have a Dog Exercise Area (DEA) membership in order to use the facility. DEA Membership applications are available at City Hall or call 301-258-6343. Application, current rabies certificate, dog photo, and $50 fee required for nonresidents.

College Park Dog Park

Metzerott Road at University Boulevard
College Park, Maryland 20740
Located in Acredale Park near the University of Maryland College Park campus. Open to all residents of Prince George's and Montgomery Counties. Registration required. The fee to register is $40 a year for the first dog, $30 for other dogs in the same household.

John G. Lancaster Park

21550 Willows Road
Lexington Park, MD 20653
(301)475-4200 ext. 1800
The dog park is just one part of this 47 acre park in Saint Mary's County Maryland. Separate area for smaller dogs. Water and waste bags available.

Virginia Dog Parks

Del Ray Dog Park

East Monroe and Leslie Avenues
Alexandria, VA 22301
The Del Ray Dog Owners Group (DDOG) worked with the City of Alexandria to build the first fenced-in dog park in northern Virginia. Located at Simpson Stadium and managed by the City of Alexandria. Follow the link above to the DDOG website where you can join the mailing list and read about other dog park locations in Alexandria.