Dog-friendly Travels: Old Town Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria is extremely dog-friendly. Specialty shops cater specifically to our canine friends, and many others put out water bowls and treats in front of their doorways.
Dog-friendly Hotels
Many hotels in Old Town allow dogs in their rooms. The Kimpton hotels, in particular, have a history of being pet-friendly and include added amenities for dogs such as honor bars stocked with pet treats, pet bedding, and pet bowls. Some dog-friendly hotels include:
- Morrison House—A Kimpton Hotel (116 S. Alfred St., 703/838-8000)
- Residence Inn by Marriott Alexandria Old Town South at Carlyle (2345 Mill Rd., 703/549-1155)
- Westin Alexandria (400 Courthouse Sq., 703/253-8600)
- Hotel Monaco Alexandria—A Kimpton Hotel (480 King St., 703/549-6080)
- Holiday Inn & Suites Alexandria-Historic District (625 1st St., 703/548-6300)
- Lorien Hotel & Spa—A Kimpton Hotel (1600 King St., 703/894-3434)
- Sheraton Suites Alexandria (801 N. Saint Asaph St., 703/836-4700)
Dog-friendly Dining
Dog-friendly dining is also fairly common in Old Town Alexandria. By law, pets are not permitted inside restaurants, but many offer seasonal seating outdoors where well-behaved dogs are permitted to join their owners. Following are examples of dog-friendly restaurants, but others can be found by looking for outdoor cafés where other dogs are sitting or establishments that have water bowls outside their doors. If you are uncertain, be sure to ask the host or hostess about their policy.
Pat Troy’s Ireland’s Own (111 N. Pitt St., 703/549-4535) welcomes leashed Fido and Fidette on a special section of their patio. They even offer a Doggie Menu. Certain rules must be followed with your pet, but they are very reasonable.
Doggie Happy Hour is a regular event at the Hotel Monaco (480 King St.) held seasonally on Thursday and a popular Old Town tradition. Another dog-specific happy hour is at Artfully Chocolate (506 John Carlyle St., 703/575-8686) May-August. Doggie Happy Hour is held every other Friday 5:30pm-8pm. This community event is a little different each week, but usually features special dog-related guests and the sale of dog-specific treats from local pet bakeries and supply stores.
Pet Supply Stores
There are several specialty pet supply stores in Old Town Alexandria and the vicinity where you can purchase gourmet treats, toys, food, and other supplies:
- Howl to the Chief (733 8th Street, SE)
- The Olde Towne School for Dogs (529 Oronoco St., 703/836-7643)
- Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Bakery and Boutique (311 N. Washington St., Ste. 200 R, 703/329-1043)
- Nature’s Nibbles (2601 Mount Vernon Ave., 703/931-5241)
Dog-friendly Old Town Attractions
Several Old Town Alexandria attractions allow dogs to accompany their owners:
- Potomac Riverboat Company (1 Cameron St., 703/684-0580) offers 40-minute canine harbor cruises on Thursday June-mid-September. Tickets are $15 for adults and $9 for children. Dogs ride free.
- The Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St., 703/838-4565) allows well-behaved dogs on leashes to visit with their owners.
- Footsteps to the Past (703/683-3451) offers dog-friendly guided walking tours of Alexandria.
- The Alexandria Visitors Center at Ramsay House (221 King St., 703/746-3301) allows dogs to visit with their owners.
