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National Mall

Enjoy a stroll with Fido on the dog-friendly grounds surrounding National Mall, a historic landmark in Washington, DC. Canines are welcome to join you for a casual walk past the monuments, memorials, and to admire views across Tidal Basin. The large lawns are also ideal for a picnic or game of frisbee with your four-legged companion. Visit Website

Or call (202) 426-6841 for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

National Mall has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 bones by 7 canine critics on BringFido and 4.5 out of 5 by 176 guests on TripAdvisor.

  • Danielle
    May 22, 2022
    Great place for socializing and walking your dog!

    We had a wonderful time walking the National Mall. I have a puppy (fully vaccinated) and she got to experience so many sights, sounds, and people all in one place - planes, ducks/birds, emergency vehicles, tour buses, motorcycles, people from all backgrounds, kids (in strollers), skateboarders…and the list goes on. it was hot, so I’d suggest bringing lots of water. There are plenty of shaded areas to stop and rest and even a refreshment stop nearby. You’ll do a lot of walking though. and people will want to pet your dog and to talk. Aside from the last bit, we had an amazing time.

  • Joshua
    Sep 18, 2020
    Awesome

    great place for walks day or night.

  • Alexa
    Jul 1, 2018
    The Pups Adventure in History

    I have been to DC more than a dozen times but this was our first time bringing the dogs. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating to them. We were able to bring our dogs up to the Lincoln Memorial, we just had to hold them. And even though there are multiple signs saying you can't go into the water at the WWII Memorial, the park ranger let my dogs splash in the water as long as they remained on their leash and stayed next to the stairs due to the high heat. There are also many shady areas perfect for breaks. We then headed to the FDR Memorial for the ultimate photo spot in front of FDR's dog Fala. Unfortunately my dogs were terrified of the giant dog statue but I was able to keep them distracted long enough to snap a picture. As it was a 96 degree day with high humidity, the people at the FDR Memorial gift shop let us carry in our dogs to cool down in the AC as we looked for a souvenir to commemorate their first vacation.

  • RC
    More than a year ago
    Very Small Dog Friendly

    I was surprised by how dog friendly everyone was! We went in mid-April 2015. I was allowed to take my dog up to all the outdoor monuments, as long as I carried her. We went to the Lincoln Memorial, FDR's Memorial, MLK's Memorial, and more. I was just waiting for an officer to tell me I can't bring my dog somewhere, but no one stopped me. And when I asked, they just told me to carry her. We had a blast. It is very crowded and people will want to pet your dog, so you must have a friendly dog who is not timid around crowds and noise.

  • Isabel
    More than a year ago
    Fun in the sun

    It is a great place to go with your pooch but only if you have already seen the monuments, as the previous review says you realy cant go up to the momuments with youw dog. So if its your first time you will either have to alternate with someone to get up close while the other stays with the dog or you wont be able to see most of them up close. However its lots of fun and our dog enjoyed it as did we.

  • Amanda
    More than a year ago
    Wonderful time!

    Everyone was incredibly welcoming of our dogs and there was plenty of shade to take a break in - even in the blistering temperatures we had to deal with. There are only a few sites not open to the dogs but they had fun anyway and so did we. Can't wait to come back next time we visit.

  • Sam
    More than a year ago
    Great time

    On a recent road trip, we decided to spend a day in DC with our dog. The National Mall is a wonderful place to picnic and take in the sites. However, our four-legged pals are not allowed near most of the monuments so you won't get the full experience. The only monument we were allowed to take our dog to was the FDR memorial, a president who was a true dog lover. Our pal took a particular interest in FDRs statue with his Scottie, Fala. Be prepared during the summer months because DC can get very hot. Water for sale by vendors is expensive, so be prepared for that as well.

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Area Info

National Mall