Shirlington Dog Park - Arlington, VA
Shirlington Dog Park – Arlington’s Premier Off-Leash Dog Park
Shirlington Dog Park in Arlington, Virginia is a beloved spot for dog owners looking for a spacious, well-maintained, and pet-friendly environment. As one of the largest and most scenic dog parks in the DMV area, this park features separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, allowing pups to safely play and socialize off-leash. A picturesque creek runs along the edge of the main area, perfect for dogs who enjoy splashing and cooling off, and the extensive trails provide opportunities for dog-friendly hiking and relaxed strolls. Shady trees, benches, and picnic tables make it comfortable for owners, while the inviting community atmosphere ensures every visit is enjoyable.
Convenient amenities like fresh water stations, bowls, and ample seating bring added comfort and convenience. The park is wheelchair accessible and easy to navigate, with a long paved path just outside connecting to nearby sports facilities, playgrounds, and public restrooms. While immediate parking next to the dog park can be limited to 2-hour or paid spots, additional parking is available throughout the adjacent park area. Shirlington Dog Park is an ideal destination for dog lovers seeking a friendly, safe, and social off-leash experience in Arlington, VA.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated fenced areas.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, Shirlington Dog Park features large and small fenced-in dog areas.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? Yes, fresh water and bowls are provided for dogs within the park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are plenty of trees providing shade throughout the park.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, benches and picnic tables are available throughout the park.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? Yes, the park has separate areas for large and small dogs, each with their own amenities.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms are available nearby, outside the dog park, near the playground and ball fields.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, both the entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a large playground and other recreational facilities close to the dog park.
- Where is the best place to park? Limited 2-hour or paid parking is available next to the dog park; additional parking can be found elsewhere throughout the park complex.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, there is a creek/lake area accessible for dogs to swim and cool off (not fenced, so dogs should have good recall).
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are paved and natural trails around the dog park, ideal for on-leash dog walks and hiking.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the dog park is consistently described as well-maintained in community reviews.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, some areas may have large puddles or muddy spots following rain.
Reviews
Beautiful, well-maintained, fenced-in, large and small, dog parks. There is a beautiful trail winding through the larger dog area and there are multiple access gates between the two separate areas. Everyone I have interacted with has been very friendly. Great community so far. There are benches and picnic tables within both areas, as well as fresh water and bowls provided. There are plenty of trees, as well as a creek running along the edge of the fenced-in large dog area. Feels like you’re in a little forest, a secret escape, hidden next to tall buildings and other downtown city features. There’s also a lovely, long paved trail outside of the park, leading to sports fields, plain grassy fields, a baseball field, basketball courts, and a pretty big children’s playground. The public restrooms are nicely maintained. They are hard to find as they are located past the bridge on the right and the baseball field on the left, between the field and the playground – outside of the dog parks. It’s a permanent structure, looks like a modern square building. Love the bright blue indoor dog park and bar, with live music, and second floor balcony, right next door to the outdoor dog parks. Overall great outdoor and social areas. Perfect place to bring your doggies. The only thing that sucks is the parking. There isn’t much parking, right next to the dog parks, and it’s only 2hr or paid parking. There is more parking, elsewhere alongside the rest of the whole park.
Opie and I had a fantastic time at Shirlington Dog Park! This is one of the best off-leash parks in Arlington, VA, offering plenty of space for dogs to run, play, and socialize. The fenced area is well-maintained, with shaded spots and benches for owners to relax while keeping an eye on their pups.
What I love most about this park is the separate small dog area and the easy access to a creek where dogs can cool off. The environment is dog-friendly and well-monitored, making it a great place for both training and socialization.
As a professional dog trainer in Arlington, VA, I highly recommend this park for owners looking to work on off-leash recall, social skills, and confidence-building in a controlled setting. Opie had a blast, and we will definitely be back!
#ArlingtonDogParks #DogPrincipal #RealityBasedDogTraining
Just under a quater mile, the park is lengthy and fenced, with access to a stream and large puddles [post rainstorms]. The perfect place to let your pup expend some energy!
Absolutely love bringing my puppy to this dog park. It offers a great opportunity for you to have your dog off leash without feeling they are forced to be with a bunch of dogs in a small confined area. I have met so many friendly owners. The community is very inviting and positive.
Hidden Gem for Dog Lovers! 🐾
This is hands down the biggest dog park I’ve been to in the DMV area! It’s a hidden gem that every dog owner needs to check out. The fenced-in area is spacious—probably about half a mile long—with plenty of room for pups to run and play freely. There are benches scattered throughout for owners to relax while the dogs have their fun.
One of the best parts? There’s a beautiful lake nearby that’s perfect for cooling off on hot days. It’s not fenced, so it’s best for dogs with good recall, but it’s such a great bonus feature. Plus, there’s a built-in water station in the fenced area to keep your dog hydrated.
Overall, this park is an amazing find—peaceful, spacious, and thoughtfully designed for both dogs and their humans. Definitely worth the visit!