Theodore Roosevelt Island

Photo: Discol — Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. View the original file · Licence. Used under an open licence; the photographer and Wikimedia do not endorse this site or the venue.

Trails · Potomac River / Rosslyn side

Theodore Roosevelt Island

FreeLeashed only

A 91-acre wooded memorial island in the Potomac administered by the National Park Service, reached by a footbridge from the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Roughly two miles of gravel and boardwalk trails loop through forest and marsh with river views.

Why it made the list

It is a quiet, car-free nature walk minutes from downtown DC — one of the best short leashed hikes in the capital region.

Good to know before you go

Dogs are welcome on the island on a 6-foot leash under NPS regulations for the GW Memorial Parkway; they are not permitted in the fountain/memorial plaza buildings. The island is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. per NPS. No bikes or vehicles on the trails. Hours were not published in the material reviewed.

Practical notes

  • Park at the lot on the Virginia side and cross the footbridge.
  • Go early on weekends — the parking lot fills fast.

What is available on site

  • Shaded seating
  • Water bowls

House rules and verification

The pet policy above is summarised from the venue’s own published information and cross-checked against public listings. Last checked: against the source on . Policies change without notice anyway, so confirm the current one with the venue before you travel, and keep your dog leashed anywhere that is not a signed off-leash area. Read the full disclaimer.

Something out of date? Send us a correction, or email us instead.

Similar places

See all

ParksNo photograph of Shaw Dog Park at 11th & Rhode Island Ave yetNo photo yet

Shaw Dog Park at 11th & Rhode Island Ave

Washington DC, District of ColumbiaSource ↗

One of the District's DPR-managed dog parks, a fenced space where friendly dogs can run free without leashes in the heart of Shaw. It sits next to the Washington Wonder plaza and is steps from the shops and patios of the U Street and Shaw corridors.

Off-leash areaFenced
Free
BreweriesNo photograph of Wunder Garten yetNo photo yet

Wunder Garten

Washington DC, District of ColumbiaSource ↗

A German-style beer garden near Union Market with picnic tables, lawn games, fire pits, and a big turf lawn, serving German and local beers plus snacks. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the space, and the staff happily hand out pup cups.

Dog menu
$$ · Moderate
RestaurantsNo photograph of The Brig yetNo photo yet

The Brig

Washington DC, District of ColumbiaSource ↗

A spacious outdoor beer garden on Barracks Row with 21 draft lines, German and local beers, cocktails, and bar food, plus big screens for watch parties. The venue advertises itself as a dog-friendly and kid-friendly space with a large heated patio for year-round use.

Shaded seating
$ · Budget