The Best Places to Walk Your Dog in Vienna, VA

With the nice spring weather upon us, it’s time to get out and enjoy it. If you’ve been hiding in your home because of inclement weather, COVID-19, or because indoors is too nice to leave, your dog deserves a long walk. Your dog deserves an adventure of a lifetime. Fortunately, the town of Vienna, Virginia, is friendly to four-legged friends of all sizes and has ample opportunities for exercise for both owner and pet. 

If you’re missing a furry friend in your life, or could use another one, the local Wolf Trap Animal Rescue has several puppies and dogs currently available to join your family or brighten your solitude. 

Moorefield Park

The Vienna Dog Park, located at  Moorefield Park, (which is itself located on Courthouse Road), offers a dog-specific experience, the opportunity to meet other dog parents and interact with them, and the ability to let your dog socialize with their peers. Dogs can romp about off their leashes in the fenced-in area, which has agility equipment for those that wish to train their pets a bit more in fun exercises. Surrounded by trails and sidewalks that lead to other parts of the town, the dog park is accessible to Vienna residents who live in or around the area. There is no fee. Furthermore, clean-up items like a scooper and bags are provided, in case you don’t have them on hand. 

The park does get a bit crowded so if your dog isn’t ready to socialize yet, it might be better to take them on one of the many other places around the area for a nature walk or a stroll around your neighborhood. Some of the other options in this piece might suit a less socialized dog.

Blake Lane Dog Park

In Oakton, down the street from the center of the town of Vienna, is another dog park where your dogs can roam leash-free. Whether you want to walk or drive there, this park is big enough for the children to play in other areas.  Some athletic fields are also part of the park, which has multiple entrances.

Washington and Old Dominion Trail

The Vienna part of the W&OD trail is a perfect place to take an energetic pup who needs a long walk, an adventure, and some socializing. The Vienna part of the trail connects with the Meadowlark Garden trail, and several other trails mentioned below, which means you can spend your Saturday afternoon checking out new places, new smells, creeks, and wildlife. 

If you want to stop and get a snack, the Caboose Brewing tavern lets you sit outside on their patio with your pup (or even your horse) to enjoy a beer and some food. 

Lost Dog Cafe

Any round-up of the best places to take your dog in Northern Virginia should include the Lost Dog Cafe, a gourmet deli with multiple locations in the area. The closest cafe to Vienna is in McLean, a few miles away from the center of Vienna. The staff will provide your dog with water or a small snack, and often will serve your dog before they serve you! 

The restaurant has a Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation that serves as a way to get dogs and cats in forever homes. Customers can support and donate as they see fit, or find one of the animals and take it home.

Wildwood Park

This paved trail, accessible through Mashie Drive in Vienna, stretches for half a mile and follows the Wolftrap Stream. This place helps provide a nature walk without the rough terrain, steep hills, or narrow trails found in other areas. The trail itself leads to a park with more area to play if your dog feels like romping around. 

Sarah Walker Mercer Park

This park can be accessed from Nutley Street in Vienna. It has a rain garden, a playground, and beautifully maintained areas. A little Library take box with books donated at random invites you to check out a different book every so often, while your dog strolls in the grass or along the pavement.