Curator’s statement
Annapolis, Maryland, known for its historic charm and scenic waterfront, is a city that warmly embraces dog owners. With its abundance of parks, trails and pet-friendly establishments, Annapolis offers a plethora of activities for those looking to spend quality time with their beloved canine companions. In this guide, we will explore some of the best dog-friendly spots in Annapolis, allowing both residents and visitors to create memorable experiences with their furry friends.
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Where to stay in Annapolis
Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Autograph Collection
Waterfront hotel on the Annapolis harbor providing uncommon luxury with redesigned rooms, upgraded amenities, personalized service and breathtaking views.
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Graduate Annapolis
Navy campus-style hotel with meticulous details that give it a stylish edge within its luxurious rooms.
Sunshine Sanctuary in Annapolis
A haven of tranquility and rejuvenation, where nature's embrace nurtures the soul.
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Things to do in Annapolis
Quiet Waters Park:
Quiet Waters Park is a serene and beautiful recreational area nestled between forests and a creek. This expansive dog-friendly park boasts 340 acres of open spaces, wooded trails and waterfront views, providing the perfect setting for dogs to roam and socialize off-leash in the dog park. The park also features a designated dog beach, where pets can take a dip and play in the water.
Capital SUP:
They strongly encourage bringing your canine companion and even provide lifejackets for rent to ensure the safety of all four-legged visitors enjoying the water. Bring your pup along for a kayak or paddleboarding adventure.
Annapolis City Dock:
Take a stroll along the City Dock area, which is dog friendly. Enjoy the waterfront views, visit shops and dine at outdoor restaurants that allow dogs in their outdoor seating areas.
Watermark Journey - Cruises on the Bay:
You can bring your four-legged friend on the dog-friendly Watermark Journey Cruises. Most public cruises allow friendly, leashed dogs to come along, with the exception of special events such as extended cruises, live music cruises, City Lights Cruise, fireworks cruises and Blue Angels & Thunderbirds cruises. The fees for each person and tour may vary, but your furry companion can ride for free.
Sandy Point State Park:
Located just outside Annapolis, this state park has a dog beach where your pup can enjoy the Chesapeake Bay. Dogs must be on a leash and are permitted October through April.
Annapolis Maritime Museum:
The Annapolis Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving the city's maritime heritage, and to educating the public about its significance. Enjoy the Eastport Walking Tour with your furry friend, and learn all about the Chesapeake Bay. Polite, friendly, leashed pups are welcome to come along and dogs are allowed on the museum's grounds and outdoor exhibits.
We also love to just stroll around downtown! Many of the retail shops have water bowls and treats outside if your pup gets parched or needs a snack. You may even run into the photographer behind @dogsofannapolis who photographs and posts the many four-legged visitors and locals of Annapolis.
My furry BFF - Basil Hayden, a mini-newfiedoodle - loves stopping into her favorite store, Sea Dog Pet Boutique to see what new arrivals they have! We also just enjoy walking down Main Street and the character of the homes on side streets. There are quite a few beautiful murals. See if you can find them while wandering around!
Places to eat & drink in Annapolis
Federal House:
Four-legged guests get served first (not kidding) with a dog bowl at every outdoor table and a doggie menu (my pup - Basil Hayden - recommends the Bow Wow Burger.) Food for humans is fantastic too and so is the Crush menu. My favorite is the Key Lime Crush. Crisp fall days and cool evenings? Request one of the fire tables and you’ll stay warm and toasty.
Iron Rooster:
Outdoor seating in the heart of downtown. My all-time favorite spot for breakfast or brunch. Start with a Roostart (their homemade version of a pop tart - but so much better!) Outdoor seating perfect for furry friends.
Pusser’s:
Connected to Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, which is a dog friendly accommodation, this restaurant allows your pup both inside and at the outdoor tables. Enjoy your favorite drink on the dock with your pup (try the
‘Painkiller,” which they’re known for) while watching the boats go down Ego Alley.
The Boatyard Bar & Grill:
Hop on the Watermark water taxi at City Dock. Take the $4 ride across Spa Creek, get off at Annapolis City Marina (ACM/Carol’s Creek) and walk 1 block to The Boatyard on the corner of Severn Ave and Fourth St. Water taxi to lunch or dinner? How much more “Annapolis” can you get? And the best part? Your pup is welcome on the water taxi and the restaurant’s outdoor seating! Extensive menu and I’ve never had anything I wouldn’t recommend!
Forward Brewing:
After grabbing a bite at The Boatyard Bar & Grill, go next door for a stop at Forward Brewing, Annapolis’s neighborhood brewery. Outdoor seating and cocktail tables are a perfect spot to let your pup continue to tag along!
Davis’ Pub:
They strive to be the “local neighborhood joint, with good, affordable food” and I can attest they are quite successful with achieving this. Outdoor seating is dog friendly, and this place is a must to experience what began in the 1940s as the neighborhood waterman’s lounge.
Great Frogs Winery:
Kick back and relax while enjoying a flight or a bottle of wine on the patio. Outdoor areas are first come first served and leashed, well-behaved furry friends are allowed.
There are many others as Annapolis LOVES dogs, these are just some of our favorites!
![Advisor - Jamie Reynolds](https://media.foratravel.com/image/upload/v1711120133/contentful-migration/advisors/image/64fbaf6526da94839c7b4f65-IMG_2031.jpg)
Travel Advisor
Jamie Reynolds
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Jill Albino's guide, Pet-Friendly Things to Do in Annapolis, Maryland.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Maryland.