Maryland has numerous pet-friendly destinations that cater to the needs of pet owners and their furry friends. Here are some of the best places to take your pets in Maryland:
Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis
Quiet Waters Park offers a designated dog beach, off-leash dog park, and plenty of trails where you can walk your pet on a leash. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including pet-related festivities.
The park covers an area of 340 acres and features a variety of recreational facilities and natural attractions.
Some of the highlights of Quiet Waters Park include:
- A large dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs
- Multiple playgrounds and picnic areas throughout the park
- A 6-mile paved trail for walking, jogging, and biking
- Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals on the South River
- An outdoor ice rink in the winter months
- The Chesapeake Bay beach area with swimming and fishing opportunities
- The Quiet Waters Park Visitor Center, which houses exhibits, a gift shop, and meeting rooms
The park is open year-round, and admission fees may apply for certain activities and facilities. Visitors can also take part in various seasonal events and programs offered by the park, such as outdoor concerts and art exhibits.
Downs Park, Pasadena
Downs Park has a dedicated dog beach and an off-leash dog park, providing plenty of space for your pet to run and play. With over five miles of trails, you and your pet can enjoy scenic walks along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline.
The park features a large playground area for children, several sports fields, a basketball court, and a beach with lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
Downs Park also has several historic sites, including a restored farmhouse that dates back to the early 1800s and a museum that showcases the history of the park and the surrounding area. In addition, the park hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and nature walks.
Cabin John Regional Park, Bethesda
Cabin John Regional Park has an enclosed off-leash dog park and miles of walking trails. The park also features picnic areas, playgrounds, and athletic fields, making it a great destination for the whole family.
The park spans over 500 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.
Some of the features and activities that can be enjoyed at Cabin John Regional Park include:
Cabin John Ice Rink: This indoor ice skating rink is open year-round and offers public skating sessions, figure skating lessons, and ice hockey programs.
Cabin John Miniature Train: This miniature train takes visitors on a scenic ride through the park and is a popular attraction for families with young children.
Cabin John Trail: This 4-mile hiking and biking trail winds through the park and offers scenic views of the surrounding woods and streams.
Playground and Picnic Areas: The park has several playgrounds and picnic areas that are great for families and groups to enjoy a day outdoors.
Locust Grove Nature Center: This nature center offers educational programs and exhibits about the local flora and fauna.
Tennis and Basketball Courts: The park has several tennis and basketball courts that are open for public use.
Robert E. Lee Park, Baltimore
This park, also known as Lake Roland Park, offers a fenced-in dog park, hiking trails, and beautiful views of Lake Roland. There are also picnic areas and a nature center to explore.
The park was originally established in 1931 and was named after the Confederate General Robert E. Lee. It was situated along the Jones Falls River and was a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and fishing.
In 2017, the park was renamed “Lake Roland Park” following a vote by the Baltimore County Council to remove the reference to Robert E. Lee. This decision was made in the wake of controversy surrounding the Confederate flag and Confederate symbols in the United States, and in response to community concerns regarding the park’s name.
Today, Lake Roland Park continues to be a popular destination for outdoor activities and features a variety of recreational amenities, including hiking trails, playgrounds, a beach, and a dog park. The park is managed by the Lake Roland Nature Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the park’s natural beauty and promoting environmental education.
Assateague Island National Seashore, Berlin
Assateague Island is a pet-friendly beach where you can bring your dog on a leash. Enjoy the beautiful shoreline, wildlife, and the famous wild horses that roam the island.
The island is known for its beautiful beaches, salt marshes, and wild ponies that roam free. A friend who does Maryland Drywall always recommends Assateague Island to us when we bring our dogs.
The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also hike or bike on the many trails that wind through the island’s diverse habitats.
Assateague Island National Seashore is managed by the National Park Service and is open year-round. The park has two entrances, one in Maryland and one in Virginia, and offers a range of camping options, including tent and RV sites, as well as backcountry camping.
The nearby town of Berlin, Maryland, is a charming historic town that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Visitors to the area can also explore nearby attractions such as Ocean City, Maryland, and Chincoteague Island, Virginia.
Wheaton Regional Park, Wheaton
Wheaton Regional Park offers an off-leash dog park and plenty of walking trails. The park also features a nature center, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it an excellent spot for a family outing.
It is operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and covers an area of over 500 acres.
The park features a variety of recreational facilities and natural areas, including hiking trails, picnic areas, a nature center, a botanical garden, a miniature train ride, a carousel, an ice rink, a dog park, and a number of sports fields and courts. There is also a large lake where visitors can fish and rent pedal boats.
Wheaton Regional Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and it is especially popular during the summer months when the weather is warm and many of the park’s attractions are open. It is a great place for families to spend the day outdoors and enjoy a variety of activities.
Federal Hill Park, Baltimore
Located in the heart of Baltimore, Federal Hill Park is a great place to take your leashed pet for a walk. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city skyline and the Inner Harbor.
The park offers panoramic views of the city skyline, the harbor, and the Chesapeake Bay.
The park was originally the site of a defensive fort during the War of 1812. It was later turned into a public park in the 1880s, and has been a popular spot for recreation and relaxation ever since.
In addition to its scenic views, Federal Hill Park features a variety of amenities, including a playground, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking paths. The park also hosts a number of community events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and cultural celebrations.
Black Hill Regional Park, Boyds
This park has an off-leash dog park, as well as over 2,000 acres of beautiful landscapes and water views. With over 16 miles of trails, there’s plenty of space for you and your pet to explore.
The park is managed by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and offers a wide range of outdoor activities and recreational opportunities.
One of the park’s main attractions is the 505-acre Black Hill Lake, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and rowboats from the park’s boathouse, which is open from May to September.
The park also has 17 miles of hiking trails, including the 4.6-mile Black Hill Trail, which offers views of the lake and surrounding forested hills. There are also several picnic areas, a nature center, a campground, and an archery range.
In addition to recreational activities, the park has a strong focus on environmental education and conservation. The Black Hill Nature Programs offer a variety of educational programs for all ages, including birdwatching, insect exploration, and nature walks.
Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg
Seneca Creek State Park has several pet-friendly trails, and your leashed pet is welcome to join you in exploring the park’s 6,300 acres of forests, fields, and waterways.
The park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, and more.
One of the park’s main attractions is the 90-acre Clopper Lake, which is open for fishing, boating, and paddling. The park also features more than 50 miles of trails, including the Seneca Greenway Trail, which is a 24-mile trail that connects the park to other trails in the area.
In addition to outdoor activities, the park offers a variety of facilities for visitors, including a nature center, a campground, picnic shelters, and a visitor center with exhibits and educational programs.
Fells Point, Baltimore
Fells Point is a historic waterfront neighborhood in Baltimore with pet-friendly shops, restaurants, and parks. Stroll along the cobblestone streets with your pet and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
It is situated on the northern shore of the Patapsco River and is known for its cobblestone streets, 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and maritime history.
Fells Point was originally founded in the late 1700s as a shipbuilding and commercial center, and it played a significant role in the trade and transportation of goods between Baltimore and other ports along the East Coast. Today, the neighborhood is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as several historic sites and museums.
Some popular attractions in Fells Point include the Fells Point Historic District, the Robert Long House and Museum, the Baltimore Maritime Museum, and the Broadway Market. The neighborhood is also known for its lively nightlife, with numerous bars and music venues lining the streets.
Remember to always follow local rules and regulations regarding pets, keep them leashed when required, and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.