Photograph by Gili Pup.
In the dog days of summer, it’s worth driving to a nearby dog beach so pets can beat the heat. Here are two options in Maryland that welcome dogs without leashes.
Double Cooldown
Annapolis, Maryland
Drive time from DC: 45 minutes.
Quiet Waters Park is just outside of downtown Annapolis, and the designated dog beach is a nice spot for pups to jump into the river and roll in the sand. The area is partially fenced off and filled with dogs frolicking freely. From there, it’s an easy 15-minute drive downtown, where many of the shops welcome dogs inside. Keep the cooling vibes going with treats at Annapolis Ice Cream Company. The scoop shop has homemade flavors for humans and pup cups for your furry companion so you can both chill out.
Surf and Surf
Stevensville, Maryland
Drive time from DC: One hour.
Across the Bay Bridge on Kent Island, the large dog area at Matapeake Clubhouse and Beach is accessible via a short woodland path from the parking lot. Once you emerge, it’s like being at an aquatic dog park, a free-for-all of running and fetch into the Chesapeake Bay. When your dog is ready to shake off the water, drive five minutes to Stevensville Crab Shack. The ultra-casual carryout has outdoor picnic tables, and dogs can rest under their shade while you dive into steamers, seafood platters, and crab cake sandwiches.
Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out our Perfect Saturdays series.
Lifestyle Editor
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Takoma.
