Part 12 of our 25-part Southeast road trip series takes us to the Old Dominion — and Virginia is one of the most diverse and dog-friendly states in the entire country. From the misty ridges of Shenandoah National Park to the charming college-town streets of Charlottesville, the historic grandeur of Richmond, and the wide sandy beaches of Virginia Beach, Virginia packs an extraordinary range of landscapes and experiences into one beautifully varied state.
🐾 Why Virginia?
Virginia has something for every kind of dog and every kind of road tripper. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer world-class hiking and stunning scenery. The Piedmont wine country rivals Napa in beauty if not yet in fame. Richmond has emerged as one of the South's most exciting food and craft beer cities. And the coast delivers everything from the wild ponies of Chincoteague to the bustling boardwalk of Virginia Beach. Dogs are welcome throughout, and Virginia's outdoor culture means your pup will feel right at home.
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels & Stays
Graduate Charlottesville — Charlottesville
A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Charlottesville that welcomes pets. Steps from the Downtown Mall, the University of Virginia, and some of the best restaurants in the state, it's a perfect dog-friendly base for exploring one of Virginia's most beloved cities.
The Inn at Little Washington — Washington, VA
One of America's most celebrated restaurants and inns, The Inn at Little Washington welcomes pets in their cottage accommodations. A bucket-list experience in the foothills of the Blue Ridge — extraordinary food, extraordinary setting, and your pup is invited.
Kimpton Cardinal Hotel — Winston-Salem (near VA border)
For those exploring Southwest Virginia, Kimpton's zero-pet-fee policy makes their properties a reliable dog-friendly choice throughout the region.
Loews Hotel — Arlington
A pet-friendly luxury hotel in Arlington with easy access to Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia's dog-friendly parks and trails. A great base for exploring the DC metro area with your pup.
Cavalier Virginia Beach — Virginia Beach
A beautifully restored historic resort on the Virginia Beach oceanfront that welcomes pets. Steps from the beach and the boardwalk, it's one of the most elegant dog-friendly coastal stays on the entire East Coast.
🍽️ Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
The Alley Light — Charlottesville
A beloved Charlottesville wine bar and restaurant with a dog-friendly outdoor area. An exceptional wine list focused on natural and small-production wines, paired with creative small plates — a perfect evening stop in one of Virginia's most charming cities.
Brenner Pass — Richmond (Scott's Addition)
A celebrated Alpine-inspired restaurant in Richmond's Scott's Addition neighborhood with a dog-friendly outdoor area. James Beard-nominated chef Evan Campbell's mountain cuisine is extraordinary, and the patio is one of Richmond's best.
The Shack — Staunton
A James Beard Award-winning restaurant in the charming Shenandoah Valley town of Staunton with a dog-friendly outdoor area. Chef Ian Boden's hyper-local Appalachian cuisine is some of the most exciting food in Virginia — worth a special trip.
Mellow Mushroom — Virginia Beach
A Virginia Beach institution with a large dog-friendly outdoor patio near the oceanfront. Creative pizzas, cold beer, and a laid-back beach atmosphere that makes it a perfect post-beach stop with your pup.
Mas Tapas — Charlottesville
A beloved Charlottesville tapas restaurant with a beautiful dog-friendly courtyard. Creative Spanish-inspired small plates and an excellent wine and cocktail list in a warm, intimate setting.
🍺 Dog-Friendly Breweries
The Veil Brewing Co. — Richmond
One of the most acclaimed craft breweries on the entire East Coast, The Veil has a dog-friendly outdoor space in Richmond's Scott's Addition neighborhood. Their hazy IPAs are legendary, and the taproom draws beer lovers from across the country.
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery — Richmond
Richmond's most beloved craft brewery with a massive dog-friendly outdoor space. Their Gingerbread Stout is a Virginia holiday classic, and the taproom has a great community feel that captures the best of Richmond's craft beer culture.
Devils Backbone Brewing Company — Roseland
A stunning craft brewery in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a large dog-friendly outdoor space and a tap list that celebrates Virginia's mountain landscape. The basecamp location near Wintergreen Resort is particularly beautiful.
Three Notch'd Brewing Company — Charlottesville
Charlottesville's most popular craft brewery with a dog-friendly outdoor space on the Downtown Mall. A great stop after a walk around Charlottesville, with a rotating tap list and a welcoming atmosphere.
Back Bay Brewing — Virginia Beach
A Virginia Beach craft brewery with a dog-friendly taproom and patio. A great stop after a day at the beach, with rotating taps and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
🌲 Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails
Shenandoah National Park — Luray & Elkton
One of the most beautiful national parks in the Eastern United States, Shenandoah welcomes leashed dogs on most of its 500+ miles of trails. The Appalachian Trail runs the length of the park, and Skyline Drive offers stunning overlooks at every turn. Don't miss Old Rag Mountain (dogs allowed on the fire road approach) or the Dark Hollow Falls trail.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge — Chincoteague Island
Home to the famous wild ponies of Assateague Island, Chincoteague welcomes leashed dogs on most trails and on the beach during off-peak hours. One of the most magical and unique natural areas on the entire East Coast.
Grayson Highlands State Park — Mouth of Wilson
One of Virginia's most spectacular state parks, with dog-friendly trails through high-elevation meadows where wild ponies roam freely. The views from the Appalachian Trail here are among the best in the entire Southeast.
First Landing State Park — Virginia Beach
A beautiful state park at the northern tip of Virginia Beach with dog-friendly trails through cypress swamps and along the Chesapeake Bay shore. A stunning natural escape just minutes from the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
Humpback Rocks — Blue Ridge Parkway
One of the most popular and rewarding short hikes in Virginia, with dog-friendly trails to dramatic rock outcroppings with panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley. A must-do on any Blue Ridge road trip with your pup.
Belle Isle — Richmond
A beautiful island in the James River in the heart of Richmond with dog-friendly trails, swimming holes, and stunning views of the city skyline. One of the best urban outdoor experiences in the entire Southeast.
🗺️ Suggested Road Trip Route
Start in Richmond (Scott's Addition + The Veil + Belle Isle) → west to Charlottesville (Downtown Mall + Three Notch'd + wine country) → north through Shenandoah National Park (Skyline Drive) → south on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Humpback Rocks + Devils Backbone) → southwest to Staunton & Grayson Highlands → OR east from Richmond to Virginia Beach & Chincoteague.
Virginia is large enough to warrant two separate trips — one for the mountains and one for the coast.
🐶 Pro Tips for Virginia Road Trips
- Shenandoah's most popular trails (Old Rag, Dark Hollow Falls) get extremely crowded on fall weekends — go early or visit on weekdays.
- Virginia wine country (Charlottesville area) is stunning in fall — many vineyards welcome dogs on their grounds, call ahead to confirm.
- Chincoteague's famous pony swim happens in late July — a magical experience to witness with your dog from the shore.
- Richmond's Scott's Addition neighborhood is one of the most dog-friendly urban areas in the entire Southeast — give it a full afternoon.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway has no commercial vehicles and minimal traffic — one of America's great scenic drives at any pace.
Up Next in the Series
Stay tuned for Part 13: Maryland — where we'll explore the Chesapeake Bay, the charming streets of Annapolis, and the wild shores of Assateague Island. Subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a stop!
Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in Virginia we should add? Drop it in the comments!