Sad puppy dog eyes. That’s the look pet owners dread when they’re ready to embark on an excursion but their four-legged family member realizes they’re about to get left behind.
Rather than have a fun getaway tainted with a pinch of guilt, check out the variety of activities and destinations we found that welcome both human and canine guests in Maryland.
The following pet-friendly places and events are located in and around the Chesapeake region. But if your plans take you farther away, check out a terrific resource called Bring Fido (bringfido.com), where you can search by city and state for hotels, restaurants, events, services and more that accommodate your furry friends.
Hitting the Waves With Four-Legged Explorers
Cruises on the Bay by Watermark Baltimore | Baltimore
Choose from a variety of cruises around Baltimore to discover the history, culture and attractions of the Inner Harbor. Leashed four-legged friends can come aboard most of the cruises for free, except for special events and extended cruises.
Patriot Cruises | St. Michaels
Sail along the Miles River, admire the graceful architecture of 200-year-old mansions and get a close look at an array of aquatic wildlife — with your seafaring pup alongside your family. Be sure to leash your pet and be mindful that the upper deck can get hot on summer days. If you buy a combo ticket, you can visit the pet-friendly Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum next door.
Parks, Gardens & Beaches With a Four-Paw Rating
Bark Social | Baltimore and Columbia
These gated park and canine club locations offer play areas and activities for dogs of all sizes. They serve beer and wine, breakfast and lunch foods for humans, plus doggie ice cream and pupsicles. Bark rangers on staff curb “ruff” or aggressive behavior. Register online or bring vaccine records.
Calvert Cliffs State Park | Lusby
Massive sun-bleached cliffs carved by Chesapeake waves about 10 million to 20 million years ago line 24 miles of Calvert County waterfront. The remains of prehistoric species, including sharks, whales, rays and seabirds are visible, making fossil and shark tooth hunting a popular activity. Leashed dogs can help dig for ancient bones along the sandy beach or hike 13 miles of trails.
Historic London Town & Gardens | Edgewater
London Town was founded in 1683 and served as Anne Arundel’s county seat. The 23-acre park and restored colonial village showcase local history, archaeology and horticulture along the South River. Leashed dogs with their humans are welcome to explore the gorgeous gardens and buildings, except for the William Brown House.
Matapeake Clubhouse & Dog Beach | Stevensville
Stevensville | qac.org
A designated dog beach is just one of the open-air amenities at this scenic site. Visitors can also enjoy an outdoor amphitheater, family picnic area and a 1-mile trail through the woods with stunning views of the sandy shoreline and Bay Bridge. Be sure to bring bags to pick up after your pet.
Sports & Entertainment To Get Tails Wagging
Baltimore Ghost Tours | Baltimore
If you want to make walking the dog a more exciting experience, head to Charm City and stroll around the town’s most haunted neighborhoods. Costumed guides spin tales of ghosts and strange happenings in Fells Point and Mount Vernon. Leashed and well-behaved pups can accompany you on walking tours but not pub crawls.
Bark at Oriole Park | Baltimore
- Sept. 3
Instead of the neighborhood dog park, take Fido to Camden Yards ballpark! The team asks you to buy tickets for you and your dog and arrive an hour before the first pitch, armed with proof of vaccinations and ID tags. Leashed pups more than 6 months old enjoy the game in a partial sun section and can use a pet relief station during the seventh inning stretch.
Bengies Drive-In Theatre | Middle River
Treat your entire family to a throwback experience at the biggest outdoor theater in America with a screen that’s 52 feet high by 120 feet wide. From the comfort of your car, you can watch feature films on Fridays and Saturdays. Your canine companion is welcome but must be leashed, never left unattended and use designated puppy potty areas.
Wag Your Tail Tuesdays with the Delmarva Shorebirds | Salisbury
- 7:05 p.m. Tuesday June 30, July 7, July 28 & Aug. 11
Hit a home run with your entire family by taking them to a Minor League Baseball game. You can bring the dog along for free if you donate paper towels, treats, pet food or toys for a local animal shelter. These events are sponsored by Concord Pet Foods & Supplies.
Visit Breweries & Wineries for Some Hair of the Dog
Eastern Shore Brewing Company | St. Michaels
The oldest brewery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore invites pets and humans to enjoy its chill vibe both indoors and outside. Sample seasonal brews in pints or flights while enjoying a game of foosball or cornhole. The bar snacks menu includes a beef jerky that’s tasty enough to share with four-legged companions.
Linganore Winecellars | Mount Airy
Founded in 1972, this family-operated winery presents 230 acres of stunning countryside and offers outdoor fun for adults, children and pets. Food trucks and live music on weekends, as well as tastings and tours, celebrate the bounty of grapes from the fields. On Thursdays in the spring and summer, Dog Days raises funds for Brave Babes rescue services.
Ten Eyck Brewing Company | Queenstown
Owned by a team of women veterans and first responders, Ten Eyck welcomes leashed, well-behaved dogs in the taproom and beer garden. Colorful umbrellas outdoors create shade on sunny days. Ask about photo sessions with your pets. Food trucks prepare munchies for guests, and live music gives the place an upbeat groove.
Events & Festivals That Offer Treats for Everyone
First Sunday Arts Festival | Annapolis
- 11 a.m.-5 p.m. throughout the month, First Sunday now through Nov. 1; Free
This monthly outdoor festival and market runs down West Street and People’s Park, featuring 100 vendors with handmade artwork and crafts, live entertainment on two to three stages and a variety of foods from local restaurants and cafés. Dogs must be leashed to attend.
Beer N Bark Palooza | Street
- June 6, 2-8 p.m.
This dog-centric festival at Falling Branch Brewery features adoptable pets, local arts and crafts vendors, live bands, book signings, a caricature artist, food trucks, great beer for humans and dogs, plenty of pet-friendly activities and a canine corn maze.
32nd Annual Frederick Festival of the Arts With Craft Marketplace | Frederick
- June 13 & 14, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Admission is free for humans and their furry friends, as long as pets are leashed and well behaved. This annual outdoor art festival at Carroll Creek Park is located in the heart of downtown Frederick and features artwork from jewelry to statues, specialty shops, outdoor dining, distilleries and breweries along the waterfront.
Canines on the Creek | Frederick
- Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 24; Free to attend; typically $25-35 to register dog for content
It’s the ultimate doggie parade and Halloween-themed costume contest at Carroll Creek Park, with prizes awarded for best-dressed small, medium and large breeds. Check out scores of artists, pet-product vendors, live music and family-friendly activities. The event welcomes leashed dogs and raises funds for a variety of animal-related charities.
