5 Dog Friendly Heritage Sites in the Four Rivers Area
1. Historic London Town and Gardens
839 Londontown Rd, Edgewater, (410) 222-1919
Discover the once “lost town” of London Town, a National Historic Landmark with reconstructed colonial buildings. Bring your family (and dogs) to also enjoy scenic river views, 10 acres of woodland and ornamental gardens and a Sound and Sensory Garden for kids. Leashed dogs are welcome in the gardens, but they must be under their owner’s control at all times.
If you’re looking for more dog friendly fun, July 30 is “Dog Night” at London Town. Enjoy a concert from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm featuring music by the Eastport Oyster Boys. Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat will have their pup-cession stand and the SPCA of Anne Arundel County will bring their mobile unit. All other concerts in the London Town summer concert series are dog friendly as well.
723 2nd St, Annapolis, (410) 295-0104
The historic McNasby Oyster Company was the last oyster packing plant in Annapolis and serves as the home of the Annapolis Maritime Museum. The maritime heritage exhibits, environmental education programs, and engaging community events held at the McNasby Campus have established the Museum as a beloved community anchor. Dogs are welcome but must be under their owner’s control, leashed, and cleaned up after at all times.
Want to take your dog for a walk through the charming Eastport neighborhood? The Annapolis Maritime Museum also offers a free digital walking tour: “The Homefront: Eastport during World War II— A Walking Tour.” The tour, which has 10 stops, is powered by GPS, so the locations can be viewed in any order.
1418 E West Shady Side Rd, Shady Side, (410) 867-4486
Experience life as part of a 19th-century waterman’s family or learn how later residents brought their families here year after year to “Our Place” for summer getaways at this active community-based museum with a lovely waterfront setting. Nestled on the banks of the West River, the museum boasts rainscape gardens, an outdoor exhibit, pier and sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay. Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds.
4. Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Philip Merrill Environmental Center
6 Herndon Ave, Annapolis, (888) 728-3229
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, headquartered at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, is the largest independent conservation organization dedicated solely to saving the Bay. The Merrill Center’s beach is open to the public (and their pets), but due to limited parking, public access requires a permit pass. Access may vary day to day. Calling ahead is encouraged to determine if passes are available. Passes are first come/first served basis. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on their leashes.
600 Quiet Waters Park Rd, Annapolis, (410) 222-1777
Probably the most dog friendly site in Annapolis, Quiet Waters Park is situated between the South River and Harness Creek. Visitors can enjoy trails winding through forests and past grassy fields or picnic among 340 acres of beautiful park land. Although pets are not allowed in The Galleries at Quiet Waters, there are two separate off-leash dog parks, one for smaller dogs and one for larger dogs, as well as a recently restored dog beach.