Road trips are something I have been doing since I was just a wee pup, and I’m lucky enough that when my family sets out on an adventure they’re always looking for pet friendly locations so that I can tag along too!

Last week I set out on a week long trek to reach my final destination, the annual BlogPaws Pet Blogging Conference. I have tons to share about my week on the road, but I figured I start with my first stop, The National Mall!

If you’re not familiar with the National Mall, it is a great symbol of the United States. The National Mall is over 1,000 acres of park space in our capital city, Washington, D.C. Inside the National Mall are many memorial parks with iconic monuments and memorials.

I was lucky enough to visit the National Mall on Memorial Day so there was lots going on to see! The National Mall is pet friendly for all leashed pets and the only areas pets aren’t allowed are on the walkways at the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials and inside the Washington Monument. As a general rule dogs aren’t allowed inside any buildings and covered areas.

My first stop was the Washington Monument! It was built to honor George Washington, (the U.S.’s first president) and towers 555 feet over Washington, D.C.

It was a fairly warm day, but with a cool breeze blowing through the capitol I was loving every minute of it! What a special place to be on a day to remember those who lost their lives fighting for my country.

Eventually I made my way over to the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. I spotted a family of ducklings enjoying the cool water and couldn’t wait to take a dip with them! Sadly mom said she didn’t think the park staff would be too happy if I went for a swim, so alas I didn’t even get to dip a toe in.

The Lincoln Memorial itself was bustling with visitors and surprisingly I didn’t see many other dogs.

Eventually I made my way to the top of the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and while I wasn’t allowed to go inside the monument, I did grab a selfie with my mom and dad on the steps. Apparently we’re all behind the times too, because I didn’t have a selfie stick like the many other visitors that were at the National Mall. I guess I better step my selfie game up!

While I didn’t see many dogs during my National Mall excursion, I did spot several mounted police officers. Even though I was only a day into my road trip, it made me miss my ponies even more!

I also made my way over to the Vietnam Memorial. The area was packed with visitors on Memorial Day and I hung back (pets aren’t allowed on the pathway at the Vietnam Memorial) while Dad went up to check it out. A little side fact, did you know my PopPop actually fought in Vietnam?

My last stop before I waved goodbye to the National Mall was of course the White House! I had high hopes I’d spot the Obama Family pets, Sunny & Bo, running on the lawn, but they must have been taking their mid-afternoon nap. Although I did spot a box of bees on the back lawn, who knew the president had honeybee pets?

I had a blast checking out the National Mall on Memorial Day, and I even got to watch a little bit of the parade and met so many dachshund loving people on my adventure.

Next on my road trip, I was headed to Shenandoah National Park! So stay tuned tomorrow for even more fun, and find out what happened when I came face to face with a BEAR! 

What did you do with your pups on Memorial Day?