Shirlington Dog Park is a long, narrow off-leash park beside Four Mile Run in Arlington. The main enclosure follows a paved path between South Oakland and South Oxford streets, with a separate small-dog area, benches, drinking fountains and several gated entrances.
Stream warning: Arlington County identifies Four Mile Run as impaired by elevated bacteria and says it is unsafe for activities where water may be swallowed. The lower Four Mile Run monitoring group, which includes Shirlington Dog Park, has the county’s highest average bacteria levels. Stream-access gates may also close. Check current signs and consider keeping your dog out of the water, especially during warm months and for 24-48 hours after rain.
Plan your visit
- Address: 2710 South Oakland Street, Arlington, VA 22206.
- Hours: Sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
- Parking: Arlington County lists limited parking near the park.
- Dog areas: A large main run and a separate small-dog enclosure near the Oakland Street end.
- Water: Drinking fountains and water bowls are shown on the visitor map. Bring backup water.
- Surface: A paved internal path runs through a mix of gravel, dirt and shaded sections.
Find the dog park entrance
Get directions to the South Oakland Street entrance. The visitor map shows gates at both ends and another gate near South Oxford Street, with limited parking closest to the Oakland and Oxford approaches. Keep your dog leashed until you are inside the double-gated entry.
A long linear dog park
The main park stretches along the stream rather than forming one open field. This layout works well for walking while a dog explores, but energetic dogs can move a long way quickly. Benches and shaded pockets appear along the route. The small-dog enclosure offers a more compact alternative near South Oakland Street.
Four Mile Run safety
Creek access is outside the core fenced play area and should never be treated like a maintained dog pool. Arlington warns that clear-looking stream water can still contain bacteria, viruses, sharp glass, wire or metal. Do not allow drinking, avoid discolored water, wash paws and hands afterward, and follow any locked gate or posted advisory.
Rules before you enter
Dogs may be off leash only inside the designated dog park. Keep gates closed, supervise closely and remove waste immediately. Use the separate small-dog area when appropriate, and leave if your dog becomes aggressive or overwhelmed. Athletic fields remain off limits to dogs.
What other park visitors say
Visitors praise the length of the park, shady walking path, drinking fountains, benches and space for high-energy dogs. The small-dog area is helpful for tiny or cautious dogs. Common cautions include crowds at peak times, limited parking, gnats in warm weather, occasional overgrowth or mud and the safety of Four Mile Run. Recent visitors also report that stream gates are sometimes locked, so plan the outing around the fenced park rather than promised creek access.
Official information
Check Arlington County’s official Shirlington Dog Park page for hours, parking and notices. Read the county’s stream-safety guidance before allowing any water contact.