Pet Friendly Apartments in DC

DC has become a very animal-friendly town over the years, and lately, in the wake of the pandemic, pet adoptions have reached an all-time high. Now, more than ever, picking a pet friendly apartment building in DC is a priority for those moving to the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood. With numerous dog parks, veterinarian clinics, and pet-friendly apartment buildings, pet owners can give their furry friends the very best of city life.

At Valo, residents can go above and beyond to pamper their pets with an onsite dog run, pet spa, and treats available at the front desk to make even our furry residents feel welcome. Beyond the building, here are the top three pet-friendly amenities in the Southwest DC neighborhood.

Pet-Friendly Outdoor Dining

Many of the restaurants throughout DC are open to outdoor diners bringing their dogs along. Southwest DC and The Wharf make it easy to grab a table outside and bring fido along for the fun. Most restaurants in the Southwest neighborhood offer water bowls for pets, along with the occasional treat to keep dogs happy while their owners enjoy a meal of their own.

Valo residents are able to bring their pets to the ground floor courtyard or any of the outdoor roof decks for some furry company while they grill or picnic outside.

DC Dog Parks 

Washington, DC has numerous dog parks throughout the city. These are a great option for getting fido’s energy out in a secure, closed-in environment. While dogs are not legally permitted to be offleash in regular parks and green spaces, in official dog parks, they can roam free! These dog parks often have fun toys and built-in obstacles for extra adventures, and there are usually water fountains to fill up dog bowls for thirsty pups.

The Lansburgh dog park across the street from Valo (next to the beautiful community garden) is an excellent place to socialize your pup and let them run around safely, off leash.

Dog Sitting & Pet Care

Online platforms like Rover, Wag, and even NextDoor make it easy to find an experienced professional to watch and walk your pets when you’re out of town (or just busy with work). You can search by location, price, and previous animal experience to select the best pet sitter for your furry friend.

Additionally, there are a handful of vets and animal clinics nearby to ensure your dog or cat gets the best care in case of an emergency -- or just regular annual visits. Banfield Pet Hospital is a local favorite (and just a few minutes walk from Valo), and the District Veterinary Hospital in Eastern Market is another close-by option.

If you have a dog or cat (or bird or fish!) and you’re looking for a pet-friendly apartment building in DC, Valo offers incredible onsite amenities as well as an entire neighborhood with options for happy, healthy pets. The local dog parks, outdoor animal-friendly dining establishments, and nearby pet care all make it easy to own an animal in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood.

Best Views in DC

Enjoy the best views of DC from the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood

Washington DC is a beautiful city with numerous monuments and viewpoints. Tourists often enjoy traveling up to the top of the Washington Monument to see sweeping views of the nation’s capital. If you know where to look, the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood offers spectacular views of DC’s best sites.

Valo residents are lucky to enjoy some of the best views in the city from several roof decks and viewpoints. Head to the top floor club room for views of the entire city and stay warm in front of the outdoor fire pits. The pool level has unbeatable views as well -- slightly more residential, with an unobstructed view towards Buzzard Point and exciting new urban development.

Check out these other incredible views of DC in the Southwest neighborhood.

Canopy

Just a few blocks west of Valo, residents and guests can visit Canopy, the Hilton hotel bar at the entrance of the new Wharf development. Climb the stairs to the mid-deck, lobby level, and enjoy close-up views of the Washington Channel and boats docked along the marina. If you want to kick it up a notch, the top floor has a trendy bar with outdoor tables and couches that offers nearly 360 degree views of The Capitol, Washington Monument, and downtown DC.

12 Stories

Just a few blocks down the Wharf, 12 Stories is another rooftop bar and lounge that offers some of the best views in the city. The name speaks for itself -- twelve stories up above the water, diners can enjoy drinks and upscale bar bites with unparalleled views of the Potomac river, the elegant Jefferson Memorial, and the Virginia skyline. Lamps and heaters have been added to the outdoor space to make this an enjoyable spot to sit and sip all winter long.

Francis Case Memorial Bridge

If you’re not in the mood for a meal with your view, you can find a similarly stunning viewpoint at no cost a short walk away. Climb the ramp to the Francis Case Memorial Bridge (watch out for runners and cyclists!) and stroll west along the bridge towards Haines Point. Enjoy views of downtown DC, the famous SW Fish Market, and the glittering Rosslyn skyline. This is a great spot to watch the sunset, and you can always head to the Fish Market after dusk for fresh seafood under the stars.

While many people think you need to head to the Mall for the best views in DC, the Southwest neighborhood offers breathtaking views of many of DC’s most notable monuments.

Best Coffee Shops in DC

Get your caffeine fix at these Southwest DC coffee shops! 

For many Washingtonians, that morning cup of joe is the fuel they need to get through a long workday. Luckily there are a number of great coffee shops throughout the city making it easy to find caffeine -- and the potential bonus of breakfast. Larger chains like Starbucks, Peet’s, and Compass are scattered throughout the city, but smaller neighborhood coffee shops are often the preference for DC residents.

Check out these popular coffee shops in Southwest DC -- adored by locals and tourists alike!

Colada Shop

For an exotic twist on your morning java, Colada Shop offers all the basics -- with an exotic, Cuban spin. When it first opened, Colada Shop received rave reviews for their traditional Cuban coffee, cafe con leche, and sweetened espresso drinks. The food was also a step above your traditional coffee shop fare, offering empanadas, croquetas, and freshly baked guava and cheese pastries. Colada Shop is located on the Maine Avenue side of the new Wharf development just a few blocks from Valo, making it an easy stroll for community residents.

Blue Bottle Coffee

Blue Bottle Coffee is a national chain known for their pour over brew and easily customizable espresso beverages. The location in SW DC is towards the end of The Wharf, right next to the famous Fish Market. Try the New Orleans iced coffee on a hot day in DC or order one of their more traditional lattes or cappuccinos served with oat milk for a delicious, slightly earthier beverage. While Blue Bottle sells a variety of pastries and breads to go with their coffee, District Donut is located just a few steps away and is worth a visit.

Sacred Grounds Cafe

Residents of Valo are lucky to have one of the best coffee shops in the area on the ground floor of their DC apartment building. Tucked in between the Valo management office and the gorgeously renovated St. Matthews church, Sacred Grounds offers freshly brewed coffee, tea, and espresso drinks as well as a number of homemade muffins, breads, quiches, and desserts. The frosted sweet potato bread perfectly complements a steaming cup of coffee from this beloved neighborhood coffee shop.

While these neighborhood options are always popular, just across South Capitol street, residents can pick up coffee to go from ABC Pony, Slipstream, and Lot 38. There is also a Philz Coffee located along the Capitol Riverfront for West Coasters who enjoy this popular chain.

Next time you’re looking for the best coffee in town, don’t miss these favorite neighborhood spots in Southwest DC!