Richmond
Dog Trips
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LOCAL · LEASHED

James River walks + Ardent beer garden

For a leashed river walk followed by a patio stop in Richmond.

Sources checked 2026-09-30 · Research-based, not a firsthand visit

Drive
A local Richmond trip. Check directions and traffic for the stops you choose.
Time & walking
Choose your walking distance from the park trail map and leave time for the patio.
Dog rules
Keep your dog leashed. Plan to sit outdoors at Ardent. Confirm James River Park System access as noted below.
Budget
Check park charges before leaving. Budget for food and drinks at Ardent.

STOP 01

Belle Isle

Winter sun over the James River at Belle Isle in Richmond
Belle Isle, Richmond · January 2012 Photo credit

Start with a leashed walk; this is not a swimming plan.

Access
The park partner describes access via the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge. Choose and confirm your parking lot before leaving.
Hours
City park hours: sunrise–sunset.
Before you go
The City lists a Texas Beach bridge closure, which is not the Belle Isle bridge. Check current notices for your route.
Full place record ↗
Sources for this stop · checked 2026-09-30

Read the current source before leaving; access and hours can change.

STOP 02

Pony Pasture · optional

Add a second shoreline walk if it suits your day. Keep this stop on land.

Access
Friends of James River Park lists 7200 Riverside Drive and a 150-car lot on its page dated 2022. Check current parking availability and follow posted restrictions.
Hours
Sunrise–sunset under the City park rules.
Walking
Friends of James River Park describes 3 miles of easy park trails; this is not a measured route for this itinerary.
Directions to the listed address ↗

This is the partner-listed address, not a verified gate or available parking space.

Full place record ↗
Sources for this stop · checked 2026-09-30

Read the current source before leaving; access and hours can change.

STOP 03

Ardent beer garden

Finish outdoors with your dog on a leash.

Dogs
Leashed, well-behaved dogs in the beer garden; pets are not allowed inside the taproom.
Parking
3200 W. Leigh St. Private lot behind the brewery via Highpoint Ave; the gate locks at closing.
Hours
Mon–Wed noon–9pm; Thu–Fri noon–10pm; Sat 11am–10pm; Sun noon–8pm.
Weather
A covered area has heat lamps. A covered area has heat lamps; ask Ardent about shelter before you rely on it.
Directions to Ardent ↗

Venue address. Use Highpoint Ave for the private parking lot.

Full place record ↗
Sources for this stop · checked 2026-09-30

Read the current source before leaving; access and hours can change.

Another kind of day?

FENCED OFF-LEASH · OUTDOOR PATIO

Short Pump Dog Park + Hardywood West Creek

A fenced run for your dog, then a leashed outdoor stop at West Creek.

Hardywood is closed Mondays and its former overflow parking lot is unavailable. Ask the venue before relying on the tent or gazebos for shelter with your dog.

Source check · 2026-09-30
Pine branches framing the broad river at York River State Park
York River State Park · December 2025 Photo credit

DAY TRIP · LEASH NO LONGER THAN 6 FT

York River trails + Fossil Beach shoreline

A state-park trip for a leashed trail walk and shoreline views.

Plan a trail and shoreline visit. Dog water-entry and fossil-collecting permission have not been established; keep your dog on land and leave fossils where they are.

Source check · 2026-09-30