Along the River at Jones Point Park

Jan 7

Two dogs wading at the rocky shoreline of the Potomac River near Jones Point Lighthouse on a calm winter morning, with still water and a soft pastel sky. — Quiet water, curious noses, and nowhere else we needed to be.

Getting There

Right along the river, Jones Point Park sits tucked beneath the bridge on the southeast corner of Old Town. Parking is easy and plentiful, which makes it an especially appealing spot when you’re heading out with dogs and looking for a quick escape — a place that blends nature, history, and an easy walk with dogs.

This walk is part of our collection of Quiet Walks & Slow Travel with Dogs, where we share places that invite an unhurried pace.

If you enjoy quiet river walks like this one, you might also enjoy A Winter Walk on Theodore Roosevelt Island, where the pace is just as calm.

Two dogs on leashes walking along a paved path beneath a bridge near Jones Point Lighthouse, one dog looking back while the other faces forward. — Checking back in before moving forward.

A leashed dog standing on a paved path beneath a bridge near Jones Point Lighthouse, looking directly toward the camera during a quiet winter walk. — Always alert, always curious.

Two leashed dogs standing on a paved path beneath a concrete bridge near Jones Point Lighthouse, both turning back toward the camera during a quiet walk. — Pausing on the path under the bridge.

First Impressions

The main paths are wide, flat, and easy to walk — perfect for a relaxed pace. There’s a steady hum of traffic from the bridge overhead, not loud exactly, but constant.

Most dogs won’t mind it at all. Archie barely noticed.
But if you have a noise-sensitive or anxious dog — like Saydie — it’s something to be aware of. The sound can be distracting at first, and it may take them a moment to settle.

A leashed dog walking along a narrow paved path built on a World War I–era crane rail near Jones Point Lighthouse, part of a historic riverside park. — A narrow path built on a former World War I crane rail.

A Gentle Shift

As we moved away from the hum of the bridge and closer to the river’s edge, the walking trails became quieter and more enclosed, with small, inviting spots along the shoreline to explore.

Two leashed dogs standing on a dirt walking path bordered by leafless trees near Jones Point Lighthouse during a winter walk. — A quiet stretch of path near Jones Point.

A leashed dog standing on a dirt trail lined with leafless trees and fallen leaves near Jones Point Lighthouse during a winter walk. — Pausing on the wooded trail.

As you start down the main path, the small lighthouse that gives the park its name comes into view. Jones Point Lighthouse isn’t a traditional, towering lighthouse — it’s low and compact, tucked close to the river — and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it

A leashed dog standing on a gravel path near the historic Jones Point Lighthouse buildings, with the Potomac River visible in the background at dusk. — Stopping near the historic buildings before continuing.

The historic white wooden keeper’s house at Jones Point Lighthouse, showing a small porch, peeling paint, and winter trees in the background. — The historic keeper’s house at Jones Point Lighthouse.

The historic white wooden keeper’s house at Jones Point Lighthouse viewed from the side, with the Potomac River visible behind it on an overcast day. — Historic keeper’s house overlooking the Potomac River.

Close-up of blue wooden shutters and peeling white paint on the exterior of the historic keeper’s house at Jones Point Lighthouse. — Weathered shutters on the keeper’s house.

A leashed dog sniffing a stone boundary marker engraved “District of Columbia” at Jones Point near the Potomac River. — Stopping at the DC boundary stone near Jones Point.

A leashed dog standing beside a historic stone boundary marker engraved “Boundary,” with additional boundary stones visible along the path at Jones Point. — Standing by one of the original boundary stones.

Along the Water

Down by the shoreline, everything slowed. The river was still, the stones visible beneath the surface, driftwood scattered naturally along the edge. Both dogs became absorbed in quiet exploration — sniffing, watching, listening.

Saydie relaxed noticeably here, her focus shifting away from the overhead noise and into the rhythm of the water and woods.

If you don’t have the time for a longer coastal stay like Cape Charles: An Unhurried Coastal Stay, this walk offers a similar sense of quiet and ease — just closer to home

Two leashed dogs wading in shallow water along the Potomac River near Jones Point Lighthouse, with rocks and a calm winter shoreline. — Exploring the shallow water along the Potomac.

A leashed dog standing in shallow, clear water at the edge of the Potomac River near Jones Point Lighthouse, with rocks and a calm shoreline in the background. — Standing at the river’s edge.

The park is close enough to Old Town to be convenient, but once you move onto the trails, it feels more removed. The first stretch beneath the bridge can feel busy, particularly for noise-sensitive dogs. Farther along, the trails and river edge are noticeably quieter.