Salem Woods Dog Park
Salem Woods Dog Park is a park in Kempsville, Virginia Beach, best for off-leash exercise in the Kempsville/Centerville area, separating small and large dogs.
The fifth of Virginia Beach's free public dog parks, and the one furthest into the Kempsville-Centerville suburbs: a 1.72-acre fenced facility divided into two sections so small and large dogs can be split up, shaded by mature trees. It rounds out the city's dog-park network alongside Bayville Farms, Marshview, Red Wing, and Woodstock — all free, all fenced, all built around the same off-leash-in-designated-areas model.
- Dog Friendly
- Free
Amenities
- Two fenced off-leash sections (1.72 acres total)
- Shade trees
- Surrounding park path and green space
Know Before You Go
- Best for: off-leash exercise in the Kempsville/Centerville area, separating small and large dogs
- Parking: Free lot off Salem Road.
- Accessibility: Level, fenced enclosures reached from the park's lot.
- Dogs: allowed — Off-leash allowed inside the two fenced sections; leash required elsewhere on the grounds per citywide park rules.
- Location: 1525 Salem Rd, Virginia Beach, VA
Last verified 2026-07-11.
More Parks Nearby
Woodstock Dog Park
Kempsville's off-leash option: a one-acre fenced area inside Woodstock Park where small and large dogs play together in a single shared enclosure — worth…
- Dog Friendly
- Free
- Restrooms Available
Bayville Farms Dog Park
The best-equipped of Virginia Beach's five free public dog parks: Bayville Farms offers three separate fenced areas so small and large dogs can be split up,…
- Dog Friendly
- Free
Marshview Dog Park
The closest fenced off-leash park to the Resort Strip — critical local knowledge in summer, when dogs are banned from the resort sand all day. Marshview's dog…
- Dog Friendly
- Free
Red Wing Dog Park
The city dog park closest to the southern beaches, set inside 97-acre Red Wing Park on General Booth Boulevard. One acre of off-leash space is split into two…
- Dog Friendly
- Free
- Restrooms Available
While You're in the Area
17 Hands Coffee
Kempsville espresso bar and scratch bakery near Centerville Turnpike, with cakes, pies, and quiche, dog treats at the counter, and free parking.
- Outdoor Seating
- Free Parking
77 Coffeehouse
Regent University's campus coffeehouse, named for the school's 1977 founding class of 77 students, serving espresso and tea in the Dede Robertson Student Center.
Back Bay's Farmhouse Brewing Co.
Farmhouse taproom on Kempsville Road pouring both beer and cider, with big outdoor grounds, food trucks, an on-site market, and a coffee shop.
- Outdoor Seating
- Family Friendly
Bodega Cafe
Bodega-style cafe serving Cuban cafecito, a coconut Coco Loco Espresso, and Puerto Rican quesitos in a small, regulars-first space.
Buko Resto-Bar
Filipino-American restaurant and karaoke bar on South Independence Boulevard, serving Sizzling Sisig and Crispy Pata alongside DJ nights and pool tables.
- Open Late
C4 Coffee
Veteran-owned Kempsville cafe serving authentic Colombian coffee and empanadas alongside boba tea and made-to-order rolled ice cream.
Upcoming Events Nearby
Autumn in the Air
November 7, 2026 · annual
A newer addition to the city's Parks & Recreation calendar, this single-day fall festival takes over Mount Trashmore Park with folk, americana, and rock bands on an outdoor stage, food and drink for purchase, and activities scattered across the lakefront lawn. Now in its third year, it's grown into the city's answer to a proper autumn street festival without the Oceanfront crowds -- bring a lawn chair or blanket, since tents and large coolers aren't allowed in the event area. Free admission and parking make it an easy afternoon add for anyone already in Kempsville.
Santa's Stocking Old Fashioned Craft Bazaar
November 14, 2026 – November 22, 2026 · annual
Now in its 48th year, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation's holiday craft bazaar splits across two weekends and two recreation centers: Princess Anne Recreation Center hosts November 14-15, then Kempsville Recreation Center takes over November 21-22. Crafters sell handmade items ranging from stocking stuffers to fine art at budget-friendly prices, with Saturday hours 9am-4pm and Sunday hours 10am-3pm each weekend. Admission and on-site parking are free at both locations, making it an easy holiday-shopping stop regardless of which side of the city you're on.
Mount Trashmore July 4th Celebration
July 4, 2027 · annual
Virginia Beach's inland Independence Day tradition fills Mount Trashmore Park -- the converted landfill hill that gives the park its name -- with live music, food trucks, and family activities before a fireworks show over the lake at 9:30pm. It's the free, low-key alternative to the Oceanfront's Stars & Stripes Celebration the same night, drawing families from the Kempsville and Town Center side of the city who'd rather skip beach traffic. Free admission and free parking, with the park's grassy hill doubling as a natural amphitheater for the fireworks.