Yes, You Can Bring Fido: How to Do Albuquerque with Your Dog
If you’re like me, it’s agonizing to leave your dog at home when you take a trip. Aside from the hassle of arranging a pet sitter or kennel, I always feel rather guilty when I leave her alone. Not to mention that, as a frequent solo traveler, I love my dog’s companionship, and there are many activities I enjoy much more when my dog does them with me. So I’m always looking for pet-friendly destinations, and Albuquerque is definitely one of them.
Unlike many cities, it’s easy to find hotels that welcome dogs and fit any budget. You can find properties that accept two dogs, rooms that will accommodate extra-large dogs, and even inexpensive suburban hotels with pet-friendly picnic and play areas. You can find more information about finding deals on Albuquerque hotels in the guide I wrote for Hipmunk’s website.
Albuquerque has more than its share of dedicated off-leash dog parks in every part of the city. Some favorites include the Rio Grande Triangle Park on Kit Carson close to downtown; the large, new North Domingo Baca on Corona in northeast Albuquerque; and the Rio Bravo Park near Bernalillo.
But what sets the city apart is the number of public parks and spaces that welcome well-mannered pets. You and your dog can spend an afternoon together at the Petroglyph National Monument, Elena Gallegos Park, the beautiful Paseo del Bosque trail, or the Sandia Foothills, among many others. You can even spend the day at the beach together; your dog will love the sandy trails at Tingley Beach.
Dining in Albuquerque is an entertaining mixture of huge portions, retro diners, outsized steak houses, authentic Tex-Mex restaurants and mom-and-pop dives. Fortunately for Fido, many city restaurants offer al fresco dining options that welcome and cater to dogs. Some favorite places to take your dog include the patio at Grove Café and Market, voted the best café in New Mexico, the kitschy Route 66 Malt Shop and the Chama River Brewing Company. Of course, if you’re walking around town, you can share a sandwich or a slice of pie from one of Albuquerque’s awesome food trucks.
If you want to be a tourist with your dog, why not take him on the ABQ Trolley Company tour through the city? Friendly, leashed pets are welcome to take the hour-and-a-half trip with their humans and explore the sights of Albuquerque. How about a ghost walk through historical Duke City? Your dog can accompany you on the History and Ghost Tour of Old Town. You can even bring your pet shopping at Bookworks, the trendy indie bookstore in northwest Albuquerque.
If a road trip or flight to Albuquerque is in your future, you don’t have to leave your canine companion at home. With plenty of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks and attractions, you can enjoy your vacation together. Are you a dog owner who has traveled to Albuquerque? What do you think of its pet-friendly amenities? Share your tips and favorite Albuquerque dog destinations in the comments below!
Sheila Westin is a freelance travel writer and food blogger who writes about the charms, cuisine, and culture of the places she visits. A last-minute travel aficionado, Sheila spends her free time flying down the freeway or across the friendly skies for quick getaways. When she’s not on the road, Sheila enjoys exploring the excellent restaurants and jazz clubs of her native Washington, D.C.