Roam: Albuquerque offers pet friendly culture and charm

From glimpses of the gorgeous mountains to an abundance of water activities along the famous Rio Grande River, a visit to this part of the US will prove to be one for the books. Come enjoy the Pueblo architecture, hot air balloons, and all the exciting hiking paths.

Albuquerque is an enriching city full of history and culture, and who better to experience it with than your four-legged best friend? And if you decide to come to this charming town, these places are ready to welcome you.

Eat and Drink

Anodyne is located downtown and has a laid back, grunge feel perfect for a night of enjoying music, cocktails and pool. Headbanging pooches are welcome to hang, making this, all around, a pretty cool joint.

Sadie’s of New Mexico has a spacious covered patio fixated with comforts like heaters and fans so you and your dog can relax despite temperatures. Water is immediately served to dogs upon their arrival, and the basic Mexican cuisine is delicious. Give breakfast a try, too—everything from the egg burritos to Huevos Rancheros are superb!

Also an amazing place for breakfast and lunch, The Grove Café and Market uses a locally sourced approach when preparing their ultra-refreshing, organic dishes. From poached eggs with prosciutto, smoked salmon, to grilled cheese with ricotta and gruyere cheese, everything on the menu is infused with fresh veggies to give it a light twist. Your fur babies are welcome here and might enjoy the vibrant change of pace.

Gecko’s Bar & Tapas has an edge on the typical bar food scene. The tapas are fantastic, with the scallop ceviche dominating the menu. But the thing that really draws us in is that customers report their pups have received water and…bacon! So, come enjoy the outdoor patio while sipping some brews and munching on kielbasa, tacos and taquitos.

Play

More than a handful of dog parks are at your disposal in the city, but North Domingo Baca Dog Park ranks at the top. On top of beautiful scenery, the play space has lots of amenities like an abundance of seating, watering areas and wood chip terrain. Be aware, many people love this park, so nice sunny days with optimal weather can be super busy.

Rio Grande Triangle Dog Park offers soft turf, water bowls, and of course benches as well. It’s simple, yet at the same time perfect, providing all you need to get your dog out and about. Even toys are strewn about for general use.

The Trails Dog Park offers all the basics, along with clean cut walkways and grassy areas. Highly ranked, it is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon in the area.

Bud Warren and Lady Dog Park is most beloved for its varying terrain that was left in place upon construction—it’s not just a flat manicured area. It’s a lovely spot to soak in the native foliage while having divided play space for different dog sizes.

Stay

You and your fur baby will feel like celebrities in the luxurious and uniquely adorned rooms at Hotel Andaluz. The architecture is truly mesmerizing, and you’ll find lots of little nooks to escape to. A patch of grass is conveniently located across the street and is just what pups need for potty breaks and some leg stretching time.

Hotel Parq Central not only welcomes dogs, but makes them really feel like they are home with plenty of treats and even a complimentary toy. Rooms are sleek and comfortable, and the hotel itself has historic roots, once serving as a hospital. But the best feature would have to be the on site, off leash dog run—just grab your morning cup of joe and let your pup play without even having to leave.

So, grab your bags and purchase those plane tickets--authentic food, stunning landscape and plenty of outdoor adventure await.

Editor’s Note: Keep these water safety tips for dogs in mind on your next trip to Albuquerque.

Karyn Wofford is a “Mom” to her fluffy, sweet dog Halli. She spends much of her time traveling and advocating for Type 1 diabetes—and Halli sometimes accompanies her on her adventures. You’ll find Karyn’s work on sites like Mother Earth Living, and in magazines such as Diabetes Forecast.