If leaving your furry friend at home is just too stressful to bear or too expensive to kennel for a week, have you considered bringing your pet on vacation with you? However, traveling with Fido can be both a blessing and a challenge. Certain cities are much more pet friendly than others, allowing you to bring your dog to eat, sleep and even work with you. If you're ready for a vacation for two that includes six legs, check out the following hotspots, which definitely trend toward the hipster lifestyle.
Denver, CO
You're almost in the minority if you don't have a dog in tow in the Mile High City. There are 503 pet-related businesses in Denver, the most anywhere in the country. Boasting outdoor recreation a plenty, there are wide open spaces with scenic mountain backdrops like City Park and Wash Park full of walking paths and geese to chase. With the sun shining 300+ days a year, it's easy to eat outside at one of the lovely patios or beer gardens while people and pet watching. Need a lift? You can even bring pets in taxis for a mere $1 fee.
Portland, OR
Portland has over 50 off-leash dog parks, the most in the country after congested NYC and hundreds of pet-friendly hotels. One standout is the Hotel Monaco Portland, who offers free amenities like water/food bowls, treats and a pet concierge. They even host the Next Top Dog Model contest, a lively benefit for the Oregon Humane Society every June if you're looking for a fab event to attend with your pooch.
San Diego, CA
Ranking sixth in public park space per capita, it's hard not to dream about dipping your toes or paws in the ocean with gusto. There are 196 outdoor restaurants that allow your pet to dine in style with you, rated by how bone-friendly they are. If you're looking to get liquored up, The Wine Pub has Woofer Wednesdays, where 10% of the proceeds are donated to Loving Arms Pet Adoption.
Austin, TX
Austin has the third most vets in the country after Houston and Portland, ensuring your pet will be well taken care of should anything go awry. If you're looking for swanky accommodations, the Driskill Hotel was the recipient of the Cesar's Five Bone Award and has housed celebrity humans Paul Simon, the Dixie Chicks, President Clinton, Lydon B. Johnson and their furry companions in custom designed pet-beds.