Looking for a great vacation? San Diego, with its dog-friendly and laid-back style, is the perfect getaway for both you and your canine companion.

What to See and Do: First stop, the pet-friendly community of Ocean Beach, located northwest of downtown San Diego. The Ocean Beach community is home to Dog Beach, a legal off-leash beach at the end of Voltaire Street, where you and your pal can enjoy the surf together. After a long day at the beach, what better place to clean up than the bustling OB Dog Wash, located on Voltaire Street, about two blocks up from Dog Beach. This is a self-serve dog wash open seven days a week. Check out the OB Farmer's Market on Wednesday afternoons for tamales, organically grown produce, and entertainment. More information about Ocean Beach can be found at: www.oceanbeachsandiego.com .

San Diego has designated off-leash parks and recreation areas including two locations in Balboa Park, San Diego's premier public park and home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The leash free areas at Balboa Park are located at Morley Field near the tennis courts, and Nate's Point at Balboa Drive and El Prado. It is the place to see and be seen by dog lovers from all parts of San Diego. Maps of the area and other leash free parks can be found at: http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/general-info/leashfree.shtml

Another off-leash beach location is Fiesta Island, a rustic little island in Mission Bay. It's a great place to enjoy a bonfire, barbeque, and a romp in the bay with your dog; but beware the evening fireworks at nearby Sea World, if your canine friend is skittish about such things. No camping is allowed on Fiesta Island, and there are no bathrooms.

Where to Shop: The Otay Ranch Town Center shopping mall in Chula Vista is a relatively new outdoor mall with pet-friendly shops and food court. Several shops keep filled water bowls for thirsty dogs right outside their doors. The crowning glory of Otay Ranch Town Center is the 10,000 sq foot Doggy Park. More information about Otay Ranch Town Center can be found at: http://www.otayranchtowncenter.com/

Where to Eat: Many restaurants with outdoor seating are pet-friendly in San Diego, particularly those in the Ocean Beach community. The best approach is to call ahead and ask if they allow leashed dogs. The San Diego Humane Society serves up the popular Doggie Café where people and pooches are more than welcome. http://www.sdhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=prg_DoggieCafe The food pavilion at Otay Ranch Town Center shopping mall in Chula Vista, twenty minutes east of downtown San Diego, is also pet friendly.

Where to Stay: The luxurious W Hotel San Diego welcomes you and your forty-pound or under furry companion. Special doggy spa services are also available. Information is at the company website: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels If the budget-stretching W Hotel not in your price range, try The Chula Vista La Quinta Inn http://www.lq.com/lq//properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ647&propId=647 , which accepts pets and is within twelve miles of Balboa Park. The Residence Inn by Marriott, Downtown San Diego welcomes dogs as well. More information from the company website is at: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/travel/sanph-residence-inn-san-diego-downtown Vacation rentals by http://www.blue-heron-cottages.com/ in Ocean Beach offers charming rentals that are pet friendly. Finally, most campgrounds in San Diego allow leashed and vaccinated dogs. Information can be found at: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/Camping/info.html

San Diego is known for its beauty and charm, and for its relaxed and friendly vibe. Best of all, it is a vacation town that can be enjoyed by everyone in your family.