Dog-Friendly Louisiana Travel Tips
Bring your four-legged family members along on your next trip to Louisiana.
Adventures await families visiting Louisiana, and they can be fun for your four-legged family members too. The Pelican State offers lodging, activities and even tasty treats for both man and his best friend.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants and More in New Orleans
Some bars and restaurants welcome pets in outdoor seating, perfect during spring and fall to enjoy mild weather and people-watching. At The Bulldog Uptown in New Orleans, sip one of more than 40 rotating beers on tap (including plenty of Louisiana craft beers) on their patio on Magazine Street. Stroll a block down to Petcetera NOLA for a selection of canine bakery treats and accessories. Take a walk in the French Quarter on a pet-friendly, guided tour of the famed neighborhood's haunted history with Witches Brew Tours.
For local lodging in the area, search for pet-friendly stays on The Bed and Breakfast Inns of New Orleans website. Or, check out places to stay statewide. Most Louisiana cities include national pet-friendly hotel chains such as La Quinta, Super 8, Motel 6 and Holiday Inn.
Things to Do with Your Pup in Baton Rouge
In Baton Rouge, take a walk along the Mississippi River levee and then relax with a beer and a snack at The Smiling Dog — which even has a “Pupper Menu” — or the Mid City Beer Garden. Nearby in Denham Springs, with a French name that translates to "the dog," Le Chien Brewing Company graciously welcomes furry friends.
Many cities also have off-leash dog parks — BREC's in Baton Rouge are some of the nicest — and remember that all Louisiana State Parks welcome leashed pets in outdoor facilities, and most have dog-friendly cabins for overnight stays.
Canine-Friendly Experiences in Central Louisiana
In central Louisiana, the pet-friendly cottages at Cheneyville's historic (and reportedly haunted) Loyd Hall Plantation are nestled on a working farm. Alexandria's downtown is just 30 minutes away and is perfect for a stroll. Picnic at Alexander Fulton Mini Park with a pizza from nearby Embers. Follow The Green Belt Trail for an urban hike with your leashed pup in hand, or drive up to Kisatchie National Forest and wander some of its pine-shaded trails and waterways.
Activities for Dogs in Shreveport-Bossier City
Stay in Shreveport or Bossier City for easy access to activities in north Louisiana. The American Rose Center in Shreveport features 20,000 rose bushes. Blooms peak at the end of April, early May and mid-October, and leashed pets can share the outdoor picnic facilities. The Bossier City Farmers Market also welcomes shoppers' pets every Saturday, April through November, at the Pierre Bossier Mall. The area's Boom or Bust Byway along Highway 2 leads to scenic walks, recreation areas and quaint Main Streets across four parishes.
Seasonal Pup-Friendly Events
Mardi Gras visitors should look up The Mystic Krewe de Barkus, a canine krewe. It parades a 15-block French Quarter route with costumes and a canine royal court. Other pet parades include Baton Rouge's Mystic Krewe of Mutts, Covington's Mardi Paws Parade, Lafayette's Krewe des Chiens, Lake Charles' Krewe of Barkus, Monroe's Krewe of Paws and Shreveport's Krewe of Barkus and Meoux.
Whether on two legs or four, Louisiana has an exciting experience waiting.
