When traveling with your dog, planning ahead is important. You can’t guarantee that everywhere you go will welcome your dog. But, with some research and planning before you leave, you can make sure you have a dog-friendly place to stay, dog-friendly things to do, and even some restaurants where you’ll be able to keep your dog with you! If you’re headed to “The Pelican State”, use this Louisiana dog-friendly travel guide to start your research and plan a trip you and your dog can both enjoy:

6 Dog-Friendly Activities in Louisiana

When you’re on a trip with your dog, you want to do more than ride around in the car and hang out in a hotel room. That’s where dog-friendly activities can come in handy. With some of these dog-friendly things to do on your trip itinerary, you and your dog can have a blast making memories in Louisiana:

1. Cabela’s

The Cabela’s located in Gonzales, Louisiana welcomes leashed and well-mannered dogs into their store. In addition to any outdoor gear you may need, the store also features a 165,000 square-foot retail showroom. There are plenty of museum-quality animal displays and aquariums for you and your dog to see while you peruse the products or just stop in to wander.

2. Algier’s Ferry

The Algier’s Ferry is a small passenger ferry in New Orleans that travels between Canal Street and Algiers Point. It runs every 30 minutes and welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs on their lower deck. It costs $2 to ride and is easiest when you have exact change.

You can also pay through the RTA mobile app on your phone if you have it for travel. Whether you’re using it to get from point A to point B or just want a relaxing ride across the Mississippi River, the Algier’s Ferry can help get you there.

3. Ghost City Tours

Ghost City Tours operates in several cities and has an operation right in the heart of New Orleans. NOLA is packed with history and plenty to see, which means there is a lot of content for anyone who likes the spooky and macabre to enjoy.

Well-mannered, leashed dogs are welcome on all the tours except for the New Orleans Ghost Hunt Experience and the Ghost City Haunted Pub Crawl. But, don’t worry; there are still plenty of dog-friendly ghost tours to choose from!

You and your pooch can spend about 90 minutes exploring the spooky side of New Orleans on The New Orleans Cemetery Tour, The Thrillers and Killers Tour, or the Ghosts of New Orleans Tour.

4. South Park

South Park is located in Denham Springs and is a great place to stop when you and your dog need to take a break from traveling. The park covers about 60 acres and features outdoor basketball courts, playgrounds, pavilions, a horse-riding arena, and off-leash dog parks for small and large dogs. It’s the perfect stop to let your dog run and blow off some steam.

5. LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens

Should your travels take you near Baton Rouge, the Botanic Gardens at the LSU AgCenter are a treat. They feature 3 miles of walking trails with gardens and an arboretum. Plus, it’s dog-friendly! As long as your dog is leashed and well-behaved, they are welcome to join you as you explore the grounds.

6. Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail

The Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail is an out-and-back trail located in New Orleans. The trail is 6.8 miles long and is suitable for all skill levels, but you certainly don’t have to hike the whole way if you’re not up for a longer hike.

It’s commonly used for walking, hiking, birding, and trail running. The boardwalk/levee walk allows you to explore the swampland of Louisiana without having to get your feet wet. And, your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed.

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Louisiana

After a full day of adventure and exploration, you’ll want to make sure you and your dog have a place to stay. Not every hotel welcomes pets, so it’s important to do your research and book your room ahead of time. Here are a few dog-friendly hotels in Louisiana to consider:

1. Bienville House Hotel

The Bienville House Hotel is located in New Orleans and is a dog-friendly hotel. You are permitted to bring two dogs of any size with you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $100 per stay as well as an extra $25 per night and per dog.

As long as your dog is quiet when you’re not around and you leave a mobile number with the front desk, you can leave your dog unattended in your room. There is a grassy relief area nearby, but it is not on the property. It’s about a block away from the hotel.

2. Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown

The Hotel Indigo is located in downtown Baton Rouge and is a dog-friendly hotel. Two dogs up to 75 pounds are permitted to stay with you. There is an additional pet fee, which is $50 per stay and the dog-friendly rooms are located on the fifth floor.

Water bowls and treats are available at the front desk. A grassy pet relief area is nearby as it’s just across the street. Also, as long as your dog is well-behaved and quiet when you’re not around, they can be left unattended in your room.

3. Motel 6 Lake Charles On The Bayou

If you’ll need somewhere to stay near Lake Charles, consider booking a room at Motel 6. Two dogs of any size are welcome to stay with you and there is no additional pet fee. There is also a grassy relief area on-site. However, you are not permitted to leave your dog in your room unattended.

4 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Louisiana

Although you can always hit up fast food places and convenience stores, doing so means you might miss out on the local flavor and atmosphere. Plus, it’s nice to just sit down and enjoy a meal sometimes. If you find yourself near one of these dog-friendly restaurants, consider stopping for a bite to eat:

1. Herbsaint

Herbsaint is a local favorite located in New Orleans. They offer both full-size and half-size entrees during lunch and dinner. The menu ranges from gumbo, crispy goat, and duck confit to spaghetti, beef short rib, jumbo shrimp, and more, so there is something for everyone. And, your dog is welcome to join you in the outdoor seating area.

2. The Rum House

Also located in New Orleans is The Rum House. This Caribbean Taqueria is the only one in New Orleans. Local favorites include the Caribbean-inspired tacos, the beach drinks inspired by the island, and the jerk chicken. Also, it’s dog-friendly! Your dog is welcome to join you in the outdoor seating area.

3. Marilyn’s Place

If you find yourself hungry in Shreveport, consider stopping by Marilyn’s Place for a taste of local Cajun flavor. Your dog can join you in the patio areas while you enjoy some Cajun classics like red beans and rice, fried crawfish, shrimp creole, and more.

4. The Chimes

The Chimes has three locations in Louisiana – two in Baton Rouge and one in Covington. It’s a great place to stop for a taste of authentic Louisiana-style cuisine.

Their menu features things like crawfish etouffee, chargrilled oysters, shrimp po’boy sandwiches, red beans and rice with sausage, blackened salmon sandwiches, and more. Plus, they have covered outdoor seating that is dog-friendly.

This Louisiana dog-friendly travel guide can be a great place to start your research when you’re planning a trip to this state with your dog. It doesn’t include everything, but it can help get you started in the right direction.

If you’re headed to a different state, take a look through the other dog-friendly travel guides available. Here’s to wagging tails, safe travels, and happy trails no matter where your adventures take you!