New Orleans is a city full of life, flavor, and music—and guess what? It’s also super dog-friendly! As an adventure-loving pup, I had an amazing time sniffing out the best sights, sounds, and snacks this lively city has to offer. From festive parades to delicious beignets, my tail didn’t stop wagging the entire trip. If you’re planning a visit with your furry best friend, here’s my guide to the top dog-friendly experiences in NOLA!
🐶 Things to do for dogs of all sizes!
🌦️ Great trip any time of the year, but summer gets very hot and humid!
🗓️ Best for a long weekend
Day 1: Exploring the French Quarter
The French Quarter is the vibrant soul of New Orleans. As I trotted through the cobblestone streets, I was greeted by the sounds of jazz filling the air, the scent of delicious treats wafting from cafés, and friendly faces around every corner. This neighborhood is packed with dog-friendly gems, from charming boutiques to lively patios where pups are more than welcome!
When most people think of the French Quarter, they picture Bourbon Street’s bussling nightlife, but there’s so much more to explore. While Bourbon Street is a hub of revelry, the rest of the Quarter offers a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with street performers, historic landmarks, and quaint shops.
For history buffs (or just dark-history loving pups like me), a ghost tour is a must! The French Quarter has a hauntingly fascinating past, and the best way to uncover its eerie legends is on a dog-friendly ghost tour. We joined Haunted History Tours, where our guide captivated us with spine-chilling stories of the city’s most infamous residents.
Fun fact for the American Horror Story fans: The LaLaurie mansion shown in the TV series isn’t actually the real one! The show used Gallier House for filming, a few doors down from the actual LaLaurie Mansion. The real story of Madame LaLaurie is even more chilling than the one on TV, and most ghost tours make a stop here to share its gruesome history.
Dog-Friendly Food Spots in the French Quarter:
- Cafe du Monde – A must-visit spot for beignets! Just be careful—powdered sugar tends to fly everywhere, and us pups should avoid licking it up.
- Cafe Amelie – With a beautiful courtyard and delicious Louisiana cuisine. The staff was incredibly friendly and even snuck me a little treat!
- Loretta’s Authentic Pralines – A great stop for a sweet snack inside the French Market.
- Ernst Cafe – Located in the Warehouse District, it offers a calmer atmosphere than the bars on Bourbon Street with delicious BBQ mac & cheese.
- Cafe Beignet – Another fantastic place to grab beignets and you can people-watch from a lovely courtyard at the store on Royal Street.
- Sweet Saint – This local ice cream shop had the nicest owners and delicious ice cream, highly recommend!
- Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar – No trip to NOLA is complete without chargrilled oysters and po’boys!
Dog Boutiques to Visit:
- Southern Paws – A wonderful shop filled with dog toys, clothes, and gourmet treats.
- Chi-wa-wa Ga-ga – A must-visit for small dog fashion (especially if you need some Saints merch to rep your trip!).
Dog-Friendly Hotels near the French Quarter:
- I stayed at Cambria Hotel in the Warehouse District – the staff are so friendly and have great recommendations!
Day 2: Strolling Through the Garden District
We hopped on the streetcar to the Garden District, home to stunning mansions from the 19th century. Many houses have plaques telling their history, so it’s like a self-guided tour!
If you’re a fan of American Horror Story, you’ll recognize Buckner Mansion from Coven!
Dog-Friendly Food Spots in the Garden District:
- The Rum House – A Caribbean-inspired restaurant with a welcoming dog-friendly outdoor patio.
- PJ’s Coffee – Perfect for a quick caffeine break while strolling back towards the French Quarter
Day 3: Parades and Festivities
A friend once told me, “Every day is a parade in New Orleans,” and they weren’t wrong! We were lucky enough to catch the NOLA Holiday Parade, filled with floats, marching bands, and endless excitement. Plus, we saw several wedding second lines, where newlyweds parade through the streets with live jazz! There’s always something happening, so be sure to check the local event calendar while visiting.
Dog-Friendly Tips & Things to Keep in Mind
While New Orleans is very dog-friendly, not everything is open to us pups. Here are a few things to be aware of:
Most museums only allow service dogs. If your human wants to visit one, they may need to go solo.
Indoor dining is off-limits to dogs, but most restaurants offer outdoor seating with heaters and umbrellas.
Cemeteries don’t allow dogs, so cemetery tours might not be an option for you.
New Orleans is one of the friendliest cities I’ve ever visited! From delicious food and live music to ghost stories and gorgeous architecture, it’s a dream destination for fun-loving pups and their humans. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to bring your leash, your appetite, and a sense of adventure—you won’t regret it!