How to Travel with Your Dog in New Orleans

French Bulldog in front of colorful New Orleans home

New Orleans, with its colorful history, vibrant culture, and lively streets, is a place that beckons explorers of all types. But did you know it's also a haven for those traveling with their four-legged friends? Yes, the Big Easy isn’t just about jazz and jambalaya. The city has opened its heart to pets, especially dogs! If you are wondering how to travel with your dog in New Orleans, you’re in for a treat. There's plenty to explore and enjoy, from delightful eateries to lively activities and the ever-welcoming Creole Gardens. Let’s dive in!

Eateries Where Your Pooch is Welcome

Countless restaurants, bars, and cafes will welcome you and your four-legged friends. While the below is not an exhaustive list, it includes some of our favorite places!

  • Dat Dog: New Orleans is known for its culinary treasures, and Dat Dog on Magainze Street is one that dogs and humans will both adore. With spacious outdoor seating, you can savor their gourmet hot dogs while your canine buddy lounges beside you. 

  • Cafe Beignet: Imagine indulging in the legendary beignets while your dog rests under the table. Cafe Beignet locations are all dog-friendly, both indoor and outdoor, making it a must-stop while in town.

  • The Vintage: The Vintage on Magazine Street features wonderful coffee, classic and unique cocktails, and savory and sweet items. You can even get a beignet flight with raspberry, smores, and matcha beignets! There is outdoor seating both on Magazine Street and in the backyard courtyard. 

  • Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant: Not only is Lucy’s pet friendly, but they also provide a Sur-Fur menu with dog-friendly treats. 

  • Courtyard Brewery: Who doesn’t love a beer on a nice warm day? Courtyard Brewery is a short walk away from Creole Gardens and specializes in saisons and IPAs, in addition to having a rotating food popup to satisfy all guests! 

  • Bayou Beer Garden: Bayou Beer Garden and the adjoining Bayou Wine Garden feature a large dog-friendly outdoor area. They even have a dog costume contest if you're around during Halloween! 

  • Pepp’s Pub: This bar is so dog-friendly that it was named and themed around a dog, Pepper! Pepper’s owners created this venture during the pandemic, which has since become filled with polaroid dog portraits. Pepp’s Pub often has more furry friends than humans, so this spot is a must if you want to socialize while your dog makes friends!

With Creole Gardens' central location, all of these places are easy to get to while in New Orleans. Now, it’s just up to you to decide where to go!

Creole Gardens Inside Tip: Many places with outdoor seating will welcome your dog as long as they are well-behaved, but we highly recommend calling before just to be sure!

Activities Tailored for You and Your Dog 

When considering how to travel with your dog in New Orleans, it’s crucial to ensure there are activities that you’ll both enjoy. Despite the reputation of New Orleans surrounding Cajun food, jazz, and Mardi Gras, there are plenty of activities for your furry friend. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to the Crescent City! 

  • The French Quarter: Take a leisurely stroll with your dog through the famous streets of the French Quarter! Its historical charm and vibrant atmosphere will entertain both you and your pup. 

  • Crescent Park: Offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, this is the perfect place for a scenic dog walk. 

  • NOLA City Bark: Designed specifically for dogs, this is New Orleans’ premier dog park. 

  • Ghost Tours: New Orleans is renowned for its mystical legends and ghost stories. Several dog-friendly ghost tours allow you to unravel the city's mysteries with your sidekick. 

  • Audubon Park: Located Uptown, this park offers beautiful trails, large oak trees, and an overall peaceful spot. 

  • Magazine Street: Six miles of shopping, with many stores, bars, and restaurants that allow dogs inside or provide water bowls outside.

You can do so many other activities with your pup while in the city, which is why it’s such a great place for your vacation! Our team recommends grabbing your dog and a leash and taking in all the beautiful sites. Plus, you never know what you’ll encounter walking our iconic streets!

Stay at the Creole Gardens

Arguably the most dog-friendly hotel in New Orleans,  The Creole Gardens is a charming small bed-and-breakfast-style hotel in the historic Lower Garden District, conveniently located midway between the French Quarter and the Garden District, a few short blocks from the WWII Museum.   Not only is The Creole Gardens drenched in New Orleans’ warm and colorful aesthetic, but it prides itself on being one of the most dog-friendly places to stay in not only New Orleans but the entire region.  

You and your dog will love the spacious rooms, lush central courtyard, and welcoming atmosphere. Our staff loves dogs and is trained to ensure that every canine guest feels as pampered as their human counterparts. Creole Gardens only charges a minimal $15 pet fee per stay for one furbaby and only $10 for each other. We also don’t have size or breed restrictions, so please bring the whole family. We love all dogs and welcome all furry visitors  (as long as they are nice!)  Plus, our free on-site parking lot makes it a snap to drive in, park, and walk your pup directly into your room.  And when it's time for a walk or play, Coliseum Park is right around the corner!

If you’re considering where to stay when traveling with your dog, Creole Gardens should top your list. Furthermore, we are highly regarded in the city as one of the best pet-friendly hotels, and we hope we can host you and your fur baby soon!

Tips for a Seamless Experience

  • Be Prepared: Always have your dog’s essentials handy, including their leash, water, bowl, and waste bags. New Orleans can get hot, so ensure your pup stays hydrated. 

  • Respect Local Businesses: Not every place in New Orleans is pet-friendly. Always ask permission before entering with your dog. 

  • Stay Updated on Pet Policies: Even pet-friendly spots might have specific rules. It’s always a good idea to check beforehand.

Traveling with Your Pet FAQ 

Traveling with your pet can raise a lot of questions, which is why our team has compiled a list of our frequently asked questions when it comes to how to travel with your dog to New Orleans and stay at Creole Gardens.

Which Rooms are Pet Friendly?

All of our Cottage Rooms are pet-friendly. If these rooms are unavailable during your stay, please contact us directly, and we will do our best to accommodate you and your pet.

Are There Weight Restrictions? 

We do not have weight restrictions and welcome any furry friends!

Can I Bring My Pup? 

Creole Gardens has no breed or weight restrictions, so no matter your dog’s breed, they are welcome at Creole Gardens!

What Happens if My Dog Poops in the Hotel Room? 

While we’ve never had this issue at Creole Gardens, if it does happen, we ask that you clean up the mess to the best of your ability and alert a team member as soon as possible. We take pride in the overall cleanliness of Creole Gardens and want everyone to have a clean and relaxing stay.

Are There Additional Pet Fees? 

We charge $15 for one furry friend and $10 for each additional pet!

Can You Leave Pets Unattended in the Room? 

So long as your furry family members are comfortable and not missing you while you are away, you are more than welcome to leave them unattended. However, if there are any damages, we ask that you find a member of our staff and let them know as soon as possible. 

If you have questions not answered above, please contact our team; we are happy to help!

Never Again Wonder How to Travel with Your Dog in New Orleans

Traveling with your dog to New Orleans is feasible and immensely enjoyable. The city, with its inclusive vibe, ensures that pets and their humans have a memorable experience. Whether savoring the rich flavors at a local eatery, soaking in the sites, or unwinding at the splendid Creole Gardens, every moment will be unforgettable. Remember this guide next time you ask how to travel with your dog to New Orleans! 

Embrace the adventures that await you and your four-legged companion in this one-of-a-kind city! 

Book your stay at Creole Gardens today!