Affiliate Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, if you click on any of the product links, we may earn a commission. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Exploring New Orleans with Kuma: A Dog-Friendly Itinerary
I’m always looking for ways to include my corgi, Kuma, in my travels, and my cross-country road trip from California to Florida was no exception. One of the cities I was most excited to visit on this trip was New Orleans. I discovered that New Orleans is a surprisingly dog-friendly city, with pet-friendly hotels, eateries, shops, and even art galleries! Here’s how Kuma and I spent our day exploring the beautiful sights of New Orleans.
9:00 AM: Photoshoot Around the French Quarter
Whenever I travel solo in Europe, I like to book an Airbnb Experience photoshoot. It’s a great way to get some fantastic shots without the hassle of trying to take self-portraits in busy cities. The photographers typically offer a mix of photography and local history, and they’re always willing to make sure you get the perfect shot.
I wasn’t sure if my Airbnb photographer would be open to including Kuma in the shoot, but they were totally on board! We spent the morning walking around the French Quarter, stopping at several iconic spots. I got some amazing shots with Kuma, and we both had a great time!
11:00 AM: Brunch at Café Amelie
Next, we headed to Café Amelie, a local favorite known for its delicious food and picturesque outdoor patio. The patio is surrounded by greenery, twinkling lights, and a fountain—making it feel like you’ve stepped into a charming little fairy tale.
I ordered Chicken and Waffles (my go-to brunch choice whenever it’s available) and was delighted by how different their version was. The chicken was boneless and slightly spicy, and it came with a savory mushroom gravy. The waffles were a little burnt, but overall, it was a great meal.
Sadly, I recently learned that Café Amelie has closed, but if you’re looking for other outdoor brunch spots in the area, Café Beignet and Ruby Slipper Café are great alternatives!
1:00 PM: Café du Monde for Beignets
You can’t visit New Orleans without stopping at Café du Monde for their world-famous beignets. They’ve been serving up these sweet, fried dough treats since 1862, and they’re still the best in the city. No matter where else I’ve had beignets, none compare to those at Café du Monde.
They’re also known for their café au lait, which is a coffee mixed with warm milk. What makes it special is that it’s cut with chicory, an endive root, a tradition that dates back to the Civil War when coffee was scarce.
Expect long lines—this is a must-see stop for tourists—but don’t worry, the wait goes by quickly. I only waited about 10-15 minutes, and it was absolutely worth it.
1:30 PM: The Moonwalk Riverfront Park
After indulging in those amazing beignets, head over to The Moonwalk Riverfront Park, which is just a short walk away. Here, you can relax on a bench or sit on the stairs and take in the stunning view of the Mississippi River and the Huey P. Long Bridge.
You’ll also find some talented street performers here—while some are a bit out of tune, many others put on excellent performances. It’s a great spot to just sit back, enjoy the scenery, and soak up the atmosphere of New Orleans.
2:00 PM: Washington Artillery Park
If you didn’t get a chance to grab a seat at Washington Artillery Park earlier, now’s your chance. This spot offers breathtaking views of Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a street performer and their talented dog, Robin, who collects tips with his mouth and delivers them back to his owner.
It’s such an impressive trick, and I couldn’t help but watch for at least 30 minutes—both the dog and the musician were amazing!
3:00 PM: Rodrigue Studio
Next, we visited the Rodrigue Studio. This small gallery is dedicated to the work of George Rodrigue, a world-renowned Louisiana artist best known for his Blue Dog paintings. The gallery allows dogs, so Kuma and I were able to stroll through and enjoy the artwork. Unfortunately, the gallery was closed during my visit due to COVID restrictions, but it’s still worth checking out if it’s open when you’re in town.
3:30 PM: Gallery Rinard
Just around the corner from the Rodrigue Studio is Gallery Rinard, another dog-friendly art gallery. Owned by artist Matt Rinard, the gallery showcases the work of local painters and sculptors. The owner was super friendly and gave Kuma some extra attention while we explored the small but delightful collection of animal-themed art, including some fun Pete the Cat books.
4:00 PM: Southern Paws
If you love boutique pet stores, Southern Paws is a must-visit! They have a fantastic selection of dog treats, toys, leashes, collars, clothing, and more. The dog toys were especially funny, with high-end brands like Chewnel (Chanel) and Hairmes (Hermes).
Kuma definitely earned herself a treat after all the walking, so I picked up some custom-made treats. They looked delicious, but unfortunately, Kuma has a sensitive stomach, so I had to be careful with what I gave her.
5:00 PM: Woldenberg Riverfront Park
As the day started to wind down, we headed to Woldenberg Riverfront Park, a beautiful space along the Mississippi River. Kuma had a blast running around in the grassy areas, and we took a peaceful stroll while watching the sunset. The park is the perfect spot for some relaxation and to enjoy the beauty of the city as the sky turned pink and purple.
6:00 PM: Voodoo Authentica
To wrap up the day, I had to check out a Voodoo store. New Orleans is known for its rich voodoo history, and I wanted to see what kind of charms and potions they had. As soon as we entered Voodoo Authentica, I noticed someone was getting their fortune told in a private area.
The store had a variety of voodoo dolls, herbs, potions, and other interesting items. I was particularly drawn to the Traveling Juju doll, which is said to protect you while driving—something that reminded me of the charms I pick up when I visit the Narita Temple in Japan.
Where to Stay
New Orleans has no shortage of pet-friendly hotels, especially in the French Quarter. I initially considered staying at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, since they don’t charge a pet fee, but it was a little farther from the places I wanted to visit with Kuma.
In the end, I decided to splurge on a stay at the historic Hotel Monteleone, which offers a special Monte’s Pet Package. This package includes a pet bowl, toy, waste dispenser, and other goodies for your dog. Plus, the hotel is in a fantastic location, with all the sites I wanted to visit with Kuma just a short walk away.
FAQs
1. Is New Orleans a pet-friendly city?
Yes! New Orleans is a very dog-friendly city, with many pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, shops, and even art galleries. Kuma and I had an amazing time exploring the city together.
2. What should I do if I visit New Orleans with my dog?
There are so many dog-friendly activities in New Orleans! You can enjoy outdoor dining at places like Café Amelie, visit art galleries like Rodrigue Studio and Gallery Rinard, and take walks along the Mississippi River at parks like Woldenberg Riverfront Park.
3. Are there pet-friendly hotels in New Orleans?
Yes, there are many pet-friendly hotels in New Orleans, particularly in the French Quarter. I stayed at the Hotel Monteleone, which offers a special pet package, but other options include Kimpton Hotel Fontenot and The Ace Hotel.
4. Can I bring my dog to restaurants in New Orleans?
Many restaurants in New Orleans offer dog-friendly outdoor patios. Café Amelie, Café Beignet, and Ruby Slipper Café are just a few examples of places where you can enjoy a meal with your dog.
Conclusion
New Orleans is a fantastic city to explore with your dog, and Kuma and I had the best time experiencing all that this vibrant city has to offer. From pet-friendly restaurants and art galleries to scenic parks and a voodoo shop, there’s plenty to see and do. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to pack your pup’s favorite treats, grab a camera for some amazing photos, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!