Fido’s Gulf Coast road trip would not be complete without a stop for a refreshing beer at Chandeleur Island Brewing Company in Gulfport. Named after the 50 miles of uninhabited islands along the coast of Mississippi, the state's most dog-friendly brewery celebrates the laid-back way of life in the region. Sample one of the many beers on tap, like the Lil’ Miss Sour or Freemason Golden Ale, and a variety of seasonal brews. Bring dinner along with you from one of Gulfport’s pet-friendly restaurants, or munch on snacks from the bar with your best friend. Have more fun at Seabee Dog Park afterward.

Planning a camping trip? Pitch up at Gulf Haven Campground.

Explore more than 50 waterfalls and 700 acres of trails at Clark Creek State Park. Fido can dip his paws in the water while you hike through a landscape dotted with beech and magnolia trees, as well as plants like the endangered Carolina magnolia vine in Mississippi’s most dog-friendly state park. Keep an eye out for another threatened species in the Magnolia State, the black bear. Birdwatching, botany, and photography are popular activities along the trails.

The secluded location of Clark Creek State Park makes it the perfect place to escape the noise and activity of everyday life. Put your feet up at this cozy cabin in the woods in nearby St. Francisville, LA.

You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, and saute it, so why not learn how to catch it on a Biloxi Shrimping Trip? Learn the tricks of the trade from a crew of expert shrimpers on board Mississippi’s most dog-friendly attraction. While the vessel drags the Mississippi Sound to catch tasty crustaceans, you’ll learn about the history of the industry. At the end of the trip, the day’s catch will be hauled in, and the captain will help you identify the various sea creatures that found their way into the net. Let somebody cook fresh seafood for you on the pet-friendly patio at Shaggy's Biloxi Beach.

If you want a lively stay nearby, reserve a room at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi next door. There’s a pet relief area right in front of the casino, and Biloxi Lighthouse is within walking distance.

Camp along the Mississippi Gulf Coast at Bay Hide Away RV Park in Bay St. Louis. Located just 45 minutes from New Orleans and only four miles from the white sand of Hancock County Beaches, the state’s most dog-friendly campground is the perfect place to “hide away” with Fido. He’ll enjoy running and making friends in Jake’s Place, the fenced dog run, while you relax in the shade of the oak trees or work on your tan. There are also 22 acres of dog-friendly trails to hike. At the end of the day, clean up your pup at the on-site dog wash. In the evening, enjoy the warmth of a campfire together at your RV site or at the stone outdoor fireplace, where you can gather with other campers. Dogs of any size are welcome for no additional fee.

Taking time out in Tupelo with your Terrier? Unleash your best friend at Tupelo Bark Park, the best dog park in The Magnolia State. This large fenced space is divided into separate sections for small and large dogs. When the sun is shining, find shade underneath pine trees dotted throughout the park or sit on one of the benches underneath the canopy. Fans of The King of Rock and Roll can slip on Fido’s leash and pull on his blue suede shoes for a short walk to the Elvis Presley Birthplace, a historic museum dedicated to the preservation of Elvis’ childhood home.

From one historic building to another, hound dogs can’t help falling in love with this charming home near downtown.

Mississippi’s top trail to hike with your dog is located in Clark Creek State Park. The Clark Creek Primitive Trail will take you on a walk through the woods alongside a creek. The trail is known for its abundance of edible mushrooms and foraging opportunities. Hot dogs can cool off in the creek or underneath one of the waterfalls along the way. This moderate loop is just over four miles and includes a few steep sections that may be a scramble for some.

Surrounded by the Homochitto National Forest, Thunder Ridge at the Forest Retreat in nearby Gloster has a private path down to its own stretch of creek for more splashing.

Reserve a vacation for the whole pack at Devereaux Shields House in Natchez, Mississippi’s best pet-friendly B&B. Four-legged guests can stay in pet-friendly rooms at Aunt Clara's Cottage, including the luxurious Elmo Room with a hand-carved king bed and space for Fido to sprawl. He’ll also be given his own special package with a cozy pet bed, food and water bowls, a towel for muddy paws, a welcome treat, and a leash to use during his stay. Natchez Bluff Trail, home to one of the best views of The Mississippi River, is right next to the historic bed and breakfast.

Devereaux Shields House welcomes two dogs of any size for an additional fee of $15 per pet, per night.

Part of FestivalSouth, an annual, multi-week festival in Hattiesburg, MS, Dog Days 5K invites leashed pups to run alongside their owners in both the 5K and 2-mile races. Water stations for canines and humans are scattered along the routes of Mississippi’s can’t miss dog event. Join other “pawticipants” at the Finish Line Festival for food trucks, photo ops and a pet pageant. The event raises money for Hub City Service Dogs, one of the only training organizations in Mississippi with a Certified Service Dog Coach.

If you’re passing through town on a road trip, La Quinta Inn & Suites Hattiesburg I-59 is conveniently located to hit the road after the race.

If our Best of Mississippi preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!