Between towering mountains and the Gastineau Channel, Alaska's capital is home to vibrant arts, rich history and endless outdoor activities. From simple cultural walking tours to exploring ice fields and mountains, there's an activity for every adventurous spirit.
Good to Know:
- Getting There: Juneau is inaccessible by car - most travelers arrive at the Juneau International Airport or by cruise ship. Daily flights depart from major cities such as Seattle, making air travel a reliable option. If arriving by sea, many cruise lines include Juneau as a one-day stop on their Alaska itineraries.
- Getting Around: City buses provide efficient transportation around Juneau and its major attractions. Transportation to sites outside the city often requires boat or air travel and is usually included in guided tours.
- How Long to Visit: Most cruises include only a one-day stop in Juneau, which is just enough time to either explore the city or take a guided tour. If you're on a self-guided trip, stay at least five days to take advantage of the beautiful location and activities.
- When to Visit: Summer, from June to August, offers pleasant weather and long daylight hours, making it the peak travel season. However, in the spring (April to early June) and early fall (September), there are fewer crowds, and it is an ideal time for wildlife viewing and sightseeing.
- Similar Destinations: In the U.S., Anchorage, Alaska, and Bar Harbor, Maine, share similar coastal charm and nature-oriented attractions. Globally, Bergen, Norway and Queenstown, New Zealand, are comparable in scenic beauty and adventure opportunities.
Highlights:
Downtown Juneau:
Explore Alaska's diverse cultural heritage, history, and contemporary life in downtown Juneau. An excellent activity for your first day in Juneau is partaking in the walking tour detailed on traveljuneau.com. The tour takes you to many of Juneau's best sights, including the Alaska State Museum, which houses artifacts and stories that reflect Native communities and European settlers. Nearby, the Governor's Mansion, with its imposing architecture, is a reminder of Juneau's political legacy. The Sealaska Heritage Institute showcases a deep-rooted commitment to Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures and includes Native art and workshops. Among Juneau's many attractions, the Patsy Ann statue remains a symbol of local affection, immortalizing a bulldog known for her keen ability to greet incoming ships before they were even visible.
Mount Roberts:
With Juneau stretched out below, Mount Roberts towers above, dominating the city's skyline and inspiring awe from anyone arriving in town. To reach its peak, take the Mount Roberts Tramway. Once at the top, in addition to sweeping panoramas of the city and distant channel, you can explore nature trails, discover local wildlife, and learn about native Tlingit art at the Visitor Center.
Mendenhall Glacier:
The Mendenhall Glacier stretches across the landscape and is among the top reasons to visit Juneau. There are many different tours available to see it - some by foot, some by boat, and some by helicopter.
The Trails:
Juneau's wilderness is best experienced on foot, with plenty of trails leading you through the diverse terrain. If you seek a combination of challenge and stunning scenery, the Perseverance and East Glacier trails are ideal, taking you through lush foliage, past historic mining sites, and culminating in panoramic glacier views. Meanwhile, the Gold Creek Flume Trail offers a more leisurely pace. Lined with interpretive signs, it tells Juneau's mining history and is a great choice for families or anyone looking for a simple but fun hike.
Admiralty Island:
With one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world, a visit to Admiralty Island promises exciting views of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The dense rainforest canopy hums with bird song, and its large diversity of birds is a highlight for any amateur ornithologist. Aside from bears and birds, marmots roam the island, often seen scurrying around or sunning themselves on rocks.
Tracy Arm Fjord:
Cut through a rugged landscape, Tracy Arm Fjord is a spectacular natural wonder. Its deep blue waters are lined with granite walls and dotted with floating icebergs, and as boats meander through the fjord, the scenery of towering waterfalls cascading from great heights is simply an incredible sight.
Whale Watching:
The waters around Juneau teem with life, and nothing epitomizes that more than the majestic whales that frequently pass through them. Expert guided tours maximize the chances of encounters and ensure you leave with memories of these graceful marine giants.
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