TOP 20 Things to Do in Juneau (Perfect for First Timers!)

Essential Juneau Travel Tips: What to Know Before you Go

Getting Around Juneau

Overall, Juneau is a very compact city. Since it is surrounded by both mountain ranges and ocean waterfronts, there is not much room for Juneau to spread out which is a bonus for those visiting.

Enjoy the walkability of this Alaskan city where everything worth seeing within the city is within walking distance. If you want to get there faster or are looking for a unique mode of transportation, take part in the bike scene, as Juneau has over 88 miles of bike lanes and multiple mountain biking trails as well! 

For many of the tours and attractions, visitors to the area can arrange for transportation with the tour operator upon booking. This will be the most convenient way, as they will provide pick-up and drop-off on the scheduled day. However, if you are looking to independently venture around the area, taking taxis and/or renting a car will then become your best choice. 

Where to Eat and Drink in Juneau

There is no denying that Alaskan cuisine is second to none as Juneau has access to fresh fish and game meats. While seafood and wild game meats reign supreme in the area, there is a little something for every appetite within the city. These are only just a few of the recommendations on places to eat while you are there. 

• Tracy’s Crab Shack – As the most popular restaurant in Juneau, Tracy’s King Crab Shack offers a wide range of seafood options for the seafood lover in all of us. Of course, you can not leave Juneau without trying some famous locally-sourced crab legs! 
• Salt – This restaurant boasts an ever-changing menu that reflects local catches and produce. You will get to experience something new every time you go! But you should hope to try the salmon bake!
  
• Zerelda’s Bistro – Locally owned and one-of-a-kind, Zerelda’s Bistro is a small cafe-style restaurant that serves up amazing food and even better service.
• Red Dog Saloon – Officially the oldest man-made tourist attraction in Juneau, mosey on through the swing doors and be surrounded by the nostalgia of an 1800s Western Saloon while you enjoy some pub grub, Red Dog Beer and a bit of NSFW honky tonk piano!

Where to Stay in Juneau

Juneau has a wide range of accommodations for every type of experience type desired. Whether you are looking to stay in an upscale hotel or a quaint bed and breakfast, you are sure to find the perfect spot to call home while you explore the city and surrounding areas of Juneau.

On top of that, the distance between many of the accommodations and the attractions is minimal, so you are able to stay wherever fits your budget and experience without having to sacrifice location! Here are a few recommendations for where to stay while in Juneau. 

• Budget ($) – Aspen Suites Hotel Juneau: Wallet-friendly accommodation in the heart of one of the most scenic state capitals in the USA
  
• Mid Range ($$) – Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed and Breakfast: Freebies include cookies & wine at this homey, 1906 B&B with period decor & home-cooked breakfasts.
  
• Luxury ($$$) – Four Points by Sheraton Juneau: On the waterfront in the center of Historic Downtown Juneau and steps from the Seadrome Marina, the Four Points is a contemporary haven for visitors to the Alaskan capital.
  

20 Things to do in Juneau AK

Mendenhall Glacier and Ice Cave

No trip to Juneau would be complete without a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier. Located about 12 miles from downtown Juneau, this glacier is over 13 miles long and extends through the Mendenhall Valley.

Its beauty can be seen up close as visitors can hike along the trails, paddle sea kayaks on Mendenhall Lake, and even visit the Mendenhall ice cave found within.

Visitors are able to participate in a glacier tour or explore the ice field on their own via the Mendenhall glacier visitor center – making it one of – if not the – most popular activity in Juneau.

Tracy Arm Fjord

Known as one of the top sightseeing excursions and natural wonders in Juneau, the Tracy Arm Fjord is a narrow waterway surrounded by steep cliffs located about 40 miles from Juneau. This natural gem is a breathtaking scene of waterfalls, wildlife, and rock formations. Catch a boat tour that will take you from Juneau up into the fjord to see this stunning scenery. It’s easily one of the top things to do in Juneau!

Explore Douglas Island

Douglas Island lies just across the Gastineau Channel and is breathtakingly beautiful in the summer.

Head to Sandy Beach where you can enjoy a stroll, have a picnic, or maybe even play a game of beach volleyball. Or wander along the Treadwell historic mine trail to learn a little more about the mine and the miners.

If you want to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere (more than the regular middle of nowhere feel you get from Alaska!) head to North Douglas Island where you’ll be surrounded by alpine meadows, hear gentle ocean waves as they lap around the island, and keep your eyes open for Alaskan mountain ranges at every turn.

Or grab your skis and head to the middle of Douglas Island where you can take on the runs at the Eaglecrest Ski Area.

Whale Watching

From the months of April to November, approximately 600 humpback whales migrate to the oceans surrounding Juneau to live in the waters of the northern Inside Passage.

During this time, whale watching tours will take you on a boat into whale territory so that you can spot these whales in their natural habitat up close and personal. Gaze at their size and magnificence on a wildlife viewing Alaska cruise from Juneau! 

Top Tip: For those who get seasick – or for any other reason you don’t want to get on a boat(!) – head to Auke Bay Harbor, where you may be lucky enough to see whales close to the shoreline as they are “bubble-net feeding” – a truely incredible sight!

Mount Roberts Tramway

This gondola ride will take you 1,800 feet into the sky as you crest Mount Roberts for a panoramic view of Juneau and the surrounding landscapes. Once at the top, visitors can check out the sky bridge, the bald eagle display, and hike along the mountain ridge.

There is also a mountain house at the top where you can grab a few snacks and a drink! And if you are enjoying the mountain air in your lungs, you can walk the Mount Roberts Trail back down to sea level.

Glacier Gardens

Be sure to visit one of America’s most unique botanical gardens whilst visiting Juneau.

The Glacier Gardens in the Tongass National Forest showcases Alaska’s one-of-a-kind flora such as the upside-down trees. Known as “Flower Towers,” they have their tops buried in the ground and their roots thrust up in the air, which forms a basket that in season cradles colorful trailing flowers.

Check out the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure website for opening times and access details.

Hiking

The best way to see the beautiful scenery in and around Juneau is to explore it on foot! Juneau boasts more than 250 miles of hiking trails with plenty of opportunities to see nature, wildlife, and panoramic views of the mountains and ocean.

There are trails for all skill levels, so whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, strap on those hiking boots (or join biking tours) and hit the trail! 

And if you want to combine epic glacier views with a hike (or bike!) in summer, you can’t go wrong with the Herbert Glacier Trail in the beautiful Tongass National Forest just outside of Juneau. This 10 mile round trip takes approximately 5 hours, but we recommend starting early, as there are only 15 car parking sports at the trailhead and it can get busy quickly!

First Fridays

If you are visiting on the first Friday of any month, you’ll have the opportunity to help keep Juneau’s art scene alive when galleries, local businesses, artists and organizations open their doors and hold free events for the community.

Take a peek at the Juneau Arts and Humanities website to see what is on when you are there.

Grab a Brew at an Alaskan Brewery

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Established in 1986 by husband and wife team, Marcy and Geoff Larson, the Alaskan Brewing Company became the 67th independent brewery in the country, and the first brewery in Juneau since Prohibition.

With a stock of 10 different brews produced all year round, they also release inventive limited edition brews (such as the Pineapple Jalapeño Gose) when they have been experimenting! Beer lovers can also take a tour of the facilities and see the magic happen for a small fee.

Drop by for a cold one whilst you are in Juneau, you won’t be disappointed!

The National Shrine of Saint Thérèse

The shrine of St Therese – the patron saint of Alaska – sits on a small tidal island and was built from the land’s own beach stones over several years.  With lovely grounds, and lodging available, it is a peaceful place to visit with wonderful views of the Juneau shore.

Zipline through Tongass National Forest

Enjoy views of Juneau from a different vantage point high up in the canopy! Soar through the Tongass National Forest on a ziplining adventure offering several different zipline courses that will each take your breath away, literally! 

Alaska State Museum

This museum is open year-round and gives visitors some insight into Alaska’s history. Featuring major artifacts from the Alaska people and their culture, tour through the halls as you get a true hands-on experience. 

Bear Viewing on Admiralty Island

There are two main species of bear found in Juneau: black bears and brown bears. And the absolute best place to see brown bears is on Admiralty Island National Monument.

The area is also known by the native Tlingít people as “Kootznoowoo,” which translates to “fortress of the bears,” and it is home to an estimated 1,600 brown bears, which is one of the highest density brown bear populations in the world.

During the summer months, you might see as many as 25 bears come together to feast on yummy pink and chum salmon at Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary (located in the northeast corner of Admiralty Island).

Tour of the Alaska State Capitol Building

If you want to add a little politics and culture to your trip to Juneau, a tour of the Alaska State Capitol Building is the way to go.

If you are visiting between May through mid-September, visitors can experience guided tours; and outside these times, there are self-guided tours available. Both of which are free.

Glacier Helicopter Tour

While a Juneau helicopter tour excursion will be a little bit on the expensive side, there is nothing quite as magical as being able to see the impressive Alaskan glaciers from the sky.

Enjoy a round-trip transfer from the Juneau Airport as you soar high above the Alaskan landscapes, viewing sites that are impossible to reach on foot or by car. Such as the Juneau icefield, lying 2000m above historic downtown Juneau and covering a huge 1,500-square-miles.

Along the way, you will receive a history lesson from your educated guide who will explain the different rock formations and icefalls. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

Dog Sledding

Experience a true Alaskan past time by interacting with sled dogs and participating in an exhilarating dog sled ride! Meet the dog sed team and learn about the history of Alaska’s official sport before hopping aboard the sled and taking off through the countryside.

While these dogsledding experience rides are best to participate in when snow is on the ground, these dog sled facilities are open year-round to any and all visitors making them one of the top attractions in Juneau.

Dipacs Macaulay Salmon Hatchery

DIPAC’s Macaulay Salmon Hatchery visitor’s center offers a unique variety of attractions and a truly Alaskan experience. Take in the view of the outdoor hatchery operations while you learn about the fascinating salmon spawning process.

Pan for Gold

Alaska was the site for a major gold rush during the 20th century, and you can still go panning for gold in the Gold Creek right outside of the city. Tour the gold mine visitor’s center to learn about the history of the gold rush and panning techniques before testing your own hand!

Everyone of all ages will be able to take a pan in low water or even in high-waisted water to see if they can find some gold within the creek beds! 

Explore Historic Downtown

Spend a day exploring Juneau on foot, specifically the Historic Downtown area. From the hub of activity located on the waterfront to the famous buildings on South Franklin, you will have a jam-packed day as you shop, dine, and take in the architecture of some of the oldest buildings in Alaska AK. 

Taku Glacier Lodge Feast + 5 Glacier Seaplane Discovery

You could say we saved the best for last because this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss. If you’d like to combine flights in a seaplane, with a gourmet meal in a stunning lodge and glacier (and possibly black bear!) views, then look no further.

Wings Airways will pick you up from the heart of the Juneau waterfront, where you’ll be whisked away on a 3-hour adventure. Limited to 10 passengers, each with a window seat, you’ll have an unrestricted view of the magnificent Taku glacier and deep blue crevasses of the Juneau Icefield as your pilot narrates the history of the area.

Landing at the historic lodge, you’ll be served a feast of locally caught wild Alaskan smoked salmon along with accompaniments before having some time to explore the grounds, and finally being flown back to Juneau.

Day Trips from Juneau

Due to the isolation of Juneau when compared to other cities, many of the major attractions and excursions that are listed above in the top things to do in Juneau will take the majority of the day. Because of this, there are not many day trips that can be taken from the city itself. 

Juneau is a place where you could spend days exploring and still not see all of the wonderful and beautiful places that make this city so well-known. Choose the attractions that interest you the most from our guide to the Best Things to do in Juneau Alaska and make the most out of your time here. You will not want to waste a second from the minute your feet touch Alaska soil!

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