Choose from 9 Fun Things to Do in Juneau
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Juneau Cruise Port
Juneau’s cruise port sits right alongside the historic downtown area, within walking distance of seafood restaurants and frontier-themed shops. There’s plenty to see and do right off the boat in the state capital, but the port also serves as a jumping-off point for excursions to Mendenhall Glacier and the Alaskan wilderness.
The Basics
Passengers docking at the busy Juneau cruise port have a host of options to choose from. A popular choice combines a city tour of the former mining town with a trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier, located 12 miles (20 kilometers) northwest of the city. For animal lovers, the port serves as a departure point for whale-watching excursions in scenic Auke Bay, and the nearby Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area protects the highest concentration of brown bears on the planet. Adventure travelers can spend their time in port white water rafting or ziplining on Douglas Island, while cultural options include gold mining excursions or traditional Alaskan salmon bakes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Juneau shore excursions include round-trip transportation from the Juneau port.
- Guided tours from the Juneau port typically last anywhere from three to eight hours, depending on the activities chosen.
- Book a private, customizable tour to make sure you don’t miss any of the sights on your list.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection and bug repellent ashore with you.
How to Get to Juneau from the Juneau Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock at three different areas, all within walking distance of Downtown Juneau. Larger ships tend to dock near South Franklin Street (near the Mount Roberts Tramway), while smaller vessels dock next to the floatplanes. A third dock sits at the south end of town.
Port Information
Juneau averages 220 days of rain each year, so be sure to dress for the weather. The official currency is the US dollar, and there are ATMs and banks located throughout town.
Address: South Franklin Street, Juneau AK 99801, USA
From $ 58
Alaskan Brewing Company
There’s many a parched thirst that’s been revived by a chilled glass of Alaskan, pure and crisp as the driven snow. The Alaskan Brewing Company has been brewing craft beers since 1986, and winning plenty of awards along the way.
The brewery’s free tours offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the brewing processes, including the company’s original 10-barrel and 100-barrel brewing systems.
You’ll come across artifacts from the state’s brewing history, admire an international collection of beer bottles and cans, and meet the people behind the beer.
The company produces five regular beers, including Alaskan Amber Ale, Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout and Alaskan IPA. They also produce limited-release seasonal winter or summer ales and specialty beers like smoked porter, so see what’s on tap when you visit.
Tours include complimentary tastings of a limited edition or rough draft brew. After wetting your whistle, drop into the Gear Store to browse collectibles, clothing, glassware, barkeep essentials and novelty items.
The brewery’s free tours offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the brewing processes, including the company’s original 10-barrel and 100-barrel brewing systems.
You’ll come across artifacts from the state’s brewing history, admire an international collection of beer bottles and cans, and meet the people behind the beer.
The company produces five regular beers, including Alaskan Amber Ale, Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout and Alaskan IPA. They also produce limited-release seasonal winter or summer ales and specialty beers like smoked porter, so see what’s on tap when you visit.
Tours include complimentary tastings of a limited edition or rough draft brew. After wetting your whistle, drop into the Gear Store to browse collectibles, clothing, glassware, barkeep essentials and novelty items.
Practical Info
The Alaskan Brewing Company is 5 miles (8km) north of downtown Juneau. If you’re not driving, you can catch a bus or taxi to the brewery.
Address: 5429 Shaune Drive, Juneau AK 99801, USA
Hours: Open 11am - 6pm daily in summer, Thu - Sat in winter
From $ 26
Juneau Icefield
Set 2,000 feet (610 meters) above Downtown Juneau, the 1,500-square-mile (3,885-square-kilometer) Juneau Icefield is the fifth largest in North America and feeds 38 major glaciers, including Mendenhall Glacier. Visitors come from around the world to trek on the 3,000-year-old icefield itself or tour one of its many glaciers.
The Basics
A vast majority of visitors who step foot on the icefield do so as part of a helicopter tour from Juneau. A typical helicopter flight takes visitors above the icefield for a landing on one of several different glaciers and a guided walk on the surface of the ice. Those with an interest in Alaskan dog sledding can combine a helicopter tour of the Juneau Icefield with a dog sled ride from a camp on secluded Herbert Glacier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Juneau Icefield is a must-visit for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Dress in warm layers; it’s much colder out on the ice than it is in Juneau.
- Opt for a basic glacier landing, or upgrade to a dog sledding experience.
- Most helicopter tours include round-trip transportation from Juneau.
- Some helicopter tours are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
While situated only a stone’s throw from Juneau, it takes an airplane or helicopter ride to access the icefield itself. The only safe way of getting there is by booking a guided tour.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the icefield, as well as Juneau’s other outdoor attractions, is from May to August when days are long and relatively warm. Crowds on the icefield are never really a problem, but you’ll find a much quieter Juneau if you bundle up and visit during the offseason (September to April).
Going, Going … Gone?
The Juneau Icefield and the glaciers it feeds have been retreating since the 1700s. Experts studying the ice sheets of Alaska predict that if current global warming trends continue, the Juneau Icefield will be half its current size by the end of this century and will disappear entirely by the end of the next.
Address: Juneau, Alaska, USA
From $ 299
Herbert Glacier
A white-blue shock tumbling between mountains into the river valley that bears the same name, Herbert Glacier is a popular but still secluded stop for tours to the Juneau Icefield north of Alaska’s state capitol. Though Herbert doesn’t have the wow factor of tumbling into an impressive reflecting pool of its own meltwater like neighboring massive Mendenhall Glacier, Herbert Glacier is deeper inland, boasts a dramatic backdrop of snowcapped peaks and frequently visited by heli-flight. Often combined with fly-overs to Mendenhall and thick Taku Glacier, Herbert Glacier’s flow has several flat landing spots that offer the chance to set foot on its chilly, slow moving mass. Its surface also affords one of the most unique ways to experience a glacier in the region: by dog sled. After landing on the glacier, a team of huskies guided by an experienced musher navigates the glacier’s eternal winter wilds.
Perhaps one of the reasons this glacier is so beloved by residents and visitors alike is the Herbert Glacier Trail, a relatively flat and just-under 10-mile hiking and biking route, one of the more family-friendly jaunts with foot access to glacier views in the region. In the summer, the trail winds from the highway past blueberry bushes, mushroom patches and kettle ponds with the occasional beaver or river otter.
Practical Info
The Herbert Glacier Trailhead in the Tongass National Forest is located just past the bridge over Herbert River on Glacier Highway at Mile 28. One-way in and out trip takes between four and five hours. For visitors planning on stopping atop glacier, its good to wear warmer clothes even in summer—it can be as much as 15 degrees cooler on the ice. The cost of helicopter tours to Herbert from Juneau start around $290.
Address: Juneau, Alaska, USA
From $ 299
Last Chance Mining Museum and Historic Park
Mining cars, railroad lines, train repair sheds – there’s all this and more at Juneau’s Last Chance Mining Museum and Historic Park.
The venue for this evocative gold-mining museum is the former compressor building of the Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company, which operated here from 1916 to 1944.
On display are the locomotives and rail cars that transported the goldminers to the mine. Industrial artifacts include one of the world’s largest air compressors, used in the mining of gold to bring air to the miners.
Old mining shafts surround the site, and you can get an idea of the mine’s original extent by studying the museum’s model.
Photo courtesy of CityProfile.com
The venue for this evocative gold-mining museum is the former compressor building of the Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company, which operated here from 1916 to 1944.
On display are the locomotives and rail cars that transported the goldminers to the mine. Industrial artifacts include one of the world’s largest air compressors, used in the mining of gold to bring air to the miners.
Old mining shafts surround the site, and you can get an idea of the mine’s original extent by studying the museum’s model.
Photo courtesy of CityProfile.com
Practical Info
The Last Chance Mining Museum is on the outskirts of Juneau, on the city’s eastern edge.
There’s a short uphill hike along an uneven trail to reach the museum’s entrance.
There’s a short uphill hike along an uneven trail to reach the museum’s entrance.
Address: 1001 Basin Road, Juneau AK 99801, USA
Hours: Open daily 9:30am - 12:30pm and 3:30pm - 6:30pm in summer
Admission: Adults: $5
From $ 72
Mt. Roberts Tramway
Rising 1,800 feet (550 meters) above sea level from the Juneau waterfront up Mt. Roberts, the Mt. Roberts Tramway is a favorite for those visiting the Alaska state capital. The ride itself provides views of Chilkat Range, Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau, and Douglas Island, while the summit area features outdoorsy and cultural things to do.
The Basics
Officially known as the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway, the aerial gondola starts at the Juneau cruise ship port and takes visitors on a 5-minute ride above the rainforest-covered mountain to the Mountain House. Upon disembarking one of the two 60-passenger cabins, travelers are free to explore. Visit the Nature Center to learn about the wildlife and natural environment of the mountain, and then perhaps go on a hike through the subalpine meadow. For souvenirs and gifts, check out Raven Eagle Gifts & Gallery, which offers traditional crafts by Alaska natives. At the top is Timberline Bar & Grill, which serves locally caught fish, cafe fare such as burgers, and locally brewed beer. A ride on the Mt. Roberts Tramway is a popular shore excursion activity for cruise ship passengers docked in Juneau.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tickets can be purchased in person at the tramway or through a shore excursion tour if you’re arriving in Juneau by cruise ship.
- A ticket lasts all day, so you may spend as much time as you like at the top.
- The tramway is ADA-compliant and can accommodate visitors with accessibility needs.
- Hiking trails are suitable for all skill levels and include a handicap-accessible trail.
How to Get There
The tramway is located near downtown Juneau across from the cruise ship pier.
When to Get There
The tramway operates May through September and runs morning through evening. Go during the day for hiking, or perhaps in the evening for dinner and to enjoy the twilight atmosphere (remember, the summer sun sets late in Juneau).
Alaska Native Culture at the Mt. Roberts Tramway
The tramway’s summit area provides opportunities to learn about Tlingit culture and history—head to the Chilkat Theater to watch a short film produced by Alaska natives or catch a live music performance, and keep an eye out along some of the trails for interpretive signage and traditional tree carvings.
Address: 490 South Franklin Street, Juneau AK 99801, USA
Hours: Open May - Sept
Admission: Adults: $34
From $ 89
Admiralty Island
With its ice-capped mountains, interior lakes, and dense spruce and hemlock forest, wild Admiralty Island is the place to go for Alaska wildlife sightings. The island has about one brown bear for each of its 1,646 square miles (4,263 square km) and is home to more than half of the country’s bald eagles. To see the big bears, head to the northeasterly Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area within the federally protected and island-dominating Admiralty Island National Monument. There, in summer, it’s possible to witness bears gobbling down salmon in small groups near the mouth of Pack Creek or wandering through the old-growth temperate rain forest that they share with Sitka black-tailed deer.
Multi-day kayak tours explore the island’s east coast facing the Seymour canal. Great for wild-life lovers and outdoor adventurers, these tours allow you to spot bald eagle nests, porpoises, seals, and—if you're lucky—the flukes of a humpback whale, right from the seat of your kayak.
Practical Info
Pack Creek is located 15 miles (24 km) from Juneau, and is mostly accessed by sea plane. While permits are usually required, transportation is taken care of when visiting as part of a guided tour. Peak viewing time for wildlife is between July 5 and Aug. 25, though the sanctuary is open from June 1 to Sept. 10.
Many kayak and canoe trips depart from the island’s only permanent settlement—the traditional Tlingit community of Angoon on the west coast. These trips utilize the Cross Admiralty Canoe Route, which bisects the Island via a series of inland streams and lakes to reach the Seymour Canal at Mole Harbor.
Address: Admiralty Island, Alaska, USA
From $ 28
Alaska State Capitol Building
Alaska’s red-brick state capitol in Juneau is atypically austere, lacking a dome or sprawling grounds. Yet the building does feature porticos of marble from Prince Wales Island, and inside, two murals depict the harvest from both land and sea, while carvings highlight the industries Alaska relies on for its livelihood.
The Basics
Self-guided tours of the boxy building lead visitors through the ground floor lobby, committee rooms, public galleries of the senate and speaker’s chambers, Hall of Governors, and the House Finance Committee Room, with its views of Douglas Island. Shore excursions and city sightseeing tours often pass by the capitol, offering the chance to see it from the outside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Alaska State Capitol is a must-see for architecture buffs and those interested in civics.
- Give yourself about 30 to 40 minutes for the self-guided capitol tour.
- The capitol is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Alaska State Capitol is located at the corner of East 4th Street and Main Street in Juneau, and is easy to reach on foot from just about anywhere in downtown.
When to Get There
The capitol is open for self-guided tours daily when the legislature is in session, and from Monday to Friday the rest of the year. To see the building at its liveliest, plan to visit during legislative sessions between January and April.
A Short History of the Capitol
The Alaska State Capitol was completed in 1931, when Alaska was still a United States territory. The structure housed federal government offices until Alaska gained statehood in 1959. One of the reasons the building lacks the ornamentation of other state capitols was the difficulty the territory had in securing funding—locals provided much of the needed funds.
Address: Alaska State Capitol, Juneau, Alaska 99801, USA
Hours: Jan - April: daily 7am - 9pm; May-Dec: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm
From $ 72
Mendenhall Glacier
No visit to Juneau is complete without a close-up look at the Mendenhall Glacier — one of Alaska’s most popular attractions. The 13-mile-long (19 km) glacier ends at Mendenhall Lake and is easily viewed from the historic Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. On a sunny day the glacier is beautiful, with blue skies and snow-capped mountains in the background. On a cloudy and drizzly afternoon, the glacier is even more impressive, as the ice turns shades of deep blue.
The Basics
Near the face of the glacier is the visitor center, which houses various exhibits including a large map of the Juneau Ice Field, an observatory with telescopes, and a theater that shows a film about the glacier every 20 minutes.
- If you plan on walking, dress accordingly and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Those visiting by cruise ship can take a tour of Mendenhall Glacier as a shore excursion.
- No food or drink other than water is allowed from May through September, due to bear activity.
- Look for Nugget Falls, a salmon-viewing platform overlooking Steep Creek, and for six hiking trails of varying difficulty.
How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is located about 12 miles (19 km) outside of downtown Juneau, at the head of Glacier Spur Road. You can reach the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center by taxi, car, or bus.
Note that the city bus drops visitors a mile and a half from the visitor center so plan accordingly.
When to Get There
From May through September, the visitor center is open daily between 8am and 7:30pm. October through April, it’s open Friday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The trails and outdoor areas are open all year.
Mendenhall for Adventurers
If you’re visiting Alaska, chances are high you’ve already got a bit of the adventurous spirit. There are many glacier tours catering to adrenaline junkies and nature lovers. Opt for a combo that includes a whale watching tour, a hike along the glacier, and a salmon bake; paddle down the river to the glacier from Juneau by raft, kayak, or canoe; or embark on a guided adventure tour that includes hiking or ice exploration.
Address: Ketchikan 99901, USA
Admission: Adults: US$3 from May - Sept
From $ 89