Whether you’ll be venturing deep into the surrounding forest or exploring every inch of this city, Juneau has so much to offer and is a great jumping-off point for Alaskan adventures. You may come across affiliate links in this post as you read. If you decide to make a purchase through one, you’ll help me earn a small commission at no cost to you! Thanks for your support.
Juneau, Alaska, is a beautiful city located in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness. If you’re looking for an adventure, you’ll find it here! There are many things to do in Juneau, from hiking and fishing to glacier tours and kayaking. In this blog post, we will explore 10 of the best experiences that Juneau offers. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip!
Psst: Please be sure to be respectful of other cultures and new destinations, leave no trace and maintain distance from wildlife. Also: this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no cost to you.
Visiting Juneau, Alaska
Ten Things to do in Juneau, Alaska
1. Cruise the Tracey Arm Inlet
2.Tongass National Forest
3. Mendenhall Glacier
4. Nugget Falls
5. Salmon Hatchery
6. Whale Watching
7. Mount Roberts Tramway
8. Salmon Feast at Taku Lodge
9. Go on a Juneau Culinary Walk
10. Visit the Last Chance Museum
Places to Eat in Juneau
1. Deckhand Daves
2. SALT
3. Narrows Bar
4. The Hangar
5. The Island Pub
Best Things to do in Juneau, Alaska
Visiting Juneau, Alaska
Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, is located in the state’s southeastern part. With a population of just over 32,000, Juneau is the second-largest city in Alaska (after Anchorage). It is also the cruise capital of Alaska, with over one million cruise ship passengers visiting each year.
Juneau is surrounded by towering mountains and stunning glaciers, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to hiking and mountain biking, popular activities in Juneau include kayaking, whale watching, and dog sledding.
Visitors can also take a scenic flightseeing tour or ride the Mount Roberts Tramway for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape with GetYourGuide.
If you’re looking for a unique Alaska experience, Juneau is the place to be!
Ten Things to do in Juneau, Alaska
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite for an adventure, let’s explore 10 of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska.
Cruise the Tracey Arm Inlet
The Tracey Arm Inlet is one of the most beautiful and popular cruising areas in Alaska. The inlet is located about 30 miles south of Juneau, and it features glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. There are two glaciers in the inlet – the North Sawyer Glacier and the South Sawyer Glacier.
The Sawyer Glacier is one of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America, and it’s a popular spot for iceberg viewing. The South Sawyer Glacier is smaller, but it’s also very scenic. Visitors can often see calving or ice breaking off from the glacier. Tracey Arm is also home to various wildlife, including seals, whales, eagles, and bears.
Cruising the Tracey Arm Inlet is an unforgettable experience. Still, there are a few things you should know before you go:
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- The inlet is only accessible by boat or floatplane.
- Weather conditions can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to be prepared for windy and cold conditions.
- Because of the remote location, cell phone service is limited or may not be available in the inlet.
However, with proper planning and preparation, your cruise through the Tracey Arm Inlet will be a fantastic adventure.
Tongass National Forest
Tongass National Forest is the largest National Forest in the United States, covering over 16 million acres of Southeast Alaska. It is also one of the most biologically diverse forests in the world, home to an array of plant and animal life. The Tongass is a temperate rainforest, receiving over 90 inches of precipitation each year.
Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Alaska cedar are just a few of the trees that make up the Tongass forest. In addition to its tree diversity, the Tongass is also home to bald eagles, brown bears, black bears, humpback whales, and Sitka black-tailed deer. The Tongass National Forest is truly a national treasure. Visitors to Juneau can hike in the Tongass right from downtown from hiking up passed the Mt. Roberts Tramway to the summit of Mt. Roberts or on a guided excursion. Pack Creek Outfitters a local seaplane guiding company can even take you out to one of the coastal islands to view Alaskan Brown bears as they fish for salmon.
Mendenhall Glacier
The Mendenhall Glacier is located a short drive from downtown Juneau. At 12 miles long, it is the largest glacier in the Juneau Icefield. The glacier starts at the Juneau Icefield and terminates at Mendenhall Lake. It is named after geologist Thomas Corwin Mendenhall.
The Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center is where people can learn about glaciers and their impact on Alaska’s environment. The center has many exhibits and Glacier Rangers, who give talks and lead hikes on the glacier. There are also ranger-led canoe trips on Mendenhall Lake.
The Mendenhall Glacier is a popular destination for tourists and a great place to learn about glaciers.
The best way to get to the Mendenhall Glacier is on the Glacier Blue Bus which departs from Juneau’s Port every day with departures every 30 minutes. Check with the driver when you coard to find out the last time of the day for returning to town.
If you’re looking for a great way to combine your visit to Mendenhall with the Tongass National Forest, check out this tour.
Nugget Falls
When visiting the Mendenhall Glacier you will want to take some extra time to walk out to Nugget Falls. Nugget Falls may be one of the only moving waterfalls in the world, its location and size change with the retreating glacier and amount of rainfall in the area. The falls are accessible by car, and there is a short 1.5-mile hiking trail to the base of the falls. Nugget Falls is a popular destination for photographers. It is also a great place to picnic or just enjoy the views.
Salmon Hatchery
The Salmon Hatchery is a must-visit. Visitors can learn about the life cycle of salmon, see fish being hatched and raised, and watch as they are released into the wild. The hatchery also offers a variety of educational programs for school groups. The Salmon Hatchery is a great place to learn about salmon and the vital role they play in Alaska’s ecosystem.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in Alaska, and Juneau is no exception. Humpback whales are often seen in the waters around Juneau, and several tour companies offer whale-watching tours. These tours typically last about three hours, and they provide an up-close look at these fantastic creatures. Whale watching is a great way to learn about humpback whales and their habitat.
Mount Roberts Tramway
The Mount Roberts Tramway is a cable car that takes passengers from downtown Juneau to the top of Mount Roberts. The tramway was built in 1996, and it has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. The ride to the top of the mountain takes about 6 minutes, and there are several hiking trails and scenic overlooks at the top. The Mount Roberts Tramway is a great way to get views of Juneau and the surrounding area. Tickets can be purchased at the base of the Tramway. There is a gift shop, restaurant, gallery and coffee shop at the top.
Hikers can hike up the 3 mile trail from Gold Creek. From town walk up Gold Street, and onto basin road where you see the trailhead for the Mount Roberts Trailhead. At the summit, buy something inside the gift shop or gallery and ride down for free, just don’t forget your rain jacket.
Tickets: $45 roundtrip (Adults) $30 (Children age 3-12 ) Buy Online
Fly to Taku Lodge For a Salmon Feast
Taku Lodge is a fly-in lodge located in the Taku Inlet, just outside of Juneau. The lodge is only accessible by floatplane or boat, and it is a popular destination for fishermen and hunters, as well as hungry tourists wanting the most unique salmon feast you could imagine. A flight to Taku Lodge allows you to see a birds-eye view of the 1,500 square-mile Juneau Icefield. Book a day trip to Taku with Wings airways for a Salmon feast on the shores of the lake, and neighboring glacier. Most visitors will be greeted with bear sightings and the trip includes a 25 minute scenic glacier tour from the plane as you fly in and out.
Taku Lodge is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of Alaska.
Go on a Juneau Culinary Walk
Juneau Culinary Walk is a walking tour that takes participants to various restaurants and cafes in downtown Juneau. The tour includes samples of food from each location and information about the history and culture of Juneau. The Juneau Culinary Walk is a great way to experience the culinary scene in Alaska’s capital city.
Visit the Last Chance Mining Museum
The Last Chance Mining Museum is located in Juneau’s historic downtown district. The museum is housed in the old Alaska Juneau Gold Mine office. It features exhibits on the city’s mining history. The museum also offers tours of the mine, which take visitors underground to see firsthand what it was like to work in a gold mine. The Last Chance Mining Museum is a great place to learn about Juneau’s history and the city’s connection to the gold mining industry.
Address: 1001 Basin Rd, Juneau, AK 99801
Hours: Friday through Monday 2-5pm
Here are some more great tours to try in the Juneau area
Places to Eat in Juneau
If you worked up an appetite after a day of experiencing all that Juneau has to offer, you’re in luck. There are plenty of great places to eat in Alaska’s capital city. From seafood to burgers, there is something for everyone.
Deckhand Daves
Deckhand Dave’s is a food stand that specializes in Mexican fish tacos. The menu is seasonal and features salmon, rockfish, and halibut, all of which are caught fresh from the nearby waters and some of the best fish tacos I have ever had anywhere.
The fish is then grilled to perfection and served on a warm tortilla with a variety of delicious toppings. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, Deckhand Dave’s will hit the spot.
** Insider Tip: Black Bears frequent this area in the evening so if you want to see one, come for a beer or late night taco before heading off to bed. PS: Keep your distance from any wildlife you may encounter on your visit.
SALT
If you’re looking for Alaskan cuisine with a modern twist, SALT is your place. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes and steaks, and everything is accompanied by local produce.
The chef sources the freshest ingredients from around Alaska, so you can be sure you’re getting the best of what the state has to offer.
Narrows Bar
It’s not exactly a restaurant. However, Narrows Bar deserves mention for its excellent cocktails. This is definitely a must-visit whether it be before dinner or for an after-dinner aperitif. On my last visit to Juneau this was a daily spot for a late day cocktail after hiking and kayaking.
The Hangar
The Hangar on the Wharf is a local favorite and a must-visit. Stop in to enjoy a meal with some of the best views in Juneau. And don’t forget to try one of their 20-plus beers available on tap. They also have great fish n’chips, tacos and other light fare.
This converted airplane hangar in the heart of Juneau is a must-visit.
The Island Pub
The Island Pub is one of the best places to eat in Juneau, Alaska. The pub offers brick-oven pizza, wraps, and salads with a water view. The pub also offers a variety of beers on tap and a full bar.
Best Things to do in Juneau, Alaska
Juneau is a great place to visit for its natural beauty, wildlife, outdoor activities, and rich history. There are many things to do in Juneau, Alaska, and this list is just a start. So whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Juneau has something for everyone.
What gets you excited about your upcoming visit to Juneau, Alaska?
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