After putting off our trip to Alaska for a couple of years because of the Canadian border closure and other nonsense going on in the world, we finally decided to forgo making the drive up the Alaska Highway and just fly to Juneau. Ironically, this was our 49th state capital to see and also the 49th state capital to join the lower 48. Because we’re not particularly fond of cold weather, our trip happened in August. This is one of the warmest months to visit the area. The weather was incredible for our trip, making the experience better than we could have imagined.
This Juneau, Alaska, visitor’s guide will help you plan your trip to this unique capital city, explaining how to get to Juneau, what to do while you’re there, and other details that can help you make the most of your state-by-state adventure.
Getting to Juneau
Although Juneau isn’t technically an island, it might as well be. A massive ice field surrounds the city, making it impossible to drive to. The only way to get to Juneau is to fly into the Juneau International Airport, hop on a cruise ship that makes a port of call here, or jump on a ferry that’s part of the Alaska Marine Highway System. Of course, if you have your own boat or floatplane, you could take that too. We left our trailer with family in the Seattle, Washington, area and flew out from there. This let us get a direct flight that only took about two hours. When we flew in, it was pretty cloudy. But on our way home, we got a good look at the impressive ice flows that cut the city off from Canada.
Getting Around Juneau
Renting a car to explore is highly recommended. With your own car, you’ll have the opportunity to see parts of the city you can’t feasibly get to otherwise. Gas was surprisingly less expensive in Juneau than it was in Washington, Oregon, and California. If you can’t rent a car or just don’t want to, there’s a decent bus system you can use to see some major points of interest. It’s fairly inexpensive to hop on the bus to get where you need to go, and the bus stops are conveniently located all around Juneau, making it simple to get to one. Taxis and rideshares are another option, but these are fewer and further between in Juneau than they are in other larger cities, so plan accordingly.
The city is spread out into essentially three areas: Mendenhall Valley, Downtown, and Douglas Island. This makes it difficult to say that the city is walkable or that taking a bike is a good way to get around. Although you can walk around downtown, traversing all of Juneau on foot isn’t really something you’ll want to consider. The city is also on the side of a mountain, making many areas very steep, so riding a bike around isn’t a great option either. However, there are some bike tours that drive you to areas where you can see places on two wheels.
What To Do in Juneau
Juneau is a popular cruise ship destination that swells the city’s population by the thousands, but many other tourists visit the city during the warmer months. In winter, a lot of the touristy parts of the city shut down. You can still visit Juneau in the winter, as many people live here year-round. Just don’t expect as many activities to take place. These are some of the top things to do on your visit to Juneau in the warmer months.
Check Out Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
The Mendenhall Glacier is an amazing sight to see, and something you don’t want to miss when you’re exploring Juneau. This huge glacier has receded quite a bit over the years and provides a glimpse into how the Earth changes over time. On one side of Mendenhall Lake, the body of water at the base of the glacier, you’ll find the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Here, there’s information about the glacier, a gift shop, and kids can get Junior Ranger books. The books have activities they can do to learn about the glacier and the plants and animals in the area. When they complete the book, they can earn a badge. Just turn it in to a ranger who will swear them in.
Outside the visitor’s center, you can walk around for some great photos of the glacier and to gaze at its beauty. You’ll see the most dazzling blue colors if you visit on an overcast day. There’s also a short hike to Nugget Falls, a waterfall that pours into Mendenhall Lake with views of the glacier in the background. The canoe tours stop off here to let people get out and take photos of the falls. So if you hang out for about 20 minutes, the crowds will clear and you’ll probably get the place almost to yourself for short time.
Hike to Mendenhall Glacier
On the opposite side of Mendenhall Lake, you’ll find the West Glacier Trail. This spot isn’t as popular with tourists, mainly because the tour buses don’t stop on this side of the lake. From the trailhead, you can hike almost all the way to the glacier. Just a few years ago, you could get to a point where touching the glacier was possible. However, because the glacier has receded so much, the rocky area to get to it now is dangerous and I wouldn’t recommend going all the way. The first couple of miles of this trail are pretty level and easy to hike. The path takes you through some beautiful and dense forest where you’ll see lots of plants and mini waterfalls.
As you go farther on the trail, you’ll begin to gain elevation, increasing the difficulty of the hike. Once you clear a rock scramble that could turn away less determined hikers, you’ll get what I would consider the best view of the glacier. Continuing on from the rocky crest will get you closer and closer to the glacier. Eventually, you get above the tree line to a point that makes you feel like you’re in a desert instead of a rainforest.
You can walk along the edge of the glacial lake, and if you’re lucky, you’ll even get a chance to touch pieces of the glacier that float to shore. To hike as close to the glacier as you can get is probably about 10 miles one way. So make sure you prepare the night before and go early to give yourself enough time to get there and back. Along the trail, rangers have signs showing where the glacier was at certain points. This gives you a good idea of how fast it’s melting.
Tour the State Capitol
Touring state capitols is our thing, so of course the capitol building in Juneau was a point of interest for us. While the capitol building in Juneau isn’t the most ornate or eye-catching capitol building in the country, it has an interesting history worth discovering. You can take a guided tour or explore the building on your own. I recommend the guided tour, though. If you can catch one, the guide will point out interesting things and provide some insight into the state’s history as you make your way through the building.
The House and Senate chambers are simple, featuring desks and chairs for the state’s representatives that seem all business. As you walk through the hallways, keep your eyes on the photos and art that line the walls. You’ll see photos of past governors and other important figures who played a big part in shaping the state. There are also newspaper clippings you can read, even one from when Alaska became a state.
Stop by the Alaska State Museum
Not far from the state capitol building, the Alaska State Museum is definitely worth a visit. Although it’s not a large museum, it’s packed with history and interesting displays and artifacts. There’s a fee for adults, but children under 18 are free. The museum appeals to visitors young and old. A children’s section with an interactive boat and other displays should keep younger kids entertained. Adults will have a hard time taking in the vast amount of information provided in this museum.
You’ll learn about Alaska’s past through exhibits on its animals, plants, and native peoples. Exhibits about the Tlingit display the art and culture of these early inhabitants of the land. You can see totem poles, clothing, and tools with explanations on their significance to the Tlingit. A few taxidermy displays help visitors understand the animals of Alaska and their importance to the area.
We really enjoyed seeing the VISCERAL exhibit while we were here. It’s a rotating exhibit so may not be on display when you visit. But it featured jackets and other clothing items made from animal intestines. It sounds gross, which is probably why our kids loved it so much, but was done so well that we spent a lot of time checking it out. The items on display were reproductions. They showed the variety in styles and designs that early inhabitants would have worn to stay warm and dry. We also watched a video that showed the process for making the waterproof jackets and other pieces. This was a highlight of our experience at the museum.
Do the Whale Watching and Salmon Bake Excursion
Whale watching is definitely a must-do activity if you’re in Juneau during the summer. After a lot of research and price comparisons of various tours offered, we came across a whale watching and salmon bake excursion from Alaska Travel Adventures. It sounded fun, and we ended up saving a little money by combining the two activities instead of doing them separately. Even though we weren’t with a cruise ship, the tour met downtown near the cruise ship terminal. You’ll hop on a bus and take a short drive to the marina, where a 48-passenger boat awaits.
For us, this whale watching cruise was appealing because it was a smaller group on board. The captain of the boat communicates with other captains so everyone knows where to see whales and so they don’t overcrowd the animals. A knowledgeable guide gave us lots of great information about whales and the islands we passed as we made our way to see these incredible animals. It didn’t take long to get to a spot where the humpback whales were very active. We saw them as close as we could get coming to the surface and breaching. The captain stayed in the area for a long time, letting us take lots of photos and just marvel at these massive creatures of the sea.
When we got back to land, we took the bus to the salmon bake, which is in a beautiful and peaceful setting right on the river. As soon as you depart the bus, you can smell the delicious aroma of food cooking on the grill. It’s a buffet-style meal but they’re constantly grilling up fresh salmon. You can even get it with a tasty, sweet sauce they heat over the grill. All the food was surprisingly good, and our kids loved that they could have unlimited hot chocolate and lemonade. They also have coffee for the adults.
After our meal, we took the short walk along the river to the waterfall where there used to be a gold mine. You can still see the entrance, but do not enter. In the river, you’ll see lots of salmon making their way upstream. If you stay and watch, you can see them trying to jump up the waterfall. They even have a small gold panning station setup where you can try your hand at gold mining, which is part of the experience.
Stick around if you have time and sit by the fire while the kids (and adults if they’re not too full) roast marshmallows. I’m pretty sure my kids liked the salmon bake even more than the whale watching. Cruise ship guests are on a schedule, so they come and go, but if you don’t have anywhere to be, you can stay as long as you like. The last bus leaves in the evening, so you have plenty of time to relax.
Look Around the Farmers Market
We were lucky enough to be in Juneau when the farmers market took place. It was an indoor and outdoor market with more booths than I expected. There was a wide variety of items to look at, and some vendors even offered free samples. We got to try salmon chips, sea cucumber chips, and shrimp chips. Some booths had the typical fruits and vegetables you expect at any farmers market. But we also found items unique to Juneau, like the fireweed jelly and dried salmon. One vendor was giving away small foam animals of Alaska to the kids.
One of my favorite things about farmers markets is that you get a glimpse of local life. The people at the farmers market—shopping and selling—aren’t usually tourists. Making your way through the farmers market in Juneau will give you an idea of what the people are like, their interests, and the culture of those living in the city today. The bubble machine going as you walk up definitely left an impression.
Hike the Treadwell Mine Historic Trail
To get to the Treadwell Mine Historic Trail, you have to drive across the bridge to Douglas Island. You can find the parking area at the end of Savikko Road. There’s a cool totem pole near the baseball field to admire before you head to the trail. Walk toward the restroom and you’ll see where the trail begins. This is an easy hike that takes you into some wooded areas. Along the path, you can read several signs that tell you about the historic mine that has its roots on the island.
Look for remnants of old mining equipment and structures that once stood in the area. Eventually, you’ll find the Treadwell General Store. This building is a reconstruction of the one that was there originally. It has pictures and information about life at the mine and its tragic ending. If you really explore the area, you’ll discover a few branches off of the main trail where you might get a glimpse of artifacts that remain from the site’s glory days.
Before or after your hike along the trail, spend some time on Sandy Beach. This is a fun spot to explore, especially at low tide. You might even see a small ship wreck. Gaze across the water for an epic waterfall view, and look up so you don’t miss out on seeing one of Alaska’s huge bald eagles.
Drive the Glacier Highway
Despite that Juneau is the largest capital city by land area, encompassing over 3,000 square miles, there aren’t too many roads. In fact, if you don’t count Douglas Island, Juneau only has 190 miles of maintained roads. With so small an area, you could literally drive all the roads in Juneau in just a few hours. One drive worth taking is the Glacier Highway. The road begins near the airport just before you cross the Mendenhall River and takes you north. If you follow it to the end, the highway simply runs out. It dead ends in a grove of trees with a large area to turn around.
Along the Glacier Highway, you’ll find several recreation areas where you can stop to explore the shoreline. There are also trailheads where you can trek through the forest for incredible views. Plan a stop off at the National Shrine of St. Thérèse, a holy place full of beauty that offers incredible views. We weren’t able to stop at all the locations that dot this stretch of road. But no matter which stops you make, you’re sure to enjoy the picturesque scenery and being surrounded by nature.
Walk Around Downtown
Downtown Juneau caters to the cruise ship crowd. Shops selling jewelry, T-shirts, and locally made goods line the bustling sidewalks. You can also find restaurants where you can get a variety of foods. Standing on the sidelines, you can watch the massive cruise ships coming and going, and marvel at the incredible number of people that swarm the streets to take in Juneau for a few hours. It’s fun to watch and be a part of, but I was glad we had a little more time and freedom to go at our own pace.
As you explore downtown Juneau on foot, make sure to see the life-size humpback whale fountain. Seeing the statue gives you a great perspective of how giant these animals truly are. The water goes off about every 15 minutes, and it’s quite a sight to see. This is a fun spot to get memorable photos. Another enjoyable activity you can do downtown is watch the floatplanes coming and going. They take off and land right in front of the Hanger on the Wharf restaurant. Seeing them go right past the enormous cruise ships and take off over the water is worth seeing.
Where To Stay in Juneau
Finding the right accommodations can make a big difference in your overall travel experience. Because the tourism window in Juneau is short compared to other places in the United States, you can expect to pay more for accommodation here. There are several hotels to choose from in each part of the city. These range from basic to high-end luxury options, so where you stay will depend on your budget. Although we used the Airbnb platform, I can no longer recommend the platform based on their poor customer service and the company’s lack of quality standard or enforcement of rules for its hosts.
Fortunately, you have other vacation rental options in the city. Try Juneau Vacation Homes or Alaska.org, for example. Where you’ll be most comfortable will depend on your plans while you’re in Juneau. Many of the city’s hotels are downtown, but you can find options closer to Mendenhall Glacier or on Douglas Island if you want to be away from the city. Our rental was in an industrial area, something we didn’t realize until we were there (another reason to avoid Airbnb—you never know what you’re getting), and not a spot I’d recommend.
If we stayed again, knowing the lay of the land, I’d choose a spot closer to the glacier or south of downtown. While Douglas Island might be quiet, you’ll be further away from everything except a couple of hiking areas. This means more time driving to get groceries and to see the sights of Juneau.
How Long To Spend in Juneau
If you’re planning a trip to Juneau, it’s good to give yourself enough time to really explore. You’ll likely want at least five days to see the city, but if you can spend a week to 10 days. You’ll get a chance to see more without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Depending on where you travel from, you may need to spend the first day or two getting used to the time difference. Alaska is in its own time zone and goes by Alaska Standard Time.
Giving yourself a few extra days means you can add sights to your trip and stay in and relax. You’ll get to explore all that Juneau has to offer if you spend at least a week. And you probably won’t need more than two weeks even if you really want to stretch your time here. Because no matter which way you go, the road runs out. It’s a different story if you have a boat, but for most of us, two weeks is probably plenty of time to see Juneau.
Where To Eat in Juneau
We’re all about eating cheap when traveling, but we also enjoy trying local foods and eating at locally owned restaurants. Because Juneau is a small city, there aren’t a lot of restaurants to choose from. And because it’s basically an island, you can expect to pay a little more for eating out and groceries. Although, prices in Juneau are not much higher than what you’ll pay if you live anywhere on the West Coast. We mainly prepared our own meals in our rental and shopped at the local Fred Meyer, a West Coast grocery chain that’s part of the Kroger family.
If you want to eat out, Hanger on the Wharf is a cool spot because you can watch the floatplanes coming and going while you devour your meal. The food was decent, but this place is more about the experience than the menu. For a good breakfast, try the Sandpiper Cafe. The food is tasty and the prices are reasonable for the city. You might also want to dine at Twisted Fish Company. We didn’t get a chance to try it ourselves, but every time we walked by, it smelled amazing. There’s also a small store next door where you can buy fish and other local products.
What To Skip in Juneau
Like all tourist destinations, Juneau has its share of places you can skip. One popular attraction that’s not really worth the outrageous ticket price is the Goldbelt Tram. The experience sounds really cool because it’s the most vertical tram in the world and boasts a great view. But this attraction only gets you a 10- to 15-minute ride up to a spot where you’ll find an expensive restaurant and gift shop, which aren’t included in the ticket price. If the view, which is probably the best part of the experience, is worth $55 per person to you, then check it out. You’ll have to wait in a long line to take the tram back down.
Another popular thing to do in Juneau that probably isn’t worth it is eating at Tracy’s Crab Shack. Although I’m sure it was once a wonderful place to get crab, it now feels like a tourist trap. The crab is very expensive because it’s conveniently located for the cruise ship passengers. However, the staff here aren’t friendly and they seem like the only goal is to cook as many crabs as possible each day with little concern for quality or customer service. You can get better crab for less elsewhere.
Take a Trip to Juneau
Beautiful scenery, incredible wildlife, and a relaxing atmosphere await you in Juneau. Whether you go for a few days, a week, or longer, this guide should help you make the most of your adventure. If you like our photos, check out our store on Redbubble. You can find more great photos of amazing places around the country. Eventually, we still plan to make the drive through Canada to discover more of what Alaska offers, and we’ll happily share all the details with our travel-loving audience.
