Juneau
Country: USA · Region: Alaska · Currency: US Dollar
Juneau is Alaska's capital, accessible only by air or sea due to surrounding mountains, and a major cruise port receiving thousands of daily visitors May-September. The compact downtown is walkable with nearby attractions including glaciers, museums, and outdoor activities.
Top sights
Mendenhall Glacier, Mount Roberts Tramway, Alaska State Museum, Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Gold Belt Tram
Things to do
- Mendenhall Glacier
- A massive 1.5-mile-wide glacier calving into its own lake about 13 miles north of downtown Juneau with accessible trails and bear viewing in August-September.
- Mount Roberts Tramway (Gold Belt Tram)
- A tram running from downtown Juneau up Mount Roberts with scenic hiking trails and a nature center at the top, costing $27 adults.
- Alaska State Museum
- One of Alaska's best museums covering the state's history, native cultures, wildlife, and art, located approximately ten minutes walk from the cruise terminal.
- Alaska State Capitol
- Completed in 1931, this building houses the State Legislature, Governor, and Lieutenant Governor with complimentary 30-minute tours available mid-May through mid-September.
Where to eat
- Mount Roberts Tramway Restaurant
- Restaurant at the top of the tram offering a one-way tram ride down free with meal receipt.
- Alaskan Brewing Company
- Brewery in Lemon Creek offering tastings of their beer and guided brewery tours visiting multiple local breweries.
Bars and nightlife
- Red Dog Saloon
- A bar near downtown where taxi drivers offering tours can often be found.
Getting around
Downtown Juneau is compact and walkable; Capital Transit buses serve the area for $2, and shuttle services run regularly from cruise docks to Mendenhall Glacier ($20-30 round trip).
What to eat
The Alaskan Brewing Company offers brewery tours with tastings in Lemon Creek, accessible by bus from downtown.
Tips
Plan your day using the cruise ship schedule; many activities are a 15-minute journey away in the valley, so prioritize based on your ship's hours in port.
Best for
Glacier viewing, hiking, wildlife