Location: Juneau
Top Things to do in Juneau
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10 Things to do in Juneau That You Shouldn't Miss
Because of its ideal location between the base of Mount Juneau and the Gastineau Channel, the Southeastern Alaskan city of Juneau has been the home of Native American fisherman, European fur traders, and American gold prospectors. Now a free-spirited state capital, Juneau is the perfect base for a journey into the gorgeous Alaskan wilderness, whether it's for fishing, kayaking, and dog sledding in the National Parks, whale-watching at Icy Strait, or glacier hiking at the Juneau Icefield.
Restaurants in Juneau
1. Tracy Arm Fjord
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,879 reviews
Reviewed By clippers2018 - Maidenhead, United Kingdom
I spent the whole of June ‘19 travelling across Canada for 3 weeks followed by an 8 day Alaskan inside passage Cruise. I witnessed and experienced some amazing things including a flight over Niagara Falls and Dog Sledding on a Rockies Glacier. However, clear top (and that’s saying something !) amongst the numerous highlights was the Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise. The Cruise lasted 6.5 hours. It started with a switch from cruise ship to a smaller vessel (100 people ?) at 9am with a return to Juneau at 3:30pm. It was spectacular throughout. We cleared early fog to find ourselves on mill pond like water surrounded by magnificent snow capped mountains, valleys and tree lined rock faces, numerous waterfalls, mind boggling ice floes and jaw dropping glaciers. And then there was the wildlife ! As we travelled through the area every turn delivered yet another incredible view. So good was the spectacle any food time outs were very brief affairs ! There were early sightings of bald eagles, basking seals, brown bears at the waters edge and whales ! As we headed towards Juneau we came across a humpback whale crashing it’s fins on the water before submerging and a few seconds later performing a full breach right in front of us. Quite the spectacular finish to the cruise ! Researching this excursion pre cruise it looked fantastic, but exceeded those expectations considerably. I was advised to pre book and was so glad I did as it had sold out when I boarded. If you are doing one excursion make this the one if you possibly can. Truly magnificent.
2. Nugget Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,420 reviews
Reviewed By QuantumMover - San Diego, United States
MUST SEE!! Incredibly beautiful glacier, icebergs, and waterfalls all enclosed by a beautiful natural park. Although we did not see bears, signs were posted around the park to stay alert that bears are typically seen in the area. The Photo Point is a 5 minute walk from the visitor center on a paved road, you can hear the waterfalls and have a spectacular view of the glacier from there. You can also hike to the falls, its 2-3 miles round trip from the visitor center. The video at the center is worth watching, as it explains how the impacts from global warming are measurable.
3. Alaska State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 561 reviews
The Alaska State Museum is located at the Fr. Andrew P. Kashevaroff (APK) building in downtown Juneau. Visit us for a uniquely comprehensive view of Alaska’s history and diverse cultures including fine art, mining, fishing, forestry, tourism, Russia-America, and World War II. The Science on a Sphere TM theater cycles through a variety of geographical programs. There is a discovery room with a climb-aboard replica of an early sailing ship and fun activities for all ages. Besides the regularly changing temporary and virtual exhibits, the special 2021 show is "SWAY” on Northern Northwest Coast Weaving. Museum admission $14 summer; $9 winter. Youth free.
Reviewed By ericandtrudy - East Helena, United States
We loved the informative, colorful displays, and the gift shop had some excellent items at good prices!
4. Mount Roberts Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 567 reviews
Hiking trail beginning in downtown Juneau that is great for novices.
Reviewed By Sharyl2014 - Wisconsin, United States
This was a challenging climb but worth the effort. A small gift shop and museum at top. Great views of the port below. Hikers are able to ride the Tram down for $10 (or spend $10 on gifts/food for a free ride down).
5. Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 585 reviews
View the world renowned Flower Towers AND stunning rainforest of the Tongass. Your fully guided tour offers you a unique experience that combines natural landscapes and non-native manicured gardens . The gardens are the creation of Steve and Cindy Bowhay a guide tell you the unforgettable tale of the Flower Towers, named America's Most Interesting Landmark in 2012 Reader's Digest. Bright floral arrangements and elegant landscapes complement the natural beauty of the rainforest and the cascading waterfalls nearby. At the 580 ft level you will find an amazing panoramic viewpoint of Juneau, and the Chilkat Mountains. You return to the lower gardens in the Visitor's Center atrium and hanging flower gardens ! The Visitor's Center features a live video feed aimed at an active bald eagles nest that is found on the property. You can find online at our website as well. The Garden Gift Shop sells garden specific gifts and the Garden Cafe serves drinks, and light snacks.
Reviewed By willqh - La Grande, United States
Beautiful, unique, impressive. We thoroughly enjoyed our private tour to the top for a breathtaking view of Juneau. The concept of planting in upside down trees was so creative.
6. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,002 reviews
Mendenhall Glacier is easily accessible via roads from the local airport, cruise ship terminal and state ferry terminal. Our facility and lands are managed by the federal government through the United States Forest Service. Federal passes are accepted and sold as well as daily passes. There is a visitor center with a theater showing a 15-minute film on Mendenhall Glacier, a bookstore operated by nonprofit organization Discovery Southeast, and exhibits on wildlife, history, and glacial and geological changes. Rangers provide talks at various indoor and outdoor sites in summer. Open hours in summer are daily 8am to 7:30pm. Due to wildlife and bears, no food is allowed outdoors from April-November. There is no beverage or food service available to prevent bears from becoming food-conditioned. Nearby Steep Creek is the spawning stream for wild sockeye salmon from late July through early September. Later in the fall, a run of coho salmon spawn in the creek. Porcupines can be seen foraging on leaves in deciduous trees. Beavers are visible early in the morning and in the evening. Learn about Alaska and the natural world around the glacier and lake. Enjoy a one-hour hike to 400-foot-tall Nugget Falls. Other trails lead to different habitats. In winter, the visitor center is open Friday-Sunday from 10am to 4pm and closed on federal holidays.
Reviewed By ArmaanSaigon - Sydney, Australia
While in Juneau, Alaska we visited the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre. This was the first time for me to see such a spectacular view up-close of a landlocked glacier. There are numerous walking tracks all in varying levels of difficulty and viewing areas. There is plenty of wildlife. The approximately 20km long river of ice definitely takes your breath away. After having spent four days working in the Tongass National Forest I especially enjoyed the short film back at the centre which explored the interplay in the whole natural ecosystem of the area and how the glaciers in the region are impacted. Needless to say, I now have a far greater appreciation and love for these incredible ice leviathans. Well worth seeing at least once in your life.
7. DIPAC's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 543 reviews
DIPAC's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery Visitor Center offers a unique variety of attractions & a truly Alaskan experience! In May through September, we are open every day there is a cruise ship in town. In October through April, tours are offered by appointment only. Visit our website for more information on hours. In the summer months, get a birds-eye-view of the outdoor hatchery operations while a local guide shares with you the life cycle of Pacific salmon and the workings of the hatchery. Adult salmon start returning in Late June and continue through October. Bald Eagles and seals frequent the hatchery and provide a wildlife viewing opportunity. Once inside, explore our salt water aquariums displaying over 150 species of marine life, including touch-tank aquariums. Venture through our gift-shop where we feature shelf stable salmon products from local processors. A fun, affordable, & educational experience for the whole family!
Reviewed By dolladollabilz - Naples, United States
I never knew what salmon did in their lifetie. It was incredible to behold the ladder. Who new salmon returned to their birthplace to complete their life cycle. Pretty amazing to witness.
8. Shrine of St. Therese
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 617 reviews
Reviewed By TravelBugVA - Burke, United States
The Shrine of St. Therese is a very special place. With the beauty of the surrounding sea and mountains, the chapel provides persons of any faith a quiet place to encounter God. When I arrived, there were many tourists in the chapel, and they were talking. I waited for them to leave before selecting a pew and kneeling. As other visitors entered and realized that people were praying, they were very respectful. Some chose to sit down to meditate, pray, or just be at peace. Outside the chapel, there is a large white crucifix and Stations of the Cross in the woods. Sometimes you can see eagles or whales from The Shrine. There is a labyrinth for meditation or prayer near the retreat house. I enjoyed the flowers around the grounds. It was very nice to see the plant name, plus any religious name and/or significance of each plant. Just look for the signs for that information. There is a small gift shop that sells religious medals, books and music. A columbarium is located past it down a path.
9. Mendenhall Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 654 reviews
Reviewed By JakenBake89 - Union Bridge, United States
Took the Juneau Tour "white" bus out to Mendenhall and spent a few hours just walking around. Did the Steep Creek loop trail, then the Pavilion and Visitor Center (very nice exhibits), then walked out the Nugget Falls trail to Nugget Falls and a great view of the glacier. The NF trail is paved and very easy but you have to go off path to get near the water, the fall's spray, and an even better look at the glacier. Saw a lot of birds on this path and a porcupine crossed right in front of us. We could see mountain goats on the hill above the falls. Back to the Visitor Center via paths closer to the water and Photo Point (where a Ranger was there to show some photos of the glacier's past positions and to answer questions). Then back to the bus pick up point. All-in-all a spectacular place, not terribly crowded away from the Visitor Center, and easy walking.
10. Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,916 reviews
We are the only aerial tramway in Southeast Alaska. We are located right at the beginning of historical downtown Juneau. We will glide you up to 1,800 ft. above sea level in 5 minutes. Enjoy the narrated tour while we whisk you away to breathtaking views of the Chilkat mountain range north of us and down the Gastineau Channel to Admiralty Island south of us. All of our amenities are located in the mountain house including the Raven Eagle Gifts & Gallery, the Timberline Atop Mt Roberts, the Chilkat Theater, the Nature Center. An extensive trail system can lead to you alpine meadows and fantastic views. We look forward to seeing you on the mountain!
Reviewed By joebN3186TC - Ormond Beach, United States
We were at our first port, Juneau, Alaska during our recent family cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. It was an absolutely gorgeous day in July. Toward the end of our day, we decided to ride the Mount Roberts Tramway. It’s an enclosed tram that takes you right up the side of a mountain to overlook the cruise ship dock, the town of Juneau and beautiful views of Alaska. Once we rode to the top, we took some amazing pictures of the area, we explored some of the nature trails, as well as the shop. They have some interactive stuff for the kids as well as a short video about the Natives that inhabited this area hundreds of years ago. Once you get to the top, you can stay as long as you want. We also had a light lunch at the mountain top restaurant which was very good. Burgers, nachos and other casual fare. Some great local beers as well. I would avoid the tram early in the day because many cruise guests go there first. 45+ minute wait early in the day. We waited until later and walked right on. Certainly worth the money. $31.50 adult, $16.20 child
