best things to do in juneau alaska

Introduction : Best Things to Do in Juneau Alaska

Hey there, fellow adventure seekers! Ever wondered what it’s like to explore a state capital that’s only accessible by air or sea? Welcome to Juneau, Alaska – a place where wilderness meets urban charm in the most unexpected ways. As someone who’s spent more time than I care to admit wandering through this southeastern Alaskan gem, I can tell you that Juneau packs more punch per square mile than most destinations on the planet. From towering glaciers to downtown historic districts, this place has seriously got it all. So grab your raincoat (trust me, you’ll need it) and let’s dive into the absolute best things to do in Juneau!

Experience the Majesty of Mendenhall Glacier

Is there anything more humbling than standing before a massive river of ice that’s been slowly carving its way through mountains for thousands of years? The Mendenhall Glacier sits just 12 miles from downtown Juneau and delivers one of those jaw-dropping, “I-can’t-believe-this-is-real” moments that make travel so addictive.

The Visitor Center offers spectacular panoramic views, but don’t just stop there. Hit the trails! Nugget Falls Trail is an easy 2-mile round trip that brings you face-to-face with a roaring 377-foot waterfall adjacent to the glacier. Want something more challenging? The West Glacier Trail offers more adventurous hikers the chance to actually step onto the glacier (with proper equipment and preparation, of course).

I still remember my first visit during a rare sunny day when the blue ice seemed to glow from within. A massive chunk calved right before my eyes, sending a thunderous boom across the lake that nearly made me drop my camera. Nature’s drama at its finest!

FYI – The glacier is retreating at an alarming rate, so what you see today might look significantly different in just a few years. All the more reason to visit sooner rather than later.

Take the Mount Roberts Tramway

Want to go from sea level to 1,800 feet in just six minutes? The Mount Roberts Tramway whisks you up the mountainside right from downtown Juneau, offering increasingly spectacular views with every foot of elevation gain.

At the top, you’ll find well-maintained hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks further up the mountain. The alpine meadows burst with wildflowers during summer months, creating carpets of color that contrast beautifully with the deep blue of the Gastineau Channel below.

Don’t miss the Juneau Raptor Center’s bald eagle display or the cultural exhibits at the Mountain House. The restaurant up there serves some pretty decent food too, though I always pack some snacks because, let’s be honest, those mountain-top prices can give you altitude sickness all on their own!

Whale Watching in the Inside Passage

Have you ever locked eyes with a humpback whale? It’s an experience that stays with you forever. Juneau sits in the heart of the Inside Passage, making it one of the world’s premier whale-watching destinations.

From April through November, humpbacks feed in these nutrient-rich waters, often putting on spectacular displays of breaching, tail-slapping, and bubble-net feeding. Orcas, minke whales, and porpoises also make frequent appearances.

Numerous operators offer tours ranging from large comfortable catamarans to smaller, more intimate six-person boats. IMO, the smaller boats provide a more personal experience, getting you closer to the action without the crowds. But whichever option you choose, the sight of a 40-ton humpback launching its entire body out of the water is guaranteed to make your jaw drop.

I once spent an entire afternoon watching a pod of orcas hunt sea lions – nature’s drama unfolding like a high-stakes documentary right before my eyes. No television screen can ever compare to witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.

Pan for Gold at Gold Creek

Channel your inner prospector and try your luck at gold panning! The discovery of gold in the 1880s is what put Juneau on the map, and you can still find flecks of the precious metal in Gold Creek today.

Several tours offer guided gold panning experiences where they’ll show you the proper technique (it’s harder than it looks!) and guarantee you’ll find at least a tiny bit of gold to take home. Is it enough to retire on? Definitely not. But there’s something undeniably thrilling about spotting that first glimmer of gold in your pan.

I spent an hour panning and walked away with gold flakes worth approximately $8. Not exactly a get-rich-quick scheme, but the bragging rights of saying “I found gold in Alaska” are priceless. 🙂

Explore the Alaska State Museum

Rain in Juneau? Say it isn’t so! When the notorious Juneau weather does its thing (and it will), the Alaska State Museum offers a fascinating refuge where you can dry off while diving deep into the state’s rich history.

Recently renovated, this world-class museum showcases everything from ancient Native Alaskan artifacts to Russian colonial relics and gold rush memorabilia. The Alaska Native collections are particularly impressive, featuring intricate Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian artwork and ceremonial items.

What surprised me most was the science and nature exhibits that explain Alaska’s unique ecosystems. The life-sized brown bear display had me looking over my shoulder despite being indoors!

Hike the Perseverance Trail

Ready to stretch those legs? The historic Perseverance Trail follows the path used by miners during Juneau’s gold rush era, offering a fascinating blend of natural beauty and mining history.

The trailhead is conveniently located just a mile from downtown, making this a super accessible day hike. The main trail runs about 3 miles one-way through the Silverbow Basin, following Gold Creek past old mining ruins, stunning mountain views, and the occasional waterfall.

In summer, keep your eyes peeled for wild blueberries along the path – nature’s perfect hiking snack! Just remember that bears think so too, so stay alert and make plenty of noise as you hike.

Take a Helicopter Tour to Dog Mush on a Glacier

Ever dreamed of mushing a dog sled team across a pristine field of snow… in the middle of summer? In Juneau, that dream can become reality through helicopter dog sledding tours on the Juneau Icefield.

These tours combine two bucket-list experiences: a breathtaking helicopter ride over glaciers and mountains, followed by meeting professional mushers and their adorable Alaskan huskies. You’ll learn about the traditional sport of dog sledding, get to interact with the dogs (who are incredibly friendly and LOVE to run), and experience the thrill of gliding across the snow behind a team of enthusiastic canine athletes.

Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s weather-dependent. And yes, it is absolutely, positively worth every penny if you can swing it. I still get goosebumps thinking about standing on that vast white expanse with mountains disappearing into the distance in every direction.

Explore Downtown Juneau and the State Capitol

As Alaska’s capital city, Juneau offers a unique blend of government buildings, historic architecture, and charming shops all tucked between mountains and sea.

The Alaska State Capitol building might not win any architectural beauty contests (it looks suspiciously like an office building), but it’s worth a quick self-guided tour to see where the political magic happens. Nearby, the Governor’s Mansion stands as a more impressive structure with its white columns and well-maintained gardens.

South Franklin Street is where you’ll find most of the tourist shops, restaurants, and the famous Red Dog Saloon – complete with sawdust floors and swinging doors that transport you straight back to gold rush days. The historic district around Front Street features beautifully preserved buildings from the early 1900s.

Don’t miss the chance to chat with locals at the cafes or breweries. Juneauites (yes, that’s what they’re called) are a friendly bunch with amazing stories about life in this isolated capital.

Visit Tracy Arm Fjord

If you thought Mendenhall Glacier was impressive, wait until you cruise into Tracy Arm Fjord. This narrow, 27-mile-long fjord delivers some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet, with 3,000-foot granite cliffs rising straight from the sea, countless waterfalls cascading down sheer rock faces, and the twin Sawyer Glaciers at the end.

Several tour operators run day trips from Juneau, typically lasting 6-8 hours. The journey through the fjord is an attraction itself, with opportunities to spot harbor seals lounging on floating ice chunks, mountain goats defying gravity on steep cliffs, and if you’re lucky, bears foraging along the shoreline.

The boat will get you remarkably close to the active tidewater glaciers, where massive ice chunks regularly calve into the sea with a thunderous roar. Have your camera ready, but also take time to simply absorb the moment – this is nature at its most magnificent and powerful.

Fly Over the Juneau Icefield

The Juneau Icefield spans a mind-boggling 1,500 square miles of ice, making it the fifth-largest icefield in the Western Hemisphere. While most visitors only see the tiny fraction that forms Mendenhall Glacier, flightseeing tours offer a chance to appreciate the true immensity of this frozen wonderland.

Small planes or helicopters fly you over vast expanses of ice punctuated by jagged mountain peaks and dotted with stunning blue meltwater pools. Some tours even include a landing on the icefield, allowing you to step out onto a landscape that feels more like another planet than Earth.

My pilot pointed out how the icefield fed dozens of different glaciers flowing in all directions, like a massive frozen octopus with icy tentacles stretching toward different bodies of water. That image completely changed my understanding of how glacial systems work.

Salmon Fishing in Nearby Waters

Alaska and salmon go together like, well, Alaska and salmon! The waters around Juneau offer excellent opportunities to catch all five species of Pacific salmon, depending on the season.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or have never held a fishing rod before, numerous charter companies provide everything you need for a successful day on the water. Most operations offer half-day or full-day trips, with the chance to ship your catch home professionally processed and flash-frozen.

I spent a day targeting silver salmon and not only caught my limit but also spotted a family of sea otters, several bald eagles, and even a glimpse of a black bear on a distant shore. The fishing was almost secondary to the wildlife viewing!

Trek to the Abandoned AJ Mine

History buffs and adventure seekers will love exploring the remnants of what was once one of the world’s largest gold mining operations. The Alaska-Juneau (AJ) Mine extracted more than $80 million in gold (at old prices!) before closing in 1944.

Today, you can hike to various vantage points to see the massive abandoned structures built into the mountainside. The trail to the mine is relatively easy to access from downtown, offering fascinating glimpses into Juneau’s gold mining past.

Just be careful around any old structures and respect all safety barriers – these historical sites can be dangerous if you venture into restricted areas.

Kayak Around Auke Bay

Want to experience Alaska’s marine environment at water level? Grab a kayak and paddle the protected waters of Auke Bay, where snow-capped mountains create a stunning backdrop for your adventure.

Several outfitters offer guided kayak tours suitable for all experience levels. As you glide silently through the clear waters, you’ll have opportunities to spot harbor seals, sea lions, eagles, and sometimes even humpback whales or orcas passing by.

The peaceful rhythm of paddling creates a meditative experience that connects you directly with Alaska’s natural beauty. I found myself so entranced by the scenery that I barely noticed I’d been paddling for hours!

Visit the Alaskan Brewing Company

After all that outdoor adventure, you’ve earned a cold one! The Alaskan Brewing Company has been crafting award-winning beers since 1986, using pure glacial water and locally-inspired recipes.

Their tasting room offers flights of their signature brews, including the famous Alaskan Amber and seasonal specialties. The staff shares fascinating stories about how the brewery overcame the logistical challenges of operating in such a remote location, including some ingenious sustainability practices that have made them industry leaders.

Don’t miss their Smoked Porter if it’s available – it’s consistently rated among the best beers in the world. And yes, they ship beer to many states if you can’t fit it in your luggage!

Embrace the Local Food Scene

Juneau’s food scene has evolved dramatically in recent years, moving well beyond basic seafood shacks (though those are still fantastic!). From food trucks serving fresh catches to upscale restaurants creating innovative Alaska-inspired cuisine, culinary adventures await.

Obviously, seafood reigns supreme here. The salmon, halibut, and king crab are so fresh they practically jump onto your plate. But don’t overlook specialties like reindeer sausage, wild game, and foraged ingredients like spruce tips or beach asparagus that appear on seasonal menus.

Tracy’s King Crab Shack near the cruise docks serves what may be the world’s best crab legs – simple, perfectly cooked, and sweet enough to make you question every other seafood experience of your life. The harbor views and communal seating add to the authentic Alaska experience.

From heart-stopping wilderness adventures to fascinating cultural experiences, Juneau delivers an Alaskan experience that’s both accessible and authentically wild. The city’s unique position as a state capital that’s unreachable by road creates a one-of-a-kind destination that rewards those willing to make the journey.

Whether you’re planning a brief visit as part of an Alaska cruise or settling in for an extended stay, these activities will help you experience the best of what Juneau has to offer. Just remember to pack layers (weather changes quickly), bring a good raincoat (they don’t call it a rainforest for nothing), and leave your schedule flexible enough to embrace spontaneous adventures when they arise.

Have you been to Juneau already? What was your favorite experience? If you’re planning a trip, which of these activities tops your must-do list? The Last Frontier is calling – are you ready to answer?