JD Lasica / Special to CruiseableA humpback whale in Auke Bay, Alaska, identified as Sasha, seen during an excursion out of Juneau.

Top things to do & see in Juneau

Alaska's capital city offers outdoor adventure, wildlife, culture and excellent shopping. 

Exploring nature

One of the best ways to see Juneau is from the water, where aquatic wildlife often appears up close. Visitors can take advantage of the expertise of local outfitters and tour operators who offer kayaking, rafting and fishing just off the city's shores. You don't have to paddle far to feel away from it all. 

Whether on water or land, Juneau is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. It's a gateway to such impressive natural areas as Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, Taku River, Admiralty Island and Pack Creek Bear Preserve. With nature so close to the city limits, it's no surprise that wildlife is never far away. In fact, bears are sometimes seen just a few miles down the road at Mendenhall Glacier, one of Alaska's top attractions. The Steep Creek Boardwalk lets visitors stroll above an area where bears sometimes practice the art of salmon fishing their way. Mendenhall Glacier Interpretive Visitor Center is a don't-miss facility offering insight into the life and times of a glacier. 

BrianAdams / Courtesy of State of AlaskaA kayak tour near Mendenhall Glacier outside of Juneau, Alaska.

For a more adventurous look at nature, visitors can hop on a helicopter for a ride to the Juneau Icefield, or take a floatplane to Admiralty Island or other fishing grounds to test their skills against Alaska's native salmon and other sport fish.

To get to Mendenhall Glacier on your own, take a bus or taxi from the ship docks to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. You can pay the driver in cash or buy two tickets at one of the many kiosks on the dock. A taxi ride is about the same cost as a bus if you have five or more passengers. 

Shopping

But it's not just about the great outdoors. Juneau has the widest variety of shops of most cruise ports in Alaska. Head to South Franklin Street, along the waterfront and just steps from the ship. Some showcase the work of local artists and artisans, from small collectibles to jewelry to clothing. Galleries offer pieces from inexpensive to fine-art quality, many specializing in artwork by Native Alaskans. After shopping, there's always a bakery or cafe to tuck into for a bite to eat.

Fun facts

• In terms of area, the City and Borough of Juneau is larger than the state of Delaware, and the largest state capital spanning 3,200 square miles.
• Due to its northern position, Juneau enjoys very long days in the summer. The longest day of the year is June 21, with more than 19 hours of daylight.
• Juneau has 280 species of birds, all five species of salmon, brown and black bears and three species of whales.
  
• Juneau is the only U.S. state capital with no road access. It can only be reached by air or sea.
• Named after gold prospector Joe Juneau, this southeast city has been the capital of Alaska since 1906. 

JD Lasica / Special to CruiseableA stretch of shops along North Franklin Street in downtown Juneau, Alaska.

When you arrive

Docking information

Cruise ships typically dock in any one of three locations, all within walking distance of  downtown:

• South Franklin Street – where most large cruise ships dock
• Seadrome Dock – where smaller ships dock
• AJ Dock – at the south end of town. Walking possible, but typically shuttles are made available to cruise guests docking here.

Getting around

There are typically taxis available at Marine Park, which is located right off the main street in the downtown area, a five- to 10-minute walk from where most ships dock.

Free Wi-Fi

• Heritage Coffee, 174 South Franklin Street, Juneau
• Juneau Public Library, 292 Marine Way, Juneau
• Silverbow Bagels, 120 2nd Street, Juneau

Need to know

Store hours: Stores are open from about 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Sunday. Some stores may stay open later when cruise ships are in town.

Tipping: A 10% to 15% tip on a restaurant or taxi bill is customary. Sometimes a tip is automatically added to bills, so check your credit card slip before adding an additional tip.

Dress: Weather in Juneau can fluctuate over the course of a day, so it's wise to wear layers and carry an umbrella.

Safety: Juneau is considered a safe and peaceful town. As always, be aware of your surroundings and lock up your valuables.

Your take

Have you been to Juneau? We'd love to hear about your experience or see your photos!

See anything wrong? What did we overlook? Be a co-creator!