Looking for glaciers, wildlife, and remote natural beauty? Head to Juneau, Alaska! As the capital city of Alaska, Juneau blends dramatic wilderness with cultural attractions. Accessible only by air or sea, this coastal gem offers unforgettable adventures—from glacier hikes and whale watching to fresh seafood and Tlingit heritage.
Juneau, AK Highlights:
- For Nature Lovers: Hike around Mendenhall Glacier – Explore trails, kayak near the ice, or view the massive glacier from a visitor center.
- For Wildlife Watchers: Take a whale-watching cruise – Spot humpback whales, sea lions, and orcas in the nutrient-rich waters of Auke Bay.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Alaska State Museum – Discover indigenous art, Gold Rush relics, and Alaska’s statehood journey.
- For Adventurers: Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway – Ascend for panoramic views, hiking trails, and cultural exhibits.
- For Foodies: Savor wild-caught salmon and king crab – Juneau’s seafood scene is world-class and deeply rooted in local tradition.
Best Time to Visit Juneau, AK
The best time to visit Juneau is in the summer (June–August), when daylight lasts long, temperatures are mild (50s–60s °F), and outdoor activities are in full swing. May and September offer fewer crowds and good chances for wildlife sightings and fall foliage.
How to Get to Juneau, AK
- By Air: Fly into Juneau International Airport (JNU), with daily flights from Seattle and other Alaskan cities.
- By Ferry: Use the Alaska Marine Highway System to reach Juneau by boat from nearby ports such as Ketchikan or Haines.
- By Cruise: Juneau is a popular port of call on Inside Passage cruise itineraries.
Where to Stay in Juneau, AK
- Recommended for Families: Four Points by Sheraton Juneau – Comfortable downtown hotel near the waterfront and many attractions.
- For a Local Experience: Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites – Historic boutique hotel with a rooftop hot tub and modern comforts.
- For Budget Travelers: Juneau Hotel – Spacious suites with kitchenettes, ideal for longer stays and families.
Best Things to Do in Juneau, AK
1. Hike to Power and Beauty at Nugget Falls
Rating: ★★★★★
The Nugget Falls trail begins half way down Photo Point Trail and is 0.8 miles long in Tongass National Forest.
It ends at Nugget Falls, a 377-foot waterfall that drops in two tiers onto Mendenhall Lake. The falls are fed by Nugget Creek which in turn is fed by Nugget Glacier.
Venturing to the falls offers the chance to see the beautiful blue ice terminus of Mendenhall Glacier and majestic black bears fishing for sockeye salmon.
The trail was recently regraded to create a flat, easy hike that is heavily used by all ability levels and takes about 45 minutes round trip.
6000 Glacier Spur Rd, Juneau, AK 99801
2. Ride High on the Goldbelt Tram
The only aerial tramway in southeast Alaska, Goldbelt Tram has been open since 1996 and operates May through September.
Beginning from the cruise ship dock in downtown Juneau, cars rise 1,800 feet through the rain forest to the Mountain House. After taking in the expansive views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel riders can visit Mount Roberts, the Nature Center, and Chilkat Theater.
Atop Mount Roberts is Timberline Bar and Grill with the Raven Eagle gift shop and gallery. Tramway tickets are sold as all-day passes at the Tramway Station or on all major cruise ships. Kids 5 and younger ride free.
Goldbelt Tram , 490 S Franklin Street, Juneau, AK 99801, 888-461-8726
3. Discover Frontier History at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum
The Juneau-Douglas City Museum is open all year and has free admission, courtesy of local sponsors, during the off season.
The museum aims to preserve the rich and diverse history of the city of Juneau with exhibits that showcase mining, fishing and the culture of Juneau.
There is a downtown walking tour where you can see the transformation of Juneau from a small town into a large city fueled by the fishing industry. You can also see Juneau’s oldest church and finish the tour by exploring a historic home.
114 W 4th St, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-586-3572
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Stroll Through Alpine Blooms at Jensen-Olson Arboretum
The Jenson-Olsen Arboretum was established by avid gardener and primrose-lover Caroline Jenson, who established her private garden in an unlikely area of temperate rainforest, right on the edge of the ocean. After her passing, the garden was gifted to the City of Juneau, where it has become a much-loved outdoor science room where the public can learn much about nature and the environment. Visitors can enjoy walking through several distinct areas including the Rhododendron Corridor, native beds, veggie garden and the large Crescent Bed, where beautiful primroses steal the show in spring and summer. The garden is dotted with benches where you can relax and admire the gardens and ocean view.
23000 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, 907 789 0139
5. Meet the Whales with Harv and Marv’s Outback Alaska
Harv and Marv's Outback Alaska offers personal and memorable whale watching experiences on small boats ranging from 6 to 18 passengers. A typical tour offers photo opportunities of Humpback Whales, bald eagles, and sea lions. Tours depart at various times throughout the day, take just over 4 hours round trip and include 3 full hours of whale watching.
Guests are provided with bottled water, soft drinks, snacks, and binoculars. Group or private options are available and all tours include a complimentary stop at the Brotherhood Bridge for a view of Mendenhall Glacier. Every tour is unique and can be customized for weather, guest preferences, and wildlife activity.
PO Box 32825, Juneau, AK 99803, 907-209-7288
6. Explore the Sky Forest at Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
Originally intended to be a stream restoration project, Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure has grown into a unique garden within the confines of the Tongass National Forest.
Because of the unusual climate found in Southeast Alaska, Glacier Gardens has become the home of some very uncommon displays and exhibits.
The company offers tours of the forest featuring guides and shuttles where you can learn about the plant life and surrounding area.
Guests can take part in unguided tours which leave you free to explore their recently completed walking paths. The company is located only 7 miles from the Port of Juneau and partners with major cruise lines.
7600 Glacier Highway, Juneau Alaska, 99801, 907-790-3377
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
7. Sip Bold at Alaskan Brewing Company
As the first brewery in Juneau following Prohibition the Alaskan Brewery Company set out to put a little bit of Alaskan history in every bottle. They are known for beers that reflect Juneau’s local history and resources like their Alaskan Amber, a Gold Rush-era brew reincarnated. Unique ingredients including pure glacial water, Sitka spruce tips, and alder-smoked malts are used to brew various year-round, seasonal, and limited-edition beers.
Visitors can start at the company’s depot located in downtown Juneau and shop a complete selection of Alaskan lifestyle clothing, outerwear, barware and gifts before catching a shuttle to the brewery and tasting room.
5429 Shaune Drive, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-780-5866
8. Hike Deeper with Gastineau Guiding Company
Guests have been stepping into Alaska with Gastineau Guiding Company since 1994. Dedicated and knowledgeable local guides lead five different types of small group excursions. Tours include whale watching by sea or land, rainforest hikes, glacier photo safaris, downtown tours, tram rides, and timberline treks. Gastineau Guiding also offers custom private tours and charters with picnic lunch or catered meal options.
All guides are trained under the principals of the National Association of Interpretation and all whale watching excursions adhere to the Alaska Humpback Whale Approach Regulations. The Juneau Empire has named Gastineau ‘Best Local Guiding Company’ while cruise ship guests have repeatedly voted it ‘Shore Excursion of the Season’.
1330 Eastaugh Way, Suite 2, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-586-8231
9. See the Salmon Run at DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
The stated of goal of DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is to promote the salmon resources of Alaska and to engage in public outreach through tourism and education. The hatchery has numerous exhibits and programs open to the public year-round. Some of the highlights include a touch-tank, where you can get up close and personal with selected sea creatures, and the aquariums which are home to over 150 different species.
Besides tourism, the hatchery is also a destination for school field trips. Every fall and spring, they host programs to teach local students about marine biology.
2697 Channel Drive, Juneau, AK, 99801, 1-877-463-CHUM (2486)
10. Soar Above It All with Coastal Helicopters
Coastal Helicopters offers dog sled rides and helicopter glacier tours on Herbert Glacier in Tongass National Forest. The Icefield Tour soars over Alaska’s natural wilderness before touching down for a once in a lifetime glacier walkabout. The Dog Sled Tour includes a helicopter flight to Blue Kennels dog sled camp where guests are greeted by 80 Alaskan Huskies and experience an authentic mushing adventure.
Custom helicopter tours as well as a dog sled and Glacier walkabout combo trip option are also available. Finally, the Taku Glacier Adventure combines air, water, and ice by pairing a helicopter flight and glacial walkabout with an airboat excursion up the Taku River.
8995 Yandukin Drive, Juneau, AK 99801, 900-789-5610
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