Things to Do in Juneau Alaska

Most visitors to Juneau arrive by cruise ship and rent a car; many of the best attractions are scattered throughout town and this allows you to discover them on your own timetable.

Find an unparalleled view of Juneau’s mountains and glaciers through heli or flightseeing tours, while other companies also provide whale-watching excursions from Tracy Arm.

Glacier Gardens

Mendenhall Glacier should certainly make any Alaska travel itinerary, yet Juneau offers unique culinary and cultural experiences that make it essential for anyone wanting the complete Alaskan experience. From unforgettable dog sled rides to amazing cuisine – Juneau offers authentic traditions amidst lush forests and breathtaking glacier views!

Glacier Gardens of Juneau offers visitors an idyllic botanical garden experience within the lush temperate rainforest of Tongass National Forest. Begin your tour in the atrium and follow your guide under Upside-Down Flower Towers – which won the Reader’s Digest’s “Most Interesting Landmark Award” in 2012.

Unwind 50 acres of rainforest on a golf cart-like vehicle and marvel at spectacular views of Thunder Mountain, Mendenhall Valley, Douglas Island, Gastineau Channel and Chilkat Mountains – not forgetting Douglas Island, Gastineau Channel and Chilkat Mountains themselves! Be sure to bring along your camera so that you can capture moose, bears and puffins amongst other wildlife!

History buffs should make time for a guided tour of Juneau’s State Capitol Building and Governor’s Mansion, two must-see destinations when touring Alaska’s historic capital city. Art lovers will want to check out several galleries like Juneau Artists Gallery – co-owned by local artists who use on-site studio spaces for creating works!

Juneau offers foodies an abundance of delectable seafood options and local foraged ingredients, making Juneau an ideal dining destination. To satisfy their culinary passions, Juneau hosts several salmon bakes each summer where chefs roast, peel, and carve five species of fish over an open flame to make an extravagant feast of deliciousness!

Last Chance Mining Museum

Juneau has plenty of activities for anyone – from adrenaline junkies eager to trek the mountains on foot to foodies looking for Alaska’s best craft beer – sure to fill your days. Juneau’s hiking trails lead through Tongass National Forest for jaw-dropping scenery while whale watching tours bring close encounters with majestic humpback whales and orcas!

If you’re seeking to gain more insight into Alaska’s unique cultural history, visit Juneau-Douglas City Museum to experience exhibits that focus on native peoples and the gold rush era. Plus, this is one of the top museums for kids with interactive displays designed to engage them!

Helicopter and flightseeing tours give visitors an unmatched aerial perspective of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and waterways. Depending on your tour choice, you might even get the opportunity to touch down on one!

Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska’s 13-mile ice river, should not be missed on any trip to Juneau. Explore it up close for an unparalleled Alaska experience!

If the steep hike to the Last Chance Mining Museum seems daunting, why not hop aboard a helicopter or seaplane for a more leisurely tour above Juneau and its environs instead? From there, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Robert and Juneau below while getting incredible photo opps! For those not quite up for it yet, snowshoeing provides another fantastic winter activity to explore Tongass National Forest while keeping an eye out for wildlife!

Gold Creek Salmon Bake

Juneau’s historic downtown offers plenty of charm and culture, but Juneau’s true magic lies in its natural surroundings. Iconic sights like Mendenhall Glacier often top visitors’ lists – both by foot or water-based excursion – while for even greater beauty there is also the Mendenhall Glacier Heli Tour which will take them above it in an airplane for even more breathtaking scenery.

Tracy Arm Fjord is another natural wonder worth discovering, featuring waterfalls, icebergs, wildlife such as seals, sea lions, Dall porpoises, humpback whales and bald eagles – not forgetting bald eagles of course! In summer visitors should make sure to book one of the 10 Incredible Juneau Whale Watching Tours available here (here’s what to look out for when booking such tours).

Gold Creek Salmon Bake offers the ultimate Alaskan culinary experience. After taking a short, narrated bus ride, you will arrive at its outdoor site and indulge in an all-you-can-eat feast featuring wild Alaska salmon, Cheechako chicken, baked beans, cheese au gratin potatoes, wild-rice pilaf, and hot chowder! All while listening to folk musical entertainment.

Mount Roberts offers trails of varying levels of difficulty that offer breathtaking panoramic vistas over Gastineau Channel and Juneau city skyline, perfect for taking in Juneau’s panoramic vistas without spending an entire day hiking. After your hike, make time to stop into Red Dog Saloon – an iconic local establishment open since Juneau was an early mining boomtown – for a drink or meal before or afterward!

Mount Robert Tram

Juneau is an essential destination for hiking enthusiasts and anyone seeking the breathtakingly picturesque view of Alaska. Many visitors agree that Mount Roberts hike is the best experience they’ve had while visiting. Travelers suggest bringing along binoculars and cameras for maximum effect when trekking up Mount Roberts; travelers also advise layering up and dressing appropriately during early summer months as it can get quite cold!

At Juneau Museum, visitors will get an eyeful of its rich and fascinating history. Exhibits highlight Tlingit culture and mining heritage – plus, there are even interactive activities designed for kids! Open year-round with guided tours available during summer. Admission is free but reservations should be made to ensure a spot.

The Alaska Brewing Company provides an entertaining and educational experience in Juneau. Visitors can learn about this popular brewery while sampling beers while taking in its scenic views of downtown Juneau. Don’t miss this must-visit attraction!

Alaska whale watching can be an unforgettable Alaska experience and is one of the top things to do in Juneau. A short boat or seaplane ride will put you face-to-face with majestic humpback whales as well as five species of salmon spawning near Juneau waters.

Celebration

Juneau offers something to satisfy both adrenaline junkies and foodies, providing something exciting for both. Nestled along a fjord that divides Alaska from British Columbia, Juneau boasts a bustling downtown, incredible hiking and kayaking opportunities and wildlife sightings that may include whales.

Mendenhall Glacier is Juneau’s crowning attraction, where visitors can come face-to-face with one of the largest glaciers on Earth and take breathtaking pictures. Additionally, you can explore mining history and gold rush era events at one of several museums located throughout historic downtown Juneau.

Mount Robert Tram rides are an easy and stunning way to see breathtaking views of downtown Juneau from above without needing to hike. Relax with a beverage or souvenir shop while at the top, or explore one of several short trails both above and below the treeline!

Visit the Totem Heritage Center to experience Alaska’s rich cultural history through indigenous people. It offers an engaging learning experience perfect for both children and families.

Diners in Juneau can experience delicious cuisine made from local seafood and ingredients at various restaurants – among the best are Gold Creek Salmon Bake and Red Dog Saloon.