Juneau, Alaska

What to do in Juneau, Alaska

Get Active

Enjoy the fabulous scenery while also getting that heart rate up. You’ll have many excursion options to get active while experiencing Juneau’s best. Whether hiking, kayaking, rock-climbing, zip-lining or biking, you’ll earn that cruise ship buffet once you return.

Glacier Tours

The Mendenhall Glacier tour is one of Juneau’s most popular excursion options, with over 400k visitors per year. The 13 mile frozen river is situated just 12 miles from downtown Juneau. You’ll see spectacular views of the glacier, floating icebergs, and likely some wildlife hanging out in the area. Explore on your own or join an organized trip for convenience. If money is no object, consider seeing the glacier by helicopter!

Cuisine

Try this experiment. Order the salmon on your cruise ship the night before you arrive. Then, take part in an Alaskan Salmon Bake excursion to taste the difference. Your tastebuds will freak out when experiencing fish that fresh.

Wildlife Tours

You’ll find few places better than Juneau to view wildlife in its natural environment. Whale-watching tours are very popular as are those viewing bears or bald eagles. Or, visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery to learn about this delicious and interesting local treasure.

Shopping in Juneau, Alaska

Kindred Post

The primary use of this building is as Juneau’s post office. But, more interestingly it serves as a gift shop and gathering place. It’s the type of place you need to see to fully appreciate. If looking to buy an Alaskan souvenir, put this place on your shopping list.

Franklin and Front Streets

Franklin is the main street you’ll see when disembarking. Head north (left) to peruse shops lining this street and to make your way downtown. You’ll eventually get to Front Street where you’ll find additional shopping options. The streets will be lined with retailers selling artwork, crafts, souvenirs, and more. Look for the “Made in Alaska” insignia if authenticity is a priority for you.

Attractions in Juneau, Alaska

Mount Roberts via Tramway

For roughly $30 (all day pass), you can take the tram 1,800 feet up into the Alaskan hillside to your stop at Mount Roberts. There you can hike, eat, or shop. Keep your eyes open for a bald eagle while up there. The Tram picks up almost directly in front of your cruise ship terminal on South Franklin Street.

Macaulay Salmon Hatchery

Here you’ll see more salmon than you ever have in your life. The fish is one of Alaska’s natural treasures and contributes greatly to the economy. During your visit, a tour guide will do a much better job explaining how important the salmon is to Juneau and provide more interesting tidbits than you though possible about a fish. Admission is $5 for adults.

Trolley Tours

Explore Downtown Juneau via trolley. The 45-minute narrated tour will introduce you to the port’s highlights, including historic attractions and the best shopping options. It’ll cost roughly $30 for adults, but that price includes access to the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery!

Red Dog Saloon

Transport yourself in time to the wild west. When visitors came to Juneau looking for gold rather than shore tours. At the Red Dog Saloon, you’ll find swinging bar doors, an old-timey piano player, and sawdust lined floors. A previous owner, Gordie Kanouse, used to meet tour boats pulling up to port with his mule in hand. On that mule a sign that said “follow my ass to the Red Dog Saloon.”

Juneau-Douglas City Museum

Learn about Juneau’s cultural heritage. The Museum’s goal is to draw strength and perspective from the past, inspire learning, and find purpose for the future. On exhibit, you’ll find mining paraphernalia, artwork, native tools, and multi-media showing Juneau’s history and development.

Best cruise excursions in Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska cruise port map

Juneau, Alaska Cruise Port Terminals