The overwhelming majority of Alaska cruises cease on this participating little metropolis that gives among the many best number of points of interest and experiences of any Inside Passage port. Nestled among the many towering mountains and dramatic glaciers of the Tongass Nationwide Forest and set alongside the icy, deep waters of the Gastineau Channel, Juneau feels each wildly distant and simple to entry.
There’s an in depth slate of dependable tour operators by way of which you’ll e-book day excursions to far-flung outposts through seaplane or boat. There’s additionally a lot to see and do inside strolling distance (or a brief taxi journey) of your cruise ship, together with Juneau’s compact and walkable downtown. And only a quick drive from the port, you’ll be able to go to Mendenhall Glacier — one in all North America’s solely true “drive-up” glaciers — or embark on a humpback whale-watching cruise.
Juneau gives an interesting bundle of seeming contradictions: It is the state capital, nevertheless it’s greater than 500 miles from 95% of Alaska’s inhabitants. It is on the North American mainland, nevertheless it’s inaccessible by street as a result of vary of rugged, towering mountains that encompass it. So, it features basically as an island, accessible solely by air or water. It is the fifth-least-populous U.S. state capital, with round 31,000 year-round residents. Nevertheless, it is also the most important U.S. capital in land space, at 3,250 sq. miles (most of which is wilderness).
The gorgeous however logistically difficult setting imbues Juneau with a can-do spirit and an embrace of out of doors recreation. After the federal government, town’s prime employer is tourism, and passengers can anticipate a heat welcome regardless of considerations lately about balancing Juneau’s sustainability with its dependence on ship visitors throughout the Could–to-September cruise season. Starting in 2026, town will implement a most every day cap of 16,000 passengers in port (and simply 12,000 on Saturdays).
Since there’s a lot to see and do right here, ships typically spend a full day in port (normally a minimum of eight hours and typically so long as 13). Because of this even for those who e-book a shore tour of a number of hours, you may nonetheless seemingly have sufficient time by yourself to discover downtown and journey the aerial tram as much as Mount Roberts.
Here is our information to benefiting from your time in Juneau.
Associated: Alaska cruise information: Finest itineraries, planning ideas and issues to do
Issues TPG loves about Juneau
- Sensational pure surroundings abounds right here, from towering mountain peaks to pristine waterways.
- It gives limitless alternatives for viewing wildlife (whales, eagles and bears, to call a couple of).
- There are many sights inside strolling distance of the ship docks.
What we may do with out
- As much as 5 massive ships dock downtown every day, which may result in extreme crowds, even with the every day cap on passengers starting in 2026.
- Many shore excursions are on the spendy facet, even by Alaska’s requirements.
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Juneau quick details
- Language: English.
- Forex: U.S. greenback; bank cards are extensively accepted.
- Time zone: Juneau is on Alaska Normal Time, which is an hour behind U.S. Pacific Normal Time, and it observes daylight saving time.
Arrival particulars
Town’s cruise port extends alongside the waterfront from downtown for near a mile southeast alongside Gastineau Channel, comprising a number of docks. They’re inside a 10- to 30-minute stroll of downtown points of interest and companies (however remember that streets rise considerably as you stroll inland, so it’s kind of of a exercise). Native taxis, in addition to Uber and Lyft, serve the ship piers, and buses for any shore excursions you have booked will decide you up and drop you off close to your ship.
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High issues to do in Juneau cruise port
Downtown Juneau is kind of compact however gives many actions, together with pure points of interest inside strolling distance (or a brief drive) of the cruise piers.
Inside strolling distance
From the port space, you’ll be able to spend wherever from an hour to a half day strolling downtown Juneau’s historic core, the place you may discover good-looking gold rush-era buildings relationship again to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; lots of them comprise retailers and galleries specializing in Alaskan artwork, crafts and keepsakes.
Begin your explorations with a fast cease on the Juneau Guests Middle, a glossy stainless-steel constructing by the ship docks the place you’ll be able to decide up free strolling tour maps and climbing maps or get detailed sightseeing recommendation. As you stroll downtown’s tree-lined streets, preserve an eye fixed out for the 13 superbly painted cedar totem poles crafted by totally different Alaska Native artists.
Carve out time to discover the Sealaska Heritage Institute, which opened in 2016 inside a dramatic constructing that could be a work of Alaska Native artwork. It accommodates galleries of paintings by Tlingit, Tsimshian and Haida artists, in addition to items from different Indigenous peoples of the northwest coast; there’s additionally an genuine Tlingit clan home and compelling reveals. Just a few blocks farther up Seward Avenue, on the intimate Juneau-Douglas Metropolis Museum, you’ll be able to be taught extra in regards to the space’s Native tradition and heritage, in addition to how town got here into its personal throughout the raucous gold rush period. It’s also possible to step contained in the slightly prosaic Alaska State Capitol constructing, which was constructed in 1931.
A brief stroll west results in the excellent Alaska State Museum — a placing modern constructing with complete everlasting collections and reveals that interpret the state’s extremely wealthy human and pure historical past; it additionally has terrific rotating reveals. Notable historic buildings to maintain an eye fixed out for embrace the stately 1912 Alaska Governor’s Mansion and the ornate, gold-domed St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church (inbuilt 1893).
Only a quick stroll from the cruise piers, the Goldbelt Tram (previously often known as Mount Roberts Tramway) whisks passengers some 1,800 ft excessive above the waterfront, offering dramatic vistas of downtown, Gastineau Channel and mountain peaks in nearly each course. On the prime, you’ll be able to go to a small nature middle with interpretive wildlife shows, watch an 18-minute movie in regards to the Tlingit individuals or feast on pub fare and native beer. (Attempt for a desk close to a window or on the out of doors deck at Timberline Bar & Grill.) It’s also possible to set out for a hike on one of many trails, lots of that are fairly quick and simple however nonetheless pack loads of unbelievable views.
Established in 2017, the Juneau Seawalk is a large boardwalk that curves alongside the downtown waterfront from South Franklin Avenue to Overstreet Park and is lined with angular steel sculptures and illuminated within the night by LED lights. On the western terminus of the stroll, take a look on the huge life-size whale fountain, which makes for an amazing picture op.
Inside driving distance
The municipality stretches for fairly a distance, particularly to the north, and there are a variety of memorable sightseeing experiences inside a 30-minute to one-hour scenic drive. Though you’ll be able to simply preserve your self busy across the cruise port, renting a automobile or hiring a taxi is usually a rewarding approach to see a bit extra of what this verdant neighborhood has to supply — and to enterprise away from the crowds.
With a rental automobile or taxi, you’ll be able to journey out to a handful of worthwhile points of interest, the closest of which is the Final Likelihood Mining Museum, housed in a 1912 compressor constructing inside the previous AJ Gold Mine. It is simply a few miles from the port.
Within the different course, it is a 7-mile drive northwest to go to Glacier Gardens Rainforest Journey, a lush 50-acre inexperienced house recognized for its distinctive residing flower preparations that cling from the roots of inverted fallen timber and its scenic paved paths by way of this temperate maritime rainforest. It is one other 5 1/2 miles up Glacier Spur Highway to the Mendenhall Glacier Customer Middle, on the south shore of Mendenhall Lake. It overlooks Juneau’s most famed function: Mendenhall Glacier. This 1 1/2-mile-wide and 13-mile-long monolith lies on the fringe of the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield, and it is one of many world’s most accessible glaciers. From the customer middle, you’ll be able to got down to get an excellent nearer look by following one of many well-maintained trails alongside the lake. One very fashionable route is the extent 2-mile, out-and-back hike to almost 400-foot-tall Nugget Falls.
From the Mendenhall Glacier Customer Middle, you’ll be able to drive one other 7 miles to Auke Bay, the place you might even see eagles, sea lions, porpoises and even whales from shore. Or, higher but, you’ll be able to e-book a wildlife-viewing cruise.
For a calming and peaceable tour, proceed 11 miles northwest of Auke Bay to walk the enchanting grounds of the Nationwide Shrine of St. Thérèse, house to a Nineteen Thirties stone chapel and acres of tranquil gardens.
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Widespread Juneau excursions
Maybe no Alaska port gives a extra spectacular number of shore excursions, from the delicate to the wild.
Mountain climbing tour or helicopter touchdown on Mendenhall Glacier
Quite a few corporations provide a spread of thrilling methods to expertise this iconic glacier, many who add on a dog-sledding expertise, salmon bake or cease at Glacier Gardens. Probably the most memorable choices is a helicopter journey over the Juneau Icefield, adopted by a touchdown on the glacier and a brief stroll on the ice. Different corporations provide guided hikes by way of the adjoining rainforest and onto the glacier, and much more spectacular treks allow you to go inside one of many glacier’s good blue-hued ice caves. An alternative choice is a seaplane flight over a number of of the area’s most spectacular glaciers.
Whale-watching tour out of Auke Bay
These pleasant half-day cruises are provided on every little thing from 20-passenger analysis vessels to bigger boats sometimes holding as much as round 80 passengers — heated cabins and huge image home windows are normal. The excursions navigate a pristine habitat teeming with humpback whales, and there is additionally a good chance of seeing seals, sea lions, porpoises and myriad sea birds.
Seaplane tour to Taku Glacier Lodge
This enjoyable journey combines gorgeous glacial surroundings from a seaplane flight with a hearty salmon feast at a charmingly rustic 1923 lodge within the Alaska bush. It is an effective way to expertise the breathtaking environment of a distant locale with out having to make an arduous hike.
Gold panning journey
A enjoyable exercise for households, these low-impact excursions sometimes entail exploring a historic underground mine after which panning afterward. You are not going to yield an amazing fortune in treasured metals, however contributors do normally discover a couple of flecks of gold or items of garnet of their pan.
Jetboat to Tracy Arm Fjord
This seven- to eight-hour tour takes guests into one of many Inside Passage’s most spectacular fjords, the place you may view mighty North Sawyer Glaciers, in addition to cascading waterfalls and majestic cliffs.
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Finest Juneau out of doors actions close to the cruise port
Though lots of Juneau’s hottest out of doors adventures contain reserving helicopter, seaplane or boat rides, there are many thrilling methods to expertise nature by yourself.
Mountain climbing as much as and round Mount Roberts
Simply accessed through the Goldbelt Tram from the cruise dock, Mount Roberts is laced with trails that vary from quick and simple treks close to the tram station to extra strenuous jaunts, just like the 3-mile climb as much as 3,465-foot Gastineau Peak. One other rigorous possibility is skipping the tram journey up and climbing the steep 2-mile path that rises from downtown to Mount Roberts. You’ll be able to all the time return to the cruise port through the tram.
Juneau Seawalk
The best and most accessible approach to take pleasure in nature proper close to the port is to walk alongside this art-lined boardwalk path, which gives pretty views of the waterfront.
Eagle Seaside Recreation Space
Escape the crowds close to the port by heading out to this peaceable seaside off Glacier Freeway, a couple of 30-mile drive or taxi journey north of downtown. It is a quiet spot the place two rivers empty into the Lynn Canal, and it options picnic tables, trails and beautiful sundown views. It’s normal in summer time to see humpback whales, seals, otters and typically even bears feasting on salmon.
Renting a motorcycle
Close to the port, Cycle Alaska rents street bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes and might advocate the very best areas for a journey. The corporate additionally gives guided excursions of Mendenhall Valley.
Renting a kayak
Outfitters at Auke Bay Harbor lease single and double kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to be used within the bay’s sheltered and usually calm waters. These corporations also can present instruction and even courses for paddlers of all skills, they usually provide guided excursions that embrace whale- and wildlife-watching.
Methods to get round Juneau by yourself
- On foot: This can be a nice port for walkers. Most of Juneau’s retailers, eating places and museums are clustered inside a number of blocks that start throughout from the cruise ship dock. Simply remember that in case your ship is docked at one of many berths farther from downtown, probably the most distant being AJ Dock (a couple of mile away), your stroll into downtown can enhance by as much as a half hour.
- Shuttle bus: Frequent narrated bus shuttles run from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. Sightseeing trolleys additionally flow into by way of downtown.
- Taxi or ride-hailing service: It is simple to hail taxis on the cruise ship port, and Juneau is served by Uber and Lyft. Fares past downtown will be costly, with charges sometimes of a minimum of $30 every approach to Auke Bay and $45 every approach to Mendenhall Glacier.
- Automotive: This is a wonderful possibility if you wish to discover past downtown at your individual tempo, particularly for those who’re making a number of stops. Charges throughout the cruise season will be steep (sometimes $100 to $150 for the day); for the very best offers and to guarantee availability, attempt to e-book a couple of weeks earlier than your go to.
Juneau eating places close to the cruise port
You may discover loads of choices inside a straightforward stroll of the cruise ships, each alongside the waterfront and some blocks inland downtown.
Count on a line at each waterfront areas of Tracy’s King Crab Shack, which is justly well-known for “crab in all styles and sizes” — together with legs and claws with drawn butter, in addition to crab bisques and muffins. Beloved for many years, The Hangar on the Wharf occupies the constructing wherein Alaska Airways was shaped, and it doles out halibut nachos, burgers, steaks and craft beer. A convivial hangout with contemporary seafood and an amazing wine listing, Twisted Fish Firm options tall home windows overlooking the water and is steps from the bottom station of the Goldbelt Tram.
It is touristy for positive, however downtown’s Crimson Canine Saloon is a Juneau establishment relationship again to round 1890 — and it undoubtedly has an “if these partitions may discuss” vibe. The place is packed to the rafters with memorabilia, and the kitchen serves hearty pub grub and native beers. For an informal chunk amid South Franklin’s retail strip, Deckhand Dave’s meals truck serves up distinctive ceviche, seafood tacos, fish-and-chips and oysters on the half shell. The decidedly upmarket bistro Salt presents artfully plated trendy Alaskan fare and well-crafted cocktails.
Past downtown, a couple of spots beckon guests searching for a meal away from the crowds. A brief drive from downtown, the well-known Gold Creek Salmon Bake is a favourite of cruise passengers and excellent for a household or group of pals to feast collectively. It is set amid a forested plot alongside the Salmon River and run by the clothing store Alaska Journey Adventures, which gives a tour there from the cruise port (with shuttle transportation).
Out in Mendenhall Valley, Sandbar & Grill is a pleasant and less-touristy possibility for lunch or dinner in your approach to or from the glacier. The beer-battered shrimp and halibut are good bets. And overlooking Auke Bay Harbor, the Sizzling Chunk is a cheerfully informal cease spot for fish tacos, burgers and milkshakes, which can be found in additional than 30 flavors.
Juneau dishes to strive
Seafood guidelines the day within the Inside Passage, and Juneau has a wealth of excellent purveyors of native dishes like candy and tender Alaskan king crab and halibut fish-and-chips. You may discover wild-caught salmon on nearly each menu, served in any variety of codecs: grilled, blackened, smoked and in tacos and chowders. Reindeer sausage is a well-liked native favourite, and it is normally served like a sizzling canine with toppings like cheese, chili, mustard and relish.
Town is house to a number of glorious breweries, together with the state’s largest purveyor, Alaska Brewing Firm. The corporate has a tasting room and pub proper by the cruise port, and its important location is a couple of miles northwest close to Mendenhall Valley.
Juneau cruise port procuring
Superbly designed Alaska Native artwork and crafts are a specialty right here, together with Tlingit and Haida totem poles and different carvings, fiber arts, beaded jewellery and Ulu knives. The Sealaska Heritage Retailer is very effectively regarded for Alaska Native artwork.
Operating alongside the cruise docks, South Franklin Avenue is lined for a number of blocks with colourful wood-frame Twenties and Nineteen Thirties buildings that home memento retailers and galleries stocked with the same old Alaska brand and themed attire, wildlife images, smoked salmon jerky and quirky items. One native specialty is a jewellery set with regionally mined gold nuggets. Additionally, search for gently exfoliating cleaning soap made with silt from the world’s glaciers.
Free issues to do in Juneau cruise port
Strolling by way of the downtown historic district and absorbing the views of wood-frame gold rush-era buildings set beneath the dramatic mountain peaks that rise above town is an effective way to go your time with out spending a cent. On weekday afternoons, you’ll be able to take free guided excursions of the State Capitol, or you’ll be able to see the constructing on a free self-guided audio tour.
You’ll be able to meander alongside the downtown waterfront through the Juneau Seawalk, which options public artwork installations, together with the large whale fountain Tahku. It’s possible you’ll even spy among the native wildlife in and round downtown, reminiscent of bald eagles, which soar above and sometimes land beside downtown buildings. Look out throughout Gastineau Channel to view harbor seals, harlequin geese and blue herons.
You probably have the time and stamina to hike as much as Mount Roberts as an alternative of taking the tram, you may pay nothing for those who hike again down once more. When you want to return by tram, the “down-only” one-way fare is simply $20 (in comparison with $60 for an all-day ticket).
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Backside line
For magnificent pure surroundings, full of life retailers and top-notch eating steps out of your ship — in addition to a really spectacular array of shore excursions that signify the very best of Alaska’s Inside Passage — you’ll be able to’t beat Juneau as an exciting and easy-to-navigate cruise port.
