What is Juneau, Alaska Known For? Exciting Things to Do on a Cruise Ship Day

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Visiting Juneau on a cruise ship day is an amazing experience that captures the essence of Alaska’s natural beauty and rich history. As your ship sails into port, you are greeted by stunning views of towering mountains and lush forests. Glacier Bay National Park, accessible from Juneau by boat or seaplane, is a popular destination known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

The vibrant downtown area buzzes with activity, offering a delightful mix of local shops, art galleries, and fresh seafood restaurants. Visitors can explore iconic sights like the Mendenhall Glacier or take a scenic tram ride for panoramic views.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or a leisurely stroll, Juneau’s charm and breathtaking landscapes promise an unforgettable stop on your Alaskan cruise.

Visiting Juneau on An Alaskan Cruise

Juneau was a super fun port to stop in because it’s probably the most well-known of the ports. It’s also the capital of Alaska and has some pretty cool history to it.

Fun fact: Did you know Juneau is not accessible by car? The ONLY way to get to Juneau is by plane or boat. Crazy, huh?

Your Juneau port day goes from 12 am – 9 pm. But don’t be worried about being out so late, even at 9 pm the sun is still up and it’s very bright outside.

Mendenhall Lake is a scenic spot for outdoor activities like kayaking and wildlife viewing, including opportunities to see humpback whales and bears.

The only drawback to this is that you easily lose track of time, thinking it’s much earlier than it is. So keep a close eye on your watch and make sure you get back to the ship on time!

Typically, the Juneau port day is a bit later than the rest of the port days, so you have a nice opportunity to sleep in and have a big breakfast (maybe even a small lunch) before you head off the ship.

About Juneau

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Alaska, Juneau is a city that captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. As the capital of Alaska, Juneau boasts a unique charm, blending the rugged wilderness with a vibrant downtown area.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Juneau is its inaccessibility by road; the only way to reach this picturesque city is by plane or boat. This isolation adds to its allure, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.

Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of downtown Juneau or venturing into the surrounding wilderness, this city promises an unforgettable adventure.

History of Juneau

Juneau’s history is as rich and captivating as the gold that first drew people to its shores. Founded in 1880 by prospectors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris, the city quickly grew into a bustling mining town after the discovery of gold in the area.

The Treadwell Mine, located on nearby Douglas Island, became one of the largest hard-rock gold mines in the world, contributing significantly to the town’s prosperity. In 1906, Juneau was declared the territorial capital of Alaska, and it retained this status when Alaska became a state in 1959.

Today, visitors can explore Juneau’s storied past through its historic sites and museums, gaining a deeper appreciation for the city’s role in Alaska’s development.

Where to Eat In Juneau 

If you like Seafood AT ALL, you NEED to go to Tracy’s King Crab Shack. I cannot emphasize this enough. It just may have been the highlight of the town. It’s SO GOOD, I’ve looked into having some items from the menu shipped to me in Arizona. 

TIP: Get the Crab Shack Combo… it comes with one king crab leg (it’s HUGE!), a cup of lobster bisque, 4 mini crab cakes, and garlic rolls with melted butter. You’ll thank me later.

Get the best Juneau experience by booking the Ultimate Whale Watch and Tracy’s Crab Shack Combo shore excursion in Juneau and combine the mouth-watering food at Tracys with whale watching.

The Red Dog Saloon – Even though we stuffed our faces at Tracy’s, we HAD to stop in at the Red Dog Saloon because it’s one of the most famous and recognizable places in Juneau. I’ve heard the food is good, but you can just as easily stop by and have a drink. The inside is like stepping back in time by over 100 years, with music and all.

The Hangar On The Wharf – With a pretty extensive menu and over 20 beers on tap, this Classic Alaskan restaurant is set right on the water and no place will give you a better “Alaskan” feel. you can sit outside and enjoy your fish and chips while watching small places glide across the water.

Exploring Downtown Juneau

Downtown Juneau is a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a plethora of activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the most exhilarating experiences is whale watching, where you can witness the majestic humpback whales breaching and playing in the waters of Southeast Alaska.

Numerous tour operators provide guided excursions, ensuring you have the best chance to see these incredible creatures up close. For those interested in terrestrial wildlife, bear viewing tours offer a chance to observe brown bears in their natural habitat, an experience that is both thrilling and humbling.

In addition to wildlife adventures, downtown Juneau is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The Juneau-Douglas City Museum is a must-visit, featuring exhibits that delve into the rich history of Juneau and the surrounding area.

Whether you’re strolling through the charming streets, indulging in local cuisine, or immersing yourself in the city’s history, downtown Juneau has something for everyone.

The Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls

One of the most popular places to visit in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. They are actually right next to each other, so if you visit one, you visit both. 

You came all the way to Alaska, you gotta see a glacier right? And this one is located just a short ride from the port. 

There are tons of tours to the Mendenhall Glacier, offered by both the cruise line and tour companies at the port. I recommend you DO NOT book a tour to see the glacier. Most of the tours are about 1.5 hours long and we felt VERY rushed when visiting them. 

Instead, just take a taxi (it’s only 12 miles) to the glacier and take your time walking around. You can view the glacier, or take a quick and easy walk over to Nugget Falls. Both do not require a lot of your time, but it would have been nice not to feel so rushed by the tour company.

If you do decide to walk to Nugget Falls, I recommend wearing some waterproof shoes or boots. The path is flat and easy to walk, but it gets very muddy and wet!

Mount Roberts Tramway

Another super popular tourist spot you cannot miss is the Mount Roberts Tramway. It’s really affordable and the views at the top are definitely worth it. 

Juneau is known for this tramway, and the views you get from it are absolutely incredible. It takes you up to 1800 feet above sea level, where you can see the entire town and the surrounding water. And since Juneau is not accessible by car, you’ll have a fun glimpse of the many water planes and boats coming and going.

The ride itself is fun and has great views, but the top of Mount Roberts was a bit of a surprise. There are several walking trails with the most beautiful scenic views and lookouts, and it is a popular place for bald eagles.

TIP: Go later in the day. The tramway is located right next to all the cruise ships, so everyone has a tendency to do this first. We noticed it was a really long line as soon as we exited our ship and decided to bypass it and wait until later. Closer to the middle of the day, there was no line at all, and we were able to walk right on with no wait. 

Other Notable Excursions in Juneau, Alaska

It’s impossible to try everything available to you at each port. We loved everything we got to experience, but some excursions really stood out as favorites from each time I sailed on an Alaskan Cruise. These are a few of them…

So if you are looking for some other excursions in Juneau, I would highly recommend trying these out:

• Juneau Whale Watching Tours. If you want to go whale watching on your Alaskan Cruise, Juneau is one of the best places to do that. With this tour, you can catch tours to see whales and view the Mendenhall Glacier up close too.
• Fishing Experience Class in Juneau – If you’re looking for authentic things to do in Juneau, try going on a fishing excursion! Fishing is what Alaska is known for and experiencing their main source of income can be really eye-opening. Not to mention, most fishing excursions take you on a boat ride past glaciers and waterfalls where you’ll also see an assortment of wildlife.
• Sled Dog Summer Camp –  Get to see cute puppies and sled dogs at their summer camp. Meet the dogs and go for a sled ride through the forest.
• Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier – One of the BEST and most memorable excursions you can do is Dog Sledding on a Glacier. You take a helicopter to the top of the glacier and meet the sled dogs at their camp. Play with puppies, and interact with the pups before taking a sled ride around the glacier. Seriously, how cool, is that?
• Glacier Bay National Park – A must-visit destination accessible by boat or seaplane, offering tours and outdoor adventures. This park is a popular stop for Alaska cruise itineraries and is renowned for its natural beauty.

Wondering what to wear on your Alaskan Cruise?

I get asked a lot of it was worth it to wear Hunter Boots to Alaska and the answer is an enthusiastic YES! This was one of the best purchases I made for my Alaskan Cruise. The soles have great tread on them, making them great to hike in. 

They are also super comfy to walk around in all day and of course… they are waterproof. I was the only person at Nugget Falls who got to splash around in the water and get really close to the falls because I had my rain boots on. 

They come in a TON of colors too, so you can still look super fashionable! 

TIP: Pair your hunter boots with some wool socks and they are warmer and more waterproof than any expensive snow boot.

Keep Reading: Alaskan Cruise Outfits: Your Complete Packing Guide

Juneau Outdoor Adventures

Hiking Trails

• Mendenhall Glacier and its trails – The Mendenhall Glacier actually has several trails you can try out if you live hiking. The path to Nugget Falls is flat and easy but there is a hike you can take to the top of Nugget Falls for some amazing views of both the waterfall and the Glacier.
• Mount Roberts Tramway and hiking paths – As mentioned above, Mount Roberts Tramway takes you to the top of the mountain where you will actually find several different trail systems great for hikers. Most are relatively moderate and the views are outstanding.
• Perseverance Trail – This 3-mile moderately difficult trail leads from downtown Juneau to a spectacular canyon, making this one of the most popular hiking trails in Juneau. You’ll even see cool mine shafts along the way.

Water Activities and Food Tours

• Kayaking in Juneau’s waters – If you’re more of an adventurer who likes to be active, check out a kayaking tourwhere you will have a coastal kayaking adventure featuring wildlife viewing opportunities, island destinations, and incredible ocean and mountain views. Another popular activity is kayaking on Mendenhall Lake, where you can paddle among icebergs in calm waters with the scenic backdrop of the Mendenhall Glacier.
• Taku Glacier Lodge Flight and Feast – Take an Alaskan seaplane excursion through the wilderness to a rustic lodge where you will feast on the best salmon of your life!

Wildlife and Nature

Juneau is a paradise for nature lovers, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Southeast Alaska. The Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, offers endless opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures. Here, you can encounter brown bears, black bears, moose, and eagles in their natural habitats. The waters around Juneau are equally rich in wildlife, with humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions frequently spotted.

A visit to the Mendenhall Glacier is a highlight for many, offering stunning views and numerous hiking trails. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center provides insightful exhibits and information about the glacier and its ecosystem. For those looking to explore further, the Alaska Marine Highway System offers scenic routes through some of the most wildlife-rich areas in Alaska, providing a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking through the lush Southeast Alaska rainforest or cruising along the coast, Juneau’s wildlife and nature experiences are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Things To Do In Juneau: FAQs

• What is the best time to visit Juneau, Alaska? If you are sailing on a cruise, cruise ships only operate from April through September. For the best weather, travel in June or July. But those are also typically the busiest and most expensive times to travel.
• What is the weather like in Juneau during summer? The weather can be all over the place! I’ve gone on Alaskan Cruises a few times, and one time, it was 80 degrees and sunny, and the next, it was 50 degrees and raining. So prepare for anything!
• Are there family-friendly activities in Juneau? Yes, of course! Almost all excursions are family-friendly. And the town itself is very walkable with many shops and restaurants to keep your kids busy. The Mendenhall Glacier and Mount Roberts Tramway are the most family-friendly destinations in Juneau.
• How can I get around in Juneau without a car? Juneau has plenty of taxis and buses. The taxis are all lined up at the ship’s dock and are ready to take you anywhere. City buses run to and from the Mendenhall Glacier all day long.
• What are must-see attractions for first-time visitors? Don’t miss the Mendenhall Glacier and Mount Roberts Tramway. The Red Dog Saloon and Tracy Crab Shcack are also very well known in Juneau.

Final Travel tips: Things to Do in Juneau

In conclusion, Juneau offers a diverse array of activities that cater to nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and culinary explorers alike. From the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier and thrilling whale-watching adventures to the rich cultural experiences at the Alaska State Museum, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Glacier Bay National Park is another significant attraction near Juneau, known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. The city’s stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, while its vibrant local cuisine invites visitors to savor the flavors of the region.

Whether you’re hiking through lush forests or enjoying the view from Mount Roberts, Juneau promises unforgettable experiences that will leave lasting memories of this beautiful Alaskan gem.

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