Vacation In Juneau Alaska
When we think of Alaska we associate it as the coldest state in the United States. Situated amidst the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, Alaska was very popular back in the whaling days. With great scenic views and a wide variety of wildlife, it is safe to say that Juneau, Alaska will be a memorable destination for your vacation.
Juneau Alaska has everything you ever wanted in a vacation travel destination. There is nothing in the world that compares to traveling to the future and the past when you visit Juneau. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale — or a time machine if you will. It’s incredible, mystical and so unbelievably beautiful that it cannot be described with mere words. I’ve been there once, and it was one of the most incredible times of my life.
Juneau is a destination you should consider if you’re planning to visit Alaska. The city is located in the southeast region of Alaska and sits on a small island just off the mainland. Juneau depends on tourism for its economy, mainly because there isn’t a whole lot here otherwise.
There are some 10,000 islands that make up the Aleutian Archipelago, which stretches 1,500 miles across the North Pacific Ocean. But few of them can compete with the majesty of Juneau , Alaska.
Vacation In Juneau Alaska
Head north of Anchorage for a fun-filled family vacation. Katmai National Park is a wonderland of wild rivers and icy glaciers, and the Alaska Salmon bake is sure to bring back happy memories. You can fish for salmon on the river, or try a guided fishing trip with a local family that runs their own salmon fishing lodge in Sutton Bay.
Alaska’s capital may look small during your arrival (Juneau is only accessible by taking a flight or boat), but there are so many things to do in Juneau, Alaska that you’ll wish your trip to this magical city was longer.
As a born and raised local, I can confirm that many who have come for a visit to Juneau have stayed for a lifetime.
Juneau is full of opportunities that will satisfy all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activity, culture, food, or an all-round adventure, I’ve got you covered with this list of the 21 best things to do in Juneau.
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So let’s dive in! Oh, and you definitely won’t want to miss #9!
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1. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier
Map It: Juneau, AK 99801, United States
The Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular place to visit in Juneau. Despite the crowds, you won’t want to skip it. For many, this may be the closest you will ever be able to get to the face of a glacier.
Besides supplying the most quintessentially Alaskan photography opportunity, you’ll also find hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and souvenir shopping available. The available outdoor activities accommodate all levels of traveler.
During the late summer and early fall the viewing platforms off the parking area provide a safe, yet close, place to observe black bears feeding on spawning salmon. For those interested in a short walk, the Trail of Time will take you through the forest from the parking lot to the visitor center. The three-mile East Glacier Loop trail is available for the more active travelers.
Both hiking trails along the shore will end at the Visitor Center. Inside you’ll find a small shop full of locally made goods, a short video, and displays about natural rebound after a glacier leaves and some of the wildlife you may see during your visit. The Forest Service Rangers are also happy to answer any questions you might have.
Unique Tours to Mendenhall Glacier:
- Ice Caves Adventure Tour – One of the few ways to actually get yourself a photo ON the glacier itself, this highly rated tour isn’t cheap but is worth it.
- Canoe Paddle & Trekking Tour – Get up close and personal with the glacier, and get your exercise in as well!
- Glacier Rafting Tour – Rafts are a popular and unique way to experience the glacier.
2. Walk on the Juneau Ice Field
Map It: Juneau, AK 99801, USA
If seeing the glacier from the other shore of a lake isn’t close enough for you, you might consider taking a helicopter tour which will land you on the glacier itself!
Again you’ll find all levels of adventure available. Some tours will supply you with gear and take you ice climbing in crevasses. Other tours will take you to a dogsled camp where you can ride on a sled behind a team of huskies.
Click here to check pricing on helicopter tours to the ice field.
3. Learn about Juneau and Alaskan History at the Museums
Map It: 395 Whittier St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States | Phone: +1 907 465 2920 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily, Closed every Weekends
Juneau has a history of boom to bust industries starting with its beginning as a lawless gold mining town. It has also been home to people of all different cultures, many which still call it home. See some of the old tools of Alaskan trades and learn the stories of the early Alaskans by visiting any of the three museums in town.
The Juneau City Museum and Alaska State Museum offer family-friend fun for all ages, with hands-on displays and locations easily accessible in Downtown Juneau. The collections on display will tell the stories of Alaskan mining, fishing, logging, and politics, as well as introduce various artifacts from Alaska’s Russian occupation and Alaska
Native culture. The City Museum also runs walking tours through historic Downtown Juneau (Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 1:30-3 PM through September).
The Last Chance Mining Museum in Last Chance Basin is housed in one of the few remaining historic buildings of the Alaska Juneau Gold Mining company. Here you’ll learn about the history of hard rock mining in Juneau and see some of the old tools. This museum is farther from downtown and requires the ability to hike uphill, but if you can make it, you should also check out the old mining train cars behind the building.
4. Pan for Gold Like a Prospector
Juneau’s namesake, Joe Juneau, found gold while panning in Last Chance Basin in what is now called Gold Creek.
One of the more unusual activities in Juneau is a tour that will take you to this historic spot and teach you to pan for gold like a prospector. You may not be finding large nuggets any more, but you’ll still find tiny flecks of gold. Your tour guide will dress like a gruff old minor, suspenders and all, so you can get the full experience on this unique adventure.
⛏️ Click here to book a gold mining tour from Juneau.
5. Shop, Eat, and Drink in Juneau’s Historic Downtown
Juneau’s Downtown shopping district has kept many of the facades that make you feel like you’re walking into an 1898 Gold Rush mining town. Today, however, you’ll find souvenir shops and eateries that cater to the summer cruise ship tourists.
When strolling the downtown, you’ll want to keep an eye out for shops with signs in their windows alerting you to local owners and local merchandise. Rather than shelves stocked with gold rush supplies, however, today the shops carry Alaskan books, art, Native crafts, jewelry, and other souvenirs.
While the Red Dog is the closest and only replica of a gold rush era saloon that exists today, there are several other bars, new brewing and distillery tasting rooms, and an up and coming food scene. If you’re looking for a quick bite so you can keep exploring, Juneau’s food cart row is the place to go.
6. Eat Your Way through the Juneau Food Tour
Map It: 167 Shattuck Way, Juneau, AK 99801, United States | Phone: +1 907 723 8478 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily
While you might not think a place that has to have a lot of food shipped in would have a great food scene, Alaskans have learned to fish, hunt, and forage, and turn these local resources into amazing dishes. If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to take the Juneau Food Tour, run by a local food blogger.
Along your walk you may try fresh seafood like king crab, fish tacos and kelp salsa. Your meal will be paired with local made beer, and for dessert you’ll have a hard time passing up Alaskan made fudge.
7. Eat at Tracy’s Crab Shack
Map It: 432 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States | Phone: +1 907 790 2722 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 8 pm daily
If trying Alaskan king crab is on your bucket list, you’ll want to visit Tracy’s Crab Shack.
You can order crab by the leg, try the delicious crab bisque, or go all in with an entire bucket. This restaurant was also featured in an episode of Top Chef, so it’s a popular stop for fans of cooking shows.
