Best Things To Do in Juneau
Ah, beautiful Alaska! The state’s capital city, Juneau, is no doubt one of the most popular ports on Alaskan cruise routes. With the magnificent scenery featuring mountains and glaciers, and the opportunity to view wildlife like bears and bald eagles up close - it’s no secret that Juneau is consistently a top favorite destination for cruisers.
The abundance of picturesque destinations and outdoor adventures means there’s sure to be something for everyone on a cruise making a stop in the area. We rounded up our top excursions and member tips for your next Alaskan adventure in Juneau...
Something for Everyone
Alaska's Juneau City & Mendenhall Glacier Tour: Juneau is one of the most unique state capitals in the U.S.. Although Juneau isn't an island, it is landlocked, and you can only get to it by air or sea. This exciting half-day tour will give you a full orientation of Juneau visiting the top sites, including the Mendenhall Glacier and Visitors Center.
City Segway Tour: Discover Juneau’s natural beauty and historical highlights on this 2.5-hour sightseeing adventure. During the tour, you will learn about the history and heritage of the region’s Indigenous people, early Russian ties, and the Gold Rush, all while having fun on a Segway!
Whale Watching Cruise: On this exclusive tour, you'll enjoy more than three hours on the water searching for whales on a small boat with a maximum of 6-18 passengers. There's nothing as exquisite as seeing these beautiful mammals up close, and Juneau is the perfect destination to make this happen! This tour also includes a complimentary photo-stop at a scenic viewpoint of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier.
Member Tip: Our first trip to Alaska did not disappoint. We were amazed at the beautiful scenery and excellent weather. It was around 50 degrees and mostly sunny the day we were in Juneau. Loved the town. -chetsbabe
Activities for Couples
Gold Mining & Panning Adventure: Looking for a romantic way to relive history? This tour will give you a lesson on Juneau's gold rush mining history and the opportunity to try your hand panning for gold. Throughout the excursion, a costumed prospector will guide you through a historic residential area en route to the Last Chance Basin. You will trace the route taken by Joe Juneau and Richard Harris in their search for gold more than 100 years ago. Near the famous Alaska-Juneau gold mine, one of the world's largest hard rock mining operations at its peak, you will get hands-on experience panning for gold in Gold Creek.
Glacier View Sea Kayaking: Are you and your partner the adventurous type? On this tour, you will set sail by kayak on the water with a backdrop of forested slopes, mountains, and the gorgeous Mendenhall Glacier. Your small group will traverse the same waters the Aleut Indians did two centuries ago as you observe bald eagles, herons, shorebirds, and waterfowl. This ocean explorer's view of the glacier is from about six miles away, so you'll enjoy expansive views of the Mendenhall Glacier's massive river of ice winding up through the mountain peaks for miles!
Member Tip: We went dog sledding and loved it! Fantastic crew and a once in a lifetime experience. Dress warmly and have fun! They let you hold and pet the newborn puppies too. This was our favorite excursion of the entire trip! - shellbell101041
Family Fun
Whale watching is a must in Alaska - Photo by Canva
Whale Watch and Salmon Hatchery: Your family whale watching adventure begins on this tour with a transfer from the cruise pier to Auke Bay. There, your captain and onboard naturalist will welcome you aboard a 48-passenger jet boat, custom-designed for Juneau whale watching excursions. After whale watching, you will visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery to explore the inner workings of an active fish hatchery. In the facility’s rearing room you will see millions of tiny salmon preparing for their journey into the wild. This tour is perfect for families of all ages.
Member Tip: My Family and I went on a helicopter ride to a Glacier and it was one of the best moments of my life! If you ever have the chance take a helicopter ride to a glacier! - cruisingcaleb
Activities for Adventure Seekers
Member Tip: Great little town to walk! The highlight of Juneau for me was taking the tram all the way to the top of Mount Robert, and from there do the Alpine Loop Trail! Great views and the trail takes only about 20 minutes. - dsorel
Salmon Fishing Expedition: This excursion is perfect for the serious fisherman, but is also suitable for families of all ages. Your private group will set sail for a 4-hour fishing charter around the waters of Juneau led by a knowledgeable U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain. As you fish along the hotspots of the harbor, your Captain will divulge local knowledge about Alaskan Salmon, their migration patterns, as well as the most effective way to catch them in the waters of Juneau.
Fun for Foodies
Member Tip: Eat at Tracey's Crab Shack. The king crab and snow crab are to die for. It is a short walk from the pier down an alleyway. You can't miss it, just follow the signs and the crowds. - cjackson500
Tasty Gold Creek Salmon Bake at Mendenhall Glacier: This expedition begins with a tour of the beautiful Mendenhall Glacier. Afterward, culinary enthusiasts will delight for the all-you-can-eat Alaskan Food Feast. Featured on Bravo Television's Top Chef, you will visit the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, a delicious event that’s not to be missed in Juneau. If you are a foodie, you will love the aroma of wild Alaskan salmon grilling over a fragrant alder wood fire.
Alaskan Tails & Legs: Calling all nature lovers and foodies - this excursion is for you! Your tour starts with a scenic ride on the harbor for whale watching. Relax in an enclosed, heated boat cabin with a warm cup of coffee, or go up on deck and inhale the crisp, salty air as you view the whales nearby. Back on land, your group will travel to Tracy's King Crab Shack, Juneau's most famous restaurant. Feast like a king on warm, buttery rolls, crispy crab cakes, piping-hot crab bisque, and the mouthwatering king crab legs adored by visitors and locals alike. YUM!
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