Juneau

Alaska's capital city nestled between mountains and sea in Southeast Alaska, accessible only by boat or plane. It offers historic gold rush heritage, the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, and serves as a major cruise ship port.

Things to do

• Mendenhall Glacier Hiking — Trek to the face of this massive tidewater glacier through the Mendenhall Loop Trail, a 3.3-mile route offering stunning views of ice and mountain scenery.
• Gold Rush Cemetery Tour — Explore the final resting places of Juneau's gold rush pioneers and learn the city's mining heritage through historic gravesites and interpretive markers.
• Alaska State Capitol Building — Tour the art deco capitol building from 1931 to see Alaska legislative chambers and admire local indigenous Tlingit artwork throughout.
• Whale Watching Cruise — Board a boat tour during summer months (May-September) to spot humpback whales, sea otters, and bald eagles in the waters around Juneau.
• Last Chance Mining Museum — Visit this restored 1880s gold mine and mill site perched on a mountainside to understand Juneau's boom-era industrial operations.
• Mount Roberts Tramway — Ride the cable car 1,800 feet above the city for panoramic views of Juneau, surrounding peaks, and Inside Passage waterways.

Food to try

• Fresh Alaska Halibut — Sample locally-caught halibut prepared simply grilled or pan-seared to highlight its delicate, flaky texture at waterfront restaurants.
• Dungeness Crab — Taste sweet, tender local crab served cracked with melted butter, a Southeast Alaska specialty available seasonally in Juneau restaurants.
• Smoked Salmon — Purchase or enjoy smoked salmon from local producers who cure and smoke wild Alaskan varieties using traditional methods.
• Glacier Bay Fish Chowder — Order this rich, creamy soup featuring local white fish and potatoes, a warming comfort dish reflecting Juneau's seafaring culture.

Local customs & good to know

• Plan Around Cruise Ships — Juneau is heavily visited by cruise passengers May through September, so plan independent exploration for early mornings or visit in shoulder seasons for fewer crowds.
• Respect Indigenous Heritage — The city is home to Tlingit people; many museums and cultural centers honor this heritage, and visitors should be respectful of totem poles and sacred sites.
• Bring Rain Gear — Southeast Alaska receives significant rainfall year-round, so waterproof jackets and layers are essential regardless of the season you visit.
• No Road Access Out — Juneau is accessible only by boat or plane with no road to other towns, so plan transportation accordingly and expect higher prices for goods and services than the mainland.