bigtravelbuzzJuneau is the capital city of Alaska, located in the southeastern part of the state. It is the third-largest city in Alaska, with a population of around 32,000 people. Here are some of the things you can see and do in Juneau:
Mendenhall Glacier: This stunning glacier is located just outside of Juneau and is easily accessible by car or shuttle bus. Visitors can hike to the glacier, take a guided tour, or go kayaking in the nearby waters.
Mount Roberts Tramway: This aerial tramway takes visitors to the top of Mount Roberts, offering panoramic views of Juneau and the surrounding wilderness. At the top, visitors can explore hiking trails, a nature center, and a restaurant.
Alaska State Museum: This museum showcases the history, culture, and art of Alaska’s indigenous peoples, as well as the state’s history and natural resources. It is a great place to learn about Alaska’s unique culture and history.
Juneau Whale Watching: Juneau is a popular destination for whale watching tours, with opportunities to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
Downtown Juneau: The city’s downtown area is home to historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and museums. Visitors can explore the city’s history and culture, as well as its vibrant arts and music scene.
Salmon hatchery: The Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is a popular attraction in Juneau, offering visitors a chance to learn about the life cycle of salmon and the hatchery’s efforts to conserve and protect Alaska’s fish populations.
Glacier Bay National Park: Located a few hours from Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park is a stunning wilderness area that is home to glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can take a guided tour, go hiking or kayaking, or simply soak up the natural beauty of this pristine area.
Juneau is a unique and beautiful destination that offers something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, wildlife, or outdoor adventure.
Places to Visit in Juneau
Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, is a beautiful destination with plenty of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some places you should visit while in Juneau:
Mendenhall Glacier: Located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is a stunning natural attraction that draws thousands of visitors each year. You can hike to the glacier, take a guided tour, or even go kayaking in the nearby waters.
Mount Roberts Tramway: This aerial tramway takes visitors to the top of Mount Roberts, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Juneau and the surrounding wilderness. At the top, visitors can explore hiking trails, a nature center, and a restaurant.
Alaska State Museum: This museum showcases the history, culture, and art of Alaska’s indigenous peoples, as well as the state’s history and natural resources. It is a great place to learn about Alaska’s unique culture and history.
Juneau Whale Watching: Juneau is a popular destination for whale watching tours, with opportunities to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
Downtown Juneau: The city’s downtown area is home to historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and museums. Visitors can explore the city’s history and culture, as well as its vibrant arts and music scene.
Nugget Falls: Located near Mendenhall Glacier, Nugget Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is easily accessible by a short hike. The falls are a popular spot for photos and offer stunning views of the glacier.
Juneau-Douglas City Museum: This museum features exhibits and artifacts related to the history and culture of the Juneau area, including exhibits on mining, fishing, and native cultures.
Glacier Bay National Park: Although it’s a few hours away from Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park is well worth a visit. The park is home to glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife, and visitors can take a guided tour, go hiking or kayaking, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
These are just a few of the many attractions and activities available in Juneau. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, wildlife, or outdoor adventure, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful Alaskan city.
Best Time To Visit Juneau
The best time to visit Juneau depends on your interests and the type of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during each season:
Summer (June-August): This is the most popular time to visit Juneau, with long days, mild temperatures, and plenty of outdoor activities. Summer is a great time to go hiking, kayaking, whale watching, or visit glaciers. The downside is that it can be crowded, and prices for hotels and tours tend to be higher.
Fall (September-November): Fall is a quieter time to visit Juneau, with fewer tourists and lower prices. The weather is cooler, and you may experience some rain, but the fall colors are beautiful, and you may have a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Winter (December-February): Juneau can be snowy and cold in the winter, but it’s a great time to visit if you want to experience winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledding. It’s also a good time to see the Northern Lights.
Spring (March-May): Spring is another quiet season in Juneau, with fewer tourists and lower prices. The weather is cool, and you may still experience some snow, but it’s a good time to see wildlife and the beginning of the spring bloom.
Overall, the best time to visit Juneau is during the summer months when the weather is mild, and there are plenty of outdoor activities available. However, if you’re looking for a quieter and more affordable trip, you may want to consider visiting during the fall or spring.
How to get around in Juneau
Juneau is a small city, and it’s easy to get around on foot or by using public transportation. Here are some options for getting around in Juneau:
Walking: Downtown Juneau is compact and easy to navigate on foot. Most of the city’s attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance of each other.
Public transportation: Juneau has a public bus system called Capital Transit that serves the downtown area and the surrounding neighborhoods. Fares are affordable, and buses run on a regular schedule.
Taxi: Taxis are available in Juneau, but they can be expensive, especially if you need to travel a long distance.
Rental car: If you plan to explore the area outside of Juneau, renting a car may be a good option. There are several car rental companies located in the city, and you can pick up and drop off your rental car at the airport.
Bicycle: Juneau is a bike-friendly city, and there are several rental shops where you can rent a bike for the day or for a longer period. Biking is a great way to explore the city and the surrounding area.
Water taxis: If you plan to visit the nearby islands or go fishing or whale watching, you may need to take a water taxi. There are several water taxi companies in Juneau, and they offer a range of services to suit your needs.
Overall, Juneau is a small and walkable city, and you may not need a car or taxi to get around. However, if you plan to explore the area outside of Juneau or need to travel a long distance, renting a car or taking a taxi may be a good option.
Where to eat in Juneau
Juneau has a diverse culinary scene with many great restaurants offering local seafood, Alaskan cuisine, and international dishes. Here are some popular places to eat in Juneau:
Tracy’s King Crab Shack: This popular seafood spot serves fresh Alaskan king crab, crab cakes, and chowder. It’s located downtown and is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Salt: This restaurant focuses on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create inventive dishes like wild Alaska salmon, halibut, and foraged mushrooms.
The Rookery Cafe: This cozy cafe serves breakfast and lunch and features local ingredients in their dishes. Their sourdough pancakes are a must-try.
Hangar on the Wharf: This waterfront restaurant offers great views of the harbor and serves classic Alaskan dishes like fish and chips and seafood chowder.
Saffron: This restaurant serves Indian and Pakistani cuisine and is known for its flavorful curries, naan bread, and biryani.
Pel’meni: This casual restaurant serves Russian-style dumplings filled with meat or potatoes. It’s a popular spot for a quick and affordable meal.
The Twisted Fish Company: This seafood restaurant offers a wide range of fresh seafood dishes, including salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab.
These are just a few of the many great restaurants to check out in Juneau. Make sure to ask locals for recommendations and try some of the local Alaskan cuisine.
Famous street stalls in Juneau
Juneau is a small city, and it doesn’t have a large street food scene like some other cities. However, there are a few popular street stalls and food trucks that you can check out:
Pucker Wilson’s: This food truck serves fresh and healthy food, including salads, wraps, and smoothies. They use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Devil’s Club Brewing Company: This brewery serves craft beer and has a food truck on site that serves burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare.
The Hot Bite: This food truck serves classic American food like burgers, hot dogs, and fries. It’s a popular spot for a quick and affordable meal.
Coppa: This gelato truck serves homemade Italian-style gelato and sorbet. It’s a great spot for a sweet treat on a hot day.
Tracy’s King Crab Shack: Although not technically a street stall, Tracy’s King Crab Shack is a popular seafood spot located downtown. They serve fresh Alaskan king crab, crab cakes, and chowder.
These are just a few of the popular street stalls and food trucks in Juneau. Keep in mind that some of these may not be open year-round, so make sure to check their schedules before visiting.
Where to stay in Juneau
Luxury accommodation
Juneau offers several options for luxury accommodations, including hotels and lodges with beautiful views, high-end amenities, and excellent service. Here are some of the top luxury accommodations in Juneau:
Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn and Adventure Spa: This boutique hotel offers luxurious accommodations with private hot tubs, fireplaces, and mountain or garden views. The spa offers a range of services, including massages and facials.
The Juneau Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the heart of downtown Juneau and offers luxurious suites with modern amenities, including kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
The Westmark Baranof Hotel: This elegant hotel is located in a historic building in downtown Juneau and offers luxurious accommodations, including spacious suites with separate living areas.
Silverbow Inn: This boutique hotel offers luxurious accommodations with contemporary decor, comfortable beds, and mountain views. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and access to a sauna and hot tub.
Glacier Bay Lodge: Located just outside of Juneau, this lodge offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of Glacier Bay National Park. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
These are just a few of the top luxury accommodations in Juneau. Keep in mind that prices for luxury accommodations can be high, especially during the peak tourist season, so be sure to book well in advance.
Where to stay in Juneau
Budget accommodation
Juneau offers a range of budget accommodations, including hostels, motels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the top budget accommodations in Juneau:
Juneau International Hostel: This centrally located hostel offers affordable dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms and a communal kitchen. Private rooms are also available.
The Driftwood Hotel: This motel is located in downtown Juneau and offers affordable rooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
The Alaskan Hotel and Bar: This historic hotel is located in downtown Juneau and offers affordable rooms with shared bathrooms. The hotel features a lively bar with live music and events.
The Juneau Guesthouse: This guesthouse offers affordable rooms with shared bathrooms and access to a shared kitchen and living room. The guesthouse is located in a quiet neighborhood close to downtown Juneau.
The Juneau Hotel: This historic hotel in downtown Juneau offers affordable rooms with shared bathrooms. The hotel features a communal kitchen and lounge area.
These are just a few of the top budget accommodations in Juneau. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the season, so it’s best to book in advance if possible.
Travel Tips Juneau
Here are some travel tips for visiting Juneau:
Bring layers: Juneau’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to bring layers to prepare for both rain and sunshine.
Get a city pass: The Juneau City Pass offers discounts on popular attractions, such as the Mount Roberts Tramway and the Alaska State Museum.
Take advantage of free activities: There are several free activities to enjoy in Juneau, such as hiking on local trails and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
Plan for transportation: While Juneau is a small city, it can be difficult to get around without a car. Consider renting a car or using public transportation to get around.
Book tours in advance: Many of Juneau’s popular tours and activities can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season. It’s best to book these in advance to ensure availability.
Respect wildlife: Juneau is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears and eagles. Be sure to keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing these animals.
Bring rain gear: Juneau is known for its rainy weather, so be sure to bring a raincoat or umbrella to stay dry.
Explore local cuisine: Juneau has a unique food scene, featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try some of the local cuisine while you’re visiting.
These are just a few travel tips to keep in mind while visiting Juneau. Above all, remember to enjoy the natural beauty and unique culture of this Alaskan city.