15 Best Things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Planning a trip to Juneau and wondering which experiences are actually worth your time? You’re in the right place!

Alaska’s capital is surrounded by some of the most spectacular wilderness in the state, with glaciers, mountains, and incredible wildlife on offer. But with so many bucket-list experiences to choose from, deciding how to spend your time here can feel a little overwhelming!

That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Juneau, from walking on a glacier and spotting humpback whales to scenic hikes, local museums, and, of course, eating some delicious Alaskan king crab! Whether you’re visiting independently or stopping in Juneau on a cruise, this guide will help you make every moment count. 

Juneau at a Glance

Before we get into the full list, here are a few quick Juneau tips to know before you go. Alaska’s capital is compact in some ways, but many of its biggest highlights are spread out beyond downtown, so a little planning goes a long way.

Important Tip: Juneau gets VERY busy, so plan ahead!

Dress in layers: Juneau’s weather can change quickly, even during summer. Pack a waterproof jacket, light layers to wear underneath, and sturdy waterproof shoes, because you can really get four seasons in one day here. It pays to be prepared!

Getting around Juneau: Downtown Juneau is compact and walkable, although it is a little hilly in places. However, many of the area’s biggest attractions, including Mendenhall Glacier, are further out, so you’ll usually need a rental car or an organized tour. Public transport is limited, and while there are free shuttles to the AJ dock and within the Capital Transit Ride Free Zone, you can’t use these to get to all of the major sights.

Book activities in advance: Juneau gets extremely busy during cruise season, and many of the best tours have limited spaces. Whale-watching cruises and glacier-related activities, in particular, tend to fill up quickly. If there’s something you really want to do, we recommend booking it well in advance rather than leaving it until you arrive.

How I would Spend Two Days in Juneau

Two days in Juneau is enough to experience everything from whale watching and glaciers to great food and downtown sights! After exploring Juneau ourselves, we’ve put together the itinerary we recommend to help you make the most of your time.

🐋 Day 1: Whale Watching & Downtown Juneau
Start with breakfast downtown, then spend the morning whale watching. After a seafood lunch, explore downtown before ending the day with a local craft beer tour, which also delivers amazing mountain views!

🚁 Day 2: Helicopter Flight & Mendenhall Glacier
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with this helicopter flight and glacier walk! Later, visit the Alaska State Museum and explore Mendenhall Glacier, before ending your trip with dinner and drinks at a local favorite spot downtown.

Want to know more? Dive deeper into our 2-day Juneau itinerary here!

Things to do in Juneau 

1. Take a helicopter tour and walk on a glacier

If there’s one thing to do in Juneau that deserves a place on your bucket list, it’s this helicopter adventure. Flying over Alaska’s glaciers before stepping onto the ice is an experience few people ever get, and it’s sure to be something you’ll remember forever.

The adventure begins with a spectacular helicopter flight over the vast Juneau Icefield, where you’ll soar above glaciers and rugged mountains. The views alone are worth the trip, because you get a perspective of Alaska’s wilderness that just isn’t possible from the ground.

Then comes our favorite part: landing right on a remote glacier! Getting out of the helicopter and walking across the ice is such a unique experience, especially when you see those incredible blue sections up close. You can even taste the glacier water!

Several helicopter experiences are available in Juneau, but this one really stands out for striking the perfect balance between scenery and adventure. It’s certainly one of the more expensive things to do in Juneau, but we really do think it’s worth considering if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After all, how often do you get the chance to land on an Alaskan glacier?

2. Spot humpbacks on a whale watching cruise 

Wildlife lovers, this one’s for you! Whale watching is one of the most iconic things to do in Juneau, and this tour makes it super easy to get out on the water and search for humpbacks.

You’ll cruise on a comfortable, modern boat with large viewing windows and outdoor decks. There’s also a heated cabin, which means that you can enjoy the scenery without spending the entire trip out in the cold – trust me, that makes a big difference out in Alaska! 

Of course, humpback whales are the main attraction, and the tour even comes with a 100% whale-sighting guarantee! We really appreciate this, because it really takes the uncertainty out of booking. Along the way, you may also spot sea lions, bald eagles, and other marine life while cruising through the beautiful waters surrounding Juneau.

The crew brings the experience to life too, sharing fascinating information about humpback behavior and the wider marine ecosystem. I mean, since you’re out looking for these amazing creatures, you’re definitely going to want to learn about them along the way.

We think this is one of the best things to do in Juneau for first-time visitors, as it delivers that classic Alaskan wildlife experience without requiring any strenuous activity. Plus, it lasts around three and a half hours, so it’s easy to fit around your other plans.

And don’t just take our word for it. This is one of Juneau’s top-rated experiences, with thousands of glowing reviews!

3. Eat world-famous king crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack

If there’s one food you absolutely have to try in Juneau, it’s Alaskan king crab. And if you ask us, there’s only one place to get it: Tracy’s King Crab Shack! 

We love seafood, and this is a local, unpretentious spot right by the docks. Over the past two decades, it has become a bit of a Juneau institution, so we think getting king crab here is a must for anyone visiting Juneau. 

You’ll usually find several different types of crab on the menu, including Red King Crab, Golden King Crab, Snow Crab, and Dungeness Crab. Prices vary depending on the market, so this probably won’t be your cheapest meal in Alaska. However, the crab is incredibly fresh, and the portions are generous, so you get what you pay for.

This is also a really convenient place to eat if you’re exploring downtown Juneau, as you can easily stop by for lunch before carrying on with your day. Just bear in mind that it gets very popular, especially when cruise ships are in port, so it’s always buzzing around lunchtime. But if you’re a seafood lover, it’s well worth the wait!

4. Canoe to Mendenhall Glacier and view it from the water

We really wanted to experience Mendenhall Glacier from the water, and we didn’t really feel like taking on a strenuous hike, so we booked this canoe tour, and it proved to be the perfect middle ground! Rather than viewing the glacier from a busy platform, with no motor noise. It was absolute bliss.

We’ve done a lot of canoeing all over the world, but gliding past floating icebergs was such a unique experience. We were in awe seeing the bright blue glacial ice up close! 

And although we personally have paddling experience, you don’t need any! Your guide will provide a safety briefing and show you the basics before you set off, and the pace is manageable. As long as you’re reasonably fit, you should be able to keep up, no problem. 

Along the way, your guide will share information about the glacier and the wildlife that lives around the lake. You may even spot bald eagles swooping overhead as you paddle!

We love this tour because it’s incredibly special and memorable, and it doesn’t require trekking across any rugged terrain. It’s still quite the adventure, but it’s a lot more laid-back! Plus, you still get that close-up glacier experience, and an undeniable sense of pride for getting yourself there.

The tour lasts for a few hours, so it’s easy to work into a day of exploring Juneau. It’s an incredible way to experience Alaska, and you’ll still have time to explore downtown and eat king crab afterward – sounds good, right?

5. See Juneau on an e-bike

If you’re keen to stretch your legs and spend some time in the open air, this e-bike tour is a fantastic way to explore more of Juneau. Plus, it doesn’t take up your entire day, so you’ll have time to check off a few other activities from this list afterward as well. 

The tour takes you across to Douglas Island, where you’ll get fitted with an electric mountain bike and helmet before setting off along mostly paved roads. E-bikes make the ride accessible to a wide range of fitness levels, as you can choose how much assistance you want and use the motor for an extra boost on the hills. No previous e-bike experience is required either, so this is a great option for beginners!

Along the way, you’ll ride beside the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the USA, while enjoying views of Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau’s dramatic scenery. The tour also includes a short walk through the rainforest to a remote beach – yep, Alaska has beaches! 

We love that this tour allows you to cover far more ground than you could on a walking tour while still immersing yourself in the landscape. It really showcases how diverse and beautiful this part of the world is, and combines a range of dramatic scenery into one active (but very do-able) tour.

6. Explore downtown Juneau

If you’ve got a few hours to spare, downtown Juneau is well worth exploring on foot. It’s compact and easy to walk around, and there are lots of historic buildings and waterfront views to admire along the way. 

One of the nicest places to start is the Waterfront Seawalk, which runs along the harbor and gives you lovely views of the mountains and the passing boats. From there, we suggest heading inland to see the Alaska State Capitol before continuing through the heart of downtown.

We also recommend stopping by the Sealaska Heritage Institute, especially if you want to learn more about Alaska Native history and culture. It adds depth to your visit and helps you understand the region beyond the glaciers and wildlife.

After that, take some time to browse the local shops. Downtown Juneau has plenty of souvenir stores and small boutiques, so it’s a fun place to pick up something locally made or just do a bit of window-shopping.

Exploring downtown is definitely one of the easiest things to do in Juneau, and it doesn’t require a rental car or an organized tour! You could also easily fit it around an excursion, as there are no strict plans or timings involved.

7. Whitewater raft along the Mendenhall Glacier 

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines beautiful scenery with a little adrenaline, this whitewater rafting excursion is hard to beat. It’s one of the most exciting ways to experience Juneau’s wilderness, without requiring any previous rafting experience.

After meeting your guide, you’ll head to the Mendenhall River, where you’ll climb aboard a raft and float beneath the towering peaks surrounding Mendenhall Glacier. Along the six-mile route, you’ll navigate fun Class II and III rapids, offering just the right amount of excitement while still being suitable for most adventurous travelers.

Of course, it’s not all about the rapids. The river winds through spectacular Alaskan scenery, with views of Mendenhall Glacier, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains along the way. Keep your eyes peeled too, as wildlife sightings are common. Bald eagles are regularly spotted overhead, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some bears along the river bank!

One of the things we like most about this excursion is that your guide does all of the rowing, so you can focus on soaking up the scenery instead of worrying about steering the raft. They’ll also share interesting facts about the area’s wildlife and glaciers throughout the journey, so you get a little knowledge along with your adventure. We think it’s an excellent choice if you want something a little more thrilling than a sightseeing tour, but don’t fancy a hike.

8. Explore the Alaskan wilderness on a Segway 

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore Juneau’s wilderness, look no further than this Segway tour! It’s active enough to feel adventurous, but it’s still accessible for beginners and a wide range of fitness levels.

The tour begins with a training session, so there’s no need to have ridden a Segway before! Once everyone feels confident, you’ll head out onto the trails of Douglas Island to explore and enjoy the dramatic mountain views.

We think this is a really good choice for families with teenagers, who may be less enthusiastic about a traditional sightseeing tour! Riding a Segway is a fun and novel experience, and you still get to discover the local landscape. And since this is a small-group tour, it feels a lot more personal.

Along the way, there are opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery without having to cover everything on foot. Snacks and bottled water are included too, which you’ll definitely appreciate after spending time out on the trails.

This tour has hundreds of 5-star reviews, and it’s definitely our top choice for families with teens. We predict that it will leave even the most sullen of youngsters with big smiles on their faces! 

9. Discover local history at the Alaska State Museum

If you want to understand a little more about Alaska beyond the glaciers and wildlife, the Alaska State Museum is well worth a visit. It’s only about a 15-minute walk from the cruise port, so it’s easy to fit into a day of exploring downtown Juneau, and we definitely found it added more meaning to our visit. 

The museum focuses entirely on Alaska, with exhibits covering Native cultures and colonization. We really like that the displays take you through the story of Alaska chronologically, so you come away with a much better sense of how the region has changed over time.

There are loads of artifacts to see, and everything is beautifully displayed. You could spend anywhere from an hour to several hours here depending on how interested you are in the details! You could even fit it in before another activity, which we think is a great idea because you’ll get some context about the area heading out to explore. 

Once you arrive at the museum, there are free lockers where you can store your bags rather than lugging them around with you. There’s also a kids’ area with crafts and a play ship, so the little ones will be well entertained! We’re generally more about the great outdoors than museums, but we do think that this one is definitely worth stopping by!

10. Experience Juneau’s best sights and brews

We love craft beer, so combining a brewery crawl with some of Juneau’s best sightseeing spots sounds like heaven to us! This small-group tour takes you to three local breweries and throws some epic viewpoints along the way, so what’s not to love?

You’ll visit three very different breweries across Juneau, including the first brewery to open in Alaska after Prohibition! Another stop takes you out to Auke Bay, where you can enjoy locally brewed beer with beautiful views over the harbor. We love that this tour gets you beyond downtown and introduces you to places that are popular with locals, rather than just sticking to the main tourist spots.

Of course, there’s plenty of beer to try along the way! You’ll enjoy tasting flights at each brewery, and you’ll even get to sample some Alaskan kelp salsa. We love trying local food and drinks when we travel, and this sounds like such a fun way to do it.

However, you won’t spend the entire tour inside breweries. You’ll also stop at Brotherhood Bridge for incredible views of Mendenhall Glacier and visit Juneau’s famous waterfront whale statue, so you’ll still tick off some sightseeing along the way.

If you love craft beer and want to see a different side of Juneau, we think this tour is such a fun way to spend an afternoon. Plus, you won’t have to worry about driving between breweries, so everyone can enjoy the tastings. Cheers to that!

11. See five glaciers from a seaplane

If there’s one place where it’s worth splurging on a scenic flight, surely it has to be Alaska! This incredible seaplane tour takes you high above the Juneau Icefield to see five enormous glaciers and some jaw-dropping wilderness.

You’ll take off directly from the water in a classic floatplane before soaring over the Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East Twin, West Twin, and Taku Glaciers. The latter is the largest glacier in the entire Juneau Icefield, so seeing it from above really gives you a sense of just how vast this landscape is.

And don’t worry about being stuck in the middle seat! The plane only holds 10 passengers, and everyone is guaranteed a window seat. The flight lasts around 40 minutes, with narration along the way to help you understand exactly what you’re looking at.

What really makes this experience special, though, is the perspective. You’ll fly over bright blue crevasses, enormous stretches of ice, the winding Taku River, and remote wilderness that simply isn’t accessible from the ground. Honestly, we can only imagine how incredible it must feel to see Alaska like this!

This certainly isn’t the cheapest thing to do in Juneau, but if you’re looking for a true bucket-list experience, we think it’s worth the splurge. After all, how often do you get the chance to soar above five Alaskan glaciers in a seaplane?

12. Hike to Nugget Falls

We’re avid hikers, and nothing beats an easy hike with an epic payoff. For that reason, we think Nugget Falls is hard to beat! This powerful, two-tier waterfall drops around 377 feet (115 meters), and the trail also gives you some beautiful views of Mendenhall Glacier along the way.

The hike starts at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and follows a mostly flat gravel path, so it suits a wide range of fitness levels. The full route is about 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) and usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and how long you stop for photos. 

There’s also an alternate trail option that runs closer to the shoreline of Mendenhall Lake if you fancy stretching the walk out a little. Either way, the scenery is gorgeous, with mountains and glacier views the entire time. You’ll definitely know you’re in Alaska, put it that way! 

Once you get to the waterfall itself, Nugget Falls is seriously impressive up close, with a huge volume of water crashing down beside the lake. It makes you feel very small, but in the best possible way. It’s a fantastic way to experience Juneau’s natural beauty without committing to a full-day hike, and best of all, it’s completely free.

13. Hang out with sled dogs and learn all about mushing

If meeting sled dogs is high on your Alaska bucket list, this fun and family-friendly excursion is a fantastic way to experience one of the state’s most famous traditions. You’ll travel from the cruise port to a scenic summer training camp, where a team of energetic Alaskan huskies is waiting to meet you!

There, you’ll be taken on a mush behind a team of around 16 dogs on a specially designed wheeled sled. This allows the huskies to train even when there’s no snow on the ground, so no worries if you’re visiting during the summer. Best of all, this ride is suitable for all ages, and we bet that kids will love the excitement of it all. 

After the ride, you’ll have time to learn more about dog mushing from experienced mushers. They’ll share stories about training and racing in the legendary Iditarod, as well as explain how the dogs are cared for throughout the year. And, of course, there’s time to meet the dogs up close and cuddle some seriously adorable husky puppies – aaw! 

This is a uniquely Alaskan experience, and it’s not physically demanding at all. It’s very interactive and personal, and we think it’s a great way to go beyond the (admittedly spectacular) scenery and dive deeper into Alaskan culture. 

14. Go fishing

If you’ve ever wanted to try fishing in Alaska, this small-group experience makes it so easy! You don’t need to bring any gear or have loads of experience, because everything is provided and your guide will show you exactly what to do.

Over around three hours, you’ll fish from the shoreline using either fly fishing gear or spinning reels, depending on the conditions and your preference. All your gear is included – we’re talking waders, rods, tackle, snacks, and water – plus your fishing license, so all you need to do is turn up and get started. It’s so much easier than heading out on your own!

What we really like about this tour is how beginner-friendly it feels. The group is capped at just six people, which means you’ll get plenty of instruction and help rather than being left to figure everything out yourself. And if you already know your way around a fishing rod, the small-group setup still gives you a much more personal experience.

Of course, this is Alaska, so there’s always a chance you’ll get some bonus wildlife sightings too. You might even spot some eagles circling overhead! 

If you want to do something a little different from the usual glacier and sightseeing tours, this is a really fun way to spend a few hours. Plus, catching a fish in Alaska is a pretty cool story to take home with you!

15. Spend time at the DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery 

Okay, hear us out… a salmon hatchery might not sound like the most exciting stop in Juneau, but this is actually such a cool place to visit!

The DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is both a working hatchery and an education center, so you can learn all about Alaska’s salmon while seeing the process up close. Depending on when you visit, you may see huge numbers of adult salmon returning through the fish ladder, as well as younger salmon preparing for life in saltwater.

What makes it especially fun is that there’s often plenty of wildlife around too. During salmon season, eagles regularly circle overhead looking for an easy meal, and you may even spot sea lions hanging around nearby.

Inside, the exhibits explain the salmon life cycle and the role hatcheries play in supporting Alaska’s fisheries, while the viewing areas let you see just how many fish are being raised here. We’re talking hundreds of thousands, sometimes even more!

Honestly, this one sounds a little random at first, but we think it’s such an interesting way to understand one of Alaska’s most important species and industries. I used to visit hatcheries on school trips when I was younger, and they were always way more fascinating than you’d expect. If you’re looking for something educational and a little different, this is definitely worth adding to your list.

Related Read: Visiting Juneau on a cruise? Check out our guides to the best Juneau shore excursions and the best Alaska shore excursions to find even more incredible experiences!

Where to Stay in Juneau

Now that you know what to do in Juneau, you just need a great place to stay! If you’re visiting on a shore excursion, your accommodation will already be sorted, of course, but if not, we’ve rounded up our top hotel picks for every budget. These hotels will put you in prime position to explore Juneau and are handy for tour pickup when applicable.

Luxury – $$$

Silverbow Inn is our top pick if you’re looking for a boutique stay right in the heart of downtown Juneau! The location is fantastic, as you’ll be within walking distance of the waterfront, restaurants, shops, and many of the attractions we’ve mentioned in this guide.

The rooms are cozy and comfortable, but what really sells us on this hotel are the communal spaces. There’s an outdoor hot tub where you can warm up after a chilly day of exploring, as well as a sun terrace, outdoor fireplace, and lounge. Soaking in a hot tub after a day of hiking around Alaska sounds pretty perfect to us!

Breakfast is available in the morning, and there’s also an Italian restaurant on site, so you don’t have to venture far when you’re hungry. Rooms typically start from around $400 USD per night, although prices vary depending on the season. Check availability and book Silverbow Inn here!

Mid-range – $$

Juneau Hotel is a comfortable stay that offers both space and flexibility. The rooms here come with kitchen facilities, a refrigerator, and even a washing machine, which is so handy if you’re staying for more than a night or two!

We especially like this option for travelers who don’t want to eat out for every single meal. Having your own kitchen means you can pick up breakfast supplies or make something simple in the evening, which can really help keep costs down in Alaska.

The hotel also offers free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a complimentary airport shuttle, so the practical side of your stay is nicely covered too. Plus, you’ll be within easy reach of downtown Juneau and attractions like the Alaska State Capitol. Rooms typically start from around $260 USD per night. Check availability and book Juneau Hotel here!

Budget – $

Waterfront on Glacier is our budget pick in Juneau, and we think it offers fantastic value for money! It’s in a quieter part of town but still within easy reach of downtown attractions, so you can save some money without feeling completely cut off.

The rooms are fairly simple, but they come with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and kitchenettes, which are really handy if you want to prepare a few meals yourself and keep costs down. Plus, some rooms have mountain or water views, so you can still wake up to some beautiful Alaskan scenery!

There’s also a steakhouse and bar on site, as well as a fitness room, minimarket, and free private parking. The latter is a big bonus if you’re renting a car! Rooms typically start from around $200 USD per night. Check availability and book Waterfront on Glacier here!

Need more options? See all Juneau hotels here!

Thanks for reading!

From glaciers and humpback whales to king crab and epic mountain views, Juneau really does deliver the full Alaska experience! We loved exploring the city and getting out into the surrounding wilderness, and we hope this list helps you make the most of your time here. There are so many memorable things to do, but you really can’t go wrong with the experiences above.

Before you go, check out our other USA blogs for even more travel inspiration! We love sharing our favorite places, tours, and travel tips to help make planning easier. Here are a few more related reads to help plan your next adventure. Cheers!

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