What to Know Before Visiting Juneau, Alaska

🌞 When to Visit Juneau, Alaska
Summer (May to September) is prime time to visit Juneau. You’ll find longer days, mild temperatures, and the best conditions for whale watching, glacier hikes, and outdoor adventures. But if you want fewer crowds and don’t mind a little rain, early spring or fall can be ideal too.

⏳ How Long to Visit Juneau, Alaska
To do the best of everything, plan to visit Juneau for 3 to 5 days. That gives you time for a glacier adventure, a wildlife tour, a few good hikes, and a taste of local culture (and smoked salmon, of course). You can definitely see it in less time if you skip some of the things to do on this list, around 2 to 4 days, but 1 imo is not quite enough!

✈️ How to Get to Juneau, Alaska
Like Sitka, Juneau is only accessible by air or sea. You can fly directly from cities like Seattle or Anchorage, or arrive by ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway. If you’re cruising the Inside Passage, Juneau’s often a key stop, and one of the most scenic!

🚗 How to Get Around Juneau, Alaska
Downtown Juneau is walkable, and there are taxis and ride-shares for quick trips. But if you want to explore beyond town – think Mendenhall Glacier or the Old Glacier Highway – renting a car is the way to go. Bonus: the drives here are ridiculously scenic.

🛌 Where to Stay in Juneau, Alaska

Juneau has cozy accommodations for every style:

• Budget: The Driftwood Hotel – affordable, clean, and in the heart of downtown.
• Mid-Range: Silverbow Inn – a boutique hotel with great breakfast and a rooftop hot tub (fantastic after a cold day!).
• Luxury: Pearson’s Pond Luxury Suites – nestled near Mendenhall Glacier for a peaceful, nature-inspired stay that is quieter than staying downtown.

The 15 Best Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska: Glaciers Views, Whales Watching, & More

1. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier and Hike to Nugget Falls

2. Go on a Whale Watching Tour

3. Drive the Old Glacier Highway

Rent a car and take a leisurely drive along the Old Glacier Highway. This scenic route hugs the coast, offering pull-offs for photo ops, wildlife spotting, and peaceful walks along the shoreline. It’s a low-key way to soak in Alaska’s wild beauty, and at the “end of the road”, you’ll find an epic view!

4. Ride the Mount Roberts Tram

5. Explore Downtown & Shop Local

Juneau’s downtown is small but packed with charm. Stroll the colorful streets, pop into local boutiques, and shop for Alaskan-made art, jewelry, and crafts. Some of my personal favorite stores were the Juneau Artists Gallery for local artwork and jewelry, the Kindred Post for unique souvenirs and books, and the Alaskan Fudge Co for the BEST chocolates! Make sure you don’t miss the funky bookshops and cozy cafés either – it’s a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.

6. Try Smoked Salmon at the Taku Store

Stop by the Taku Smokeries Store for a taste of authentic Alaskan smoked salmon. You can snack on some free samples, or pick up vacuum-packed treats to take home (which is what I did!). Perfect for gifting… or not sharing at all.

7. Go Bear Viewing

8. Hike up One of the Mountain Peaks

Feeling adventurous and wanting an unforgettable hike? Juneau is surrounded by some downright incredible peaks with epic trails. There are so many hikes to pick from, but here are Juneau’s “Big 5” mountains I’d recommend:

• Mount Juneau: challenging but worth it for panoramic views.
• Mount Roberts: accessible via the tram or by foot for a solid day hike.
• Thunder Mountain: a local favorite with forested trails.
• Mount Jumbo: known for its sweeping valley views.
• Mount McGinnis: for the bold as this one’s tough but truly rewarding.

9. Walk Along Savikko Park & Beach

Savikko Park, also known as Sandy Beach, is a local favorite for a laid-back afternoon. This drive-up spot gives you incredible views of the Juneau mountains, as well as down the channel. There are trails, picnic spots, and even an old mining site to explore nearby as well.

10. Go on the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure

11. Learn Local History at the The Alaska State Museum

Want to dive deeper into Alaska’s history and culture? The Alaska State Museum   has fascinating exhibits on Indigenous cultures, Russian heritage, and the state’s gold rush past. It’s small but incredibly well-curated. There are also changing local art exhibits – when I visited, it was all about temperate rainforests and the art was INCREDIBLE.

12. Photograph the Whale Project

13. Take a Seaplane Ride Over the Glaciers

14. Hike in the Tongass National Forest

15. Go for an Ocean Kayaking Adventure

What to Eat & Drink Drink in Juneau, Alaska

Juneau might be small, but its food scene packs a big punch! From fresh seafood to local coffee roasters, this town serves up hearty meals and cozy vibes perfect after a long day of adventuring. Here are a few favorites for every time of day:

Best Coffeeshops in Juneau, Alaska

• Heritage Coffee Roasting Co.: a local staple with several locations – perfect for your morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Rookery Café: part café, part bakery, all-around cozy spot with killer lattes.
• Sacred Grounds: locally loved, with great coffee and community vibes.

Best Lunch in Juneau, Alaska

• Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos: fresh, fast, and full of flavor – perfect for a casual bite downtown (make sure to try the taco sampler for the best of everything!).
• Alaska Fish & Chips: as the name suggests, this is the BEST place to try a classic fish and chips!
• Tracy’s Crab Shack: a popular & busy spot but you MUST try the famous Alaska King Crab here – it’s gigantic AND crazy flavorful! Tip: there’s two locations so if the harbor shop is packed, walk to the second shop! 
• Twisted Fish Company: a waterfront spot with seafood that’s about as fresh as it gets – try the salmon burger!
• Sandpiper Café: known for hearty breakfasts and all-day brunch – you’ll want to go back twice.

Best Dinner in Juneau, Alaska

• Alaskan Brewery: for local beers in addition to great food! Try out their beer tasting flight to sample a bit of it all!
• Salt: a bit more upscale but totally worth it – creative dishes featuring local ingredients and a great cocktail menu.
• In Bocca al Lupo: cozy Italian spot with wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta. Perfect for a post-hike carb load.
• The Hangar on the Wharf: classic Alaskan fare with waterfront views – their fish and chips or halibut tacos are must-tries.

Tips for Travel in Juneau, Alaska

• Weather shifts fast: layer up and bring a good rain jacket – sunny mornings can turn rainy in a heartbeat. Try having some backup plans for rainy days!
• Book tours early: summer is busy, and tours (especially whale watching) fill up fast.
• Respect the wildlife: always keep a safe distance from bears and marine life. When in doubt, book with a certified guide.
• Get out of town: some of the best views and hikes are often a short drive from downtown – rent a car if you can.
• Be aware of the cruise schedule: Juneau is a major cruise stop, so during peak tours of about 11am – 3pm expect packed restaurants, busy streets, and limited parking.
• Expect high prices: due to its remote location, expect high food, gas, and other prices to be higher than the US average.
• Be ready for long days: in summer, Juneau has around 18 hours of daylight! It’ll be light out for MANY, many hours, so make sure you bring a good eye mask to sleep through the early sunrises.

What to Pack for Juneau, Alaska

• Waterproof Rain Jacket: Juneau is rainy more days than not, so a rain jacket is essential.
• Fleece or Insulated Layers: ideal for cooler mornings and rainy days.
• Base Layers: thermal or quick‑dry long sleeves for hiking, kayaking, and cool boat tours.
• Waterproof Hiking Pants: comfortable, waterproof, and ideal for long walks and wet boat rides.
• Beanie and Waterproof gloves: even in summer, you’ll want a bit more protection for your head and hands.
• Sturdy Waterproof Hiking Boots: trails can be muddy and slick – and of course, rainy, so waterproof hiking boots are ideal.
• Dry Bag / Waterproof Backpack: protect your camera, phone, and essentials from rainy days.
• Binoculars: for spotting eagles, bears, and whales.
• Reusable Water Bottle: stay hydrated while you explore.
• Sunglasses and Hat: even in misty Juneau, the sun can be quite bright!
• Bear Spray: if you’re hiking, especially away from town, this is a must‑have.
• Bug Repellent: certain trails can be mosquito‑heavy, especially in summer
• Weather‑Sealed Camera & Lenses: The mist and rain are part of any Juneau adventure, so make sure your gear can handle it (see my full travel photography gear list HERE!)

Juneau is the kind of place that sneaks into your heart and stays there. It’s a town where glaciers meet rainforest, where humpback whales breach just offshore, and where every trail seems to lead to a hidden view or a quiet moment in the wild. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sampling fresh-caught salmon, or just soaking up the coastal charm, Juneau invites you to slow down, explore deeply, and savor every adventure. So pack your layers, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to discover all the unforgettable things to do in Juneau, Alaska. Trust me – this is a trip you’ll never forget. Questions about this guide or Juneau? Let me know in the comments below!

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