But fear not -- youre basically guaranteed to see one (or seven) here. Here are a few more items that you can add to your list if you plan to visit the city. By air Alaska Airlines has regularly scheduled flights to Juneau International Airport from Seattle. Showers, laundry, and cooking facilities are available. Sealaska Heritage Store is home to Juneaus most interesting collection of Alaska Native gifts. Juneau, the capital of Alaska is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating capitals in the United States. Local guides explain the intricate hatchery process while you enjoy an impressive look at the thousands of returning salmon in the fish ladder. Beer from the Alaska Brewery can be ordered in every establishment, so dont be shy, order a glass of Alaskan White and enjoy some seafood. A beautiful property surrounded by spruce trees and natural wetland vegetation. One of the most wondrous things you can do in Juneau is find your way to the Mendenhall Ice Caves. More than a million tourists come to Juneau every summer, but few of them stay overnight. This is a fun way to spend part of your day away from the crowds. I myself had wondered if Juneau was worth visiting when I looked at the weather forecast and saw so many days of rain. Its possible to stay in Glacier Bay at Glacier Bay Lodge or arrange for a boat tour once you land in Gustavus and then return back to Juneau. Weve visited nearly 100 countries on all 7 continents. In the summer you may also see humpback whales, orcas (killer whales), and porpoises. They feature fallen trees, which are turned upside-down, stuck into the ground trunk first, then planted with flowers that bloom in colorful cascades. Downtowns Goldtown Nickelodeon Theater is a gem for local comedy nights, burlesque shows, and the popular Not-so-silent Film Series, which pairs live original acoustic soundtracks with classic silent films. Roberts, dogsled or hike on a glacier, go bear viewing, pan for gold, and more. Juneau city is rich in history and native culture that will captivate any outdoor enthusiast's hearts. This is a unique opportunity to paddle an exact replica of a traditional Tlingit Canoe. 5 Is Juneau a walkable city? By land Just kidding! After a day of adventuring and enjoying the city, it was our little haven for relaxation away from the crowds. Some tour companies book exclusively with the cruise lines, but may offer any leftover tickets to independents it gets complicated fast, so its usually easiest for independent travelers to use a local booking agent like Kelis Concierge and Tours. You will paddle the Mendenhall Lake to the glacier and explore it up close and personal. Alaska Travel Adventures operates this exceptional rafting trip that begins with a guided tour up Mendenhall Valley to near the face of the famous glacier. Have you ever arrived somewhere and it just felt right? Cruise lines handle most bookings for their passengers, but independent travelers (including small cruise ship passengers) must book their own guided adventures. The unique eco-system of the rainforest is a passion for the guides and they overflow with excitement in showing you the many layers of the forest. My recommendations are based on first-hand experiences and a full analysis of costs vs. benefits. Juneaus downtown area is small but densely packed and puts you in the heart of the action. You can take your car with you and can even start your journey from Bellingham, Washington. If youre interested in dog sledding, this is also the ideal time to visit. Plz hug many puppies for us. If you are arriving on a cruise, the easiest way to reach Mendenhall Glacier would be to take a taxi from downtown to the glacier. Book a bear viewing trip to Admiralty Island. For all the wilderness exploring you do, not exploring downtown Juneaus art and cultural scene would be a mistake. There are many unique activities from gold panning, to whale watching to glacier viewing. Guided bear-watching and fly-fishing tours will fly you out to Chichagof or Admiralty Islands, home to the highest populations of brown bears on this here planet. Whether youre a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a fun and different way to explore, the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway is definitely worth a visit. 773 reviews #3 of 84 things to do in Juneau Points of Interest & Landmarks Geologic Formations Visit website Call Write a review About Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most beautiful and accessible glaciers in the U.S., loved for its dazzling blue glacial ice that stretches for 13.6 miles. Yes, Juneau is definitely worth visiting. Is Juneau worth visiting? Fed by nearly 40 glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield, the Kenai Fjords National Park tops the list of most Alaskan . If you cant get a stateroom, bring your sleeping bag and vie for space in the highly competitive solarium, a covered outside deck with heat lamps. Reply Subscribe . Mendenhall Glacier 2. Located on Southeast Alaskas temperate coastline, embedded within the massive, mossy Tongass National Rainforest, Juneau is best described as, um, wet. Sea lions, much larger than seals, point their noses into the air as they swim. Food may be purchased on board and most vessels offer cabin accommodations. They search both local & international rental companies. Walking around Juneau is the best way to see this cozy city. For those it is best to take a tour, or hire a taxi. This is Juneau, Alaska's incredibly scenic capital city. 2 What is the best way to get around Juneau? Returning from the lodge to downtown Juneau is just as good as the flight out. The Hellenthal Lofts were built in 1916 as offices for lawyers working for the Alaska-Juneau Mine. There are day boat tours that leave from Juneau and return. Juneau is a jumping-off place for trips to many nearby attractions: Famed Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is but a 30 minute flight, Admiralty Island is within sight of Auke Bay, and a number of Forest Service cabins are close to Juneau. Juneau, Alaska may be a capital city but it is a city that is immersed in spectacular scenery and nature. approximately 3h 45m However, dont let this discourage you from grabbing your own wheels during your stay. What to tip an excursion guide:Tipping your guides is very much appreciated, even if your cruise ship says you dont need to. I lived there for a summer. Attractions: 4: Attraction Reviews: 22: Attraction Photos: 65: Local Time: Wednesday 10:02 PM $ USD. If you'd like to experience a foggy morning, sunny afternoon and then a hurricane of an evening all in one day, that's about all there is to experience in Juneau during the Late Fall-Early Spring. The 49th state also happens to have the highest number of bald eagles in the world; look for them along streams and beaches, and in trees at the edge of the beach where they build their nests (keep in mind they dont get their white head until theyre about 3 years old). United States AK 99821, Permitted by the U.S. Forest Service, Tongrass National Wilderness, https://beyondak.com/wp-content/uploads/graphic-assets/abak-subpage-header-logo.png, https://beyondak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/juneau-mendenhall-glacier-paddle.jpg, Fly-In Glacier Hike & Packraft (NEW 2023). The atmosphere is friendly with a wide selection of Alaskan brews and popular food options. In contrast to the summer when the days are long, Juneau in the winter months is cold with a very few hours of sunlight every day. Popular things to do Ports of Call Tours Whale Watching Kayaking Tours Winter Sports Hiking Tours Top Picks Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural & Theme Tours Walking & Biking Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Airport & Hotel Transfers Day Trips & Excursions Family Friendly Likely to Sell Out Ways to tour Juneau Juneau does have a "Ski Resort", however it is sub-par. Across from the Capitol is the Court building. That said, you have the option to either camp or stay in a lodge within the park. Now it is known as the Capital of Alaska and one of the most popular cruise ports in all of Alaska. However, this is also the best time to see the Northern Lights! These are the places we enjoyed during our stay and suffice to say, we didnt have a bad meal or drink. The Rookery is a trendy little caf located smack in downtown Juneau, the short menu changes daily, and reservations are highly recommended for dinner as it the place packs up fast. And should you find yourself here in the more frigid months, the Juneau Symphony opens and the nationally renowned Perseverance Theater presents plays. U.S. Forest Service Rangers provide invaluable information about the area. From animal themed collectibles and apparel to handcrafted carvings, jewelry, paintings, and more. The DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatcherys mission is to sustain and enhance the valuable salmon resources of Alaska. When you first arrive in the center of downtown Juneau, stop walking. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission when you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. NEW: Alaska Cruise Deal 7 Nights for only $249/pp. Roberts near the edge of the downtown area. So, dive into those boat tours, hiking trails, and cruise . On 4th St. between Main & Seward St. Annie Kaills was voted Juneaus best art gallery and jewelry store. Housed here is both legislative chambers and the Governors office. At this time, they have migrated to feeding grounds in Alaska. Mendenhall Glacier, about 12 miles from downtown, is the most Alaska thing youll see here -- a giant white sheet of ice, slowly flowing downhill from high up in the Coast Range mountains behind Juneau into Mendenhall Lake. From the outside, you wouldnt expect much from this place but the minute you walk through the doors youll find creative dishes and a cozy atmosphere. In January, Juneau is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. For raw beauty, Juneau is hard to beat. Spend a day cruising the Tracy Arm Fjord, dodging icebergs, laughing at seals and observing whales. Book your hotel early and bring your earplugs, because the music wont stop at closing time. We are planning Alaska 2.0 (we did 3 weeks in Alaska last year) but are planning on hitting the east side of the state. Our access to fresh wild seafood and wild game is unparalleled, but with 150 inches of precipitation a year, this temperate rainforest can be a tricky place to farm -- and a great place to forage. Its a must and on the cheap. If youre looking for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure, look no further than the Juneau Helicopter Tour and Dogsledding Experience. (No mammals were harmed in the making of this destination guide, we swear.) Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email and subscribe here for our YouTube channel to get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. Juneau is also famous for Mendenhall Glacier, a drive to glacier that sprawls between mountains for some 13 miles before showing its ice face across Mendenhall Lake. You really cant go wrong with any of them, including Dan Moller Cabin on Douglas Island, Peterson Lake Cabin, or Eagle Glacier Cabin. The loudspeaker interrupted the silence as the captain signaled the flight attendants to prepare for landing. What is Juneau most known for? 907-789-0097. The top attractions to visit in Juneau are: Waldvogel's Pumpkin Farm; The 1850's Inn; St John's Evangelical Lutheran Church; See all attractions in Juneau on Tripadvisor. You can go about this in two ways, either book a day trip that will give you a very basic overview including the visitors center and a cruise into the bay itself, or plan to stay a few nights within the park. www.traveljuneau.com, Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is 13 miles from downtown. 69 campsites, water, and toilets 9 sites with full service. Juneau has a reputation for being wet, so bringing a rain jacket. They feature artwork from top Alaskan artists including Byron Birdsall, Barbara Lavallee, and Rie Munoz. Juneau is a beautiful place to visit in Southeast Alaska. Arriving into Juneau was one of the most spectacular arrival flights we have ever experienced. It's like Mother Nature herself is inviting you to explore the largest state in North America. . It is rich in history and became the capital city of the territory in 1906 and of the state in 1959. Thread Tools Search this Thread Jul 30th, 2009, 10:57 PM #1 Wallace_and_Gromit. They offer an ever-rotating, wide array of beer styles and food offerings. They search both local & international rental companies. Sitting in Tongass National Forest on the Juneau Icefield, the Mendenhall glacier is jaw-dropping. Juneau is a great place to visit any time of year, but the best time to go really depends on what you want to do. Eat Fresh with a Footlong Sub and add chips and a drink for your adventure! Is Juneau worth visiting? Youll also want sunscreen -- the air is cool but the days are long and the sun is bright (when its not raining, which it will, just wait). After your meal, you can stay for as long as you want and roast marshmallows over the open fire. Better to just come see it for yourself. However, if this doesnt suit you dont let that deter you. They hop off the cruise ship in the morning and are back on board their floating hotel by dinner. 8. We make it our goal for everyone who goes on an Alaskan adventure with us to love Alaska and its wildlife as much as we do by the time they go home. Cell phone coverage is excellent in urban Juneau, and yes, Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and coffee shops. As Im from Wisconsin and I know you two are as well, did you hit the brewery for an Alaska Brewing Co tour? Readers Digest featured the Upside-Down Flower Towers at Glacier Gardens as the Most Interesting Landmark in America in 2012. In fact, it has the highest density of bears per square mile anywhere on earth. Bald eagles are also regularly spotted. Bears are rad, but do your research and be prepared for a potential encounter. Other notable sights in the forest of the less dangerous variety: Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees may live to over 800 years old, with shrubs like blueberry and Devils Club beneath them. Join Date: Sep 2004. There are numerous activities to enjoy at the top of the Goldbelt Tram, including: Goldbelt Tram Gifts, Dining at the Timberline Restaurant,hiking the scenic trails or stopping by the Juneau Raptor Center display to see an education eagle up close. Dont leave home without:Lonely Planet Alaska (Travel Guide). Juneau is a very walkable city. And if you are still unsure about having your own Juneau trip or not, check out this hand-selected list of the best things to do in Juneau, AK. Juneau is a treasure. Taku Fisheries. It has all the ingredients of a true Alaskan town. The exhibits at Sealaska Heritage Institute highlight an incredibly cool mix of traditional and modern indigenous art from the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes, and your $5 entrance fee contributes to the perpetuation of these ancient peoples. For the best Alaska cruise itinerary, click here. Upon arrival you can choose to kayak to the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary, where you can enjoy the best coastal brown bear viewing area on Admiralty Island. Things you can find on the walls include Wyatt Earps gun, a walrus oosik, trophy wildlife mounts and paper currency signed by the many miners that have frequented the saloon from around the world since it opened. The totem pole on the grounds was carved by Tlingit Indians as a gift for the Governor in 1940. The gardens feature a series of interlocking trails that wind through a dense forest with some upside-down trees. If youre on a tighter budget, try Driftwood Hotel and Prospector Hotel which are a short walk out of town, or the Juneau Hostel if you really want to save the pennies. The warmest months are June, July and August. Paddle out on the iceberg-covered Mendenhall Lake for about an hour until you reach Mendenhall Glacier. I have never seen such a dense amount of forest moss in my life, it was incredible. We were actually supposed to do this but unfortunately, our trip was canceled due to weather. Glide up 1,800 feet above sea level in just minutes and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. You can also get immersed in Alaska Native Culture by visiting the Chilkat Theater and watching the award winning film, Seeing Daylight. Taking a floatplane from downtown Juneau, this 30-minute trip will land you in what the Tlingit people called the fortress of bears. You are the first blog I have come across that shows more than 1 day in Juneau! The Juneau-Douglas City Museum focuses on Juneaus mining history and has some excellent displays.There are exhibits on fishing, mining, native history, lifestyle and politics. Check out Thrillists other comprehensive DestiNATION Guides to New Orleans,San Diego, Miami, Austin, Vegas, New York, Portland, and Yellowstone National Park. One of the most commonly asked questions about visiting Mendenhall Glacier is about how to visit the ice caves. Enjoy The Wild Alaskan menu with favorites such as Alaskan Fish & Chips, Baja Tacos, Crab Sliders and more. Once the Mendenhall glacier recedes out of Lake Mendenhall, the ice caves will no longer exist. Although accommodations in Juneau are not on the luxury side, there are plenty of comfortable options with great value for money! And that was when the price of gold was $30 an ounce. Click here for the full story Alaskans take their seafood seriously. I knew arriving in Juneau, Alaska would be pretty cool but I was not prepared for a crystal clear day and mountains for as far as the eye could see. If you are a fan of hiking you can book Mendenhall glacier guided hike that will take you through the Tongass National Forest the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Ice Caves. Helicopter Flight with Dog Sledding on Glacier, For the Foodies Best Restaurants in Juneau, Book a bear viewing trip to Admiralty Island, 11 Reasons to Take an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise with UnCruise. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska Map It: Juneau, AK 99801, United States The Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular place to visit in Juneau. Visit the store for a free sample of our smoked salmon. It was the first community in the Southeast to slap a head tax on cruise-ship passengers but still draws more than a million a year. Is Alaska Worth Visiting In Summer? You can kayak up to its 70-foot-high face, walk onto the icy expanse with a guide, or simply take in the view from nearby trails. Steep trail that is worth the climb: you'll find excellent views of Gastineau Channel, Juneau, and Douglas from here. There is no connection to the rail system in Canada. Juneau is the perfect base for your Alaskan escapades with longer days and that oh-so-comfy warmer weather. A longtime favorite with locals, it is fast, friendly and outstanding. Juneau Hotel is next to the Douglas Bridge, the State Capitol, and near downtown Juneau. See those creamy-white specks clinging to. Juneau, Alaska boasts over 250 miles of hiking trails and many of them can be accessed right from the downtown area. For many, this may be the closest you will ever be able to get to the face of a glacier. Located in the heart of downtown for more than 40 years. 3) Expect a lot of cruises. Glacier cut mountains line the water, jutting out of sea level and leaving behind the inconvenience of dealing with altitude adjustment. The Alaska Marine Highway provides year-round ferry transportation throughout Southeast Alaska. Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is an exquisitely landscaped Alaskan botanical garden. The promise was fulfilled as that strike and others in the general area eventually turned out more than $150 million in gold. If you like strange, cool, and different experiences then head to the Red Dog Saloon on your visit to Juneau and order yourself a Duck Fart. El Sombrero was selected by the NY Times as one of the Top Places to Eat in Juneau.. By the time the last gold mine closed during World War II, it had taken over as the mainstay of the economy. It is the state with the smallest percentage (by far) of private land ownership, and it boasts the largest wildlife refuge not just in the country, but anywhere in the world. The accessibility to Nugget Falls is very easy, so it wont be the most secluded place you visit in Juneau, but will prove worth the effort nonetheless. The most authentic and rewarding way to spend a night in Juneau is by hiking to a cabin and making it your own. Juneau is a destination where the day trip is king. Full service RV sites, deluxe camping sites with gazebos & tenting sites. You may hear about another railway in Alaska called the White Pass and Yukon Route. The majority of visitors to Juneau arrive by cruise ship and will only have one day to see Juneau. It borders a waterway that never freezes but lies beneath an ice field that never melts. The most sought-after whales to spot are the migrating humpbacks and resident orcas. Expect to tip more on smaller excursions with one lead guide where youre getting a lot of personal attention -- at least $20 per guide, or more if its a full-day trip over five hours. Sea to silverware? Visit Dolly's House Museum - Unique thing to do in Ketchikan. Drawing inspiration from American and Belgian breweries, Devils Club specializes in everything from new-age, hoppy offerings to old world sours. We are debating whether it is worth it to ferry to Juneau from Haines but your blog is quite compelling! Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "acf360e9e6b3a320e7fcd22b3d74e950" );document.getElementById("d2f8ec4791").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. Renting a Car in Mexico: Tips to Avoid Scam. The caves change rapidly by the day and parts of them have already collapsed and disappeared. Its important to book excursions as early as possible. Juneau is definitely worth a visit and if you are not planning on returning to Alaska, combining Juneau with Anchorage, Denali and Seward could be a good use of your time. Hike Rainbird Trail - Best easy hike to do in Ketchikan. Cruiser Rhapsody of the Sea by Hubbard Glacier, The Coolest Outdoor Adventures You Can Have in and Around Juneau, 10 Incredible Hikes to Take When Youre in Juneau, How to Get in on Juneau's Epic Whale Watching, Dog Sledding in Alaska Is the Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience You Have to Try, The Very Best Places to Eat & Drink in Juneau, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on Juneau. This 3.5-mile loop trail will give you glimpses of the East side of Mendenhall Glacier. As icing on the cake, youll be able to see sea lions, porpoises, an array of bird species, and seals. The summer months are the busiest, but also offer the best weather for hiking and other activities. The hang-out place of downtown Juneau is The Hangar on the Wharf. 7. Downtown Juneau sits snugly between Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts, and Gastineau Channel, and is a maze of narrow streets running past a mix of new structures, old storefronts, and quaint houses featuring early 19th-century architecture from the town's gold-mining . The Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular place to visit in Juneau. Mendenhall Glacier is only 4 miles from the Juneau Airport. The flights take you over the Juneau Ice Field, the source of every glacier in the area and it is downright amazing. Tip: Order one of their salads. Published Aug 2, 2021 Juneau is one of the most fascinating places in Alaska and though it's remote, it's rich in wildlife, nature, and culture. Id equate this place to a Perkins when it comes to the atmosphere but with much better food and amazing views of the waterfront. Click here for the full story With more trail-miles than road-miles, a hike through Juneau is pretty much obligatory. Nugget Alaskan Outfitters has everything you need for a rainforest adventure. However, dont waste any time, if you want to see the caves you need to go now. The other popular method? It is located at the top of the Goldbelt Tram. Juneau's best attraction is without a doubt, Mendenhall Glacier, situated just a few miles north of downtown. Driftwood Hotel has 62 rooms that are spacious, clean, comfortable and all recently upgraded. Juneau, Alaska is considered a unique and beautiful destination that offers a variety of activities and . Friends dont let friends eat farmed fish is a commonly seen bumper sticker. There are more than enough activities to keep you busy. That being said, both independent travelers and cruisers can usually score last-minute excursions at booths by the dock in Juneau, sometimes at a discount. Anchorage in a Nutshell Anchorage is Alaska's largest city. When you first arrive in the center of downtown Juneau, stop walking. You will have a perfect photography opportunity in the blue ice caves, potential wildlife viewing, and if that is not enough, you can also enjoy some ice climbing. Safety is the rule here and the staff is attentive in making sure you are kitted out correctly before starting the tour. Dont hesitate, just go. The attractions in Juneau delivers. You can refer to the article Best Cheap Way to Cruise Alaska without a Big Cruise Ship for instructions on how to book cheap combo flight tickets to Ketchikan and Juneau. Despite the crowds, you won't want to skip it. Its just a matter of picking the right cruise for you.