Juneau Overview
Compact Alaskan capital between mountains and water. Ships dock close to town. Main choices: glacier time, tram-and-trails, or a relaxed harbor and museum day. Weather shifts fast; carry layers.
A Little History
Tlingit people lived here long before gold mining spurred Euro-American settlement. Mining booms built the town grid and infrastructure. Statehood made Juneau the capital, kept remote by roadless geography. Tourism grew around glaciers and wildlife.
Museums
Alaska State Museum has strong Alaska Native art, natural history, and rotating exhibits. Juneau-Douglas City Museum covers local history and mining. Sealaska Heritage Institute showcases Native culture and art in a modern space. For families, the tram + short trail combo can replace a museum slot on tight days.
- Tip: State Museum may run special exhibits with extended summer hours—check current schedule.
Major Parks and Attractions
Mendenhall Glacier is the headline; visitor center, Nugget Falls trail, and viewpoints are easy via shuttle or tour. Mount Roberts Tram goes from the port to ridge trails and views; best on clear breaks. Whale-watching tours run from nearby harbors; book ahead in peak season. Downtown is walkable for shops, bars, and murals. Bears may be active on salmon streams in season—keep distance and follow guidance.
Nearby Places (Easy Day Trips)
Glacier Gardens Rainforest: quick garden visit with canopy views; short shuttle. Eagle Beach and Shrine of St. Thérèse: scenic pullouts; better with a tour or rental. Auke Bay: whale-watching departures; plan 3–5 hours.
Shopping
Downtown mixes local crafts with cruise-oriented stores. Look for Made in Alaska or Silver Hand tags for authentic Native arts. Rain gear and merino layers are easy to find if you need them.
- Note: Many shops run seasonal hours May–September; winter is limited.
Food and Drink
Seafood dominates: salmon, halibut, king crab in season. Brewpubs and casual counters handle the rush. Expect early dinners on tour days; kitchens may close earlier outside summer.
Practical eating tips:
- Ask about fresh vs. previously frozen—quality varies by season.
- Split large crab orders; sides add up.
- Lines form at famous counters—try off-peak times.
- Hot chowder is a quick warm-up in rain.
Currency, Payments, ATMs
USD. Cards accepted. Small tour vendors may have spotty signal; carry a little cash.
Opening Hours and Holidays
Summer extends hours across attractions; shoulder seasons shrink them. Museums keep daytime hours; tram runs weather dependent.
Holidays that may affect hours or services:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Jul 4 (big local celebration; roads affected)
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
Practical City Notes
Weather turns quickly—waterproof shell, hat, and good shoes. Boardwalks and rocks get slick. Mosquitoes in season; bring repellent. Respect wildlife distance rules. Shuttle and tour timing matter—pad your return.
Quick Plans
- 3–4 hours: Mount Roberts Tram → short ridge trail → downtown coffee.
- 6–8 hours: Mendenhall Glacier shuttle → Nugget Falls → visitor center exhibits → return with time for a pint.
- Full day: Morning whale-watching → Mendenhall Glacier → tram at sunset if clear.
