21 Awesome Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska You Need to Try

Juneau was my favorite of the places we visited on our Alaska cruise itinerary–mostly because there was an amazing national park nearby! If you are looking for things to do in Juneau, Alaska, you’re going to have plenty of options. Whether you are looking to explore some of the local hiking trails or you want to get to know the history of the area, you’ve got a bit of both that you can check out!

What you need to know about the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Here are the things to do in Juneau, Alaska you are going to want to make sure to check out!

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Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier is, without a doubt, one of the most popular things to do in Juneau, Alaska. Situated a few miles outside of the city, the glacier spans a total of 13 miles and offers the most quintessential views of the Alaskan landscape.

You can take in these views from the Visitor’s Center, or head out and hike along the various trails surrounding the glacier. Either way, you’ll want to be on the lookout for wildlife, as mountain goats, black bears, beavers, porcupines, and bald eagles are all known to frequent the area.

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Hike the West Glacier Trail

One of the best ways to experience the Mendenhall Glacier is by hiking the West Glacier Trail. Covering a distance of three and a half miles, this trail takes you through the Alaskan wilderness and up the west side of the glacier, ending at a high rock outcrop that provides stunning views of the glacier and lake below.

While the first part of the trail is relatively easy, the second half can be a bit more difficult as you navigate your way up the rocks to the top of the outlook. Despite this, it is still one of the best things to do in Juneau, especially if you’re looking to escape the crowds.

Fly to the Taku Glacier Lodge

There are many amazing things to do in Juneau, but few of them are as exciting as taking a day trip out to Taku Glacier Lodge. In order to even reach the lodge, you’ll need to take a seaplane, which in and of itself is quite the adventure. On your way to the lodge, you’ll fly over the Juneau Ice Fields, which are full of incredible glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and cascading waterfalls – all of which you’ll be able to view from above.

Once you land, you’ll be treated to a salmon lunch, learn about the history of the lodge, and be given time to explore the grounds. Your return trip to Juneau will take you back over the Ice Fields, offering you a second chance to snap that picture-perfect photo of the Alaskan landscape.

Tracy Arm Fjord

The Tracy Arm Fjord is another excellent day trip if you’re looking to venture outside of Juneau. Situated 45 miles south of the city, this fjord lies between two high rock walls and provides incredible views of floating icebergs and waterfalls (both cascading and frozen). One of the best ways to visit this natural wonder is by boat. There are several tour companies that take visitors out to the fjord, providing them the opportunity to cruise its length while taking in its majestic scenery. While on board, you’re also likely to spot various wildlife, including whales, seals, bald eagles, and maybe even a bear or two.

Glacier Bay National Park

Any trip to Alaska wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Glacier Bay National Park. Located west of the state’s capital city, the park is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska. You can plan a day trip to the park, or you can stay overnight if you’d like more time to explore. There’s a lodge and a campground that visitors can utilize for more extended stays.

Some of the main activities at the park include hiking, kayaking, boating, and during the warmer months, sailing. There are also a number of guided walking tours that you can join.

Mount Roberts

If you’re looking for incredible views of Alaska’s capital city, then you’ll definitely want to plan a visit to Mount Roberts. Towering above the city, Mount Roberts provides panoramic views of Juneau and the surrounding area. There are two ways to reach the top of the mountain, you can either hike up (it’s a three mile hike one way), or you can ride the tram up the mountainside.

Either way, you’ll reach the same landing point, from which you can take unforgettable photos of the city. Needless to say, Mount Roberts is definitely one of the best Juneau attractions that you can visit!

Whale watching

Alaska is known for its whales, and whale watching just so happens to be one of the most popular Juneau activities that you can do! There are several tour companies you can choose from that will take you out for half-day or day-long trips in the hopes of spotting some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. While there’s no guarantee on what you’ll see, it’s possible to spot everything from humpback whales to grey whales, fin whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, otters, as well as a variety of seabirds!

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Macaulay Salmon Hatchery

Alaskan salmon is known worldwide, and for good reason – the salmon here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious. While you’ll most definitely want to sample some of this local delicacy on your next trip to Juneau, you may also want to consider visiting a salmon hatchery. Hatcheries breed and raise salmon and offer some great insight into the fish industry.

One of the best hatcheries to visit is Macaulay Salmon Hatchery. Here you’ll get an insider’s look at the hatchery, learn about salmon life cycles and spawning processes, and view the fish up close and personal. The hatchery also houses a salt-water aquarium and tide pool, where you can view several other small marine animals.

Alaska State Museum

Visiting the Alaska State Museum is one of the best things to do in downtown Juneau, Alaska. Not only will you learn about the history of Alaska, but you’ll have the opportunity to view important artifacts and works of art. The museum hosts several different exhibits throughout the year, each emphasizing a different aspect of Alaskan culture and history.

Possible topics that you may learn about include the Alaskan Gold Rush and mining, fishing, logging, politics, native culture, and Russia’s occupation of the state. As an added bonus, if you happen to be traveling with kids, anyone under the age of nineteen is granted free admissions!

Last Chance Mining Museum

The Last Chance Mining Museum is another great museum to visit if you’re interested in learning more about the Alaskan Gold Rush. Located in a former mining building, the museum features underground exhibits that display several artifacts and original mining equipment, including air compressors, locomotives, and rail cars.

The entrance to the museum is a bit off the beaten path and is not accessible by vehicles, so be prepared for a short hike. That being said, the museum is definitely worth doing and is one of the best Juneau things to do!

Helicopter flight

If you’re a thrill-seeker planning out what to do in Juneau, Alaska, you should consider adding a helicopter flight to your itinerary. There are a variety of helicopter tours that you can choose from, each offering a different kind of experience. If you’d prefer to just take in the views, you can book a flight that stays in the air.

Or, if you’d rather get out and explore, you can book a tour that touches down on a glacier. These types of tours usually include some sort of activity such as trekking across the ice or climbing down into the ice caves.

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Dog sledding

Hitting the trails on the back of a dog sled is definitely one of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska. Fortunately, there are several places where you can do this, including the Tongass National Forest, Eaglecrest Ski Area, and the Juneau Ice Fields (where you can combine dog sledding with a helicopter tour).

There are also a few local dog sledding companies that you can connect with and explore the area around Juneau. No matter which option you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time learning how to mush and meeting Alaska’s famous huskies!

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Admiralty Island

If you prefer to travel off the beaten path and are wondering what to do in Juneau, you should consider taking a trip out to Admiralty Island. The island is only a thirty-minute plane ride from the city but feels like a world away. Largely undeveloped and home to abundant wildlife, the island is a great place to experience the Alaskan wilderness.

Brown bears, in particular, are common here and primarily reside in the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary. In addition to viewing wildlife, visitors to the island can partake in fishing, canoeing, and bird watching. There are also a few campsites and open shelters available for those who’d like to stay overnight.

Hike East Glacier Loop Trail

Hiking is by far one of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska, and the East Glacier Loop Trail is a particularly great hike, especially if you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature. Located on the east side of the Mendenhall Lake, this trail is a three and a half mile loop that takes you to an outcrop overlooking the Mendenhall Glacier.

Considered to be a moderate hike, it takes on average about two to three hours to complete the entire loop. Since it is a longer hike, it should be less crowded than some of the other hikes in the area.

Nugget Falls

Visiting Nugget Falls is one of the most popular things to do in Juneau, Alaska. Located near Mendenhall Glacier, the falls are situated about a mile from the Visitor’s Center near Auke Bay. The hike to the falls is relatively flat and easy, as it mostly follows the lake’s shoreline.

Once you get to the waterfall, you’ll be greeted with cascading water that plummets a total of 377 feet down into the lake – it’s quite a spectacle to behold. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some mountain goats scurrying along the mountainside near the falls.

State Capitol Building

Located in the heart of Juneau, Alaska’s State Capitol Building is a great place to check out if you’re interested in learning about the state’s historical and political past. Built in 1931, the Capitol Building originally served as a federal building.

However, in 1959, when Alaska was officially designated as a state, it was handed over to the state government. Today, the building is open for self-guided tours, offering visitors the chance to view the historical photographs and paintings that adorn its hallways. It’s certainly one of the most interesting Juneau, Alaska things to do!

Juneau-Douglas City Museum

The Juneau-Douglas City Museum is a great place to check out if you’re interested in the history of the city and the surrounding area. Home to several permanent exhibits, the museum provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the historical significance of everything from fishing to mining, skiing, politics, statehood, and the lifestyle of the native populations.

There are also usually a few temporary exhibits that pop up throughout the year; these typically feature local artists and focus on local history and culture. In addition to this, the museum offers a variety of guided historical walking tours throughout the city.

Eaglecrest Ski Area

If you’re visiting Juneau in the winter, between December and April, then you’ll want to be sure to set aside some time to visit Eaglecrest Ski Area. Located just outside of the city, on Douglas Island, this community-owned ski area spans a total of 640 acres and offers both downhill and nordic skiing, as well as snowboarding.

Guests to the ski area have access to a variety of trails ranging from beginner to black diamonds. There are even skiing lessons that guests can partake in, if they’re new to the sport. During the summer months, the ski lifts do shut down, but the area remains open to hikers and mountain bikers.

Downtown Juneau

One of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska, is to explore the downtown area. Here you’ll find a variety of Juneau restaurants, shops, and attractions that could easily keep you entertained for days. If you have the time, it’s always fun to just wander around the city and see where you end up. You might stumble across the waterfront docks, where you’ll be treated to incredible views of the harbor. If you’re planning on staying a while, it’s also where you can find some of the best Juneau hotels.

Or maybe you head further into the city and wind up at Heritage Square, where statues and monumental art await you. There’s also the Sealaska Heritage’s Arts Campus, where you’ll find several art installations from students and professors alike! The possibilities are endless!

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure

Believe it or not, Alaska is home to its own rainforest, and it’s quite a unique one at that! Located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest on Douglas Island, the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is one attraction that you don’t want to miss. On this excursion, you’ll be treated to a vehicle tour of the rainforest, where you’ll see and learn about the forest’s flora and landscape.

The final destination for the tour is the top of Thunder Mountain, where you’ll have the opportunity to take in the incredible views of Juneau from above. There’s also a Visitor’s Center, Garden Gift Shop, and Garden Cafe for you to explore before or after your tour.

Go kayaking

Kayaking is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska. Not only does it allow you to view the Alaskan landscape from a new perspective, but it also provides you with the opportunity to get up close and personal with marine life.

If you’re lucky, you may just see a whale or dolphin surface as you paddle past some of the state’s most scenic landscapes. Thankfully, there are several different tour companies in the area, so you should have no trouble planning your own kayaking adventures!

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Have you done any of these cool things to do in Juneau, Alaska? Let me know in the comments!

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