Why Go to Juneau
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Juneau is one of the most popular cruise stops in Alaska, but it's so much more than a few hours ashore. Alaska's capital, a small city of about 30,000 that can only be reached by air or sea, is surrounded by mountains, glaciers and wildlife, and it's a true gateway to the Alaskan wilderness.
The Mendenhall Glacier is just minutes from downtown, where you can walk trails to viewpoints and a waterfall beside the ice. Take a boat into Tracy Arm Fjord to see towering cliffs, waterfalls and calving glaciers, head out on a whale-watching tour to see humpbacks feeding, or soar over the Juneau Icefield by helicopter and even go dog sledding on a glacier. Ride the Goldbelt Tram up Mount Roberts for sweeping views. More adventurous travelers can reach Glacier Bay National Park and Admiralty Island, known for its brown bears. The town's mining and fur-trading days are long gone; today it's all about the outdoors.
Skip the generic souvenir shops and come home with photos you'll treasure. Whether you're arriving by ship or staying longer, I'll book the excursions worth your time and plan the timing around your cruise schedule.
BEST FOR
Cruise visitors, nature lovers, wildlife watchers and adventure travelers
BEST MONTHS
May–September for most cruise and outdoor activity
EXPLORE
Downtown Juneau sits by the cruise docks; the Mendenhall Valley lies northwest of town; Douglas Island offers views across Gastineau Channel.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Juneau
North America › Pacific Northwest › USA › Alaska
Alaskan glaciers, rainforest and Inside Passage scenery
Mountain & Alpine
Glaciers
Wildlife
Adventure
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Reserve glacier or whale-watching excursions early on cruise-heavy days, and keep plans flexible for rain or fog. Mendenhall Glacier, downtown museums and the Mount Roberts area each deserve realistic transfer time; don't assume every attraction is next to the cruise docks.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Transportation and access policies can change; check visitor-center services and trail conditions.
Mendenhall Glacier
See Mendenhall Glacier and surrounding valley scenery from designated viewpoints near the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
Clouds can obscure the views; verify tram operations and trail conditions.
Mount Roberts Tramway
Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway for elevated views above downtown Juneau and access to mountain trails.
Check museum hours and temporary exhibitions, especially on holidays.
Alaska State Museum
Explore collections interpreting Alaska’s diverse people, history and artistic traditions at the Alaska State Museum.
Guided tour availability and garden operations are seasonal; check before arrival.
Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
Tour the landscaped terraces and coastal rainforest setting at Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure.
The trail can be wet and windy; stay clear of the water’s edge and glacial hazards.
Nugget Falls
Follow the trail to Nugget Falls for a dramatic waterfall close to Mendenhall Lake.
A historic downtown hotel within walking distance of the State Capitol, museums and cruise harbor area. A practical base for travelers who want to explore central Juneau without renting a vehicle.
Baranof Downtown, BW Signature Collection
Downtown / North Franklin Street
Hotel Tags
A boutique inn in a historic building near central shops and galleries. A strong fit for travelers who prefer small-scale lodging and walkable access to Juneau’s downtown attractions.
Silverbow Inn
Downtown / Second Street
Hotel Tags
An extended-stay-style hotel near Juneau International Airport with suite-style accommodation. Useful for travelers who plan to explore the Mendenhall Valley or need convenient airport access.
Aspen Suites Hotel Juneau
Airport / Mendenhall Valley
Hotel Tags
A downtown lodge offering apartment-style options close to museums and the convention district. Compare room layouts and the walking route to your ferry or tour pickup.
Driftwood Lodge by Tlingit & Haida
Downtown / Willoughby Avenue
Hotel Tags
A characterful historic hotel in downtown Juneau, appealing to travelers who prioritize local atmosphere and central access. Check bathroom configuration and potential nightlife noise before booking.
Alaskan Hotel & Bar
Historic Downtown / South Franklin Street
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Juneau
High 38°F · Low 30°F · Rain 6 in
Winter returns, with snow and short days.
May–September for most cruise and outdoor activity. Check the forecast and local opening schedules before committing to outdoor excursions.
Best Times to Visit Juneau
WHEN TO GO
06
Air and Ferry Connections
Juneau has no highway connection to the rest of Alaska. Flights and Alaska Marine Highway ferries require separate planning.
05
Cruise Ship Shuttles
Ships may berth at different locations. Follow the operator’s shuttle instructions and verify the correct return dock.
04
Taxis and Rental Cars
A vehicle helps reach Mendenhall Valley and roads away from downtown, with only a limited road network.
03
Capital Transit
Public buses serve portions of Juneau but do not reach every excursion or trailhead. Verify stop locations and operating times.
02
Getting Around Locally
Juneau has no road connection to the rest of the continental highway network; local buses, tours and taxis operate in town.
01
Arriving by Air
Juneau International Airport has regional and interstate air links; ferries serve southeast Alaska.
Juneau International Airport has regional and interstate air links; ferries serve southeast Alaska. Juneau has no road connection to the rest of the continental highway network; local buses, tours and taxis operate in town.
Getting Around Juneau