Juneau, Alaska is one of the most scenic and walkable cruise ports in the state, offering easy access to nature, history, and great local food. While I visited differently—arriving by the Alaska Marine Highway ferry and staying overnight—the experience showed me just how much this city has to offer beyond the souvenir shops and cruise crowds.
If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Juneau, whether you’re visiting for a few hours or staying overnight, this guide has you covered.
The Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal is located in Auke Bay, about 20km (13 miles) from downtown. Having my car made it easy to explore areas outside of town, like Mendenhall Glacier and Auke Lake. But even without a vehicle, cruise passengers docked right in the heart of the Juneau Alaska cruise port have access to almost all of these same highlights—either on foot or by shuttle, tour, or rideshare. With a bit of planning, you can see more than just the waterfront.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Juneau AK during your port stop, including top excursions in Juneau AK, hikes, eats, and views worth getting off the ship for.
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Visit the Mendenhall Glacier – Juneau’s Top Attraction
One of the most iconic sights in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier. I got there early in the morning for sunrise and had most of the trails to myself—a truly peaceful and memorable way to start the day.
The morning light slowly spilling across the ice was stunning, casting a blue glow that photos can’t quite capture. The Juneau Mendenhall Glacier is about 20km (13 miles) from the Juneau port, and getting there is easy with a taxi, rideshare, or shuttle.
Cruise passengers should definitely book a Juneau Mendenhall Glacier shuttle or tour in advance to make the most of their limited time. Options include basic transportation, guided hikes, kayaking, or even a breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour Juneau Alaska, which allows you to walk on the ice itself.
Best Hikes in Juneau for Cruise Visitors
While downtown Juneau is very walkable, the city is also a launch point for incredible hikes. One of my favorites was the East Glacier Trail, which wraps around the back side of Mendenhall Glacier. It’s an easy-to-moderate hike through dense rainforest, with occasional glacier views that felt like something out of a documentary.
Closer to the cruise terminal, the Perseverance Trail offers a chance to walk an old mining route that’s both scenic and historic. And for those looking to break a sweat, you can skip the tram and hike the Mount Roberts Trail all the way to the top.
Auke Lake and the University Area
While most cruise passengers won’t make it up to Auke Lake, I wanted to mention it here because it was one of the most peaceful parts of my stay. The lake is near the University of Alaska Southeast and surrounded by a flat walking trail. The stillness of the water reflecting the mountains was unforgettable. It’s not accessible by foot from the cruise terminal, but it’s a great add-on if you’re staying overnight or taking the ferry.
Ride the Juneau Cable Car for Epic Views
The Juneau cable car, or Mount Roberts Tramway, is located directly beside the cruise terminal—so it’s one of the most accessible excursions in Juneau AK. I should have planned ahead and reserved my ticket and time slot in advance.
Instead, I skipped it due to long lines from multiple cruise ships in port. Don’t make my mistake—book early to enjoy the ride and the incredible views without the wait.
Once at the top, you’ll find sweeping views of the Gastineau Channel, interpretive trails, a gift shop, and the chance to see rescued bald eagles up close.
Want to pair it with a pint? Book the Juneau Ale and Tram Tour to ride the tram and sample some of the best breweries in Juneau.
What to Do in Downtown Juneau
Still wondering what to do in Juneau once you’re off the ship? Start with the downtown area—it’s just steps from the pier. While the streets closest to the docks can feel crowded with souvenir shops and jewelry stores catering to cruise passengers, it only takes a few blocks to find real local gems, historic landmarks, and authentic Alaskan culture.
Historic Buildings & Landmarks
Downtown Juneau is surprisingly rich in history. A few highlights worth seeking out include:
- Alaska State Capitol (1931): Unlike many U.S. state capitols, Juneau’s has no dome. Built in a restrained Art Deco style with marble columns and brick, it originally housed federal offices before Alaska became a state in 1959. Free self-guided tours offer insight into Alaska’s political history.
- Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church (1894): This small white church with a distinctive onion dome is one of the oldest continuously used Orthodox churches in Alaska. It was built with help from the Tlingit community and Russian missionaries, reflecting Juneau’s multicultural past.
- Red Dog Saloon: Once a rowdy gold rush-era watering hole, today it’s a kitschy but fun stop for a drink surrounded by sawdust-covered floors, old mining memorabilia, and live music.
- Juneau-Douglas City Museum: Housed in a historic library building from 1951, this small but engaging museum covers the region’s Indigenous heritage, mining history, and local culture. It’s right next to the Capitol, making it easy to combine the two.
- Governor’s Mansion (1912): A 10-minute uphill walk from the docks brings you to the official residence of Alaska’s governor. The Colonial Revival building isn’t open for tours, but it makes for a great photo stop.
Local Color
A walk through Franklin Street and Front Street reveals a mix of gold-rush–era storefronts, colorful murals, and modern shops. Don’t miss the Sealaska Heritage Institute’s Walter Soboleff Building, which celebrates Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian art and culture through exhibits and a striking cedar-and-glass design.
Walk the Juneau Waterfront and See the Whale Sculpture
Sometimes the best part of town is the most obvious. The boardwalk along the Juneau port is lively, scenic, and leads to a plaza with a massive humpback whale sculpture, fountains, and plenty of space to relax. Ideal for a stroll with a coffee or after dinner.
Where to Eat in Juneau
Juneau’s food scene punches well above its weight. Here’s where to find everything from comfort food to the best salmon in Juneau and beyond.
Breakfast in Juneau: Best Cafés Near the Port
Cruise docking early? Two excellent spots for breakfast in Juneau are Sandpiper Café and Heritage Coffee—both close to the port and used to serving large crowds quickly.
The Rookery Café also serves brunch on weekends if you’re staying longer and want a quieter spot to enjoy your morning.
Lunch & Dinner in Juneau
For the best crab in Juneau, Tracy’s King Crab Shack is the obvious choice. But instead of battling the long lines at the waterfront location beside the cruise terminal, head to their second spot a few blocks away. It’s the same menu—famous crab legs, bisque, and crab cakes—but with more seating and far fewer crowds.
For a sit-down dinner, make a reservation at Salt. Known for serving some of the best salmon, halibut, and crab in town, it’s a polished downtown restaurant that showcases Alaskan seafood in a more upscale atmosphere.
Where to Grab a Local Pint
If you’re craving local beer, check out the Alaskan Brewing Company Tasting Room downtown or the full brewery about 10km away. I visited the larger brewery and enjoyed chatting with the team behind the beers.
If you only have a short window, the downtown tasting room is still a solid option. Want the best of both? Book the Juneau Brewery Tour for guided tastings and local insight.
Take a Juneau Food Tour
Eating your way through town? The Juneau Food Tour is a delicious way to explore multiple restaurants with one booking. You’ll sample Alaskan classics like king salmon, smoked meats, sweets, and more—all while walking through the city’s historic core.
Try the Iconic Salmon Bake
Want to experience true Alaskan cuisine in the woods? Book the Juneau Salmon Bake, set in a lush forest clearing near a waterfall. It’s a feast of grilled wild-caught salmon, sides, blueberry cake, and campfire ambiance.
Museums in Juneau: History Near the Port
If you’re wondering what to do in Juneau beyond nature and excursions, the city’s museums offer an immersive dive into Alaska’s rich cultural and historical tapestry—perfect for cruise passengers looking for a shorter, walkable activity from the Juneau Alaska cruise port.
Just a 10-minute walk from the dock, the Alaska State Museum is the largest and most comprehensive cultural institution in the city. This beautifully designed space covers everything from Indigenous Alaskan art and artifacts to Russian colonial history, Gold Rush relics, and exhibits on Alaska’s natural wonders.
It’s a great place to better understand the context of what you’re seeing during your cruise—especially if you’re interested in the native Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.
Closer still is the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, located in a charming former library building. It’s smaller, but packed with character and insight. This museum focuses on the local story of Juneau, including its founding, early mining days, and political development as Alaska’s capital. There are also rotating exhibits, interactive displays, and walking tour maps available for self-guided explorations of downtown.
Both museums are affordable (around $6–$12 per adult), easy to reach on foot, and perfect if you’re looking to escape the rain or cruise crowds for an hour or two. If you’re into Alaska history, these museums are an essential stop and a nice complement to glacier tours and whale watching.
READ MORE: Looking for more Alaska? Check out my shore guide to Ketchikan!
Walk the Juneau Waterfront and See the Whale Sculpture
Cruise passengers should definitely make time for a walk along the Juneau waterfront. The boardwalk wraps around the docks and stretches out toward the whale sculpture plaza, where kids play in the fountains and travelers take selfies with the bronze humpback.
I spent my final evening there watching seaplanes buzz overhead as the sun dipped behind the mountains.
You don’t need to book a tour to enjoy this part of Juneau. Just take a left off the dock and wander.
Take the Ferry to Haines or Skagway
If your cruise ends in Juneau—or you’re staying for a few days—don’t skip the scenic ferry ride to either Haines or Skagway. The journey itself is a highlight, with views of snow-capped mountains, remote lighthouses, and potential wildlife sightings (seals, bald eagles, whales!).
Haines offers quiet natural beauty, while Skagway serves up Gold Rush history. Ferries depart from Auke Bay and are part of the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Excursions in Juneau AK: Top Shore Tours
Still deciding what to do off the ship? These excursions in Juneau AK are well-timed for cruise passengers and easy to book in advance:
Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour
See a glacier and spot whales in one go on this classic combo tour. It’s perfect if your time is limited but you want to experience the best of Alaska’s scenery and wildlife.
Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure
This glacier canoe tour gets you paddling across a glacial lake and hiking onto the ice. Ideal for adventurers wanting to go beyond the visitor center crowds.
Helicopter Tour and Glacier Walk
Tick off your bucket list with this helicopter flight over the Icefield and guided walk on the glacier.
Juneau Seaplane Tour
In just 40 minutes, this Juneau seaplane tour gives you aerial views of five glaciers—perfect if you want big sights in a short time.
Whale Watching Adventure
Head out from Auke Bay with a marine naturalist and witness bubble-net feeding up close on this whale watching tour.
Juneau Fishing Charters
Join a local guide and try your hand at catching halibut or salmon. Juneau fishing charters are beginner-friendly and super rewarding.
Juneau City Tour
Short on time? The Juneau City Tour takes you through historic sites and includes a stop at Mendenhall Glacier—minimal walking, maximum highlights.
Juneau Gold Mine Panning Tour
Try gold panning with expert guides and discover the city’s mining past on this family-friendly tour.
Places to Stay in Juneau Alaska
If your cruise starts, ends, or includes an overnight in Juneau, you’ll want to find somewhere convenient and comfortable to stay. The Four Points Sheraton Juneau is a great mid-range choice located just steps from the waterfront and the cruise terminals—ideal if you’re arriving or departing by ship.
If you’re arriving via the Alaska Marine Highway like I did, staying closer to Auke Bay may be more convenient. The Best Western Juneau, near the airport and ferry terminal, offers a reliable stay with free breakfast and airport shuttles.
For travelers on a tighter budget, there are plenty of cheap places to stay in Juneau Alaska, including motels, hostels, and vacation rentals—especially in the Mendenhall Valley area, which is just a short bus ride from downtown.
To help you compare the best rates across hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals, use the interactive map below. It shows accommodation options in Juneau Alaska by location, price, and availability—perfect for choosing your base whether you’re staying by the cruise port or near Auke Bay.
👆 Zoom in to see cheap places to stay in Juneau Alaska, including budget-friendly motels, apartments, and hostels. Use the filters to find the perfect spot for your travel style.
Why Juneau Is Worth Staying Overnight
Most cruise passengers only get a taste of Juneau—and that’s a shame. I stayed overnight thanks to my ferry route, and it allowed me to see both the classic highlights and quieter corners like Auke Lake and the brewery. The pace was slower, the food better without the crowds, and the glacier nearly empty in the morning.
Even if you’re just in port for the day, get off the ship and explore beyond the boardwalk. But if you can manage it, book a night and stay. It’ll change how you see Alaska’s capital.
READ MORE: That Time I Drank a Cocktail with a Human Toe in it in Dawson City
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
What is the best thing to do in Juneau from a cruise ship?
The most popular and well-rounded experience is a Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching combo tour. It lets you see one of Alaska’s most iconic glaciers and encounter wildlife—all within a few hours.
Can you walk to things from the Juneau cruise port?
Yes! The Juneau Alaska cruise port is centrally located downtown. You can easily walk to shops, restaurants, museums, and even the Juneau cable car (Mount Roberts Tramway). For excursions like glacier visits, shuttles and pickups are widely available.
How do I get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port?
You can take a taxi, rideshare, or book a dedicated Juneau Mendenhall Glacier shuttle or guided tour. It’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown, and most tours offer round-trip transport.
What should I wear in Juneau?
Layers are key! Even in summer, Juneau can be cool and rainy. Wear waterproof shoes, a light rain jacket, and quick-dry clothing. Bring a small backpack if you’re hiking or on a glacier tour.
What is the best time of year to visit Juneau?
June to August is peak season for cruises and excursions. This is the best time for whale watching, glacier access, and clearer hiking trails—though you should still expect a mix of sun and rain.
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