Welcome to Juneau

Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, is a stunning destination located between towering mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Known for its natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor adventures, Juneau offers a unique blend of wildlife, glaciers, and cultural experiences. Cruise passengers arriving in Juneau can explore the wonders of the Last Frontier, from whale watching and glacier hikes to gold rush history and Native Alaskan art. With 6-10 hours to explore, there’s plenty to see and do, whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor activities or a quiet moment in nature.

Juneau is the capital city of Alaska, USA. The population of the city is 31,000, the majority of which works in government. June 21 is the longest day of the year and gets 18 hours of daylight. Due to this, it never gets dark that day; the sun sets on the horizon and waits for the next day to rise again. The city receives a lot of rain year-round. It gets more than 200 rainy days a year. While the tourist season starts in April and extends to September, there are only 86 sunny days in a year. The average temperature is -5 °C in winter and 15 °C in summer.

Juneau has a variety of local and international stores, where you can buy typical Alaskan souvenirs like furry hats, raw gold, ivory art and so on. The gold you buy in Alaska is very pure and clean, which is why it has a strong yellow color.

While everyone speaks English here, you can sometimes come across the Native American language of Tlingit as well.

Cruise Docking Information

Cruise ships dock at one of the four piers along Juneau’s waterfront, all of which are conveniently located near the downtown area. From the docks, visitors can walk to shops, restaurants, and key attractions in Juneau’s historic district. Juneau is one of Alaska’s busiest cruise ports, especially during the summer months, welcoming hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers each year. The town is well-equipped to handle large crowds while maintaining a friendly, small-town feel.

The port of Juneau has two cruise ship terminals owned by the city and another two private ones. Some small cruise ships share the Seadrome Dock with floatplanes.
The city docks can host only two large cruise ships at a time. Both terminals are close to the city center, so walking is an efficient option.

Port facilities include a grocery, coffee and gift shops. Some of them have WiFi. Travelers who are to take shore excursions can find the corresponding buses near the docks.

Transportation Options

Juneau’s downtown is walkable, but there are several transportation options for exploring further afield:

• Walking: Many of Juneau’s key attractions, including the Alaska State Museum and the Mount Roberts Tramway, are within a 10-15 minute walk from the cruise ship docks.
• Taxis: Taxis are available at the docks and can take you to nearby sites like the Mendenhall Glacier or the Alaskan Brewing Company, both about 20 minutes away by car.
• Shuttle Services: Shuttle buses run from the docks to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, one of Juneau’s most popular attractions, for around $45 per round trip.
• Bus Service: Juneau’s public bus system, Capital Transit, provides affordable transportation around town, including routes to the Mendenhall Glacier and local neighborhoods.

Nearby Towns and Cities

Juneau is relatively isolated, as it’s only accessible by air or sea, but there are a few nearby places that offer additional exploration:

• Douglas Island: Just across the Gastineau Channel, about 10 minutes by car or bus. This island offers hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and the charming town of Douglas.
• Haines: 100 km (62 miles) away, accessible by ferry. A small town known for its outdoor activities and rich Tlingit cultural heritage, Haines offers a quieter Alaskan experience.
• Skagway: 160 km (100 miles) away, about 2.5 hours by ferry. Famous for its gold rush history and scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, Skagway is a great day trip option.

Local Foods

As a true harbor, Juneau offers an excellent menu of seafood, where salmon wears the crown. Halibut and cod are two of the other options.
There are no specialties in Alaska regarding drinks and beverages. Locals consume a lot of beer. An interesting fact is that it is illegal to be drunk in Alaskan bars, and if the barman suspects a drunken behavior, he can simply refuse serving you more alcohol. Juneau is known for its fresh seafood and Alaskan specialties. Here are some local dishes you won’t want to miss:

• Wild Alaskan Salmon: Grilled or smoked, this is a must-try dish in Juneau. Many local restaurants serve fresh-caught salmon during the summer months.
• King Crab Legs: Alaskan king crab is world-famous, and you can enjoy these succulent crab legs with melted butter at several seafood restaurants in town.
• Halibut Tacos: Fresh Alaskan halibut is served in soft tacos with local flavors, a popular option for a quick and delicious meal.
• Reindeer Sausage: A unique Alaskan specialty, reindeer sausage can be found in many local eateries, often served in hot dogs or breakfast dishes.
• Alaskan Amber Beer: Try a locally brewed beer from the Alaskan Brewing Company, one of Juneau’s most popular exports.

Top 5 Attractions

Juneau is full of natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Here are the top five attractions to visit during your stay:

• Mendenhall Glacier: One of Juneau’s most famous landmarks, this massive glacier is just a 20-minute drive from downtown. Entry to the visitor center is around $5 per person.
• Mount Roberts Tramway: Take a scenic tram ride up Mount Roberts for breathtaking views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and the surrounding mountains. Tickets are around $45 per person.
• Alaska State Museum: Learn about Alaska’s history, Native cultures, and art through exhibits at this modern museum. Entry costs around $12 per person.
• Whale Watching Tours: Juneau is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales. Tours start around $150 per person for a half-day experience.
• Gold Rush History Tours: Explore Juneau’s gold mining history with a visit to the Last Chance Mining Museum or the historic Treadwell Mine. Entry fees vary by site.

Interesting Facts

Juneau is rich in history and natural wonders. Here are a few interesting facts about this unique Alaskan city:

• Juneau is the only U.S. state capital that cannot be reached by road. It’s accessible only by boat or plane due to the surrounding rugged terrain.
• The city is named after prospector Joe Juneau, who, along with Richard Harris, discovered gold in the area in 1880, sparking the Alaska gold rush.
• Juneau is located within the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, covering nearly 17 million acres of protected wilderness.

The area was initially populated by the Tlingit Indians, when the gold found in mountains changed the fate of the settlement. George Pilz, an engineer residing in Sitka at the time, announced a reward for anyone, who would bring gold or silver samples from the local mountains. The Indians provided rich ore in return for blankets and jobs. The working group comprised of Joe Juneau and Richard Harris departed for the gold mines in 1880.

The mining district was named Harrisburgh, while the new town received the name Rockwell (in honor of US Navy Commander). Due to the complaints from Joe Juneau, the town was renamed after him years later. So, gold was the main trigger for development of Juneau.

Juneau became the state capital in 1905 and today half of the population works for the government, while the other half is focused on tourism.

Geographical Position and Surroundings

Juneau is located in the southeastern part of Alaska, along the Gastineau Channel and the Inside Passage. The city is surrounded by towering mountains, lush forests, and the stunning Mendenhall Glacier. Juneau’s maritime climate means mild summers and rainy winters, making it a green and vibrant destination during the cruise season. The nearby Tongass National Forest provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Whale watching tours are especially popular, as humpback whales migrate through the region during the summer.

Local Customs and Culture

Juneau is deeply connected to its natural environment, and visitors will find that outdoor activities are a way of life here. The local culture also reflects Alaska’s Native heritage, with the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples having a long history in the region. Respect for nature and wildlife is paramount, and visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles when exploring the area. Tipping in restaurants and for tours is appreciated, with 10-15% being the norm. Juneau is known for its welcoming atmosphere, and you’ll find locals eager to share stories of life in the Last Frontier.

Family-Friendly Activities

Juneau offers plenty of activities for families with children of all ages:

• Children up to 6 years old: Visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where young children can enjoy short nature walks and look for icebergs floating in the lake.
• Children 7-12 years old: Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway, where kids can explore the trails at the top and take in panoramic views of the city and surrounding wilderness.
• Teenagers 13-18 years old: Join a whale watching tour or take a guided kayak trip through the protected waters of the Inside Passage for an unforgettable adventure.

Google Maps

Juneau

*Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure. Always familiarize yourself with safety aspects when visiting your destination. We have given some pointers under the information button in the main menu of this app.*