I think three days is an ideal amount of time for exploring Juneau. Highly rated activities for a rainy day in Juneau: The top indoor things to do in Juneau. The Alaska State Capitol and Centennial Hall Convention Center are only a short 3-minute drive away. 13 Most Unforgettable Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska: Tours, Excursions The hatchery also has an outdoor viewing window where you can see wild salmon swimming upstream from June through October. The ferry is slow and expensive, but it offers a unique experience with stunning scenery and friendly fellow travelers. 1. Originally a Lingt Native Alaskan campsite, Juneau was settled by European-descended people in 1880 and became territorial Alaska's second city in 1900 (one day after Skagway!). It also features fitness and business facilities, and meeting rooms for its guests. Go Whale Watching Whale watching is not to be confused with watching Wales. Juneau Alaska self driving tour ideas - Juneau Forum - Tripadvisor Probably one of the most popular reasons tourists visit Juneau is to visit the Mendenhall Glacier. Juneau is well served by the Alaska State Ferry, which connects it to other ports in Southeast Alaska as well as Bellingham near Seattle in Washington State. Small groups can spend time speaking with the mushers and petting the dogs. The observatory features a nature center, restaurant, theater, and gift shop. Start the day with breakfast at the Sandpiper if you dont have an early tour. Jun 28, 2023, 11:29 AM Save My DH and I plus our 3 daughters (2 adults, 1 14 yo) will be in Juneau on 7/6, coming in on the Celebrity Eclipse. Some local residents live their whole lives here and still dont experience everything to see and do in Americas most beautiful capital city. The downtown area is very compact (it's constricted by water on one side and mountains on the other), making it impossible to get lost since you can always see the large cruise ships along the harbor. The visitor center has a theater which shows a 15-minute film on Mendenhall Glacier, a book shop, and exhibits on wildlife, history, and glacial and geological changes. 4 of the Best Things to Do in Juneau Alaska as a Wheelchair User Level Contributor 14 posts 15 reviews 5 helpful votes 1. The waterfront pier also features three other memorials: one to the men who work in the commercial fishing industry, one to the USS Juneau, a ship christened by the Juneau mayor's wife in 1942 which sank a few months later during World War II, and one to Archie Van Winkle, the first Alaskan to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. Surrounded by rainforests, mountains, inter-coastal waterways, and glaciers, the city serves as a marvelous backdrop for the many activities visitors can do. 1. However you do whale watching, before or after you can explore anything you missed downtown yesterday, and have another shot at going to the Tram if the weather is good. Want to get up close and personal with the glacier? After your exploration of Mendenhall Glacier, head to downtown for a bit of exploring. Juneau is a pretty spread-out and car-dependent town, however, you can travel within downtown fairly easily. The institute tells the ongoing stories of theTlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Peoples. The Best Things to Do & See in Juneau, Alaska | ALASKA.ORG Use this map to compare hotels and vacation rentals across different neighborhoods (this is an affiliate link which means if you book here I receive a small commission at no cost to you): Juneau is rainy all year. She is known for her quotes and writings that all that mattered in life was not our great deeds, but our great love. Just south of Mendenhall Glacier is Nugget Falls. The Mountain House at the top is also a must-see. You can choose your favourites or follow our 24-hour Juneau schedule to make the most of your one day in this gorgeous spot. If youre staying downtown try Vs Cellar Door (Mexican-Korean fusion) or Salt (fine dining) or a casual sandwich at Devils Club Brewing. You can see them flip, breach and hunt for food using the bubble technique of blowing bubbles to bring fish to the surface of the water. Most visitors arrive in Juneau on cruise ships, but not you because you are going to spend more time here than just a day! Riding the ferry is definitely not for everyone, find out if its for you in my complete guide to riding the Alaska Ferry. There's typically a rough draft beer or smaller batches of local beers available for tasting in addition to its regular tasting menu. Eaglecrest also boasts 10 miles of Nordic trails for cross-country skiers. Amalga Distillery 8. If warmth is a priority, June through August are the best months to visit. At the summit, guests can take part in a variety of activities, from dining, shopping, and watching a short cultural film, to admiring the artwork, viewing an American Bald Eagle, and traversing short trails through the surrounding forest. For many, this may be the closest you will ever be able to get to the face of a glacier. In town, shops sell everything from Indigenous art to t-shirts and jewelry. A short boat or seaplane ride can bring spouting humpbacks, breeching orcas, and some of the best sport fishing on the planet. She lived in Toronto, Canada for about ten years, give or take, but she wasnt working with llamas. The most sought-after whales to spot are the migrating humpbacks and resident orcas. You can see the sun at midnight -on June 21 - from roughly 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., the sun drops below the horizon for a few hours, but its beams never leave Juneau. Even though the collection of books and artifacts expanded quickly, it took 20 years to find a permanent home for the collection. Roberts summit more than 3,800 feet above sea level (and 2,000 feet higher than the Tram Mountain House). Make sure you leave plenty of time to get from one destination to the other. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska Map It: Juneau, AK 99801, United States The Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular place to visit in Juneau. As an alternative to Alaska State Museum a fun activity for kids, you could check out the fishing boat fleet at the downtown harbour. Learn about the history of the gold rush days and explore old mining machinery and artifacts from the mines and the miners who worked here. One of the most popular museums is the Juneau Douglas City Museum which houses exhibits focusing on local history, art and culture. Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. This is an excellent 3-4 day addition to your trip to Juneau. Be careful about relying on the weather forecast! If you are a beer lover, then you will really enjoy this place which you can find in east Juneau on Shaune Drive. You will see bald eagles in their natural habitat both close up and in the distance. One day in Juneau, Alaska (Guide) - Top things to do There arent any services out here, but there are lots of wonderful rocky beaches, trails, public use cabins and the beautiful and contemplative Shrine of St Therese. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Juneau - UPDATED 2023 - Tripadvisor Skagway | Best Things To Do | ALASKA.ORG Exhibits are set into sections which showcase displays of fine art, topics including mining, fishing, forestry and tourism, and not to mention the Russian-American period, and World War Two. Despite the crowds, you won't want to skip it. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. 9. Of course, these are averages and I cannot emphasize enough the importance of preparing for rain as well as sun protection for sunny days any time during the summer. August and September are quite rainy and September is definitely fall with significantly colder temperatures. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. If youre ready for something different, head to Douglas Island (drive or take the bus) and join the locals at Sandy Beach (also a great evening activity). With the Mt Roberts Tramway only 800 m away, the hotel features a garden, private parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace. Juneau is a vibrant, historic city with attractions for every kind of visitor. Best Things to Do in Juneau During an Alaska Cruise - TripSavvy Take Franklin Street to 6th and turn right, then left on Basin Road. Juneau Glacier Excursion with the Blue Bus Glacier Express 2023 - Viator In addition to the ones weve already talked about, there are many additional trails in the Tongass National Forest you can get to out the road. Glacier Bay National Park covers more than three million acres and is one of the major places to visit in Alaska's famed Inside Passage. Out the road is the local term for the road that extends beyond Auke Bay (where the ferry terminal is) to the end of the road about 30 miles from downtown. Before you head embark, take a look at our list of the top 20 attractions in Juneau, Alaska. Its about a four hour tour. Since 1959, the Dunleavy household has been the 12th in a long line of official residences for Alaskas governors. These cookies do not store any personal information. Mount Roberts Trail. Juneau Artists Gallery. This untouched forest has been preserved in its natural state. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 20 IDEAL Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska in 2023 - Cruise Hive After her death in 1942, the town placed a statue of her on the cruise ship dock to welcomevisitors to the city, just as she did nearly a century ago. Captivated by the history of the Alaskan gold rush? Juneau is a vibrant city that boasts attractions catering to any kind of visitor. 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Juneau | PlanetWare In addition to the glaciers, there are beautiful waterfalls, stunning icebergs and usually lots of seals and birds. In terms of population density, there is one brown bear per square mile. Mount Roberts Trail. Mendenhall Glacier is a must do in Juneau, but there are several ways to do it. This is a small museum in the mountains dedicated to mining and panning for gold. Let the preserved grounds transport you back in time as you wander among the rusty buildings and decaying equipment. The lighthouse is located on tiny Sentinel Island and exploring a tiny island with only your small tour group is a fantastic addition to your whale watching experience. Cost: Fares vary based on route, vehicle size (cars and even RVs can board a ferry), and more. The museum also features one of the worlds largest air compressors and a short scenic hike. Your email address will not be published. Many cruise ships include shore excursions to Tracy Arm Fjord so guests can get a closer look at the impressive waterfalls, towering granite walls, and icy blue glaciers. My family and I will be cruising to Alaska (Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan) in August 2023 and am looking for things that a one year old toddler can do on port day. I also recommend having a back up battery for your phone, and make sure everyone in your traveling party has their own charger. Tucked away on a side street a couple of blocks away from the tourist traffic, it is worth the effort to find this br. 6 Epic Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska | U.S. News Travel Now that you know the top 20 things to do in Juneau, Alaska, you can ensure that your next trip there will be everything you dreamed of. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can observe the waterfall from different photo spots and even walk right up to it if the weather conditions are good. Art Galleries. 6 Best Things To Do in Juneau Updated March 27, 2023 There are not a great number of things to do in small Juneau. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Juneau is the only state capitol you cant drive to and there are no roads in or out of Juneau. Whereas guided tours and excursions can be a bit pricey. May and September may be the same or a bit cooler. Tour an abandoned mine at theLast Chance Mining Museum, the only historic mining building open to the public from Juneaus gold rush era. Located in downtown Juneau, theAlaska State Museumfeatures over 25 thousand historical objects that capture the states multicultural history. The city center has a variety of different things to see and do, however the main reason people choose to visit Juneau, is for the amazing natural scenery and abundant wildlife. I'm Jennie. The thirteen-mile-long glacier dips down to a stunning blue lake dotted with icebergs. Tips for a sustainable vacation in Berlin, How to Get a Cheap Business Class Ticket to Amsterdam from the USA. Here is how my day in the capital went and some of the best things to do in Juneau Alaska during your time there - .. Browse the collection of artifacts and the international collection of beer bottles and cans, then buy some beer gear (apparel, glassware, and other fun novelties). Popular attractions and activities easily tackled in a day: More ambitious or staying longer than a day? It is a beautiful religious destination for those who seek to make their trip a more spiritual one. There are no roads to Juneau. Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier - Viator There are many different tours to check out. By day you're having adventures on glaciers, hiking in forests, climbing mountains, whale watching, kayaking, flightseeing and by night enjoying the proudly owned local restaurants serving classic Alaskan fare washed down with craft brew from the Alaskan Brewing Company. But the gorgeous subalpine meadows that youre hiking through will make you forget the burn in your legs. Try these suggested itineraries. Hiking Trails. Bus . However, the rainforest gardens are a lovely creative attraction to explore. One of the reasons Juneau has so much character is that it's one of Alaska's oldest cities. 15. You will also get to taste local beer crafted for your own tastes, even beers that are not publicly on the market. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. An experienced miner will demonstrate hard rock mining techniques and teach you about the old mining lifestyle. 1 Day in Juneau for First Timers - Juneau Itineraries | Viator.com You can get here by ferry or plane from Juneau. This place will definitely fill your dayand then some. Enjoy a liquor tasting and sample your favorite cocktails, gins, and whiskeys. Nestled in the stunning natural beauty of Southeast Alaska, Juneau is a veritable feast for the senses. more, View the Juneau events calendar and you will find events ranging from gallery walks, open mic nights, IRONMAN more. For those who arent able or dont want to deal with a difficult hike, theres another way to take in the scenery of Mount Roberts. Free guided tours of the capitol building are available from Tuesday to Friday at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. Its the perfect place to warm up after a long day of adventures. You can see the sun at midnight -on June 21 from roughly 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., the sun drops below the horizon for a few hours, but its beams never leave Juneau. The only drawback to this is that you easily lose track of time, thinking it's much earlier than it is. By 595michaelo. By late September whales are on their way to Hawaii! That's right: one of the most quintessential things to do in Juneau is to go whale watching. Take a look at the dog statue you'll see when disembarking your ship, which tells the touching story of Patsy Ann, a stray dog who greeted every ship visiting Juneau back in the 1930s. The hatchery features saltwater aquariums and tide-pool touch tanks. Juneau is an extremely walkable town (downtown) and tours will always have an option to get picked up downtown, sometimes from your hotel or vacation rental and sometimes from a central location you can easily get to. Juneau. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. On Glacier Highway in Juneau you will find Eagle Beach. To get away from the crowds, go for a hike. Though Juneau gets lots of rain all year, these are the most summery months with the least rain (June) and the warmest temperatures (July). Downtown Juneau is also home to interesting historic buildings like St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, which was built in 1894 and features the same iconic onion domes that can be seen on Russian Orthodox churches around the world. Admire the Mendenhall Glacier. Hike the West Glacier Trail One of the best ways to experience the Mendenhall Glacier is by hiking the West Glacier Trail. Another thing to note, if your cruise begins or ends in a Canadian port,you will need passportsfor yourself and the rest of your party. The museum begins by instructing visitors about the various Alaska Native tribes spread around the state. Taxis are available, but they take a long time. The pier opens onto Franklin Street, a bustling area packed with shops and eateries that cater to tourists. . Set off on a kayak expedition to uncover the remarkable beauty of Southern Alaska. 1 Sofia M Kolkata (Calcutta. Its not easy and has a lot of stairs and roots and mud, but its beautiful and theres lots of solitude. You can also check out the local events on the community calendar here! This gives you enough time to see Juneaus biggest highlights like Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching, as well as explore town and get out on a bigger day trip adventure. Back at the mill, youll have the chance to pan for gold and see the first steam engine brought to Alaska. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services to Juneau International Airport and the Ferry Terminal, which are 16.1 km away. The main thing is to get out of the city and spend some time in nature exerting yourself and reaping the benefits of the fresh mountain air. For a real treat, make time to visit Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, named in 1892 for Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, who was appointed by President Harrison and served as the Superintendent of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey from 1889 to 1894. The cruise docks are on the south end of downtown Juneau. The National Register of Historic Sites holds the Alaskan Hotel & Bar at 167 South Franklin, boasting ornate Victorian-era furnishings and a lively Karaoke or Open Mic Night. Juneau lies at the base of a high coastal mountain range and just across the channel from Douglas Island. Today it's a bustling small Alaskan city with the seat of government, blue-collar industry, and lots of tourism thanks to the cruise port that can host up to seven ships on a single day . Because of its size and importance, Juneau is a good shopping city with many excellent bars and restaurants. I love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. Patsy was a bull terrier who came to Juneau in 1929. Charles Lindbergh, Warren Harding, Herbert Hoover, and Gerald Ford have all passed through it at different points in history. Both towns can be reached by ferry (4.5 hours to Haines, 6 to Skagway) or small plane (30 minutes to Haines, 45 minutes to Skagway). Juneau, Alaska 99801. Around the tram terminal, look for a sidewalk sundial and a memorial in memory of fishermen who perished at sea. Northern lights possibly visible in 17 US states July 13. What to know. The Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company operated the site from 1912 to 1994 before abandoning it. 4. Established before the big Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, Juneau also has gold in its past. Home to Wyatt Earps gun from Nome, and a wide variety of stuffed critters and memorabilia, visitors should not miss the opportunity to sample the infamous Duck-Fart drink special. Then it became a thing she does for a living. I have traveled across Alaska and experienced many of the cities, national parks and sights. Youll put on a hard hat and descend into a 360 foot-long tunnel in what was once the worlds largest gold-producing mill. Board a bus at the cruise ship pier and ride across the bridge to North Douglas Island. Another great way to spend a day is to drive out the road which is the only road in Juneau beyond Auke Bay. Walk the brand new beautiful Kooteyaa Deiy (totem pole trail) installed by the Sealaska Heritage Institute in April 2023 out to the impressive whale sculpture fountain. This remote city can entertain you and your family for days. Read more about a Glacier Bay trip that includes glaciers, wildlife, kayaking, hiking, beachcombing and solitude. Finally, visit the Elks Hall at 109 South Franklin, the original Territorial Capital in Alaska, and just next door the Pocket Park, now home to food trucks serving fish tacos, crepes, ice cream, and beer. Getting a passport typically takes around 18 weeks, so take care of this step early! Alaska can get cold quickly during any month. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Guests will be just a short distance away from the Mendenhall Glacier (16.1 km), Juneau International Airport (16.1 km), and the Salmon Hatchery (6.4 km). For those who want to tackle a more challenging hike, theMount Roberts Trailis well worth the climb. 5 from $12.31 Juneau, Alaska Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier 3,423 from $183.75 Special Offer Juneau, Alaska 3.5 Hour Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska.skip the crowds with us! If youre visiting from July to August, you can expect milder temperatures and a few precious days of sunshine. For hikers, the shuttle is a good option because you can return any time you want (as long as you make sure you know when the last shuttle is that day). See Tripadvisor's 104,975 traveler reviews and photos of Juneau rainy day attractions . Shrine of St. Therese 9. At the heart of downtown Juneau, Front and Seward Streets is home to Heritage Square, the headquarters of Sealaska Heritage Institute. If youre cruising to Juneau, youll likely only have a day or two in port. Then more people paid because they saw she was making them money. Whale watching is a must do in Juneau! There are saloons dating back to 1914, historic churches, memorials and interesting architecture. June or July is the best month to visit Juneau. It might take up most of your day but it is a sight you should not miss! Instructors will help rig the gear, while participants walk up a flight of stairs to the first zip line. Read also:28 Amazing Hidden Gems in Alaska. The view up there is breathtaking so do not miss your chance to go! The non-profit center rescues over 100 sick and injured birds every year. It showcases a wide range of artifacts with exhibits that include everything from topics like native cultures and the state's Russian colonial eras to mining, fishing, forestry, and fine art. You may also have the opportunity to have a wild ride on a dog sled. Heres our one-day in Juneau, Itinerary to help you pick the best ones! If you want to splurge on a helicopter tour, you can land on the glacier by helicopter too. 2. Zip over glaciers, leaving the green mountains surrounding Juneau on a warm sunny day and arriving just a few minutes later in a snowy wonderland. St. Thrse of Lisieux is the patron saint of Alaska, missionaries, and the Diocese of Juneau. You may also like this post of mine:15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Alaska. You can drive, take a tour bus from the cruise ship pier, or even catch a city bus out to the Recreation Area. I give it a try every time I visit to see if anything has changed and it had not as of my most recent visit in June 2023. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. There are many whale watching tours in Juneau, but for a really unique and authentic opportunity not many travelers get, check out Juneau Lighthouse Tours, with whale watching AND a visit to a historic lighthouse. 15. She doesn't know how she got that job as she has never done yoga at that point. Things to Do in Juneau | Whale Watching, Glaciers, & Fishing If youve had your fill of whales, take aguided boat tourof the fjord and keep your eyes peeled for black bears, brown bears, moose, and deer. 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. If you want to experience it for yourself grab a brochure offered in its lobby for self-guided tours year-round. Also remember there is a limit on how many drinks you can purchase in one place so keep that in mind when visiting. Enjoy dinner afterwards at the Island Pub (life changing pizza) on Douglas. I would make this decision based on what you want to do there.
