35 Best Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska from a Cruise Ship

Have you been wondering about Things to do in juneau, alaska from a cruise ship? I’ve got you covered!

Embarking on a cruise to Alaska is an adventure close to my heart, and one that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Having explored Alaska on a cruise ship three times now, I’m thrilled to share some of my must-dos for fellow cruise enthusiasts. One of my favorite ports is Juneau–Alaska’s capital city! There are truly so many amazing things to do in Juneau outside of just the downtown area (which is still a lot of fun!). This guide is a comprehensive list of some of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska, from a cruise ship! This curated list focuses on activities and attractions that cater specifically to the interests and time constraints of cruise ship passengers during their port day in Juneau. 

From chasing waterfalls (cue the TLC song!) and kayaking through whale territory to diving into the local scene, this curated list guarantees your day in Juneau is nothing short of epic! Without further ado, here are 35 of the most fun and unique things to do in Juneau, Alaska.

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If you’ve seen any photos or videos of Juneau, Alaska, chances are you’ve probably seen footage of the mammoth Mendenhall Glacier. Nothing beats seeing it in real life, though! This is probably one of the most popular excursions in Alaska, and it’s well worth the time to venture out to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to learn about the glacier firsthand.

While you’re at the Visitor Center, you can explore the exhibits and observation areas showcasing the stunning Mendenhall Glacier. There are also some scenic viewpoints and walking trails nearby to soak it all in!

I loved my experience canoeing out to the face of Mendenhall Glacier but it was certainly an upper-body workout!

2. Hike or Kayak to Nugget Falls

While you’re at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, you should also take the short hike out to Nugget Falls. Nugget Falls Trail is a relatively easy hike and well worth the indescribable feeling of standing at the base of a 370+ foot waterfall. If you stand too close, you will get wet!

There are several companies that offer kayaking and canoeing tours on Mendenhall Lake to see Nuggets Falls and Mendenhall Glacier from the water.

3. Packraft to Norris Glacier

If you’re looking for the most scenic, iconic experience in Juneau, this is it. This tour starts off with a floatplane trip out to Norris Glacier, where visitors will then hike, packraft, and walkabout on the glacier!

This excursion is pricey, but totally worth every penny for the opportunity to do even just one of three amazing experiences packed into one excursion.

4. Go on a Whale Watching Tour

Embark on a whale watching tour to witness humpback and orca whales in their natural habitat.

Some whale watching tours offer snacks and beverages onboard! Make sure to check ahead to see whether your specific itinerary will provide meal or beverage service during your expedition.

5. Rise Above Juneau on Goldbelt Tramway

Ride the Goldbelt Tram to the top of Mount Roberts for breathtaking views of Juneau and the surrounding landscapes. This is an exciting option for an excursion in Juneau because you get to soar over the surrounding area and witness the natural beauty of Alaska from above.

There is also a hiking trail that leads to the top of Mount Roberts if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s not for the faint of heart, as it climbs nearly 4,000 feet in elevation over 4.5-miles. The views are insane, and it’s an incredible experience if the weather cooperates. My personal recommendation is to hike up and take the tram back down! To access the trail, start at the Basin Road trailhead.

6. Take a Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour

If you’ve ever wanted to do a helicopter ride over an icefield, Juneau is the best place to do it on an Alaska cruise! There are several companies that lead helicopter tours over the Juneau Icefield, and your cruise line might even offer an excursion through a vendor of their choosing.

This is an Alaska bucket list excursion, and it’s absolutely worth splurging on! The views, memories, and photos you’ll experience during this excursion are unmatched. I’d argue it’s one of the best excursions in all of Alaska!

7. Go on a Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Downtown Juneau is very quaint and cute. There are several unique shops and restaurants for cruise-goers to enjoy, and the walk from the main cruise dock is short and easy.

8. Take to the Water for a Salmon Fishing Excursion

Salmon fishing excursions are a ton of fun, and there are several available in Juneau. This is a great option for couples and families because it’s a wonderful bonding experience out in nature!

9. Go on a Dog Sledding Tour

Even in the summer months, visitors can enjoy the thrill and sport of dog sledding. There are options for all budgets and ages, too, which makes this an awesome thing to do for any family or couple. My personal favorite dog mushing tour in Juneau is the one atop Herbert Glacier. It’s the ultimate Alaskan adventure!

There is also a more budget-friendly sled dog experience available that gives visitors the opportunity to dog sled down a 1-mile track and meet adorable husky puppies. This excursion is popular amongst families with children!

10. Visit the Sealaska Heritage Center

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Alaska’s Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian Peoples at the Sealaska Heritage Center. There are enriching exhibits to enjoy, artworks to appreciate, and even a hand-adzed cedar clan house available for visitors to view.

11. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Alaskan Crepe Escape

Order a sweet (or savory) treat at Alaskan Crepe Escape, a small crepe joint in downtown Juneau. Plus, it’s only a 10-15 minute walk from the cruise port and you’ll get to see some of downtown Juneau’s main highlights along the way. Check out their Instagram page here to see some of their delicious crepes!

12. Eat Salmon at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake

Enjoy a traditional Alaskan salmon bake and explore the nearby Salmon Creek Waterfall and even witness a unique piece of history from the Wagner Mine. This is great fun for the whole family, and you’ll definitely make awesome memories during this Alaskan cookout experience!

13. Try a Beer Flight at Devil’s Club Brewing Company

Enjoy a brew on tap at Devil’s Club Brewing Company, arguably the best taproom in all of Juneau! This is a must-visit stop for me every time I travel to Juneau because the beers on tap are so delicious! Check out Devil’s Club Brewing Company’s website to see what’s currently on tap.

14. Tour the Alaska State Capitol Building

Juneau is home to the Alaska State Capitol Building, and the public is permitted to enjoy a self-guided or organized tour of the building. Self-guided tours are available year-round during normal operating hours, and organized tours are available May through September each year!

15. Visit the Alaska State Museum

Immerse yourself in Alaskan history, art, and culture at this informative museum. There are usually rotating exhibits in addition to the permanent collection pieces.

16. Go on the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure Tour

Explore the picturesque Glacier Gardens to see native plants and learn about the rainforest ecosystem. Glacier Gardens is roughly 7-miles away from the cruise ship docks but visitors can easily Uber/Lyft or take a city bus to Glacier Gardens. The tours run during the summer months from May through October (first week).

17. Hike Perseverance Trail

Hike the historic Perseverance Trail for stunning views and a glimpse into Juneau’s mining history. This is a super unique 3-mile out-and-back trail (6-miles roundtrip). There are also several notable points of interest along the trail (like Ebner Falls), as well as some other side trails that cut-off from the main trail (like Mount Juneau trail)!

18. See Spawning Salmon at Macaulay Salmon Hatchery

Learn about the salmon life cycle and conservation efforts at the Douglas Island Pink and Chum (DIPAC) Macaulay Salmon Hatchery. If you’re visiting in July or August, this is a great spot to watch the salmon spawn!

19. Eat Your Way Through Juneau on a Juneau Food Tour

Sample local cuisine and delicacies on a guided food tour through Juneau. Juneau Food Tours offers several tour options to savor multiple dishes and beverages! There is also a separate Juneau Food Tasting Tour that provides another food tour option that takes visitors around downtown Juneau.

20. Take a Guided Alaskan Coastal Brown Bear Tour

Take a guided tour to view coastal brown bears in their natural habitat. One of the best tours that offers bear viewing tours near Juneau is this Pack Creek Bear Viewing excursion. This tour is roughly 8-hours long so be sure that your cruise line is docked in Juneau for long enough to participate in the day tour offered. You may be able to organize a private tour based on your cruise schedule by contacting the company directly.

21. Stop By the Juneau Douglas City Museum

Discover the history of Juneau at the Juneau Douglas City Museum, featuring artifacts and interactive exhibits. In the summer months, admission is $6 (or $5 for those 65+, and free for children 12 and under).

22. Visit the Alaskan Brewing Company Tasting Room

Enjoy a tasting experience at the Alaskan Brewing Company Tasting Room and sample a variety of local brews. This is a unique experience for visitors 21+ to get a taste of a variety of offerings from the iconic brewery!

23. Learn about Gold Rush History at the Last Chance Mining Museum

If you’re into Gold Rush-era history, you’d love visiting Last Chance Mining Museum and Historical Park. Do note, though, that this museum features odd hours and is only open on certain days. Make sure to check their website before visiting.

24. Shop at the Alaska Robotics Gallery

Visit the Alaska Robotics Gallery for unique, creative artwork and funny prints! Despite the name, this shop doesn’t sell robots. But it is a fun little local shop to explore and enjoy. I love their postcards and prints!

25. Go Underground on an AJ Mine/Gastineau Mill Tour

Tour a historic gold mine and mill to learn about Juneau’s gold rush history. You’ll put on your hardhat and go down into the mine to experience a real piece of authentic Alaskan history first-hand on this tour!

26. Capture Iconic Photos on a Guided Photo Safari

Join a guided photo safari to capture the beauty of Juneau’s landscapes and wildlife. There are a few local options, such as Gastineau Guiding, that offer organized photo tours by land and by sea. There are also custom tours available if you’re looking to see or do something specific and off-the-beaten path!

27. Ride Segways or E-Bikes through the Tongass National Forest

Who can say they’ve ridden a segway or an electric bicycle along the coast of Alaska?! Not many, that’s for sure. This is a really cool way to swiftly experience the highlights of coastal Alaska while in Juneau. Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a segway or e-bike before! The tour company gives a safety lecture and demo before visitors ever touch the vehicles.

28. Pan for Gold at Peterson Gold Mine

For an interactive history lesson about Gold Rush era mining operations, consider doing a gold panning excursion at Peterson Gold Mine! This option is a great way to engage kids and elderly family members during your port day in Juneau, plus you’ll get to take home a piece of Alaska!

29. Zipline through the Rainforest

If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring over a canopy of old growth trees in the heart of Alaska, this would be an awesome adventure to enjoy in Juneau! This excursion usually departs from the cruise port and visitors are transported over to Eaglecrest Lodge for a fun day of ziplining!

30. Kayak around Juneau Channel Island State Marine Park

Another awesome, one of a kind excursion involves taking a boat to a remote part of Juneau and then kayaking around the Juneau Channel Island State Marine Park to spot humpback whales and other marine life directly from the water! This is a great option for those looking for a more active whale watching experience.

31. Spot Marine Life By Kayak on Auke Bay

Another great option for kayaking fanatics is the option to take a kayak out onto the waters of Auke Bay to search for seals, sea lions, salmon, and other marine life! Plus, this specific excursion offers the opportunity to bus to a Mendenhall Glacier viewpoint for awesome photos!

32. Walk the Shore of the Sentinel Island Lighthouse

The Sentinel Island Lighthouse is on a remote island adjacent to the Lynn Canal near Juneau. Every year, many visitors will likely pass by Sentinel Island but very few actually get to walk along the shores of Sentinel Island and witness the lighthouse up close! This is a cool, noteworthy excursion that you’ll definitely want to write home about. Plus, Sentinel Island is smack dab in the middle of prime whale watching territory!

33. Go on a Guided Tour of Juneau’s Main Highlights

This tour is a great option if you want to see the best of Juneau in just one day. Specific points of interest include the downtown area, Homestead Park, Brotherhood Bridge Glacier Lookout, and other neat local spots.

34.  Indulge in Delicious Crab Legs at Tracy’s King Crab Shack

Tracy’s is an Alaska staple for their enormous King Crab legs that are served daily! This restaurant truly has a cult-like following for the tasty crabby dishes. My personal recommendation for first-time visitors to Tracy’s King Crab Shack is to order a pound of Dungeness Crab and the Crab Bisque. You’ll thank me later!

35. Grab a Bite at Red Dog Saloon

Red Dog Saloon has roots dating back to Juneau’s mining era, and it’s a classic Juneau establishment. Walking through the swinging doors will have you feeling like you’re back in the 1880s!

FAQs About Top things to do in juneau, alaska

Is Juneau walkable from the cruise port?

Absolutely! Most of the cruise ports you’ll visit on an Alaskan cruise are extremely walkable, and Juneau is no exception! In fact, I’d argue that Juneau is one of the most walkable cruise ports in all of Alaska! 

You’ll be able to walk pretty much anywhere in the downtown area. To access destinations that are farther away like Mendenhall Glacier or Glacier Gardens, you’ll have no trouble finding bus tours and transportation options just steps away from the ship. If every tour or bus is booked out, Uber and Lyft are pretty accessible in Juneau.

How do I explore Juneau, Alaska on my own?

Easy, just do it! I loved exploring Juneau on my own during my solo Alaska cruise last year. Everything you can do in Juneau as a couple or family, you can likely do as a solo traveler. Even the bars and restaurants are solo-traveler friendly and feature a variety of seating options to make sure solo travelers feel comfortable during their visit.

Where do cruise ships dock in Juneau, Alaska?

Cruise ships dock at the Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal area near the south end of downtown. Most of the docks are a quick, easy walk into downtown Juneau. AJ Dock is a bit farther away from the downtown area (about a mile) but there are shuttles that transport passengers to and from the dock.

How many cruise ships visit Juneau each day?

Starting in 2024, only 5 large cruise ships can dock in Juneau each day (source).

What are things I can’t miss in Juneau?

Determining what to do during your port day in Juneau is a difficult task! There is honestly so much to do and see, and it’s impossible to do it all in one day. However, if it’s your first time in Juneau (or your first time in Alaska), I’d recommend making a trip out to the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. You can easily book an excursion to visit Mendenhall Glacier through your cruise line or online through a third party provider. After you spend time enjoying the Mendenhall Glacier area, I recommend walking around downtown and having dinner at Tracy’s King Crab Shack before heading back to the ship.

If this isn’t your first time in Juneau and you’ve already experienced Mendenhall Glacier and the downtown area, I recommend branching out and doing a whale watching excursion out to Sentinel Island! This is an awesome, fun day trip available out of Juneau and it’s truly a one of a kind experience to walk on the shore of the island that houses this historic lighthouse. Plus, who doesn’t love searching for whales?!

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