Juneau AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Juneau, Alaska.
1. Mendenhall Glacier
MAGNIFICENT ICE WONDER
Mendenhall Glacier is Juneau's most popular attraction located just 13 miles from downtown. Visitors can witness the dynamic icy landscape up close through guided walks on the glacier to explore ice caves or take kayak trips on Mendenhall Lake. The glacier provides stunning views of the frozen landscape and surrounding mountains, making it an unforgettable experience.
2. Tracy Arm Fjord
SPECTACULAR GLACIAL FJORD
Tracy Arm Fjord is a narrow, twisting fjord lined with 3000-foot cliffs that culminates at the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Wildlife sightings here include bears, bald eagles, and various marine animals against a backdrop of sheer walls, cascading waterfalls, and blue ice. This spectacular setting makes for an unforgettable boat tour experience and is consistently rated as one of the top attractions in Juneau.
3. Mount Roberts Tramway
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
The Mount Roberts Tramway ascends 1,800 feet from downtown Juneau to the Mountain House, offering the best panoramic views of the city and Gastineau Channel. At the summit, visitors can explore a vast network of hiking trails and visit the Nature Center to learn about local flora, fauna, and the fascinating native Tlingit culture. The tramway provides a unique perspective of Juneau's spectacular setting between mountains and sea.
4. Nugget Falls
THUNDERING GLACIAL WATERFALL
Nugget Falls is a magnificent waterfall located near the Mendenhall Glacier that cascades approximately 377 feet onto a sand beach. Visitors can take an easy trail from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to reach the base of the falls and feel the refreshing mist on their faces. The powerful rush of water against the backdrop of Mendenhall Glacier creates a picturesque scene that's perfect for photography.
5. Alaska State Museum
CULTURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Alaska State Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts that tell the story of Alaska's rich cultural heritage and natural history. Exhibits showcase indigenous Alaskan cultures, Russian colonial history, and the state's journey to becoming part of the United States. The museum offers interactive displays and educational programs that provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Alaska's diverse cultural landscape.
6. Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
LUSH BOTANICAL PARADISE
Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure offers visitors a chance to explore the unique temperate rainforest ecosystem of Southeast Alaska. The botanical garden features creative upside-down flower towers made from fallen trees, vibrant gardens, and a variety of native plants. Guided tours take visitors through the lush landscape to a lookout point with panoramic views of Juneau and the surrounding wilderness.
7. Admiralty Island
BROWN BEAR SANCTUARY
Admiralty Island, accessible from Juneau, is home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world, earning it the Tlingit name 'Fortress of the Bears'. The island features pristine wilderness with old-growth temperate rainforest and abundant wildlife including eagles, deer, and marine mammals. Visitors can explore Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area for guided bear watching experiences or kayak along the coastline for a unique perspective of this natural sanctuary.
8. Juneau Gold Creek Salmon Bake
AUTHENTIC ALASKAN FEAST
The Juneau Gold Creek Salmon Bake offers visitors a chance to enjoy a traditional Alaskan feast in a historic outdoor setting. Fresh wild-caught salmon is grilled over an alder wood fire, accompanied by other Alaskan specialties in an all-you-can-eat buffet. The experience includes entertainment, a historical gold panning area, and a beautiful forest setting with a waterfall, making it both a dining and cultural attraction.
9. Glacier Bay National Park
PRISTINE WILDERNESS WONDER
Glacier Bay National Park, accessible from Juneau, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring spectacular tidewater glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and abundant wildlife. Covering 3.3 million acres of protected marine ecosystem, the park offers visitors the chance to witness glaciers calving into the sea and spot whales, sea lions, and other marine mammals. Boat tours from Juneau provide day trips into this pristine wilderness that showcases Alaska's dynamic glacial landscapes.
10. Tongass National Forest
AMERICA'S LARGEST FOREST
Tongass National Forest surrounds Juneau and is America's largest national forest, spanning 16.7 million acres of temperate rainforest. This vast wilderness offers countless recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping amongst towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees. The forest's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife including bears, eagles, salmon, and the rare Alexander Archipelago wolf.
11. Historic Gold Panning Adventure
GOLD RUSH EXPERIENCE
The Historic Gold Panning Adventure takes visitors back to Juneau's gold rush origins with hands-on gold panning experiences at historic sites. Participants learn traditional gold panning techniques from experienced guides and keep any gold they find during their session. The adventure provides historical context about Juneau's founding during the 1880s gold rush and its development from mining camp to Alaska's capital city.
12. Mendenhall Lake Kayak Adventure
PADDLE TO GLACIERS
The Mendenhall Lake Kayak Adventure offers a unique perspective of the famous glacier from the water, allowing paddlers to navigate around icebergs and approach the face of the glacier. Guided tours provide safety and information about the glacial ecosystem while paddlers enjoy views of waterfalls, wildlife, and the dramatic landscape. This intimate glacial experience provides photographers and nature lovers with unparalleled access to one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers.
13. Downtown Juneau Historic District
GOLD RUSH HERITAGE
Downtown Juneau Historic District features well-preserved buildings from the gold rush era, creating a charming atmosphere for shopping and dining. Visitors can explore local shops offering authentic Native Alaskan art, jewelry made with local gold, and unique souvenirs while learning about the city's rich history. The compact downtown area is easily walkable and includes the Alaska State Capitol, historic saloons, and picturesque South Franklin Street.
14. Alaskan Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER PIONEER
The Alaskan Brewing Company, established in 1986, was the first craft brewery in Juneau and has won numerous awards for its distinctive beers inspired by Alaska's history and environment. Visitors can take brewery tours to learn about the unique challenges of brewing in Alaska and the company's innovative sustainability practices. The tasting room offers samples of their famous Alaskan Amber and seasonal specialties that capture the flavors of the Last Frontier.
15. Shrine of St. Therese
PEACEFUL COASTAL SANCTUARY
The Shrine of St. Therese is a peaceful stone chapel located on a small island connected to the mainland by a causeway, about 22 miles north of downtown Juneau. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest and overlooking the Lynn Canal, this spiritual retreat offers walking paths, beach access, and contemplative gardens. Visitors of all faiths appreciate the tranquil setting, historic chapel built of beach stones, and the opportunity to observe marine wildlife from the shoreline.