A beginners guide to visiting Juneau, Alaska, by cruise ship

The vast majority of Alaska cruises stop in this engaging little city that offers among the greatest variety of attractions and experiences of any Inside Passage port. Nestled among the towering mountains and dramatic glaciers of the Tongass National Forest and set along the icy, deep waters of the Gastineau Channel, Juneau feels both wildly remote and easy to access.

There’s an extensive slate of reliable tour operators through which you can book day tours to far-flung outposts via seaplane or boat. There’s also much to see and do within walking distance (or a short taxi ride) of your cruise ship, including Juneau’s compact and walkable downtown. And just a short drive from the port, you can visit Mendenhall Glacier — one of North America’s only true “drive-up” glaciers — or embark on a humpback whale-watching cruise.

Juneau offers a fascinating bundle of seeming contradictions: It’s the state capital, but it’s more than 500 miles from 95% of Alaska’s population. It’s on the North American mainland, but it’s inaccessible by road due to the range of rugged, towering mountains that surround it. So, it functions essentially as an island, accessible only by air or water. It’s the fifth-least-populous U.S. state capital, with around 31,000 year-round residents. However, it’s also the largest U.S. capital in land area, at 3,250 square miles (most of which is wilderness).

The stunning but logistically challenging setting imbues Juneau with a can-do spirit and an embrace of outdoor recreation. After the government, the city’s top employer is tourism, and passengers can expect a warm welcome despite concerns in recent years about balancing Juneau’s sustainability with its dependence on ship traffic during the May–to-September cruise season. Beginning in 2026, the city will enforce a maximum daily cap of 16,000 passengers in port (and just 12,000 on Saturdays).

Since there’s so much to see and do here, ships generally spend a full day in port (usually at least eight hours and sometimes as long as 13). This means that even if you book a shore excursion of several hours, you’ll still likely have enough time on your own to explore downtown and ride the aerial tram up to Mount Roberts.

Here’s our guide to making the most of your time in Juneau.

Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Things TPG loves about Juneau

• Sensational natural scenery abounds here, from towering mountain peaks to pristine waterways.
• It offers endless opportunities for viewing wildlife (whales, eagles and bears, to name a few).
• There are plenty of sights within walking distance of the ship docks.

What we could do without

• Up to five large ships dock downtown each day, which can lead to excessive crowds, even with the daily cap on passengers beginning in 2026.
• Many shore excursions are on the spendy side, even by Alaska’s standards.

Juneau fast facts

• Language: English.
• Currency: U.S. dollar; credit cards are widely accepted.
• Time zone: Juneau is on Alaska Standard Time, which is an hour behind U.S. Pacific Standard Time, and it observes daylight saving time.

Arrival details

The city’s cruise port extends along the waterfront from downtown for close to a mile southeast along Gastineau Channel, comprising several docks. They’re within a 10- to 30-minute stroll of downtown attractions and businesses (but keep in mind that streets rise significantly as you walk inland, so it’s a bit of a workout). Local taxis, as well as Uber and Lyft, serve the ship piers, and buses for any shore excursions you’ve booked will pick you up and drop you off near your ship.

Related: The 10 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Top things to do in Juneau cruise port

Downtown Juneau is quite compact but offers many activities, including natural attractions within walking distance (or a short drive) of the cruise piers.

Within walking distance

From the port area, you can spend anywhere from an hour to a half day strolling downtown Juneau’s historic core, where you’ll find handsome gold rush-era buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries; many of them contain shops and galleries that specialize in Alaskan art, crafts and keepsakes.

Start your explorations with a quick stop at the Juneau Visitors Center, a sleek stainless-steel building by the ship docks where you can pick up free walking tour maps and hiking maps or get detailed sightseeing advice. As you stroll downtown’s tree-lined streets, keep an eye out for the 13 beautifully painted cedar totem poles crafted by different Alaska Native artists.

Carve out time to explore the Sealaska Heritage Institute, which opened in 2016 inside a dramatic building that is a work of Alaska Native art. It contains galleries of artwork by Tlingit, Tsimshian and Haida artists, as well as pieces from other Indigenous peoples of the northwest coast; there’s also an authentic Tlingit clan house and compelling exhibits. A few blocks farther up Seward Street, at the intimate Juneau-Douglas City Museum, you can learn more about the area’s Native culture and heritage, as well as how the city came into its own during the raucous gold rush era. You can also step inside the rather prosaic Alaska State Capitol building, which was constructed in 1931.

A short walk west leads to the superb Alaska State Museum — a striking contemporary building with comprehensive permanent collections and exhibits that interpret the state’s incredibly rich human and natural history; it also has terrific rotating exhibits. Notable historic buildings to keep an eye out for include the stately 1912 Alaska Governor’s Mansion and the ornate, gold-domed St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church (built in 1893).

Just a short walk from the cruise piers, the Goldbelt Tram (formerly known as Mount Roberts Tramway) whisks passengers some 1,800 feet high above the waterfront, providing dramatic vistas of downtown, Gastineau Channel and mountain peaks in just about every direction. At the top, you can visit a small nature center with interpretive wildlife displays, watch an 18-minute film about the Tlingit people or feast on pub fare and local beer. (Try for a table near a window or on the outdoor deck at Timberline Bar & Grill.) You can also set out for a hike on one of the trails, many of which are quite short and easy but still pack plenty of fantastic views.

Established in 2017, the Juneau Seawalk is a wide boardwalk that curves along the downtown waterfront from South Franklin Street to Overstreet Park and is lined with angular metal sculptures and illuminated in the evening by LED lights. At the western terminus of the walk, have a look at the massive life-size whale fountain, which makes for a great photo op.

Within driving distance

The municipality stretches for quite a distance, especially to the north, and there are a number of memorable sightseeing experiences within a 30-minute to one-hour scenic drive. Although you can easily keep yourself busy around the cruise port, renting a car or hiring a taxi can be a rewarding way to see a bit more of what this verdant community has to offer — and to venture away from the crowds.

With a rental car or taxi, you can travel out to a handful of worthwhile attractions, the nearest of which is the Last Chance Mining Museum, housed in a 1912 compressor building inside the former AJ Gold Mine. It’s just a couple of miles from the port.

In the other direction, it’s a 7-mile drive northwest to visit Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, a lush 50-acre green space known for its unique living flower arrangements that hang from the roots of inverted fallen trees and its scenic paved paths through this temperate maritime rainforest. It’s another 5 1/2 miles up Glacier Spur Road to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, on the south shore of Mendenhall Lake. It overlooks Juneau’s most renowned feature: Mendenhall Glacier. This 1 1/2-mile-wide and 13-mile-long monolith lies at the edge of the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield, and it’s one of the world’s most accessible glaciers. From the visitor center, you can set out to get an even closer look by following one of the well-maintained trails alongside the lake. One very popular route is the level 2-mile, out-and-back hike to nearly 400-foot-tall Nugget Falls.

From the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, you can drive another 7 miles to Auke Bay, where you may see eagles, sea lions, porpoises and even whales from shore. Or, better yet, you can book a wildlife-viewing cruise.

For a relaxing and peaceful excursion, continue 11 miles northwest of Auke Bay to stroll the enchanting grounds of the National Shrine of St. Thérèse, home to a 1930s stone chapel and acres of tranquil gardens.

Related: Before you book that Alaska cruise, make sure you’ve done this 1 thing

Popular Juneau excursions

Perhaps no Alaska port offers a more impressive variety of shore excursions, from the mild to the wild.

Hiking tour or helicopter landing on Mendenhall Glacier

Numerous companies offer a range of thrilling ways to experience this iconic glacier, many that add on a dog-sledding experience, salmon bake or stop at Glacier Gardens. One of the most memorable offerings is a helicopter ride over the Juneau Icefield, followed by a landing on the glacier and a short walk on the ice. Other companies offer guided hikes through the adjacent rainforest and onto the glacier, and even more spectacular treks let you go inside one of the glacier’s brilliant blue-hued ice caves. Another option is a seaplane flight over several of the region’s most impressive glaciers.

Whale-watching excursion out of Auke Bay

These enjoyable half-day cruises are offered on everything from 20-passenger research vessels to larger boats typically holding up to around 80 passengers — heated cabins and large picture windows are standard. The tours navigate a pristine habitat teeming with humpback whales, and there’s also an excellent chance of seeing seals, sea lions, porpoises and myriad sea birds.

Seaplane excursion to Taku Glacier Lodge

This relaxing trip combines stunning glacial scenery from a seaplane flight with a hearty salmon feast at a charmingly rustic 1923 lodge in the Alaska bush. It’s a great way to experience the breathtaking surroundings of a remote locale without having to make an arduous hike.

Gold panning adventure

A fun activity for families, these low-impact tours typically entail exploring a historic underground mine and then panning afterward. You’re not going to yield a great fortune in precious metals, but participants do usually find a few flecks of gold or pieces of garnet in their pan.

Jetboat to Tracy Arm Fjord

This seven- to eight-hour excursion takes visitors into one of the Inside Passage’s most spectacular fjords, where you’ll view mighty North Sawyer Glaciers, as well as cascading waterfalls and majestic cliffs.

Related: The best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

Best Juneau outdoor activities near the cruise port

Although many of Juneau’s most popular outdoor adventures involve booking helicopter, seaplane or boat rides, there are plenty of exciting ways to experience nature on your own.

Hiking up to and around Mount Roberts

Easily accessed via the Goldbelt Tram from the cruise dock, Mount Roberts is laced with trails that range from short and easy treks near the tram station to more strenuous jaunts, like the 3-mile climb up to 3,465-foot Gastineau Peak. Another rigorous option is skipping the tram ride up and hiking the steep 2-mile trail that rises from downtown to Mount Roberts. You can always return to the cruise port via the tram.

Juneau Seawalk

The easiest and most accessible way to enjoy nature right near the port is to stroll along this art-lined boardwalk path, which offers lovely views of the waterfront.

Eagle Beach Recreation Area

Escape the crowds near the port by heading out to this peaceful beach off Glacier Highway, about a 30-mile drive or taxi ride north of downtown. It’s a quiet spot where two rivers empty into the Lynn Canal, and it features picnic tables, trails and gorgeous sunset views. It’s common in summer to see humpback whales, seals, otters and sometimes even bears feasting on salmon.

Renting a bike

Near the port, Cycle Alaska rents road bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes and can recommend the best areas for a ride. The company also offers guided tours of Mendenhall Valley.

Renting a kayak

Outfitters at Auke Bay Harbor rent single and double kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for use in the bay’s sheltered and generally calm waters. These companies can also provide instruction and even classes for paddlers of all abilities, and they offer guided tours that include whale- and wildlife-watching.

How to get around Juneau on your own

• On foot: This is a great port for walkers. Most of Juneau’s shops, restaurants and museums are clustered within several blocks that begin across from the cruise ship dock. Just keep in mind that if your ship is docked at one of the berths farther from downtown, the most distant being AJ Dock (about a mile away), your walk into downtown can increase by up to a half hour.
• Shuttle bus: Frequent narrated bus shuttles run from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. Sightseeing trolleys also circulate through downtown.
• Taxi or ride-hailing service: It’s easy to hail taxis at the cruise ship port, and Juneau is served by Uber and Lyft. Fares beyond downtown can be expensive, with rates typically of at least $30 each way to Auke Bay and $45 each way to Mendenhall Glacier.
• Car: This is an excellent option if you want to explore beyond downtown at your own pace, especially if you’re making multiple stops. Rates during the cruise season can be steep (typically $100 to $150 for the day); for the best deals and to assure availability, try to book a few weeks before your visit.

Juneau restaurants near the cruise port

You’ll find plenty of options within an easy walk of the cruise ships, both along the waterfront and a few blocks inland downtown.

Expect a line at both waterfront locations of Tracy’s King Crab Shack, which is justly famous for “crab in all shapes and sizes” — including legs and claws with drawn butter, as well as crab bisques and cakes. Beloved for decades, The Hangar on the Wharf occupies the building in which Alaska Airlines was formed, and it doles out halibut nachos, burgers, steaks and craft beer. A convivial hangout with fresh seafood and a great wine list, Twisted Fish Company features tall windows overlooking the water and is steps from the base station of the Goldbelt Tram.

It’s touristy for sure, but downtown’s Red Dog Saloon is a Juneau institution dating back to around 1890 — and it definitely has an “if these walls could talk” vibe. The place is packed to the rafters with memorabilia, and the kitchen serves hearty pub grub and local beers. For a casual bite amid South Franklin’s retail strip, Deckhand Dave’s food truck serves up exceptional ceviche, seafood tacos, fish-and-chips and oysters on the half shell. The decidedly upmarket bistro Salt presents artfully plated modern Alaskan fare and well-crafted cocktails.

Beyond downtown, a few spots beckon visitors looking for a meal away from the crowds. A short drive from downtown, the famous Gold Creek Salmon Bake is a favorite of cruise passengers and perfect for a family or group of friends to feast together. It’s set amid a forested plot along the Salmon River and run by the outfitter Alaska Travel Adventures, which offers a tour there from the cruise port (with shuttle transportation).

Out in Mendenhall Valley, Sandbar & Grill is a friendly and less-touristy option for lunch or dinner on your way to or from the glacier. The beer-battered shrimp and halibut are good bets. And overlooking Auke Bay Harbor, the Hot Bite is a cheerfully casual stop spot for fish tacos, burgers and milkshakes, which are available in more than 30 flavors.

Juneau dishes to try

Seafood rules the day in the Inside Passage, and Juneau has a wealth of superb purveyors of local dishes like sweet and tender Alaskan king crab and halibut fish-and-chips. You’ll find wild-caught salmon on just about every menu, served in any number of formats: grilled, blackened, smoked and in tacos and chowders. Reindeer sausage is a popular local favorite, and it’s usually served like a hot dog with toppings like cheese, chili, mustard and relish.

The city is home to several excellent breweries, including the state’s largest purveyor, Alaska Brewing Company. The company has a tasting room and pub right by the cruise port, and its main location is a few miles northwest near Mendenhall Valley.

Juneau cruise port shopping

Beautifully designed Alaska Native art and crafts are a specialty here, including Tlingit and Haida totem poles and other carvings, fiber arts, beaded jewelry and Ulu knives. The Sealaska Heritage Store is especially well regarded for Alaska Native art.

Running alongside the cruise docks, South Franklin Street is lined for several blocks with colorful wood-frame 1920s and 1930s buildings that house souvenir shops and galleries stocked with the usual Alaska logo and themed apparel, wildlife photography, smoked salmon jerky and quirky gifts. One local specialty is a jewelry set with locally mined gold nuggets. Also, look for gently exfoliating soap made with silt from the area’s glaciers.

Free things to do in Juneau cruise port

Walking through the downtown historic district and soaking up the views of wood-frame gold rush-era buildings set beneath the dramatic mountain peaks that rise above the city is a great way to pass your time without spending a cent. On weekday afternoons, you can take free guided tours of the State Capitol, or you can see the building on a free self-guided audio tour.

You can meander along the downtown waterfront via the Juneau Seawalk, which features public art installations, including the giant whale fountain Tahku. You may even spy some of the local wildlife in and around downtown, such as bald eagles, which soar above and often land beside downtown buildings. Look out across Gastineau Channel to view harbor seals, harlequin ducks and blue herons.

If you have the time and stamina to hike up to Mount Roberts instead of taking the tram, you’ll pay nothing if you hike back down again. If you prefer to return by tram, the “down-only” one-way fare is just $20 (compared to $60 for an all-day ticket).

Related: Free things to do in Alaska on a cruise

Bottom line

For magnificent natural scenery, lively shops and top-notch dining steps from your ship — as well as a truly impressive array of shore excursions that represent the best of Alaska’s Inside Passage — you can’t beat Juneau as a thrilling and easy-to-navigate cruise port.

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thepointsguy.com