Juneau Has No Roads Leading to It — but Its Wilderness Adventures Make It Worth the Trip
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The best things to do in Juneau, Alaska, include spotting breaching orcas in Auke Bay and rafting through the emerald-green waters of Mendenhall Lake. If you love dramatic nature, few places compare to Alaska’s capital city.
Juneau is a city in southern Alaska with a population of just over 30,000 people. It sits in between the Gastineau Channel and the mighty Alaskan Panhandle and is one of the only U.S. state capitals inaccessible by road.
The city is surrounded by towering mountains covered in thick glaciers. Nearby, bears wander through the wilderness of tall pine trees and wild rivers. With over 1.3 million visitors arriving annually by cruise ship alone, Juneau is one of Alaska’s most sought-after adventure destinations.
To create this list of 12 must-do activities, we analyzed TripAdvisor reviews, local recommendations, and expert insights. Below are the 12 top things to do in Juneau.
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Go Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of the best experiences you can have in Juneau. Every year, several species of whales come close to shore in an epic spectacle of nature.
You can see orcas and humpbacks breach the surface. The whales come during the summer to hunt for fish and other prey.
One of the best whale-watching expeditions is run by Alaska Tales. You’ll get an experienced whale expert on board to answer your questions. Book early, and make sure you don’t forget your zoom lens for your camera!
Read also: American Landscapes for Stunning Photography
Kayak the Icy Waters
Kayaking in Juneau is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even if you’re not an experienced kayaker, several excellent companies will supply you with great gear to handle the cold. One of the best is Juneau Kayak Rentals.
Hop in the kayak and follow the expedition offshore. You can see magnificent creatures, such as orcas, swimming nearby.
You’ll come close to shore and explore hidden beaches such as Ready Bullion Beach. Take your time to marvel at the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Reserve your spot early, especially during the peak of summer!
Read also: Secret Beaches in the US
Explore the Mendenhall Glacier
The Mendenhall Glacier is an epic natural sight! This massive glacier leads to the Juneau Icefield, one of the largest ice fields and glacier hotspots in North America.
Stop by the visitor center before hiking to the glacier to learn more about the phenomena. Hike to the Photo Point to grab stunning shots. Then, hike further into the wilderness to see Nugget Falls, a towering waterfall over 375 feet tall!
If that’s not enough adventure, book a tour to see the glacier by kayak or canoe. Or, take a plane ride over the glacier with Juneau Flightseeing Tours.
Read also: Beautiful Hiking Trails in the US
Take the Tram to Mount Roberts
Mount Roberts is a fantastic viewpoint that overlooks the city and the mighty Gastineau Channel. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, overlooking one of the most incredible natural wonders on the planet.
There are several ways to reach the peak. If you love hiking, take the 4.5-mile trail up the mountain. Watch for black bears and make a lot of noise while hiking.
If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Take the popular Mount Roberts Tramway to the top. You’ll watch as the forest passes you by and be at the peak in a few minutes.
Read also: Cozy Mountain Getaways in the US
Go Dogsledding
Dogsledding is an Alaskan pastime, with a history that dates back hundreds of years to the indigenous Yup’ik and Inupiaq people. Today, it’s still a common practice worth experiencing.
Sign up for an official dog-sledding experience and ride through icy glaciers. You’ll follow the adorable and strong packs of dogs into the wilderness and get to cuddle them afterward.
If you love dogs and nature, this is the experience of a lifetime. You’ll get to know each dog and spend hours with the pack and their experienced owners.
Read also: Wonderful American Wilderness Areas
Go Fishing
Fishing is one of Juneau’s top experiences you can’t miss. Even if you’re a newbie, you’ll find plenty of epic places to try your luck.
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Several companies have incredible deep-sea fishing experiences. Check out Juneau Charters for organized charters through the open seas. You can catch salmon, halibut, and several other delicious species of fish.
If river fishing is more of your thing, you’ll find several places to rent equipment. Head to the designated rivers and creeks and spend hours surrounded by nature.
Read also: Most Scenic Hikes in the US
See Brown and Black Bears
Brown and black bears live in the forests surrounding the city. They sometimes even make their way into town!
If you want to see bears, all you need to do is go hiking. The safest way to see them is by booking a bear-watching experience. Several great companies will take you and a group of other travelers into the heart of Bear Country.
You’ll get close to the wild animals by boat so you won’t disturb them. You can see them eat and hunt for food along the shoreline. Book these experiences early, and don’t forget your camera.
Read also: US Natural Wonders
Visit the Alaska State Museum
The Alaska State Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Juneau and the state of Alaska. You’ll see amazing artifacts from the state’s original inhabitants.
Explore the interactive exhibits and spend hours seeing the galleries. The museum features traveling exhibits from local and state artists. You’ll also get the chance to see the artists themselves and hear about their work and connection to their state.
Visit the museum early to avoid the crowds and time your visit for events and special showings. If you love history and art, you’ll love this incredible destination.
Read also: US Cities Where History Comes Alive
Visit the Glacier Gardens
The forests surrounding Juneau are places untouched by time and modern life. The Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure takes you deep into the heart of the temperate rainforest.
You’ll travel through towering pine trees and sweeping ferns. In the summer, lush wildflowers cover the forest floor. You may even see wild animals like black bears, eagles, and deer!
You’ll travel through the forest for an hour with your expert guide. Ask a ton of questions and enjoy being in the middle of nature.
Read also: Hidden Treasures in the US
Take the Old Glacier Highway
The Old Glacier Highway is a stunning 40-mile drive through the wilderness. You’ll drive north on Highway 7 through coastal canyons and waterfalls on the side of the road.
You’ll see incredible wildlife as you drive, such as bears and eagles. Make your way to the Shrine of St. Therese. This popular roadside attraction is a functioning chapel with hiking paths and incredible viewpoints.
Continue north to the Jensen-Olson Arboretum, a place teaming with native and non-native plant species. If you love hiking, continue to the Herbert Glacier Trailhead, one of the best hikes near the city.
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Go on a Foodie’s Adventure
Juneau may be small and remote, but it’s a foodie’s paradise. You’ll find all kinds of salmon, halibut, crab, and shellfish in its local restaurants.
Try smoked salmon Alaska-style with a heaping of foraged greens. Wild game is also expertly prepared. You’ll find everything from elk and deer to wild ducks.
If you love beer, try the tasty brews at Alaskan Brewing Co. This brewery has been a staple since 1986. In the summer, you’ll enjoy live events and food trucks.
Read also: US Cities That Are Perfect for Foodies
Go Skiing
Although Juneau doesn’t have the extreme winters of other parts of Alaska, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t get snow. Surrounding the city are popular ski resorts and local hills just waiting for you to carve into.
One of the best is Eaglecrest Ski Area. You’ll have over 640 acres of pristine snow. There are over 1600 feet of vertical drops for you to explore.
When you go, you can donate to the Eaglecrest Foundation. This local non-profit helps local youth get into skiing and winter sports for free.
Read also: US Destinations for an Unforgettable Ski Trip
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