Juneau trips and vacations
Surrounded by snowy peaks, dense forest and more than 140 glaciers, Alaska’s capital truly is a land of contrasts. Trips to Juneau immerse you in some of the continent’s wildest landscapes, from frozen ice fields to uninhabited islands. But leave time to explore the city, feast on wild-caught seafood and delve into the region’s Native American history. You’ll have to fly or take a ferry to get here. Juneau is the only US capital you can't reach by road.
The best neighborhoods in Juneau
Downtown Juneau
Want to be in the heart of the action? Downtown is the best neighborhood to stay in Juneau. It’s home to Victorian-era buildings, saloons and a historic waterfront where you can join whale-watching cruises and kayaking tours. Look for historic gems including the Russian Orthodox Church, built in 1894, and the Alaska State Capitol, the state’s political hub.
Good for: History, saloons, boat tours
Mendenhall Valley
If you want a taste of local life, Mendenhall Valley is the best area to stay in Juneau. A short drive from Downtown, this residential suburb offers a cluster of neighborhood bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of hiking trails. And with the towering Mendenhall Glacier at your doorstep, you’re never far from outdoor adventures.
Good for: Hiking trails, restaurants, bars
Douglas Island
Cross the Juneau-Douglas Bridge from Downtown to find Douglas Island, a sprawling wilderness with a small seaside settlement. Explore the walking trails and Juneau’s only sand beach at Savikko Park, where you can see the moss-covered ruins of Treadwell Mine Seawater Pump House. This island is also home to the Yanyeidi wolf totem pole, a memorial to the traditional Douglas Indian Village.
Good for: Indigenous culture, walking trails, beaches
Things to do in Juneau
Places to eat
Seafood is king in Alaska, and the restaurants in Juneau serve up some of the best there is. Dig into a bucket of Alaskan king crab legs or try the salmon, shrimp, scallops and whitefish varieties like pollock and halibut. And check out Juneau’s craft beer scene. Alaskan Brewing Co., a local institution, has a tasting room that’s open year-round.
Shopping
Shopping in Juneau is more about independent stores than big malls. Head downtown for handcrafted jewelry, textiles and pottery. Look for made-in-Alaska treasures on South Franklin Street, where you’ll find souvenir shops, clothing boutiques and galleries. Alaska’s capital is also a hub for Native American art. Learn about it at the Sealaska Heritage Institute, which has an on-site gift shop.
Take in the culture
Explore the region’s history and culture at Juneau’s museums. Find displays on Alaska’s Indigenous peoples at the Alaska State Museum or go back to the city’s gold rush days at Last Chance Mining Museum. Juneau-Douglas City Museum has local artifacts and exhibits on topics like Juneau’s Gold Rush era. It also offers walking tours of Downtown from May to September.
