Juneau is Alaska’s Capital City, famous for its unrivaled beauty, rich history, and vibrant heritage. If you’re taking a Southeast Alaska cruise this summer, it’s likely you’re already wondering what to do in Juneau in one day. Cruise ship travelers have between six to ten hours in port, which means you’re going to have to plan well.  

Most travelers will want to accomplish three things during their visit;

• Enjoy a shore excursion
• See the highlights of Downtown Juneau
• Enjoy local food and drink 

The good news is that countless Juneau adventures await every cruise traveler. The bad news is that you can only pack so much into one day. This informative blog is broken down into three key sections (as seen above), highlighting the most popular attractions in Juneau. Some of them cost money and others are free. 

How can you narrow down your choices?

Ask yourself these questions:

• "What do I most want to see during my Alaska vacation?” 
• "What is offered in Juneau that I can’t experience in another port of call?”
• How long is my cruise ship docked in Juneau?” 

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a much easier job of planning Juneau in one day. One thing is certain; you’re going to have an amazing time in Alaska’s Capital City and planning your Juneau adventure is half the fun. 

A Brief Juneau Orientation

Before we go over the best things to do in Juneau Alaska, let’s go over a few details that will help you prepare for the perfect day. 

Cruise ships dock in the Downtown area, which makes many attractions accessible by foot including Juneau mainstays like the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, State Capitol Building, and the Mount Roberts Tramway. There are also countless restaurants and bars in the Downtown area. 

The weather in Juneau is much like the rest of Alaska - unpredictable. It’s a good idea to wear layers and bring along a raincoat and/or a poncho. This is especially true if you’re planning to take a shore excursion outdoors or on the water. Other essentials to pack include medications, snacks, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, a camera, and anything else that you think may enhance your Juneau experience.  

Juneau is Alive With Culture and History  

Juneau is Alaska’s third-largest city and the largest in Southeast Alaska, but it is still small enough to offer guests a friendly, down-to-earth experience that feels more like a small town. Many cruise passengers mistakenly believe that Juneau is an island but it’s part of the mainland. However, sheer mountains, deep seas, endless forests, and a massive icefield make it sometimes feel like an island. 

Native Tlingit people lived and thrived in the Juneau area for thousands of years before the first European settlers began arriving in the late 1700s. One hundred years later, gold was found, ushering in a prosperous mining area in and around Juneau. In the early 1900s, the Capitol Building and Governor’s Mansion were built and despite many efforts to move the Capital to the interior of Alaska, Juneau remains the government seat of the state. 

Today, government, tourism, and fishing are the primary industries in Juneau with many people from all over the globe coming to Juneau each year to experience it for themselves. 

The Best Things to do in Juneau Alaska – Shore Excursions 

Depending on how long your cruise vessel is docked in Juneau, you may be able to squeeze in two shore excursions. What follows is a brief list of some of the more popular Juneau tours.

Whale Watching

There is no better place to see humpback whales than in Juneau, Alaska. In fact, whale watching is so consistent that many operators offer a money-back guarantee. There are a wide variety of whale-watching tour vendors in Juneau, so be sure to browse the offerings and pick what’s best for you. Most tours run from three-and-a-half to four hours. 

There are a couple of smaller companies that offer private whale watching tours or whale watching/salmon fishing combo tours for up to six people. While these offerings are a little longer and cost more money, they offer more freedom for photography or simply soaking in the sights. 

Mendenhall Glacier Tours

There are all sorts of ways to see the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier. Many whale-watching excursions (see above) can be combined with a stop at the glacier. There are also rafting, canoeing, and kayaking trips in Mendenhall Lake that offer incredible views of the glacier. You can also join a hiking tour to the glacier or take a Helicopter excursion and land on the glacier before getting out for a stroll. You can even hop on the Juneau city bus and travel to the glacier on your own for just a few dollars.

Dog Sledding Helicopter Tour

If you’ve ever wanted to experience an authentic dog sled ride on snow, this is the shore excursion of your dreams. Only offered in Juneau and Skagway, you get to feel the wind in your hair as a team of Alaskan huskies pulls you along the frozen tundra. You should book this tour well in advance.

Mount Roberts Tramway

This is an amazing trip that makes it possible for every visitor to experience the breathtaking view from Juneau’s alpine regardless of physical condition. There is also plenty to see and do when you get to the top of the mountain after riding in the gondola on this Native-owned shore excursion. For those looking for a free/low-cost experience, you can actually hike up the back of Mount Roberts to the top and take the tram back down. (If you spend $10 at the restaurant or gift shop at the top you can ride the tram back down for free.) 

Temsco Helicopters

If you want to take a tour to a glacier, see Juneau from the air, or customize your own adventure, Temsco is the most trusted helicopter operator in the region. Be sure to ask for them by name. 

The Best Places to Visit in Juneau Alaska - Downtown

The close proximity of Downtown Juneau to the cruise ships means you can’t help but encounter this scenic and historic area. This section is divided into two parts - landmarks and shopping.

Downtown Juneau’s Famous Landmarks

Walking the docks

Juneau’s sea walk is definitely a can’t-miss experience. The Juneau Voices walking tour will lead you along the docks while immersing you in rich local history. Be sure to stop by the newly installed breaching humpback whale sculpture and fountain for a great photo op. You may think the spotting scopes are used to spot sea life but be sure to point them high in the mountains to see gravity-defying mountain goats out for a leisurely alpine stroll. 

South Franklin Street

The main downtown visitor area, this street includes well-known tourist establishments including the Red Dog Saloon and the Alaskan Hotel.

The Capitol Building

Located on Fourth between Main Street and Seward, this building was completed in 1931 and hosts the Alaska Legislature and the offices of the Governor of Alaska and Lieutenant Governor of Alaska.

The Governor’s Mansion

Stay on Fourth Street for two more blocks and you’ll see this famous house, currently occupied by Alaska’s 12th governor and his wife. It was built in 1912 for only $40,000.

St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

Located on Fifth Street, this famous church is a popular attraction for cruise passengers. 

Alaska State Museum

Newly renovated, this state-of-the-art museum offers captivating artifacts and exhibits on Alaska's people, history, and art.

Downtown Juneau Shopping

 Mount Juneau Trading Post

An incredible assortment of authentic Native Alaskan art makes it hard to get out of this store once you’ve ventured inside. Owned by a family of the Tlingit Nation from the Deisheetaan Clan, their mission is to support Indigenous artists throughout the state of Alaska and the northwest coast of Canada. Located in the heart of Downtown Juneau, this amazing store is something you should not miss. 

Harbor Tea & Spice

If you’re looking for some unique Juneau flavors to bring home for family, friends, or yourself, be sure to visit this local shop. Be sure to check out their award-winning olive oils and balsamic vinegar.  

Changing Tides

For visitors into the fabric, quilting, and yarn, Changing Tides offers something you’ll definitely want to take home. Yarn hand-dyed in Alaska is sold along with fabric and patterns designed by local artists. 

Juneau Arts & Humanities Council

There are plenty of souvenir shops but if you’re looking for something authentically Alaskan, this is the place to go. Located on Egan Drive a block from the Alaska State Museum, the JAHC lobby gift shop offers local art by Juneau and Alaskan artists that is absolutely worth a visit. 

Downtown Juneau Food & Beverage 

Everybody has got to eat sooner or later. While it’s true you can eat back on your cruise ship, you should try some local Juneau seafood, which many say is the best they’ve ever tried. There are numerous restaurants to choose from but the most popular offer Alaskan king crab, halibut, shrimp, and wild-caught salmon. There are also a handful of local bars on Franklin Street where you’re just as likely to run into a commercial fisherman as you are a state legislator. In fact, it’s one of the experiences that makes Juneau so unique. 

The Red Dog Saloon

This is arguably the most famous saloon in all of Alaska. Even the famous lawman, Wyatt Earp stopped by the Red Dog and allegedly left behind his pistol. You can see it for yourself and decide whether the tale is authentic. Daily entertainment, food, and drink are tailored to the visitor crowd looking to enjoy an entertaining afternoon.

Deckhand Dave’s

This is yet another popular dining establishment featuring what is arguably the best fresh halibut fish and chips and fish tacos in Juneau. It is also one of the stops on Juneau’s local food tour.

The Rookery Cafe

The best place for breakfast in Downtown Juneau also boasts an impressive lunch menu. Stop by for coffee, conversation, and homemade confections.

Heritage Coffee

This is a popular local hangout due to the cozy sofas and delicious coffee, tea, and snacks located in the heart of downtown.

Juneau Alaska is Waiting for You

Keep in mind that this blog only covers a fraction of what’s available in Juneau. You could also spend your day hiking a local trail, fishing from shore or a charter vessel, or sitting and watching commercial vessels traveling through Gastineau Channel. There is something truly magical about Juneau and experiencing it once often makes people eager to book their next cruise to Alaska. 

- The Author, Andrew Cremata, is a 26-year Alaskan resident and the current Mayor of Skagway, Alaska