Juneau is located in the southeastern part of the state on the Gastineau Channel and is the second largest city in the United States by area, 3,255 square miles, with only 14 being urban. Did “JOONOH” that it’s one of 2 landlocked capital cities in the United States? Juneau is unique among the 49 U.S. capitals on mainland North America in that there are no roads connecting to the rest of the state or North America. Yes, my father didn’t believe me either when I lived in Juneau. (see “About Me” on the website) I drove him in my Honda Prelude with a leaky sunroof to the end of the road to prove it! 😊 Due to this, it makes Juneau a de facto island city in terms of transportation since all goods coming in and out must be delivered by plane or boat.
Downtown Juneau sits at sea level with beautiful mountain views at 4,000 feet high. At the top of these mountains is a large ice mass called the Juneau icefield. One of the top attractions of the capital city is the 13-mile river of ice, the Mendenhall Glacier. What is so extraordinary about this glacier is that you can see it from the highway, a helicopter, a lake, on foot, or from the visitor center.
The capital city is named after a gold prospector from Quebec, Joe Juneau. Harrisburg was the first name of the city after Richard Harris, but the locals turned their allegiance to co-founder Joe Juneau. In 1880, prospectors Harris and Juneau relied on Tlingit Chief Kowee to guide them to Gold Creek where they discovered gold, the first in the state. The Tlingit name of the town is Dzántik’i Héeni (“Base of the Flounder’s River,” dzánti ‘flounder,’ –kʼi ‘base,’ héen ‘river’)
Fun Fact- In 1927, Alaska decided it needed a flag (before it was a state), so the territory held a contest among its 7th through 12th-grade students. Benny Benson, 13-year-old, 7th grader Alaska Native won the contest with his design featuring the Big Dipper (part of the constellation Ursa Major, or the Great Bear which symbolizes strength) and the North Star, which depicted future statehood. The blue background represents the vibrant Alaska sky and the Alaska state flower, the forget-me-not. In 1959, the AK constitution stipulated that the flag become the official state flag.
Main industry in Juneau is government, tourism (6,000 passengers daily via cruise ship), fishing, and mining.
Accommodations
There are many options for accommodations in Juneau, depending on where you would like to stay. Plenty of properties near the airport, in the valley, Auke Bay, Douglas Island, or in the heart of downtown. I stayed in a short-term rental in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood with amazing views.
My top three suggested properties are located in a convenient downtown location, no car necessary.
Alaska Capital Inn which offers a three-course family style breakfast. Complimentary beverages and snacks 24/7 & a nice bonus, a complimentary pass for the Mt. Roberts Tram.
Marriott Four Points by Sheraton– great views of the Gastineau Channel & cruise ships.
Historic property built in 1939 Baranof Downtown, BW Signature Collection – cocktail lounge on property.
Transportation
Flying into Juneau is fairly easy, with several flights daily. The largest air carrier is none other than Alaska Airlines. Personally, I flew Alaska Airlines often when I lived in the state and booked flights again while exploring the Southeast this summer.
There are Lyft, Uber, taxis, city buses as well as private transfers in Juneau. If you plan on staying longer than a few days, I definitely recommend renting a car. The airport has several rental car companies, but I use Turo if I can. It’s like AirBNB for vehicles. Great options, and most of the time the price is even better, plus you are helping a LOCAL!
Places to Eat, Drink & Be Merry!
If you do nothing else when visiting Alaska, the one MUST DO is to eat Salmon or Halibut! It’s the freshest way you will ever eat it!
Hangar on the Wharf– popular spot for both visitors and locals. Great views, a variety of menu items, and friendly staff. If you sit at the bar (with a view), you will likely sit next to a local or 2! 😉
Twisted Fish Company– one of my favorites for twisted halibut tacos!
Deckhand Daves– taco twist from a food truck.
The Island Pub– located on Douglas Island, so a short drive from downtown. Great bar feel and the pizza is delish!
Tracy’s King Crab Shack– is conveniently located right on the dock. If you want CRAB and willing to stand in line for it, this is the SPOT!
Salt Alaska– steak and seafood with a nice wine list for a bit “fancy”.
Zerelda’s Bistro– the local neighborhood in the Mendenhall Mall with yummy sandwiches & amazing desserts! Definitely a hidden gem 😊
Coppa Ice Cream– try the candied salmon ice cream. I dare ya! Yes, I did 😉
Of course, I have a few watering holes I may have visited a few times. 😉 Order a “duck fart.”
Red Dog Saloon– Stop in for an Alaskan Amber and pick up a souvenir to take home.
The Alaskan Hotel & Bar– Worth a look as it was established in 1913 during the Gold Rush.
Activities
Here are my TOP activities on your visit.
Tracy Arm Fjord – Adventure Bound Alaska & Allen Marine Tours offer an AMAZING day trip to view this classic fjord with breathtaking views of sheer rock walls a mile high. The water at the end of the fjord is nearly 600 feet deep, which makes for beautiful waterfalls, huge icebergs & wildlife viewing along the ride.
Jet Boat Whale Watching Juneau is a fantastic location to see wildlife and whales in particular. My favorite way to see these beautiful creatures is from the water in a small boat. Keep in mind there are many companies that offer tours to see whales.
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center – Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center overlooks the Mendenhall Valley & great views of the glacier. Take a short hike to Nugget Falls. Another viewpoint of the Mendenhall Glacier is Brotherhood Bridge which is a road bridge that carries the Glacier Highway over the Mendenhall River. Great spot for a walk too!
Mount Roberts Tram– Awesome views on the ride up or down of the Gastineau channel. You can hike, shop, eat, drink, get a history lesson or just enjoy the views at the top of Mount Roberts. For those who want to get some exercise, hike up and ride the tram down. ($15 ride down)
Shrine of Saint Therese-The National Shrine is located in the Tongass National Forest, approximately 22 miles “out the road” north of downtown Juneau. Worth the drive for the spectacular views & photo opportunities.
Alaska State Museum– I’m not a huge museum goer, but this is one of the best, in my opinion! Full of Alaskan history & more. If you catch a rainy day 😉 check out the museum.
Taku Lodge and Glacier Discovery– Hands down one of my favorite tours. Float plane landing and followed by a fabulous lunch at a remote lodge facing a glacier! How cool is that?! Be sure to book early as it sells out quickly.
NorthStar Trekking– if you want an active adventure, this is it! Ice Ice Baby!
Temsco Helicopters– Dogsledding is a very cool experience because you land on the icefield, and bonus, play with husky puppies!
Get outdoors in Alaska! There is hiking, biking, zip lining, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and more! Check out Perseverance Trail or Mt. Roberts for a day hike. Here are a few to choose from:
Shopping- As cruise ship ports go, there are plenty of jewelry stores and souvenir shops. Here are a few of my favorites, most locally owned too.
Alaska Knifeworks– Be sure and tell David that I sent you! 😉
Resolute Boutique– a great little gem in downtown for the ladies especially!
Alaska -Juneau Mining Company/Juneau Trading Co. – If you need to pick up a cool Alaska souvenir or a fun photo op, stop by & say hello to the bear out front! 😉
Here are a few extra resources for tours and more while in Juneau.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks