My views do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.
July 9, 2025
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is nestled between snow-capped mountains and the Gastineau Channel. This vibrant city of government workers, fishermen, artists, and adventurers is only accessible by air or sea—there are no roads in or out. Visitors come for its rich gold rush history, Indigenous heritage, natural beauty, and incredible wildlife encounters.
Population: 31,555 (2023)
History:
Juneau’s story begins with two prospectors, Richard Harris and Joe Juneau, sent from Sitka by mining engineer George Pilz. Their first attempt ended in failure—and drunkenness. The following year, they returned, this time guided by Chief Kowee of the Tlingit Nation. They struck gold in Silver Bow Basin, uncovering one of the largest gold quartz deposits in the world.
A tent city grew into a bustling town known briefly as Rockwell and then Harrisburg, but was renamed “Juneau” after Joe Juneau bought the entire camp a round of drinks the night before the official vote. By 1906, the capital moved from Sitka to Juneau as gold mining eclipsed the fur trade in importance.
Three major mines—Alaska Gastineau, Treadwell, and Alaska-Juneau—drove the city’s economy for decades. Treadwell yielded over $70 million before collapsing in 1917. Today, remnants of these mining operations remain visible throughout town.
Juneau became the official state capital in 1959 when Alaska achieved statehood. Though there have been efforts to relocate the capital, Juneau remains, built largely on old mine tailings and powered by a government-focused economy. The city also maintains a robust fishing industry and welcomes over 900,000 cruise visitors each summer.
Itinerary:
Arrival: Wednesday, July 9 8:30am
Departure: Wednesday, July 9 All aboard: 7:00pm Sail away: 8:00pm
Weather
- Average Temperatures: Highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 50°F (10°C)
- Climate: Milder and drier than other Southeast ports; about 74 inches of annual rainfall
- What to Wear: Dress in layers, including a waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes
Near the Pier:
Tender Dock: 470 S Franklin Street, Juneau, AK 99801 Port Field office float (ACT)
- ATM: Banks and ATMs available downtown
- Pharmacy: Juneau Drug Co (10 minute walk) Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium Pharmacy (SEARHC) or local drugstores
- Grocery/Snacks: Foodland IGA and smaller convenience shops nearby
- Souvenirs: Abundant along Franklin Street—locally made goods, jewelry, and Ulu knives
- Mendenhall Golf Course
- A public 9-hole, par-3 course located at 2101 Industrial Blvd.
- Measures about 1,400 yards and offers beautiful views of the glacier and mountains.
- Green fees are around $15–$17 with club rentals and a small driving range available.
- Disc Golf Courses Juneau ranks as Alaska’s 5th-best disc golf destination, featuring four courses.
- Notables include the 9‑hole Treadwell Disc Golf Course and Aant’iyeik Park’s 18‑hole layout, popular among locals.
Juneau is home to the smallest Costco in the United States.
Getting Around:
- 🚶 Walking: The downtown core is compact and walkable; many attractions are within a 15-minute stroll.
- 🚍 Public Transit: Juneau’s public bus service runs eight routes across the city, including the Airport Connector and multiple Mendenhall Valley lines. Services operate daily with frequent summer schedules. A single ride costs $2, and buses can be flagged almost anywhere along the route.
- 🚖 Taxis/Rideshare: Available locally; Uber/Lyft also operate in the area.
- AJ Dock Shuttle: For just $3 per person, the AJ Dock Shuttle runs every 15 minutes between the cruise ship dock and the Mount Roberts Tramway base .
- Glacier Express Bus Tour: A popular round-trip scenic bus to the Mendenhall Glacier includes narration and is perfect for independent exploration. It departs from near the tramway terminal, costs around $45–$55, and includes about two hours at the glacier.
Witnessing:
Mount Roberts Tramway
Soaring 1,800 feet above downtown Juneau, the Mount Roberts Tramway offers sweeping panoramic views of the city, Gastineau Channel, and the surrounding mountains. At the top, visitors can explore hiking trails, enjoy interpretive displays at the Nature Center, visit the live bald eagle exhibit at the raptor center, or learn about Tlingit culture at the mountain-top cultural center.
Mendenhall Glacier
Juneau’s most iconic natural attraction, the Mendenhall Glacier lies just 13 miles north of town. Towering nearly 200 feet high and stretching 1.5 miles wide, it is fed by the Juneau Icefield—an expanse roughly the size of Rhode Island.
- Visitor Center: Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center offers glacier overlooks, interactive exhibits, and access to several hiking trails.
- Helicopter & Dog Sledding Excursions: For an unforgettable adventure, take a helicopter to the glacier for a thrilling dog sled ride across the ice.
- Chapel by the Lake: A peaceful church on the shores of Mendenhall Lake with stunning views of the glacier—a popular spot for photos and reflection.
Red Dog Saloon
Located in the heart of downtown Juneau, the historic Red Dog Saloon is a kitschy, lively watering hole dating back to the Gold Rush era. Known for its sawdust-covered floors, quirky décor, and live honky-tonk piano, it’s a must-visit for a fun, Old Alaska experience. reddogsaloon.com
This is where I went
I had to try a Duck Fart Shot—a layered blend of Kahlúa, Bailey’s, and Crown Royal.
It was delicious! And after a bit of a hectic start with the tender operations, I was feeling much better.
Learning:
Sealaska Heritage Institute
Located in downtown Juneau, this cultural center and museum is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Southeast Alaska Native cultures. It features exhibits on Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian heritage, including regalia, totem poles, and rotating art installations. sealaskaheritage.org
Alaska State Museum
A must-visit for those interested in Alaskan history and Indigenous culture, the Alaska State Museum houses an impressive collection of Native artifacts, early settler exhibits, and items from Alaska’s Russian and Gold Rush eras.
Cannery and Mining History
Juneau’s industrial roots are still visible in the remnants of the Treadwell and AJ Mines. Many of the city’s roads and buildings were constructed atop mine tailings, offering a literal foundation of its gold rush past.
Alaska State Capitol & Governor’s Mansion
Juneau is the only U.S. capital inaccessible by road, and its Capitol Building is open to the public for self-guided or guided tours.
Free Guided Tours: 1:30pm and 3:00pm (each tour lasts about an hour) – Sign up in the Capitol lobby about 10 minutes before the tour starts – no advance reservations required.
Self-Guided Visits – Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Options: Pick up a brochure in the lobby outlining key stops (murals, legislative chambers, art); audio-tour available at ~30 minutes with 6 stops; total walkthrough can take 45–180 minutes based on interest
Nearby, the Governor’s Mansion is another historic site often included on city sightseeing routes.
Wickersham House Museum
Once the home of Judge James Wickersham, this preserved residence offers insight into the life of one of Alaska’s most influential legal and political figures. Wickersham helped establish the Alaska Territorial Court and lobbied for Alaskan statehood.
🎨 Tlingit Culture
- Totem Sites: Found near Hoonah City School and Mount Roberts tramway base
- Cultural Tours: Some excursions include traditional dance, music, storytelling, and canoe experiences
- Art Galleries: Native arts and handcrafted pieces are widely available downtown
Hidden Gems:
- Patsy Ann Statue (Marine Park): Honors the deaf bull terrier who became the city’s official greeter from 1930 to 1942.
- City Hall Mural: A vivid Native mural depicting the Tlingit creation legend.
- Franklin Street: Once home to over 30 saloons—now a lively mix of shops and historic sites.
Tasting:
Alaska Fish & Chips Company
Located near the cruise dock, this casual spot serves up fresh-caught halibut, salmon, and cod in a relaxed, dockside setting with glacier views.
Twisted Fish Company
A local favorite for upscale yet approachable seafood, Twisted Fish is known for its alder-grilled salmon, halibut tacos, and extensive wine list. The outdoor patio is perfect on a sunny day.
Tracy’s King Crab Shack
An iconic stop for visitors, Tracy’s is famous for its jumbo Alaskan crab legs, buttery bisques, and crab cakes. The casual setting and generous portions make it a must-try.
Deckhand Dave’s
A food-truck-style seafood joint with outdoor picnic seating, Deckhand Dave’s serves up fish tacos, poke bowls, and rockfish sandwiches—all freshly sourced and boldly seasoned.
Red Dog Saloon
Juneau’s legendary watering hole offers hearty fare in a Wild West atmosphere. Known for burgers, BBQ, and the infamous Duck Fart Shot—a layered blend of Kahlúa, Bailey’s, and Crown Royal.
Heritage Coffee Roasting Company
This locally owned café is a go-to for expertly roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries. Multiple locations around town make it easy to get your caffeine fix while exploring.
Alaskan Brewing Company
Take a shuttle or taxi to the original tasting room for a flight of award-winning beers, including their popular Alaskan Amber, White Ale, and limited seasonal releases. Tours available for beer enthusiasts.
Hiking:
Gold Creek Flume Trail
Length: 1.4mi. Elevation gain: 167ft Estimated time: 35m Out & back
Get to know this 1.4-mile out-and-back trail near Juneau, Alaska. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 35 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
Mount Roberts Trail to Father Brown Cross
Length: 3.6mi Elevation gain: 1,732 ft Estimated time: 2h 50m Out & back
Try this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail near Juneau, Alaska. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 50 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through September.
Goldbelt Tram to Gastineau Peak
Length: 4.1mi Elevation gain: 1,929ft Estimated time: 3h 13m Out & back
Try this 4.1-mile out-and-back trail near Juneau, Alaska. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 13 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
Exploring:
Shrine of St. Thérèse
Located about 22 miles north of downtown Juneau, this peaceful Catholic shrine offers serene coastal trails, a quaint stone chapel, and breathtaking views of Lynn Canal. Whether you’re spiritual or not, it’s a quiet and beautiful place to reflect, walk, and take in the natural surroundings. shrineofsainttherese.org
Whale Watching Tours
Juneau is one of the best places in Alaska to spot humpback whales, especially in the nutrient-rich waters of Auke Bay and Stephens Passage. Tours typically guarantee sightings and may also feature orca encounters, sea lions, and porpoises. Many excursions depart just a short drive from the downtown area.
Eagle Watching
Bald eagles are abundant in Juneau and often seen perched in trees along the shoreline or soaring overhead. Keep your camera ready—sightings are common near the harbor, parks, and along the waterfront.
Michele, Steven and I wandered around town enjoying the atmosphere. Steven collects watches so we followed him into the jewelry stores. We found a great local pizza spot, and when we came back outside, it was raining. We dashed into a mall with a Crew Shop (where anyone can make purchases – you don’t have to be crew) and bought some umbrellas. I knew that would do the trick! When we emerged, it wasn’t raining anymore!
We stopped for some flights at the Alaskan Brewing Company.
Later, we met up with Victor, the chef, to go shopping. He needed some baking sheets (which Foodland had) Cocoa, gelatin sheets and forks for the ship (which it didn’t).
Michele and I carried back the snacks and baking sheets from Foodland while Steven and Victor went to Costco (which didn’t have forks either). That was all the time we had in Juneau!