14 Top Things To Do in Juneau, Alaska

Named after the French Canadian prospector, Joe Juneau — who bribed miners to vote to change its original name of Harrisburg, which honored its other co-founder  — Alaska’s capital city, welcomes more than a million visitors each summer. Downtown Juneau is pleasant and attractive with colorful buildings along a scenic waterfront. Topping the list of things to do in Juneau is simply walking around downtown, exploring shops and eateries.

The real highlight of the port of Juneau are its pristine natural surroundings. Hike or tram up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles. Kayak Auke Bay with a pair of binoculars to spot whales. Or take a flightseeing excursion to Chichagof Island or Admiralty Island to watch bears, who are born entertainers.

The best way to experience Juneau and beyond is with Holland America from the deck of an Alaska cruise—we make your unforgettable adventure to Juneau simple and stress-free.

A ride on the Goldbelt Juneau Tram is an exhilarating adventure that leads to glorious views. Zip up 1,800 feet above the city to take in panoramas of the Chilkat Mountains, Stephens Passage, Douglas Island and the once rich-with-gold Silverbow Basin.

Once you’re at the top, you can wander sub-alpine meadows, or savor a bite and a drink at a restaurant with the best view in town, and the best view of town. This exhilarating tramway ride through the Alaskan rainforest is a good first or last Juneau excursion in Alaska.

Meeting the Mendenhall Glacier is a rite of passage for Juneau, Alaska, excursion visitors. It is a must-see, but the only question is from what angle. Some fly by in a floatplane or land on it in a helicopter; others hike in or take a tour bus, and some even dog sled on it. Paddle across Mendenhall Lake and enjoy the immense glacier from the water. Along the way, you’ll pass icebergs and majestic Nugget Falls, and spot some of Alaska’s most beautiful birds, including bald eagles and arctic terns. Find out more about Alaska glaciers.

If you’d like to combine two incredible sights in one day, Holland America offers the Mendenhall Glacier & Glacier Gardens excursion. Stroll through vibrant rainforest gardens (yes, complete with upside-down trees!), then head out to see Juneau’s most famous glacier up close. With trails, exhibits, and sweeping views, it’s the perfect way to experience Alaska’s natural beauty from two unforgettable angles.

Go into brown bear territory via an Alaska bush plane. These Alaska wildlife tours take you close (but not too close) to these iconic Alaska animals on their home turf, to watch their captivating and sometimes amusing behaviors, like fishing or splashing in streams. Experienced guides on these Juneau excursions give expert insights into the brown bear and their surroundings.

Many Juneau first-time visitors mistake one bear for another. Coastal brown bears and grizzlies may look similar, but don’t be fooled by their appearances. Coastal brown bears live along the Alaska coast and grizzlies live inland.

For a place known for frigid temps and inclement weather, Alaska is surprisingly, almost startlingly green. There are boreal forests from the Kenai Peninsula to the Tanana Valley. A tour of Glacier Gardens shows off Alaska’s flora. Walk winding pathways up into the mountainside to gaze at cascading waterfalls and carefully manicured gardens. This Juneau excursion features both native and non-native Alaska arrangements.

This little yellow museum showcases Juneau’s fascinating history, from its roots as a Tlingit gathering place to its era as a literal gold mine. The building itself is a historical treasure, as the impressive site of the July 4th, 1959, Statehood Ceremony. You can see an Alaska Native fish trap that dates back hundreds of years. Also, check out totem poles and the 49th star flag, which still flies today.

When you want a one-of-a-kind souvenir, or just to gaze upon a dizzying array of art, check out the Juneau Artists Gallery. This shop and exhibition space stay open year-round and are staffed by the artists themselves. From oils and watercolors to jewelry, carved birds and blown glass, the variety of Alaskan-made work available here affirms a thriving and supportive creative community.

Juneau seaplane tours are the way to go to see the amazing Juneau Icefield, which is the source of 36 named glaciers, including the Taku Glacier and Mendenhall Glacier. Within minutes of your departure from downtown Juneau, you’ll soar over the Alaska wilderness. On some Juneau, Alaska excursion seaplane tours, you can view five different glaciers from the air: Norris, Hole-in-the-Wall, Eat and West Twin Glaciers, and the biggest, the Taku Glacier

Did you know that female humpback whales have besties? Amazing! These are the kind of facts you learn on an Alaska whale watching tour. Whales are a joy to watch because they’re surprisingly acrobatic. Orcas and humpbacks breach and spy hop, which is when they poke their head vertically out of the water to get a better look. Auke Bay is a favored destination for humpback whales, but you may also spot orcas, sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, and other marine life on Juneau whale watching cruises.

Look out for that signature spray or tail fluke while cruising into Juneau.

When it comes to experiencing the beauty of the Alaska northern lights, timing is everything. An Alaska cruise in late September offers the best chance for stunning views of this parade of lights in the Great Land, as the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is from late August through late April. Keep in mind that the northern lights are a possibility, not a promise.

Juneau hiking is top-notch. You can hit the trail as part of a Juneau, Alaska shore excursion, which is typically coupled with another adventure and lunch. The Mendenhall Glacier National Recreation Area has serene trails. Traipse through lush meadows, past waterfalls in the Tongass National Forest on a guided hike.

Or, hike Juneau at your own leisure. There are 250 miles of Juneau hiking trails, so you’ll have plenty to choose from. Carefully consider your comfort level, ability to prepare, and the timing on Juneau excursions.

• Rainforest Trail, a wheelchair and stroller-accessible trail loops 0.8 of a mile through old growth forest down to a pebbly beach with island and mountain vistas.
• Perseverance Trail, an out-and-back trail from downtown Juneau to Silverbow Basin and an abandoned mine.
• Not for the tenderfoot, Mount Roberts Trail is another popular Juneau hiking trail that goes up to 1,760 feet.

An easy hike with a huge payoff, Nugget Falls is one of the most popular trails near Mendenhall Glacier. The mostly flat, 2-mile round-trip walk winds through the Tongass rainforest before opening up to the thundering waterfall, which plunges dramatically into Mendenhall Lake. It’s one of the best family-friendly activities in Juneau and a great way to get up close to the area’s natural beauty.

Just south of Juneau, Tracy Arm Fjord is a dramatic waterway carved by glaciers. A boat excursion here takes you past towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and floating icebergs. Wildlife sightings are common—keep an eye out for whales, seals, and mountain goats. At the end of the fjord, the twin Sawyer Glaciers provide an unforgettable finale.

Step back into Juneau’s Gold Rush days with an interactive mining experience. The AJ Mine & Gastineau Mill Tour or the Last Chance Mining Museum lets you learn about Alaska’s mining history and even pan for gold yourself. It’s a hands-on way to connect with Juneau’s past and a favorite among families.

You can even book the Gold Panning Adventure through Holland America excursions, where a costumed prospector leads you to Last Chance Basin. Along the way, you’ll hear stories from Juneau’s first gold rush, pan for gold in a beautiful setting, and keep what you find along with a Gold Claim Certificate as a keepsake.

On rainy days, head indoors to the Alaska State Museum, which highlights Native Alaskan cultures, Russian colonial influence, and the Gold Rush era. Exhibits range from art and artifacts to natural history, making it a comprehensive look at Alaska’s story. This museum is a great balance to Juneau’s many outdoor attractions.

Juneau is known for offering multiple big “wow” moments in a single day, from Nugget Falls trails and panoramic views to wildlife watching in prime humpback territory. With locally guided shore experiences, Holland America helps you see and enjoy more without the hassle.

Ready to plan your day in Juneau? Browse our wide selection of Alaska sailings and prepare for glaciers, whales, and unforgettable views.

How to spend a day in Juneau?

A day in Juneau can include a visit to Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls, a whale-watching cruise on Auke Bay, and a stroll through historic downtown.

Is Juneau walkable from a cruise ship?

Yes, downtown Juneau is just steps from the cruise docks, making it very walkable. Many shops, museums, and restaurants are easily accessible on foot.

What is Juneau best known for?

Juneau is best known for the Mendenhall Glacier, world-class whale watching, rich Gold Rush history, and its stunning natural surroundings.

Is downtown Juneau worth visiting?

Absolutely. Downtown Juneau combines historic architecture, local art galleries, museums, shops, and eateries, all within a scenic waterfront setting.