Rain or shine, Juneau, Alaska is one of the most scenic capital cities in the United States.
Whether you fly into Juneau International Airport or dock at the shores of the Gastineau Channel and step off a cruise ship, the mountain town offers travelers a coastal community full of natural wonders, wildlife adventures and the freshest seafood.
Juneau is located in part of the Pacific Temperate Rainforest. Its climate consists of cool temperatures and high levels of precipitation, which creates an ideal environment for vegetation and wildlife to thrive.
Rich in history, art, music and Native heritage, Juneau is for the great outdoor enthusiast, the valuable collector and the gourmet food lover. Stay a day or better three. Juneau is the taste of Alaska you’ve been craving.
If you plan on visiting, here’s our mini guide to Juneau, Alaska.
Here’s an overview:
Where to Stay in Juneau, Alaska
Glacier Nalu is your base camp to adventure. The campground resort features tiny homes, RV, and tent sites within walking distance to the Mendenhall Glacier.
Situated in the Tongass National Forest, the campground is only a short drive from Juneau International Airport and Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal and a 15 minute drive to downtown. The campground offers 30-amp hookups at each site, free WiFi and Cable TV, clean restrooms with showers, and a communal laundry facility.
If you’re looking to experience tiny home living, Glacier Nalu Campground offers two tiny homes for a unique getaway with all the comforts of a hotel room designed for couples, small groups, and families.
Dyea Tiny Home is nestled among Sitka Spruce trees and boasts a one-bedroom loft retreat, a compact kitchenette, and a cozy bathroom starting at $140.
Tenakee Tiny Home is crafted from yellow cedar sourced directly from Tenakee, Alaska and offers the best nature views from the two loft bedrooms; one featuring a queen bed and the other a full. Complete with a kitchenette and bathroom with a soaking tub, the beautiful interior is a welcoming ambiance for an unforgettable getaway starting at $170.
Each tiny home offers free WiFi, free coffee and tea, and outdoor covered gazebos with a fire pit to roast marshmallows and make memories around the campfire.
What to See in Juneau, Alaska
Mendenhall Glacier
The massive Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see for our guide to Juneau.
About 12 miles from downtown, the 13.6-mile glacier is an outlet glacier of the Juneau Icefield located in Mendenhall Valley. Both the glacier and the surrounding landscape is federally protected under the Tongass National Forest.
A few trails inside the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area will provide some breathtaking views and photo options of the glacier and lake. Take a short walk to Photo Point or hike the challenging 3.5-mile East Glacier Loop to get the best view of the glacier. After you take in the picturesque beauty of the glacier, follow the Nugget Falls Trail, about 2 miles round trip, to the base of a raging high volume waterfall at the shores of Mendenhall Lake.
For a quieter view of Mendenhall Glacier, join a guided float trip or canoe tour on Mendenhall Lake or go sea kayaking on Auke Bay.
Nugget Falls Trail and Waterfall
If you’re looking for a quick and scenic adventure, the Nugget Falls Trail is a fantastic option!
At just 0.8km, this trail starts halfway along the Photo Point Trail and ends at the stunning Nugget Falls, skirting the beautiful shoreline of Mendenhall Lake. It’s an easy walk, perfect for just about anyone.
This trail was rebuilt in 2010, so it’s nice and well-maintained, with a path that stays above the lake’s high water mark.
Getting there from downtown Juneau is a breeze! Just head north on Egan Drive and turn right onto Mendenhall Loop Road. Continue straight until the road turns into Glacier Spur Road after Mendenhall Loop turns left. Once parked, walk down the paved path towards the Visitor Centre and follow the trail to the right just past the Visitor Centre. You’ll cross an elevated walkway through a stunning rock gorge and then it’s smooth sailing to Nugget Falls!
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife while you’re out there. In summer, Arctic terns nest around the lake and if you bring binoculars, you might catch a glimpse of goats on the surrounding mountains. Black bears have also been spotted, so make sure your food is secure – no need to tempt them into thinking the campsite or trail is a buffet!
As you hike, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the glacier for most of the way. And when you finally reach Nugget Falls, you’ll be greeted by a spectacular display of cascading water, complete with sounds and mist that really bring the scene to life.
Shrine of St. Therese
Take a ride on Old Glacier Highway that lead to beaches, coves, and the peaceful Shrine of St. Therese.
The stone Shrine is situated against the backdrop of the Chilkat Mountains overlooking Lynn Canal on an island connected by a safe causeway. Whether visiting the chapel or strolling tranquil paths, the Shrine of St. Therese is a place of peace and beauty.
Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
A visit to the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is a truly Alaskan experience. Learn about the salmon spawning process and take in the outdoor hatchery operations.
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the life cycle of pacific salmon, explore saltwater aquariums with over 150 different species of marine life and get to sample a variety of smoked salmon products.
Open Summer May-September and Winter October 1—April 30, the hatchery is a unique experience while in Alaska.
Admission rates range from $7 for adults and $5 for children (under the age of 2 are free of charge) and includes unlimited independent exploration of exhibits and aquariums.
Gold Creek Salmon Bake
One thing you can’t leave Juneau without trying is the Alaskan-caught wild salmon.
With fresh salmon grilling over an open, alder wood fire, Gold Creek Salmon Bake is a tour-plus-feast offering delicious Alaskan flavors in a breathtaking rainforest setting.
The all-you-can-eat experience is more than just a meal. Located right outside downtown, the meal includes roasted salmon, baked “cheechako” chicken (“cheechako” is slang for “newcomers”), Gold Rush potatoes, baked beans, wild rice pilaf, fresh salads and corn bread. Roast your own marshmallows over an open fire as folk music performed by local musicians compliments the two-hour experience.
After dinner, stroll through the lush scenery of Southeast Alaska’s rainforest to the Salmon Creek Waterfall, where you can see salmon spawning (in season), the old shaft from the historic Wagner Mine where Joe Juneau and Richard Harris first struck gold in 1880 and even pan for gold yourself!
Tickets are around $80 for adults and $50 for children (children 3 and under are free).
Where to Eat in Juneau, Alaska
Downtown is full of fresh seafood restaurants, breweries and even a famous fudge factory, Alaskan Fudge Co. But a few places in Juneau stood out for the diversity, ambiance, and affordability.
Devil’s Club Brewing Co.
First up is Devil’s Club Brewing Co. Known for their simple bites and contemporary-styled European beer variety, this modern brewery is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Sandwiches, shareables and sometimes pizza are all on a rotating menu, but the freshly popped House Popcorn is a must. Topped with nutritional yeast and salt with your choice of olive oil or butter, this popcorn is the perfect accompaniment to one of their IPAs, or signature stouts.
The beers are all brewed with care, right in downtown Juneau.
Address: 100 N Franklin St, Juneau
Food Trucks Gunakadeit Park
Located in Gunakadeit Park, there are a variety of food trucks offering fresh shucked oysters, homemade crepes from Alaskan Creep Escape, one-of-a-kind s’mores from Captain S’more and Brew and Alaskan fish tacos from Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos.
Tables line the park with plenty of chairs situated around fire pits to sit and enjoy while you feed your senses.
With a full bar on site, you can try some more local brews from Alaskan Brewing Co. and Barnaby Brewing Company.
Address: 139 S Franklin St, Juneau
Forbidden Peak Brewery
Take a ride outside of downtown, and you will end up in scenic Auke Bay, where Forbidden Peak Brewery brews beer, hard seltzer, soda, and cold-brew coffee.
Offering a taproom and a huge patio with fire pit and an unobstructed view of Auke Bay, the family-owned brewery is a the picture-perfect place to end a day’s adventure.
Address: 11798 Glacier Hwy, Juneau
Red Spruce AK, a global street food eatery, is located inside the taproom. Serving various burgers, Asian-inspired noodle dishes, Alaskan favorites and hand-tossed salads, there is something to satisfy all taste buds.
Address: 11798 Glacier Hwy, Juneau
We hope our guide to Juneau, Alaska gives you enough information to plan a holiday to the Pacific Temperate Rainforest!
As we wrap up this mini-guide to Juneau, Alaska, it’s clear that there’s so much to explore in this stunning capital city. From hiking the stunning trails to discovering the fascinating history, Juneau has something for everyone.
Don’t forget to feast on fresh seafood, taste the own brewed beer and take a tour to see the majestic glaciers up close and to explore the wilderness!
Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to soak up the natural beauty, Juneau won’t disappoint. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
For more travel tips and stories about Alaska, check out our other travel tips – there’s always a new adventure waiting for you:
Rust’s Flying Service
If you’re planning a bigger Alaskan adventure, Rust’s Flying Service – Lake Hood’s oldest and largest floatplane operator – should be at the top of your list.
Owned by the Rust family, the company has strong community ties and a heritage that’s as rich as the Alaskan landscape itself. Each pilot is hand-picked for their unrivalled experience, skill and knowledge, ensuring you’re in the best hands to explore the wilderness.
Plus, you can enjoy a 10% discount using the code “traveldudes” to make your unforgettable journey even more rewarding.
