If you are cruising to Alaska, then it’s almost assured that your ship will make a stop in Juneau. Alaska’s capital city — and the second largest city in the state despite having just about 30,000 residents — is among the busiest cruise ports in the region.
There’s good reason for the popularity. Unlike some stops that cruise ships make, Juneau is a city that also has tourism rather than a city just built for tourism. That means you have plenty to see and do, but there’s also a genuine atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re visiting a real place.
In Alaska it’s one of our favorite spots to visit with plenty to fill a day in a unique setting you won’t find anywhere but Alaska.
Here’s what to know before you visit on your cruise.
Expect the Busiest Port You Visit
Alaskan cruising continues to gain in popularity and nowhere is that more evident than in Juneau. There are other busy ports out there, including Ketchikan, but Juneau is the busiest that we’ve visited. There are four different cruise docks and when the ships are in, there can be upwards of 10,000 more people out and about. The direct port area right at the ships is the busiest spot in town and can be a sea of people at times.
Get out of port boardwalk area and the crowds quickly die down. Still, we’d expect that for most people “crowded” doesn’t come to mind when envisioning Alaska, so be prepared.
Juneau Is the Most Picturesque Port
There’s no shortage of picture-perfect ports of call in Alaska. To us, however, Juneau takes the cake. The town sits on the edge of a channel, so even as you approach you’ll have mountains on both sides of the ship, complete with snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, and tons of greenery.
But once you get to town, you’ll find that its setting is one-of-a-kind. Juneau sits on the banks of the water, at the base of two mountains — Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts. So you have a small city backed by mountains. The feel is something you’d think you’d see in the Alps, but it’s American.
Hopefully you’ll be able to visit on a day when the sky is clear to really make the green of the mountainside and the white peaks pop.
Mendenhall Glacier Is the Big Excursion Draw
We think you can happily spend a day exploring Juneau on your own. However, if you want something uniquely Alaskan, then how about seeing a glacier?
Mendenhall Glacier is only about 11 miles as the crow flies from the ships. Given that proximity, it’s one of the most visited glaciers anywhere and there will be multiple excursion options to see it.
You can do everything from a classic tour to kayaking next to the glacier to even helicopter to Mendenhall Glacier to see it from an even more unique perspective. You can even dogsled on the ice with some trips.
Visit the Seawalk and The Whale Project
Head left from the cruise port toward the bridge that connects Juneau and Douglas across channel and you’ll see one of the newer features in Juneau. Here, there’s been a seawalk constructed that goes out into the water, giving you unobstructed views of the surrounding area. It’s a cool public feature that you should visit if you’re in the area.
There also a massive whale sculpture that’s a must-see. The humpback whale rises out of an infinity pool with water spraying to add to the effect. When it comes to public art, it’s one of the more impressive that you’ll see.
The Goldbelt Tram Is a Popular Attraction Right Near the Ship
If you want to get a bird’s eye view of Juneau and the surrounding area, then the best opportunity is right by the cruise ship docks. As you leave the ship, you can’t miss the Goldbelt Tram.
This tram runs 1,800 feet up Mt. Roberts. You can buy your tickets at he tram station at the base and they run $60 for adults and $45 for kids 12 and under. This gives you all day access to the six-minute ride up and down the mountain.
At the top you’ll find not just views, but also some shopping and restaurants. You can also hike the Mt. Roberts Trail to get some even more spectacular views.
It’s doubtful you’ll spend all day here, but as a way to spend some time, it’s a good option.
King Crab? You Don’t Have to Go Far
Yes, it’s a tourist spot, but if you want King Crab, you don’t have to go far. It’s a meal that is synonymous with Alaska, kind of like how you have to get gumbo if you head to New Orleans.
Well, right in front of the cruise docks (and next to the Goldbelt Tram) is Tracy’s King Crab Shack. Don’t let the name fool you, this place is no longer a shack but one of the biggest buildings on the waterfront. And if the ships are in, expect to see a line out the door.
In fact, it’s so popular that a second location is open just on the other side of downtown.
If you want crab, this is where you’ll find it.
Franklin Street Is Your Spot For Tourist Shopping and Restaurants
Want a beer? Or a meal? Or some souvenirs? Or maybe you just want to do a little window shopping?
You can do it all on Franklin Street. This street runs parallel to the cruise docks and into downtown Juneau. Given the location and the number of tourists, it’s turned into an Alaska version of Rodeo Drive. Ok, that’s a stretch, but you get the idea.
It’s a touristy strip with all sort of things to browse, from the famous Red Dog Saloon to souvenir stores selling everything from Alaska t-shirts to precious gems. Even if you only have a few minutes, you’ll want to browse this street because you never know what may catch your eye.
You Can Visit the State Capitol for an Overlooked Experience
We think an interesting — and overlooked — spot to visit is the State Capitol. It’s less than a half-mile from where the ships dock. Just head up Main Street and you can’t miss it.
You can tour the building on your own and tour the halls that lawmakers do when in session. Our favorite part of taking a visit was seeing a lot of the historical pictures and memorabilia that lines the walls. That includes a photo taken way back of a miner with $7.2 million of gold, the same amount the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for in 1867. Needless to say, that purchase paid off.
Dressing for Juneau Can Be Tough
The best advice for dressing while in port in Juneau? Be ready for anything. If the sun is out, then it can be warm enough to go in short sleeves and shorts (and don’t forget sunglasses). But if it is cloudy or even if you are in the shade, then you can quickly get cool.
That’s why it’s best to dress in layers, to where you can add or subtract clothing as needed to keep comfortable. One other thing to know is that May and June are drier months (with about 4 inches of rain), but July-September gets much wetter. September alone gets about 9 inches of rain. Meanwhile, there are around 230 days a year with some sort of precipitation.
So hope for sun, but be ready for rain.
Your Phone Will Likely Work in Port
Alaska is known for its remoteness, but the cities often have many amenities you are used to back home. And that can mean cell service that’s part of your plan, allowing you to get in touch.
Now full disclosure — we use a discount cell provider (Mint Mobile, on the T-Mobile network) and had service, but it was much slower than at home. Still, we were able to use it and keep in touch.
So if you have an upcoming cruise and one of these services, then yes, your phone should work.
More on Cruising Alaska:
- 44 Must-Have Alaskan Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Secrets
- How Alaskan Cruises Differ From Caribbean Cruises (And It’s NOT Just Colder)
- 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 You’d Never Think Of)
