Juneau, Alaska
The third largest city and Alaska’s capital, Juneau sits right in between the base of Mt. Juneau and sea level. Juneau is special because it is one of two state capitals that are unable to be reached by road. You have to boat in or fly in to Juneau.
Where to Stay
Even though Juneau is small, it is the third largest city in Alaska and the state capital so there are plenty of lodging places to stay. As always, this list is not exhaustive.
Hotels and Lodges
120 2nd St, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-4146
Close to souvenirs, shops and restaurants. Clean rooms, nice owner and staff. My favorite was the rooftop hot tub!
Four Points by Sheraton Juneau
51 Egan Dr, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-6900
Super close to downtown and boardwalk area where there are souvenir shops, and fresh seafood. Clean and comfortable rooms.
Aspen Suites Hotel Juneau
8400 Airport Blvd, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 500-7700
Near the airport and the Mendenhall Glacier, and almost 5 miles to town. Clean and comfortable, great for extended stays!
Best Western Grandma’s Feather Bed
2358 Mendenhall Loop Rd, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 789-5566
This hotel is not in the middle of the city, its near the airport and in a quiet area 20 minutes from town. If you stay here, I recommend having a rental or money for an uber to get into the city. Breakfast is good here, and so are the rooms.
Baranof Downtown, BW Signature Collection
127 N Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-2660
One of the taller hotels in the middle of the city, this hotel has small but comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and good views of the incoming cruise ships. Be aware there is no air conditioning.
Juneau Hotel
1200 W 9th St, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-5666
A 20-minute drive from the Airport and very close to downtown where you can find the souvenir shops and fresh seafood. Clean rooms and nice kitchenettes and super friendly service.
****There are a lot more popular brand hotels in Juneau and a light google search can bring them up, however I am not going to list all of them here. This is just a basic list of a few that might meet your individual needs****
Adlersheim Wilderness Lodge
35000 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99803
(907) 723-8245
You must call this property to visit.
A very beautiful off the path place to stay
Inns, Cabins and B&Bs;
Beachside Villa Luxury Inn
3120 Douglas Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 463-5531
In room fireplaces are just one of the many fun things about this place – private balconies, stocked kitchenttes, a huge whirlpool tub and individualized amenities designed to meet whatever need you might need. They have great views and comfortable rooms. The owners are helpful and knowledgeable.
Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed & Breakfast
113 5th Street Stairs, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-6507
This inn/B&B resides within walking distance of downtown. This place is clean and cozy with charming hosts who are very knowledgeable about the surrounding area. Great views, comfortable beds and amazing breakfasts!
Auke Lake Bed & Breakfast *
11595 Mendenhall Loop Rd, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 957-9263
Located 15 minutes from Downtown this B&B sits by a beautiful lake with a jacuzzi off the back deck. There is a café nearby open from May – September offering breakfast. With recommendations on tours and daily housekeeping if needed, this place is full of Alaskan Hospitality.
Jorgenson House Luxury Bed & Breakfast
635 Alder St, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 723-4202
For those that like things a little fancy, this B&B has it. The rooms are excellent and comfortable, the hosts treat you like family the moment you book. They are very knowledgeable about things to do in the area. The views and quite surrounding area make it a very relaxing place to be including stocked kitchen and luscious bathrooms. Simply beautiful inside and out. The food is wonderful as well.
Pearson’s Pond Suites
9633 Kelly Ct Ste 1, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 789-3772
The owners have a history of winning Alaska’s only AAA Four Diamond Award 12 years in a row. Now they work in the suite’s capacity. If you have a group of people visiting, I recommend checking in with Person’s Pond Suites. They are very knowledgeable about the surrounding area and help you have the best stay possible.
RV and Camping
Glacier Nalu Campground Resort
10200 Mendenhall Loop Rd, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 789-1990
An RV/Tent site and one of the best in Juneau. The washrooms and laundry facilities are very clean, the showers are hot. The staff are super nice and helpful. The tent sites are really nice and clean and firepits are great with affordable firewood if needed. This place is in a great location and close to the Mendenhall Glacier.
Mendenhall Campground
1081 Arctic Cir, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-8800
Very beautiful Campground located 10 minutes to the ferry and 20 minutes to downtown. Located next to Mendenhall Lake, the views are outstanding. Wood is always stocked for the fire pits and all the spots are spacious. Full hookups for motor homes as well. Clean restrooms.
Auk Village Campground
8510 Mendenhall Loop Rd, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 789-6264
Really peaceful and quiet with amazing views of the bay. Firewood is provided and wildlife is common.
Of course, I am always a huge fan of Air Bnb and finding someone’s place to stay in as well!!
Where to Eat
Buoy Deck
345 Egan Dr, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 463-2370
Be prepared to see all varieties of food in this bar and grill including spaghetti and meatballs, grilled cheese, brisket sandwiches tex-mex tacos and more. The drinks are well priced and they have a great variety of beer. Good vibes here.
Pel’meni
2 Marine Way, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-0177
A Russian Dumpling house offering two types of dumplings. They are fantastic! It’s a great price for the amount of food you are getting. The place doesn’t look like much but prepare to be pleasantly surprised! One of the best restaurants in Juneau. You’ve got to try this authentic Russian food at least once.
Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos
139 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 957-2005
A small menu but the quality is so good. Crunchy, fresh, not greasy and the location is awesome with other vendors nearby.
The Hangar On The Wharf
2 Marine Way #106, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-5018
Great food, Atmosphere, Views, service and prices! The burgers are as great as the Halibut. The local beer is great too!
Canton Asian Bistro
8585 Old Dairy Rd #105, Juneau, AK 99801
Great Asian Dishes, Consistent, great service, great food and portions
Tracy’s King Crab Shack
300 Whittier St, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 790-2722
Friendly Staff, fresh and authentic, one of the best places for king crab or crab cakes. Great atmosphere and two locations!
Seong’s Sushi Bar
740 W 9th St, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-4778
Amazing service, fresh, clean and delicious – the best sushi in town! They require reservations, heads up.
V’s Cellar
222 Seward St, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-6870
A fusion restaurant combining Mexican and Korean comfort foods served with local beer or wine. Great service, staff and food!
Zerelda’s Bistro
9106 Mendenhall Mall Rd Suite B, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 723-6584
A cozy place to experience southern BBQ in Alaska. Served with Beer and wine on the patio, what can get any better?
Donna’s Restaurant
9121 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 789-1470
Simple and unassuming diner but big portions and breakfast all day!
Devil’s Hideaway
5364 Commercial Blvd, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 790-3663
Great Bar, Burgers, Wings. An Easy going place to eat and unwind. Lots of options to try for the wings in this cute local place.
157 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
Tasty Nachos, Delicious Salsa, great location and service. Try the Halibut Fajitas!
Coppa
917 Glacier Ave #102, Juneau, AK 99801
One of the best places to get coffee, ice-cream and Pastries in town. From the website “Making people happy by offering delicious, handmade products in an environment that evokes the best of Alaskan hospitality”
Red Dog Saloon
278 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 463-3658
A great place for a beer through the swinging doors and sawdust floors. Great food and staff, amazing burger and BBQ. Higher prices.
Twisted Fish Company Alaskan Grill
550 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 463-5033
Glorious views in this casual seafood restaurant. The atmosphere is great, food is amazing and they even have tacos and pizza.
Juneau Pizza
9105 Mendenhall Mall Rd, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 789-7070
Lots of sauce and toppings at this pizza place. Family run and quite possibly the best pizza in Juneau.
What to see & do
Like all the other places in Alaska, what you can do varies on when you are coming, what the weather is like when you get here and if you want to stay on land or go into the water.
Things to do in Juneau:
If you are just visiting the city for a few days or stopping in with your cruise, check out some of the things in town:
Check out Historic Downtown – There is so much to see here, it keeps most day cruise passengers very busy. Check out the history and culture that continues in the historic downtown Juneau
The Alaska State Museum – come check out Alaska’s culture
Juneau Douglas City Museum – Introduce yourself to the community of Juneau and Douglas island (right across from downtown).
Juneau Arts and Humanities Council – Check out this page for any events available while you are visiting! – They also offer TLC, a taste of local culture for vistors which allows you to experience a home cooked meal with real Alaskans. -35$
Seaalaska Heritage – Walter Soboleff Building – Learn about the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people inside a cedar clan house. Experience exhibits, art, history and culture.
The Alaska State Capitol – Juneau is Alaska’s capitol. This is where all the laws are passed. Self-guided tours are available year round but you can also click this link and get to the capitol page where you can find other options.
Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure – A family run business started in 1984. Located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, these gardens is a botanical paradise. Enter a covered rainforest vehicle and take a tour through gardens into the rainforest on thunder Mountain.
Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center – You must purchase a pass to visit from May1- Sept 30 to enter. This link will take you to the visitor’s page and there is a link to purchase from there. The visitor’s center is your gateway to all things Mendenhall. You can also see it with your choice of any local guided tours as well.
Mendenhall Glacier – check out the glacier. Even if you are just stopping in for a day trip, it is worth it.
Goldbelt Mt. Roberts Tramway – the only tram in Juneau. Lifts you 1800 feet above the rain forest. A great photo spot and tons to see. Around 35$ to ride, this 5 minute one way tram is a must see.
Juneau Food Tour – Take a food tour all around Juneau with local hosts. See the sights and get the grubb! Discovery Juneau’s hidden gems.
Gold Creek Salmon Bake – Featured on Bravo Television’s top chef and a must experience. Great atmosphere, great time and great salmon.
The Alaska Brewing Company Brewery – one of the most popular beer companies in Alaska. Juneau is the home of this company and the tasting room is open year round! They have lots of options to choose from.
Amalga Distillery – Open daily from 1pm – 8pm. Offering Juneau made beverages including whiskey and choice drinks.
The Shrine of St. Therese – A beautiful area on holy grounds, with peaceful lodging and spiritual experiences. Located 22 miles out of town.
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church – Founded in 1893 at the request of the local Tlingit community, this church was constructed by the Tlingit and Serbain miners using land donated by Yees Ganalax and using the plans and funds from Russia. This church is a fixture for the Juneau community ever since and shows the history of cultures in Alaska.
Mine for Gold – Take a gold panning lesson at Gold creek and learn the history of gold exploration in Juneau. Take home any gold you find. Transportation included.
AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tour – Experience a true underground gold mine. Explore and learn the history, take a ride across the Gastineau Channel, put on a hard hat and walk through a 360 ft. long tunnel.
DIPAC’s Macaulay Salmon Hatchery – Cross over to Douglas Island and check out a Salmon Hatchery.
Here are a few Things to do with a few links to companies offering those services.
Helicopter Tours
Juneau Shore Tours – the Juneau ice fields are on the Herbert Glacier in Juneau and a must see. This tour will take you there and you can get out and walk around on the glacier. You will get a birds eye view of the sights but be standing on the ground.
Temsco Air – Mendenhall Glacier and Guided Walk -this 2.5 hour tour takes you to the Mendenhall Glacier with the opportunity to Dog Sled during the winter. During the summer you can do dog sledding on land as well.
Coastal Helicopters – Glaciers, Ice fields and Dogsleds. This company gives you your cake and you can eat it too on this excursion.
Whale Watching
Alaska Shore Tours – Whale watching guaranteed.
Juneau Tours & Whale Watch – Private and Combined whale watching tours – can also go see the Mendenhall Glacier too
Day Cruises / Tours
Adventure Bound Alaska – Tracy Arm Fjord Tour – Check out this all day Tour around Juneau. Also get a chance to see the Sawyer Glacier.
Alaska Day Tours – Sort through your pick of day tours in Juneau depending on what you are wanting to see and do.
Tracy Arm Fjord Tour – Check out this all day Tour around Juneau. Also get a chance to see the Sawyer Glacier
Kayaking Tours
Beyond AK – Take a Whale Watching Kayak Tour
Juneau Kayak – Experienced Guides and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Bike Ride
There are multiple bike riding options in Juneau – check this link out to see some around the area
Cycle Alaska – Bike Tours and Rentals
Dog Sled
Gold Rush Tours – Learn how to Dog sled in Juneau, meet the dogs and mushers!
Alaska Ice field Expeditions – check out the icefields by helicopter and go dog sledding!
Winter time – Skiing, Snowboarding Etc.
EagleCrest Ski Area – a community owned ski area
Lighthouse Tour
Juneau Lighthouse Tours – the only lighthouse and whale watching adventure in Juneau
You can also check these Islands out that are nearby Juneau
Douglas Island – Right next door to Juneau
Admiralty Island – Home to the highest density of brown bears
Chichagof Island – Much farther away near Sitka if you are in search of bears
Where to hike
There are SO many places to hike and see all the beauty that Juneau has to offer. This list is NOT exhaustive. However, if you want to view more information about the trails in Juneau – you can check here.
Nugget Falls Trail – A short paved, 1 mile trail where you can walk to the bottom of a waterfall running off Mendenhall Glacier. Very Beautiful
Perseverance Trail – 3 miles round trip to Silverbow basin, 2-4 hours. There is a well-marked trail head. The most popular trail in Juneau.
Mt. Roberts Alpine Loop Trail – Beginning at the mountain house, 1800 ft, begins a trail for another 300 ft. The trail is 150 ft. and will bring you to viewings of the bay, mountains and snow gullies.
East Glacier Loop – This 3 mile loop leads you around the Mendenhall Lake and glacier.
Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei – This is the Mendenhall River Trail, wheelchair accessible and follows the river for 2 miles. This trail gives great views of the glacier.
Goldbelt tram to Gastineau Peak – this is a 4 mile out and back trail near Juneau taking about 3 hours. Popular for birding and gorgeous views.