Best Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska: Ultimate Cruise Port Guide

Juneau, the capital city of Alaska since 1906, was founded in 1880 by gold seekers. This city known for its rich history, culture, and landscapes actually has no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska! That makes Juneau the perfect cruise ship destination. With most ships docking for 6-9 hours, you’ll want to maximize your time in this stunning port of call. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, or cultural experiences, our comprehensive guide covers the best Juneau shore excursions for Alaska cruise passengers in 2025.

15 Best Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska on a Cruise

Having visited Alaska on six different cruises with various cruise lines, we’ve had the chance to experience quite a bit of what this port has to offer cruise passengers. But there’s always more to see and do, that’s why we keep returning year after year.

Whether you’re visiting Alaska for the first time or are returning for another trip, these are some of the must-do activities during your cruise visit to Juneau.

1. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

In our opinion, the main attraction in Juneau, Alaska is the beautiful Mendenhall Glacier, and that’s why it should top your shore excursion list. This massive 13-mile-long river of ice offers multiple ways to experience its grandeur during your cruise stop.

The Visitor Center provides excellent viewing platforms and informative exhibits about glacial movement and the surrounding ecosystem. Several hiking trails offer fantastic photo opportunities of the glacier, Mendenhall Lake, nearby Nugget Falls, and local wildlife including black bears (from a safe distance).

Tour Duration: 2.5-3 hours (including transportation)
Price Range: $50-85 per person for shuttle services with admission
Best For: All ages and mobility levels

Sample Tour: Exclusive Juneau City & Mendenhall Glacier

2. Glacier Hiking Tours

For more adventurous travelers, guided hiking tours take you closer to the glacier face. The popular “Photo Trail” and “East Glacier Loop” are manageable within most cruise ship schedules.

Aside from spectular glacier and waterfall views, a walk through this forested area may offer some wildlife sightings as well. Black bears, porcupines, beavers, and bald eagles are commonly seen in this area. For the best chance of bear sightings, head out on the “Steep Creek Trail”.

Tour Duration: 4-5 hours
Price Range: $130-300 per person
Best For: Moderate fitness levels

Sample Tour: Mendenhall Glacier Trek Hiking

3. Whale Watching Tours

Juneau offers some of Alaska’s best whale watching opportunities, with humpbacks, orcas, and other marine mammals frequenting the nutrient-rich waters of Stephen’s Passage and Auke Bay.

Most tour operators provide heated cabins, knowledgeable naturalist guides, and guarantee whale sightings (or a partial refund). You’ll also likely spot sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, and possibly bears along the shoreline. Of course, you will want to get a closer look at these creatures from the open-air viewing deck, so be sure to pack layers, a waterproof jacket, binoculars, and a camera.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Price Range: $150-200 per person
Best For: All ages and mobility levels
Pro Tip: Book morning tours for generally calmer waters

Sample Tour: Exclusive Whale Watching Cruise

4. Ziplining Adventures

Thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss ziplining through the Tongass National Forest canopy. Located on Douglas Island just across the Gastineau Channel from Juneau, these adventures typically feature:

• 7-10 ziplines of varying lengths and heights
• Suspension bridges between platforms
• Expert guides providing safety instruction and local knowledge
• Panoramic mountain views and salmon-spawning stream sightings
• Optional axe-throwing activities

Some tour operators offer combo excursions pairing ziplining with other activities like gold panning or wildlife viewing to maximize your port time.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Price Range: $169-299 per person
Best For: Ages 8+ with minimum weight requirements (typically 70+ lbs)

Sample Tour: Alpine Zip Adventure

5. Gold Creek Salmon Bake

If you want to indulge in some of the local flavor while visiting Juneau, then you will want to take a trip to Gold Creek for a traditional Alaskan salmon bake. Located in the rainforest of Southeast Alaska and offering a rich history of the Gold Rush, this experience will provide you with more than just a meal. This popular outdoor dining experience is an all-you-can-eat feast that features:

• Wild-caught salmon grilled over alder wood
• Variety of side dishes and desserts
• Covered heated seating (rain or shine)
• Nature trails to explore
• Mining artifacts and historic site remnants

Once your meal is done, you will have time to explore the nature trail near the creek and the remnants of the Alaska-Juneau Mine site. If you catch some “gold fever”, then you might want to do a little panning for gold yourself.

Many cruise lines offer this as an afternoon/evening excursion, perfect for after a morning activity.

Tour Duration: 2 hours including transportation
Price Range: $75-90 per person
Best For: All ages and dietary preferences (vegetarian options available)

Sample Tour: Gold Creek Salmon Bake

6. Alaska State Museum

Any history buff will be interested in checking out the collections of Alaska’s state museum, which include cultural artifacts and informative exhibits spanning the state’s many peoples. Admission is free to kids 18 and under for families to learn about the art of kayak-building or the graphic arts and historic objects of Alaska’s native Indigenous cultures. 

Located within walking distance from the cruise port, highlights include:

• Indigenous artifacts from Alaska Native cultures
• Russian-American colonial period exhibits
• Gold Rush era displays
• Natural history sections featuring Alaska’s unique wildlife
• Interactive exhibits suitable for all ages

The museum’s convenient downtown location makes it easy to fit into your itinerary alongside other activities.

Tour Duration: 1-2 hours (self-guided)
Price Range: $14 admission (free for children under 18)
Best For: All ages, especially history buffs and those interested in Native cultures

Alaska State Museum info: Hours & Admission

7. Downtown Juneau Exploration

If you don’t want to spend too much money or time venturing beyond the port, there is plenty to experience right in Downtown Juneau. Juneau’s charming downtown area is easily walkable from the cruise ship docks, making it perfect for independent exploration. Highlights include:

• Historic South Franklin Street with gold rush-era buildings
• Local shops featuring authentic Alaskan crafts and souvenirs
• Red Dog Saloon – the iconic frontier-style bar dating back to mining days
• State Capitol building (free tours available)
• Waterfront area with scenic harbor views

Pro Tip: Pick up a free walking tour map at the cruise port visitor center for a self-guided historic tour.

If you get hungry along the way, take the short walk over to Tracy’s King Crab Shack for the “best legs in town”. Be sure to sample some Alaskan crab bisque, crab cakes, or crab legs. You’ll be glad you did.

Downtown Juneau info: Tracy’s King Crab Shack | Red Dog Saloon

8. Mount Roberts Tramway

For spectacular panoramic views of Juneau and the surrounding mountains, take the Mount Roberts Tramway located just steps from the cruise terminal. This aerial tram rises 1,800 feet to the Mountain House atop Mount Roberts, where you can:

• Enjoy breathtaking views of Gastineau Channel and the Chilkat Mountains
• Visit the raptor center with live bald eagle display
• Watch the cultural film about Tlingit heritage
• Explore hiking trails of varying difficulty
• Dine at the mountain-top restaurant
• Shop for unique Native artwork and souvenirs

Tour Duration: 1-3 hours (flexible, ride down whenever you wish)
Price Range: $45-60 for round-trip ticket
Best For: All ages and ability levels

Tramway info: Tickets & Pricing

9. Helicopter and Dog Sledding Tours

For a truly unforgettable Alaskan experience, combine helicopter flightseeing with dog sledding on a glacier. These premium excursions offer:

• Spectacular aerial views of glaciers, fjords, and mountain peaks
• Landing on Mendenhall or Taku glacier
• Meeting professional mushers and their dog teams
• Riding a dog sled across the snow field
• Time to interact with the huskies and often puppies
• Expert guides sharing information about dog sledding tradition

These tours do get canceled quite often due to weather, so it took us three attempts to experience this amazing excursion. While pricey, we highly recommend it!

Helicopter tours can be coupled with glacier walks/hikes as well. Guests have the opportunity to walk directly on the glacial ice with professional guides, learning about glacier formation, movement, and climate impact along the way.

Tour Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours
Price Range: $499-800 per person
Best For: Ages 2+ (weight restrictions may apply)
Seasonal Note: Dog camps typically operate on glaciers from May through early September

Sample Tour: Juneau Dog Sledding and Helicopter

10. Tracy Arm Fjord Day Trip

If your cruise ship doesn’t include Tracy Arm Fjord on its itinerary, consider a day trip from Juneau to this spectacular narrow fjord with towering waterfalls and floating icebergs. High-speed catamarans make this remarkable journey possible during your port stop.

Highlights include:

• Close-up views of the twin Sawyer Glaciers
• Waterfalls cascading thousands of feet down cliff faces
• Wildlife sightings including seals, whales, and mountain goats
• Naturalist narration about the fjord’s geology and ecosystem

Tour Duration: 6-7 hours
Price Range: $279-399 per person
Best For: Nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts
Note: Only recommended if you have at least 8 hours in port

Sample Tour: Tracy Arm Fjord Explorer

11. Rainforest Gardens Excursion

The Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure offers a unique botanical experience in the Tongass National Forest. This shore excursion includes:

• Guided tour in covered vehicles through the lush rainforest
• Famous “upside-down tree” flower towers
• Panoramic views from Thunder Mountain overlook
• Educational presentation about the temperate rainforest ecosystem
• Indoor tropical garden display

While guests can visit on their own, cruise line excursions often combine the Glacier Gardens with other area attractions.

Tour Duration: 2.5 hours including transportation
Price Range: $85-150 per person for combo tours ($37 admission on your own)
Best For: Plant enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a less strenuous activity

Glacier Gardens: Info & Pricing

12. Alaska Brewery Tour

The award-winning Alaskan Brewing Company (and others) offer tours from the cruise port to their facilities where you can learn about their unique brewing processes and sample their famous beers including the signature Alaskan Amber.

Tours typically include:

• Round-trip transportation from the cruise terminal
• Guided brewery tour explaining the brewing process
• Beer tasting session with multiple varieties
• Souvenir tasting glass
• Opportunity to purchase exclusive brewery merchandise

There are also various “bike and brew” excursions available.

Tour Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Price Range: $109-199 per person
Best For: Adults 21+ interested in craft beer

Sample Tour: Brews & Views Brewery Tour

13. Juneau Foodie Walking Tour

Experience the unique flavors of Alaska’s capital city with a guided culinary walking tour through historic downtown Juneau. These popular excursions combine local history, culture, and delicious Alaskan cuisine as you sample regional specialties.

Highlights include:

• Fresh-caught seafood tastings including king crab, halibut, and locally-sourced salmon
• Sampling of Alaskan craft beers and spirits from local breweries and distilleries
• Visits to 5-7 locally-owned establishments including hidden gems and favorite local spots
• Cultural and historical narration about Juneau’s food scene and Gold Rush influences

Tour Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Price Range: $125-175 per person
Best For: Food enthusiasts and those seeking authentic Alaskan cuisine

Sample Tour: Juneau Culinary Delights Walk

14. Kayaking Adventures

Experience Alaska’s wilderness from water level with guided kayaking excursions suitable for beginners. Some sample excursions include:

Mendenhall Lake Kayaking

Paddle on the lake directly in front of Mendenhall Glacier with opportunities to approach icebergs and Nugget Falls. As you glide across the lake’s surface, the massive blue ice face of Mendenhall Glacier dominates the view, creating a stunning backdrop for photos. This intimate glacial experience offers perspectives impossible to gain from land-based viewpoints.

Auke Bay Sea Kayaking

Explore the protected waters of Auke Bay with potential wildlife sightings. This rich marine ecosystem supports abundant wildlife including harbor seals, bald eagles, and humpback whales. The combination of mountain vistas, island scenery, and potential close wildlife encounters makes this excursion popular with nature photographers and families seeking a more active wilderness experiences.

Tour Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Price Range: $109-319 per person
Best For: Ages 10+ with basic fitness levels
What’s Included: All kayaking equipment, instruction, and rain gear if needed

Sample Tour: Sea Kayaking with Glacier Views

15. Taku Glacier Lodge Feast & Flight

This premium excursion combines flightseeing and dining for an unforgettable Alaskan experience:

• Scenic floatplane flight over five glaciers
• Landing on the Taku River in front of the historic lodge
• All-you-can-eat feast featuring fresh grilled salmon
• Time to explore the wilderness property and historic buildings
• Return flight with different scenic routing

Black bears often visit the lodge grounds after the salmon grilling, offering natural wildlife viewing opportunities.

Tour Duration: 3.5 hours
Price Range: $425-579 per person
Best For: Special occasions and bucket-list experiences
Note: Booking well in advance is highly recommended

Sample Tour: Taku Lodge Feast & Glacier Seaplane Discovery

Sample Activities for Your Juneau Port Day

Adventure Seeker

• Helicopter & Dog Sledding Tour (3.5 hours)
• Downtown exploration and Mount Roberts Tramway (3 hours)
• Alaska Brewing Company tour (1.5 hours)

Family-Friendly

• Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (3 hours)
• Downtown exploration and Tracy’s King Crab Shack
• Whale watching tour (3 hours)

Budget-Conscious

• Mount Roberts Tramway (2 hours)
• Alaska State Museum (1.5 hours)
• Downtown exploration and Red Dog Saloon (2 hours)

Juneau Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cruise ships typically stay in Juneau?

Most cruise ships dock in Juneau for 6-9 hours, giving passengers enough time for 1-2 (max) excursions or several smaller activities. Cruisers often couple one shore excursion with time for self exploration of other nearby attractions.

How far is Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port?

Mendenhall Glacier is approximately 12 miles from the Juneau cruise port, about a 20-minute drive. Shuttle services and organized excursions provide regular transportation.

Can I book shore excursions independently or should I book through my cruise line?

While booking through your cruise line guarantees your ship won’t leave without you, independent operators often offer smaller group sizes and lower prices. If booking independently, choose operators that guarantee return to your ship on time, like Shore Excursions Group.

What’s the best time of year to visit Juneau on a cruise?

May through September is cruise season in Juneau. July and August offer the warmest temperatures (averaging 65°F/18°C), while May and September provide fewer crowds but slightly cooler weather.

Is Juneau walkable from the cruise port?

Yes, downtown Juneau is very walkable from the cruise port. The Mount Roberts Tramway, Red Dog Saloon, and shopping areas are all within easy walking distance.

What are the must-do activities if I only have 5-6 hours in Juneau?

If time is limited, prioritize either Mendenhall Glacier or a whale watching tour, followed by the Mount Roberts Tramway if time permits.

Are tours available for cruise passengers with mobility issues?

Yes, several excursions are accessible to those with limited mobility. The Mount Roberts Tramway, whale watching cruises, and certain Mendenhall Glacier viewpoints are suitable options. Always contact tour operators in advance to discuss specific needs.

What’s the weather like in Juneau?

Juneau remains fairly mild throughout summer. May and September typically see temperatures in the mid-50s°F, while June, July, and August usually have temperatures in the low 60s°F to mid-70s°F. Though, Juneau receives significant rainfall year-round. Always pack a waterproof jacket with hood, layered clothing, and comfortable walking shoes. Even in summer, the damp climate can make it feel colder, especially near glaciers and at higher elevations.

Comments

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