Exploring Juneau, Alaska: 6 Activities to Add to Your Itinerary
Planning your trip to Juneau, Alaska? Get ready for an incredible adventure! Accessible only by boat or plane, Alaska’s capital is the place for raw natural beauty, delicious food, and fascinating history. From soaring tramway rides to jaw-dropping glaciers and mouthwatering local cuisine, these six things will help you uncover the best of Juneau.
#1 - TAKE THE GOLDBELT TRAM UP FOR SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF JUNEAU FROM ABOVE
Located just steps from the main cruise ship port, the Goldbelt Tram is your ticket to breathtaking views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel from a height of 1,800 feet on Mt. Roberts. This vertical tramway is one of the most impressive in the world. Once you reach the summit, you'll find stunning panoramic views, a gift shop, a restaurant, and miles of hiking trails. If you’re only in town for a day, this is the perfect way to explore Juneau and its surroundings. Tickets are available online or in person for $50, granting you an all-day pass to ride up and down as many times as you'd like.
#2 - EXPLORE MENDENHALL GLACIER & NUGGET FALLS
A short drive from downtown Juneau leads you to the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier. A brief walk from the entrance will bring you face-to-face with this natural wonder. Don't miss the chance to take an extra 1.5-mile roundtrip hike to Nugget Falls, a beautiful and powerful waterfall. If you're in town as part of a cruise, there's also a shuttle from downtown Juneau to make your visit convenient.
#3 - SAVOR DELICIOUS FISH TACOS AT DECKHAND DAVE’S
While strolling through downtown Juneau, make a pit stop at Deckhand Dave's for world-class fish tacos. Their outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal and a drink, complete with heaters for colder weather. The sampler dish of three different tacos and their exceptional halibut chowder come highly recommended.
#4 - KAYAKING IN AUKE BAY
One of the best ways to experience Alaska is by kayaking, either on your own or with a tour group. Rent your kayaks from Juneau Kayak Rentals in Auke Bay and spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding islands. Who knows, you might even find your dream waterfront property while enjoying the natural beauty from the water.
#5 - ENJOY LOCAL BREWS AT FORBIDDEN PEAK BREWERY
After soaking in the scenery of Auke Bay, head across the street to Forbidden Peak Brewery. Their outdoor patio offers scenic bay views, and their beer is truly delightful. Consider trying a blend of their Golden North brew with their Citrus soda for a refreshing beverage.
#6 - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF JUNEAU’S ABUNDANCE OF HIKING TRAILS
If you have a few days in town and want to take advantage of Juneau's abundance of hiking trails, consider the Mount Juneau trail. This out-and-back route covers approximately 6.8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet. The trailhead is conveniently located less than a mile from the town center, and the breathtaking views at the summit make the slightly challenging trek absolutely worth it.
For a more leisurely day of hiking, consider the Perseverance Trail, starting from the same trailhead as Mount Juneau. This 3-mile out-and-back trail offers beautiful waterfalls, stunning ridgeline views, and an abundance of salmon berries in the summertime.
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Welcome to Points to Point Travel, your ultimate guide to unlocking the world of travel using points and miles. I'm Stacy, and my mission is to empower you with destination guides, insider travel tips, and strategies to maximize your credit card points, showing you countless ways to travel smarter and better!
