Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is bustling with adventures! From wilderness exploration and wildlife to delicious food, there is something for everyone in Juneau.
1. Visit Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is the Number 1 attraction in Juneau, Alaska. It’s not far from town, and it’s straightforward to get to by bus. Many tours are offered downtown that will provide you with a ride to and from the glacier. They tend to leave every 20-30 minutes.
Once at the glacier, there are a few hiking trails and a visitor center! Make sure you stop at the visitor center to learn about the glacier and how it has changed over the years. You can also get a great view of the glacier and surrounding area from the large windows in the visitor center.
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can hike to the lookout point for a closer view, or you can hike the Nugget Falls Trail to the waterfall to the glacier’s right. Both are great experiences while visiting Mendenhall Glacier. Check out the East Glacier Loop Trail for a longer hike with great aerial views.
There is the possibility of fog at the glacier, making it difficult to see, but if you have the time to wait around, it will typically clear up a bit for a better view!
2. Take a Food Tour of Downtown Juneau
Downtown Juneau is full of delicious food, especially seafood! Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the delicious offerings.
Juneau Food Tours offers various tours based on your interests. You won’t only get to have delicious food but will learn a lot about the history of Juneau during your time. If a guided tour isn’t for you, the town is easily walkable, and many of the best restaurants are easy enough to pick out and pop into for a small bite!
Going on your own food tour?
Check Out: 8 Places to Eat in Juneau
3. Catch an Amazing View from Mt. Roberts
Mount Roberts is located in Downtown Juneau and offers excellent views of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel! There are two ways to visit the lookout of Mount Roberts; tramway and hiking.
The tramway is $45 for adults and offers a round trip to the Mountain House. Alternatively, you can take Mount Roberts Trail, which is 2 miles to the same stopping point as the tram. If you feel adventurous, you can continue your hike farther to the peak! The total distance of the entire trail is 7.6 miles out and back.
4. Go on a Whale Watching Tour
Whales are abundant in the waters around Juneau, Alaska, due to the rich feeding environment and the humpback whale’s migratory path. These two factors make Juneau the perfect place to partake in a whale-watching boat tour!
Similar to Mendenhall Glacier tours, whale-watching tours are available to book in Downtown Juneau and leave periodically throughout the day. While you aren’t guaranteed to see whales, the chances are very high, and you will have a fantastic view. Many whale-watching tours in Juneau will also deploy hydrophones so that you can hear the whales sing.
As a bonus, often on these tours, you will see an abundance of other wildlife, such as sea lions, salmon, and bald eagles!
5. Eat a Delicious Lunch at a Salmon Bake
A salmon bake is fun for the whole family! Join your group in the rainforest of Alaska and enjoy a walk to the Salmon Creek Waterfall, where you can see salmon swimming upstream during the spawning season (August-September).
After your nature walk, gather together for some fresh roasted salmon and a wide variety of side dishes, all you can eat. Don’t worry if salmon isn’t your favorite; chicken is also usually offered. You can’t forget dessert, which is some delicious s’mores roasted over a campfire.
A salmon bake is a perfect experience for some quiet time in nature with delicious food. It’s also an excellent experience to pair with another excursion such as Mendenhall Glacier or a whale watching tour!
