Juneau

Juneau stands out among American capitals for its sheer isolation and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled between the steep, forested flanks of Mount Juneau and the deep waters of the Gastineau Channel, the city's geography dictates its unique character. Because no roads connect Juneau to the rest of the state or North America, every visitor and resident must arrive by air or sea, fostering a tight-knit, resilient community vibe. The downtown area is a compact, walkable grid of narrow streets lined with historic storefronts, modern art galleries, and lively pubs that echo the city's gold rush past.

Nature is inextricably woven into the fabric of daily life here. Just 13 miles from downtown lies the Mendenhall Glacier, a massive river of ice that terminates in a serene, iceberg-dotted lake. The surrounding Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the United States—provides an endless playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are kayaking alongside curious harbor seals, taking a floatplane over the Juneau Icefield, or learning about the deep-rooted heritage of the indigenous Tlingit people at the Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau offers a profound connection to the wild and the historic.

Reasons to Visit

• Mendenhall Glacier: One of the most accessible glaciers in North America, offering stunning views, a visitor center, and nearby trails like the Nugget Falls hike.
• World-Class Wildlife Viewing: Exceptional opportunities to see humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, black bears, and brown bears in their natural habitats.
• Rich Indigenous Culture: Deep dive into Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures through totem poles, art, and the Sealaska Heritage Institute.
• Outdoor Adventure: Endless options for hiking, sea kayaking, zip-lining, and sport fishing in the pristine Tongass National Forest.
• Gold Rush History: Explore historic downtown, visit the Alaska State Museum, and pan for gold in the same streams that sparked the 1880 rush.

Things to Avoid

• Underestimating the Weather: Do not assume summer means hot weather. Always carry rain gear and warm layers, as hypothermia is a real risk if you get wet and cold.
• Approaching Wildlife: Never approach or feed bears, moose, or other wildlife. Maintain a safe distance and use binoculars for viewing.
• Relying Solely on Cell Service: Cell reception can be spotty or non-existent on hiking trails and the water; download offline maps and inform someone of your plans.
• Ignoring Tide Charts: If exploring beaches or coastal areas, be aware of Alaska's extreme tidal fluctuations to avoid getting stranded.

Local Transportation Tips

Getting around Juneau is relatively straightforward despite its rugged setting. The downtown area is highly walkable, though it features some steep hills. For traveling further afield, such as to the Mendenhall Valley, the Capital Transit public bus system is an affordable and reliable option, though it requires a bit of walking to reach the glacier visitor center. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available but can be limited during peak cruise ship hours. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the 40-plus miles of road that stretch from downtown to the end of the highway at Echo Cove. Additionally, many tour operators provide dedicated shuttle services from downtown hotels and the cruise ship docks directly to excursion starting points.

Travel Etiquette

• Respect Indigenous Culture: When viewing totem poles or visiting cultural sites, treat them with the same respect you would a museum or religious site.
• Leave No Trace: Alaska's ecosystems are fragile. Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and do not disturb natural features.
• Patience with Service: During the busy summer months, restaurants and tour operators can be overwhelmed by cruise ship passengers; practice patience and tip generously.
• Trail Etiquette: Yield to uphill hikers, keep dogs on leashes where required, and make noise to alert bears of your presence.

Recommended Age Group

Juneau offers a wide variety of experiences that cater to different age groups, though its rugged nature requires some consideration for mobility and endurance.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. While downtown is stroller-friendly, the unpredictable weather and rugged nature of most excursions make traveling with infants challenging.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will love the Mount Roberts Tramway, easy walks to Nugget Falls, gold panning experiences, and the excitement of whale watching.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Teens can engage in thrilling activities like zip-lining through the rainforest, sea kayaking, and more strenuous mountain hikes.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Perfect for adults seeking outdoor adventure, glacier trekking, craft brewery tours, and deep cultural exploration.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. Juneau is highly accommodating to seniors, with accessible bus tours, the Mount Roberts Tramway, and comfortable boat cruises that require minimal physical exertion.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Downtown Navigation: The main shopping and dining areas near the cruise ship docks are flat and feature paved sidewalks with curb cuts, though streets moving away from the water become steep quickly.
• Attractions: Major attractions like the Alaska State Museum, Sealaska Heritage Institute, and the Mount Roberts Tramway are fully wheelchair accessible.
• Mendenhall Glacier: The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is accessible, featuring ramps, elevators, and paved pathways to the Photo Point overlook.
• Excursions: Many whale watching boats are equipped to handle wheelchairs, but it is crucial to verify accessibility specifics with individual tour operators prior to booking.
• Transportation: Capital Transit buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, and accessible taxis can be arranged with advance notice.

Did You Know?

Juneau is the only state capital in the United States that borders a foreign country (Canada is just to the east across the Coast Mountains) and the only one that cannot be reached by road from the rest of the state or country. Furthermore, the city encompasses a massive land area of over 3,200 square miles, making it the second-largest city in the United States by area, larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined.

Cool Statistics

• Area: 3,255 square miles, making it the second-largest city by area in the U.S.
• Glaciers: The Juneau Icefield, located just behind the city, is the source of 38 major glaciers, including the Mendenhall Glacier.
• Bald Eagles: Juneau has one of the highest concentrations of bald eagles in the world, with thousands residing in the area.
• Whale Sightings: Tour operators in Juneau boast a near 100% success rate for spotting humpback whales during the summer months.