Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska: A Local’s Guide

Juneau, Alaska is one of the only state capitals in the United States that cannot be reached by road. Surrounded by mountains, ocean, and the vast Tongass National Forest, the city sits in one of the most dramatic landscapes in the country.

The real charm of Juneau comes from the combination of wild nature and a small historic downtown where visitors can walk between restaurants, galleries, and locally owned shops.

This guide covers some of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska, from iconic outdoor adventures to hidden local spots and places worth exploring in downtown Juneau when you visit Alaska’s capital city.

Iconic Juneau Experiences

If you are visiting Juneau for the first time, these are the experiences most travelers put at the top of their itinerary.

Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska and sits only about twelve miles from downtown Juneau. The glacier flows from the massive Juneau Icefield and stretches more than thirteen miles through a valley surrounded by mountains.

Most visitors begin at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center where large windows provide sweeping views of the glacier and lake below.

A short walk from the main trail leads to Nugget Falls, a powerful waterfall that crashes beside the glacier and provides one of the most iconic photo spots in Southeast Alaska. Several easy hiking trails in the area also offer different viewpoints of the glacier and surrounding landscape.

Whale Watching in Auke Bay

Juneau is widely considered one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales. Tour boats depart from nearby Auke Bay and travel through protected waters where whales gather to feed throughout the summer months.

Visitors frequently see humpback whales breaching, bubble-net feeding, or surfacing close to the boats. Orcas, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles are also commonly spotted during these trips.

For many visitors, whale watching becomes the most memorable experience of their trip to Alaska.

Mount Roberts Tramway

The Mount Roberts Tramway begins directly at the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau and climbs nearly 1,800 feet up the mountainside in just a few minutes.

At the top, visitors are greeted with panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island, and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Several hiking trails begin from the summit and lead into alpine terrain above the city. Even a short walk from the tram station offers incredible scenery and a different perspective on the capital city of Alaska.

Adventure and Glacier Experiences

Beyond the main attractions, Juneau is also a starting point for some of the most dramatic wilderness adventures in Alaska.

Helicopter Glacier Tours

Helicopter flightseeing tours take visitors high above the Juneau Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America. From the air, the landscape reveals endless glaciers, deep crevasses, and towering peaks.

Many tours land directly on a glacier where visitors can walk on the ice or even experience dog sledding across the snowfields that remain frozen year round.

Seeing the scale of the icefield from above is something that very few places in the world can offer.

History and Culture in Juneau

Juneau’s identity was shaped by the gold rush of the late 1800s and by the cultures that have lived in Southeast Alaska for thousands of years.

Gold Mining History

The discovery of gold in 1880 led to the founding of Juneau. Over the following decades, enormous mines operated in the region and transformed the area into one of the most productive gold mining districts in the world.

Visitors today can learn about this history through visiting historic sites like Treadwell Trail and Perseverance Trail, where the wreckage of the Treadwell and AJ Mines can be found, along with informational placards.

Alaska State Museum

The Alaska State Museum offers one of the best introductions to the history of the state. Exhibits explore Alaska Native cultures, Russian colonial history, and the development of modern Alaska.

Artifacts, artwork, and cultural displays provide context for the landscapes and communities visitors experience across Southeast Alaska.

Exploring Downtown Juneau

One of the best ways to experience Juneau is simply wandering through the small locally owned shops that line Franklin Street and the surrounding downtown blocks. Franklin Street runs through the heart of the district and is lined with colorful storefronts, historic buildings, and locally owned businesses.

Annie Kaill’s

Annie Kaill’s is one of Juneau’s best known independent shops and has been a downtown staple for decades. The store specializes in art, jewelry, books, and thoughtfully selected gifts that reflect Alaska’s culture and natural beauty.

Visitors looking for locally inspired artwork or meaningful souvenirs often find themselves spending a lot of time exploring this long standing downtown store.

BUNKHAUS

Located in the heart of downtown Juneau, BUNKHAUS is a curated gift shop offering a mix of vintage Alaska pieces, artisan accessories, and unique souvenirs that go beyond the typical tourist selection. The store focuses on items that feel personal and memorable rather than mass produced, making it a favorite stop for visitors looking for something a little different.

Inside you will find a mix of vintage ceramics, handcrafted accessories, and unique home goods that reflect the character and creativity of Southeast Alaska.

Drip Drop Wonder Shop

Drip Drop Wonder Shop is one of the most colorful and playful stores in downtown Juneau. Known for its eclectic mix of gifts, art, and quirky finds, it is the kind of shop where visitors often discover something unexpected.

This is a must-visit for its unique style and genuinely creative atmosphere.

Mt Juneau Trading Post

Located right along Franklin Street, Mt Juneau Trading Post is a well-established downtown shop known for its wide selection and welcoming, easy-to-browse layout.

The store carries a mix of locally made items, including Alaska Native art and pieces featuring traditional formline design, alongside a variety of Alaska-inspired goods and everyday keepsakes.

It’s a great stop to explore while walking through downtown, especially if you enjoy seeing a range of locally influenced styles and cultural artwork in one place.

A Perfect Day in Juneau

Morning
Start your day at Mendenhall Glacier and take the trail out to Nugget Falls. It’s one of the few places you can stand next to both a glacier and a waterfall at the same time.

Afternoon
Head back toward town for a whale watching tour, or ride the Mount Roberts Tramway for panoramic views over the channel and surrounding mountains.

Evening
Spend the evening in downtown Juneau. Walk Franklin Street, grab dinner, and take your time exploring locally owned shops, galleries, and spots you won’t find anywhere else.

Take your time, wander a bit, and don’t rush it. Downtown Juneau has a way of pulling you into places you didn’t expect.