Ultimate Juneau Travel Guide: Top Excursions and Must-Know Tips

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a destination brimming with stunning landscapes, storied history, and abundant wildlife. As the only state capital not accessible by road, its uniqueness extends way beyond its geography.

This unique city is a must-visit for anyone cruising to Alaska, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and nature, for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike. From glaciers to gold rush history, to encounters with majestic whales, Juneau promises experiences you won’t soon forget.

Planning Your Trip

To fully appreciate Juneau’s attractions and natural beauty, it’s important to outline your time in port carefully. You’ll want to make sure your schedule aligns with the best excursions, giving you a true taste of Alaska’s wilderness and cultural history.

Shore Excursions Group offers a variety of tours to suit every interest. Planning your trip with the right timing, transportation, and activities tailored to your preferences will ensure that your Juneau experience becomes the highlight of your cruise.

Best Time to Visit

Juneau enjoys a short but breathtakingly beautiful summer season. The best time to visit is between May and September, with July and August offering the warmest temperatures, typically ranging from 55°F to 65°F. However, with this warmth comes an increased chance of rain and mosquitoes, so pack accordingly.

If you’re wanting to spot the Northern Lights, plan on visiting in the late fall or early spring, especially in March, when longer, darker nights prevail.

If you’re hoping to see whales, mid-summer is prime whale-watching season. The longer daylight hours also allow for more time to explore the natural beauty that surrounds this Alaskan city.

How to Get There

Most visitors to Juneau arrive by cruise ship, as it is a prominent stop on Alaska cruise itineraries. The Juneau cruise port in the beautiful Gastineau Channel is centrally located, making it easy to disembark and jump right into exploring.

On average, cruise ships spend about 7 to 13 hours in port (depending on daylight and your ship’s schedule), so you’ll have plenty of time to take in the sights before heading back to your ship.

Getting Around in Juneau

Once you’ve docked, getting around Juneau is relatively simple. The downtown area is walkable, and many of the key attractions such as the Alaska State Museum and the legendary Red Dog Saloon are accessible by foot.

For excursions that take you farther afield—such as the Mendenhall Glacier or whale-watching tours—organized transportation is typically included. Taxis and rideshare services are also available, but booking through Shore Excursions Group ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Essential Travel Information

Before stepping off the ship, it’s important to be aware of a few essentials. Understanding entry requirements, local currency, and health and safety precautions can help avoid unnecessary surprises and keep your focus on enjoying all that Juneau has to offer.

Entry Requirements

Since Juneau is a U.S. city, U.S. citizens won’t need a passport to disembark. However, if you’re traveling internationally, you should carry your passport just in case. It’s always a good idea to check with your cruise line for specific recommendations; for most travelers, your ship’s ID card will suffice while exploring Juneau.

Currency

Juneau, like the rest of the United States, uses the U.S. dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are available if you prefer cash. Keep in mind that Juneau is a tourist town, so it’s always wise to have small bills on hand for tips or small purchases, especially if you’re venturing into more remote areas.

Health and Safety

Juneau is generally a safe city for tourists, but it’s always smart to stay aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of wildlife and use a good quality insect repellent, especially on outdoor excursions.

Emergency services are available, and many tour operators provide safety briefings before embarking on more adventurous activities like hiking or whale watching.

Top Excursions and Tours

Juneau offers an abundance of excursions, and the variety ensures that every traveler can find something to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely scenic tour or a thrilling outdoor adventure, Shore Excursions Group has you covered.

Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours

Juneau is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, and Shore Excursions Group offers premium, small-group tours that guarantee sightings. The Exclusive Whale Watching Cruise brings you up close to humpback whales, sea lions, and other marine life while enjoying a more intimate experience, as compared to larger cruise line tours.  

For an unforgettable combination, the Whale Watching & Salmon Bake Combo is the perfect way to experience both Alaska’s wildlife and cuisine. Snap breathtaking photos of majestic humpback whales from the boat’s railing, then unwind in Alaska’s tranquil rainforest while savoring freshly grilled wild salmon. Check it out.   

Glacier Exploration

The Exclusive Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour takes you on a journey through Juneau’s gold rush-era history before exploring the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier. You’ll stand in awe of the blue ice wall from the various walking trails that take you close to the glacier’s face. Nature lovers will also enjoy a stop at an Arctic Tern nesting colony.

For those seeking a more adventurous take, the Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip combines glacier views with the thrill of rafting down the Mendenhall River. Board a raft and set off downstream for views of playful otters, sunbathing seals, and black bears roaming the riverbank amongst thrilling stretches of Class III rapids under the steering of your expert guide.

If you’re feeling even more adventurous, try the Helicopter Icefield Excursion where you’ll land on a glacier and explore its icy expanse up close. Soar over the jagged mountains and icefalls of the massive Juneau Icefield, then feel the excitement as you step out of the helicopter, strap on your snowshoes, and hear the glacial ice crunch beneath your feet. You won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Gold Rush History and Culture

For a dive into Alaska’s gold rush history, the Gold Panning and Gold Creek Salmon Bake is a must-do. Channel your inner prospector as you pan for gold and enjoy a delicious salmon bake after your historical adventure. Take home any gold you discover, along with a souvenir gold claim certificate and the thrill of mastering historic mining techniques. 

The Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure is another fantastic option for those eager to uncover more of Juneau’s past. Follow in the footsteps of ancient prospectors as you pan for precious metals in Gold Creek or at a nearby waist-high trough. This family-friendly tour is perfect for all ages and offers a fun, hands-on way to experience what it was like searching for riches in the wilds of Alaska during the gold rush.   

Travel Tips and Tricks

With only one day in Juneau, you’ll want to make every moment count. Knowing what to pack and understanding local customs can significantly enhance your experience.

Packing Essentials

Juneau’s weather can be unpredictable, so layers are key here. Even in the summer, temperatures can vary throughout the day, and rain is common, so a waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are a must. Don’t forget sunscreen, as the sun reflecting off glaciers can intensify UV exposure, even on cooler days.

Language and Communication

English is the primary language spoken in Juneau, so communication won’t be a challenge for most visitors. Locals in Juneau value friendliness and politeness, so offering a warm smile and a friendly greeting can go a long way in building connections with the welcoming community.

Cultural Etiquette

While Juneau is a tourist hub, respecting local traditions and wildlife is important. Always follow the guidelines set by tour operators, especially on nature excursions. Avoid feeding or approaching wild animals, and keep noise to a minimum to preserve the peaceful environment.

Discover Juneau: A Perfect Blend of Nature, Wildlife, and History

Juneau offers you an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, adventure, and history, making it one of the most exciting cruise stops in Alaska. Explore breathtaking glaciers and wildlife with our top-rated Juneau shore excursions, designed for an unforgettable Alaskan experience. Let us help make your Juneau experience unforgettable.