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Things to do in Juneau Alaska From Cruise Ship

Juneau cruise port has four terminals: Marine Park, Ferry Terminal, and South Franklin Dock
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Things to do in Juneau Alaska From Cruise Ship are Helicopter Tour, an Alaska State Museum visit and more. Make sure to try local crafts at Amalga Distillery.

From learning the fascinating history of the Alaskan gold rush era to rugged mountains and glaciers, the cultural ties and humble beginnings remain true parts of the city's appeal. Unraveled nature's beauty is never far from Juneau.

Keep in mind that Juneau is an expensive place to travel. For a budget-friendly trip, you can book your excursion during off-seasons from September through April.

Most activities are suitable for the summer months from May to October. Here is the list of things you can do while on a cruise trip to Juneau, Alaska.

1. Get A Stunning Bird's-Eye View on Helicopter Tour

Helicopter tours over Juneau city and nearest glacier are a once in a life time experience
Source : alaska

Top 10 things to do in Juneau Alaska include Helicopter Tour with Mount Roberts Tramway. It is a 3-hour roundtrip for dog sledding.

The journey starts from the cruise terminal, where you will transport to the helipad in the Mendenhall Valley. Enjoy the kennel tour at the dog sledding camp on Herbert Glacier and let the dog sled ride.

During your once-in-a-lifetime experience, you will soar over incredible mountain peaks and glaciers. Travelers will cross the iconic Juneau Icefield, so take your time to admire the unrivaled scenery.

Book your place on Alaska Shore Excursion's website.

  • Distance from Port: 479 feet
  • Location: 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
  • Contact Number: +1 (888) 586 8489
  • Cost: $629 per person

2. Be Wowed At The Alaska State Museum

Alaska State Museum was renovated at the cost of $139 million that took 2 years and 3 months
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Visiting Alaska trip is incomplete without knowing its history at Alaska State Museum. It represents diverse cultures and nature history.

The museum has a historical collection of 1,700 objects comprising the American period from 1867 to the present. There are often art workshops and exhibitions.

Ancient art lovers will find watercolors made during Captain Cook’s exploration of Alaska in 1778 by William Ellis. It offers visitors an immersive glimpse into comprehensive pictures of Alaskan cultures long past.

  • Distance from Port: 69 feet
  • Location: 395 Whittier Street, Juneau, AK 99801
  • Contact Number: +1 907 465 2901
  • Cost: $14 per adult and $13 for senior citizens (Free entry for youths under 18)
  • Open Hours: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (Tuesday to Sunday), 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm (Monday)

3. Zoom Around Juneau On A Rental E-bike

Choose Fun!! Take a thrilling ride around Juneau on a rental E-bike from Cycle Alaska. They provide Verve+ 2 as a ride.

The most loved cycling route there is the Mendenhall Glacier. You can also pave your journey through unpaved paths of Perseverance Trail or Treadwell Ditch Trail for more adventure.

Apart from renting, visitors can book their Bike and Brew Tour of 4 hours. It is a ride from Chapel By the Lake through old-growth forests to Mendenhall Glacier.

  • Distance from Port: 0.5 mile
  • Location: 1107 W 8th St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
  • Contact Number: +1 (907) 780 2253
  • Cost: $70
  • Open Hours: 8:00 am-8:00 pm (daily from May to September)

Read more about 13 Things to do in Skagway Alaska from Cruise Ship

4. Give Segway Ride A Go

Escape the crowds and explore the Alpine Wilderness Trail
Source : juneaushoretours

Segway ride on Alpine Wilderness Trail is among the coolest Juneau Alaska activities. Mount Roberts Tramway has the best deal for you via Juneau Shore Tours.

They offer a roundtrip starting from the cruise port, so you don't need to hassle finding a cab. Enjoy the scenic ride over Douglas Island, and you will be provided a segway at Eaglecrest Ski Area.

Stop by Fish Creek and take a walk along the Historic Treadwell Ditch to see the Tongass Rainforest up close. Take advantage of your three-hour itinerary to the fullest, locking memories in pictures.

  • Distance from Port: 0.7 miles
  • Optional Meeting Point: 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
  • Contact Number: +1 (888) 461 8726
  • Cost: $169 per person

5. Book A Whale Watching Tour

The best things to do in Juneau Alaska in September is Whale Watching. Viator has 4 hours roundtrip directly from the cruise port.

The shuttle takes you to Auke Bay's boat harbor and board a whale-watching vessel. While you spot whales in Alaskan waters, also keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, bald eagles and seals.

The boat captain slows down the boat in the area where playful whales appear, flipping on seawater. Make sure to capture the moments through their custom-built unrestricted viewing available on the inside cabin as well.

  • Distance from Port: 0.5 mile
  • Optional Meeting Point: Baranof Downtown, BW Signature Collection, 127 N Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
  • Contact Number: +65 6670 9750
  • Cost: $149 per person

6. Take A Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is arranged on covered vehicles accompanied by guided tour
Source : glaciergardens

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure tour on a vehicle driven by knowledgeable guides is a must-thing in Juneau. Travel the 50 acres of rainforest and installed botanical gardens.

Along with the natural beauty on offer, a tropical oasis nestled inside the Tongass National Forest. Stop by the 600-foot mark of Thunder Mountain for cliff-side views.

The Japanese Maples showcase deep purple foliage that frames the vibrant Flower Towers as the focal point of our botanical arena.

  • Distance from Port: 7 miles
  • Location: 7600 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801
  • Contact Number: +1 907 790 3377
  • Cost: $30.40 per adult ($19.90 for children)
  • Open Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm daily (From May to October)

Huskie dogs sledding cart through the snow-covered pave during golden hour
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Book your slot with Sledding Dogs at Gold Rush Sled Dog Tours for an adventure of a lifetime. They offer Dryland Cart-Mushing in the historic Sheep Creek Valley.

Dog sledding is Alaska'a official state sport. Get this thrilling bucket list experience with Alaskan huskies. Before embarking on this journey, make sure to snuggle with the puppies.

The 2-hour trip begins with instruction from Musher and Handler Team. Onboard these enthusiastic dogs, you can tour through the mountain valley first cut by glaciers and Sheep Creek.

  • Distance from Port: 0.9 miles
  • Location: Gold Rush Sled Dog Tours, Juneau, AK 99801
  • Contact Number: +1 907 586 2550

8. Have An Epic Time With Alaska Canopy Adventures

Create a fantastic experience with the knowledge of the zip line adventure
Source : kawanti

We have got the best place in Juneau for thrill-seekers. Kawanti Adventures offers Alaska Canopy Adventure on its ziplines of over 6,000 feet of height above the rainforest.

The company has been bagging the Tours of the Year title by Princess Cruises for the last four years. They have a series of five ziplines and a suspension bridge.

Starting from the Tongass National Forest at Eaglecrest Ski Area, you will have a narrated drive to Douglas Island. Take a long breath before you slide from the treehouse platform. 

  • Distance from Port: 0.4 mile
  • Location: 76 Egan Drive UNIT 100, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
  • Contact Number: +1 (907) 225 5503
  • Cost: $234 per person
  • Open Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

9. Get Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience

Things to see and do in Juneau Alaska is the underground Gold Mine and Panning experience. Viator provides this excursion at Peterson Gold Mine.

The tour includes private transportation to the mine through the gorgeous Gastineau Channel. The experienced guides describe the mine's history to the visitors.

Visitors can get their hands on panning for gold and garnets in the John Peterson Stamp mill. The mine is closed for mining but still considers small-size productions.

  • Distance from Port: 479 feet
  • Meeting Point: Mount Roberts Tramway, 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
  • Contact Number: +65 6670 9750
  • Cost: $69 per person

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10. Get A Taste Of Staple Alaskan Foods

Tracy's King Crab Shack is known for its crab-based menu
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The best restaurants in Juneau are Deckhand Dave's, Alaska Fish & Chips Company and Tracy's Crab Shack. Head to Bullwinkle's Pizza for the top-rated pizza.

While you chow down on scrumptious flavors, take a moment to appreciate the dazzling Alaskan authentic taste.

Deckhand Dave's

Don't leave Juneau without tasing their fish tacos. It is a food truck decorated with photos from real commercial fishing boats.

Famous Dishes: The 3 Fish Sampler Tacos at $14.99, Fish of the Day n' Chips at $15.22 and Salmon Tots at $6.22.

Alaska Fish & Chips Company

The indoor-outdoor seafood bar is famous for serving freshly made seafood. They have beer taps loaded with Alaskan Brewing Company beers.

Famous Dishes: Smoked Salmon Chowder at $11.99, Alaska Halibut Burger at $16.99, and Fish Tacos A La Carte at $6.25.

Tracy's Crab Shack

Sweet and meaty! Munch on one of the best King Crab Shacks in Juneau. They were named one of the ten best crab shacks in America by Holland American Line.

Famous Dishes: Tracy's Famous King Crab Bisque at $8.95, Red King Crab at $75 per LB, and Dungeness Crab at $28 per LB.

Bullwinkle's Pizza

The family-oriented restaurant offers free popcorn for loyal customers. It was established on September 11, 1973, and has won hearts for three decades now.

Famous Dishes: Specialty Mini Moose Pizza at $10.99, Normal Mini Moose Pizza at $6.

11. Take A Selfie With Patsy Ann the Dog Statue

Patsy Ann the Dog Statue was made by Anna Burke Harris (Brummagem Bull Terriers)
Source : ktoo

Admire the glistening Patsy Ann the Dog Statue on Gastineau Channel. She welcomed cruise passengers in the 1930s and created a life-long memory.

Patsy was a bull terrier who never failed to greet a single ship docking at the port despite being deaf. She was declared the Official Greeter of Juneau, Alaska, by then mayor.

She passed away on March 30, 1942, at the Longshoreman's Union Hall. Five years after, the Friends of Patsy Ann commissioned the statue.

You don't need to go far from the port to meet her. Right after you disembark from your ship, Pantsy is there greeting you and taking a selfie.

12. Witness The Grandeur Of Nugget Falls

Nugget Falls boasts breathtaking tremendous waterfall
Source : alaska

Nugget Falls plunges 377 feet down into Mendenhall Lake. It is spread on a two-mile round trip at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center.

Visitors can take a boat ride through Inside Passage or take vehicle transportation to the Visitor’s Center and hike from there. The views up there will be worth every sweat.

Explore the rugged mountainside and rainforest of the Tongass National Forest. Lucky enough, visitors may see giant black bears fishing for sockeye salmon.

  • Distance from Port: 12.7 miles
  • Location: East of Mendenhall Glacier, Auke Bay, Alaska, AK 99801

13. Enjoy Breathtaking Views From Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway

Searching for a breath of fresh air? Head to the Mount Roberts Trail for a short hike. The 4.5-mile trail through the sub-alpine meadow.

Within a five-minute distance from where your ship docks, you can start walking. Explore the Mountain House and Sky Bridge in between while also encountering bald eagles.

The top features an array of restaurants, retail shops, and theaters. Stunning panoramic views of Gastineau Channel, Juneau City, Douglas Island, and nearby mountains and forests year-round await you.

You can opt to take a tram from South Franklin Street. The tram has an uphill transport capacity of 1050 people per hour.

  • Distance from Port: 466 feet
  • Location: 490 South Franklin Street, Juneau, AK 99801
  • Contact Number: +1 (907) 463 3412
  • Cost: $50 for adults ($35 for children)
  • Open Hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (Sunday to Saturday), 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Monday)

14. Taste Local Crafts At Amalga Distillery

Amalga Distillery specializes in American Single Malt whiskey
Source : shopify

Beer often gets the top billing in this city, but the Juneauper Gin and Single Malt Whiskey are well worth a try.

Their tasting menu rotates on draft. Swing by their tasting room next to the bespoke Vendome Copper Pot still and try locally crafted cocktails.

Their canned cocktails like Grapefruit Gin and Tonic, Matcha Libre, and Sea Donkey all come at $5 per can. The Flagship Whiskey Batch 13 boasts the local taste blended in a cognac cask for 9 months.

  • Distance from Port: 0.4 mile
  • Location: 134 N Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
  • Contact Number: +1 907 209 2015
  • Tasting Hours: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm (Daily)

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15. Visit DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery

There is a Sky Bridge in Macaulay Salmon Hatchery for visitors to observe salmons from above
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At DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, visitors can observe the outdoor hatchery operations and salmon spawning process. It raised 130 million marine fish annually.

The private non-profit organization also provides salmon enhancement and educational programs.

Explore the visitor center exhibits and aquariums that feature over 150 species of marine life. Watch adult salmons fight to swim up a 450-foot fish ladder.

  • Distance from Port: 4 miles
  • Location: 2697 Channel Dr, Juneau, AK 99801
  • Contact Number: +1 907 463 4810
  • Cost: $5 for both adults and children
  • Open Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Weekdays), 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Weekends)

Some FAQs

Is it expensive to live in Juneau Alaska?

Yes, it is 28% higher in living cost than the national average. Housing, food, and transportation are higher in this region.

What to do in Juneau Alaska on a cruise?

You can go for whale watching and try local crab shacks at Tracy's Crab Shack in Juneau Alaska on a cruise.