Explore Alaska’s Capital City.
Bookended by Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts along the Gastineau Channel, Juneau is a true frontier city with a gold mining past and rugged terrain. Stretching from the 30 glaciers of the Juneau Icefield to the waterfront downtown, Juneau is unlike any state capital you’ve ever visited.
Historic South Franklin Street offers plenty of spots to cozy up with a cup of locally roasted coffee or cheers over a pint of local brew. Visit the Juneau Douglas City Museum and Last Chance Mining Museum to learn about the city’s gold mining history. Watch salmon climb upstream to spawn at the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, or soak up the sun at Marine Park. For the best view of downtown Juneau, board the Mount Roberts Tramway and ride to the top for great dining, shopping, native art, and easy access to premium hiking trails.
Sitting at the edge of a residential neighborhood is the famous Mendenhall Glacier and the Tongass National Forest. Watch a glacier calve into the water below, hike sprawling forest trails, or catch a helicopter tour and glacier trek or dog sled. By boat or kayak, you’re guaranteed a sighting of one of the 60 humpback whales that frequent the waters, or Juneau’s other marine residents including Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, orcas, and salmon. For a real feast for the senses, paddle the calm waters of Mendenhall Lake and feel the icy rush of paddling amongst icebergs. It’s hard to believe you can experience so much in one place.
