Nestled between towering mountains and the waters of the Inside Passage, Juneau is one of the most breathtaking destinations on an Alaska cruise itinerary. From spotting humpback whales and exploring glaciers to riding scenic tramways and sampling local breweries and distilleries, Juneau offers the perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, and small-town charm.

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours on a cruise stop or spending several days exploring Alaska’s capital city, there are countless unforgettable experiences waiting around every corner. Here are some of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska.

Fun fact: Juneau – the capital of Alaska — is the only U.S. state capital you can’t drive to. The only way to reach it is by air or by water, whether that’s by ferry, private boat, or cruise ship.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Some of my favorite things to do in Juneau include browsing the shops near the cruise docks, zip lining through the rainforest, taking a whale watching excursion, exploring Mendenhall Glacier, and visiting the local breweries and distilleries.

Located about 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is part of the 5,815-acre Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area within the Tongass National Forest. There are several excellent ways to experience the glacier, including Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour, Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour, a Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour or even Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour.

Prefer to explore Juneau at your own pace? A self-guided walking tour is a fantastic way to discover the city’s history and culture. Stroll through downtown while visiting popular spots like Red Dog Saloon, Juneau-Douglas City Museum, and Amalga Distillery. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the gold rush era, Alaska Native heritage, and the unique architecture that gives Juneau its charm. Best of all, you can start, pause, and continue the tour whenever it fits your schedule.

Ride the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway for some of the best views in Juneau! This scenic tramway lifts you 1,800 feet above the city in just five minutes from the cruise ship pier. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Chilkat Mountains, the Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau, Douglas Island, and the towering peaks of Admiralty Island. At the top, you can explore hiking trails, cultural exhibits, local artisan crafts, and nature displays while soaking in one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Alaska.

One of our all-time favorite excursions in Juneau was zip lining. It’s the perfect adventure if you’re looking to do something a little different while visiting Alaska. One of the most popular options is Alaska Canopy Adventures, a locally owned company offering an unforgettable experience on Douglas Island.

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Tongass National Forest as you make your way toward Eaglecrest Ski Area. From there, you’ll soar through the rainforest canopy on a series of exhilarating zip lines, stopping at elevated platforms along the way to take in the incredible scenery and capture photos. The experience also includes crossing a suspension bridge over a rushing stream and ends with the chance to try axe throwing. The entire excursion lasts about three and a half hours and is an exciting way to experience Alaska’s wilderness from above

Whale watching is easily one of my favorite excursions in Alaska. Seeing these incredible animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience and often becomes the highlight of an Alaska cruise. In Juneau, there are several tour options available, ranging from larger group cruises to more intimate private excursions. Many tours also offer combination experiences that include a visit to Mendenhall Glacier, allowing you to experience two of Juneau’s top attractions in one memorable outing.

Looking for even more adventure in Juneau? A kayaking excursion with humpback whales is an unforgettable way to experience Alaska’s incredible wildlife and scenery up close. Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride through the Inside Passage, where you’ll travel toward the whales’ feeding grounds while taking in breathtaking views of glaciers, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains. Once you arrive, you’ll hop into kayaks and paddle through the calm waters in search of humpback whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and other native wildlife. It’s an incredible combination of adventure, nature, and unforgettable Alaskan scenery.

Is fishing in Alaska on your bucket list? A small-group salmon fishing excursion in Juneau is a fantastic way to experience Alaska’s famous fishing culture without heading out on the open ocean. This half-day shore fishing adventure lets you skip the possibility of seasickness while still enjoying a hands-on experience focused on catching salmon. Guides provide all the necessary equipment and helpful instruction, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. Even better, any salmon you catch can be sent to a local fish processor and shipped directly to your home, so you can enjoy your Alaska catch long after your trip ends

Did you know that Juneau has a thriving brewery and distillery scene? It’s a great destination for craft beer lovers looking to experience a local side of Alaska.

One of the most popular stops is Alaskan Brewing Company — often called “ABC” by locals. Their downtown gear shop is a fun place to pick up souvenirs, clothing, and branded merchandise, and it also features a restaurant where visitors can enjoy local brews. If you want the full brewery experience, head to the main brewery located about five miles from downtown Juneau and just a few miles from the airport. A complimentary shuttle makes getting there easy, and guests ages 21 and older can sample a rotating selection of more than 20 Alaskan beers on tap for a small tasting fee.

Did you know Alaskan Brewing Company also produces a creative lineup of ready-to-drink canned beverages beyond beer?

One standout from their innovative craft lineup is the Rainforest Gin & Tonic canned cocktail—a crisp, refreshing drink made with house-distilled gin and spruce-tip tonic inspired by Alaska’s coastal rainforest.

In addition to their canned cocktails, Alaskan Brewing also offers hard seltzers with a distinctly Alaskan twist, often infused with local flavors like Sitka spruce tips.

My favorite is distillery is Amalga Distillery – Juneau’s first distillery. Amalga features handmade spirits featuring locally harvested ingredients. Stop in for a cocktail on draft, pick up a bottle to bring home and see the pot still where it is all made!

A great way to experience several of Juneau’s local breweries is by joining the Brews and Views Tour in Juneau. This popular guided experience is the city’s best—and only—dedicated brewery tour, taking you beyond downtown to explore more of the area’s scenery and craft beer culture.

Along the way, you’ll visit some of the region’s standout stops, including local favorites like Alaskan Brewing Company and other craft beverage spots while enjoying stunning views that showcase why it’s called “Brews and Views.”

Youth over 10 years old may accompany their parent or guardians. Government issued ID and proof of guardianship is required at checkin and may be asked for it at each brewery. Youth tickets are available and do not include beverages.

A helicopter dog sledding and glacier excursion is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Juneau and pack multiple once-in-a-lifetime adventures into a single day.

This popular shore excursion begins near the base of the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway, where guests meet their tour representative before heading to the airport for departure. From there, you’ll take a breathtaking helicopter flight over glaciers, icefields, and rugged mountain terrain on your way to a remote dog sled camp on the ice.

At the camp, the musher team and sled dogs welcome you before you set off on an authentic dog sled ride across the glacier. You’ll have the chance to ride as a passenger or, for those feeling adventurous, even try guiding the sled team yourself. The experience on the snow typically lasts around 40 minutes and offers a true taste of Alaska’s sled dog culture.

Next, your helicopter continues the journey to a lower glacier landing zone on the ice of the Herbert Glacier. Here, you can step out onto the glacier, drink fresh meltwater straight from the ice, and explore the dramatic blue landscape with provided gear.

To finish, you’ll soar over the vast Juneau Icefield and surrounding peaks before returning by helicopter to the coastal heliport, completing an extraordinary day of flying, sledding, and glacier exploration all in one incredible adventure.

Please note: Cruise ship passengers, keep in mind the shuttle will pick up one hour before listed flight time.

This is also a very popular excursion and sells out quickly, so don’t wait to book!

.

After all that exploring, you’re bound to work up an appetite! Juneau has plenty of great restaurants to choose from, including many that serve fresh local seafood straight from Alaska’s waters.

One of our favorite is Deckhand Dave’s located in the heart of Downtown Juneau. Here you can experience the taste of fresh, sustainably caught, Alaskan fish! Whether you are looking for delicious tacos, great local beer, or amazing fish and chips, they’ve got you covered! If you’re lucky, they might even have shrimp tacos, ceviche, or halibut chowder on special! Looking for Alaskan oysters? Yep, they have those too, which you can enjoy with an array of champagne options!

Chances are you’ve already heard of Tracy’s King Crab Shack, located right on the pier. Famous for its Alaskan King Crab, the menu also features Snow Crab, Dungeness Crab, crab bisque, crab cakes, and crab rolls. Beer and wine are available as well. Simply order at the window, grab an outdoor seat, and your food will be brought right to you.

One of our favorite spots in Juneau is The Hangar on the Wharf — a popular local hangout. Housed in the iconic blue building along the waterfront, this historic location played an important role in Alaska’s aviation history. Built in 1932, it originally served as an airplane hangar for several small floatplane operators that eventually merged to form what is now Alaska Airlines

The menu features plenty of delicious seafood options, including king crab, halibut, oysters, shrimp, and hearty seafood chowder. Be sure to take a look at the full menu before you go!

Final Thoughts:

Enjoy your visit to Juneau—whether you’re hiking scenic trails, going whale watching, exploring a glacier, or simply wandering through downtown, there’s always something new waiting around the corner.

If you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to prepare for Alaska’s changing conditions. Having a solid packing list can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and enjoyment.

For even more inspiration, check out platforms like Viator, TripAdvisor or GetYourGuide to browse the full range of excursions available in Juneau. From glacier adventures and whale watching to zip lining, fishing, and cultural tours, there are truly endless ways to experience Alaska’s capital. No matter your travel style, you’ll find something unforgettable to add to your itinerary.

Need help getting started? Check out “Packing for Alaska: What to Bring” so you can make sure you’re ready for every adventure—from warm layers and rain gear to must-have essentials for excursions on land and sea.

Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News:

Join me and other cruisers on Facebook to share tips, ask questions, and get inspiration for your next cruise adventure. Zest4Cruising,  A Celebrity Cruises Forum,  A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum

You can also follow me at:

 YouTube at Travels With Mickey

 Pinterest at Travels with Mickey

 Instagram at Travels with Mickey

Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!