A Complete Guide to the Juneau Cruise Port

When you cruise to Alaska, chances are good that you’ll visit Juneau, one of Alaska’s best cruise ports. Juneau has so many wonderful things to do that you’ll find it hard to fit them all into one day. I’ve visited Juneau twice in the past two years. This cruise port guide uses my experience to help you maximize your time in the Juneau cruise port and Downtown Juneau.

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How far is Downtown Juneau from the Cruise Port?

Juneau is the only state capital that you cannot reach by driving. It is only accessible by plane or boat. Located in Southeast Alaska, it overlooks the Gastineau Channel and is surrounded by mountains.

When your cruise ship arrives at the port, you will disembark at the cruise ship dock, which is located in the middle of downtown Juneau.

When you depart the ship, a long ramp will lead you to Juneau’s capital city sign.

You will definitely want to snap a photo in front of the city sign to commemorate your time in this one-of-a-kind capital city.

TRIP TIP: Many passengers stop here as soon as they disembark. Walk around town first and then snap a photo on your way back to the ship. You will avoid the crowds and have the sign to yourself for a perfect photo.

Just past the sign, information-style kiosks line the dock, filled with information about everything to see and do in and around Juneau. You can book last-minute excursions here, but I wouldn’t wait to book a tour, especially if your port time is limited.

Is Juneau Walkable From the Cruise Ships?

Downtown Juneau is very walkable. You can go shopping, catch the aerial tram, and eat at popular restaurants without walking too far. The pier is very flat, so those who require wheelchairs can easily depart.

Juneau Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is in Downtown Juneau, just past the city sign. You will find helpful employees providing directions, free maps, brochures, and coupons.

If you’re considering forgoing an excursion to explore on your own, have no fear, there are plenty of affordable things to do near the cruise port in downtown Juneau.

Pre-booked Tours and Excursions

Cruise ship passengers who have purchased shore excursions can meet their pre-booked tours and excursions at the end of the pier in Juneau. Tour guides wait with signs at the end of the pier, making it easy to locate your tour.

What Can You Do in Juneau Port?

Juneau is a great city for tourists. You will find many things to see and do for every budget, from pricey excursions to self-guided adventures.

The most popular attraction in Juneau, The Mendenhall Glacier, is 13 miles away, so you must arrange a tour, bus, or taxi.

You’ll find plenty of options in the summer months. If you haven’t pre-booked an excursion, many guides can help you find the best tour for your group.

On any given summer day, you can expect cruise ships from all cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean, to dock simultaneously. As a result, many people are looking for the same tours.

If you want to do something specific, it’s best to book it in advance. You can save money by booking through an independent operator rather than with one of the cruise lines.

Passengers who have excursions booked later in the day will find a designated parking area for tour buses to make it easy for cruise passengers to join them.

Juneau’s Most Popular Tour

Juneau Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska’s most popular tourist attractions, and for good reason. The glacier is located within the Mendenhall Valley, a part of the Tongass National Forest.

It is the largest glacier in the Juneau area, and you can see it up close and personal.

Use these tips for your visit to the Mendenhall Glacier.

How to Get from the Juneau Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier is about 13 miles outside of Juneau, making it easy for tourists to visit.

You can save money by taking the city bus, but it will not be a direct stop, and you will have to walk about a mile and a half from the stop to the Visitor’s Center.

The best way to get to the glacier is to book a bus tour. We booked this City Tour and Mendenhall Glacier Bus Tour on our second trip to Juneau.

It is inexpensive compared to the other excursions, but it gives you a nice look at the city of Juneau and delivers you to the base of the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center.

On this tour, you will visit Overstreet Park, which features an impressive multi-million-dollar life-sized whale art installation titled Takhu.

Additionally, you will explore the area across the cruise port harbor, where you can find numerous picturesque trails and perfect photo opportunities.

The city tour is quite short, but that gives you more time at the glacier.

What Can You Do at Mendenhall Glacier?

In Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier is a popular place to go hiking in the summer. Several hiking trails around the area are perfect for beginners.

One of the best hikes is up Nugget Falls Trail. The trail is about two miles round-trip and will take you directly to Nugget Falls, one of Alaska’s most beautiful waterfalls. You might even see floating icebergs from the glacier.

This park has many hikes; some are shorter than others, but all offer breathtaking views. Bring your camera because there are beautiful views of Mendenhall Lake and its surrounding mountains.

The Mendenhall Glacier is located in a temperate rainforest, where weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to bring layers of clothing. I have a complete printable packing list to guide you in packing for a summer in Alaska.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center welcomes you to learn about this beautiful glacier and its surrounding area.

It does cost $5 to enter, and you can get your ticket from the automated machines in the parking lot. With the entrance fee, you can access the salmon viewing boardwalk, the Photo Point trail, and the bookstore, among other features. Honestly, no one ever asked for a ticket, nor did I see a place to show it.

US Forest Service Rangers can answer questions about the glacier inside the Visitor Center. You can also watch a 15-minute film about the Tongass National Forest or walk around and explore independently.

It’s the perfect spot for people interested in learning more about glaciers and how they form.

Visitor Center hours in the summer are from 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Mendenhall Glacier Bookstore

A visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Bookstore is like a trip to the local village general store. This bookstore is located in the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and is excellent for local products and souvenirs.

Plus, you can feel great about your purchase since this is a non-profit store. All their proceeds go to support local education.

Mount Roberts Tramway

The Goldbelt Tramway is an aerial tramway in Juneau, Alaska, that carries sightseers and hikers to the top of Mount Roberts for a panoramic view of the city, Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island, and beyond.

The tramway operates during the summer months from May through September.

You will soar to the top of the mountain, rising over 1,800 feet.

At the top, plenty of hiking trails lead to waterfalls, tree carvings, and a wildlife viewing platform.

You will also find the Mountain House, which holds a restaurant, an espresso bar, and a gift shop.

Tram tickets can be purchased online or at the Tram Center, located at 490 South Franklin Street, downtown Juneau. The tram entrance is at the base of the cruise ship dock.

I recommend waiting to buy your tram tickets when you get to Juneau.

The tram to the top of Mt. Roberts is an easy way to view Juneau from above. If the top of the mountain is cloudy, you may not want to ride up.

Riding the tram costs $45 per person, and it’s open from 8 am until 5 pm daily (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas).

The trip takes about six minutes each way.

When you are ready to return to Downtown Juneau, you have two options: You can travel back by tram or walk.

Pedicab Tour of Downtown Juneau

Pedicabs are a fun and unique way to see a city. They are essentially tricycles that can hold up to three people at a time, with the driver pedaling you around town.

We took a pedicab tour through Central Park in New York City, and it was one of our best tours.

If you love the outdoors, Alaskan glaciers, adventure, and history, then this Juneau tour is the one for you.

Five-Star Juneau Pedicab is one of the best ways to see downtown and to get around the city without walking.

Pedicab drivers narrate the tours as they take you through Juneau’s hidden gems, downtown, and along the Juneau Seawalk. In addition, they will share interesting stories about Juneau’s history.

The Alaska State Museum

The Alaska State Museum is located in downtown Juneau at 395 Whittier Street.

The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., though the hours are extended during summer.

Admission costs $9 for adults and free for children under 18.

The Alaska State Museum has various exhibits showcasing Alaska’s history.

Visitors can also learn about famous people who lived here, like Iditarod champion Susan Butcher or former US Senator Ted Stevens, by taking self-guided tours through their respective galleries within the building.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure

The Glacier Garden and Rainforest Adventure Tour is the perfect adventure for people with mobility issues or anyone who wants to take in Alaska’s stunning botanical gardens.

The one-hour tour takes you through the lush Tongass National Forest and ends with a stop at the Glacier Garden. You’ll be transported by rainforest adventure vehicles, where you’ll see some of the most incredible flora and fauna in all of Alaska.

The upside-down trees are a unique sight you won’t want to miss.

Other Juneau Cruise Port Shore Excursions 

Many people book excursions when they are planning a cruise. Unlike Caribbean cruises, port excursions in Alaska are expensive, so make sure to budget for those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Whale watching tours are the most popular excursions in Juneau. On our first trip to Alaska, we had a fabulous whale watching experience, which I share on my post, Juneau whale-watching tours which guides you in choosing the best ones.

In addition to whale watching, other more extravagant excursions can also be found in Juneau, such as these fantastic tours:

Juneau Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk

Juneau’s helicopter tour and guided icefield walk is a must-do for anyone visiting Alaska.

This tour takes you up in a helicopter to see everything from above—the Juneau Icefield, the Herbert Glacier, the Tongass National Forest, and more. If you’re lucky, the pilot will also point out wildlife like whales and bald eagles.

Then it’s time for your guided icefield walk. You’ll learn all about glaciers—how they form and move—and how they’ve shaped the landscape in Juneau.

The views are breathtaking, and you’ll get a chance to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.

Mendenhall Glacier Paddle and Trek

Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Trek Alaska is the perfect way to see one of the most beautiful places in the world. You will get to paddle your own canoe, hike through some of the most majestic scenery you’ll ever see, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Mendenhall Glacier Float Tour

My aunt and uncle took this tour and absolutely loved it.

The Juneau Mendenhall Glacier float tour is an easy way to get up close and personal with Alaska’s most famous glacier.

You’ll board a pontoon boat, which will take you through Mendenhall Lake. You’ll be able to see the glacier from all angles and learn about its formation and history from your guide.

Helicopter Dogsledding Experience

The Helicopter Dogsledding Experience begins with a ride in a helicopter, which will take you to where a dog sled team will pick you up. The dogs will pull you on a sled through the snow-covered wilderness.

You can choose to ride in the back of the sled or sit in front of your guide. This tour has many great things, from the helicopter ride to holding and playing with the husky puppies.

Juneau Shopping Near the Cruise Port

Souvenir shopping is a must-do activity in Juneau, and there are some great places to find the best souvenirs from Alaska.

You’ll find everything from T-shirts to jewelry and mugs to magnets, but some of the best souvenirs from Alaska are those that are locally produced. Look for Alaska products like glacial mud masks and bear claw salad tongs.

The most popular souvenir shops are:

Caribou Crossing

This store should be your first stop if you want authentic “Made in Alaska” products.

Caribou Crossing represents over 60 Alaskan artists. If you want something unique and totally Alaskan, this is where to go.

Alaska Shirt Company

The Alaska Shirt Company is a great place to buy souvenirs because they offer a large selection of items at super affordable prices, like four hats for $12.

The entire store is dedicated to Alaska T-shirts, hats, and other clothing items. Their store is located directly in front of the cruise ship pier and tram terminal.

Glacier Silt Soap

Glacier Silt Soap is a popular gift shop in Juneau that offers an assortment of handmade soaps.

They also have items such as lotions, candles, and other bath products. I bought a face mask here that I absolutely loved!

Alaska Juneau Mining Co

I bought my favorite t-shirt at the Alaska Juneau Mining Co.

It says, “Alaska’s Little Sister, Isn’t She Cute?” pointing to a small picture of my home state of Texas next to a picture of Alaska, referring to how vastness of Alaska’s land.

They have a large selection of t-shirts, hats, and other fun items that are perfect for gifts.

Trove

Trove is a fun, upscale gift shop that supports local artists and designers. It is the perfect spot to find a unique gift. While you’re there, be sure to check out the jewelry, home decor, and artistic Lubiwood wooden puzzles.

Juneau Cruise Port Restaurants

The menu includes everything from burgers and wings to seafood dishes like beer-battered Alaskan cod and steamer clams.

There’s also a full bar with many local beers on tap. Don’t worry if beer isn’t your thing because plenty of other drinks are available, too. If you’re adventurous, try their famous duck fart shot.

Tracy’s Crab Shack

Tracy’s Crab Shack is a great place to eat seafood, especially if you want crab legs.

It’s located right at the end of the cruise ship dock, so you can enjoy the view of the Gastineau Channel while eating.

It’s casual and popular. The crab legs here are gigantic!

Every time we passed by, there was a line, so expect a bit of a wait to get your crab legs.

Be on the lookout for some famous faces. Jon Bon Jovi was there a week after we left.

The crab legs are not inexpensive, so save your pennies if you make a stop here.

Alaskan Brewing Company Tasting Room

Located in Juneau, the Alaskan Brewing Company Tasting Room is a must-visit for any beer lover.

The tasting room is located five miles from downtown Juneau. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can enjoy one or more of the over 20 Alaskan beers available on tap.

They also have two on-site food trucks, The Wild Alaskan Food Truck and the Forno Rosso, serving seafood, burgers, and wood-fired pizza.

Don’t worry if you miss out on visiting the Tasting Room; you can buy Alaskan beer in many locations throughout the United States. Our Holland America Alaskan cruise served it at the ship bars.

Alaskan Fudge Co.

Since 1980, Alaskan Fudge Company is the go-to place for out-of-this-world fudge in Juneau, Alaska. They make all of their products from scratch using only top-quality ingredients.

You need to try the dark chocolate fudge or Klondike pecan fudge. If it’s hot in Juneau, like it was for us, then you can also try their delicious ice cream.

Heritage Coffee Roasting Co.

If you love coffee, then you must visit the Heritage Coffee Roasting Co. in Juneau.

They have a wide selection of coffee beans and other products to choose from.

Visit the Downtown Cafe for an iced coffee or a gelato. We tried the French Vanilla Cold Brew, and it was amazing!

Say Goodbye to the Juneau, Alaska Cruise Port

Juneau, Alaska, is one of Alaska’s best cruise ports. The weather is perfect, the food is delicious, and there are so many things to do, especially in the summer.

Juneau offers no shortage of activities, but you can easily see the best of Juneau in one day with this port guide.

With hiking trails, kayaking trips, and even whale-watching tours available in this beautiful city, the sky is the limit for adventure.

When the cruise ship leaves port, don’t head inside, or you will miss the most amazing sunset as you sail away from Juneau.

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