A Complete Guide for the Best Things to do in Juneau, Alaska from a Cruise Ship
Juneau is one of the best Alaska cruise ports for first-time visitors.
The cruise port is close to downtown, several top attractions are easy to reach, and there are plenty of options for a memorable excursion.
After visiting Juneau twice on Alaska cruises, I can tell you how easy it is to mix nature, wildlife, and a bit of local history all in a single port day.
This cruise port guide uses my experience to help you see what is available and what you don’t want to miss in and around the Juneau cruise port and Downtown Juneau.
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Short on Time? Here’s What You Should Do in Juneau on a Cruise Stop
For first-time visitors, these are the best things to do in Juneau from a cruise ship:
- Visit Mendenhall Glacier
- Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway
- Go whale watching
- Explore downtown Juneau
- Visit the Alaska State Museum
Is Juneau Walkable From the Cruise Port?
One of the first things I want to know when docking in a new cruise port is if it is walkable. And the quick answer is yes!
The Juneau cruise port is located right near downtown, so it is easy to walk to shops, restaurants, museums, and the Mount Roberts Tramway.
You can do a lot in Juneau without needing a formal excursion.
However, some of Juneau’s most popular attractions are located farther out.
Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching tours, and larger outdoor adventures require a little more planning and transportation.
Can You Explore Juneau on Your Own from a Cruise Ship?
Absolutely! Juneau is one of the easiest Alaska cruise ports to explore independently. Passengers who enjoy a slower pace can have a great day here without booking a cruise excursion.
Downtown is compact, scenic, and easy to navigate.
Best Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska from a Cruise Ship
While you definitely can explore Juneau on your own, these are the Juneau activities most worth your time, especially on a first visit.
Whale-Watching Tours
Humpback whales frequent Juneau’s summer waters, and tours are designed around cruise ship schedules. One of my most memorable mornings was spent on a small boat, watching whales breach and slap their tails, while bald eagles circled above.
You can see my full Juneau whale watching post for all the details on booking the best tour.
Visit Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau
For many cruise passengers, seeing Mendenhall Glacier is the main event.
This is one of the most popular things to do in Juneau, and for good reason. Mendenhall Glacier is the iconic glacier you’ve probably seen on postcards.
The glacier is located within the Mendenhall Valley, a part of the Tongass National Forest and is the largest glacier in the Juneau area.
You can easily appreciate it (even without a long hike), and it gives you that classic Alaska scenery many hope to see.
Mendenhall Glacier is about 12-13 miles from downtown Juneau, so getting there takes a little planning.
The best way to get to the glacier is to book a bus tour, like the Juneau City Tour or the Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour.
Walk to Nugget Falls
A vist to Mendenhall Glacier is even better with the walk to Nugget Falls.
This short trail is one of the easiest and most rewarding walks in Juneau. The path is relatively flat, the scenery is beautiful, and the waterfall at the end is well worth the effort.
The trail begins at the Mendenhall Visitors Center and is about 2 miles round-trip.
Outdoor Adventures Near the Cruise Port
Not every Alaska cruise excursion has to be booked or expensive. Within walking distance or a short ride from the cruise port, there are some surprisingly beautiful spots.
Overstreet Park & Takhu Whale Sculpture
Just a short walk from the cruise port along the Juneau Seawalk, Overstreet Park is home to Takhu, a stunning life-sized whale sculpture worth pausing for.
This multi-million-dollar installation is impressive both up close and from a distance, making it a perfect spot for photos and a quick nature break before your next excursion.
Homestead Park
Across the harbor from the cruise port, Homestead Park offers a network of easy trails and scenic overlooks. This is a great spot to stretch your legs, snap pictures of Juneau’s waterfront and mountains, and enjoy a brief escape into nature.
We saw a family here taking their Christmas card photos. Now that’s some forward thinking!
Mount Roberts Tramway
If you want a bird’s-eye view of Juneau and the surrounding mountains without a strenuous hike, the Mount Roberts tramway is perfect. You will soar to the top of the mountain, rising over 1,800 feet.
The views are dramatic, and you can hop off for short walks along the trails at the top.
Also known as The Goldbelt Tramway, this will be one of the first things you see when you step off your ship.
Tram tickets can be purchased online or at the Tram Center at 490 South Franklin Street, downtown Juneau.
I recommend waiting to buy your tram tickets when you get to Juneau because if the top of the mountain is cloudy, you may not want to ride.
From the top on a clear day, you will get a panoramic view of the city, Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island, and beyond.
The tramway operates during the summer months from May through September.
At the top of the tram, 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.
The tram costs around $45 per person and is open from 8 AM to 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: Travel back by tram or walk.
Explore Downtown Juneau
Downtown Juneau is one of the easiest parts of this port to enjoy.
The area is walkable, scenic, and full of restaurants, gift shops, and local businesses. We enjoyed spending a few hours here before our excursion.
Of course, no trip to Juneau would be complete without stops at the famous Red Dog Saloon and Tracy’s Crab Shack.
Red Dog Saloon
The Red Dog Saloon is a local hangout that serves great food and entertainment.
It’s probably most known for its swinging doors, sawdust floors, and its famous duck fart shot.
Tracy’s Crab Shack
Tracy’s Crab Shack is famous for its giant crab legs and a must-try if you love seafood.
It’s located right at the end of the cruise ship dock, so you can enjoy the view of the Gastineau Channel while eating.
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.
Go Shopping Near the Cruise Port
Juneau has some great shops in the downtown area where you can find some of 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 locally produced.
Look for Alaska products like glacial mud masks and bear claw salad tongs.
For authentic “Maid in Alaska” products, check out Caribou Crossing or Glacier Silt Soap.
Besides authentic Alaskan products, you’ll also find some great deals on t-shirts, hats, and other collectibles at stores like the Alaska Shirt Company, Alaska Juneau Mining Co, and Trove.
The Alaska State Museum
The Alaska State Museum is one of the most underrated things to do in Juneau from a cruise ship. You can find it at 395 Whittier Street.
Travelers looking for something beyond the usual excursion list will appreciate this stop, especially on a rainy day. The museum offers a deeper look at Alaska’s history, art, and Native culture, including a full-sized eagle’s nest.
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.
What to Book in Advance for Juneau
Juneau is not the best port for “we’ll figure it out later” energy.
On busy cruise days, many passengers are trying to do the same handful of activities. If you want to take a popular excursion, it’s important to plan ahead.
Juneau whale-watching tours, helicopter excursions, dogsledding, and other water adventures should be booked in advance, as they are the most popular in Juneau.
On our first trip to Alaska, we had a fabulous whale-watching experience, which I share in my post, Juneau whale-watching tours.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Juneau from a Cruise Ship
Juneau, Alaska, is one of the state’s best cruise ports because it offers options.
A big excursion can absolutely be worth it here. But a slower day with a tram ride, a seafood lunch, and a few hours downtown can also be quite enjoyable. That’s what makes this port so easy to love.
I’ll leave you with this. When the cruise ship leaves port, don’t head inside.
Stick around on the outdoor decks, or you will miss one of the most amazing things about Juneau, its unbelievably spectacular sunset!
