non tourist things to do in juneau

We fell head over heels for the city, it is so beautiful and there are so many options of things to do while there. Natural Wonders, Sightseeing Type. Your (late) lunch spot awaits at Timberline Bar & Grill Atop Mount Roberts, complete with incredible views of Juneau down below and the surrounding natural scenery. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston. In Juneau, North Pacific humpbacks and orcas are the two most common types of whales migrating through these calm waters. Know your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before you fly. There are many things to do in Juneau and a whole bunch of them are in this park. Id equate this place to a Perkins when it comes to the atmosphere but with much better food and amazing views of the waterfront. Theres also plenty of natural history on show, which is pretty useful in a state thats majority wilderness. We absolutely loved our visit to Juneau, Alaska and could honestly see ourselves moving there and living. One of the most commonly asked questions about visiting Mendenhall Glacier is about how to visit the ice caves. Mendenhall Glacier | Glacier views, trails, waterfall, visitor center, rafting/kayaking Jutting out of the massive Juneau Icefield, the Mendenhall Glacier is one of the city's biggest attractions. You have your pick for some great dining experience in Juneau. Getting to catch a glimpse of any one of these amazing marine mammals has to be the top of your to-do list in Juneau. Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. However, Mother Nature puts on quite a display for those adventurous. Love Juneau! 2. Between trips abroad and trips across his own backyard through the rugged wilds of Canada and the USA, he has spent the better part of the last decade always being somewhere. Get your cash stashed with this awesome Pacsafe money belt. Situated in a heritage Victorian building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Alaskan Hotel may not be the Ritz, but its a pretty cool place to stay to experience the history of Juneau. How could thatnotbe one of the best free things to do in Juneau? One of the more recent descendants, and a master gardener, donated the property to the city. Oh, and you definitely wont want to miss #9! HOT TIP: If you hike to the top and spend a minimum of $10 in the bar or gift shop, your tram ride down to town is free. By day youre having adventures on glaciers, hiking in forests, climbing mountains, whale watching, kayaking, flightseeing and by night enjoying the proudly owned local restaurants serving classic Alaskan fare washed down with craft brew from the Alaskan Brewing Company. Read Next: Best Places to Visit in Alaska. Hiking. This trip is not to be missed if youre looking for a photography outing. Its a pretty fun thing to do, no matter who you are, but if youre travelling in town with your partner, its definitely going to make for one of the more memorable things youll get to experience whilst youre on your trip. Walking tours are also really fun when we are blessed with good weather. 4. Head back down and finish up your day at the Alaskan Brewing Company, sampling some tasty beer and trying out some snacks, too. Rabbit Rock Park. The Jensen Olson Arboretum is located on the beachfront site of one of the old homestead families of Juneau. Map It: 2 Marine Way #175, Juneau, AK 99801, United States | Phone: +1 907 586 6275 | Website | Hours: 9 am 4 pm daily, Closed Weekends. Once the Mendenhall glacier recedes out of Lake Mendenhall, the ice caves will no longer exist. Youll want to bring a good raincoat, as youll be visiting a rainforest, but if youre dressed for the weather, youll have a fantastic time exploring all the many awesome things to do in Juneau, Alaska! Your email address will not be published. Mendenhall Glacier welcomes more than 400,000 visitors each year, and it's easy to see why: aside from its stunning arctic beauty, the glacier is only 12 miles outside Juneau and it's the only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road (you can easily take a cab here). Phone: (907) 586-2201 (907) 586-2201 With so many options in very close proximity to each other, your options are virtually endless and completely dependent on your personal preference and travel style. Its 3 miles to the top if you walk to the trailhead from downtown Juneau and depending on how many times you stop for photos, it will take you around 2-3 hours. I knew arriving in Juneau, Alaska would be pretty cool but I was not prepared for a crystal clear day and mountains for as far as the eye could see. document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_4").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Travel with peace of mind. Top Adventures in Juneau, Alaska . Love to hear this! The hike is stunning with lush, green rainforest and easy to navigate trails. One of the tours will even take you uphill to where the downhill ski area runs during the winter! We were actually supposed to do this but unfortunately, our trip was canceled due to weather. Paddle out on the iceberg-covered Mendenhall Lake for about an hour until you reach Mendenhall Glacier. Every tour is almost guaranteed to find whales, seals, and porpoises. Everywhere you look is dramatic mountain landscape and the city itself has more of a small town, close-knit feel. No trip is complete without a Breeze In crunch wrap and a picnic skipping rocks at Outer Point or Auk Rec. 2. Travel WITH a security belt. Juneau is actually a pretty safe place to visit. Surprisingly, the State Office Building in Juneau actually puts onfreeconcerts every Friday at 12pm. This scenic capital of Alaska grew up as a gold mining town and, as such, has a lot of heritage that points back to those days. This adventure involves a helicopter ride onto the Mendenhall Glacier and a chance to learn how to run sled dogs. Its certainly a unique activity in Juneau! Again youll find all levels of adventure available. However, Mother Nature puts on quite a display for those adventurous enough to go looking in the Last Frontier. Map It: 101 Egan Dr, Juneau, AK 99801, United States | Phone: +1 907 463 3316 | Website. Landmarks & Historical Buildings. Alternatively, you visit Salmon Creek Waterfall, The Pigeonhole Downtown by the Capitol Building, experience the beautiful outdoors of Alaska, One of the best outdoorsy things to do in Juneau, for sure, Wander around the Historic Merchant Wharf, filled with places to eat (Russian dumplings, anyone?) Despite the crowds, you wont want to skip it. One of the most wondrous things you can do in Juneau is find your way to the Mendenhall Ice Caves. Click on a star to rate (you can leave feedback after clicking submit). Theyll supply the captain, and the gear, and take you out fishing for Alaskan salmon and maybe even halibut. Here you can learn about everything from textiles and fine art, to the history of indigenous people and the citys Russian heritage (this is an especially handy thing to do in Juneau on a rainy day since its all indoors). Be sure to check out places like Auke Bay, Eagle Beach, Shrine of St Therese, Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center, the Arboretum and any of the great hiking trails along the way. Each cabin has an outhouse out back for your convenience, and a propane stove is available for heat. There are few options for day trips out of Juneau because they require either a boat or a plane, but Allen Marine runs all day catamaran tours that will take you into Tracy Arm Fjord on a shore tour and back. That said, you have the option to either camp or stay in a lodge within the park. Juneau Whale Watch and Adventures in Alaska are two more companies travelers recommend. To be honest, I'm not sure where the ice caves might be in 2022, since ice caves form and collapse rapidly and the landscape of the glacier is constantly changing.. Toll Free: (888) 581-2201 (888) 581-2201 'Unprecedented' visitors at Mendenhall Glacier - Juneau Empire Most visitors were pleased with the experience, though some were disappointed that the tram ride to the top wasn't longer, especially for the ticket price. It may surprise you, but theres a fair few things to do in Juneau. This is one of the most incredible tours we have ever taken. Alternatively, hit up Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau. Putting all of that into a logical order, however especially if youve only got a short time in the city can be a tricky thing to do. Come with U.S. News on a tour of The Langham, Boston. Read our first-hand account of visiting the Mendenhall Ice Caves Before They Melt. Well be back, there is no doubt in our minds. Safe travels! You dont have to be super interested in fishing to enjoy the taste of fresh salmon just someone who likes food (and preferably not a vegetarian or vegan). This open-minded bar is a good place to mix with locals and tourists alike, with a good selection of drinks available. Youll learn about the life cycle of the salmon and the part that the Hatchery plays in keeping the salmon industry alive in Southeast Alaska. Pack Creek is easily reachable from Juneau and is one of the best places to see bears roaming around in their natural habitat. Honestly, there is no right way to do it. Juneau, AK | Things to Do, Recreation, & Travel Information Explore Share Welcome to Juneau Alaska Juneau Alaska stands on one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. Not everyone will be fit enough to reach the viewpoint, it does require good fitness and the ability to walk up steep areas with uneven ground. Safety is the rule here and the staff is attentive in making sure you are kitted out correctly before starting the tour. Local tourism companies are being forced to turn away tourists in Juneau seeking to visit the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area this summer as commercial tourism limits in the area are . 23 reviews 25 helpful votes Non cruisers 1 year ago Save Hello, I have a feeling I already know the answer to my question, but it doesn't hurt to ask? Ever wanted to pan for cold? Taste Alaskan Salmon without Fishing at the Salmon Bake, Several tour companies run various types of whale watching boats from a local harbor (, 15. Welcome to Juneau, AK | Things To Do & Places To Stay Learn how your comment data is processed. Eat Your Way through the Juneau Food Tour, While you might not think a place that has to have a lot of food shipped in would have a great food scene, Alaskans have learned to fish, hunt, and forage, and turn these local resources into amazing dishes. Visiting Glacier Gardens has got to be possibly the best thing to do in Juneau with kids. Weve tested countless day packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the traveller-approved Osprey Daylite Plus. If you are thinking of "taking a hike," no pun intended, you can pick up a trail map from the Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau. . The garden landscape includes flowering trees, bushes, and local foliage among the flowers. These are trees that have had their tops buried in the ground and their roots positioned up in the air, which creates a basket for the tree's blooming flowers. Work off the calories by exploring Juneau by wheel with a Cycle Alaska bike tour. Despite the crowds, you won't want to skip it. Featuring 7 lines, 10 platforms and a suspension bridge strung between giant Alaska pine trees, youll find yourself totally immersed in nature for the duration of the activity. A classic thing to do in Juneau, riding the Mount Roberts Tramway is a cool way to get around. Just south of downtown, the tram starts near the cruise ship dock. If you love nature, this is one of the best things in Juneau to get away from the crowds and check out the rainforest. Enjoy Music During the Alaska Folk Festival, 19. One of the best made to measure bear viewing spots, however, is located at Pack Creek. Popular things to do Ports of Call Tours Whale Watching Kayaking Tours Winter Sports Hiking Tours Top Picks Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural & Theme Tours Walking & Biking Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Airport & Hotel Transfers Day Trips & Excursions Shopping Tours Family Friendly Likely to Sell Out Ways to tour Juneau For a more immersive experience (and guidance from a local), consider visiting with one of the best Alaska tours. Along your walk you may try fresh seafood like king crab, fish tacos and kelp salsa. Youll be quite comfortable for an eight-hour sightseeing tour. Map It: 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States | Phone: +1 888 461 8726 | Website. You canlearnmore about us here. Rather than shelves stocked with gold rush supplies, however, today the shops carry Alaskan books, art, Native crafts, jewelry, and other souvenirs. Do you happen to have any photos of different parts of downtown Juneau or is that the only main street there is? From Juneau, its easy to get out into nature and go for a spot of wild salmon fishing for one of the best outdoorsy things to do in Juneau. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. Wild Alaskan Salmon tastes much better than farmed salmon, which is why youll want to have at least one meal at the Salmon Bake. The smallest of the 3 major cities in Alaska, Juneau holds on to the title of the capital city but the real wonders lie in the setting of the city. You wont regret it. Then its back to town for dinner at Front Street Cafe. Engross Yourself in Alaskan Native Culture During the Bi-Annual Celebration, 11. Mendenhall Glacier Reviews | U.S. News Travel Things to Do. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. We enjoyed a Salmon Bake for lunch and had ample time to explore the grounds, photograph the glacier and relax. Shocked to learn that most people only spend the one day they have on a cruise ship in Juneau, weve made it our mission to convince you that you should fly in early for your cruise and take a look around. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. A fenced garden also showcases the vegetables that grow well in Southeast Alaska. Besides supplying the most quintessentially Alaskan photography opportunity, youll also find hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and souvenir shopping available. That being said, this is our definitive guide to things to do in Juneau, Alaska including everything we did on our visit and so much more. Hike Mount Roberts Or Take The Tram. . Or better yet, wake up after a hard night of drinking with your boss yelling at you as to why you are not ready to take the next shift in a total state of confusion. 1. Explore festivities ideal for maximizing the sweater weather season. Here are some quick answers to common questions about what to do and see in Juneau. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Juneau - Tripadvisor Never get caught with your pants down again! If you dont have access to a boat and gear, several private charter fishing boats are available for hire. Theres a good gift shop where you can take your favourite brews back home with you. Grab a map from the nature centre at the top and get exploring. You can find more recommendations in our roundup of the best Alaska tours. There are a couple cabins with drive-up access, however, most of the cabins require a hike through the forest on well-marked trails. Visit Mendenhall Glacier & It's Ice Caves. Map 1. So if you have the time to visit, you certainly should. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. Ride the Mount Roberts Tram for a Birds Eye View, 10. The floatplanes leave from downtown Juneau harbor, right where the cruise ships dock and you take off from the water and fly between the towering mountains away from Juneau. As Im from Wisconsin and I know you two are as well, did you hit the brewery for an Alaska Brewing Co tour? Its not just any old concert, though; the noon concerts encompass performances on their very own historic, 1920s pipe organ. My partner and I are traveling up the Inside Passage via ferry to Juneau in September. : What year are you visiting? "About 30 miles west of Wisconsin Dells, prominently visible from I-90 in western Wisconsin, there is a truly remarkable rock formation that is a remnant from" more. The flights take you over the Juneau Ice Field, the source of every glacier in the area and it is downright amazing. Hiking has got to be one of the best things to do in Juneau for couples who enjoy exploring the great outdoors. Here, you'll ride through 50 acres of lush vegetation aboard a golf cart. Most of the hike slowly incline to the top, so expect a little bit of a leg burner but it will be well worth it while the sounds of Alaskas forests surround you. . Both hiking trails along the shore will end at the Visitor Center. Learn About the Salmon Industry at Douglas Island Pink And Chum (DIPAC) Hatchery, 13. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. These caves are situated under the glacier itself and are a result of the glacier itself melting; in fact, since 1958, the glacier has actually retreated by 2 miles. Your tour guide will dress like a gruff old minor, suspenders and all, so you can get the full experience on this unique adventure. Juneau's Top 10 Things to Do - The Best of Southeast Alaska Shop, Eat, and Drink in Juneaus Historic Downtown, While the Red Dog is the closest and only replica of a gold rush era saloon that exists today, there are several other bars, new brewing and distillery tasting rooms, and an up and coming, 6. After soaking up the amazing views and stunning scenery, its time to make the 20 minute drive back into town for theMount Roberts Tramway. There is no shortage of things to do in Juneau. Some tours will supply you with gear and take you ice climbing in crevasses. I dont know what it is about mountains but they call me. The Best European & Asian Summer Destinations To Visit in June and July The three-mile East Glacier Loop trail is available for the more active travelers. Things you can find on the walls include Wyatt Earps gun, a walrus oosik, trophy wildlife mounts and paper currency signed by the many miners that have frequented the saloon from around the world since it opened. Theres the pretty, wood frame Valentine Building and the Steam Laundry, a building dating back to 1901 with an ornate conical roof. Mendenhall Glacier - 2012 (Noticeably shrinking) The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is available by a 20-minute shuttle ride from the cruise terminal. Drink water from ANYWHERE. This attraction in Juneau is one of the most popular hikes due to its accessibility and views of not only a towering waterfall but the Mendenhall Glacier. About the Author: Elizabeth is an Alaskan librarian/archivist and blogger at A Suitcase Full of Books. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska Map It: Juneau, AK 99801, United States The Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular place to visit in Juneau. Elizabeth is an Alaskan programmer and blogger at A Suitcase Full of Books. It will keep your valuables safe no matter where you go. If you do decide youd like a short hike once youre at the top, youll find a couple trails both above and below tree line. Tops Attractions in Juneau | Glaciers & Whale Watching The five-minute ride takes you 1,800 feet halfway up the mountain for some spectacular views of Juneau andGastineau Channel. Where else do you get to see actual bears going about their business? We loved our whole trip to Alaska but Juneau is a special place to us now. Save yourself some well-deserved food once you reach the top. You will even be able to see a real bald eagle up close, which is one of the birds very important in Alaska Native tribal culture. If I have a chance, I will get to Juneau for sure. During the weekend, besides the main stage acts, workshops run by musicians and dancers are available during the day and live bands play for dances in the evenings. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2c05233edbaafe47604251d7431728c" );document.getElementById("d2f8ec4791").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. There are plenty of trails to embark on, some days-long, some short and easygoing. The caves change rapidly by the day and parts of them have already collapsed and disappeared. : Active Outdoor Adventures Arts & Culture City & Sightseeing Tours Eat & Drink Fishing Glacier Viewing Health & Wellness Hiking & Trails Historic Sites & Museums Nearby Communities So for one of the more unusual things to do in Juneau, you can actually go to a real life mine in the form of AJ Mine Gastineau, just outside of town. I have never seen such a dense amount of forest moss in my life, it was incredible. We are debating whether it is worth it to ferry to Juneau from Haines but your blog is quite compelling! That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. The City Museum also runs walking tours through historic Downtown Juneau (Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 1:30-3 PM through September). 2023 DIVERGENT TRAVELERS | ADVENTURE TRAVEL BLOG, Need to book a car for your road trip adventure? Staying in the state capital means having a whole wealth of the natural world and some incredible wilderness to explore right on your doorstep. If youre visiting any time of year that isnt July or August, youll have to wrap up warm. Youll even find a restaurant and souvenir shopping at the top too. 11 Free And Cheap Things To Do In Juneau Then you might want to make a beeline for Rendezvous at the weekend. The accessibility to Nugget Falls is very easy, so it wont be the most secluded place you visit in Juneau, but will prove worth the effort nonetheless. The Mendenhall Glacier sits in Tongass National Forest on the Juneau Icefield which extends right into British Columbia. We were simply blown away by the presence of rustic nature and landscapes and the fact that you get to literally make that your playground during a visit to Alaska makes it a unique getaway. Cruise into Tracy Arm for a Day of Bears, Whales, and Glaciers, 17. Travel Juneau 800 Glacier Avenue, Suite 201 Juneau, Alaska 99801. Price: $655 per person. You definitely have a few options for places to stay in Juneau during your visit and you cant really pick a bad location. What to Do in Juneau for a Day | Juneau CVB Juneau is full of opportunities that will satisfy all types of travelers. Being a former gold rush town, one of the best things to do in Juneau would be to pan for gold, obviously. Most of the island is inaccessible with vehicles but one road will take you to the middle of the island where you can ski in the winter and zip line in the summer with Alaska Zipline Adventures. Upon arrival, your first stop should be at the visitors center, where you can watch a 15-minute film describing the changing landscape, talk with forest rangers and relax in the warmth of the glacier observation area. Concerns the enigmatic and wealthy Jay Gatsby, his adventures, and his obsession with a woman. Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE. Things to Do. UP YOUR PACKING GAME! Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! Things to Do. What about the Beautiful Saint Michaels Cathedral? While that works for some, we highly recommend hiking to the top if you are able and have the time. Some 20 miles from Juneau, the National Shrine of St. Therese overlooks the Lynn Canal. The road winds through the rainforest while your driver points out the local flora and explains how the landscape changes due to the climate. Another option for getting out of Juneau for a few hours is to fly out to Taku Lodge. Juneau is a destination where the day trip is king. Recent visitors said that if you only have time for one experience in Juneau, this is it. The three-hour tours are limited to six passengers and include a complimentary stop at the Brotherhood Bridge for a view of the Mendenhall Glacier. They search both local & international rental companies. For some more accessible natural beauty, head to the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure and breathe in the flower-scented air. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form, The Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular place to visit in Juneau. Juneaus namesake, Joe Juneau, found gold while panning in Last Chance Basin in what is now called Gold Creek. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. Awesome your from Wisconsin, what part? 1. There isnt a lot better than spending a calm day drifting on the open water trailing a line behind you. Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for thereal adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. Inside you'll find Wyatt Earp's gun from Nome, lots of stuffed critters, and interesting Alaska memorabilia. Required fields are marked *. Almost as an instinct, my eyes left the screen in front of me and focused outside the window. There are plenty of things to do in Juneau including whale watching, exploring glaciers, shopping, and fishing! Discover Winter In Juneau, Alaska! Most recent travelers enjoyed their experience at the garden, praising the gorgeous blooms and views as reasons to schedule a visit. Review of: Point Bridget State Park. This contemporary art project solution made from an old river cargo container floats atop the unswimmable, long-neglected River Spree. 6 Best Things To Do in Juneau Updated March 27, 2023 There are not a great number of things to do in small Juneau. The bi-annual Celebration is a week long festival during which members of all the different Alaska Native tribes arrive in Juneau. Your third day in Juneau begins, as it should, with breakfast. Things to Do in Juneau | Whale Watching, Glaciers, & Fishing The bus provides hourly transportation between the two locations, departing from the depotbeginning at 10:40 a.m. Juneau by Air, Land and Sea Downtown Street Tour. This museum is farther from downtown and requires the ability to hike uphill, but if you can make it, you should also check out the old mining train cars behind the building. Have you ever arrived somewhere and it just felt right? If youre a foodie, youll want to take the Juneau Food Tour, run by a local food blogger. Whether youre looking for outdoor activity, culture, food, or an all-round adventure, Ive got you covered with this list of the 21 best things to do in Juneau. Musicians from all over come to listen, play, dance, and teach. With our guide to things to do in Juneau at night though, they certainly wont be boring! I lived there for a summer. Not the fanciest, but definitely thebesthotel in Juneau for us. Explore the 3,000-year-old Mendenhall Glacier on this 5.5-hour adventure tour from Alaskas capital city, Juneau. Tip: Order one of their salads. The Pack Creek Sanctuary is the best place to view Brown Bears in Southeast Alaska. Inside the hatchery youll find a small aquarium where you can see halibut and other large Alaskan fish as well as starfish, anemones, and the smaller creatures found at low tides on the local beaches. Related Article:19 Photos That Prove Juneau is More Than Just a Cruise Stop. Trails range from easy to difficult and provide the possibility to explore an assortment of terrains. Needless to say, youll need to be kitted out with the right equipment for this epic experience. Tip: if its the food you want, try the Front Street Cafe next door. You can also check out GetYourGuide for more adventurous and unique activities. For those of you who like nature, a cool outdoorsy thing to do in Juneau is to take one of the several hiking trails back down the mountain, some of which are wheelchair friendly. Thank you for your post. more. If you want to get into the thick of Southeast Alaskas temperate rainforests, then this trail is for you.

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