Top Attractions in Juneau, AK

Mendenhall Glacier

Please see this important Mendenhall Glacier Update. Juneau’s most popular attraction (for a good reason), the Mendenhall Glacier is a half-mile wide, with ice 300 to 1,800 feet deep. It provides some of the most spectacular landscapes in Alaska. Even more amazing, the glacier constantly moves and changes with the seasons — so no two visits are alike. Pressed for time? Don’t miss the view from the visitor’s pavilion, which will only take about 90 minutes. You’ll be able to take some great photos, too. With a little more time, enjoy beautiful hiking trails that get you up close to the glacier and its surrounding nature. The most rewarding hike leads to Nugget Falls, where a stunning waterfall cascades into an iceberg-dotted lake with the majestic Mendenhall Glacier as its backdrop — a perfect duo to explore together in one unforgettable visit.

Nugget Falls  

Just a short hike from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center lies Nugget Falls, a spectacular 377-foot waterfall that tumbles into Mendenhall Lake. The easy, 2-mile round-trip trail to the falls offers stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains, making it one of Juneau’s most rewarding short hikes.  

This serene spot is a favorite for nature lovers and photographers, providing up-close encounters with Alaska’s rugged beauty. Many visitors choose to combine Nugget Falls in Juneau with a visit to Mendenhall Glacier, though accessing the glacier itself requires significant effort. For those taking the city bus, note that the journey involves a 1.5-mile walk each way from the bus stop to the visitor center, with additional distance to the glacier or falls.  

Plan ahead, as there are no facilities or rest areas along the way. Whether you’re hiking, photographing, or simply enjoying the sound of cascading water, Nugget Falls is a must-see destination.  

Tracy Arm Fjord

Forty-five miles outside of Juneau, this scenic destination has it all — mammoth glaciers, towering granite walls, breathtaking mountains, waterfalls, and a large variety of wildlife. Tracy Arm is a 30-mile long fjord — a narrow inlet created by glacial activity — formed thousands of years ago. It winds its way past 7,000-foot snow-capped mountains and floating icebergs. At the end of the fjord lies the stunning Sawyer Glaciers, translucent blue mountains rising majestically out of the water. About once every hour, the North Sawyer and South Sawyer glaciers “calve” — an awe-inspiring phenomena in which large chunks of ice tumble into the sea below. Tracy Arm is also home to a large variety of wildlife including bald eagles, brown bears, goats, and whales. It provides some wonderful opportunities for capturing beautiful vacation memories.

Whale Watching

Hop on a boat for a classic Alaska whale watching adventure. At the right time of year, you’re bound to see humpbacks and orcas congregate in the calm waters and put on a show. See them flip their tails above water or breach (when they leap all the way out of the water and then splash back down). With luck, you’ll get the breathtaking sight of bubble net feeding — a unique technique used by humpback whales circling and blowing bubbles to bring fish to the surface of the water when they spontaneously swim upward together. Many options are available for whale watching tours, from large catamarans to medium sized jet boats to smaller six-passenger vessels. Tours generally last 3-4 hours and include transportation.

Mount Roberts Goldbelt Tram 

Soar 1,800 feet above Juneau with a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway. This six-minute journey offers unbeatable views of downtown Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and the surrounding wilderness.  

Once at the summit, visitors can explore a variety of hiking trails, suitable for all fitness levels. These trails wind through alpine scenery and provide opportunities to spot local wildlife, from marmots to bald eagles. Stop by the nature center to learn about the area’s ecology and history or visit the gift shop for unique, locally made souvenirs.  

Hungry? The Timberline Restaurant at the summit serves up Alaskan seafood alongside panoramic views. Whether you’re dining, hiking, or simply enjoying the ride, the Mount Roberts Tramway is an unforgettable experience.  

Alaska State Museum 

Discover the heart of Alaska’s history and culture at the Alaska State Museum. This world-class institution showcases artifacts from Alaska’s Native cultures, including traditional tools, clothing, and art that reveal the rich heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and other Indigenous peoples.  

The museum also explores Alaska’s gold rush history, with engaging exhibits that capture the excitement and hardships of the era. Art lovers will appreciate the rotating displays of contemporary and historical Alaskan art, offering a glimpse into the creative spirit of the region. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or curious about Alaska’s unique heritage, this museum is a must-visit for understanding the story of the Last Frontier.  

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure  

Experience the lush beauty of Alaska’s temperate rainforest at Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure in Juneau. This one-of-a-kind botanical garden features guided tours that wind through vibrant gardens and towering trees. Highlights include the upside-down flower towers, where trees are creatively repurposed as floral displays, adding a whimsical touch to the landscape.  

Wildlife enthusiasts may spot bald eagles, ravens, and even black bears during their visit. The tour also includes a scenic overlook with panoramic views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and beyond. This tranquil escape into nature offers a unique blend of gardening innovation and Alaskan wilderness, making it an unforgettable stop on your Juneau adventure.  

Admiralty Island

No trip to Alaska is complete without bears. Just twenty minutes from Juneau by floatplane is Admiralty Island, home to one of the world's highest density brown bear populations. Nicknamed “Fortress of the Bears,” there are approximately 1,600 bears — one for every square mile of the island. The most popular place to see these big, fuzzy creatures in action is Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary. Watch bears feed on salmon during the peak viewing season (July through August). In addition to bear viewing, you might spot seabirds, harbor seals, sea lions, whales, Sitka black-tail deer, or sea otters. The island is also home to the world’s greatest concentration of nesting bald eagles. Permits are required and a guided tour can help provide them and arrange transportation. You can reach the island via floatplane, boat, or kayak, depending on weather and ability. 

Salmon Fishing

There’s no doubt Alaska is one of the greatest fishing spots in the world. In addition to halibut, Alaska offers five types of Pacific salmon and each has a season. Hire a professional guide to pick the best option on any given day, and Juneau offers dozens of excellent fishing guide services. Full- and half-day charters take you on guided fishing trips, either in a boat, on shore, or by hopping a floatplane to a remote river or lake. You can charter a vessel to customize your own fishing adventure. A number of options are available to process and ship your prized catch home for you, just ask your captain. Learn more about salmon fishing in Juneau here.

Historic Juneau

Wander the streets of downtown Juneau and you'll come across unique sites that make this historic district the gem that it is. In just a few square miles, browse buildings celebrating Alaska’s Native heritage, multiple museums and an arts center. Make pit stops along the way at multiple public art installations, such as the Kootéeyaa Deiyí (totem pole trail) lining the seawalk, the Ancon Mural... the list goes on. Stop by one of Travel Juneau's visitor information sites for a Downtown Walking Tour Map and be your own guide!