Best Things to Do from Juneau Alaska Cruise Port

Looking for the best shore excursion in Juneau Alaska?

Welcome to Juneau, Alaska! If you’re visiting this stunning port city on a cruise, then you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

Don’t feel like reading this whole post? I gotcha covered ⤵️

As a travel advisor with extensive knowledge of the area and having personally visited Juneau myself, I can assure you that you’ll be able to make the most out of your day here.

From exploring glaciers to enjoying local seafood delicacies, there are plenty of outdoor activities for every type of traveler.

In this guide, I will provide all the information needed so that travelers can have an enjoyable time in Juneau and make memories they won’t forget!

So let’s get started with the best things to do from the Juneau Alaska Cruise Port!

A quick note about Alaska cruise excursions, they are going to be more expensive than what you are used to if you usually cruise the Caribbean.

It’s worth it though! Nowhere on earth will you experience the majestic and rugged beauty of Alaska.

So, buy the excursion, get out there, and get up close and personal with nature

Juneau Shore Excursion Quick Guide:

Best Shore Excursions from Juneau

1. Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

⭐️ 5/5 ⌛️ 5.5 hours 🏵 Viator Badge of Excellence ✅ Book it here

Why choose this tour?

This is Juneau’s most sought-after tour. Due to the constant changing of the ice, every tour is unique and space is limited. The maximum group size is 14.

Join expert guides on a paddling adventure through Mendenhall Lake. You will be in a small group and pass by magnificent icebergs, towering waterfalls, and maybe even the chance to observe the local wildlife.

During your journey towards the glacier, the Tongass National Forest will surround you with stunning mountain peaks. After arriving at a distant beach area, you will be guided on a safe interpretive hike to explore the rocky surfaces of the glacier. Witness the gorgeous ice formations and their dynamic beauty up close.

The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour Includes:

• Transportation from downtown Juneau
• Expert Wilderness Guides
• Bottled water, snacks, and hot beverage
• Rain Jacket & Pants / Waterproof Boots
• Life Vest / Helmet / Trekking Pole

Important Information about this tour:

‣ Minimum age of 12 years old
‣ Minimum weight: 90lbs
‣ Maximum weight: 240lbs
‣ Not recommended for guests with back or hip problems
‣ Full use of limbs for up to 2 hours of canoe paddling and 1.5 hours of trekking
‣ Ability to hike over steep uneven terrain for approximately 1-2 miles
‣ Not wheelchair accessible
‣ Not recommended for pregnant travelers
‣ No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
‣ Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level

What past guests have said:

➡️ Check Rates and Availability for Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure

Juneau Cruise Port Excursions

2 Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

⭐️ 5/5 ⌛️ 4.5 hours 🏵 Trip Advisor Badge of Excellence ✅ Book it Here

Why choose this tour?

This tour is great because it includes roundtrip transportation to and from the cruise port, and also offers numerous departure times, which is great when you are on a cruise.

Your Juneau adventure begins with a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where you will learn all about this mighty body of ice.

Then, take in the incredible views of the glacier from designated viewing platforms and walkways.

Later, embark on an exhilarating cruise to watch whales. Be on the lookout for humpback whales and other wildlife such as bald eagles and blue herons.

The Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Includes:

• 100% Guarantee to see Whales
• Roundtrip Transportation from Cruise Terminal
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Live commentary on board
• Driver/guide
• Port pickup and drop-off
• Round-trip shared transfer

Important Information about this Tour:

‣ Not wheelchair accessible
‣ Children must be accompanied by an adult
‣ Collapsable Wheelchairs Only
‣ No Motorized Scooters
‣ No Motorized Wheelchairs
‣ Stroller accessible
‣ Service animals allowed
‣ This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers

What past guests have said:

➡️ Check Rates and Availability for Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier

Juneau Cruise Port Excursions

3 Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk

⭐️5/5 ⌛️ 2.5 hours ✅ Book It Here

Why choose this tour?

What better way to experience Alaska, than from above? This tour offers plenty of excitement and amazing scenery.

Experience a scenic helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield before landing on Herbert Glacier to explore the surrounding area on foot.

Explore the Alaskan wilderness and take memorable photos during your icefield walk.

The Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk Includes:

• Round-trip helicopter flight
• Guided glacier walk
• Port pickup and drop-off
• Pilot/guide
• Boots and raincoats, if needed
• Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee

Important information about this tour:

‣Wheelchair accessible
‣No-bag policy
‣If you have medical needs that require a carry-on, please note this at time of booking.
‣Dress warmly and in layers
‣Wear rubber-soled shoes such as light hiking boots or athletic shoes.
‣The tour company will provide overshoes and can supply raincoats as needed.
‣ Remember to bring your camera and binoculars!
‣ Persons weighing 260 pounds (clothed weight) or more must pay an additional ‣ $150.00 to secure extra space in the aircraft.
‣ This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

What guests have said:

➡️ Check Rates and Availability for Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk

Juneau Cruise Port Excursions

4 Segway Coastal Rainforest Trek

⭐️5/5 ⌛️ 3 hours 🏵Viator Badge of Excellence ✅ Book it

Why choose this tour?

It’s the thrill of exploring a pristine coastal rainforest in Alaska – but with a twist. Experience the wonders of nature on your very own Segway guided by an experienced professional who will help you make the most of your time and capture amazing photos along the way!

This eco-tour does not disappoint, as you glide through the trees, winding past streams, seeing Mendenhall Glacier, and a secluded beach where you may even see whales. You’ll be treated to a whole new perspective of this beautiful region!

Segway Coastal Rainforest Trek includes:

• Use of a Segway Personal Transporter
• Safety Helmet
• Rain Poncho if needed
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Hands-Free Radio for hearing tour facts & highlights

Important information about this tour:

‣ Not wheelchair accessible
‣ Not recommended for pregnant travelers
‣ Travelers under 14 years old will ride a Trikke Pon-e
‣ Guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed on this tour
‣ Closed-toed shoes required
‣ Must be able to stand for a 90-minute period
‣ Guests with balancing issues or taking medication affecting balance will not be permitted on this tour
‣ Guests must be between 100lbs and 265lbs
‣ This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

What guests have said:

➡️ Check Rates and Availability for Segway Trek

Juneau Cruise Port Excursions

5 Helicopter, Dogsledding Experience, and Additional Glacier Landing

⭐️4.5/5 ⌛️ 3.5 hours ✅ Book it

Why choose this tour?

Experience the beauty of Alaska’s glaciers and wilderness like never before with this incredible shore excursion.

Enjoy a thrilling helicopter flight over Herbert Glacier while viewing the majestic ice field, then land on the glacier to go dogsledding – an unforgettable experience!

You’ll also have time to explore the lower part of the glacier up close and take in the amazing views of its jagged peaks.

Helicopter, Dogsledding, and Glacier Landing tour includes:

• Glacier Boots
• Rain Jacket & Pants

Important information about this tour:
‣Total weight per passenger: 280 lbs
‣Infant seats available
‣Not wheelchair accessible
‣No-bag policy
‣If you have medical needs that require a carry-on, please note this at the time of booking.
‣Dress warmly and in layers, and wear rubber-soled shoes such as light hiking boots or athletic shoes.
‣The tour company will provide overshoes and can supply raincoats as needed.
‣Persons weighing 260 pounds (clothed weight) or more must pay an additional $150.00 to secure extra space in the aircraft.
‣This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

What guests have said:

You fly in a helicopter over the beautiful mountains and glacier, then land and experience firsthand a dogsled across the glacier while surrounded by scenic mountains capped with snow. Simply unforgettable. – Jason, Read more reviews

➡️ Check Rates and Availability of Helicopter, Dogsledding, Glacier Landing Tour

Best Things to Do from Juneau Cruise Port On Your Own

Juneau is very walkable, and the cruise port location makes it easy to head into town on foot and explore Juneau.

Even if you plan an excursion, you will likely have time to wander through town before returning to your ship. If so, try and get off the main street a bit, and visit the local shops and restaurants.

Below is a list of things you can see and do in Juneau without an excursion.

6. Mount Roberts Trail

This hike is a must-do in Juneau! Enjoy breathtaking views of Gastineau Channel, Juneau, and Douglas as you take on a 4.5-mile-long trail featuring a 4,000-foot ascent. It’s a leg burner though!

7. Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway

Looking for a great view without the hike? Hop on board the Mount Roberts Tram just outside the cruise port.

The 6-minute ride up offers gorgeous views, and once you make it to the top of the mountain, you can enjoy the observatory, gift shop, and restaurant.

8. Visit the Patsy Statue

Pay homage to Juneau’s beloved deaf mascot, Patsy Ann. This bronze statue stands at the entrance of the dock where she used to greet incoming boats over 80 years ago. A must-see for animal lovers!

In 1929, Patsy the bull terrier arrived in Juneau. Despite being deaf from birth, she possessed the unique talent of being able to anticipate the arrival of steamships by their whistle sound, and would always run to the docks to welcome them.

Her friendly nature and reliability led to her being officially named the “Official Greeter of Juneau, Alaska” by the city’s mayor in 1934.

She passed away in 1942, and the city placed this statue of her on the deck so she can continue to welcome visitors to the city.

9. Shrine of St. Therese

This little-known shrine is dedicated to St. Therese, the patron saint of Alaska. The beautiful grounds feature holy sites, lodging, and gift shops making it a perfect place for travelers seeking a spiritual experience.

10. Last Chance Mining Museum

You can visit the Last Chance Mining Museum to explore an abandoned mine. This museum is the only historic mining building that is open to the public from Juneau’s gold rush era.

11 Juneau-Douglas City Museum

They host exhibits about the history of the area including Tlingit culture and the early gold rush days.  

During the summer on Tuesdays through Thursdays, the museum provides guided walking tours of historic downtown Juneau, which is surrounded by steep, narrow streets adorned with beautiful gardens and historic homes.

12. The Alaska State Capitol

I love to see capital buildings when we travel, so I was looking forward to checking this one out too. I will say it is rather underwhelming as far as architecture goes, but the walk up and back is nice and you can see a lot along the way.

13 Tour the Alaskan Brewing Company

If you are a beer lover, then this is your stop! The tour is pretty comprehensive and they offer samples at the end. It’s a fun way to get an insight into local craft beer making.

14 Macaulay Fish Hatchery

This hatchery is located just outside of Juneau in Auke Bay. Visitors can learn about sustainable fishing practices and salmon life cycles as they tour the facility, including a large fish ladder that you can actually walk through! Its a great way to experience Alaskan wildlife up close and personal.

15 Zipline

While not technically downtown, you can catch a ride to the Eaglecrest ski area and zipline through the forest.

16 St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

Built in 1894, this church is the oldest standing religious building in Juneau. It is a stunning example of Russian architecture and its iconic onion dome can be seen from many spots downtown.

18. Mendenhall Glacier

I know, I know, this is on the list a lot! That’s because it’s so special, and is truly one of the best attractions around Juneau.

But unlike the excursions above, this time, I’m telling you how to visit this incredible place on your own.

You’ll get overhead views of Mendenhall Glacier and nugget falls too!

You can get a round trip ride to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center. For a fee, the Glacier shuttle bus is quick and convenient with one leaving from downtown every 30 minutes.

Pick up and drop off are located at the cruise ship terminal. 

Spend as much time as you like at the Glacier and then head back to town for shopping and lunch!

19. Hit the shops

Down Franklin Street, just a short walk from the cruise docks, you’ll find souvenir shops, along with fun local restaurants and bars.

This picturesque scene is made complete with historical buildings and rugged mountains in the backdrop.

Overview of Juneau, Alaska

Juneau is a city located in the state of Alaska. Juneau is the Capital of Alaska. It is the only state Capital that cannot be reached by road!

Residents of Alaska have the opportunity to be involved in government meetings via video since getting there is such a difficult task.

Juneau is surrounded by mountains, forests, and glaciers. The city’s waterfront area has lots of shops, restaurants, and attractions to explore.

To prepare for the weather in Juneau, keep in mind that it typically rains 220 days out of the year.

Additionally, the official currency used in Juneau is the US dollar, and there are plenty of ATMs and banks located within the town.

Wifi is hard to get, but you will find a few places that have it available in town. If you are desperate for the internet, you can walk to the public library in town, it’s just a short distance from the port.

Alaska has almost two dozen co-official state languages, including English, Inupiaq, Tanana, and Tsimshian.

Juneau also has many unique activities like whale watching, glacier trekking, flightseeing tours over ice fields and fjords, bear viewing tours on nearby Admiralty Island National Monument, and kayaking adventures in waters filled with sea life including orcas or humpback whales!

Juneau Alaska Cruise Port

The cruise port in Juneau is home to many of the popular cruises that traverse the Inside Passage. It has a long history as an important port for cargo and passenger ships traveling in Alaska, and it continues to be active today.

The cruise ship dock in Juneau is situated in the southern part of the downtown area. The docks have several berths that can cater to large ships and are connected by a wide boardwalk.

If you keep walking along the ramps that lead to town, you’ll have a chance to take a photo in front of the “Welcome to Juneau” sign.

There are three areas in Juneau where cruise ships dock and they are all close enough to walk to downtown. The bigger cruise ships usually dock near South Franklin Street, while smaller ones dock next to the floatplanes.

The third dock is located at the south end of town. There are plenty of taxis available from each dock, and most shore excursions and tours provide transportation to and from the port.

From Juneau cruise port, you can find great shore excursions that will take you on amazing adventures exploring all the natural beauty Alaska has to offer.

🚨 Looking for more excursions? Click Here for Exclusive Deals on Alaska Cruise Excursions (with a back-to-the-ship guarantee!)

Where to eat in Juneau

Deckhand Dave’s

Deckhand Dave’s in Juneau is the perfect place to experience the tastes of Alaska. With locally-sourced wild Alaskan fish tacos, fish and chips, and fresh local oysters, Deckhand Dave’s offers a variety of delicious seafood dishes. Not only that, but they also have an extensive selection of beers and wines.

Locally owned and operated by a former commercial fisherman, Deckhand Dave’s is loved by tourists and locals alike. With prices ranging from $12 – $25, this is a fun spot for the whole family to enjoy.

Alaska Fish & Chips Company

Alaska Fish & Chips Company is an indoor-outdoor seafood restaurant located in Juneau. With its relaxed atmosphere and stunning view of the channel, it’s a great spot to enjoy some fresh Alaska seafood.

Their specialty is Halibut & Chips, and they also serve other delicious items such as fish tacos, reindeer sausage corndogs, salads, and regional craft beer. Prices range from $3 -$31, so it’s an affordable option for all tastes and budgets.

Tracy’s King Crab Shack

Tracy’s Crab Shack is a family-run seafood restaurant in Juneau that specializes in serving all types of freshly-caught Alaskan crab.

With dishes like Alaskan King Crab, Snow Crab, Dungeness Crab, Crab Bisque, Crab Cakes, and Crab Rolls, Tracy’s offers an extensive menu with something for everyone.

Beer and wine are available to enjoy with your meal, and you can order at the window and have a seat in the outdoor area. Plus, the wait time for your food is usually not longer than 10-20 minutes.

There is an outdoor area where you can enjoy your meal and enjoy the view too!

Twisted Fish Company

Twisted Fish Co. is a full-service restaurant in downtown Juneau, near the cruise port. With its waterfront views and outdoor seating right on the harbor, this is one of the most sought-after spots for tourists to dine.

Enjoy fresh Alaskan seafood prepared with local flavors and ingredients. This Alaskan Grill offers the best and widest selection of wines and Alaskan-brewed beers.

Prices range from $10 – $29. Seating is offered inside or outside.

Best Bars in Juneau

The Alaskan Bar

The Alaska Bar is a popular spot in Juneau. It’s known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and an endless supply of beer. The bar has a wide selection of beers on tap, wines, and spirits.

There are some TVs to watch sports games and sometimes live music performances too!

The Alaskan Bar is located in the Alaskan Hotel which is the oldest hotel in Juneau. Its been operational since the gold rush and is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a great place to stop and immerse yourself in a bit of Alaskan history.

The Hangar on the Wharf

The Hangar on the Wharf is a quintessentially Alaskan experience. Located inside the Historic Merchants Wharf, this waterfront hotspot has been serving up tasty pub classics and more than 100 beers since 1996.

This spot has been attracting both locals and international visitors for nearly 25 years, and the atmosphere here is relaxed and chill. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Jumbo while you indulge in seafood, steaks, burgers, pasta, salads, and chowders.

Devil’s Club Brewing

Devil’s Club Brewing is a taproom located in downtown Juneau. They specialize in craft beer brewed right here in Alaska, and they also serve up some delicious pub food

This is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy one of their signature beers with friends. Devil’s Club also hosts special events and live music throughout the year.

The Narrows Bar

The Narrows Bar is a great place for drinks and conversation. It’s well-known for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly bartenders.

Enjoy a cozy ambiance while sipping on craft cocktails using the freshest and most creative ingredients, or try a whiskey drink.

The Narrows Bar is the 2022 winner of the “Best in Juneau” award.

Red Dog Saloon

The Red Dog Saloon is one of Juneau’s most well-known bars. Beginning in the Gold Rush Days Red Dog was a popular spot for miners and fishermen alike.

Early-day proprietors, Earl and Thelma (Pederson) Forsythe provided dancing, and long-time entertainer “Ragtime Hattie” played the piano in her white gloves and silver dollar halter top

While the current saloon isn’t the original Red Dog Saloon (it used to be a tent on the beach), it feels authentic as you step through the swinging doors into the saloon.

It gets extremely busy here, and is often standing-room only! It’s a great time though, so be sure and stop by for a beer and burger while you are in Juneau.

Frequently Asked Questions about Juneau Cruise Port

Skipped to the end? Here’s the #1 shore excursion in Juneau Alaska⤵️

Final Thoughts on Juneau Cruise Port

Juneau is one of the most visited cruise ports in Alaska, and for good reason. With its breathtaking scenery, rich culture, a wide range of activities, and abundance of delicious restaurants and bars to explore, Juneau is a great place for tourists to enjoy.

Whether you’re looking to explore one of its many glaciers or relax with a beer and burger at one of the city’s iconic bars, there’s something for everyone in Juneau.

So don’t forget to plan your shore excursions in advance and make the most out of your time here! Enjoy!

Alaska Cruise Port Information
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