Monday, April 1, 2024

31 Best Things to Do in Juneau Alaska from a Cruise Ship 2024

free things to do in juneau from cruise ship

In this section, get ready to discover the unique things that make Juneau a must-visit destination! While not always free, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center offers certain days where admission is waived. Get up close and personal with one of Alaska’s most famous glaciers and learn about its history and the local ecosystem through informative displays. Undoubtedly one of the most popular ways to spend an afternoon in Juneau, take some time to walk through the historic downtown where every corner brims with charm!

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Ladd Macauley Visitor Center/Macaulay Salmon Hatchery

There are many similar opportunities for viewing glaciers and wild animals at Mendenhall, Tracy Arm Fjord, and the variety of sea kayaking or helicopter tours available. You can take fascinating guided tours to learn about the lifecycle of salmon, and witness the various stages of salmon development. They also have a tasting room where you can sample their beers and purchase merchandise. It’s an unforgettableblend of natural beauty, wildlife, recreational opportunities, and educational value. When you visit Alaska, one of the must-do activities is to go on a whale-watching tour. There are other opportunities to see these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat — some of them free.

Tracy Arm Fjord Excursion

Forest excursions include a scenic drive to the Tongass National Forest dog camps. You’ll see a professional dog sled camp, interact with husky puppies, and even ride a “summer sled” (with wheels). You can also choose a combo whale-watching cruise/Mendenhall glacier visit. After your whale-watching expedition, you’ll be bussed to Mendenhall, where you can spend 1.5 hours exploring.

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Posted: Mon, 24 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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A helicopter ride over the glaciers and snowy slopes of the Juneau Icefield on a spectacularly sunny day is one of the best things you can experience in this part of Alaska. Like most helicopter and floatplane rides, it can be very expensive but makes for a truly a memorable adventure. Zip over glaciers, leaving the green mountains surrounding Juneau on a warm sunny day and arriving just a few minutes later in a snowy wonderland. Those who arrive via cruise ship may be disappointed to learn that the brewery and tasting room are located about five miles from the cruise ship dock.

A great add-on to a tour of Juneau, this museum is a smaller space that can be part of an afternoon stroll. A beautiful, tranquil place, this spot draws many visitors who want to see its postcard-worthy grounds and chapel. While it is a little out of the way from Juneau (22 miles to be exact), it is incredibly well-rated among guests for its serene atmosphere, a place of peace and solitude. The Tongass National Forest covers an impressive 17 million acres and is the largest national forest in the United States, and can be accessed by a number of locations. Certainly one of the town’s most iconic spots, the Red Dog Saloon is a can’t-miss watering hole when visiting Juneau.

Sample Local Beer at Alaskan Brewing Co.

Another option is near Douglas Island, which features lines overlooking the beautiful Gastineau Channel. For bear spotting, venture into Tongass National Forest or take a guided tour that specializes in bear-watching. These tours typically take you to remote areas where bears forage for salmon, offering safe and respectful ways to witness these incredible animals in their natural setting. In short, Juneau offers an intoxicating mix of culture, geography, and natural marvels that make it an essential stop for cruise-goers looking to experience the very best of Alaska. If there’s one thing Juneau is famous for, it’s the astounding natural wonders.

Explore the Historic Downtown

After you spend time enjoying the Mendenhall Glacier area, I recommend walking around downtown and having dinner at Tracy’s King Crab Shack before heading back to the ship. Take a guided tour to view coastal brown bears in their natural habitat. One of the best tours that offers bear viewing tours near Juneau is this Pack Creek Bear Viewing excursion. This tour is roughly 8-hours long so be sure that your cruise line is docked in Juneau for long enough to participate in the day tour offered.

One of the most epic flightseeing excursions you can do in Juneau is a seaplane tour over the massive Juneau icefield. Juneau is most notable for being the cruise port that you can see a glacier from land on your own, and that’s the Mendenhall Glacier. Juneau is also a great cruise port for hiking if you want a more budget-friendly option on your own that can also be a highlight of your cruise. Starting at the botanical garden and nursery, Glacier Gardens, a rainforest tour begins by boarding a covered “adventure vehicle” for a one-hour tour in an old-growth rainforest on Thunder Mountain. For a $5 (cash only) entry fee, visitors will see the world’s largest air compressor and exhibits detailing Juneau’s history.

free things to do in juneau from cruise ship

Hang with Some Sled Dogs

Take a cruise out into Glacier Bay itself, where eight icebergs dip down into the water. This massive park is home to stunning scenery, rugged mountains, massive glaciers, temperate rainforests, and remote fjords. Tour an abandoned mine at the Last Chance Mining Museum, the only historic mining building open to the public from Juneau’s gold rush era.

The Juneau Visitor Center is a great resource for visitors like yourself, as it offers a wide range of information on things to do in Juneau for free. From hiking and biking trails to cultural and historical sites, the staff at the visitor centre will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in the city. About 20 people gathered at Marine Park downtown to rally for the proposed ballot initiative as the season’s first cruise visitors were heading back to their ship after a few hours in town.

They have a variety of beers, including their popular Alaskan Amber, Alaskan White, Alaskan Husky IPA, and seasonal brews. There’s plenty of space and solitude in their beautifully landscaped gardens or walking paths, as well as in the chapel itself. If you’re looking for some free Juneau things to do, my top suggestion is to spend your day surrounded by the beauty of nature on the Mt Roberts Trail.

free things to do in juneau from cruise ship

If you’re craving a cold one, be sure you try Alaskan Brewing Company’s Alaskan Amber or Smoked Porter— they’re both local favorites. Located approximately 15 minutes drive from Juneau port, Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is the largest Salmon Hatchery in Southeast Alaska raising over 130 million chum, king, and coho salmon annually. This is a very popular activity for Alaska and it involves a variety of steps and 5 to 7  long zip lines. The groups for zip line count between 12 to a maximum of 24 participants, whereas at the location there will be groups of 4 people at a time. All instructions and safety equipment will be provided right at the site and are mandatory to wear.

Juneau is best known for its breathtaking natural scenery, including the Mendenhall Glacier and the Tracy Arm Fjord. It’s also Alaska’s capital city and offers a rich cultural experience with museums, historic landmarks, and unique local shops in downtown Juneau. Yes, Juneau is quite walkable, especially in the downtown Juneau area, which is close to the cruise ship dock. Numerous attractions, shops, and restaurants are conveniently located within a short walking distance.

The giant replica was crafted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alaska's statehood (in 2009). This excursion requires a little more planning but is well worth the visit. The famous fjord showcases the area's stunning wilderness and dramatic views of 3000-foot cliffs that guard the narrow waterway.

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