If your Alaskan cruise is docking in Juneau, get ready for one of the most breathtaking and adventure-packed stops on your voyage. Nestled between mountains and the sea, Juneau, Alaska, offers an incredible mix of outdoor experiences, rich culture, and wildlife encounters that make it a highlight of any Alaska cruise itinerary.
Our first stop in Alaska on a 7-night Holland America cruise was the state capital, Juneau. Surprisingly, Juneau is the second largest city in the United States by area – even bigger than Delaware! Despite its size, the city is only accessible by plane or boat, making it a truly unique cruise destination.
With just six hours in port, covering so much ground seemed daunting. Luckily, with guidance from Travel Juneau, we managed to fit in a variety of kid-friendly activities and top things to do in Juneau, ensuring a fun and memorable day for the whole family.
We were on the last cruise of the season and several popular activities around Juneau had already closed for the season (such as dog sledding). However we still thoroughly enjoyed our day.
Whether you’ve got a few hours or a full day in port, here’s your complete guide to the best things to do in Juneau – from glacier tours and gold mines to salmon tastings and scenic tram rides.
1. Ride the Goldbelt Tramway for Panoramic Views
A must-do in Juneau, the Goldbelt Tramway (formerly Mount Roberts Tramway) whisks you up 1,800 feet in just six minutes for unbeatable views over the city, Gastineau Channel, and the surrounding rainforest. This is the only aerial tramway in Southeast Alaska, one of the steepest in the world, and one hell of a ride.
At the top, you’ll find scenic hiking trails, a nature center, and a cozy café where you can sip hot cocoa while spotting bald eagles. It’s the perfect first stop to get your bearings and soak in Juneau’s natural beauty.
💡 Tip: Book your tram tickets online to skip the queues when cruise ships are in port. And even if the weather is warm, bring a jacket, as the peak is around 10 degrees cooler than sea level.
2. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier
No trip to Juneau is complete without visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers and the most popular shore excursion in Juneau. And not just any glacier, the Juneau Icefield is the fifth largest icefield in North America (covering 1,500 square miles), and home to 38 glaciers.
Located just 20 minute taxi from downtown, you can visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, walk the Photo Point Trail for panoramic glacier views, or take the Nugget Falls Trail for a close-up look at a thundering waterfall right beside the ice.
Since it was near the end of our day and both kids had fallen asleep in the warmth of the car, we left them with our tour guide and set out for our first sighting of a real glacier.
My first thought was how dirty it was. My second was how giant it was. My third was how could I get onto it? Fortunately, we’d get a chance later in the cruise to walk on Meade Glacier.
Adventure-seekers can even kayak across Mendenhall Lake or join a helicopter glacier tour for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
3. Step Back in Time at the AJ Mine and Gastineau Mill Tour
Experience Juneau’s gold rush history firsthand on the AJ Mine and Gastineau Mill Tour. Led by local miners, you’ll don a hard hat and explore underground tunnels, learning how prospectors once searched for gold deep beneath Juneau’s mountains.
The kids’ favourite part came afterwards with the opportunity to pan for gold. Any gold flakes we found were ours to keep (and we caught a few!). It was a little tricky to spot those golden specks, so I probably won’t swap my laptop for a gold pan just yet.
It’s an engaging, family-friendly excursion that combines storytelling, history, and a hands-on look at Alaska’s mining heritage – perfect for anyone curious about Juneau’s past.
💡 Tip: The gift store had quite a few nifty souvenirs on display. And if you’re a little chilly, grab a free hot chocolate.
4. Shop Local at the Alaska Shirt Company
If you’re hunting for the perfect souvenir, the Alaska Shirt Company near the cruise ship docks is a must-visit. From cozy hoodies and T-shirts to local gifts and Alaska-themed trinkets, it’s one of the best spots in town to pick up cruise mementos.
It’s also an easy stop if you’re short on time before heading back to your ship.
5. Visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
Curious about Alaska’s famous salmon? Stop by the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, located just a few minutes from downtown Juneau. Here, you can see thousands of salmon swimming upstream during spawning season (typically June to September) and learn how hatcheries support sustainable fishing in Alaska.
The interactive exhibits and underwater viewing windows make this one of the best educational attractions in Juneau – especially for families and wildlife lovers.
As we cruised Alaska in late September, it was the season when salmon return upstream to their places of birth for mating and ultimately, death. Although this small, quaint aquarium may entertain young kids; it was already closed for the day by the time we got there. So we watched the sea on the north side of the complex where wild salmon were gradually leaping their way up a ramp into the hatchery.
6. Explore Downtown Juneau’s Charm
Take a stroll through downtown Juneau, where colorful historic buildings house boutiques, art galleries, and local eateries. Don’t miss the chance to try Alaskan king crab or a freshly grilled salmon sandwich – it’s the flavor of the region!
Pop into local breweries like Alaskan Brewing Company Depot or enjoy a scenic drink at a waterfront bar before returning to the pier.
7. Watch for Whales and Wildlife
If you’ve got a few extra hours, consider booking a Juneau whale-watching tour — one of the top-rated excursions for cruise passengers. Humpback whales, sea lions, and bald eagles are often spotted, and lucky travelers may even see orcas in the channel.
Many tour operators offer pickup and drop-off near the Juneau cruise terminal, making it easy to fit this unforgettable experience into your port day.
While we didn’t have time we did manage to capture a glimpse of another Alaskan wildlife – the bear! Alaska is home to three types of bears and chances are you are going to spot one. For us it was on the way to the Mendenhall Glacier – we spotted a crowd of tourists near the car park.
We raced over, and in the bushes was a Black Bear. Rangers were on hand to keep the rubbernecking tourists back, especially when she decided to leave the forest and cross the road.
Our first wild bear sighting – so cool!
Plan Your Juneau Cruise Stop
Most Alaska cruises dock in Juneau for 6-10 hours, giving you plenty of time to experience a mix of adventure, history, and local flavor. Whether you prefer hiking glaciers, riding trams, or simply enjoying the charm of Alaska’s capital city, Juneau offers something for everyone.
Quick Juneau Cruise Port Tips
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Currency: USD (Credit cards widely accepted)
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Language: English
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Best Time to Visit: May to September (peak cruise season)
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Getting Around: Walkable downtown, taxis, shuttle buses, or organized shore excursions
Final Thoughts
From awe-inspiring glaciers to fascinating gold mine tours, Juneau, Alaska delivers unforgettable experiences for cruise travelers. This charming capital city perfectly captures the spirit of Alaska — wild, beautiful, and full of adventure.
So when your ship docks, step off, explore, and fall in love with Juneau’s magic.
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