Juneau, Alaska

Nugget Falls

The Nugget Falls trail begins half way down Photo Point Trail and is 0.8 miles long in Tongass National Forest.

It ends at Nugget Falls, a 377-foot waterfall that drops in two tiers onto Mendenhall Lake. The falls are fed by Nugget Creek which in turn is fed by Nugget Glacier.

Venturing to the falls offers the chance to see the beautiful blue ice terminus of Mendenhall Glacier and majestic black bears fishing for sockeye salmon.

The trail was recently regraded to create a flat, easy hike that is heavily used by all ability levels and takes about 45 minutes round trip.

6000 Glacier Spur Rd, Juneau, AK 99801

Goldbelt Tram

The only aerial tramway in southeast Alaska, Goldbelt Tram has been open since 1996 and operates May through September.

Beginning from the cruise ship dock in downtown Juneau, cars rise 1,800 feet through the rain forest to the Mountain House. After taking in the expansive views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel riders can visit Mount Roberts, the Nature Center, and Chilkat Theater.

Atop Mount Roberts is Timberline Bar and Grill with the Raven Eagle gift shop and gallery. Tramway tickets are sold as all-day passes at the Tramway Station or on all major cruise ships. Kids 5 and younger ride free.

Goldbelt Tram , 490 S Franklin Street, Juneau, AK 99801, 888-461-8726

Juneau-Douglas City Museum

The Juneau-Douglas City Museum is open all year and has free admission, courtesy of local sponsors, during the off season.

The museum aims to preserve the rich and diverse history of the city of Juneau with exhibits that showcase mining, fishing and the culture of Juneau.

There is a downtown walking tour where you can see the transformation of Juneau from a small town into a large city fueled by the fishing industry. You can also see Juneau’s oldest church and finish the tour by exploring a historic home.

114 W 4th St, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-586-3572

Jenson-Olsen Arboretum

The Jenson-Olsen Arboretum was established by avid gardener and primrose-lover Caroline Jenson, who established her private garden in an unlikely area of temperate rainforest, right on the edge of the ocean. After her passing, the garden was gifted to the City of Juneau, where it has become a much-loved outdoor science room where the public can learn much about nature and the environment. Visitors can enjoy walking through several distinct areas including the Rhododendron Corridor, native beds, veggie garden and the large Crescent Bed, where beautiful primroses steal the show in spring and summer. The garden is dotted with benches where you can relax and admire the gardens and ocean view.

23000 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, 907 789 0139

Harv and Marv's Outback Alaska

Harv and Marv's Outback Alaska offers personal and memorable whale watching experiences on small boats ranging from 6 to 18 passengers. A typical tour offers photo opportunities of Humpback Whales, bald eagles, and sea lions. Tours depart at various times throughout the day, take just over 4 hours round trip and include 3 full hours of whale watching.

Guests are provided with bottled water, soft drinks, snacks, and binoculars. Group or private options are available and all tours include a complimentary stop at the Brotherhood Bridge for a view of Mendenhall Glacier. Every tour is unique and can be customized for weather, guest preferences, and wildlife activity.

PO Box 32825, Juneau, AK 99803, 907-209-7288

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure

Originally intended to be a stream restoration project, Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure has grown into a unique garden within the confines of the Tongass National Forest.

Because of the unusual climate found in Southeast Alaska, Glacier Gardens has become the home of some very uncommon displays and exhibits.

The company offers tours of the forest featuring guides and shuttles where you can learn about the plant life and surrounding area.

Guests can take part in unguided tours which leave you free to explore their recently completed walking paths. The company is located only 7 miles from the Port of Juneau and partners with major cruise lines.

7600 Glacier Highway, Juneau Alaska, 99801, 907-790-3377

Alaskan Brewery Company

As the first brewery in Juneau following Prohibition the Alaskan Brewery Company set out to put a little bit of Alaskan history in every bottle. They are known for beers that reflect Juneau’s local history and resources like their Alaskan Amber, a Gold Rush-era brew reincarnated. Unique ingredients including pure glacial water, Sitka spruce tips, and alder-smoked malts are used to brew various year-round, seasonal, and limited-edition beers.

Visitors can start at the company’s depot located in downtown Juneau and shop a complete selection of Alaskan lifestyle clothing, outerwear, barware and gifts before catching a shuttle to the brewery and tasting room.

5429 Shaune Drive, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-780-5866

Gastineau Guiding Company

Guests have been stepping into Alaska with Gastineau Guiding Company since 1994. Dedicated and knowledgeable local guides lead five different types of small group excursions. Tours include whale watching by sea or land, rainforest hikes, glacier photo safaris, downtown tours, tram rides, and timberline treks. Gastineau Guiding also offers custom private tours and charters with picnic lunch or catered meal options.

All guides are trained under the principals of the National Association of Interpretation and all whale watching excursions adhere to the Alaska Humpback Whale Approach Regulations. The Juneau Empire has named Gastineau ‘Best Local Guiding Company’ while cruise ship guests have repeatedly voted it ‘Shore Excursion of the Season’.

1330 Eastaugh Way, Suite 2, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-586-8231

DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery

The stated of goal of DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is to promote the salmon resources of Alaska and to engage in public outreach through tourism and education. The hatchery has numerous exhibits and programs open to the public year-round. Some of the highlights include a touch-tank, where you can get up close and personal with selected sea creatures, and the aquariums which are home to over 150 different species.

Besides tourism, the hatchery is also a destination for school field trips. Every fall and spring, they host programs to teach local students about marine biology.

2697 Channel Drive, Juneau, AK, 99801, 1-877-463-CHUM (2486)

Coastal Helicopters

Coastal Helicopters offers dog sled rides and helicopter glacier tours on Herbert Glacier in Tongass National Forest. The Icefield Tour soars over Alaska’s natural wilderness before touching down for a once in a lifetime glacier walkabout. The Dog Sled Tour includes a helicopter flight to Blue Kennels dog sled camp where guests are greeted by 80 Alaskan Huskies and experience an authentic mushing adventure.

Custom helicopter tours as well as a dog sled and Glacier walkabout combo trip option are also available. Finally, the Taku Glacier Adventure combines air, water, and ice by pairing a helicopter flight and glacial walkabout with an airboat excursion up the Taku River.

8995 Yandukin Drive, Juneau, AK 99801, 900-789-5610

Sealaska Heritage Institute

The Sealaska Heritage Institute is a non-profit group whose mission is to promote and share Southeast Alaskan Native culture. The organization provides exhibits, educational opportunities and programs for locals and visitors.

The Sealaska Heritage Institute Collections include art objects, books, manuscript papers, photographs, recordings. Archives are open by appointment only.

105 S. Seward St., Suite 201, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-463-4844

Adventure Bound Alaska

Adventure Bound Alaska offers unforgettable full-day cruises up Tracy Arm, a classic fjord located just 45 miles south of Juneau. A “must see” for any Alaska vacation, Tracy Arm has it all including tidewater and elevated glaciers, mile high sheer rock walls, waterfalls and Alaska’s largest icebergs.

Guests can watch for whales, bears, mountain goats, seals and more from the full walk around decks and heated cabins of Adventure Bounds two Coast Guard inspected vessels. Sandwiches, coffee, cold drinks, and snacks are available for purchase on board and guests are welcome to bring their own food.

76 Egan Drive #110, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-463-2509

Above & Beyond Alaska

Above & Beyond Alaska is a guiding company operating in the Tongass National Forest and wilderness surround Juneau. Through cooperation with the United States Forest Service, Above and Beyond has access to areas of the National Forest that are the most beautiful and well preserved. All of their guides are well trained in wilderness survival and CPR. Most trips are available May through September.

They have a range of packages that can take you on a 6-hour hike, or a multi-day excursion that includes a helicopter ride. Besides guided tours, they also have a water taxi service and an equipment rental service for those interested in adventuring alone.

PO Box 211202 Auke Bay, AK 99821, 907-364-2333

Eagle Beach State Recreation Area

Eagle Beach State Recreation Area is just north of Juneau and has views of the Lynn Canal, the Juneau Mountains, and the Chilkat Mountains. There is excellent fishing to be had in the area. It is home to exotic wildlife such as whales, seals, and sea lions.

The Eagle Beach campground has 26 campsites fully equipped with potable water and restrooms. There is a well-developed trail system that will be able to accommodate hikers of all levels. In the winter, the Recreation Area has excellent cross-country skiing trails.

Mile 29, Glacier Highway, Juneau, AK, 907-465-4563

Alaska State Museum

The mission statement of the Alaska State Museum is to collect and preserve natural elements of Alaska’s history and make them available for public viewing and consumption. They also participate in the development of other museums through Alaska.

The museum has both permanent and temporary exhibits which seek to educate patrons about native cultures of Alaska as well as contemporary Alaska culture such as art and music. In the spring of 2016 the museum will be relocating to 118,000 square foot facility which will feature libraries, an auditorium, a cafeteria, as well as many galleries.

395 Whittier Street, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-465-2901

Wings Airways & the Taku Glacier Lodge

Wings Airways & the Taku Glacier Lodge is a company that offers sightseeing tours of the glaciers of the Juneau area. They use floatplanes to take guests on aerial tours of the natural beauty of the Tongass National Forest. They define floatplanes as planes that take off and land on water, using pontoons instead of wheels.

They are based out of the Taku Glacier Lodge which was originally built in 1923 and over the course of its life has served many different purposes. Guests are hosted at the Taku Lodge and are treated to meals featuring King Salmon fresh from the Taku River.

2 Marine Way, Suite 175, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-586-6275

Shrine of St. Therese

The Shrine of St. Therese is a ministry of the Diocese of Juneau that welcomes people of all faiths and walks of life to its beautiful and serene retreat 22 miles north of downtown Juneau.

The shrine is dedicated to St. Therese of Lisieux, the patron saint of Alaska, who is known for The Story of a Soul in which she wrote that what really matters in life is not our great deeds, but our great love. Mass is celebrated on Sundays. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The facilities can also be rented for small or large group retreats, weddings, and funerals.

21425 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-586-2227 ex. 24

Eaglecrest Ski Area

The Eaglecrest Ski Area boasts over 640 acres of skiable land and has an elevation change of over 1500 feet. It is only 12 miles from downtown Juneau, which makes it extremely convenient for those visiting the city in the winter. They offer a wide range of trails for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. If you’re in town but don’t have any of your gear, they will rent you everything you need.

They also specialize in introducing beginners to skiing snowboarding. They offer classes that will teach people who have never been to a ski mountain as well as classes for those who want to transition from skiing to snowboarding.

No Address Provided, 907-790-2000

Hangar on the Wharf

Located inside the Historic Merchants Wharf, Juneau’s Hanger on the Wharf was once used to house float planes and was the original base for Alaskan Airlines. While it is no longer used as a hangar, it has become one of Juneau’s most popular restaurants and meeting places, boasting exceptional views and excellent food. The menu boasts a long list of popular dishes with emphasis on local Alaskan fresh fish and seafood. However, carnivores have not been forgotten and can feast on a selection of burgers, steaks, sandwiches and more. Drinks include a large selection of craft beers as well as wines, spirits and cocktails.

Hangar on the Wharf, 2 Marine Way, Suite 106, Juneau, AK 99801, 907 586 5018

Wickersham State Historic Site

The House of Wickhersham was built in 1898 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. James Wickhersham was a federal judge, member of congress, and explorer. He is credited with the development of the Alaska Railroad as well as the University of Alaska.

He had a massive influence on the development of Alaska which is why his former home is a tourist attraction.

They are open seasonally, beginning in May. The story of his life and the Gold Rush Era can be experienced through pictures and artifacts that have been preserved for this purpose by the State of Alaska.

Wickersham State Historic Site, 213 7th Street, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-586-9001

The Rookery Cafe

The Rookery Cafe is a coffee shop and restaurant offering lunch, dinner, and a Saturday brunch which strives to make the majority of its offerings from scratch. Being the only location in Alaska that serves Stumptown Coffee allows The Rookery to claim the best cup of coffee in downtown Juneau.

The lunch menu features small plates like a Pickle Board and Crispy Gustavus Potatoes, as well as salads, sandwiches, and large plates such as The Rookery Ramen. The dinner menu constantly rotates to utilize fresh, local ingredients.

111 Seward St, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-463-3013

AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tour

The AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tour is a way to experience the mining history of the city of Juneau by exploring what used to be the most productive gold mine on the planet. The tour is about two hours long.

Along the way you will hear the history of the mine as well as witness professional miners demonstrate the methods that were formerly used. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be able to try mining by panning for gold. It is the only authentic underground mine tour in the state of Alaska and also features the first steam engine to operate in Alaska.

P.O. Box 34105, Juneau, AK 99803, 907-463-5017

The Statue of Patsy Ann

For more than a decade a Bull Terrier by the name of Patsy Ann sat patiently on the Juneau Quay, waiting to welcome all arriving passengers. Such was her enthusiasm and diligence that she became known as Juneau’s Official Greeter. Patsy Ann soon became the most photographed dog in Juneau and her image appeared on many postcards. She was not suited to sitting around at home and spent her days wondering around the streets and dock yards, where she was everyone’s favorite. 50 years after she died, a beautiful bronze statue was commissioned by New Mexico artist Anna Burke Harris, which now stands on the spot where Patsy Ann spend many hours of her life.

The Statue of Patsy Ann, 254 Marine Way, Juneau, AK 99801

The State Capitol Building

The State Capitol Building of Alaska is notable for its lack of notoriety. Unlike many state capitol buildings, it occupies a small parcel of land and is of simple, utilitarian construction. The reason for this is because the state was unable to raise funding for a capitol building when the state was founded. However, upon achieving statehood, Alaska inherited this building from the federal government.

The building is home to both the legislative and executive branches. Tours are free, 30 minutes long, and available from May to September, 7 days per week.

4th Ave and Main Street, Juneau, AK 99801, 907-277-4321