Juneau was one of the most memorable stops on our Alaska cruise. It’s the largest city we visited on our trip, and from the moment we stepped off the ship just after sunrise, we knew we were in for a full, exciting day.
We began with breakfast on board and then headed straight ashore with plans to pack in as many highlights as possible — from scenic mountain views and cultural stops to old-school saloons and a whale-watching adventure.
🚡 🚶♂️ Morning on Mt. Roberts & the Goldbelt Tram
Our day in Juneau kicked off by walking to the Goldbelt Tram station just off the cruise pier. With tickets already purchased (thanks to Gary and Mary planning ahead), we boarded quickly before the crowds built up later in the morning.
📍 The tram lifts you up Mt. Roberts in just a few minutes — and the views are worth every second. From the observation decks, we soaked in sweeping panoramas of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and the surrounding mountains. Along the ridge, we even spotted a small herd of white mountain goats clinging to the rocky slopes.
Once at the top, we took the one-mile loop trail — an easy-to-moderate path with jaw-dropping vistas. The sunlight danced off the peaks and water, and the air was crisp and refreshing, making it one of our favorite starts to any port day. The forest and trails were beautiful and we enjoyed wandering around a bit taking in the spectacular views of both the waterways below and the surrounding mountains.
As we overlooked the waterways, we were stunned by the number of large cruise ships entering the harbor for the day, and were very glad we had gotten an early start.
After a while, Bob and Mary decided to stay at the lodge to watch the movie they presented while enjoying coffee and views. Gary and I decided to finish up the loop trail. It was the perfect blend of activity and chill time.
We also discovered:
- A visitor center with interpretive displays
- A small museum featuring Tlingit culture
- A café and gift shop with local art
🛍️ 🚶♀️ Exploring Juneau’s Town Streets
After our mountain adventure, we headed back down into town where Juneau was already buzzing. The sidewalks were packed with cruisers wandering through the shops and local businesses.
What we noticed:
- A surprising number of jewelry stores — nearly everywhere you looked. Many of the offerings were not local, and prices were high, so we mostly walked past them.
- A handful of authentic local shops — including handcrafted wood pieces and First Nations artwork that we truly appreciated.
- Stores selling high-quality woolen jackets and sweaters — gorgeous, but a bit too warm for Florida!
It was a fun way to experience the energy of the town, and the mix of tourists and locals gave Juneau a lively, small-city vibe. However, we found the streets and shops too crowded and decided to look for some lunch.
🍺 🍔 Red Dog Saloon — A Classic Juneau Stop
No visit to Juneau felt complete without a stop at the Red Dog Saloon — a true local institution near the cruise terminal.
This old-fashioned saloon lives up to its reputation. With straw on the floor, a piano player bellowing out classic tunes, and a casual atmosphere that instantly transported us back to the frontier days, it was a fun change of pace from our morning activities.
Drinks were refreshing after lots of walking.
Mary found her gluten-free options limited here (so plan accordingly) and decided to get lunch back on the ship.
The saloon’s history dates back to the gold rush — and you can still see evidence of that era in the décor and stories.
Pro tip: Even if you just stop in for a drink or photo, it’s worth the visit for the atmosphere alone.he rhythm of the ship set the pace.
🐋 🌅 Evening Whale Watching Cruise
One of the main reasons we came to Alaska was to see whales — and Juneau delivered.
We booked a dinner whale-watching cruise that left in the early evening. After a short bus ride and some friendly commentary from our driver about Juneau’s quirky sights (like what he jokingly called “the ugliest capitol building in the U.S.”), we boarded a large catamaran with buffet dinner included.
Once out on the water:
- The scenery was spectacular — lush islands, calm channels, and soft evening light
- We spotted multiple groups of humpbacks, including moms with calves
- The captain slowed for great viewing opportunities, and a marine biologist onboard shared fascinating facts about the whales — including a close-up look at a baleen filter
Watching humpbacks surface, breathe, and flick their tails against a backdrop of towering trees and distant mountains was another top highlight of our Alaska trip.
🌟 Why Juneau Stood Out for Us
Juneau surprised us with how much there was to see and do in a single day. From panoramic mountain views and hiking to town strolls, classic mixology at the Red Dog Saloon, and a memorable whale-watching cruise, it felt like we experienced the best of Alaska all in one place.
The combination of natural beauty, local color, and wildlife made Juneau not just a stop on our itinerary — but one of the days we remember most.
A few of the other passengers went on the helicopter excursions to get a up close experience on the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. They raved about the experience and we will be sure to get out and experience it for ourselves if we get back to Alaska again.
1. Juneau is the capital city of Alaska.
2. It is the second-largest city in the United States by area, covering over 3,000 square miles.
3. Juneau is the only state capital in the United States that is not accessible by road.
4. The city is named after gold prospector Joe Juneau, who discovered gold in the area in 1880.
5. Juneau is located in the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States.
6. The Mendenhall Glacier, located just outside of Juneau, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alaska.
7. Juneau is home to the Alaska State Capitol building, which is known for its distinctive blue dome.
8. The city has a population of around 32,000 people, making it the third-largest city in Alaska.
9. Juneau has a maritime climate, with mild summers and cool, wet winters.
10. The city is surrounded by mountains and water, offering stunning natural scenery.
11. Juneau is a popular destination for whale watching, with humpback whales frequently spotted in the area.
12. The city is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
13. Juneau is home to the University of Alaska Southeast, which offers a variety of academic programs.
14. The Alaska State Museum, located in Juneau, showcases the state’s rich cultural heritage.
15. Juneau has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.
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