Saturday, April 20, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to the Juneau Cruise Port in Alaska

things to do in juneau alaska from cruise ship

She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website, Nestled between Gastineau Passage and Mount Juneau, the picturesque capital city of Juneau will be a memorable stop on your Alaskan Cruise. You can contemplate quietly while viewing the lovely chapel, which was built in the 1940s.

Say Goodbye to the Juneau, Alaska Cruise Port

Juneau’s culinary scene is deeply influenced by its natural surroundings. With the ocean at its doorstep, you can expect seafood to feature prominently on most menus. From wild-caught salmon to King Crab, the dishes here are as fresh as they come. But it’s not just about seafood; local eateries also offer a range of meats like reindeer sausage and game birds, as well as seasonal vegetables and berries unique to Southeast Alaska. Known for its fresh seafood, indigenous flavors, and international influences, the dining scene here is as diverse as it is delicious. So, when you’re done exploring glaciers and spotting whales, be sure to dive into the local culinary landscape.

City and cruise lines agree to future limits on tourism as first ship of the season docks in Juneau - Alaska Public Media News

City and cruise lines agree to future limits on tourism as first ship of the season docks in Juneau.

Posted: Wed, 19 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Gastineau Guiding Co.

Additionally, you will explore the area across the cruise port harbor, where you can find numerous picturesque trails and perfect photo opportunities. You will find many things to see and do for every budget, from pricey excursions to self-guided adventures. If you’re considering forgoing an excursion to explore on your own, have no fear, there are plenty of affordable things to do near the cruise port in downtown Juneau. An easy-to-see landmark inside the church, visitors can read through information on the church’s history, which reflects the varied past of the area. It is a perfect place to drop in while doing a walking tour/ exploring the city.

Which Alaska Cruise Itinerary is Best For You? 2024 Guide

” So, we’ve listed some of the best things to do in Juneau Alaska for free that aren’t necessarily right next to the cruise ship docking point. At the Visitor Center, you can see the outside operations of an active hatchery, learn about the fascinating life cycle of salmon and learn about its importance in Alaska. You can observe adult and baby salmons but also see over 150 local marine species in the various aquariums and touch tanks. Looking for an adrenaline-pumped activity that will make your cruise to Alaska unforgettable?

The cost to enter the visitor center is well worth it, with passes priced at $5 per person ages 15 and over. This Alaskan city is 3,255 square miles total, including 704 square miles of water and 928 square miles of ice cap in North America’s fifth largest ice field. Cruise passengers can disembark and explore the city on foot, enjoying the shops, restaurants, and popular attractions that are clustered in the downtown area.

HISTORY of Juneau

The trails around Mendenhall Glacier are well-maintained and offer various difficulty levels, making it accessible for families with children of all ages. The center’s interactive exhibits and educational programs are specially designed to engage young minds, making history come alive in ways that are both fun and informative. This makes it an ideal destination for families looking to provide their children with a meaningful cultural experience while in Juneau.

How to Navigate Local Transportation

Juneau’s lively downtown is compact, easy to navigate on foot, and always a favorite with visitors. Also nearby is the Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau with visitor information, displays, and walking-tour maps of the city. The cruise port in Juneau is conveniently located near the heart of the city, making it an ideal starting point for your one-day adventure. As you disembark, you’ll find a range of facilities at your disposal, including restrooms, an information center, and even some local vendors selling handcrafted Alaskan goods. The Mendenhall Glacier float trip in Juneau is a captivating and educational adventure.

26 BEST Juneau, AK Shore Excursions: Things to Do, Cruise Day Tour & Reviews (2024) - Cruise Critic

26 BEST Juneau, AK Shore Excursions: Things to Do, Cruise Day Tour & Reviews ( .

Posted: Tue, 06 Dec 2016 20:28:10 GMT [source]

FAQs About Juneau Alaska Cruise Excursions

The big red building in the photo above is their main location near the cruise ship dock. Visiting Juneau’s historic downtown is like stepping into a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and culinary delights. The downtown area features well-preserved buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

things to do in juneau alaska from cruise ship

Set among the colorful buildings of this coastal town is the more formal Alaska State Capitol building. As the seat of the government, it houses the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the State Legislature. But the building itself is a landmark thanks to its architecture, featuring elements of both neoclassical and Art Deco styles. Well, Nugget Falls (or Mendenhall Glacier Falls as it is also known) is just that. 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.

Eagle Crest features 640 acres of open-tree terrain with 31 alpine runs, three double chairlifts, eight kilometers of Nordic trails, and a terrain park. A comfortable and roomy day lodge includes a rental and repair shop, cafeteria, and day lockers. For the best snow conditions, visit Juneau from January through March. The hatchery has huge seawater aquariums loaded with local marine life, from tanner crabs to octopus, while the interpretive displays explaining the life cycle of salmon are museum quality. An underwater viewing window and a 450-foot fish ladder allow children to witness, from July to September, the amazing sight of thousands of salmon fighting their way upstream to spawn. Both day trips and extended sea kayak outings are possible out of Juneau.

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. An experienced miner will demonstrate hard rock mining techniques and teach you about the old mining lifestyle. Back at the mill, you’ll have the chance to pan for gold and see the first steam engine brought to Alaska. Another must-see for museum and art lovers, the Sealaska Heritage Institute celebrates the history and heritage of southeast Alaska’s Native people. The institute tells the ongoing stories of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Peoples.

Fortunately, Juneau boasts a wealth of opportunities to immerse oneself in the local culture. From historical museums to charming downtown areas, let’s dive into places where you can get a sense of the city’s unique character. 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.

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