Worth a DetourCitiesState capitalsGlaciers

Juneau

Alaska

The only US state capital you can't reach by road, between mountains and the sea, with a glacier just out of town.

Photo: Ifly6 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Juneau has gold rush history, a steep tram and whale watching. Cruise ships fill the docks in summer.

Best Time
May to September
Time Needed
2–3 days
Cost Level
$$$$
Open
Year-round
Getting There
By air from Seattle or Anchorage, or by ferry or cruise.

What to See

0 of 4 are free
2 hours

Mendenhall Glacier

A short walk to Nugget Falls, beside the ice.

1.5 hours

Mount Roberts Tramway

From the docks to alpine trails.

3 hours

Whale watching

Humpbacks, in Auke Bay.

1.5 hours

Alaska State Museum

Native art and history.

Know Before You Go

  • Rain is common.
  • Book Mendenhall in advance when ships are in port.

Where to Stay

Stay downtown.

Where to Eat

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Go Next

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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Alaska list.