Nearly 3.05 million visitors came to Alaska from May 2024 to Apr 2025, with 87% arriving in the summer months, the Alaska Travel Industry Association reports. There’s a very good reason why Alaska is becoming such a hot spot with tourists.

If you are looking for a particular place to visit in Alaska, then Juneau is a great choice.

Nestled between towering mountains and the icy waters of the Gastineau Channel, Juneau is Alaska’s capital and a true gem for travelers looking for a mix of rugged beauty, wildlife, and history.

While the city can only be accessed by boat or plane, what it lacks in roads it makes up for with rich excursions in Juneau that showcase the best of Alaska’s wilderness and culture.

For the first-time visitor in Juneau, here are the must-try excursions and some Juneau travel tips that promise to make your trip unforgettable.

Mendenhall Glacier Trek or Ice Caves Tour

Juneau’s most iconic natural landmark is the Mendenhall Glacier. Located just 12 miles from downtown, this massive 13-mile-long glacier is part of the Juneau Icefield and is a favorite for both casual sightseers and adventurous hikers.

For a relaxed experience, visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center for panoramic views, educational exhibits, and short walking trails, such as the Nugget Falls Trail. For thrill-seekers, guided hikes and helicopter tours can take you across the glacier itself or down into its surreal blue ice caves. It’s a breathtaking, bucket-list-worthy adventure.

Whale Watching in Auke Bay

Juneau is one of the best places in the world to witness humpback whales in their natural habitat. From April to September, these gentle giants migrate through Alaska’s Inside Passage, making whale watching a near-guaranteed success.

Book a boat tour departing from Auke Bay, and you may spot breaching humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, and even bald eagles along the way. Some tours even include hydrophones to let you hear the haunting songs of whales underwater.

Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway

For panoramic views of downtown Juneau and the surrounding forests and waterways, hop on the Mount Roberts Tramway. This cable car lifts you 1,800 feet up to the Mountain House, where you’ll find:

  • A visitor center
  • Nature trails
  • A native cultural center
  • Shopping

Don’t miss the loop trail through alpine meadows or the chance to meet Lady Baltimore, a rescued bald eagle who resides at the raptor center up top.

Dog Sledding on a Glacier

One of Alaska’s most quintessential experiences is dog sledding, and Juneau is one of the few places where you can do it on a glacier. Via helicopter, you’ll fly over Juneau’s ice fields and land on a remote section of the glacier where a team of huskies and mushers awaits.

This unique excursion gives you a feel for traditional transportation methods in Alaska while offering once-in-a-lifetime views and heartwarming moments with the friendly sled dogs.

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Want to stay grounded but still absorb local culture? Take a historic walking tour of Juneau’s downtown. The compact city center is rich in frontier history and full of colorful 19th-century buildings, local shops, and seafood restaurants.

Visit the Alaska State Museum, Red Dog Saloon (a rowdy relic from the gold rush), and the Alaska Governor’s Mansion. Guided Alaska tours in Juneau are often led by locals who infuse storytelling with humor and history.

Taste of Alaska Culinary Tour

Alaska’s cuisine is deeply rooted in its landscape. Think:

Food tours in Juneau let you sample these delicacies at top local eateries while learning about regional ingredients and culinary traditions.

Some tours even include a cooking demonstration or hands-on foraging for mushrooms and berries (season permitting), offering a flavorful and educational experience.

Kayaking the Gastineau Channel or Mendenhall Lake

For those looking to experience Juneau from the water, kayaking offers an intimate and peaceful way to connect with the landscape. Paddle through the calm waters of the Gastineau Channel alongside harbor seals, sea lions, and even whales.

Another popular spot is Mendenhall Lake, where you can kayak close to icebergs calved from the glacier itself, an up-close experience that’s both serene and awe-inspiring.

Fishing Excursion

Alaska is a world-class fishing destination, and Juneau offers excursions for both novice and experienced anglers and families, too. You can cast your line for halibut, salmon, or cod with expert guides who provide all the gear and help you navigate the best fishing holes.

Some charters offer the option to have your catch vacuum-packed, frozen, and shipped home, so you can relive your Alaskan adventure with a delicious souvenir.

For example, Adventures in Alaska fishing charters’ boat (Narwhal) is inspected by the USCG and equipped with all required safety gear, including a Zodiac raft.

Ziplining Through the Rainforest

Yes, Juneau has a rainforest. It’s part of the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in North America.

Ziplining excursions let you soar between trees and across suspension bridges while spotting wildlife and soaking up stunning views.

It’s a great way for thrill-seekers to experience the forest from a unique perspective while learning about the local ecosystem.

Visit the Shrine of St. Thérèse

For a peaceful retreat, take a short drive out to the serene Shrine of St. Thérèse. Located on a small island connected by a causeway, this tranquil site offers forest trails, tidepools, and a lovely stone chapel surrounded by water and mountains.

Many visitors stop here for meditation, quiet walks, or simply to enjoy the natural beauty away from the bustle of tours and cruise ships.

Excursions in Juneau – Go Adventuring With Us

You can partake in a wide array of excursions in Juneau tailored to different interests and activity levels. With Adventures in Alaska, an Alaskan-owned and operated fishing charter, you know you are in good hands. We have 20 years of experience in running fishing charters in Juneau.

Captain Alan holds a Coast Guard 50 Ton Masters license, and additionally, he has worked as a scuba instructor, boat crew, wildlife photographer, writer, and brown bear viewing guide.

Ready to go fishing? Book with us today and see all that Juneau has to offer fishing-wise.