I love Juneau and I love how often we get to visit. Many cruise ships stop in Juneau, but it’s also the easiest destination in Southeast Alaska to visit on your own, either by flying in (JNU) or arriving via the Alaska Marine Highway System. And yes, Juneau is the capital of Alaska, so there are some unique things to do and see here. Juneau is extra interesting because it’s a capital city accessible only by air or sea, which no other state can lay claim to.
When I think of visiting Juneau, I think of things like eagles, glaciers, food trucks… If a hipster designed an Alaskan city, Juneau would be it, and not just because of the food trucks. It’s actually our kids’ favorite city to visit too, so that says something since it’s appealing to adults and kids alike. Famous for the Mendenhall Glacier and Taku the humpback whale, Juneau is such a fun place to explore and enjoy the vibes. It’s very different from anywhere else in the Inside Passage.
The Sealaska Heritage Institute in Juneau, Alaska is a great place to see both modern and antique Tlingit art. With stories and exhibits, the Sealaska Center is a good place to visit with kids when you're in Juneau.
Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau is a beautiful day trip from town with accessible trails, a great visitor center and awesome waterfall. See hiking options, ways to visit the glacier and more tips for adding Mendenhall to your time in Juneau.