What To Do In Juneau Alaska Near The Cruise Port

LOOKING FOR IDEAS FOR WHAT TO DO IN JUNEAU NEAR THE PORT?

I had dreamed about an Alaskan cruise for years. When we finally decided to go, I knew exactly which ports I wanted to visit, and Juneau was on that list.

So much is available at or near the port of Juneau. Excursions and exploring are available in Juneau, and transportation for those excursions is at the port. Our cruise line encouraged us to pick one at each port on our cruise. However, we decided this was the port where we would not plan an excursion. Instead, we researched and decided what we wanted to do independently.

We chose to visit Mendenhall Glacier and explore the town near the port afterward. It worked out great! But if you want to make it easy and select pre-planned excursions for your stop in Juneau, there are many options.

7 Things To Do In Juneau, Alaska

There are many choices for excursions in Juneau. Booking through your cruise line makes it easier because they know when you need to be back at port. If you decide to plan on your own, as we did for this one port, make sure you are aware of the excursion times so you make it back to the port on time.

Here are 7 things to do in Juneau that are popular when getting off a cruise ship.

1. Mendenhall Glacier

One of Juneau’s most famous attractions, Mendenhall Glacier, is about twelve miles from the cruise port. You can learn more at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to learn about the glacier, hike scenic trails like Nugget Falls Trail, or enjoy the breathtaking views.

Our experience: Getting a bus to Mendenhall Glacier was super easy. As soon as we stepped off the ship, we saw several booths lined up along the dock, making buying tickets and finding the right line simple. I really appreciate how these companies make the process so smooth for cruisers.

The price of the ticket included the ride up and back and covered park admission. There are many ways to get to the park. We made sure the trolley tour we took to Mendenhall Glacier would be back in plenty of time to get into town. Then we had time to explore the shops and try some local food and beer.

Once we arrived at the park, we explored the trails and hiked to Nugget Falls. The scenery was stunning, and the weather was perfect for walking. It was definitely a popular spot, but it didn’t feel overcrowded—we had plenty of space to enjoy the experience without constantly weaving around other visitors.

Transportation To Mendenhall Glacier

Getting a small tour bus to Mendenhall Glacier was super easy. As soon as we stepped off the ship, we saw several booths lined up along the dock, making buying tickets and finding the right line simple. I really appreciate how these companies make the process so smooth for cruisers. The price of the ticket included the ride up and back and covered park admission. Transportation options include:

• Shuttle Bus
• Public Bus
• Ride Share
• Private Tour Bus
• Rent-a-car

If you choose a planned excursion, transportation is included, and the day will be planned. If you decide to explore independently, research the transportation options above. I have read that people have good experiences using other transportation methods if they design their port day in Juneau.

Hiking Mendenhall Glacier

Hiking at this park was very easy, and the paths were marked. There were many visitors, but I never felt overwhelmed or crowded. It didn’t take long to get to the base of the large waterfall, and there were many spots to stop and take beautiful photos. There is also a visitors center to learn more about the park.

2. Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway

The Goldbelt Tram is located in downtown Juneau, very close to the cruise ship docks. The six-minute ride up to the top gives incredible views of the town and surrounding areas. The tramway is said to be the top attraction in Juneau.

Hop on the Tramway for a quick and scenic way to take in Juneau from above. It takes you 1,800 feet up, where you’ll find hiking trails, a nature center, and amazing panoramic views.

3. Explore Downtown Juneau

There are many options if you decide you want to explore downtown Juneau. Some choices include:

• Enjoy Food and Drink
  • Red Dog Saloon
  • Tracy’s King Crab Shack
• Have fun shopping and getting souvenirs
• Stroll along the waterfront and see the whale sculpture, which makes for a great photo spot and pretty views!
• Check out Franklin Street, which is in the heart of downtown, lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants
• Stop by the Sealaska Heritage Center to see the cultural center, which displays art, history, and traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. Visitors can see totem poles, carvings, and exhibits about Southeast Alaska’s indigenous heritage
• Visit St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, a small, historic church is one of the oldest in Alaska and a reminder of Alaska’s Russian history.

4. Go Whale Watching

Juneau is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales. A whale-watching tour allows you to spot whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and even orcas. Some companies may even offer money back if no whales are spotted.

Some tours will combine whale watching with other activities, too.

5. Take A Helicopter Tour

A helicopter tour in Juneau is one of the most breathtaking ways to experience Alaska’s glaciers. These tours typically depart from Juneau’s heliports (near downtown) and take you on a scenic flight over snow-covered peaks, ice fields, and massive glaciers before landing on a glacier.

6. Go on a Glacier Kayaking or Canoe Tour

For a more hands-on adventure, kayaking or canoeing near a glacier is an unforgettable experience! These tours take you across icy waters where you can paddle past floating icebergs, waterfalls, and even wildlife.

7. Visit The Alaska State Museum

The Alaska State Museum is a small but well-kept museum where you can learn about Alaska’s Indigenous cultures, gold rush history, and wildlife. It may be a quick and informative stop for your schedule.

Quick & Free Things to Do in Downtown Juneau

✅ Take a self-guided historic walking tour (you can grab a map available at the Visitor Center).
✅ Browse free samples of local chocolates, jams, and smoked salmon at shops along Franklin Street.
✅ Visit the Juneau-Douglas City Museum (Free in the winter, or low fee $5/6, kids free).

FAQs

Quick answers to help you decide what you want to experience while at the port of Juneau!

Can you walk around Juneau from the cruise port?

Yes! It is very easy to step off the ship and make your way to the dock. Downtown Juneau is right there near the port, and if you can walk comfortably, you could entertain yourself in downtown Juneau if you don’t want to plan any excursions or tours.

There are many shops, restaurants, sidewalks to walk along the water, historic sites, and Alaska’s State Capital and Governor’s Mansion. You can enjoy fresh seafood and yummy beer from the Alaskan Brewing Company. My husband and I found an open-air dining space in downtown Juneau with various food trucks and drinks. We enjoyed a seafood appetizer and an Alaskan beer.

What is the best excursion in Juneau?

There are many combinations of excursions to choose from. The list below gives you some of the most popular. The excursions include transportation, and some combine with food and more.

• Mendenhall Glacier
• Whale or Bear Watching
• Helicopter Tour
• Dogsledding
• Boat Adventures (kayak, canoe, raft)
• Fly-fishing
• Historical Tours

It’s hard to say what the ‘best’ excursion is because it really depends on your interests, whether you want a low-key or an adventurous excursion, and how long you want to spend on your excursion. Luckily, there is something for everyone and every age!

How walkable is Juneau, Alaska?

Juneau is very walkable, especially downtown, where most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within a 10-15 minute walk from the cruise port. The main streets near the dock, like South Franklin Street and Seward Street, are flat and easy to walk.

However, if you plan to visit places like the Governor’s Mansion or St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, be ready for some uphill walking. Have good walking shoes!

Walkability Breakdown:

✅ Highly Walkable

• Cruise port to South Franklin Street (shops, restaurants) – 5 mins
• Cruise port to Mount Roberts Tramway – 2 mins
• Cruise port to the Alaska State Museum – 10 mins
• Cruise port to Sealaska Heritage Center – 5 mins
• Cruise port to Waterfront/Whale Sculpture – 10 mins

⚠️ Some Uphill Walking

• St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church – 10 mins (steep but short walk)
• Governor’s Mansion – 15 mins (gradual incline)

Final Thoughts On Things To Do In Juneau While On A Cruise

There is much to do in Juneau, whether you want to walk or explore around town or participate in an excursion. I recommend deciding ahead of your trip what sounds interesting to you, even if you do this port like my husband and I did, not doing a planned excursion. I researched and knew what we would do, and it worked out great.

Final Tips for Your Juneau Port Stop

• Book key excursions in advance (especially whale watching and dog sledding).
• Dress in layers—Alaskan weather can change quickly.
• Be mindful of time so you don’t miss your ship!

If I were to do another trip, I would consider a mixed itinerary, with land and sea, while exploring the more northern parts of Alaska. Has this been on your bucket list, too?