Juneau from a Cruise Ship: 7 Things to Do & Tips for Visitors
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Juneau on an Alaska Cruise
Juneau is one of Alaska’s most popular cruise ports and for good reason. Nestled between the Gastineau Channel and towering mountains, it’s a perfect mix of wild beauty and small-town charm. The Juneau Cruise Port welcomes thousands of visitors each summer, making it one of the busiest stops on the Juneau cruise ship schedule.
Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, Alaskan wildlife, or quirky local shops, you’ll find plenty to enjoy during your day in port.
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Our Experience in Juneau
We always like to share what we did personally because it gives you an idea of what a day in Juneau might look like. On our recent visit, we had a few hours to explore before our excursion. We strolled through downtown Juneau, checked out several local shops, and of course made a stop at the iconic Red Dog Saloon—it’s a must-see with its swinging doors and sawdust-covered floors.
Later, we headed out on our whale-watching tour, which included a stop at the stunning Mendenhall Glacier. Seeing humpback whales breach in the wild was unforgettable, and we even toured a lighthouse, a unique bonus on an already incredible excursion.
7 Things to Do Near the Juneau Cruise Port
Juneau offers an excellent blend of outdoor adventure, stunning scenery, and rich cultural history. Here are seven of the best things to do within reach of your cruise ship.
1. Mendenhall Glacier
This glacier is one of Juneau’s most famous attractions, just 12 miles from downtown. Hike to Nugget Falls, check out the visitor center, or simply enjoy the jaw-dropping views.
Note: The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is closed on Saturdays, but the trails and viewpoints remain open.
2. Whale Watching Tours
From May to September, Juneau is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales. Many tours also include a stop at Mendenhall Glacier.
3. Mount Roberts Tramway
Located right by the Juneau Cruise Ship docks, the tramway climbs 1,800 feet for spectacular panoramic views of Juneau and the Inside Passage.
4. Downtown Shopping & Dining
Wander through shops selling Alaskan jewelry, souvenirs, and art. Grab a drink or meal at the Red Dog Saloon for a true local experience.
5. Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
These botanical gardens feature quirky upside-down trees, lush rainforest, and incredible views of the city.
6. Hiking Trails Near Juneau
If you’re looking to stretch your legs, there are great hiking options like the Perseverance Trail, Nugget Falls Trail (at Mendenhall Glacier), and Mount Roberts Trail for scenic views and wildlife spotting.
7. Lighthouse & Wildlife Tours
For something unique, try a lighthouse and wildlife combo tour. You’ll see sea lions, bald eagles, and more, along with a charming historic lighthouse.
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Excursions Worth Booking
If you want to make the most of your time in port, these excursions are worth considering. They highlight Juneau’s natural beauty and history in unique ways.
- Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Combo – A top-rated choice if you want to see both wildlife and one of Alaska’s most beautiful glaciers in one trip
- Juneau City Tour – Explore historic downtown Juneau on a guided bus tour, cross to Douglas Island for scenic views of Gastineau Channel, see the famous breaching whale sculpture, and enjoy a distant look at Mendenhall Glacier (weather permitting).
- Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike – Paddle near glaciers or along the coast for a unique nature experience
- Gold Creek Salmon Bake Tour – Enjoy a traditional Alaskan salmon bake
- Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk – Fly by helicopter over the Juneau Icefield, then land on Herbert Glacier for a guided walk. Explore the icy landscape and take unforgettable photos of Alaska’s wilderness.
Where to Eat Near the Port
Food lovers will be happy to know there’s no shortage of great places to eat within walking distance of the port. These are some favorites that offer a taste of local Alaska.
- Red Dog Saloon – Famous for its old-west saloon vibe and hearty fare
- Twisted Fish Company Alaskan Grill – A popular seafood spot near the docks
- Salt – A contemporary restaurant focusing on local Alaskan ingredients
- Hangar on the Wharf – A casual waterfront restaurant with great views and seafood
- Tracy’s King Crab Shack – Famous for its Alaskan king crab legs and crab bisque
Hotels Near the Port
Staying in Juneau before or after your cruise? These hotels are conveniently located near the cruise port, offering comfort and stunning views.
- Four Points by Sheraton Juneau – Convenient downtown location and waterfront views
- Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites – A boutique hotel with charm and a great breakfast
- Baranof Downtown – Classic historic hotel, walking distance to the Juneau Cruise Port
How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier by Public Bus
If you’re visiting Juneau on a budget or want to explore independently, you can use the Capital Transit public bus to get to the Mendenhall Glacier. It’s a cost-effective option at just $2 per adult and $1 per youth (6–18), with children five and under riding free.
Travel Time & Distance
Note: The Capital Transit bus does not stop directly at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
The closest stop is Dredge Lake Road, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away.
From there, you’ll need to walk 30 minutes each way on a flat, paved bike path.
The trails and viewpoints are open daily, but the visitor center itself is closed on Saturdays.Total travel time:
- Bus ride: About 1 hour each way
- Walk to visitor center: About 30 minutes each way
- Walk from some cruise terminals to the transit center: Up to 30 minutes each way
Routes to Use
- Route 8 Valley Express – Fastest service
- Route 3 Mendenhall Valley – Slower, local route
- Route 4 Mendenhall Valley – Slower, local route
Pro Tip: Tell your driver you’re headed to the glacier and listen for the “Dredge Lake Road” stop.
Paying Your Fare
Fare Options:
- Adults (19+): $2
- Youth (6–18): $1
- Children (5 and under): Free
Pay with exact change on the bus or use the Token Transit app. For groups, one rider can pay the total fare (for example, $5 for two adults and one youth).
Should You Take the Bus?
The public bus is the cheapest way to reach Mendenhall Glacier, but it’s also the slowest. – Works best for independent travelers with lots of time and comfortable walking shoes. – Not ideal if your cruise stop is short or if mobility is a concern. – If time is limited, book a Glacier Shuttle or tour instead for faster and easier access.
Best Option for Each Traveler
Budget Travelers: Take the Capital Transit bus for $2, allow at least 3 hours round trip, and be ready for a 1.5-mile walk each way.
Time-Crunched Cruisers: Book a Glacier Shuttle from the port for direct service (about 30 minutes each way).
All-In-One Sightseers: Book a guided tour that includes Mendenhall Glacier plus whale watching or other activities for a stress-free day.
Juneau Cruise Ship Schedule
Wondering how busy the port will be during your visit? Juneau is one of Alaska’s most popular cruise destinations, and on some days, multiple ships may be docked at once. This can make downtown busier and excursions fill up faster.
To see which ships will be in port during your visit…
👉 Click here to view the current schedule
Pro Tip: If you see several large ships in port on the same day, book excursions early and plan for longer lines at attractions like Mendenhall Glacier and the Mount Roberts Tramway.
Best Time to Visit
Wondering when to plan your trip? Juneau’s cruise season runs during the warmer months, but each time of year has something special to offer.
The Juneau cruise ship schedule runs from late April through early October, with peak weather in June and July. Expect more visitors on days when multiple ships are docked, but there’s always room to explore.
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Tips for Visiting Juneau from a Cruise Ship
A few simple tips can make your stop in Juneau even more enjoyable. These will help you save time and avoid common mistakes.
- Book popular excursions early—whale watching and glacier tours sell out fast
- Bring a rain jacket and comfortable shoes, as Juneau weather can be unpredictable
- Don’t leave without trying local seafood, especially fresh halibut or king crab
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Visiting Juneau from a Cruise Ship
Before you go, here are some common questions travelers ask when visiting Juneau from a cruise ship.
How far is downtown from the Juneau Cruise Port?
It’s a short walk from most cruise ship docks to downtown Juneau, making it easy to explore the shops, restaurants, and attractions without needing transportation.
Do I need to book excursions in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to book popular excursions such as whale watching and glacier tours in advance because they often sell out, especially on days when multiple cruise ships are in port.
Can I see Mendenhall Glacier on my own?
Yes, you can take a shuttle or the Capital Transit public bus for $2 each way, then walk about 1.5 miles to the visitor center. The trails and viewpoints are open daily, but note that the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center itself is closed on Saturdays.
The Wrap-Up: Juneau Cruise Port
Juneau is one of those ports where you can choose your own adventure, whether that’s simply strolling around town and enjoying its unique shops and restaurants, or going big with whale watching and glacier tours. For us, seeing humpback whales, visiting Mendenhall Glacier, and even stopping by a lighthouse made it an unforgettable day.
