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Cruise Port Advisor
Destinations › Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska Cruise Port Guide

Explore Juneau, Alaska on your cruise. Discover the best shore excursions, beaches, things to do, and travel tips for your port day ashore.

Juneau, Alaska's capital city, has a population of approximately 31,000 and is a wonderful mix of small-town charm with big city amenities. In 1880, prospectors found gold in Gold Creek and the Alaskan gold rush was on, putting Juneau on the map.

Tourists have been drawn to Juneau since the early 1900's, not only for the prospect of getting rich, but also for the incredible scenery and friendly people.

Juneau is unique in that you can't actually drive there - it's accessible only by air and sea - but has been a popular cruise ship port for many years.

If you happen to be in Alaska during the summer solstice, June 21st, you'll experience over 18 hours of daylight and the Midnight Sun, which is when the sun doesn't fully set, but instead just dips below the horizon, still providing a glow.

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Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go: Juneau has become so popular that the city has been discussing cruise ship arrival limits to protect resident quality of life. Check current port schedules — some days see 4–5 ships simultaneously, which can make the downtown area very crowded. Whale watching tours book up quickly in peak season (June–August); reserve before departure. Mendenhall Glacier has retreated significantly in recent decades — current conditions mean less ice visible than in older photos.

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Hot Tip

Take the Mount Roberts Tramway ($35) for stunning aerial views over Juneau and the Gastineau Channel — on a clear day it's spectacular. The mountain meadows at the top have excellent wildflower displays in summer and a brown bear occasionally visits the area.

Juneau, Alaska – Quick Facts

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Currency<p>American Dollar - there are ATMs and banks within walking distance of the cruise terminal</p>
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Language<p>English</p>
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WiFi & Phone<p>Available at most coffee shops and cafes and the Juneau Public Library which is less than a 5 minute walk from the cruise terminal</p>
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Where You DockJuneau Cruise Ship Terminal, South Franklin Street, Juneau, Alaska
JUNEAU WEATHER

Where You Dock in Juneau, Alaska

Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.

There are 3 docks in Juneau - South Franklin Street (main dock), AJ Dock and Seadrome Dock (small ships). AJ Dock is the furthest away from amenities, but there is a tram which takes you to the main cruise terminal. If there are more than four ships in port, ships may also anchor off shore and tender passengers to the pier.

Visitor kiosks are set up close to the dock with local information about excursions, tours and transportation.

Getting Around Juneau, Alaska

Transportation options once you're ashore.

Walking

There are many amenities within a few feet of the main cruise dock, such as galleries, shops and cafes.

 

Taxis

Taxis are available, mostly at Marine Park, a short walk from the cruise terminal, just past the public library. Taxis run on a metered system, with rates set by the city of Juneau, but most taxi companies offer city and glacier tours for a reasonable per ride (not per person) price.

 

Shuttles

There are inexpensive bus shuttles which offer rides to downtown and to key local attractions. Tickets are available for purchase at the visitor kiosks.

 

Car Rental

If you feel like doing your own touring of Juneau and area, all major car rental companies are available.

 

Mendenhall Glacier | Juneau Alaska

Things To Do in Juneau, Alaska

Make the most of your time ashore.

Glaciers

The most popular destination in Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is almost half a mile wide and up to 1800 feet thick. Mendenhall is part of the Juneau Icefield, which also includes many other glaciers and can be explored on a tour or excursion. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center for more information.

 

Mount Roberts Tramway | Juneau Alaska Photo credit: ckroberts61 / Foter / CC BY

Mount Roberts Tramway

The Mount Roberts Tramway lifts passengers almost vertically, 1800 feet to the top of Mount Roberts. At the tops you'll experience magnificent views of Juneau, Douglas, the Gastineau Channel and beyond. There is a cafe, gift shop, hiking trails, nature center and more. It is also fully accessible. The entrance to the Mount Roberts Tramway is located within easy walking distance of the main cruise terminal on South Franklin Street.

 

Juneau-Douglas City Museum

If you are a history buff, a stop to the Juneau-Douglas Museum will give you insight to the history and culture of Juneau, from its origins, to its gold-mining days to current-day life in the state's capital. For a small fee, you can spend an hour or more looking at the exhibits and collection of artifacts. It is located in downtown Juneau, at the corner of 4th and Main.

 

Alaskan Brewing Company

Visit the downtown Alaskan Brewing Co. Depot location on Franklin Street and take their shuttle to their Brewery and Tasting Room located in an industrial part of town. Sample some of their best sellers and see how their beer is made. If you'd rather just spend time at the depot, you can see a virtual tour of the brewery as well as tour the upstairs gallery of the history of the Alaskan Brewing Company. Note, there are no tastings at the downtown location.

 

See All Juneau Excursions 

 

Beaches & Outdoors in Juneau, Alaska

The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.

Juneau is not a beach destination — the water is too cold for swimming. However, the shorelines, tidal flats, and coastal forests are spectacular for walking. The area around the Mendenhall Glacier has excellent lakeside access.

Shopping in Juneau, Alaska

Where to shop and what to look for.

Port Area & Downtown

There is quite a bit of shopping right across the street from the South Franklin St. dock, most of which is typical for cruise ports (think Diamond's International), and some touristy souvenir stores. If you keep walking up South Franklin, you will reach Juneau's historical downtown, with many different shops, including locally made soaps, jewelry and arts and crafts.

 

Mendenhall Valley

If you're looking for stores that are less touristy and more familiar (ie Sears), head to Mendenhall Valley, which is located north of the Juneau International Airport, on the way to the Mendenhall Glacier. There are a couple of shopping centers - Nugget Mall and Mendenhall Mall where you will find grocery stores and pharmacies and anything else you may need.

 

Dining in Juneau, Alaska

Where to eat and drink ashore.

Alaskan Crab | Juneau AKIf you're looking for some fresh seafood, Juneau restaurants are the place to be since it's a short jaunt from dock to table. If seafood is not your thing, there are many other amazing restaurants to choose from, including some of the oldest in the state, like the Silverbow Bakery, the oldest continually operating bakery in Alaska.

Closest Restaurants to the Port

Twisted Fish Co. Alaskan Grill - S. Franklin St in the Taku Smokeries Building - casual, waterfront dining
Tracy's King Crab Shack - Rated #1 in Juneau! - located beside the Cruise Terminal on S. Franklin, behind Trove
Red Dog Saloon - S. Franklin, past the library - a real Wild-West Saloon in Alaska, complete with sawdust floors and honkey-tonk piano.

Top-Rated Juneau Restaurants

Tracy's King Crab Shack - located beside the cruise terminal on S. Franklin Street, behind Trove
Island Pub - 1102 2nd St, Douglas (across the bridge) - local pub known for their gourmet pizza
The Rookery Cafe - 111 Seward Street - serves Stumptown Coffee, sandwiches, salads, burgers

Top Tours & Shore Excursions

Book before you board for best availability and pricing.

Exclusive Whale Watching Cruise

⏱ 3.5 hours · Low activity

Enjoy your small group tour with comfortable ride on a cabin cruiser, you will see these majestic mammals as well as oth...

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Helicopter Dog Sledding

⏱ 3 hours · Low activity

Board a helicopter for this high-flying adventure as your soar over the Juneau ice field and see the Mendenhall Glacier ...

Book This Tour →

Juneau City & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

⏱ 2.75 hours · Low activity

This tour begins in downtown Juneau, where you’ll see the State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion, then make your way throu...

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Juneau, Alaska – FAQ

Common questions from cruise passengers.

What is Juneau Alaska known for?

Juneau is Alaska's capital city and one of the most scenic cruise ports in the world. It's known for the Mendenhall Glacier, excellent whale watching, helicopter glacier tours, dog sledding, and the charming historic downtown district.

Can I walk from the cruise ship in Juneau?

Yes — the cruise terminal is right in downtown Juneau. The main shopping street, local restaurants, the Red Dog Saloon, and the Mount Roberts Tramway are all within easy walking distance.

What is the Mendenhall Glacier?

The Mendenhall Glacier is a 13-mile-long glacier flowing out of the Juneau Icefield. You can walk right up to the glacier face at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area — it's one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska.

What wildlife can I see in Juneau?

Humpback whales, orca, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, and brown bears are all commonly spotted around Juneau. Whale watching excursions have exceptional success rates.

Cruise Passenger Tips & Photos

Real tips from real cruisers who've visited Juneau, Alaska.

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