20 Top Things To Do In Juneau On A Cruise Port Day

Juneau, Alaska’s capital, nestles at the foot of Mount Juneau and faces Douglas Island across the bay. Cruise ships line its docks each summer, filling the city with travelers eager to explore. Juneau delivers unforgettable adventures.

Over the years, visiting Juneau has become a highlight of our Alaska cruises. Some days brought helicopter rides over glaciers, others exploring its trails, and always sampling fresh salmon and crab. The day we landed on Mendenhall Glacier was unforgettable—expensive, yes, but absolutely worth it.

Accessible only by boat or plane, Juneau feels both remote and welcoming. With a population of around 32,000, the city bursts to life each summer as travelers pour in, eager to experience Alaska’s wild beauty and vibrant spirit.

Cruise lines sell tours and excursions when traveling to Alaska by sea. However, the most popular and best Juneau tours sell out quickly. With this in mind, here are some things to do in Juneau, Alaska, on a port day.

1. Dog Sledding On A Glacier

Dog sledding on a glacier was one of our most thrilling Juneau excursions. We joined Coastal Helicopters for a Juneau dog sledding tour that combined a breathtaking glacier helicopter flight with an unforgettable sled ride high on Herbert Glacier.

The adventure began at Juneau Airport, where our helicopter lifted off, soaring over Mendenhall Glacier, Auke Bay, and endless fields of ice. Sitting up front beside the pilot offered unbeatable views—snow-covered peaks, deep crevasses, and that unreal Alaskan blue.

Landing on the glacier felt surreal. Our musher greeted us with friendly huskies eager to run. My daughter and I each took turns mushing our own dog team, laughing the entire way despite the freezing rain. It was pure joy, and an authentic Alaskan experience that felt both wild and personal.

Yes, the Juneau dog sledding tour isn’t cheap (around USD 650+ per person), but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure worth every dollar. Since seats are limited, book early. Helicopter flights can cancel due to weather, but refunds are issued.

Even after several Alaska cruises, dog sledding on a glacier in Juneau remains one of our most cherished travel memories.

2. Pan For Gold

Gold panning allows visitors to relive the Gold Rush and Juneau offers several tours. Spring and early summer are the best times to pan, as the water is low and slow-moving. This activity fits the bill if you want to do things in Juneau with kids.

The hands-on fun takes place in Gold Creek. Participants learn about the prospectors who traveled to Alaska searching for gold. One of the most famous, Joe Juneau, gave the city its name. We suggest combining gold panning with a salmon bake at Gold Creek, with all-you-can-eat buffet.

Alternatively, the AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tour combines gold panning with a tour of a gold mine. Donning a hard hat, you’ll watch a demonstration of mining techniques. Then continue touring what once was the world’s largest-producing gold mine.

3. Take A Helicopter Glacier Trek

Enjoy the deep blue hues of Juneau Icefield from the comfort of a helicopter. Marvel at the snow-capped ridges, verdant rainforests, and cascading waterfalls, on the short scenic flight.

The deep crevices and uneven terrain are breathtaking from high in the sky. Once on the glacier, a guide will lead the small group to explore surface rivers and glacial cracks.

Bring a water bottle to sample the fresh glacial water from the surface. Be prepared for the cold by wearing layers. Tour operators generally supply ice boots, crampons, and snow pants.

Some even provide jackets. However, helicopter excursions come with sticker shock and aren’t for those cruising to Alaska on a budget.

4. Go Whale Watching

With relatively calm waters and abundant whales, Juneau provides the perfect whale-watching environment. Tours come with a whale sighting guarantee and I’ve seen many on all my excursions.

While the waters are prolific with humpback whales, on our whale watching tour, we’ve see orcas too. Icy Strait Point and Juneau offer the best whale watching tours if you’re on an Alaska cruise.

Juneau Lighthouse Tours offers a unique excursion. Their 4+ hour tours include a trip to explore the Sentinel Island Lighthouse. This tour is part maritime history and part wildlife searching. We loved exploring the lighthouse and learning its history.

If you only have one day in Juneau, many tour operators combine whale watching with a visit to Mendenhall Glacier.

5. Explore Tracy Arm Fjord By Boat

From Juneau, the Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Explorer excursion travels to the majestic fjord of Tracy Arm. Located south of Juneau, expect this tour to last seven hours. You’ll get close to cascading waterfalls from the deluxe catamaran and feel the cool mist.

On route to the twin Sawyers Glaciers, you can see various bird species perch on the cliffs. Near the glaciers, harbor seals often laze in the sun on icebergs, surrounded by bergy bits.

Of course, the highlight of this Juneau boat tour is the glaciers themselves. This tour on a small vessel allows you to get closer to the North and South Sawyers Glaciers. You’ll witness spectacular calving and beautiful blue glacial hues close to the glacier’s terminus.

6. Browse The Alaska State Museum

While many Juneau excursions lean to the expensive side, you can bypass and opt for a museum visit instead. Housed in a gorgeous new building, cruise passengers reach the Alaska State Museum after walking from the Juneau dock.

Expect to spend a few hours learning the indigenous people’s history who made Alaska their home. While not large, the museum feels bigger because it contains many interesting artifacts from the American era and when Russia owned Alaska.

If you’re passing the time between tours, this Alaska museum is a must-see in Juneau.

7. See Mendenhall Glacier

Juneau tour operators offer shuttles to Mendenhall Glacier due to its proximity to downtown. For most, it’s their first glimpse of an actual glacier outside of book or the internet. 

The Mendenhall Visitor’s Center route is a simple, 30-minute bus ride, costs USD 90.00 roundtrip, and includes park admission. Alternatively, you can take the city bus for USD 2, but it requires a 1-1/2 miles hike to get to the visitors’ center. 

Mendenhall flows off Juneau Icefield. However, due to climate change, it’s rapidly retreating. Inside the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, you can learn about the glacial retreat and the area’s terrain.

Outside, massive icebergs floating down the lake greet visitors a short walk from the visitor’s center. The terrain offers many hiking trails at Mendenhall Glacier, from easy to challenging.

The Steep Creek Trail boardwalk around the visitor’s center offers salmon viewing, the odd porcupine, and, on occasion, black bears.

Park wardens will be close by to keep the over-zealous tourists from getting too “up close and personal” as they try to snap their selfies, Instagram, and Facebook pictures.

The East Glacier Trail climbs into the temperate rainforest and offers excellent views of the glacier and lake. This challenging 3-1/2-mile loop trail takes 2-1/2 hours and crosses several creeks. Alternatively, the Trail of Time offers visitors a 30-minute walk on a flat surface.

8. Eat Salmon At Taku Lodge

If you’re seeking wilderness activities in Juneau away from downtown, then the Taku Lodge and Salmon Bake is your excursion. This breathtaking and quintessential Alaskan experience begins with a floatplane ride out of Gastineau Channel.

The seaplane journeys over several glaciers that are part of the Juneau Icefield. Enjoy unobstructed views of picturesque waterfalls, rugged mountains, and lush Tonga National Forest. The Taku River acts as your landing strip for the next leg of your excursion.

The charming lodge is a quintessential mountain lodge with historical dog sled relics and memorabilia. Enjoy a cup of tea or some Alaskan beer as you smell the delicious aroma of fresh wild Alaskan King Salmon grilling on the fire.

The salmon lunch attracts cruise ship passengers for a delicious meal and the also local black bears. Bring your camera and keep a lookout for wildlife.

If crab legs are more to your taste, head to Tracy’s King Crab Shack for the best crab legs in town.

9. See The Rainforest On A Segway

Juneau Segway tours allow riders to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful time off the beaten path. There are several excursions to choose from, lasting two to three hours.

No experience is necessary, and we were surprised by how easy it is to ride a Segway. The small group excursion takes riders from Juneau to trails in the lush rainforest.

You’ll enjoy distant views of Mendenhall, see eagles, and enjoy Alaska’s natural beauty. There are plenty of photo opportunities during the tour and a break for a snack along the way.

10. Hike To Nugget Falls

While visiting the impressive Mendenhall Glacier, take the short, flat hike to Nugget Falls, nestled close to this arctic beauty. Its impressive cascading waterfall and surrounding mountains are a delight to see.

The easy, meandering trail takes you to the tip of the thundering waterfall, where you can enjoy better views of Mendenhall Glacier.

The falls are powerful and loud and give off a light spray. It’s advisable to bring a waterproof jacket because rain falls often in Alaska and could surprise you on the trail.

While there, you may be fortunate enough to experience some glacial calving (ice falling from the glacier). There were many opportunities for photos during my stroll, and boy, did I take plenty!

11. Visit Glacier Gardens

The Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure allows guests to enjoy vibrant floral displays and verdant rainforests. This is no ordinary garden. Created by Cindy and Steve Bowhay, the attraction features floral towers overflowing with stunning cascading flower varieties.

The floral towers are ingeniously created from old tree trunks and are visually spectacular. They adorn the two-mile trail through the rainforest, ponds, and cascading waterfalls.

12. Hike The Perseverance Trail

The Perseverance National Recreation Trail offers a quiet alternative to a crowded shore excursion. The 3-mile return trail takes the hiker into a spectacular canyon above Gold Creek and a chance to see waterfalls.

Porcupines and bears frequent the trail. Deep snow may cover the path at higher levels in late spring. So, if you plan to hike in late spring or early summer, you may need ice spikes.

From the trailhead, trekkers can visit the Last Chance Mining Museum at 1001 Basin Road. The little museum charges a minimal entrance fee while hiking the trail is free.

13. Have A Brew At The Red Dog Saloon

After completing your cruise shore excursion, grab a brew in downtown Juneau. There’s no better place than the famous Red Dog Saloon on South Franklin Street. 

The saloon originated from the historic mining era, and its interior showcases many period collectibles. It’s a busy tourist bar where the notable thing to order is a duck fart!

When in Alaska, you must eat some seafood! Stop by The Salmon Spot, a hidden gem in Juneau. While it looks like a food truck, it is a permanent restaurant with reasonable prices. The salmon burgers, cakes, and chowder are all delicious and fresh. 

Have a craving for crab legs? Then Tracy’s Crab Shack is the place for you. The Alaska Fish and Chips Company and The Twisted Fish Company are your best stops for fish and chips.

14. Paddle A Canoe To Mendenhall Glacier

As Juneau’s star attraction, Mendenhall Glacier draws most of the visitors who arrive in Alaska’s capital. The visitors center provides distant views of the mammoth glacier, but Mendenhall Lake blocks access to its toe.

Travelers access the icefield from the glacier’s western side by taking a Canoe Lake Tour. This strenuous 4-hour tour requires a paddle up Mendenhall Lake. 

The tour operator provides boots and jackets to keep everyone warm and dry. Attach a GoPro to your helmet for impressive Nugget Falls shots and views while paddling.

15. Take An Alaskan Brewery Tour

Let’s face it when docked in Juneau for the day, not everyone wants to take the usual port excursions. Some are seeking things to do that are out of the ordinary. 

That’s where the Alaskan Brewery Company steps in. Since Prohibition, the Alaskan Brewery Company has been renowned for being the first brewery in Juneau. What better way to learn the history of the different types of beer than by sampling them? 

So, sit back and enjoy an afternoon tasting award-winning craft beer. The tour starts at the depot in downtown Juneau and continues by shuttle bus to the brewery.

Inside the brewery, visitors aren’t treated to a tour but learn its history and beer manufacturing process. Of course, the best part of the excursion is the beer samplings.

16. Visit Glacier Bay National Park

If you’re not visiting Juneau by cruise ship, you should visit Glacier Bay. It’s a 12-hour excursion on a climate-controlled small vessel. The cruise tours the west end of the bay and could include wildlife sightings.

Humpback whales, porpoises, harbor seals, and Stellar sea lions are commonly sighted. You could see bears, orcas, moose, and mountain goats with a keen eye.

A naturalist explains the picturesque terrain and explains the importance of glacial retreat. The star of this tour is a visit to the photogenic Margerie Glacier. While large cruise ships cruise to Glacier Bay National Park, they won’t get as close to the glacier’s toe.

17. Visit The Sled Dogs Musher’s Camp

If a sled dog excursion on a glacier is too rich for your pocketbook, plan to visit a dog sled mushing camp instead. While you won’t experience dog sledding on a glacier, you’ll still enjoy the thrill of a dog sledding ride.

The sled dogs pull a wheeled cart through the Tongass National Forest with no snow at lower levels. You’ll meet the dogs, learn about the relationships between trainers and dogs, and see some husky puppies.

If you’re visiting Juneau with children, this family-friendly outing will be the thrill of your Alaska trip.

18. Ride The Mount Roberts Tramway

Take the tram through the lush rainforest to the top of Mount Roberts for aerial views of Juneau. On a clear day, the views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel are breathtaking.

However, the best views are from lookout points on small hikes above Juneau. So wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for a trek.

Those who enjoy a challenge might enjoy the Mount Roberts Trail instead. The 3-mile trail meanders through the lush, green rainforest with opportunities to see hoary marmots and rock ptarmigan. If the ascent is too strenuous, take the tram and hike down.

There is a coffee shop for refreshments and a gift shop for all the usual tourist souvenirs. The trams back run approximately every 15 minutes on cruise port days.

19. Go Zip Lining

Soar through the rainforest of Juneau on a thrilling zip-lining tour. After a short transfer to the Eaglecrest Ski Area, staff will equip you with a safety harness. Your instructor will brief you on safety before you take to the trees on an adrenaline rush excursion.

Zip lining suits all ages and will have the participants screaming joyfully. There are many photo opportunities, and the tour ends with a chance to brush up on your axe-throwing skills.

20. See Five Glaciers By Sea Plane

Grab a window seat on a floatplane as you take to the skies. Leaving the Juneau waterfront, the floatplane flies through Juneau Valley. Before you reach Juneau Icefield, you’ll enjoy views of plummeting waterfalls and the Tongass Rainforest.

Tour-goers see jaw-dropping views of Taku Glacier, Norris Glacier, Hole-in-the-Wall, and East and West Twin Glaciers at the ice mass. Of these, Taku Glacier is the most impressive due to its thickness. At almost 5,000 feet from the bed to the surface, it’s one of the thickest glaciers in the world.

During your flyover, you’ll witness the towering peak of Devil’s Paw, blue glacial pools, and stunning crevasses. Unlike other tours, this one doesn’t include a landing.

Final Thoughts

With the widest variety of port excursions, you can spend little or blow your budget on once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

When arriving by cruise ship, you’ll have only one day in Juneau, and whatever you do will be the tip of the iceberg of what Juneau has to offer. Outside of cruise season, many tours don’t operate in Juneau during the winter.

If you’ve traveled to Alaska hoping to see some wildlife, look no further. Juneau has over 20,000 bald eagles, so the chances of seeing some are good.

Beyond bear sightings at Mendenhall Glacier, wildlife viewing is prevalent in Juneau. You can witness some Alaskan wildlife, from the bears at Admiralty Island to harbor seals at Tracy Arm.