Juneau is the ultimate tourist spot with TONS to do all throughout the summer from hiking trails, and beaches, to kayaking, glaciers, and breweries. There is far too much to do here for me to list it all below but here are a few of our favorites...
The glacier is free and a local favorite spot! Check it out from the visitors center or do the short hike to Nugget Falls, either way a gorgeous glacier to see. Not to mention tons of hiking trails starting right there at Mendenhall Glacier.
The Shrine is a gorgeous Catholic Church nestled in the woods of Juneau and completely surrounded by water this is definitely a must see!
Take the tram to the top of Mount Roberts and take in all of downtown Juneau and Douglas Island. There's a restaurant and bar up top along with a little gift shop and a nature center. This is one of those activities I would only recommend if it is a clear day though.
Juneau has more than 250 miles of hiking trails to explore each one just as challenging as the last. I personally don't believe in hiking but here are a couple popular recommendations anyway.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 500-1500ft
Believe it or not I have done this hike! It's a beautiful hike that starts in downtown Juneau and winds back into the mountains. There is a museum at the head of this trail for anyone interested in some Juneau mining history. I will say this hike felt 50 miles long not 3 but what do I know. Fair warning to all: Alaska's version of a "moderate hike" most definitely differs from most people's definition of moderate and might be a little closer to hard. But again what do I know? Go get 'em!
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 775 ft
This hike starts at the Mendenhall Glacier visitors center and goes in a big three mile loop giving you a birds eye view of Mendenhall Glacier. Also classified as moderate and takes about 2 hours to complete.
If you're up for a trip out the road Eagle and Boy Scout Beach are for you. These two beaches open up to phenomenal views of Lynn Canal and the Chilkat Mountains and some great beach combing at low tides.
Located on the northern end of Auke Bay this is a cool spot to soak up the sun and watch all the tour boats come and go. A great spot for a bonfire or to let the kiddos run around and if you're lucky you'll spot a whale in the distance!
So much to do at Sandy Beach! It is located at the very end of Douglas Island and about 2 blocks from our house, it's a very popular beach and Juneau's one true sandy beach...hence the name! This beach is great for beach combing and is very kid friendly with a big playground across the street. Sandy Beach is also the start of the Treadwell Mine Historic Walking Trail, which is an easy and super cool walk through the woods and the old mining town of Treadwell.
Pucker's is a funky little drive thru food truck in the Valley that serves mostly burgers and fries. Although it is a drive thru there are a few picnic tables out front to park and enjoy your food at. For what it's worth the Husky Dawson is in my humble opinion the best burger Juneau has to offer.
Another favorite lunch spot of ours Zerelda's serves a fusion of Hawaiian and Korean food that is also BBQ too? Listen, it sounds weird but Zerelda's is so good you gotta give it a try! Not to mention their baked goods are drool worthy.
Deckhand's is located in downtown and a fun little spot in the summer. If the sun is out then this place will be crowded but the fish tacos totally make the small wait worth it! After you grab your tacos head to the beer garden and grab yourself a beverage. There is also a crepe place and oyster spot located in the beer garden area!
Look this place is super touristy but it's fun and a great spot to enjoy some crab! I will say if Tracy's King Crab Shack 2 is open go there instead. Same exact restaurant just a fun outdoor venue at shack 2 with awesome views, lawn games, usually live music, and all the same crab, food, and drink you'd find down the street. I personally just like the vibes of shack 2 better, it's more of a locals spot.
Maybe I'm biased but I feel like Juneau has the best drinking spots. Among our 4 breweries and gin distillery there's also a handful of fun bars to hang at if you're into that sort of thing.
Amalga! A great date night spot, this is Juneau's delicious gin distillery and now whiskey too! Located in downtown this is a great place to start your night.
A few doors down from Amalga, Devil's Club is usually our second stop on big nights out on the town. Good beer, fun hipster vibes, and the most delicious pretzel bites. Just stop in and have a beer, ok?
I feel like Barnaby is Juneau's well kept secret. This brewery is also located in downtown but it's tucked away on a side street away from all the craziness of the tourism life, making it a nice quiet spot to grab a good beer.
Everyone knows this one! If you want the true Alaskan Brew Co experience go to their main tasting room in the industrial area of Juneau over by Costco. It has a few food carts out front to enjoy and a big gift shop to browse while you sip your beer. There is also a downtown location over by the cruise ship docks, let this be your warning it is a tourist trap BUT it's a pretty cool spot right on the pier next to all the cruise ships and a good spot to soak up the sun if it's out. Just know you'll be paying tourist prices.
Forbidden is possibly my favorite brewery solely for the views! This one is located in Auke Bay with amazing views of the water. It's a huge tap room with a beautiful outdoor patio as well.