Juneau Cruise Port Guide

Overview

Whether you're looking for breathtaking views, once-in-a-lifetime whale watching, thrilling adventures, or delicious food, there's plenty to do and see in Alaska’s capital city.

Docking in Juneau

Your first introduction to Juneau will be the cruise docks. Juneau has four main docking areas:

AS, CT, and FKL Docks – These are the main docks located in the heart of downtown Juneau. A quick walk from here will have you in the middle of all the action—shops, restaurants, and excursions.

AJ Dock – This one’s a bit further out, about a mile south of downtown. It’s a 15–25 minute walk, but most folks hop on the free shuttle that runs regularly between the AJ Dock and the downtown cruise terminal.

Most Juneau excursions meet at the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway across from the main docks. If you’re docked at the AJ Dock, don't worry! The shuttle will get you there in no time.

Getting Around

Once you’re downtown, most of the must-see spots are within walking distance, and most people opt to join an excursion or explore on foot. If you want to venture out a bit further, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available, although they can be limited during peak cruise season. Those flying into Juneau often rent a car at the airport.

Best Juneau Excursions

Most cruise visitors choose to do an excursion in Juneau. It’s a great place for a helicopter tour, dog sledding, and whale watching. Here are some of our favorite tours:

Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour – Take a flightseeing tour for a bird’s-eye view of glaciers and snowy peaks. Some tours even include dog sledding!

Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Tour – Paddle across the Mendenhall Lake to get right up close to the glacier itself.

Juneau Dog Sledding and Glacier Helicopter Tour – A stunning helicopter ride followed by a family-friendly dog sledding adventure.

Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour – Whales are so abundant in Juneau that seeing them on your whale watching tour is 100% guaranteed.

Exploring Juneau on Your Own

Prefer to explore solo? There’s plenty to do in Juneau without needing a formal excursion. Wander through the downtown streets, pop into shops and restaurants, or check out the Whale Project statue — a stunning life-sized humpback whale leaping from the water.

For those who want a serene, reflective moment, visit the Shrine of St. Therese — a peaceful spot that's about 35 minutes out of town (via a peaceful, scenic drive) offering beautiful ocean views and a place to unwind.

Here are the best ways to experience Juneau like a local:

Mount Roberts Tramway – Right by the cruise terminal, this iconic tram whisks you up 1800 feet for sweeping views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and the surrounding mountains. Once at the top, there are hiking trails, a gift shop, and even a raptor center.

Mendenhall Glacier – This is Juneau’s crown jewel. You can visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center for up-close glacier views, explore easy trails, or join an adventurous trek. The visitor center is about 12 miles from downtown, and shuttle services are available. If you're up for it, the scenic Nugget Falls Trail takes you right next to a beautiful waterfall with the glacier as your backdrop.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure – Take a guided tour through a lush rainforest garden offering a beautiful floral contrast to Juneau's rugged surroundings.

Alaska State Capitol and Museums – For a bit of culture, take a free guided tour of the Alaska State Capitol or visit the Alaska State Museum which features exhibits on Alaska’s rich indigenous history, wildlife, and more.

Local Eats

Food in Juneau is a treat! Here are some places you can’t miss:

Tracy’s King Crab Shack – Yes, the lines are long, but if you're craving Alaska’s famous king crab, this is the place to be. Budget accordingly as it’s a splurge (expect to spend $40–$100 per person) but the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crab legs are worth it. (Note that Tracy’s is included on our Juneau Food tour.)

Deckhand Dave’s – Located in a cozy food truck lot near downtown, Deckhand Dave’s is a favorite among locals and tourists. Grab some fresh fish tacos and see why.

Hangar on the Wharf – A laid-back spot right on the waterfront serving seafood with a view. It’s a great place to watch the floatplanes come and go while enjoying some Alaskan salmon or halibut.

Red Dog Saloon – This historic, rowdy saloon is a must for anyone who enjoys live music, local brews, and a quirky Alaskan atmosphere. Located downtown, it’s a perfect pit stop while exploring the city.

If you're looking for something more off-the-beaten-path, try Devil's Club Brewing for a local brew or grab a quick bite at Pel'meni, a tiny beloved Russian dumpling shop.