3-Day, 2-Night Sample Itinerary

A visitor to Juneau and the surrounding areas can literally spend weeks experiencing the region. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time they would like to discover this part of Alaska. In order to maximize your time and experience in Juneau, we have developed suggestions on how to organize your schedule. Many of these suggestions feature a specific area of interest or activity. Some are off the beaten path. All of the suggestions can be used in combination or altered.

DAY 1: Glacier Phenomenon

Juneau’s most popular attraction is the mighty, magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. Everything about the Mendenhall is massive: its face is 100 feet tall and 1.5 miles wide; its length is over 12 miles. Large as it is, the Mendenhall is just a tiny part of the Juneau Icefield, an expanse of interconnected glaciers that sits atop the mountains behind Juneau. The Icefield covers 1,500 square miles.

Visitors wanting to experience the glaciers have a multitude of options. One can spend as little as an hour or as long as several days exploring and discovering the glaciers in and around Juneau.

Arrive Juneau mid-morning

Late Morning
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center: As part of a formal tour or on your own, you will begin to appreciate the enormous size of the Juneau Icefield. Video and interactive displays are available. If you have extra time, the trail system around the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is excellent. Added value: opportunity to see black bears feeding at the salmon stream. (2 to 3 hours).

Afternoon
Juneau Icefield from the air: several helicopter and fixed wing aircraft companies offer a unique opportunity to see and experience the Icefield. Check out the trekking opportunities. (1 to 4 hours)

Dinner
Taku Glacier Lodge: Dine on salmon while viewing a glacier. Arrive at this remote day lodge via a floatplane trip over the Juneau Icefield.

Overnight in Juneau

DAY 2: Landing the Big One

The waters surrounding Juneau hold an abundance of sea life. Each of the five species of salmon can be caught in or near Juneau. The area’s waters are also home to the Pacific halibut, Dolly Varden, cutthroat and steelhead trout. Ling Cod and rockfish are caught on the outer coast. Fishing is a passion that stirs the soul of any angler and Juneau’s waters provide memories that will last a lifetime.

Morning
Macaulay Salmon Hatchery: View hatchery operations and learn first hand about the habits of Alaska’s salmon. (1 hour)

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure: Don’t miss these impressive temperate rainforest gardens. (1.5 hours)

Alaskan Brewing Company: Home of world famous Alaskan beer, the most awarded beer in the country in its class. (1 hour)

Afternoon
Fishing Charter: Juneau is home to a fleet of exceptional charter boats, many of whom offer a full or half day experience. Added value: opportunity to see humpback whales, sea lions, and other marine mammals. (4 hours for half day)

Dinner
Seafood Dining: Dine at one of Juneau’s fine restaurants. Most offer fresh Alaskan seafoods.

Overnight in Juneau

DAY 3: Juneau’s Golden Age

Founded originally as a gold mining town, Juneau’s rich history extends back to the area’s original inhabitants. The Auk tribe of the Tlingit Indians was the first to call this area home. A casual stroll through Juneau’s downtown will reveal much of the community’s history. For assistance, use the downtown walking map.

Morning
Alaska State Museum: Features exhibits on Alaska’s Native culture, history, art, and natural history including, a Tlingit Clan House and a real eagle’s nest. (1.5 hours)

Juneau-Douglas City Museum: Exhibits and video of Juneau colorful history and gold mining heritage. (1 hour)

Governor’s House and State Capitol: The state capitol houses an impressive collection of early Alaska photography. (45 minutes)

Visit historic downtown Juneau: Enjoy a casual stroll through town while you shop at the many fine gift stores, boutiques, and galleries. Stop by one of the many downtown restaurants for lunch.

Afternoon
Mt. Roberts Tramway: Rise 1800 feet above the city in a comfortable tramcar. View a short film of early Tlingit culture. Hike the mountain trails. Dine at the Timberland Bar & Grill. (1-3 hours)

Depart Juneau early evening