Location: Juneau
Top Things to do in Juneau
10 Free Things to do in Juneau That You Shouldn't Miss
Because of its ideal location between the base of Mount Juneau and the Gastineau Channel, the Southeastern Alaskan city of Juneau has been the home of Native American fisherman, European fur traders, and American gold prospectors. Now a free-spirited state capital, Juneau is the perfect base for a journey into the gorgeous Alaskan wilderness, whether it's for fishing, kayaking, and dog sledding in the National Parks, whale-watching at Icy Strait, or glacier hiking at the Juneau Icefield.
Restaurants in Juneau
1. Caribou Crossings
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By ermilioje
We visited Caribou Crossings last August 2019 while on a cruise. We were delighted with your selections. The sales staff were friendly and well informed. Years ago while visiting Juneau I purchased a Lisa McCormick Athabasken (sp?) mask pendant in gold and silver and was wearing it in the store. All the gals were so happy to see Lisa's work. Thinking about all of you during this pandemic and challenging economic times. Hope to visit again in the future! Judith Ermilio P. S. Had to enter 9/19 because August 2019 would not come up!
2. Tripp's Mt. Juneau Trading Post
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
Open since 1967, our store is a locally-owned, Alaska Native family business in the heart of Downtown Juneau. There are two levels filled with beautiful handmade art from around the state of Alaska, much of it being made in the store. The types of art we sell are Alaska Native woodworking, totem poles, boxes, scrimshaw, ivory, silver and gold jewelry, and stone sculptures. Native artists work on their art upstairs where visitors can watch and ask questions of them. We have everything from high-end art to more inexpensive items. We cater to every person, and love to share our knowledge!
Reviewed By U5638OGrichardr - Albany, United States
Mt. Juneau Trading Post in Juneau is the one must-see shop in downtown. Owned by a local Tlingit family, the shop has an unbelievable variety and quality of art created by local Tlingit artisans. Masks, drums, totems, wall decorations, paddles and much much more are all there in a tremendous variety. There is so much to see you can easily spends hours in the store. To top it off, the shop is family run -- we went to the store twice to take it all in, and met Jeffrey, Andrew and Tyler of the the Tripp family who were all courteous, knowledgeable and very helpful. If you want to find something really special to truly remember Alaska, this is the shop to visit.
3. Nugget Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,420 reviews
Reviewed By QuantumMover - San Diego, United States
MUST SEE!! Incredibly beautiful glacier, icebergs, and waterfalls all enclosed by a beautiful natural park. Although we did not see bears, signs were posted around the park to stay alert that bears are typically seen in the area. The Photo Point is a 5 minute walk from the visitor center on a paved road, you can hear the waterfalls and have a spectacular view of the glacier from there. You can also hike to the falls, its 2-3 miles round trip from the visitor center. The video at the center is worth watching, as it explains how the impacts from global warming are measurable.
4. Perseverance National Recreation Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By GMLfromTexas - San Antonio, United States
Probably the most physically demanding trail we explored during our stay in Juneau. This is primarily because it is all uphill (mild to moderate grades) going in, but oddly enough the trip back seemed harder on the legs. Trail is in good shape although it is prone to rock slides, so there are patched segments (no difficulty with negotiating). More joggers than the other trails we were on in Juneau as it is apparently the "training run" for the more athletically inclined residents. Make sure you go to the falls.
5. Alaska Knifeworks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 84 reviews
Collectors, hikers, campers, hunters, fishermen, and all-round knife geek enthusiasts enjoy our store. Whether you arrive by cruise ship, private boat, or plane (because you cannot drive to or from here) come see us when you visit Juneau. If you're on tour with Juneau Food Tours, we're a tasting stop on that program. We're just like you, occasionally we need a knife to perform a task and when we do, we want the best. At Merchants Wharf you'll find great locally owned stores, fresh locally caught seafood, locally brewed Alaskan Brewing Company beers on tap, and simply the best view in town! Real Alaska and Real Alaskans!
Reviewed By MarkB-STL
We have the good fortune to be in Juneau every few years to visit family. We have been there often enough to have tired of the tourist-trap t-shirt and bumper-sticker shops, but we always make time to stop in at Alaska Knifeworks. Just the fact that it is still there, year after year is a testament to both the quality of the merchandise and the friendliness of the staff. These people really know their stuff! And the products they carry are top-of-the-line. We often purchase several of their beautiful Ulu sets to bring back as gifts, and I have several knives that I have purchases including a couple of beautiful Benchmades and a hand-made skinning knife. When you go to Juneau, don’t miss this place!
6. Jewels by Kris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Magnificent Jewelry Inspired by Alaska ! Must See: OROCAL Natural Gold Quartz and Natural Gold Nuggets. One of the largest selections of loose gold nuggets ever seen! Over 500 loose nuggets ranging from 0.01 oz to 50 oz ! ALEX AND ANI Exclusive Alaska and Juneau Bangles. SHINOLA DETROIT Made in USA watches. Swarovski Destination Crystals, Sophia Sophia Diamond Collection and wide variety of jewelery in Northern lights and Tanzanite!
Reviewed By Joel907 - Juneau, United States
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kris and his talented jeweler. I recently had my two gold rings resized and my wife’s diamond wedding ring refurbished. I dropped the rings off at 10am and they were done at 1pm the same day. My Grandfather’s ring had been sitting in a jewelry box since his passing. It was 4 sizes too big and was very dingy/dirty. It’s now got new life breathed into it and it fits perfectly! I lost weight and l haven’t been able to wear my wedding ring for over a year, and it fits perfectly too. Both rings came back to me better than I left them. They’re Just like new!! My wife’s ring has multiple varieties of gold and 74 diamonds. After they worked their magic, it is as beautiful as the day we got married. All of the diamonds sparkle like crazy and each gold finish has been brought back to its original, amazing luster. The work they did was exceptional!! I can’t thank them enough!
7. Glacier Smoothie Soaps LLC
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Soap made with genuine glacier silt for unbelievably smooth skin. Patented formula made only in Juneau, Alaska. Four times voted Best Gift Shop in Juneau and named 2014 BBB Alaska Business of the Year!
Reviewed By richardkW5433JA - Oakland, United States
The soaps from Glacier Smoothie make a unique and useful gift for your friends (who are missing out on beautiful Alaska) and even yourself. The soap is high quality, the scents are enticing, and they even have a line for men. The sales people are a joy to work with and years after my last visit there, I am still using their mail order for my gift giving. A must stop when walking through Jeneau.
8. Jensen-Olson Arboretum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By bridieDuncan - Duncan, Canada
This garden is beautiful and inspiring in the way the gardeners have managed to grow so many different plants in some challenging circumstances. I esp enjoyed seeing the wheat - and the photo my husband took of the hummingbird moth. [I missed it!] The arboretum is a work of love:-)
9. Treadwell Historic Mine Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By willqh - La Grande, United States
Loved this walk through the trees and on the beach, lots of hidden mining treasures along the path too
10. Amalga Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
We are a small craft distillery producing gin and American Single Malt whiskey. Swing by our tasting room to sample our gin (the whiskey is still aging) and try a cocktail featuring our spirits.
Reviewed By Joannasable - Toronto, Canada
I absolutely adore gin and when I see an off the beaten track distillery in Juneau Alaska I simply must head right on in. I was not disappointed. The gin is flavourful using loads of botanicals only found in Alaska. That should make it special but it is the hands of their master distiller that makes it shine. Buy a bottle but stop for a perfectly balanced cocktail before you leave. Please follow @joannasable on instagram for more food and travel fun.
