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From the well-preserved buildings dating back to the gold rush era to endless quaint shops, and of course, the iconic Red Dog Saloon on South Franklin St. If you’re jumping off at the cruise port and only have 10 hours or less to explore, it’s essential to make the most out of your trip! It’s no secret that Alaska is one of the more expensive states in the U.S., so particularly if you’re trying to stay on a budget, we understand how difficult it can be. Alaska’s capital beckons adventure seekers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty.
Take a Hike
Kayak across the frigid lake and hike up onto the ice field itself for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center is a great place to begin your adventure. Capture stunning 180-degree views of the glacier and explore the nearby walking trail for even better angles. On the other hand, guided tours offer a stress-free way to experience Juneau’s highlights, with the added benefit of local expertise and insider knowledge. Additionally, many tour companies offer tailor-made itineraries that enable you to create a unique and personalized experience. For those looking to soak up some local culture and history, a visit to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum is a must.
Sheldon Jackson Museum
If observing humpback whales jump out of the water or witnessing bears roam in their natural environment is something that intrigues you, then this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Here’s how to make the most of your wildlife encounters in Alaska’s capital. You can’t step foot in downtown Juneau without being immersed in Alaska’s rich tapestry of cultural history. From the Alaska State Museum to the Juneau Douglas City Museum, each corner offers enlightening glimpses into the area’s Native heritage, Russian influences, and Gold Rush past. Not to mention, you’ll find vibrant art scenes that keep the traditions alive. If you’re going on a cruise to Alaska, odds are you’ll be making a stop in Juneau.
Ride Segways or E-Bikes through the Tongass National Forest
Only a few ships are allowed to enter the park each day and they do not dock while there. Half a century later, in July 1992, a life-size statue of Patsy Ann was unveiled on the cruise dock, commemorating her life of service to sailors and the town itself. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Eaglecrest offers other winter activities such as snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. The tour provides great insight into the processes involved in extracting gold and the challenges faced by miners during that time. They host a range of amazing artifacts, including totem poles, carvings, regalia, and contemporary artwork. It’s a great way to learn about and understand the importance of hatcheries in maintaining sustainable salmon populations.
It’s a good idea to budget between $1,000 and $1,500 per person for excursions. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy any excursions that you want and make the very most out of your Alaskan cruise. There's a small admission fee to enter the center, but you don't have to pay to access the outdoor portions of the recreation area or its restrooms. If you are visiting via cruise ship, you'll probably only have a few hours to spend in Juneau, so you'll need to decide which activities to pursue. There is no doubt that Mendenhall Glacier is one of the top attractions when visiting Juneau. For those arriving by cruise ship, it is among the most accessible glaciers in Alaska and ideal for a port day.
Video: Alaska Cruise Review with Cruise Ports
When it was over, we got to hold puppies – I’m still kicking myself for not getting any photos of me holding a tiny sled dog puppy, but I was living in the moment, okay? We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Delve deep into Seward’s history through photographs, artifacts, and documents at the Seward Community Library and Museum. You’ll journey from the first Native inhabitants to the 1964 earthquake and tsunami, and up to recent history.
Go on a Whale Watching Tour
Some helicopter excursions include a dog sledding experience on top of Herbert Glacier. A team of huskies will be waiting to pull you on a dogsled across the ice. After a quick ride up in a tram car, you have several activities to choose from. You can watch an 18-minute award-winning film on the Tlingit people, eat at the Timberline Bar and Grill, visit a nature center, or hike through subalpine forests. 13 miles from downtown Juneau, tucked into Tongass National Forest, you’ll find the gorgeous Mendenhall Glacier and an excellent visitor center.
The Shrine is open to people of all faiths and welcomes visitors who are looking for a peaceful setting to reflect, meditate, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. These tours usually provide an opportunity to sail through the fjord, allowing you to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the glacier-carved landscape up close. The nearby Mendenhall Glacier is a popular attraction too, and you can combine a visit to Nugget Falls with a hike to the glacier for a fun-filled, action-packed day. If you enjoy fishing, Juneau offers excellent opportunities for salmon fishing.
Best Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska from a Cruise Ship
Juneau, Alaska also has the unique distinction of being completely landlocked. The amount of money you should take on an Alaskan cruise depends on your personal spending habits, preferences, and the activities you plan to do during the cruise. Onboard activities include a range of music performances, spa treatments and fitness opportunities. This is probably a once-in-a-lifetime trip and you want to make the most of it. The live songs played there are the songs I grew up singing in elementary school and mostly revolve around the gold rush life of old.
I'm a budget traveler, and here are 10 ways I saved money on my Alaska cruise - Royal Caribbean Blog
I'm a budget traveler, and here are 10 ways I saved money on my Alaska cruise.
Posted: Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
One of the more unusual activities in Juneau is a tour that will take you to this historic spot and teach you to pan for gold like a prospector, a fun family activity. Alaska also offers a twist on one of the world's most popular drinks – tea. We have custom tea and spice blends that are displayed in a variety of gift packs to make the perfect souvenir, such as their Ice Cave Blue Tea. While the building itself is considered a work of art in its own right, the building showcases numerous art demonstrations, exhibits, and large-scale works. Each tribe is represented in the art of the heritage center, with plenty of opportunities to learn about each of them. Perseverance National Recreation Trail can be accessed from downtown Juneau and is a 3 3-mile, moderate trail that passes old train lines and mine shafts for some exciting views.
It's an awe-inspiring sight that highlights the determination and strength of these fish. The playground and picnic area, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, is a popular spot for families with young children to relax and enjoy a picnic or barbecue. Nestled in the heart of Juneau, Cope Park is one of the many free and cheap things to do in the city, so don't miss out on this hidden gem. The Mendenhall Glacier Trail, the Perseverance Trail, and the West Glacier Trail are among the most popular. Each of these routes has a combination of views and experiences, so you're bound to find something to your liking.
Alternatively, some guided tours land on the ice fields and go on a guided hike of the glacier. Juneau, Alaska is considered a unique and beautiful destination that offers a variety of activities and attractions, such as visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, wildlife watching, hiking and fishing. Just pick one up and follow to see the major sights in downtown Juneau. As the sun sets over the city, the streets come alive with the energy of the arts community. Galleries, museums, and businesses open their doors and invite visitors to explore their exhibitions, meet the artists, and enjoy live music and performances. It's an evening where art and culture take centre stage, and everyone is welcome to join in the celebration.
If you’re visiting from July to August, you can expect milder temperatures and a few precious days of sunshine. The pier opens onto Franklin Street, a bustling area packed with shops and eateries that cater to tourists. Franklin Street connects to downtown Juneau propper, which is about a mile and a half from the cruise docks. Another must-see for museum and art lovers, the Sealaska Heritage Institute celebrates the history and heritage of southeast Alaska’s Native people. The institute tells the ongoing stories of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Peoples.
Keep an eye out for bald eagles at the Juneau Raptor Center, where birds too injured to be released into the wild after rehabilitation may live. Mendenhall also served on the Alaska Boundary Commission, which was responsible for surveying the international boundary between Canada and Alaska. With a population just under 32,000 people, Juneau is Alaska's third most populated city after Anchorage and Fairbanks. It's also the largest state capital in the U.S., covering 3,255 square miles, and the only one that shares its border with a foreign country (Canada). Because of its size and importance, Juneau is a good shopping city with many excellent bars and restaurants.
One pound of red king crab legs, which isn’t all that much, is about $75. The Nugget Falls Trail and Photo Point Trail are perfectly gorgeous hikes for beginners who are short on time. Whether you seek a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, there are trails suited for every age and ability, from accessible boardwalks to rugged alpine paths. Along the way, you may also harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, and even humpback whales. You’ll soar through the unending seas of the green rainforest canopy of the Tongass National Forest. It’s truly an amazing experience and definitely worth the money, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you won’t regret.
Local buses, taxis, and even shore excursion shuttles are available to take you to places like the Mendenhall Glacier, Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, and Mount Roberts Tramway. For thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts, Juneau offers more than just scenic beauty and wildlife encounters. Get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime with a range of exciting activities in Alaska. From high-flying adventures to exhilarating sledding on the ice, there’s something for everyone. For a small town, Whittier has some great (and well-maintained) local trails.
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