What it's like
Downtown Juneau is the historic heart of the city, a few square miles of buildings that celebrate Native heritage. It sits at sea level on the water, with steep mountains about 3,500 to 4,000 feet high rising behind it.
A visit is mostly a walk. The streets are compact and easy to cover on foot, though the blocks above 4th Street climb steeply. The seawalk totem pole trail and the museums and arts center make up most of what there is to see.
Good to know
- The area above 4th Street gets very hilly, so wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
- Pick up or download the Downtown Walking Tour Map for a self-guided route.
- Wickersham State Historic Site is open only on certain days, so check before you plan around it.
- Downtown Juneau sits at sea level, with tides averaging 16 feet, so the waterfront changes through the day.
Downtown Juneau
Downtown Juneau is the old waterfront core of Alaska's capital, a compact grid of historic buildings, museums and an arts center. Most of what there is to see here is a short walk from one spot to the next.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Mendenhall Glacier
A massive glacier calving into its own lake, and Juneau's most popular attraction. Most visitors look at the face from the visitor center, then walk the trails to Nugget Falls.
Whale waters off Juneau
Whale watching from Juneau means a boat trip into the Inside Passage waters around the city. Humpback and orca whales feed here, and boats carry visitors out to see them.
Nugget Falls
Nugget Falls is a 377-foot waterfall that drops into Mendenhall Lake, reached on a short, flat trail from the Mendenhall Glacier area. It is one of the most popular walks in Juneau.
Mount Roberts Trail
Mount Roberts is a 3,819 foot peak just east of downtown Juneau. Its trail starts at a trailhead on Basin Road and climbs steeply to the Mountain House and the summit.
The same kind of day, elsewhere
Old town and historic sights
