Guidebook for Juneau
Sightseeing
Interesting places and things to look at that [usually] don't cost a dime!
When in Juneau, see The Glacier!
Due to the effects of climate change, the Mendenhall Glacier is rapidly receding. It's definitely sad, but as a friend once put it, "Would you rather we be encroaching an ice age?" Fair point, although both options are depressing.
While you're in Juneau, we really recommend going to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in the valley (you'll need to grab a taxi or Uber -- bus system doesn't go directly to the glacier). From there, we'd recommend doing any one of the hikes accessible from the parking lot. The easiest hike is the "main hike" which is short and ends in stunning views of the Nugget Falls waterfall. For more advanced hikers, I would recommend hiring a tour guide and doing West Glacier Trail, which has a different starting point out in Montana Creek -- it is lengthier, but worth it if you'd like to visit these world-famous ice caves. Also, we can't stress it enough: Hire a guide. It's easy to get to the caves but can be very challenging to get back to where you started. The trail is not demarcated very clearly.
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Mendenhall Glacier
When in Juneau, see The Glacier!
Due to the effects of climate change, the Mendenhall Glacier is rapidly receding. It's definitely sad, but as a friend once put it, "Would you rather we be encroaching an ice age?" Fair point, although both options are depressing.
While you're in Juneau, we really recommend going to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in the valley (you'll need to grab a taxi or Uber -- bus system doesn't go directly to the glacier). From there, we'd recommend doing any one of the hikes accessible from the parking lot. The easiest hike is the "main hike" which is short and ends in stunning views of the Nugget Falls waterfall. For more advanced hikers, I would recommend hiring a tour guide and doing West Glacier Trail, which has a different starting point out in Montana Creek -- it is lengthier, but worth it if you'd like to visit these world-famous ice caves. Also, we can't stress it enough: Hire a guide. It's easy to get to the caves but can be very challenging to get back to where you started. The trail is not demarcated very clearly.
The new installation of the "Aquileans" light sculptures is pretty to look at after dark, and makes for a romantic after-dinner stroll if you're in Juneau during pleasant weather. From the dock, you will also get magnificent views of Douglas Island across the channel. The docks are a straight shot down the hill from the bnb.
Franklin Dock
704 S Franklin StThe new installation of the "Aquileans" light sculptures is pretty to look at after dark, and makes for a romantic after-dinner stroll if you're in Juneau during pleasant weather. From the dock, you will also get magnificent views of Douglas Island across the channel. The docks are a straight shot down the hill from the bnb.
The shortest little walk away from our bnb is this beautiful landmark church, the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, which was built in 1893 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. There is a teeny tiny park attached to the lot which is nice for a little picnic.
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St Nicholas Orthodox Church
326 5th StThe shortest little walk away from our bnb is this beautiful landmark church, the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, which was built in 1893 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. There is a teeny tiny park attached to the lot which is nice for a little picnic.
Mt. Robert's Tramway yields breath taking aerial views from about 1800 feet up Mt. Roberts. Take the tram up, and if you're wanting a hike, hike the rest of the way up the mountain (perhaps up to the cross, or up to the peak if you want to go hard). There's a restaurant up there which I've never eaten at and a giant gift shop... The views are the big reason to go up!
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Mount Roberts Tramway station
490 S Franklin StMt. Robert's Tramway yields breath taking aerial views from about 1800 feet up Mt. Roberts. Take the tram up, and if you're wanting a hike, hike the rest of the way up the mountain (perhaps up to the cross, or up to the peak if you want to go hard). There's a restaurant up there which I've never eaten at and a giant gift shop... The views are the big reason to go up!
Parks & Nature
For a little taste of what the Juneau wilderness has to offer.
Most people don't think to go to Eaglecrest Ski Area in the summer, and those people are missing out! The ski area is beautiful without all the snow, with lush green foliage and an abundance of wildflowers. The hike, which zigzags up and down the mountain, is pretty lengthy and also quite the work out, so we recommend carving out a big chunk of time if you're interested in doing the whole thing.
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Eaglecrest Ski Area
3000 Fish Creek RdMost people don't think to go to Eaglecrest Ski Area in the summer, and those people are missing out! The ski area is beautiful without all the snow, with lush green foliage and an abundance of wildflowers. The hike, which zigzags up and down the mountain, is pretty lengthy and also quite the work out, so we recommend carving out a big chunk of time if you're interested in doing the whole thing.
Perseverance Trail is absolutely my favorite hike in Juneau, Alaska. The trail is quite easy but contains several trailheads for other more advanced trails if you're into that (I recommend Granite Creek Basin). As you hike Juneau's oldest road, you'll come across roaring waterfalls, babbling brooks, and jagged landscapes. As always, I suggest doing some research and prep before embarking on any hike. Also, the trailhead is downtown but kind of far up the mountain. I always drive there.
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Perseverance Trail
Perseverance TrailPerseverance Trail is absolutely my favorite hike in Juneau, Alaska. The trail is quite easy but contains several trailheads for other more advanced trails if you're into that (I recommend Granite Creek Basin). As you hike Juneau's oldest road, you'll come across roaring waterfalls, babbling brooks, and jagged landscapes. As always, I suggest doing some research and prep before embarking on any hike. Also, the trailhead is downtown but kind of far up the mountain. I always drive there.
Food Scene
Chris and I consider eating to be one of our hobbies. Here's the best of Juneau.
My favorite dish is the Murg Tikka Masala - chicken bathed in coconut milk and tomatoes. I get it every time with saffron rice and plain naan.
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Saffron Indian Comfort Cuisine
112 N Franklin StMy favorite dish is the Murg Tikka Masala - chicken bathed in coconut milk and tomatoes. I get it every time with saffron rice and plain naan.
This is a great breakfast and brunch restaurant -- probably the most quintessential breakfast and brunch place in Juneau. You can get there from our place by crossing the Calhoun Bridge off of the end of 5th Street.
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Sandpiper Cafe
429 W Willoughby AveThis is a great breakfast and brunch restaurant -- probably the most quintessential breakfast and brunch place in Juneau. You can get there from our place by crossing the Calhoun Bridge off of the end of 5th Street.
Franklin Food Court is brand new. You'll find delicious crepes, fish tacos, and enchiladas here. It's somewhat close to where I work so I am a big fan.
South Franklin Street
South Franklin StreetFranklin Food Court is brand new. You'll find delicious crepes, fish tacos, and enchiladas here. It's somewhat close to where I work so I am a big fan.
If you're looking for some fine dining in Juneau, Salt's the place to go. Lots of the dishes are locally sourced, and there are always interesting house-invented cocktails on the menu.
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SALT
200 Seward StIf you're looking for some fine dining in Juneau, Salt's the place to go. Lots of the dishes are locally sourced, and there are always interesting house-invented cocktails on the menu.
Lemon Tree cafe closes at 6:30pm so it is strictly a breakfast and lunch place. In particular, this place serves delicious pho. I almost always get the Old Friend Soup. It is warm and welcoming ... like an old friend.
Lemon Tree Café
230 2nd StLemon Tree cafe closes at 6:30pm so it is strictly a breakfast and lunch place. In particular, this place serves delicious pho. I almost always get the Old Friend Soup. It is warm and welcoming ... like an old friend.
The nicest people own this little shop, which is only open from 11:30am to 6:30pm. If you like vegetables and leftovers, do what I do: Get the full-size Chicken Buddha-Rama and thai tea and eat half (it'll be more than enough). Then add all the rice into the bowl and save it for tomorrow.
Kitchen of Thai Curries
224 Seward StThe nicest people own this little shop, which is only open from 11:30am to 6:30pm. If you like vegetables and leftovers, do what I do: Get the full-size Chicken Buddha-Rama and thai tea and eat half (it'll be more than enough). Then add all the rice into the bowl and save it for tomorrow.
From about 11 to 3, this organic foods grocery store serves the most delicious help-yourself selection of hot foods. You can Google their website for the daily menu. Just a little skip down the street from the bnb.
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Rainbow Foods
224 W 4th StFrom about 11 to 3, this organic foods grocery store serves the most delicious help-yourself selection of hot foods. You can Google their website for the daily menu. Just a little skip down the street from the bnb.
If you're looking for fun takes on fancy libations, this is the bar to go to. The Narrows gets its name from being just that: Narrow. So it's kinda cramped but it's also really cool. Our favorite bar in Juneau, hands down.
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The Narrows Bar
148 S Franklin StIf you're looking for fun takes on fancy libations, this is the bar to go to. The Narrows gets its name from being just that: Narrow. So it's kinda cramped but it's also really cool. Our favorite bar in Juneau, hands down.
If you're looking for a quick late night snack, Pel'meni is open until 1:30am. These beef Russian dumplings are a big staple around here for latenight bargoers, but here's a secret: If you order some, they'll automatically give you the beef version. But they actually have a potato version as well! And I prefer it. That being said, if you're not a vegetarian, it's worth getting the beef ones before getting some potato ones (even though I think the potato ones are better). Forewarning: This place is cash only.
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Pel'meni
2 Marine WayIf you're looking for a quick late night snack, Pel'meni is open until 1:30am. These beef Russian dumplings are a big staple around here for latenight bargoers, but here's a secret: If you order some, they'll automatically give you the beef version. But they actually have a potato version as well! And I prefer it. That being said, if you're not a vegetarian, it's worth getting the beef ones before getting some potato ones (even though I think the potato ones are better). Forewarning: This place is cash only.
Beer lovers -- this is the place for local craft beer, brewed on site! And on Wednesdays, they have pizza!
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Devil's Club Brewing Company
100 N Franklin StBeer lovers -- this is the place for local craft beer, brewed on site! And on Wednesdays, they have pizza!
Good lunch and good brunch. Interesting options on the menu. A great place to people-watch. Try and get the window seats!
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The Rookery Cafe
111 Seward StGood lunch and good brunch. Interesting options on the menu. A great place to people-watch. Try and get the window seats!
Shops
A quirky little post office with a bounty of interesting gifts and knick knacks to peruse! Send your loved ones at home a postcard!
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Kindred Post
145 S Franklin StA quirky little post office with a bounty of interesting gifts and knick knacks to peruse! Send your loved ones at home a postcard!
To be honest, the name is kind of confusing -- Alaska Robotics is a comic book and board game store! I've spent a lot of time there staring at the titles and thinking about which board game to play next.
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Alaska Robotics Gallery
134 Front StTo be honest, the name is kind of confusing -- Alaska Robotics is a comic book and board game store! I've spent a lot of time there staring at the titles and thinking about which board game to play next.
Trickster Company is a shop specializing in locally-made goods from the shop's own shopowners. If you would like to support some local Juneau artists, this is a really good place to start!
Trickster Company
11900 Industry WayTrickster Company is a shop specializing in locally-made goods from the shop's own shopowners. If you would like to support some local Juneau artists, this is a really good place to start!
Museums & History
If you're into old houses like I am, I would recommend taking a stroll up and down our historic neighborhood and maybe popping into the House of Wickersham, a house museum operated by the State government. This house belonged to influential Alaskan politician James Wickersham and was his home until his death in 1933. This museum is right up the hill from our bnb!
Wickersham State Historic Site
213 7th StIf you're into old houses like I am, I would recommend taking a stroll up and down our historic neighborhood and maybe popping into the House of Wickersham, a house museum operated by the State government. This house belonged to influential Alaskan politician James Wickersham and was his home until his death in 1933. This museum is right up the hill from our bnb!
There are several museums in Juneau, but if you'd like a specific look at Juneau history, go no further than down the hill to the City Museum. You'll get an in depth look at our pioneering days, our geology, and maybe even some local artwork.
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Juneau-Douglas City Museum
114 W 4th StThere are several museums in Juneau, but if you'd like a specific look at Juneau history, go no further than down the hill to the City Museum. You'll get an in depth look at our pioneering days, our geology, and maybe even some local artwork.