Jilkat Kwaan Cultural Center
About 20 miles outside of town, this working museum, JIlkat Kwaan Cultural Center, honors the legacy of Northwest Coast art as practiced by the famed Chilkat tribe of Tlingit Indians. Check out the famed Whale House artifacts, as well as totemic carvings considered to be the finest indigenous artworks in Alaska.
Shuttle Bus To Mendenhall Glacier
All over town and especially around the docks you will find there is a local shuttle bus offered to the Mendenhall Visitors Centre where you will have a good view over the glacier. The shuttle costs 20 dollars round trip per person. Buy the tickets directly at the local tour operators you will find on the dock.
How To Get Around Juneau
Wondering if you can work a season in Juneau and leave your car at home? Yes, you canheres how. If youre into human-powered transportation or willing to take advantage of rental options, youll have no problem getting the best of one of Alaskas most popular ports of call as a resident, not a visitor.
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Culture & History Of The Juneau Cruise Port
In many ways, Juneau is a melting pot of cultures that is largely a mixture of Native American heritage and the 19th century mining industry. Most people that currently live in Juneau reflect these cultures as well.
For a clear understanding and a better look at the fascinating melting pot cultures of Alaska in general, and Juneau specifically, carve out a little time in your trip to visit the Alaska State Museum. Featuring exhibits on the culture, art, and history of the states Native American heritage, the museum is the official repository for the natural and cultural history of the state. Additionally, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum features an extensive history of the mining industry with exhibits about how it helped found Juneau during the 19th century.
The Auke Tribe of Tlingit Indians was among the first to settle the area that eventually became known as Juneau. The surrounding lands were abundant with food and natural resources, providing ample reasons for these original settlers to live comfortably and be productive. Although these were the first to settle into a life in this area, Juneau showcases a myriad of different Native American tribes from the Northwest Coastal areas.
In 1880, during the peak of the Gold Rush, gold seekers Joe Juneau and Richard Harris stumbled upon the area that was first named Harrisburg, and later renamed Juneau. The Tlingit Chief Kowee pointed the newcomers in the direction of gold when they arrived.
The Hangar On The Wharf
2 Marine Way, AK, 99801
Built on the site of an original aircraft hangar, this Downtown eatery showcases the citys heritage with its aviation-inspired decor and authentic Alaskan food. Soak up the sensational view of the waterfront as you enjoy homemade chowder, freshly caught halibut, slow-roasted prime rib and signature steamed clams.
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Ideal Things To Do In Juneau Alaska In 2022
If youre planning to cruise to Juneau, Alaska, youre probably wondering what all there is to do there. What are the best attractions and how can you maximize your enjoyment of your time there?
Before you head embark, take a look at our list of the top 20 attractions in Juneau, Alaska. The more familiar you are with them, the better youll be able to plan your visit and maximize your time.
Last Chance Mining Museum
Captivated by the history of the Alaskan gold rush? Tour an abandoned mine at the Last Chance Mining Museum, the only historic mining building open to the public from Juneaus gold rush era.
The Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company operated the site from 1912 to 1994 before abandoning it. Let the preserved grounds transport you back in time as you wander among the rusty buildings and decaying equipment.
The museum also features one of the worlds largest air compressors and a short scenic hike.
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Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway
For those who arent able or dont want to deal with a difficult hike, theres another way to take in the scenery of Mount Roberts. The Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway takes you on a six-minute ride to the mountaintop observatory. The observatory features a nature center, restaurant, theater, and gift shop.
Visitors can explore the mountaintop nature trails to take in stunning views over the Gastineau Channel. The Mountain House at the top is also a must-see. It hosts a live eagle display, a collection of tree carvings, and local Alaskan art for sale.
Opening Hours And Holidays:
In major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles, many drugstores and supermarkets are routinely open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, while department stores, shopping centers and most other large retailers are typically open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and often with shorter hours on Sundays – generally 11 a.m. or noon to 5 or 6 p.m. On holidays, the tendency is to remain open
Holidays in the USA
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Top Food And Drink Spots Near The Juneau Cruise Port
Eating and drinking are also some of the top things to do when taking a cruise to Juneau, Alaska, due to its fresh seafood and local craft beer. Here are some of the top places to dine while in Juneau cruise port.
Hangar on the Wharf
Address: 2 Marine Way #106, Juneau, AK 99801
Enjoy 20+ beers on tap in an old converted airplane hangar with large windows and excellent views.
Tracys King Crab Shack
Address: 1328, 432 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
A waterfront walk-up shack where you can savor the taste of fresh, locally-caught crab legs, bisque, cakes and other delicious seafood bites.
Twisted Fish Company Alaskan Grill
Address: 550 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
Fantastic waterfront views and the extensive wine list are the two main reasons visitors come to this casual seafood restaurant.
Salt
Address: 200 Seward St, Juneau, AK 99801
At Salt, youll find craft cocktails, wine, and regionally-inspired New American cuisine in a sleek, modern atmosphere.
Gold Creek Salmon Bake
Address: 1061 Salmon Creek Ln, Juneau, AK 99801
A fun-filled and family-friendly atmosphere, Gold Creek Salmon Bake has an outdoor setting, all-you-can-eat barbeque, live local entertainment, and Alaska Gold Rush themed décor.
Things To Know Before You Go
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There are three cruise terminals at the Juneau Cruise Port: Marine Park, Ferry Terminal, and S. Franklin Dock.
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Most Juneau shore excursions include round-trip transportation from the Juneau port.
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Guided tours from the Juneau port typically last anywhere from three to eight hours, depending on the activities chosen.
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Book a private, customizable tour to make sure you dont miss any of the sights on your list.
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Dont forget to bring sun protection and bug repellent ashore with you.
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Local Currency & Tipping Customs
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary in Juneau, just as it is throughout Alaska and all of the United States. Tips are not only greatly appreciated, but they are quite often a crucial part of the wages in the tourism industry. Particularly for college students and employees in customer service positions, tips are a typical and necessary way to augment low wages.
A general guideline to tipping:
Restaurants: 10% for standard service and 20% or higher for excellent service. Bar Tenders: : An appropriate tip in a bar is 10% to 15% of the bar tab total.Taxi Drivers: It is customary to provide a tip of between 10% to 18% of your fareTour guides: If you are happy with your tour, a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost of the tour is appropriate.
Car Rental Agency Closest To The Carnival Cruise Port
looking I am looking for the car rental agency closest to the Carnival Cruise port? Please Name , address, how far? thank you
Avis is at 111 Mill St & Juneau Car Rental is near the AJ Dock. Both are about 1 mile from where most of the cruise ships dock, except AJ. Which dock are you at?
Hi thank you for answer but i have no idea which dock Carnival docks at ..
Check Carnival website,it should tell you where.
In the past this site gives dock information although it has not been updated yet for 2020.
Based on past dock information Carnival does not appear to be docking at the AJ dock so you would most likely be docking near the tram area that is about 1 mile from both rental agencies. Its an easy walk on a nice day or you can always Uber/Taxi.
Here is a map of the downtown Juneau area including
If you end up using Juneau Car Rental and there is a ship parked at AJ, there will be a shuttle that runs back and forth from the ship to the tram area all day. The last we used it, it was $3 after returning a car at JCR.
Edited: 2 years ago
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Where To Eat In Juneau
If you like Seafood AT ALL, you NEED to go to Tracys King Crab Shack. I cannot emphasize this enough. It just may have been the highlight of the town. Its SO GOOD, Ive looked into having some items from the menu shipped to me in Arizona.
TIP: Get the Crab Shack Combo it comes with one king crab leg , a cup of lobster bisque, 4 mini crab cakes, and garlic rolls with melted butter. Youll thank me later.
The Red Dog Saloon. Even though we stuffed our faces at Tracys, we HAD to stop in at the Red Dog Saloon because its one of the most famous and recognizable places in Juneau. Ive heard the food is good, but you can just as easily stop by and have a drink. The inside is like stepping back in time by over 100 years, with music and all.
Cruise Port Guide Juneau Alaska Usa: Docked
In Juneau there are about 5 docks available for cruise ships: S. Franklin Street dock, Intermediate Vessel Float, Cruise Ship Terminal, Alaska Steam Ship Dock and A.J. Dock. All of them are basically in front of the town centre and it is only a few minutes walk to the Main street, Franklin street and Boardwalk.
The only exception is the A.J. Dock. This dock is about 20 minutes walk from town, but there is a local shuttle bus provided for a small fee.
In town you will find lots of facilities for tourist. At the docks is the tourist information for any kind of information. You will find booths that are selling shore excursions and shuttle busses to the Mendenhall glacier. Other than that you will get lots in between saloons and souvenir shops.
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How To Get To Juneau From The Juneau Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock at three different areas, all within walking distance of downtown Juneau. Larger ships tend to dock near South Franklin Street, while smaller vessels dock next to the floatplanes. A third dock sits at the south end of town. From each dock, taxis are plentiful and most shore excursions and tours offer port pickup and drop-off.
Aj Mine Gastineau Mill Tour
Learn about the history of the Alaskan gold rush era with the AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tour. Youll put on a hard hat and descend into a 360 foot-long tunnel in what was once the worlds largest gold-producing mill.
An experienced miner will demonstrate hard rock mining techniques and teach you about the old mining lifestyle. Back at the mill, youll have the chance to pan for gold and see the first steam engine brought to Alaska.
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Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
The Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is equal parts a gorgeous botanical center and an adventure into the rainforest of the Tongass National Forest.
Tours begin with a guided walk through the landscaped lower gardens. Take in the sights and smells of immaculately manicured flowers and gardens.
Then, hop aboard an open-sided shuttle to tour the rest of the 50-acre property. This untouched forest has been preserved in its natural state. The tour also stops at several viewpoints that overlook the Mendenhall Valley, Gastineau Channel, and Chilkat Mountains.
The Mendenhall Glacier And Nugget Falls
One of the most popular places to visit in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. They are actually right next to each other, so if you visit one, you visit both.
You came all the way to Alaska, you gotta see a glacier right? And this one is located just a short ride from the port.
There are tons of tours to the Mendenhall glacier, offered by both the cruise line and tour companies at the port. I recommend you DO NOT book a tour to see the glacier. Most of the tours are about 1.5 hours long and we felt VERY rushed when visiting them.
Instead, just take a taxi to the glacier and take your time walking around. You can view the glacier, or take a quick and easy walk over to Nugget Falls. Both do not require a lot of your time, but it would have been nice not to feel so rushed by the tour company.
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Visit The Touch Tank At The Douglas Island Pink And Chum Hatchery
The Douglas Island Pink and Chum Hatchery is a great place to learn, view, and touch the sea life that inhabits the waters around Juneau and southeastern Alaskan. This hatchery is crucial to maintaining salmon populations, but it also offers a variety of great activities for visitors eager to learn more about the infamous salmon run and other wildlife.
If you’re visiting between July and September, the hatchery is one of the best places in the area to view the salmon run. Head over to the Ladd Macaulay Visitor, situated inside of the hatcher, to watch this natural phenomenon unfold.
In season, salmon surge up the hatchery’s fish ladder. At times, the run is so thick that you could walk across the water on their backs . This is also one of the best spots to watch bald eagles fish the waters. With the salmon so thick, eagles are almost guaranteed to snag a meal on each dive.
The hatchery also has viewing windows where you can watch the salmon struggle upstream beneath the surface. Education signs will help you identify which species of salmon you’re viewing.
If you’re visiting outside of the salmon season, there is still plenty to see and do. DIPAC’s touch tanks invite both the young and old to get close to Alaskan beautiful sea critters. You can touch urchins, crabs, sea stars, and sea cucumbers, and staff is available to educate curious visitors. There is also a salmon rearing facility and aquarium onsite, where salmon and other marine life can be viewed year-round.
How To Spend A Day In Juneau
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The capital city of Alaska, Juneau, is a popular destination on all Alaskan cruises. When people imagine capital cities, they often envisage towering skyscrapers, bustling infrastructure and fast-paced locals. However, what Juneau has to offer is quite different. Inaccessible by road, the city is surrounded by stunning scenery and feels very much part of the natural world.
If you are visiting here on a cruise, there are plenty of things you can do to fill your day. In this article, we give our top recommendations perfect for both first-time visitors and regulars.
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Top Sights & Attractions For Cruises To Juneau
Mendenhall Glacier
Perhaps the most widely recognized of the 38 major glaciers that make up the Juneau Icefield, the Mendenhall Glacier is located in the Tongass National Forest the largest national forest in the United States. Here, guests can start at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and take off on a beautiful, scenic hike, or stand in one of the viewpoints to watch icebergs calve off the glacier into Mendenhall Lake.
Whale Watching Tours
The waters that surround Juneau are full of krill and small baitfish that feed Humpback whales, making this area a favorite spot for whale watching. During migration season , guests arrive from around the globe to spot Humpbacks and Orcas in these waters.
Glacier Gardens
If you want a break from the frozen face of Juneau Icefield and the glaciers that surround the city, the Glacier Gardens offer a glimpse into the lush, green rainforests of Alaska. Inside the botanical gardens, there are overlook points offering stunning views of Thunder Mountain, Mendenhall Valley, Mendenhall Wetlands, Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island, the Chilkat Mountains, and more. Many guests visit these gardens to see the famous upside-down trees or flower towers. Trees whose tops are buried and their roots exposed, the upside down trees are truly a sight.
Mt. Roberts Tramway
Where You Dock In Juneau Alaska
There are 3 docks in Juneau South Franklin Street , AJ Dock and Seadrome Dock . AJ Dock is the furthest away from amenities, but there is a tram which takes you to the main cruise terminal. If there are more than four ships in port, ships may also anchor off shore and tender passengers to the pier.
Visitor kiosks are set up close to the dock with local information about excursions, tours and transportation.
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