Juneau holidays

Surrounded by snowy peaks, dense forest and more than 140 glaciers, Alaska’s capital truly is a land of contrasts. Holidays to Juneau immerse you in some of the continent’s wildest landscapes, from frozen ice fields to uninhabited islands. But leave time to explore the city, feast on wild-caught seafood and delve into the region’s Native American history. You’ll have to fly or take a ferry to get here. Juneau is the only US capital you can't reach by road.

Juneau: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-9 (AKST) and UTC-8 (AKDT)

High season

July – August

Low season

October – April

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The best neighbourhoods in Juneau

Downtown Juneau

Want to be in the heart of the action? Downtown is the best neighbourhood to stay in Juneau. It’s home to Victorian-era buildings, saloons and a historic waterfront where you can join whale-watching cruises and kayaking tours. Look for historic gems including the Russian Orthodox Church, built in 1894, and the Alaska State Capitol, the state’s political hub.

Good for: History, saloons, boat tours

Mendenhall Valley

If you want a taste of local life, Mendenhall Valley is the best area to stay in Juneau. A short drive from Downtown, this residential suburb offers a cluster of neighbourhood bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of hiking trails. And with the towering Mendenhall Glacier at your doorstep, you’re never far from outdoor adventures.

Good for: Hiking trails, restaurants, bars

Douglas Island

Cross the Juneau-Douglas Bridge from Downtown to find Douglas Island, a sprawling wilderness with a small waterside settlement. Explore the walking trails and Juneau’s only sand beach at Savikko Park, where you can see the moss-covered ruins of Treadwell Mine Seawater Pump House. This island is also home to the Yanyeidi wolf totem pole, a memorial to the traditional Douglas Indian Village.

Good for: Indigenous culture, walking trails, beaches

Things to do in Juneau

Juneau

Travel Juneau

Places to eat

Seafood is king in Alaska, and the restaurants in Juneau serve up some of the best there is. Dig into a bucket of Alaskan king crab legs or try the salmon, shrimp, scallops and whitefish varieties like pollock and halibut. And check out Juneau’s craft beer scene. Alaskan Brewing Co., a local institution, has a tasting room that’s open year-round.

Shopping

Shopping in Juneau is more about independent stores than big malls. Head downtown for handcrafted jewellery, textiles and pottery. Look for made-in-Alaska treasures on South Franklin Street, where you’ll find souvenir shops, clothing boutiques and galleries. Alaska’s capital is also a hub for Native American art. Learn about it at the Sealaska Heritage Institute, which has an on-site gift shop.

Take in the culture

Explore the region’s history and culture at Juneau’s museums. Find displays on Alaska’s Indigenous peoples at the Alaska State Museum or go back to the city’s gold rush days at Last Chance Mining Museum. Juneau-Douglas City Museum has local artefacts and exhibits on topics like Juneau’s Gold Rush era. It also offers walking tours of Downtown from May to September.

FAQs about Juneau holidays

What is the coldest month in Juneau?

Plan your Juneau holiday for February and you'll be there at the coolest time of the year. -12ºC (10ºF) is as cold as the city gets.

How many days do you need for a holiday in Juneau?

To make the best of a Juneau holiday, you’ll need at least three days. This will give you time to explore museums and landmarks, visit Mendenhall Glacier and go on a whale-watching excursion. Stay five to seven days if you want to explore nearby attractions like Tracy Arm Fjord, Admiralty Island or Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.

When is the best time to visit for a holiday in Juneau?

The best time to visit Juneau is from May to September, when the days are warm, or from April to November to see migrating whales. If you don’t mind the cold and want to see the northern lights, visit between August and April. Some businesses will be closed, but you’ll save on your flights and hotels in Juneau.

What currency is used in Juneau?

You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) while on your trip to Juneau. Along with your cards, consider taking some cash with you for things like small purchases and getting around.

Is it safe to travel to Juneau?

Juneau is generally considered a safe place to visit, especially if you're staying in the popular tourist areas. As with any destination, be aware of what's going on around you and keep valuables secure. Check any travel alerts or safety tips to ensure your holiday to Juneau is relaxing and hassle-free.

What is the rainiest month in Juneau?

The wettest month is September, which gets an average rainfall of 35 cm. But don't let the weather put a damper on your Juneau trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like shopping, discovering museums, or hanging out in cafes.

What is the hottest month in Juneau?

The warmest month in Juneau is July, when temperatures reach a maximum of 18ºC (64ºF).

What language is spoken in Juneau?

The majority of locals here speak English. Every city has its own unique lingo, so it's worth picking up some common phrases to use during your city break in Juneau.

How expensive is a holiday in Juneau?

Flights and hotels in Juneau will cost you more in the busiest months of June and July. To save money on hotels, tours and restaurants, visit in autumn or winter. Juneau is generally considered to be more expensive compared to many other destinations due to its remote location and the cost of living in Alaska.

Is Juneau a good holiday destination?

Alaska State Museum and Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure just scratch the surface of what this city has to offer. Look up all the things to do in Juneau and discover why it's a must-visit.