Juneau Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Ifly6 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Margaret B, Sigrid O, carolyn wheeler, Arione Adventure, Isaac Perrien · via Google Maps
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- Alaska
- Coordinates:
- 58.3019° N, 134.4197° W
About Juneau
Juneau is the capital of Alaska and one of the largest municipalities in the United States by area. Located along the Gastineau Channel in Southeast Alaska, it serves as a significant port of call for cruises exploring the region alongside nearby ports including Ketchikan, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point.
The city became Alaska's capital in 1906, when the territorial government relocated from Sitka. In 1970, Juneau merged with the City of Douglas and the surrounding Greater Juneau Borough to create the consolidated city-borough that exists today.
Things to do in Juneau
Most attractions are within easy reach of the cruise port. The Alaska State Museum and Juneau-Douglas City Museum are both just 0.3 to 0.5 km away, offering insights into local history and culture. The Alaska State Capitol and The Whale Project sculpture are equally close. For those interested in natural history, the Historic Taku Glacier Lodge is 0.8 km from port, whilst Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure botanical garden lies 10 km away. The AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tours attraction is located 6.4 km from the port.
Alaska cruises typically visit Juneau during the warmer months from May through September.
Juneau, officially the City and Borough of Juneau, is the capital of the U.S. state of Alaska, located along the Gastineau Channel in Southeast Alaska. Juneau was named the capital of Alaska in 1906, when the government of what was then the District of Alaska was moved from Sitka as dictated by the U.S. Congress in 1900. On July 1, 1970, the City of Juneau merged with the City of Douglas and the surrounding Greater Juneau Borough to form the current consolidated city-borough, which ranks as the second-largest municipality in the United States by area and is larger than both Rhode Island and Delaware.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Juneau on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure · via Google Maps Botanical garden
Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
4.6 (1,076) 10.0 km from port
Unique gardens set against a forest landscape, with guided tours & panoramic views over Juneau.
Near: Upside Down Trees... (57 m) · Juneau Animal Rescue (191 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “So fascinating to learn about the rainforest. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and made the tour fun and interesting…” — Regis Faherty
- 5 · “This Garden is one of the most astonishing places that we have been in alaska! The amount of flowers and…” — Susan H
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Photo: Slobodan Sjekloća · via Google Maps Sculpture
The Whale Project
4.8 (837) 0.5 km from port
Realistic bronze whale sculpture and fountain featuring scenic waterfront boardwalk access.
Near: Overstreet Park (13 m) · Juneau Hotel (104 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Tuesday: 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Wednesday: 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Thursday: 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Friday: 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Saturday: 5:00 am – 11:00 pm, 11:30 pm – 2:00 am
- Sunday: 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
- 5 · “Very cool and within walking distance (20 minutes)to the cruise port.” — Melissa Dailey
- 5 · “Nice real size sculpture. It's a bit away if you walk, but definitely worth it. It looks even better when…” — Sebastian Portilla Torres
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Photo: Alaska State Museum · via Google Maps Museum
Alaska State Museum
4.8 (665) 0.3 km from port
Exhibits explore native culture, natural science & history, plus a kids' section with a play area.
Near: The Driftwood Lodge (42 m) · Sandpiper Cafe (79 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “The Alaska State Museum was the last stop on our bus tour🚌 The building is beautiful, inside & out! Outstanding🏆…” — Kara
- 5 · “An absolute must see! One of the best natural history museums and historical museums that I’ve ever seen. Only focused…” — Wailea Point Homeowner
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Photo: Kirk Lay · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tours
4.7 (265) 6.4 km from port
Informative tourist attraction featuring authentic mine tours and interactive gold panning.
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “Was a lot of fun! Very informative and the mine was really cool. Loved the demonstrations and the tour guide…” — ROBBIE ALLEN
- 5 · “We cannot say enough about the staff and the extra effort they put into making sure our day actually happened.…” — Terence
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History Museum
Juneau-Douglas City Museum
4.5 (212) 0.5 km from port
Museum explaining the region's history with native culture exhibits, pioneer relics & walking tours.
Near: Alaska's Capital Inn Bed & Breakfast (45 m) · Alaska State Capitol (55 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 11:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday: 11:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Great little museum! The film about the history of the area is very interesting. The museum is very inexpensive but…” — Alanna Wrean
- 5 · “What a lovely little museum. It’s full of memorabilia and stories of Juneau’s history. The mining exhibits were most informative.” — Mike McCann
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Local Government Office
Alaska State Capitol
4.5 (210) 0.5 km from port
Near: Discovery Preschool (53 m) · Juneau-Douglas City Museum (54 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Small but definitely worth a visit. By the way, what a great idea to open capitol to the public! Unimaginable…” — Katarzyna Przygodzka
- 5 · “The Alaska State Capitol was a really cool place. While you don't go there to be wowwed by the building…” — Matt Garcia
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Historical landmark
Historic Taku Glacier Lodge
4.9 (199) 0.8 km from port
Historic wilderness lodge featuring scenic seaplane access, glacier views, and traditional salmon meals.
Near: The Hangar On The Wharf (10 m) · Alaska Knifeworks (14 m)
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- 5 · “One of the best excursions you can do if you are in Alaska. All the staff are beyond friendly. The…” — CAPER PERFORMANCE
- 5 · “Took a beautiful flight on a sea plane from Juno over the glaciers. Definitely a must do. The staff was…” — Adam Weedman
Map of Juneau and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Juneau
Cruises to Alaska mostly sail may to September.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cruises calling at Juneau
Deals update daily — see all Alaska cruises.
