Juneau, Alaska – Cruise Port Review
🚢 At the Port
Juneau’s cruise dock is right in town, making it super easy to step off your ship and into the heart of Alaska’s capital. The area around the port has a handful of shops and eateries, but most visitors head out to explore the breathtaking wilderness beyond.
🚡 Must-Do Adventure: Goldbelt Tram
One of the coolest ways to get a bird’s-eye view of Juneau and the surrounding mountains is the Mount Roberts Tramway (operated by Goldbelt). This scenic tram ride takes you 1,800 feet up the mountain where you’ll find hiking trails, a nature center, and panoramic views of the town and Gastineau Channel. Keep your eyes peeled for tons of bald eagles soaring overhead — a true Alaskan wildlife highlight!
🚗 Exploring Beyond: Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls
Renting a car or booking a shuttle is a great way to see two of Juneau’s most famous natural wonders: Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. Both are about a 30-minute drive from town. The glacier is massive and stunning, and the nearby Nugget Falls is a gorgeous waterfall with a short, easy hike to the viewing area. Along the way and at these spots, you’ll often spot more majestic eagles perched in the trees or soaring above.
🦀 Where to Eat: King Crab & Seafood
You can’t visit Juneau without trying some fresh Alaskan king crab! Two local favorites are Tracy’s Crab Shack and Twisted Fish. Keep in mind, though, that dining here can be pricey—almost like booking an excursion on its own—but it’s totally worth it for the experience and the fresh flavors of the sea.
🐋 Whale Watching
Alaska is one of the best places for whale watching, and Juneau offers excellent tours to spot humpbacks, orcas, and other marine life. Many tours depart right from the cruise dock or nearby marinas and provide knowledgeable guides to make the experience unforgettable. Eagles often soar above the waters here too, making the trip doubly special for wildlife lovers.
🌟 Tips for Cruise Travelers
Book your tramway tickets and whale watching tours early, especially in peak season.
If you’re renting a car, remember to bring your driver’s license and check parking options in town.
Dress in layers—Alaska weather can be unpredictable even in summer!
Bring a camera with a zoom lens for whale watching, eagles, and glacier views.
⭐ Overall Impression
Juneau is a perfect mix of easy town access and stunning Alaskan wilderness. Whether you’re soaring above town on the Goldbelt Tram, driving out to glaciers and waterfalls, enjoying fresh king crab, spotting whales, or watching tons of bald eagles in their natural habitat, there’s a sense of adventure around every corner. It’s a port day packed with natural beauty and unforgettable moments.