Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska's capital, offers stunning glaciers, majestic mountains, and a welcoming state capitol building. Accessible only by air or sea, it's a ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best weather for exploring
Alaska State Capitol
Best Time
Best weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Juneau, Alaska's capital, offers stunning glaciers, majestic mountains, and a welcoming state capitol building. Accessible only by air or sea, it's a gateway to Alaska's wild beauty.
"Juneau is a beautiful capitol with gorgeous scenery and delicious Red King Crab."
🚶♀️ Walkable from Cruise Port
The Alaska State Capitol is a short, easy walk from the cruise ship docks, perfect for a quick visit.
🚌 Mendenhall Glacier Bus
Take a bus to Mendenhall Glacier; it's often the best value and most convenient option.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alaska State Capitol Building
Juneau
Explore the Art Deco architecture and learn about Alaska's history. Staff are friendly and informative, offering self-guided tours.
Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls
Juneau
Witness the majestic Mendenhall Glacier and the stunning Nugget Falls. Accessible via bus or trail for an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Goldbelt Tram
Juneau
Ascend Mount Roberts for panoramic views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and surrounding mountains. A must-do for breathtaking vistas.
Whale Watching Tours
Juneau waters
Embark on an adventure to spot humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life in their natural Alaskan habitat.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Juneau
Getting Around Juneau
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable from Cruise Port
The Alaska State Capitol is a short, easy walk from the cruise ship docks, perfect for a quick visit.
🚌 Mendenhall Glacier Bus
Take a bus to Mendenhall Glacier; it's often the best value and most convenient option.
🦀 Tracy's King Crab Shack
Indulge in world-famous Alaskan King Crab legs for a delicious local culinary experience.
⛰️ Mount Roberts Tramway
Ride the tram for stunning panoramic views of Juneau and the surrounding fjords.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable from Cruise Port
The Alaska State Capitol is a short, easy walk from the cruise ship docks, perfect for a quick visit.
🚌 Mendenhall Glacier Bus
Take a bus to Mendenhall Glacier; it's often the best value and most convenient option.
🦀 Tracy's King Crab Shack
Indulge in world-famous Alaskan King Crab legs for a delicious local culinary experience.
⛰️ Mount Roberts Tramway
Ride the tram for stunning panoramic views of Juneau and the surrounding fjords.
☔ Pack for Rain
Juneau is known for its rain; always be prepared with waterproof gear.
💡 Book Tours Locally
Consider booking excursions at the port rather than through your cruise line for potential savings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Juneau's stunning natural beauty, particularly the Mendenhall Glacier and the scenic views from the Goldbelt Tram. The Alaska State Capitol is noted for its welcoming atmosphere and historical insights. Some find cruise ship excursions to be pricey, suggesting local booking as a cost-saving alternative.
"This is our trip on the Nieuw Amsterdam from Vancouver BC all over Alaska/ Juneau/ Skagway... it's just gorgeous with the trains. Juneau, you can do mine tours and it's absolutely gorgeous.... Right now we're in Glacier Bay going into the College fjords
Then to Denali national Park."
Cielo
"Juneau is a beautiful capitol. We had the best Red King Crab legs. We also went to the top of the 1800 ft. Mountain on a tram."
John Bergmann
"I love to visitvisit a state Capitol building. The staff here was very friendly and informative. Government was not in session so there were not a lot of people around. We got to visit both galleries and saw a lot of interesting newspaper clippings."
Tina Rice
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Juneau is only accessible by air or sea, as it has no road connections. Most visitors arrive via cruise ship or by flying into Juneau International Airport (JNU).
Yes, the downtown area and the Alaska State Capitol are very walkable from the cruise ship docks. Many shops and restaurants are also within easy walking distance.
Taxis and a local bus system are available for getting around Juneau. For popular attractions like Mendenhall Glacier, consider booking a bus tour or shuttle.
If you are not arriving by cruise ship, you can drive to Juneau and find parking near the Capitol building. However, remember that Juneau itself is not connected by road to the rest of North America.
Yes, the Alaska Marine Highway System offers ferry services to Juneau, connecting it to other Alaskan communities and British Columbia.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to the Alaska State Capitol building is free. You can explore the lobby and public areas without a ticket.
The Capitol building's hours can vary, especially on weekends and holidays. It's best to check the official Alaska Legislature website for the most current information.
While official guided tours might be limited, the staff are very friendly and informative, and you can often do a self-guided tour of the public areas and galleries.
Ticket prices for the Goldbelt Tram vary by season and age. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing and booking information.
It's highly recommended to book whale watching tours in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially get better rates.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the Art Deco architecture, view offices, see historical newspaper clippings, and learn about Alaska's government and history.
Many visitors take a bus tour or shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier. Hiking trails are also available for those seeking a more active experience.
Juneau is a prime location for whale watching (humpbacks and orcas), and you might also spot sea lions, eagles, and bears in the surrounding wilderness.
Juneau offers opportunities to learn about Alaska Native culture, including totem poles and cultural centers.
The Goldbelt Tram offers spectacular panoramic views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, surrounding islands, and the vast Alaskan wilderness.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Alaskan King Crab legs are a highly recommended local delicacy, famously served at places like Tracy's King Crab Shack.
Yes, several restaurants and eateries are located within walking distance of the cruise port, offering a variety of cuisines, including fresh seafood.
Juneau has a growing craft beer scene, with breweries like Forbidden Peak Brewery offering local brews and a relaxed atmosphere.
Look for casual eateries, food trucks, or consider packing snacks. Some local spots offer more budget-friendly options than high-end seafood restaurants.
Yes, some visitors have noted delicious Filipino food options available near the pier in Juneau.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include the Alaska State Capitol, Mendenhall Glacier with Nugget Falls, the views from the Goldbelt Tram, and the waterfront.
Yes, the Capitol building offers many opportunities for photos, both inside the public areas and of its exterior architecture.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for landscape photography, especially for glaciers and mountains. However, even overcast days can create a dramatic, moody atmosphere.
Absolutely! Whale watching tours offer incredible opportunities to photograph marine life. Remember to use a zoom lens for distant shots.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas of the Capitol, but it's always wise to be respectful and avoid disrupting any official proceedings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking excursions that are interactive, like whale watching tours where kids can spot marine life. Many tour operators are family-friendly. Packing rain gear is essential, as kids can still enjoy exploring even in light drizzle.
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
Travelers suggest booking excursions independently at the port rather than through the cruise line to potentially save money. This allows more budget for enjoying local food, like the famous King Crab legs. Be mindful of your ship's departure time and factor in travel time back to the port.
🚶♀️ Independent Travelers
Exploring downtown Juneau on foot allows you to discover local shops, art galleries, and historical sites at your own pace. Consider visiting the Red Dog Saloon for a taste of local history and atmosphere. Booking tours locally can offer more personalized experiences compared to large group excursions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Alaska State Capitol
Self-guided tours are common, allowing you to explore the public areas, including the galleries and lobbies. You can often see into many of the offices, which provides a unique perspective on the day-to-day workings of the state government. The walls are adorned with historical newspaper clippings and local art, offering a glimpse into Alaska's past.
Its proximity to the cruise ship port makes it an easily accessible attraction for visitors. Many find it a welcoming and less crowded experience compared to other state capitols, especially when the legislature is not in session.
The Majesty of Mendenhall Glacier
Adjacent to the glacier is Nugget Falls, a beautiful waterfall that cascades near the ice. The combination of the glacier and the falls creates a breathtaking scene, making it a prime spot for photography. Several trails lead to different vantage points, ranging from easy paved paths to more challenging hikes for the adventurous.
It's important to be aware of potential hazards, such as glacial outburst floods from Suicide Basin, which can occur after heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt. Officials issue warnings and evacuation orders when necessary, so staying informed about local conditions is crucial.
Juneau's Culinary Delights
Beyond crab, visitors can enjoy other local seafood such as salmon and halibut. The city also boasts a burgeoning craft beer scene, with breweries like Forbidden Peak Brewery offering a chance to sample local brews alongside pub fare.
For those arriving by cruise ship, exploring dining options near the port can be convenient and offer a range of choices, from casual seafood shacks to more upscale dining experiences. Some travelers recommend booking tours locally to save money, which can then be allocated to enjoying the local cuisine.
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