Juneau Seawalk
Juneau's Seawalk offers a captivating blend of coastal beauty, rich Indigenous art, and the chance to witness magnificent marine life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Juneau Seawalk
Best Time
Best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Juneau's Seawalk offers a captivating blend of coastal beauty, rich Indigenous art, and the chance to witness magnificent marine life.
"The Seawalk is a must-do for its art, culture, and proximity to incredible whale watching opportunities!"
Skip the Cruise Line Tours
Book excursions in port for better prices. Save cash for shopping and local eats! :moneybag:
Walk to the Whale Fountain
It's a pleasant, flat walk from the closest docks. Keep the water on your left! :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Whale Fountain
Juneau Seawalk
A majestic upright whale statue that spouts water, a popular photo op and a symbol of Juneau's marine life.

Totem Poles & Public Art
Juneau Seawalk & Sealaska Heritage Institute
Discover intricate totem poles and vibrant murals, including one honoring Elizabeth Peratrovich, showcasing rich Indigenous culture.

Whale Watching Excursions
Juneau Harbors
Embark on a thrilling adventure to spot humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life in their natural Alaskan habitat.
Mendenhall Glacier Views
Near Juneau
Witness the grandeur of a massive glacier, with opportunities for hiking and viewing Nugget Falls nearby.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Skip the Cruise Line Tours
Book excursions in port for better prices. Save cash for shopping and local eats! :moneybag:
Walk to the Whale Fountain
It's a pleasant, flat walk from the closest docks. Keep the water on your left! :walking:
Dress in Layers
Juneau weather is unpredictable. Waterproof gear is a must! :umbrella:
Explore Beyond the Dock
Venture to the Seawalk for art and culture, or take a shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
Skip the Cruise Line Tours
Book excursions in port for better prices. Save cash for shopping and local eats! :moneybag:
Walk to the Whale Fountain
It's a pleasant, flat walk from the closest docks. Keep the water on your left! :walking:
Dress in Layers
Juneau weather is unpredictable. Waterproof gear is a must! :umbrella:
Explore Beyond the Dock
Venture to the Seawalk for art and culture, or take a shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier. :bus:
Tracy's Crab Shack Hack
Hit Shack 2 for the same delicious crab with shorter lines. :crab:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Juneau's stunning natural beauty, particularly the opportunities for whale watching and the impressive Mendenhall Glacier. The Seawalk's public art and cultural installations are also frequently highlighted as unique and engaging experiences. Some travelers note that weather can be a factor, and advise booking excursions independently for better value.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Juneau Seawalk is easily accessible on foot from most cruise ship docks. For the whale fountain, it's about a 10-minute walk from the closest docks and a 45-minute walk from the furthest. The path is flat and keeps the water on your left.
Yes, shuttle buses are available from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. Booking these independently upon arrival can be more cost-effective than cruise line excursions.
No, Mendenhall Glacier is several miles from the Seawalk and downtown Juneau. You'll need to take a shuttle, taxi, or join a tour to get there.
Juneau is walkable downtown. For attractions like Mendenhall Glacier, you can use local buses, taxis, or rent a car.
While there isn't a dedicated 'tourist bus,' the local public transit system can get you to key areas like Mendenhall Glacier. Check the Juneau public transportation schedules for routes and times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Juneau Seawalk itself is a public promenade and does not require tickets for access. You can stroll along it freely.
Prices vary, but booking tours in port rather than through your cruise line can save you money. Expect to pay around $80-$150 per person, depending on the tour length and operator.
While viewing the glacier from the visitor center area may have a fee, hiking trails like the West Glacier Trail are often free to access.
Yes, many tour operators have kiosks near the cruise docks offering same-day bookings for whale watching, Mendenhall Glacier tours, and more.
Absolutely! Walking the Seawalk, admiring the public art, and hiking some trails around Mendenhall Glacier (like the West Glacier Trail) are free.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Seawalk features public art installations, including totem poles and murals, as well as the iconic whale fountain. It's a pleasant stroll with coastal views.
Whale sightings are very common, especially during the summer months. Humpback whales are frequently spotted, and orcas are also seen.
Besides whales, you might see seals, sea lions, eagles, and even bears, particularly near Mendenhall Glacier.
The Seawalk is generally flat and paved, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Given Juneau's variable weather, layers and waterproof outerwear are highly recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Tracy's Crab Shack is a popular spot for king crab legs and other seafood. Consider visiting their 'Shack 2' to avoid long lines.
Yes, downtown Juneau, near the Seawalk, offers various dining options, from casual seafood shacks to pubs and cafes.
King crab legs are a signature dish. You might also find local salmon dishes and other Alaskan specialties.
Juneau has a growing craft beer scene with several breweries offering local brews.
Yes, there are numerous cafes and casual eateries in downtown Juneau offering snacks, coffee, and light meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The whale fountain, totem poles, murals, Mendenhall Glacier, and of course, any whale sightings are prime photo subjects.
Early mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds. However, dramatic misty conditions can also create unique photographic opportunities.
The Seawalk offers great views of the harbor and surrounding mountains. For Mendenhall Glacier, the visitor center and Nugget Falls trail provide excellent vantage points.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the glacier, and a telephoto lens is great for wildlife. Don't forget a waterproof bag!
Yes, you are welcome to take photos of the totem poles and murals along the Seawalk. They are part of the public art experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more hands-on experience, exploring the Mendenhall Glacier area provides opportunities for short, manageable hikes and learning about glaciers at the visitor center. Packing snacks and drinks is always a good idea, and dressing in layers will ensure everyone stays comfortable despite Juneau's changeable weather.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for local eateries that offer good value, like Tracy's Crab Shack (consider Shack 2 to avoid lines). Many of the most memorable experiences, like spotting wildlife from shore or enjoying the scenic views, are free or low-cost. Researching local bus routes can also be a budget-friendly way to get around.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Consider taking a shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier for a solo exploration of its trails and visitor center. This provides ample opportunity for personal reflection and enjoying the natural beauty. Don't hesitate to strike up conversations with locals or fellow travelers; Alaskans are often friendly and happy to share tips.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Juneau's Rich Cultural Heritage
Don't miss the Elizabeth Peratrovich mural, a vibrant tribute to the Tlingit civil rights activist who was instrumental in advocating for Indigenous rights in Alaska. This mural, along with other public art installations, highlights the ongoing presence and contributions of Indigenous artists and communities in Juneau. Visiting the Sealaska Heritage Institute nearby offers further opportunities to engage with and learn about Southeast Alaska Native cultures.
These cultural sites provide a deeper context for your visit, moving beyond typical tourist attractions to offer a more meaningful and respectful engagement with the place and its people. It's a chance to learn about the history, art, and ongoing cultural practices of the region's Indigenous inhabitants.
The Thrill of Whale Watching in Juneau
Beyond humpbacks, keep an eye out for orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, and various seabirds. Many tour operators offer guaranteed sightings, meaning if you don't see whales, you might get a voucher for a future trip. It's advisable to book your whale watching excursion in advance, especially during the peak summer season, to ensure availability and potentially secure better rates than booking directly through your cruise ship.
Remember to dress warmly and in layers, as it can be chilly on the water, even in summer. Waterproof gear is also a good idea, as spray from the ocean and occasional rain are common. The experience of witnessing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable.
Navigating Juneau's Natural Wonders: Mendenhall Glacier
For a closer look, consider hiking trails like the West Glacier Trail or the path to Nugget Falls. These trails offer different perspectives of the glacier and its surroundings, with Nugget Falls providing a picturesque waterfall backdrop. Be prepared for potentially muddy and uneven terrain, and always stay on marked paths for safety.
Getting to Mendenhall Glacier is straightforward. Shuttle services are readily available from the cruise port, offering a convenient and often more affordable option than booking through cruise lines. Planning your visit to Mendenhall Glacier allows for an immersive experience in Alaska's raw, natural beauty.
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