Sandy Beach Savikko Park
A scenic coastal park on Douglas Island, offering sandy shores, historical ruins, and family-friendly amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Sandy Beach Savikko Park
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic coastal park on Douglas Island, offering sandy shores, historical ruins, and family-friendly amenities.
"Stunning views and a great place to practice photography, not crowded at all and very easy to take the bus here."
🚌 Easy Bus Access
The park is at the end of a bus line, making it super easy to reach from downtown Juneau!
📸 Photography Paradise
Stunning views and changing tides offer fantastic photo opportunities year-round.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sandy Beach Shoreline
Douglas Island
Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the sandy shores, perfect for photography and appreciating coastal beauty.
Treadwell Mining Town Ruins
Adjacent to the park
Explore the remnants of a historic mining town, offering a glimpse into Juneau's past.
Playground and Trails
Within the park
Family-friendly amenities including a playground and scenic walking trails for all ages.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Sandy Beach Savikko Park
Getting to Sandy Beach Savikko Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚌 Easy Bus Access
The park is at the end of a bus line, making it super easy to reach from downtown Juneau!
📸 Photography Paradise
Stunning views and changing tides offer fantastic photo opportunities year-round.
🚶♀️ Explore History
Don't miss the Treadwell mining town ruins for a fascinating historical walk.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great playground and open spaces make it a hit with families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚌 Easy Bus Access
The park is at the end of a bus line, making it super easy to reach from downtown Juneau!
📸 Photography Paradise
Stunning views and changing tides offer fantastic photo opportunities year-round.
🚶♀️ Explore History
Don't miss the Treadwell mining town ruins for a fascinating historical walk.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great playground and open spaces make it a hit with families.
💎 Beachcombing Treasures
Look for old broken dishes, remnants of the mining past.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sandy Beach Savikko Park for its stunning coastal views and family-friendly atmosphere, highlighting the playground and historical Treadwell ruins. It's noted as an easily accessible spot via public transport, perfect for photography and a relaxed outing.
"This is a nice beach and park area for the whole family. The coast guard celebrated “coast guard day” here and it was a great time. The kids love the playground and the trails."
Diane Crandall
"Absolutely stunning views for an out of towner like me. Great place to practice photography and go for a decent walk. It would be fun to come at different times to see the changes in the water and seasons. Not too many bald eagles here on this day. Not crowded at all and it was very easy to take the bus here it's at the end of the bus line. I'm grateful for my stay thank you Juneau."
Zakkry Endicott
". The park is great, especially if you have kids. What is fantastic is the Treadwell mining town next to it, that no longer exists. You can see what can happen to a bustling mining town 100 yeas after it was destroyed by a fire. Even better, get the augmented reality tour where you can see the original buildings superimposed on the first that is there now. Really cool!"
F. Johnson
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sandy Beach Savikko Park is conveniently located at the end of a local bus line, making it easily accessible from downtown Juneau without needing a car. This is a popular and straightforward option for visitors, especially those arriving by cruise ship.
While public transport is recommended, there is typically parking available at Savikko Park for those who prefer to drive. It's a good idea to arrive earlier during peak season to secure a spot.
It's a bit of a walk from the cruise port to Sandy Beach Savikko Park, so taking the local bus is generally a more practical and quicker option. The bus route is designed to serve this area.
For photography, consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset. The bus is a reliable way to get there, and you can plan your return trip to coincide with the best light.
While direct shuttle services might not be readily advertised, the local public bus system is efficient and serves as the primary public transportation to the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sandy Beach Savikko Park is a public park and does not require an entrance fee. You can enjoy its amenities and natural beauty free of charge.
Savikko Park is generally open from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy the space throughout the day. Specific hours may vary slightly by season, but it's typically accessible during daylight hours.
No advance booking is necessary for general visits to Sandy Beach Savikko Park. It's a public space, so you can visit spontaneously.
While there aren't official guided tours for the park itself, the Treadwell mining town ruins adjacent to the park offer an augmented reality tour that provides historical context.
The park offers trails and amenities that are generally accessible, though specific accessibility details for all areas might vary. The playground and main beach access are usually well-maintained.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Families can enjoy the playground, explore the sandy beach, walk the trails, and learn about the history of the Treadwell mining town ruins.
The water at Sandy Beach can be quite cold, even in summer. While some may brave a quick dip, it's more commonly enjoyed for walking, beachcombing, and enjoying the scenery rather than swimming.
While not guaranteed, you might spot various seabirds along the shore. Bald eagles are common in the Juneau area, though sightings at the park itself can vary.
Yes, Savikko Park typically offers picnic tables and open spaces, making it a great spot for a family picnic with beautiful views.
The augmented reality tour allows you to use your device to see superimposed images of the original Treadwell mining town buildings on the current landscape, offering a unique historical perspective.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with softer light and beautiful colors. The changing tides also create dynamic scenes.
Popular subjects include the sandy beach, the Gastineau Channel, the surrounding mountains, the Treadwell ruins, and any wildlife you might spot.
The shoreline itself provides excellent vantage points. Exploring the trails can also lead to elevated spots with panoramic views of the water and landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
Absolutely! The ruins are a significant historical site and offer unique photographic opportunities, especially when combined with the augmented reality tour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the immediate park amenities, the adjacent Treadwell mining town ruins provide an educational and engaging experience. The augmented reality tour can be particularly captivating for older children, allowing them to visualize the history of the area in an interactive way. Packing snacks and drinks is recommended, as there are picnic areas available for a family meal with a view. The ease of access via the local bus also makes it a stress-free outing for families.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't overlook the Treadwell mining town ruins as a unique photographic subject, blending historical decay with natural reclamation. Visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset will enhance the mood and colors of your images. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a tripod for sharper images in lower light conditions. The accessibility via public transport means you can easily plan your visit around the best light.
🚶♀️ History Buffs
The augmented reality tour is a must-do for a deeper understanding of the Treadwell complex. It allows you to visualize the scale of the operation and imagine the bustling town that once stood there. The park itself, while more natural, is situated in an area rich with historical context, making it a great spot to reflect on the area's heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Treadwell Mining Town
However, the mine's prosperity was not to last. A series of catastrophic cave-ins and flooding, particularly in 1917, led to the mine's eventual closure and the town's abandonment. Today, visitors can explore the remaining structures and foundations, offering a poignant reminder of the town's former glory and the power of nature. The site is a testament to Juneau's rich mining heritage and the resilience of its past inhabitants.
For an even more immersive experience, consider the augmented reality tour available for the Treadwell ruins. This innovative technology allows you to use your smartphone or tablet to superimpose historical images of the original buildings onto the current landscape. It's a captivating way to visualize the scale and grandeur of the former mining town and truly bring history to life.
Photography Opportunities at Sandy Beach
The park's location on Douglas Island also provides opportunities to capture the Gastineau Channel and the surrounding mountains. The contrast between the water, the rugged terrain, and the sky can be particularly striking. For those interested in wildlife, while not guaranteed, the area is known for seabirds, and there's always a chance of spotting a bald eagle soaring overhead. The nearby Treadwell ruins also offer a compelling historical subject, blending industrial remnants with natural beauty.
To make the most of your photography session, consider visiting during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – for the most flattering light. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or attempting wildlife shots. Remember to check the tide charts to plan for interesting coastal compositions.
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