Juneau, Alaska Cruise Port Guide

Juneau is the only U.S. state capital not connected to the rest of the country by road. You can only get there by plane or boat, making it one of the most unique capitals in the United States. Juneau is one of the most popular Alaska cruise ports, and for good reason. Surrounded by mountains and Glaciers, it offers a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm.

I sailed on the 7 Day Norwegian Encore in June and our first stop was Juneau, Alaska!

One of the best parts of our visit was that we had a long port day, so we never felt rushed. It gave us plenty of time to venture beyond downtown, explore at our own pace, and enjoy more of the area than we would have on a typical shore excursion.

Why We Chose to Rent a Car

Renting a car actually wasn’t part of our original plan. We had hoped to ride the Goldbelt Tram, but it happened to be closed during our visit. Since we had a long port day in Juneau, we decided to be spontaneous and rent a car from one of the small rental huts located near Tracy’s King Crab Shack instead. Looking back, I’m so glad we did.

Having several hours in port meant we never felt rushed. We were able to drive to Mendenhall Glacier, enjoy the scenic roads around Juneau, stop whenever we wanted to take in the views, and still have plenty of time to explore downtown before heading back to the ship. It gave us much more flexibility than a traditional shore excursion would have.

If your itinerary includes a longer stop in Juneau, I definitely recommend considering a rental car. It gave us the freedom to explore exactly how we wanted.

Visiting Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls

Our first stop was Mendenhall Glacier, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Photos simply don’t do it justice. Standing there and seeing the glacier surrounded by mountains and waterfalls is something I’ll never forget.

One of the highlights of our visit was hiking to Nugget Falls. The trail is relatively easy and well worth the walk. Once you reach the falls, you’re rewarded with incredible views of the glacier and a massive waterfall crashing down just steps away. It was easily one of my favorite moments of the day and something I highly recommend adding to your itinerary if you have the time. Whether you spend 30 minutes or a few hours here, Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see during your stop in Juneau.

Driving Around Juneau

After leaving the glacier, we spent the afternoon driving around Juneau and soaking in the scenery. Some of our favorite moments weren’t planned at all. We pulled over whenever we spotted a beautiful mountain view or waterfront overlook. That’s one of the biggest advantages of renting a car: you aren’t tied to a schedule and can truly experience the destination beyond the cruise port. The roads were easy to navigate, traffic was minimal, and the drive itself became part of the experience.

Exploring Downtown Juneau

Before returning to the ship, we spent some time walking around downtown Juneau. The downtown area is charming and very walkable, with local boutiques, souvenir shops, restaurants, and beautiful waterfront views. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours before sailing away.

One stop we decided to skip was Tracy’s King Crab Shack. While it’s one of the most famous restaurants in Juneau, we personally thought it looked a bit overpriced and overhyped, especially with the long lines of cruise passengers waiting outside. If king crab is high on your Alaska bucket list, it may still be worth trying, but we’d rather spend our time exploring the city.

Juneau Weather: Be Prepared for Anything

One thing that surprised me about Juneau was the weather. We arrived to warm, sunny skies, and it honestly felt much warmer than I expected for Alaska. By the afternoon, though, the weather had already started to shift. That’s one of the things you’ll quickly learn about Southeast Alaska: the weather is incredibly unpredictable. You can experience sunshine, cooler temperatures, wind, and even a passing rain shower all in the same day.

The best advice I can give is to dress in layers. A lightweight jacket or rain shell is easy to tie around your waist or toss in a backpack when the sun is out, but you’ll be glad to have it if the weather changes. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must, especially if you’re planning to hike to Nugget Falls or spend time exploring downtown. Even if the forecast looks perfect before you arrive, don’t assume it’ll stay that way. Alaska likes to keep you guessing, so it’s always better to be prepared than caught off guard.

What to Wear in Juneau

One thing you’ll quickly learn about Alaska is that the weather can change throughout the day. I recommend wearing comfortable layers that you can easily add or remove as temperatures change. During our visit, I wore comfortable sneakers, lightweight layers, and a jacket that was easy to throw on when it cooled off.

Even if the forecast looks sunny, I’d still pack a rain jacket or waterproof layer just in case. If you’re planning to walk to Nugget Falls or spend time exploring downtown, comfortable walking shoes are definitely a must.

What I Wore in Juneau, Alaska

Planning Your Juneau Visit

If renting a car isn’t for you, there are still plenty of incredible ways to experience Juneau. Whale watching tours, glacier excursions, helicopter tours, and hiking adventures are all popular options.

If you’re planning your Alaska cruise, I recommend browsing excursions ahead of time through GetYourGuide so you can compare options before your sailing. Use code ADRIANALATELY5 for savings on eligible experiences.

For more cruise tips or travel recommendations, READ HERE