Planning a short vacation to any new city can be both very thrilling and exciting, especially if you just one day to see it. Apart from abundant natural beauty, the city of Juneau is home to a number of other breathtaking attractions including snow capped mountains, stunning glaciers, huge ice fields, beautifully landscaped botanical gardens, native heritage sites and a thriving wildlife. It is impossible to view or experience all these attractions in just a day. However, to make your getaway much easier, we have compiled a list of things to see and do in Juneau in just 24 hours. To get the maximum out of your vacation, wear comfortable walking shoes and rent or hire a car, so that you can roam at your own leisure.
Breakfast at 08:00 am
It is best to start your day early in the morning so that more can be covered in one day. Sandpiper Cafe (429 W Willoughby Avenue) is one of the best places to visit in Juneau for breakfast. Known for its delicious breakfast menu filled with eggs benedicts, steak and eggs and omelets, they even have vegan options like tofu scrambles. Heritage Glacier Cafe (9112 Mendenhall Mall Road and 130 Front Street) is another great place for breakfast in the city, especially for a cup of delicious hot coffee on a cold morning.
Last Chance Mining Museum at 09:30 am
This museum is constructed on the former site of Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company that was in operation between the years of 1912 and 1944. Managed by the Gastineau Channel Historical Society, Last Chance Mining Museum is known for its rustic location, uneven ground, corroding buildings and old equipment that represent the old mining days during the Gold Rush Era. It is also home to the largest air compressor in the world and also an old electric engine. The museum is also a part of the National Register of Historic Places. Since the museum is closed during winter months, it is always best to call before visiting.
Address: 1001 Basin Rd, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Phone: 1 907 586 5338
Timings: 09:30 am to 12:30 pm, 03:30 pm to 06:30 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Distance from Downtown Juneau: 0.5 mile or 4 minutes drive
Mount Roberts Tramway at 10:30 am
Established in the year 1996, Mount Roberts Tramway is the best place to go if you want breathtaking views of the Gastineau Channel or Juneau city. It is the only aerial tramway in Southeast Alaska and also the most vertical in the world. Rising up to almost 2000 feet, the tramway can transport more than 1000 passengers an hour. Once you are up there, visitors can indulge in a number of activities and if you are lucky, you can even see the bald eagle. Check before visiting, since the tramway only operates between the months of May and September.
Address: 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Phone: 1 888 461 8726
Website:
http://mountrobertstramway.com/Distance from Last Chance Mining Museum: 1.8 miles or 13 minutes drive
The Juneau-Douglas City Museum and Alaska State Capitol at 12:00 pm
Situated on the former site of Juneau Memorial Library, Juneau-Douglas City Museum is known for its exhibits on the gold mining industry, history of Juneau, hydropower, politics, fishing and the Tlingit culture. Built in Classical Revival architecture, the museum is spread over two levels, each displaying different works. In 2006, it became a part of the National Register of Historic Places.
Located right next to the museum, Alaska State Capitol houses the Alaska Legislature, Governor of Alaska and Lieutenant Governor of Alaska. The capitol conducts several half and hours regularly during summer season. Check the website for tour timings.
Juneau-Douglas City Museum Address: 114 W 4th St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Alaska State Capitol Address: 120 East 4th Street, Juneau, Alaska, United States
Museum Phone: 1 907 586 3572
Museum Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm (Monday to Friday), 10:00 am to 04:30 pm (Saturday), Sunday Closed
Museum Website:
http://www.juneau.org/library/museum/index.phpCapitol Website: http://www.alaska.org/detail/alaska-state-capitol-buildingDistance from Mount Roberts Tramway: 0.6 mile or 3 minutes drive
Lunch at 01:00 pm
After spending time at the museum, head towards Saffron Indian Comfort Cuisine (112 N Franklin Street) for the most delicious Indian food. However, if you something else, then head to V’s Cellar Door (222 Seward Street), a popular Mexican-Korean fusion restaurant, which is known for their burritos and tacos with an Asian twist. The Rookery Cafe (111 Seward Street) is another popular place in the city for home baked products and eclectic American food.
Macaulay Salmon Hatchery at 02:00 pm
The one hour tour at the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery gives you a deep insight into the various stages of salmon hatching via a number of tide pool touch tanks and saltwater aquariums. Since it is a working operation, the guests can get up and close with millions of salmon babies. If you are visiting between the months of October and April, you need to take an appointment before visiting.
Address: 2697 Channel Dr, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Phone: 1 907 463 5114
Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Monday to Friday), 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday), May to September
Website:
http://www.dipac.net/New%20VC%20Website/visit.htmlDistance from V’s Cellar Door: 3.9 miles or 8 minutes drive
Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure at 03:30 pm
Spread over 50 acres, Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is not a typical botanical garden. It is a stunning rainforest that has been left in its natural form. Take one of the several tours offered here, each of which takes you around the forest explaining in depth about its eco-system and diverse plant and animal life. There are also many special cars, which take you to several viewpoints and boardwalks, where you can get outstanding panoramic views of the city, Chilkat Mountains, Gastineau Channel and the Mendenhall Valley.
Address: 7600 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Phone: 1 907 790 3377
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm (Daily)
Website:
http://www.glaciergardens.com/Distance from Macaulay Salmon Hatchery: 4.2 miles or 6 minutes drive
Mendenhall Glacier at 04:30 pm
One of the most beautiful glaciers in Alaska, Mendenhall Glacier is definitely a must visit in the city. Supplied by the Juneau Ice Field, this 13 mile long glacier is easily accessible from the city. Drive up to the visitor’s center, when you can get a stunning 180 degree view of the glacier. Visitors can also go for a stroll on one of the several walking trails, some of which provide excellent views of the glacier and can also bring you close to the salmon streams and Nugget Falls. Be prepared to meet a number of wildlife like bald eagles, beavers, black bears, waterfowl and many more.
Visitor Center Address: 6000 Glacier Spur Road, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Phone: 1 907 789 0097
Timings: 8:00 am to 7:30 pm (Daily, May to September), 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Friday to Sunday, October to April)
Website:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/tongass/Distance from Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure: 5.4 miles or 11 minutes drive
Chapel by the Lake at 06:30 pm
As the name suggest, Chapel by the Lake is a beautiful church that is located right next to the stunning Auke Lake. Established in 1958, it is a Presbyterian church and a part of the A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO). Designed by Linn A. Forrest and Harold Floss, the church is known for its striking rafters, trusses, walls and the huge window behind the altar that looks out to the lake. Spend some time basking in the beauty of this church and then head out to the picturesque Auke Lake for an evening stroll by the lake.
Address: 11024 Auke Lake Way, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Phone: 1 907 789 7592
Website:
http://chapelbythelake.org/wordpress00/Distance from Mendenhall Glacier: 5.9 miles or 11 minutes drive
Dinner at 08:00 pm
Situated next to the Pacific Ocean, Juneau is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, especially crabs and salmon. Tracy’s King Crab Shack (406 S Franklin Street) is one such place in the city, which is known for its wide variety of crab dishes. The Hangar on the Wharf (2 Marine Way #106) is another popular place for seafood along with classic American fare. If you something upscale, then head to Salt (200 Seward Street) for authentic Alaskan cuisine.
Explore Juneau’s Nightlife at 10:00 pm
Alaskan Hotel & Bar (167 S Franklin Street) is one of the oldest bars in town but it is a great place to visit with friends, especially if you want something laid-back and casual. However, if you like watching sports games with your drinks, then McGivney’s Sports Bar & Grill (9107 Mendenhall Mall Road) is the place for you. If you want loud music along with games like billiards and ping pong, then head to Imperial Billiard & Bar (241 Front Street).
A Complete Map Guide of 24 Hours in Juneau
