Downtown Juneau, for many visitors, serves primarily as a jumping-off point to grander adventures. As tempting as it may be to immediately answer the call of the wild, however, Juneau’s downtown does offer a number of charms of its own.
This small city has surprisingly vibrant theater and arts scenes, not to mention several excellent museums. The dining scene leans heavily on Alaska’s exceptional wild-caught seafood and locally brewed craft beer. It doesn’t hurt that even in the heart of town, breathtaking natural scenery is everywhere you look.
Here are just a few of the ways to make the most of your time in and around downtown Juneau.
Attractions in Downtown Juneau
Alaska State Capitol
Alaska State Capitol
Anchorage may be the largest city in Alaska, but Juneau has been the capital since 1906. The Juneau Capitol, while small, has an impressive collection of Alaskan art. Both paintings and sculptures by Alaska’s most significant historical artists are on display here.
On weekday afternoons June through September, there are daily free guided tours of the collection and the capitol building at 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Visitors can also opt for a self-guided audio tour. The guide has roughly 30 minutes of programming, which you can go through at your leisure. Most visitors spend an hour here.
Alaska State Museum
Alaska State Museum Photo by Gillfoto on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
The Alaska State Museum in Juneau has a number of permanent and rotating exhibitions on Alaskan traditions. Visitors can learn about the history of Native Alaskan nations, as well as see an impressive life-sized model of a bald eagle nest.
The collection is on the smaller side, which means it’s easy to combine this Alaskan museum with others in the downtown area.
Juneau-Douglas City Museum
Juneau-Douglas City Museum Photo by Gillfoto on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
For a crash course in local history, look no further than the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. The museum takes visitors through a timeline of the city’s history. Permanent exhibits focus on key points in the past, especially the Gold Rush years. There’s a cross-section of the Treadwell Mine, as well other interactive exhibits great for bringing history to life.
The museum also focuses on the history of the Tlingit people, who have lived on this land far longer than European colonists and their descendents. Visitors can learn how a centuries-old method of trapping fish works, and dive into the craft of canoe construction.
The building itself is part of the draw here. This 1950s Classical Revival structure was originally intended to hold the Juneau Memorial Library.
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church
Founded in 1893, this gold-domed church might initially seem out of place in Alaska. Serbian miners and Tlingit people joined forces for its construction.
Today, this sacred space is both architecturally striking and an active place of worship. Visitors are welcome to come admire the ancient bell and other features, but are asked to be respectful.
Things to Do in Downtown Juneau
Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway
Mount Roberts Tramway
By far one of the best things to do in Juneau, the Mount Roberts Tramway, also known as the Goldbelt Tram, offers an unbeatable photo-op. The tram whisks travelers almost straight from Juneau’s waterfront 1,800 feet up the slope of the mountain.
From that vantage point, you’ll have a stunning panorama of the Gastineau Channel and downtown Juneau. The dense greenery of the Tongass National Forest is also easy to admire here.
Once you’re at the top, there are a number of small, relatively low-level hiking trails that you can explore. You can also learn more about the history of the Tlingit people at the Chilkat Theater, which plays an 18-minute film every half hour. After watching the short documentary, linger for lunch with a serious view at Timberline Bar and Grill.
One of the best things about the Goldbelt Tramway, though, is that even if you only have an hour or so to kill, you can still take in the sights. If you have limited time and can only pick one activity in Juneau, this is the one to do.
Stroll Along the Juneau Seawalk
Juneau Seawalk
In 2017, downtown Juneau got a serious glow-up thanks to the addition of this well-laid-out walkway along the waters of the Gastineau Channel. The Juneau Seawalk makes for a scenic amble, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos along the way. Thanks to considerable investment, the seawalk effectively doubles as a public gallery.
Keep an eye out for 10 sculptures made of twisting metal that line the walkway. Titled the Aquileans, these abstract forms subtly incorporate whale fins and eagle wings into their design. As the sun dips lower on the horizon, LED lights illuminate the sculptures as a reference to the aurora borealis.
By far the most iconic piece of art on the Juneau Seawalk is the Juneau Whale Fountain, Tahku. This life-sized bronze sculpture of a humpback whale appears to be breaching right in the water. Native Alaskan artist R.T. “Skip” Wallen was responsible for the piece, which was unveiled in 2016 in honor of the 50th anniversary of Alaska officially joining the United States of America.
Embark on the Juneau Tree Walk
The mountain city of Juneau may be surrounded by lush temperate rainforest, but you can actually learn all about the local trees without ever leaving downtown.
This project, which was launched by the Juneau Urban Forestry Partnership, is a self-guided tour of 21 trees in the downtown area. Travelers can either follow along using online information or a free printed pamphlet.
Think of the Juneau Tree Walk as an easy, educational scavenger hunt that can be combined with any other downtown activities. Along the way, you’ll learn about Japanese maples, Alaska Yellow Cedars, Shore Pines, Chokecherries, Sitka Spruce, and more. Challenge kids to identify the same species on hikes and other Alaskan adventures.
Learn About Contemporary Indigenous Artists
Sealaska Heritage Institute Photo by Richard N Horne on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
In recent years, Juneau has become a hub for contemporary Native Alaskan artists. Much of this has to do with the presence of the Sealaska Heritage Institute. In 2015, the nonprofit opened a $20 million center showcasing works by Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian artists.
While many museums focus on the history of these people, this center is very much about the present. The artists here draw on centuries-old traditions, but often interpret them in their own innovative ways.
After visiting the center itself, continue your journey outside through to the Downtown Totem Pole Trail. This walk takes you past 13 totem poles, each by a different Native Alaskan artist. Each of the totem poles has its own distinct symbolic meaning; many recount specific stories from Alaskan history.
Each of the poles has a unique, original design. A particular standout of the collection is the Sealaska Cultural Values Heritage Pole. This striking work integrates cultural design elements of all three Southeast Alaskan tribes.
Restaurants in Downtown Juneau
The Red Dog Saloon
Red Dog Saloon Photo by Wknight94 on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Back at the frenzied height of the Klondike Gold Rush around the 1880s, The Red Dog Saloon was Juneau’s most notorious watering hole. In keeping with the rough-and-tumble nature of the times, it had a real reputation for debauchery. Prospectors would come here to blow some of their newfound wealth on liquor and a good time.
Fast-forward to the present day and The Red Dog Saloon remains the most famous bar in town, but the vibe is a bit more family-friendly. Although it’s no longer in its original location, it retains much of its old-school ambiance.
Unlike the times when whisky was the main thing on the menu, there’s a respectable selection of pub grub. Order a Nunivak reindeer sausage with provolone and grilled onions.
Tracy’s Crab Shack
Tracy’s Crab Shack
Alaska is famous for its many types of wild seafood, but none are more coveted than Alaskan red king crab. Rare and exceedingly dangerous to hunt, these crustaceans are one of the most expensive delicacies to come out of the sea. It’s also absurdly delicious—and there’s no better place to try it than at the source.
Tracy’s Crab Shack was founded in 2006 after the company the owner had been working for went bankrupt. Tracy packed up for Alaska and never looked back.
There are two branches of Tracy’s Crab Shack downtown, although the main shack has a bit more ambiance. Splurge on a bucket of king crab, which comes with warm garlic rolls and plenty of butter.
Alaskan Brewing Co. Tasting Room
Alaskan Brewing Co. Tasting Room Photo by AK Brewing 2 on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
For a state with less than a million full-time residents, Alaska has a surprisingly robust craft brewing scene. Founded in 1986, Alaskan Brewing Co. is one of the pioneers of the scene and it’s still going strong. This highly sustainable, community-oriented brewery is especially known for Wildness, a “cold beer” that takes advantage of chilly temperatures in the brewing process.
Visiting the brewery tasting room is a real experience, regardless of how much of a craft beer nerd you are. In addition to beer-tasting flights, the Alaskan brewery offers cocktails and spirits. There’s also a regularly rotating line-up of food trucks.
Depending on the day, you could find anything from wood-fired pizzas to wild Alaskan halibut sliders. As a bonus, there’s a free shuttle service that whisks visitors from the waterfront to the tasting room.
The Rookery Café
From curing their own salmon to making their own pickles in-house, this friendly local café goes the extra mile. It’s the best spot in downtown Juneau for brunch, with specialties like their “cereal killer” French toast, which comes coated in caramelized cornflakes.
Towards lunchtime, the restaurant serves very solid burgers and sandwiches. The fried chicken sandwich, which comes with a hefty, buttermilk-fried thigh, is a real winner. Stop by for a quick bite and a well-made matcha latte before heading out.
The Hangar on the Wharf
The Hangar on the Wharf Photo by Bernt Rostad on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Easily one of the most popular restaurants in downtown Juneau, The Hangar on the Wharf has an unbeatable location inside the Historic Merchants Wharf. For years, float plane operators would pass through this cavernous hangar.
Today, nods to the restaurant’s aviation history are sprinkled throughout the interior. Keep an eye out for pilings from the old float plane elevator, plus model planes hanging from the ceiling.
Craft beer lovers will feel right at home here, with 25 taps and more than 125 available at the bar. There’s a little bit of everything, but a special emphasis on Alaskan-brewed options. The menu has a range of comfort food staples, from burgers to pastas to heaping plates of nachos.
The best options, however, are the local Alaskan seafood favorites. Order the Taku Inlet salmon filet or the tempura halibut with thick-cut steak fries.
Travel Tips
Downtown Juneau
Juneau’s downtown is relatively compact and highly walkable. It’s possible to explore the entire area within a few hours. Most travelers opt to spend the majority of their day whale-watching, hiking in the Tongass National Forest, or on other adventures before heading back into town.
As with just about any part of Alaska, the weather here can vary quite a bit. Even during summer in Alaska, it’s possible to have the occasional chilly, rainy afternoon. Be sure to pack layers and lightweight rain gear just in case.
Comfortable sneakers or hiking boots are a must for strolling here. Alaskans tend to dress for comfort and dress codes here are extremely casual, even at the fancier establishments.
Bald eagle
Although most travelers head into the Tongass National Forest to see wildlife, downtown Juneau is actually an excellent place to see birds in Alaska. Alaska has a far higher concentration of bald eagles than any other state and these majestic predators can often be seen perched by the sidewalks.
Large, hyper-intelligent ravens are also a common sight. If you have a camera with a zoom lens, be sure to have it handy while walking around downtown.
Read: Must-Do Experiences in Alaska
Mount Roberts Tramway
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