Juneau, Alaska
Juneau stands out as the sole capital of the contiguous United States that cannot be reached by car. The city is surrounded by striking fjord-like landscapes, rugged mountains, and expansive glaciers, making it geographically isolated and offering limited access from the mainland. Its remote location along the scenic Gastineau Channel also positions it as one of the most visually stunning cities globally.
Noteworthy attractions along the downtown seawalk and its surroundings comprise:
Fisherman’s Memorial
Overstreet Park
Douglas Bridge
Manila Square
Alaska State Library, Archives, and Museum
Alaska Native Heritage Center: Immerse yourself in Alaska's indigenous cultures through traditional dance performances, art exhibits, and interactive demonstrations.
Juneau-Douglas City Museum: Learn about Juneau's history and development through exhibits on gold mining, Native Alaskan heritage, and the city's maritime past.
Franklin Street: Stroll along Juneau's main thoroughfare, lined with charming shops selling everything from local crafts and artwork to outdoor gear and souvenirs.
Juneau Artists Gallery: Browse a diverse selection of handmade crafts, jewelry, and artworks created by local artists at this cooperative gallery.
Juneau is rated as one of the top destinations in the world for whale watching. Spectacular sightings are frequent, as the whales congregate from May to October.
Mendenhall Glacier is one sight that you definitely do not want to miss. The easiest way to explore this beauty is the 13-mile drive from downtown to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and a hike to Nugget Falls for the closest view. There are also many other tours available, such as flightseeing, dogsledding, rafting, or kayaking trips for a closer experience.
Another popular attraction is the Goldbelt Tram. During the 5-minute ride through the rainforest landscape to the alpine area, you'll be captivated by the scenery. Stepping off the tram onto the skybridge, you'll be greeted by stunning views of Douglas Island, the Chilkat Mountain range, Gastineau Channel, Amiralty Island, and beyond. Additionally, there are amenities such as a gift shop, Timberline Bar and Grill, theater, walking trails, and various viewing spots to enjoy.
In the summer months, numerous individuals enjoy visiting the Perserverance Trail to explore the history and natural beauty of the Silverbow Basin. This trail offers a wide, stable path with streams, picnic areas, and stunning waterfall views along the way.
Gear up with your fishing rod and reel to catch wild salmon. Alaska is renowned for its salmon for a reason: every summer, millions of these resilient fish journey up the state's rivers and streams to spawn. Your guide will lead you to prime fishing spots to increase your chances of hooking one of the five salmon varieties – king, silver, sockeye, pink, or chum.
Cruise the waters off the coast of Alaska in search of the world’s largest flatfish—the Pacific halibut. Capable of reaching lengths of eight feet and weighing up to 500 pounds, these strong fighting fish are a prized catch among anglers.
