Juneau, Alaska’s capital of nature and culture

Nestled between majestic mountains and the Gastineau Channel, Juneau, Alaska’s capital of nature and culture, offers outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing and whale watching. Its rich history and indigenous culture are reflected in its museums, art galleries and cultural centers

Both modern and welcoming, it combines the comfort of a city with the charm of a unique natural environment. Its gastronomic scene, with fresh seafood and traditional cuisine, will delight the most demanding palates. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline in nature or learning about the local culture, Juneau awaits you for an unforgettable experience.

History and culture of Juneau: a journey through time

Its history dates back to the late 19th century, when the gold rush attracted thousands of fortune seekers to the region. In 1881, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris discovered gold in what is now downtown. The area quickly became a thriving mining town known as Harrisburg, and later Juneau City. In 1906, it was proposed as the capital of the Alaska District, and in 1959, upon statehood, it became its permanent capital.

Before the arrival of European settlers, this region was inhabited by the Tlingit who have lived in the area for thousands of years and their legacy lives on. Their art, music and traditions can be seen at the Tlingit Art Museum and the Sealaska Center.

Visit the City Museum where artifacts and documents that tell the story of the city’s past are displayed, or the Alaska State Capitol, an iconic building that is the seat of state government.

What is Juneau’s climate like?

The climate of Juneau, Alaska’s capital of nature and culture, is characterized by a temperate oceanic climate and, unlike other regions of the state, this region experiences wet and snowy winters, while summers are cool and rainy.

Average temperatures in winter are around -1°C (30°F), with minimums that can reach -12°C (10°F). Precipitation in the form of snow and rain is common during the winter, with an average of 241 mm (9.5 inches) per season.

Regarding summer, average temperatures range around 13°C (55°F), with maximums that can reach 21°C (70°F). Days are long, with up to 18 hours of sunlight at the summer solstice.

Rain is frequent, with an average of 203 mm (8 inches) per season, as well as fog in coastal areas.

Winter is ideal for sports like cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. But summer weather allows for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching. Also check out our article on the top 10 winter sports in Alaska.

Also check out What to wear in Alaska for the season and pack what you need in your travel suitcase.

What activities can you do in Juneau?

Among the outdoor adventures, you can hike the network of trails in mountains, forests, and glaciers. Popular ones include Mount Roberts Trail, Mendenhall Glacier Trail, and Perseverance Trail.

In the Gastineau Channel and the bays and lakes surrounding Juneau, kayak and canoe or paddle among icebergs, spot wildlife, and be amazed by the mountain views.

Fishing is another popular activity, as the region is abundant with fish, such as salmon, trout, and cod. As for cultural attractions, the Tlingit Art Museum displays an extensive collection of art and artifacts from this culture, one of Alaska’s oldest indigenous peoples.

At Sealaska Center, you’ll encounter exhibits, events, and programs celebrating Alaska Native culture, and you can also visit the Alaska State Capitol.

The Juneau City Museum tells the story of Juneau, from its beginnings as a mining town to its development as the state capital.

Also check out its food scene and its many restaurants serving fresh seafood, traditional Alaskan cuisine, and dishes from various world cultures.

For more details, you can also check out the article 5 things to do in Juneau.

Where to stay in Juneau?

If you’re looking for a luxury experience, the capital has several 4- and 5-star hotels with first-class services, such as spas, gourmet restaurants, and stunning views of the city or natural landscape. Among the most popular, tourists prefer the Pybus Point Lodge and the Beachside Villa Luxury Inn.

As for mid-range hotels, the Best Western Country Lane Inn, the Juneau Aspen Suites Hotel or the Travelodge by Wyndham Juneau are some of the most admired.

If you prefer budget accommodation and Social, bed & breakfasts are a great way to meet other travelers and share experiences. Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed and Breakfast and Auke Lake Bed & Breakfast have common spaces like a kitchen and patio to share with other guests.

Check out our article Best Places to Stay in Juneau for more options.

Now, if your intention is to feel at home, choose vacation rentals that give you the flexibility of having your own space and cooking your own meals. Search on websites like Airbnb and VRBO.

Fresh flavors and traditions in Juneau

The gastronomy of Juneau, Alaska’s capital between nature and culture, is a reflection of its natural environment and its rich cultural history. Surrounded by sea and mountains, the city brings us fresh and local products, which become protagonists of a diverse culinary scene.

This is how we can try fresh seafood and fish, such as salmon, the king of Juneau cuisine. It can be found in different preparations, such as smoked, grilled, baked or in soups and salads. There is also cod, a versatile white fish prepared in a variety of ways, including fried, baked or in stews, or clams that can be enjoyed fresh, in soups or in casseroles.

Some traditional dishes include bannock and moose stew, a stew of moose meat with vegetables and spices. Soupe aux fruits de mer is the creamy seafood soup with salmon, cod or clams that lovers of seafood will admire.

Speaking of multicultural influences, Alaskan indigenous dishes such as “oogahlak” (seal meat) and “aquutiq” (berry pudding) can be found in some Juneau restaurants.

Classic American cuisine is also present in Juneau, with burgers, pizzas and sandwiches on many menus.

Read also our article on must-try restaurants in Juneau to choose your favorite.

How to get to Juneau

The capital of the “last frontier” is not connected by road to the rest of the country, so the only way to get there is by plane or boat.

Juneau International Airport (JNU) is the main airport in the city, with direct flights from Seattle, Anchorage, Fairbanks and other cities in Alaska. It is located about 8 kilometers from the city center and there are taxis, buses and shuttles available to transport you to the center. You should know that the airlines that serve this city are Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

You can also arrive by ferry from Bellingham, Washington, and from Haines and Skagway, Alaska. The ferry from Bellingham to Juneau takes approximately 48 hours and makes stops in Ketchikan and Wrangell.

As for the ferries from Haines and Skagway to Juneau, they are shorter and last approximately 5 and 6 hours respectively.

As with all of Alaska, peak season in Juneau is from June to August, when flights and ferries are more available. Prices are also higher during this period.

Additional information that may interest you

Juneau has events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Spring festivals include the Clam Festival and the Beer Festival.

In the summer, Gold Rush Days, the Film Festival, and the Whale Race Festival showcase all of the tradition and culture of this capital.

Being a pedestrian-only city, it is much easier to get around on foot or by bike. So there is no Uber or Lyft, so taxis are the best option for transportation if you don’t want to walk or bike.

Juneau, Alaska’s capital of nature and culture, is waiting to share everything it has to offer. For more information, contact our We Travel USA specialists. They will help you put together your itinerary from experience!