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Juneau Overview
Juneau is often described as America's most charmingly situated state capital. It's wise to note that the references refer to the surrounded-by-nature (mountains and ocean) aspect of the city. The only way in or out of town is by air or sea. No roads lead to Juneau.
Gold put Juneau on the map in the 1880s, though the mining camp had several other names before prospector Joe Juneau got his to stick. Gold remained the mainstay until the mine was shut down in 1944. Juneau became the political center when Alaska became the 49th state in 1959.
Juneau offers a wide range of shore side activities, including the state's most accessible glacier -- Mendenhall, an immense 12-mile long river of ice.
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Other Alaska Cruise Ports:
Haines • Icy Strait • Juneau • Ketchikan • Petersburg • Prince Rupert • Seattle • Sitka • Skagway • Vancouver • Victoria • Whittier
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Best Souvenir
Ice cube keychain
Where You're Docked
Any one of three places, all within walking distance of downtown: Marine Park, Ferry Terminal or S. Franklin Dock. Ships may anchor and tender passengers to town when more than three ships are docked.
Getting Around
On foot: Juneau is an easy walking town.
Taxis: Taxis gather at Marine Park.
Renting a Car: The usual agencies are headquartered at the airport - Avis, Hertz, Alamo, Budget. They often offer "pick-up" service at the dock. It's easy, however, to get to the key outside-town attractions, such as the Mendenhall Glacier, without renting a car -- numerous shuttle services offer roundtrip rides for $10. Inquire at the tourist kiosk at Marine Park or at the Davis Log Cabin Information Center (3rd & Seward); likely you'll spot shuttles just outside the cruise ship docks.
Don't Miss
 Shore Excursion: Whale and wildlife watching on a catamaran. Even if you've seen humpbacks from the deck of your ship, getting up close and personal is far more thrilling. Allen Marine Tours guarantees you'll see a least one whale.
Visit Mendenhall Glacier via a helicopter tour (through the ship or call Temsco Helicopters at 877-789-9501). The two most popular are the basic tour, with one glacier landing (and 30 minutes or so to walk around) and "pilot's choice," which includes two landings. You'll save about $30 per person by booking direct through Temsco (advance reservations suggested), but don't forget to factor in transportation costs to the airport. Bus tours of the glacier are also available through Princess Tours, which is typically booked through your cruise ship (regardless of cruise line). Do-it-yourselfers can take a shuttle from town.
The Alaska State Museum (395 Whittier Street) features exhibits from Eskimo, Aleut, Athabaskan and Northwest Coast Indian tribes.
Mt. Roberts Tramway (490 S. Franklin Street) whisks travelers up to a 1,800-foot high station on Mt. Roberts.
Tour the Gastineau Salmon Hatchery (2697 Channel Drive, 3 miles north of the dock), which, in addition to raising and harvesting salmon, also has belowground viewing windows.
Shopping in Juneau is mostly limited to tourist-driven merchandise; however, there are a few standouts. Check out Hearthside Books (254 Front Street), which has an excellent selection of literature and history on Alaska; Alaska Jade Shop (321 S. Franklin Street), for all manner of jade animals (the shop owner also owns the jade mine); Caribou Crossings (497 S. Franklin Street), which has hand-made photo albums with beautiful paper or linen covers; and Alaska Fur Gallery (359 S. Franklin), which wins the "tacky" award with its fur-covered jockstraps.
The Red Dog Saloon (278 S. Franklin) is a kitschy wild western-nostalgia bar that comes complete with sawdust floors, mounted wildlife and swinging doors. There's usually entertainment when cruise ships are in port.
Been There, Done That
Glacier hiking, hands-down, is the most popular activity for adventure-oriented travelers; tours are required (via cruise ship excursions or Temsco, 877-789-9501); you fly for 30 minutes and hike for two hours.
Taku Lodge cooks up one of the best tasting king salmon bakes in Alaska. The floatplane trip to the historic lodge is deservedly popular, so booking on board in advance is highly advisable.
Kayaking around Auke Bay.
Good "hangouts" include the Alaskan Hotel Bar (167 Franklin), which having been restored to its 1913-era glory, now resonates with history and a noisy pool table.
Lunching
Casual, in-town joints: Try the jalapeno pizza at cozy Pizza Verona (256 S. Franklin, from 11 a.m. every day). Specialties at The Twisted Fish Company (550 S. Franklin, from 11 a.m. every day) include fresh fish, buffalo burgers and pizza.
Gourmet Dining: The Fiddlehead Restaurant and Bakery (429 W. Willoughby, every day) is known for gourmet deli fare downstairs and a taste of Italy upstairs.
Staying in Touch
Seaport Cyber (175 S. Franklin). Buy a $5 card good for an hour online in three ports -- Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
For More Information
Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau: 888-581-2201
On the Web: www.traveljuneau.com
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 Shore Excursions
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