I am looking into a 7 day trip to Juneau and hoped I might hear what there is to see/ do - and where might be an ideal place to stay to perhaps get to do exploring, see wildlife, parks, and day trips? Looking at early June- (in response to a GREAT deal I just found on flights from Boston into Juneau). Last minute but wanted to ensure I could create a great trip (and score a GREAT price on my flight!). Thank you in advance.

Juneau has the Tongass National Forest (Mendenhall Falls) and the downtown historic district.

Nearly all Alaska jurisdictions have good tourism websites. Since you haven't shared what interests you, I'd start here

https://www.traveljuneau.com/things-to-do/

I'm not sure how active the "usual" tourist attractions will be this year in the absence of all the cruise ships calling; I'm sure some will be available but maybe not all. I would consult the website recommended by mlgb for sure.

There are certainly things to do right in the city or by use of cabs or the city bus - the Mt. Roberts tramway, for example, or a visit to Mendenhall Glacier. Unless there are tours operating, you'd need a car to visit sights that are further afield, like the lovely St. Therese shrine. You could also take a couple of days (or an expensive one via float plane) for a visit to Glacier Bay.

But seven days is quite a long time and I wonder if you might consider a two-city trip, namely Juneau and Sitka. You can fly one way between the two towns for around $100, or take the state ferry from Sitka to Juneau in daylight (once a week) for about the same (but a much longer trip - 9 hours v. 1) and an "open jaw" air ticket from Boston - say to Sitka, back from Juneau, shouldn't cost very much more than a simple round trip. A couple of days in Sitka (or more) would be terrific IMO - visit the Alaska Raptor Center and the Fortress of the Bear, walk around the rain forest, visit the old Russian church and learn about Russian-American history as well as the Tlingit Native American cultural heritage of the region. In my view Sitka is (by far) the most attractive of the main towns in SE Alaska and would be well worth your consideration.

Thank you so much- this is exactly what I was hoping I would learn about - the options for exploring during this trip. Most appreciated, thank you.

I spent 3 days in Juneau a few years back and remember that being too long. My favorite day trip was an all day tour on a small boat seeing waterfalls. We also drove out to Mendhall Glacier and did the tram ride. I second the suggestion of a two-city trip. After Juneau we flew to Gustavus and Glacier Bay; it was spectacular. The highlights I recall are two different day trips, one kayaking in the Bay and another on a catamaran around several glaciers. Also, eating at a James Beard restaurant was a treat.

Juneau has a public bus system. With some walking added, it is quite possible to get around without hiring a vehicle. I think it's less than a mile or two from the end of the bus to the Mendenhall Visitor Center. Having a car, though, even for a few days would expand your options. Even without one, If you are physically capable of walking, I think you will find plenty to do. Juneau also has taxis. I'd develop an interest list and give the Taxi company a call or send them a request. They can do your transportation as a private tour.

Remember, Juneau is the State Capital. It is not going to be as "shut down" as some of the minor cities.

I can't think of a better time to visit than when the cruise ships are NOT operating. The cruise tours mostly tried to get people to go on whalewatching excursions and helicopter tours.

The Alaska State Museum is open, for example. Same with Sealaska Heritage Both well worth a visit. Be sure to check the website for hours and days.

You can also book private boat excursions for fishing, whale watching, etc. They are going to cost more than the typical cruise ship excursion, but probably not that much more.

Check tripadvisor for current reviews, to see who is running now.
I think some "experts" would be surprised.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...au_Alaska.html

There may even be some small excursions that are not private, but with limited numbers, masking, etc. I know in Southern California the whale watch companies have been running at reduced capacity. You do need to make reservations.

I booked for mid-June. Juneau is the perfect place to stay, because you have everything Alaska has to offer in one place. You'll probably spend the entire day walking the city, it has a Russian church and some fascinating architecture and museums. There is the Mendanhal Glacier (probably spelled it wrong) and Nugget Falls, Glacier Gardens, St.Therese Shrine, Chapel By The Lake, and Douglass Island that's home to the largest gold mine in the world. There is also the cable car and lots of sea food joints. And if you're gonna be there on the 19th, there's a spectacular Maritime Festival taking place. You can also take a Whale Watching, Bear Watching or Fjord Tour. But we're opting to take a ferry to Haines for one day. Actually a better option than a Fjord Tour, in my opinion because it's cheaper and you see the same kind of landscape. However, you only have about 3 hours to explore the town, and you're basically on a boat for 10 hours, but if you wanna get out of Juneau for a day, and see some scenery, this might be a good option for you.

Haines Brewing Co and Fort Seward.

Wonderful information- thank you!

If you are flying or ferrying to Haines be sure you have your transfers into town lined up.