Why Juneau should be on every Alaska traveler's bucket list

Juneau, Alaska, is the only U.S. state capital not accessible by road — a remoteness that adds to its magic and appeal.

Nestled between mountains, rainforest, and the waters of the Inside Passage, Juneau combines Alaska Native heritage, Gold Rush history, and some of the state's most spectacular scenery.

Visitors can watch humpback whales surface offshore, ride a tram above downtown, stand face-to-face with or even on Mendenhall Glacier, a river of ice flowing from the vast Juneau Icefield. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest — the world’s largest temperate rainforest — Juneau offers a quintessential Alaska experience where nature feels immense, and adventure begins just minutes from the cruise dock.

Why Juneau matters

Long before prospectors arrived in search of gold, the area now known as Juneau was home to the Áak’w Kwáan, whose name for this place — Áakʼw, often translated as "little lake" — reflects a deep connection to the surrounding land and water.

Russia later expanded into Alaska through the fur trade, bringing Orthodox missionaries, new trade networks, and profound cultural change to Indigenous communities across the region. Though Juneau rose to prominence during the Gold Rush and became the territorial capital after the United States purchased Alaska in 1867, the city still bears traces of both worlds.

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Juneau offers visitors a richer understanding of America’s layered history — one that's shaped by Native stewardship, Russian influence, and the enduring resilience of southeast Alaska's Indigenous peoples.

What to see today

The star attraction is Mendenhall Glacier, a 13.6-mile-long glacier that descends from the Juneau Icefield into a turquoise lake.

Easy trails lead to roaring Nugget Falls, while boardwalks along Steep Creek offer chances to spot spawning salmon and black bears. Back downtown, colorful floatplanes skim the harbor and the Mount Roberts Tramway lifts visitors above the city for sweeping views of Gastineau Channel and the surrounding mountains.  

Ask a local

One of Juneau’s most whimsical attractions is Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, tucked into the Tongass rainforest just outside downtown.

Locals and visitors alike love the upside-down trees known as "Flower Towers" — massive spruce trunks planted root-side up, bursting with colorful blooms. The display is a unique (and accidental) creation of master gardener Steve Bowhay.

It's an eccentric sight that feels uniquely Alaskan, blending lush rainforest scenery with a touch of horticultural imagination.  

Plan your visit

• Best time: May through September for the cruise season and wildlife viewing.
• Hours/admission: Mendenhall Glacier grounds are open year-round. Some attractions charge admission.
• Getting there: Reachable only by plane, ferry, or cruise ship.
• Learn more: https://www.alaska.org/detail/glacier-gardens-rainforest-adventure