On the Map: Juneau, Alaska

A year after our wedding, my husband and I took a trip to Alaska—a belated honeymoon of sorts. We debated on where to spend our time and ultimately settled on a week in Alaska’s capital city of Juneau. For two summers in college, my husband lived in Juneau, and the small city holds a special place in his heart. As his new wife, I wanted to experience the place that had come to mean so much to him. (Plus, I’d always wanted to visit Alaska!)

Whether your travel plans take you to Juneau for one day or seven, you’re sure to enjoy all this beautiful and eclectic city has to offer.

The Scenery

Whether it’s majestic mountains, roaring rivers, gigantic glaciers, whooshing waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, or the character of a quaint waterfront town, Juneau offers it all.

The Hiking

Compared to New York or Los Angeles, Juneau might seem like a small town; but its surroundings are larger than life, offering hiking opportunities for every level of hiker—from beginner to advanced. Some of our favorite hikes included Mount Roberts, the East Glacier Loop, and Mount Juneau. Be sure to check out this list of Juneau Hiking Trails. I also recommend water-proof (not water-resistant) hiking gear and a good pair of hiking shoes. (And be sure to pay special attention to all trail signs and follow safe hiking rules.)

The Whales

Every whale-watching experience is unique, and ours was incredible. Not only did we get to spend an afternoon on the water on one of the most beautiful, sunny days of our trip, but we got to witness the phenomenal feeding behavior of humpback whales called bubble-net feeding. (Check out this YouTube video from National Geographic to see what I’m talking about!)

The Fishing

I’m no fisherwoman, but I have to say deep sea fishing is a blast! If time and budget allow, I highly recommend a deep sea fishing excursion. As a bonus, you’ll learn a lot about Halibut, an incredibly interesting species of fish. Who knew their eyes are on the same side of their head?!

The Wildlife

To me, watching a bald eagle soar through the sky is a captivating experience. Keep an eye out, though, on land and sea, because when you’re in Alaska, you don’t have to go to an aquarium or zoo to also see black and brown bears, moose, humpback and killer whales, seals, and a variety of other species.

The Restaurants & Shops

Downtown Juneau is home to mouth-watering seafood restaurants and “shacks,” as well as a variety of shops that offer everything from glacier silt soap and local handmade goods to beautiful jewelry and Alaskan keepsakes. Whether you’re wanting a quick bite of crab (Tracy’s King Crab Shack) or a sweet or savory crepe from the famous Alaskan Crepe Escape, Juneau offers a variety of spots to satisfy every craving. And who would have thought that glacier water would be used to make some of the best craft beer and body soap?! Be sure to check out the Glacier Silt Soap Shop and Alaskan Brewing Co.!

If you’ve been to Juneau, or Alaska, what are some of your favorites? I encourage you to share your Alaska experience in the comments below!