Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Juneau?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Juneau?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Juneau, Alaska? Most people spend two to three days in Juneau during their visit. After all, the historic city will let you take a hike, admire the wonderful scenery, tour the famous sights and museums, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant.
Juneau is the capital of the the state of Alaska, but it's also surrounded by one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. The city is only accessible by sea or air and it is filled with wildlife, history, and nearby glaciers. In town you'll find amazing seafood restaurants and a unique local art scene. Many people visit as part of a cruise, and the town is often bustling with energy and activity.
Do you have one or two days to visit Juneau? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Juneau?
Unfortunately, one day is probably not enough time here. You might feel rushed to enjoy the scenery and nature of Juneau. Most vacationers schedule two to three days to fully experience the historic city. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit, which includes the Mendenhall Glacier.
How to spend a day in Juneau
Known for it's hiking, Juneau sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching ($177)
- Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike ($225)
- Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier ($249)
Juneau is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Juneau, The Last Frontier Self Guided (Smart Phone App/GPS) Audio Walking Tour ($7)
Juneau is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Juneau?
A weekend is usually not enough time to see everything in Juneau such as the Mendenhall Glacier and the hiking, the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the cuisine. Because of everything to see and experience, you'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside two to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your adventure in this city.
Juneau, Alaska
How to spend 2 days in Juneau
Having a weekend (two to three days) in Juneau will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Don't miss the Mendenhall Glacier during your trip to Juneau, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Juneau, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.