Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Juneau?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Juneau?

For many visitors, three days here would be just the right amount of time. In fact, lots of tourists spend roughly two to three days in the historic city to check out the amazing hiking and terrific beautiful scenery. Below we have some suggestions on how to spend your time here.

How to spend 3 days 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.

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.

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Juneau, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Juneau.

Is 4 days enough time in Juneau?

Four days is more than enough time to see everything in the area. Many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, so you'll be able to take a hike, admire the wonderful scenery, tour the famous sights and museums, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the region.

Juneau, Alaska

How to spend 4 days in Juneau

Having 4 days in Juneau will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

Shopping in Juneau is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Is 5 days enough time in Juneau?

Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything here. You can move at your own pace spend extra time enjoying the hiking, the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the cuisine. You could also use the area as a base for exploring other nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region, too.

How to spend 5 days in Juneau

With 5 days in Juneau, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Juneau, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Juneau, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.