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Juneau: The Last Frontier to a Good Vacation
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items Last August, I had an amazing opportunity to visit Juneau, AK for a two week cruise that included exploring Juneau and the neighboring villages. Here are some of the places I stayed, ate, and enjoyed for your next visit to Alaska's Capitol!
Sections
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Cruise and Inside Passage
Juneau
Cruise and Inside Passage
The best cruise I have been on and some of the fun places we visited along the way. We ate a majority of our meals on the ship.
I am the least cruise person ever. I rather not pay a ton of money to be stuck on a ship with thousands of strangers. HOWEVER, I had an amazing time on ACL. Less than 500 people, incredibly accommodating staff and more chill for a true, relaxing vaca...
Alaskan Small Ship Cruises | American Cruise Lines
Haines was an epic place that was relatively flat (imo). But I did enjoy my time here as it was absolutely beautiful!
Haines, Alaska
If this town rings a bell (church bells, that is), it's because it was the setting of a popular movie with Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock :) and it is more endearing than the movie makes it out to be! Kind people going about their days. We did a sh...
Sitka, Alaska
Out of all the places we visited on the cruise, Bartlett Cove was my top. We hiked through moss-covered forest. Ate fresh strawberries right off the road. The tranquility here was truly unmatched and STUNNING.
Bartlett Cove
Petersburg was one of my favorite places to visit. It is super small but seeing the fishermen do what they do was incredible. The Norwegian part of town was also awe-inspiring. We also had super good ice cream and coffee here :)
Petersburg, AK
This quaint village is nestled in a remote region of the inside passage that gives it an incredibly homey small-town feel. The people were amazing. The tours were fun. And the weather was perfect! I personally loved going to petroglyph beach and catc...
Wrangell, Alaska
Came to AK to see some predatory birds? This sanctuary houses Alaska's most famous birds such as the eagle.
Alaska Raptor Center - Sitka
This walk was so so beautiful. Amongst the trees are Tlingit totem poles
Sitka National Historical Park
This large orthodox church sits in the heart of downtown Sitka. A jawdropping piece of history
St Michael's Orthodox Cath…
This small walk was a great way to spend time outdoors while learning more about Sitka's history
Baranof Castle State Historic Site - Sitka
If you have wanted to see a bear but wanted the safety, the Fortress was very interesting way to watch them go about their daily lives
Fortress of the Bear - Sitka
Frederick Sound was one of the coolest stretches of water we cruised through and saw TONS of whales and sea otters and plenty of sea lions! We also caught the northern lights accidentally! Once in a lifetime experience for me!
Frederick Sound
This observatory was a great way to really watch the bears do their daily lives safely and in the wild.
Anan Creek Bear Observatory - Wrangell
I enjoyed this part of Wrangell so so much. The ocean was so nice (at the right tide) and the petroglyphs were incredible
Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site - Wrangell
I may have been tired of walking, but it was worth the visit simply for Cheddar! The in-house Corgi (my photo) :)
Russell’s Outdoor Gear Store - Sitka
If you or someone you love is obsessed with collecting hammers, this museum was made for that. Personally, it was really cool seeing the signed “Home Improvement” hammer from Tim Allen. Really interesting museum.
Hammer Museum - Haines
This was HANDS DOWN my favorite leg of the cruise. The water, the glaciers, the icebergs, the rocks. It was all mystifying and jaw dropping. If you ever have somewhere to visit on your bucket list, be sure to make Tracy Arm at the top!!
Tracy Arm Fjords
This was a very eclectic museum that showcased the history of Wrangell and the native land
Wrangell Museum
The Sitka Library had some of the best views! Just an inside tip ;)
Sitka Public Library
This house was at the end of a peninsula next to the sitka library and was utterly beautiful.
W.P. Mills House - Sitka
Can I just say how jealous I was to walk into the most stunning library I have ever been to and meet some of the nicest people ever? We even bought some books that they were clearing out.
Petersburg Public Library
Juneau
Here are some of the places we explored prior to our cruise!
If you're looking for a great vibe and delectable tacos, then Deckhand Dave's will not disappoint! Be in line before they open though because it grows FAST.
Deckhand Dave's Fish Tacos
Sitting on the corner of the Taku Fish Company, the Twisted Fish was one of the best meals we had in Juneau (HIGHLY recommend the fish and chip basket - SO GOOD!)
Twisted Fish Company Alaskan Grill | Juneau, AK
We ate here the first night we were in and the burger was such a good way to end the day. It had a kick, it was juicy, YUM and the waffle fries.
Alaskan Brewing Public House
This epic food truck is located right next to the Baranof hotel and has killer big burgers and BBQ
Pucker Wilson's
Whether you're looking for a savory lunch crepe or a sweet breakfast crepe, the crepes are amazing. Personally, I loved the strawberry and cream one. This was a great pick-me-up for walking around town
Alaskan Crepe Escape
looking for a chill and eat type of a meal? This restaurant sits on the water and you can watch the sea planes come in while eating good food
The Hangar On The Wharf
We ate here for dinner and the pizza was pretty good and it had a mellow atmosphere which was nice. Not great for picky eaters though. However I love that this is on the wharf too.
ROMA | Bistro on the Wharf
If you're in the mood for tasty street food, this is one of the best in downtown. It smells amazing every time you walk by too
Carrillo's Caldo
I was lucky enough to spend the night at the Baranof prior to the cruise and I LOVED the feel of it. Historical yet modern. The door handles and the bathrooms were rather vintage but the room was clean. We had a room facing the street and I woke up i...
Baranof Downtown, BW Signature Collection
This spooky hotel is not only one you can stay at for fun, it is also reportedly haunted and has an old time vibe that makes it fun!
The Alaskan Hotel and Bar
We got in town early and couldn't check in to our hotel yet so we took a LONG hike around the most gorgeous glacier river I've ever seen. There is also a walking trail at the top of the gondola. There are so many places to hike. Truly an outdoor pers...
Hiking in Juneau, Alaska | Best Trails & Nature Walks
If you're into the history of Juneau, this mine tour was informational but also fun to see a part of the real life of living there as a miner.
AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tour
Looking for a more knowledgeable side of Juneau? The state museum was largely incredible
Alaska State Museum
This museum is an incredible piece of history showing the beauty of the Tlingit tribe in the Juneau area
Sealaska Heritage Institu…
I'm not a huge crab eater, however, it was really good although I had the pulled pork sandwich which I enjoyed. The line was super long so get here early.
Tracy's King Crab Shack, Juneau
If you're like me and always have room for ice cream, especially on vacay, then Coppa is the shop for Juneau!
Coppa
Looking for the most epic view of Southeast AK? The Goldbelt Tram takes you to the top of the mountain where there is a restaurant, gift shop and walking trails. It is expensive though
Goldbelt Tram
I'm not usually much of a tour seeker, BUT when it's iffy weather and you have limited time to see most of a city, the trolley tour was worth it! Less expensive than the tram and fun guides. You also get to see the majority of downtown while adventur...
Juneau City Trolley and Hatchery Tour
If you're interested most in the history of Juneau's life as the capital, then check to see if they are offering tours during your visit! It was very interesting piece of history.
Alaska State Capitol Building
This was essentially my first impression of Juneau and it did not disappoint at all. We hiked up there from Downtown (about an hour) and WOW was it stunning. The color of the water was insane and it was immediately calming
Cope Park