Overview
Juneau, Alaska’s remote capital city, is uniquely accessible only by air or water — no roads connect it to the outside world. Squeezed between the towering Tongass National Forest (America’s largest national forest) and the Gastineau Channel, the city offers glacier viewing at the Mendenhall Glacier, world-class whale watching, and pristine Alaskan wilderness within minutes of downtown. As a major cruise ship port, it sees over a million visitors during the summer season.
No currency exchange needed. Alaska prices are notably higher than the Lower 48 due to remoteness and shipping costs — expect 20-30% premiums on food and lodging. The tourist season runs May through September, with June-August being peak. May and September offer lower prices and fewer cruise ships. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of when you visit.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget ($100-$160/day): Stay in a hostel or budget hotel ($80-$130/night), eat at food trucks and casual spots ($18-$30/day), hike the free Mendenhall Glacier trails and downtown waterfront, and ride the local bus ($2/ride).
Mid-Range ($200-$350/day): Book a mid-range hotel or B&B ($170-$300/night), dine at seafood restaurants ($35-$60/day), take a whale watching cruise ($150-$200), and visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center ($5) and Alaska State Museum ($15).
Luxury ($450-$700+/day): Reserve a luxury lodge or waterfront hotel ($350-$700+/night), enjoy fine Alaskan seafood dining ($70-$150/day), book a helicopter glacier landing and dog sledding combo ($350-$500), and arrange private fishing charters ($300-$500).
How to Save Money in Juneau
- Hike to Mendenhall Glacier for free via the East Glacier or Nugget Falls trails — no tour needed.
- Take the free downtown walking tour to learn Juneau’s gold rush and Alaska Native history.
- Eat at food trucks near the cruise port for fresh halibut tacos and reindeer sausage at half restaurant prices.
- Visit in May or September for lower hotel rates and fewer cruise ship crowds.
- If arriving by cruise ship, skip the expensive shore excursions and explore independently on foot and by bus.
Worth the Splurge
- A helicopter tour landing on the Mendenhall or Juneau Icefield — walk on ancient glacial ice ($250-$400).
- A whale watching cruise in the Gastineau Channel — humpback sightings are nearly guaranteed in summer ($150-$200).
- Fresh Alaskan king crab or halibut at Tracy’s King Crab Shack, a Juneau institution ($30-$50).
- A float plane trip to a remote glacier or bear viewing site in the Tongass National Forest ($250-$450).