The 49th State
Many times, I read and heard about the raw beauty of the 49th State, Alaska. The enchanting picturesque landscape is like stepping into a photograph. It is something I desire to see. I think I will start by visiting the capital. Do you know Juneau? Have you been there? Let’s virtually plan a trip and things to do in Juneau, Alaska.
General Info About Juneau
Juneau is the capital of Alaska. It is surrounded by rugged terrain, and no roads connect the city to the rest of the state. Goods coming and going out of Juneau are by plane or boat. The capital sits between Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts, and Gastineau Channel. Although the population is approximately 32,000 people, Juneau has the largest land area than any city in the United States. Do you know Juneau, a former mining town, has a bustling waterfront? Did you know you can see a magnificent glacier? Let’s find out more about what we can see and do in Juneau.
Getting There
Traveling from my home airport, O’Hare International Airport affords me a few airline options. Daily flights to Juneau leave from Chicago. Perfect for my 4-5 day trip. I also can choose airlines: Alaska Air, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines. It’s good to have choices. All of the flights have a layover, and I do not see any nonstop flights. Prepare for a long day of travel because getting there can range from a few hours to several hours. It depends on where your trip begins or what part of the United States you depart.
Some people choose to arrive by boat. Do you know Juneau has over one million cruise ship visitors pass through each year? Alaskan cruises are top-rated and profitable during non-pandemic times. Tourism plays a significant role in the Alaskan economy.
Places to Stay in Juneau
Downtown Juneau has plenty of options for visitors to rest their heads and feet. Hotels and Bed & Breakfast have rooms available. To plan my future, post-pandemic trip, I searched Trip Advisor and Travel Alaska. If f you prefer camping, cabins, or hostels, they are available, too. I’m more of a hotel kind of girl. Also, depending on your budget, Juneau offers a variety of affordable options.
Pearson’s Pond Luxury Suites and Vacation Rentals is a place that is away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its location is in the Mendenhall Valley and five minutes from the Mendenhall Glacier and Auke Bay. Pearson’s offers two-bedroom and two-bathroom suites. In fifteen minutes, you can be downtown to fill your day with tours and things to do.
The Beachside Villa Luxury Suites caught my eye. Six comfortable rooms and suites are very accommodating. Enjoy the in-room fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, private balconies, and more during your stay. I can see myself enjoy the scenery of the snow-capped mountains and gorgeous water views. Beachside Villa Luxury Suites offers special packages and tours to fit a traveler’s needs.
Four Points Sheraton Juneau Stay downtown in the city’s only branded hotel. It is part of the Marriott brand. Its location is in the historic downtown district. The hotel is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, museums, and other tourist attractions. The beauty of it all is that this hotel is steps away from Seadrome Marina and the waterfront. Hotel rooms and junior suites are available to accommodate you.
Airbnb rentals and vacation homes are available for rent in Juneau. Do your research and read reviews before making reservations.
Things to Do
Do you know that Juneau is the only state capital in the United States that can only be reached by airplane or boat? Juneau’s waterfront bustles with fishing boats and cruise ships. Another beauty of the city is that it is a maze of narrow streets and 19th-century architecture remaining from the gold mining days.
Mount Roberts Tram
Do you know Juneau has a tram? It is called the Mount Roberts Tramway, one of the city’s top attractions. If you are not scared of heights, this is a fun addition to the to-do list. Make sure you have a camera and enjoy a five-minute ride. Get in one of the tram cars and rise 1,800 feet from the cruise ship dock in downtown Juneau. Glide through the rain forest to the Mountain House, look at the expansive, panoramic views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel. The Mount Roberts Tram is one of the most vertical tramways in the world!
Museums
Here are a few museums to visit during a stay in Juneau. The A-J Mine and the Last Chance Mining Museum allows you to learn more about Juneau’s gold mining past. Then there is the Juneau-Douglas Museum, which features local history, art, and culture. The Walter Soboleff Building has a broad representation of Native art of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Tribes. Lastly, visit the Alaska State Museum to learn more about all Alaskan regions’ history, art, and culture.
Mendenhall Glacier & Tongass National Forest
What I want to experience most of all is viewing one of the most astounding natural wonders in Alaska. A twelve-mile drive from downtown Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier. It is located in the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. Mendenhall Glacier is about 13.6 miles long, located in Mendenhall Valley. I imagine watching floating icebergs in Mendenhall Lake while surrounded by snow-capped mountains in my mind’s eye. Over 400,000 tourists visit the glacier each year.
I can also imagine observing bears and eagles in their natural habitats. I can see spawning salmon in streams, hike a trail, or ride in a dog sled while visiting Tongass National Forest just miles away from Juneau. What a wondrous feeling it must be to see and experience it all in person.
More Tours in Juneau
Spend 4-5 days in Juneau can lead to many adventures. Whatever your passion, you can find something to do during a visit. I plan to get to know Juneau and look forward to checking out culinary and tasting tours and day tours. Can’t you taste the delicious crab and salmon dishes? Seeing the incredible Mendenhall Glacier via a helicopter tour of the Tongass National Fores is a thrilling thought. I hope to see Humpback and Orca whales while on a whale watching tour. Hiking is not my forte, but I want to try trekking or hiking some of the forest trails. Juneau is a very walkable city, so make sure you are having a good pair of walking shoes. You also need warm clothes during this trip. For more information about tours, Viator is a good source for various types of tours.
Closing
Travel is limited in 2020, but I am planning my 2021 travel binges. A journey to Alaska is a dream now, and it will be a reality very soon. Meanwhile, planning takes research to ensure I can fully enjoy all that Juneau has to offer. A big hope of mine is that this post will inspire you to get to know Juneau, too.
Travel Juneau https://www.traveljuneau.com/
