Whether you have a few hours between shore excursions or several days to explore, Juneau invites you to create a unique Alaskan adventure. Nestled between towering mountains and the pristine waters of the Inside Passage, Alaska’s capital offers far more than a typical cruise stop. One moment you can be savoring fresh-caught seafood at a waterfront café, the next hiking rainforest trails that lead to breathtaking glacier views, or boarding a whale-watching cruise in search of humpbacks and orcas. History buffs can explore Gold Rush landmarks and fascinating museums, while nature lovers can wander colorful botanical gardens, spot bald eagles soaring overhead or venture onto the ice at the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. Whether your perfect day is filled with outdoor adventure, local flavors, wildlife encounters or cultural discoveries, Juneau makes it easy to craft an unforgettable journey that may inspire you to stay long after your ship has sailed.

Unlike any other U.S. state capital, Juneau has no roads connecting it to other towns. The only way in is by boat or plane – a fitting introduction to a destination of untamed wilderness. Whether you glide into port through the scenic Gastineau Channel or descend by air over snowcapped peaks and lush old-growth vibrant green forests, arriving in Juneau feels like stepping into one of Alaska’s last great frontiers.

Eat Local

If you only have a few hours in Juneau, get a taste of the area (and its landmarks, restaurants and native history), with Juneau Food Tours. Begin by paying respects at the curved fishermen’s memorial, which is strategically angled to amplify sound. You won’t have to wait in line to sample Tracy’s King Crab Shack bisque and crab cakes, rockfish tacos at Deckhand Dave’s, or grilled salmon at the Smokehouse, owned and operated by the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. These are just some of the spots on the Tour with Taste Menu, which costs around $150, where your guide bypasses the lines to bring you a plethora of local bites and sips.

Before lines form on “cruise days,” make your way to Tracy’s King Crab Shack for an indulgent meal, but be prepared to spend $100-150 per person for the luscious cracked crab, crab bisque, and crab cakes. Did you know there are 4 species of Alaskan King Crab? Red King Crab is the most famous and prized – known for its large size and rich, buttery meat – but locals say that a significant portion now comes from Russian waters, as the crustaceans are typically only caught locally in winter if there is a surplus. Golden King Crab are much more abundant and affordable – with their smaller size yielding slightly sweeter, more tender meat. Blue King Crab is a very rare, premium, sweet variety; and Scarlet King Crab are so small and uncommon that the species is commercially undesirable.

Read the full article sharing our Juneau travel tips on JohnnyJet.com.