Your Ultimate 3 Day Itinerary for Juneau, Alaska
Planning a trip to Juneau, Alaska and wondering how to make the most of your time? Whether you’re here for a short visit or a long weekend, this 3 day itinerary covers the best things to do in Juneau—rain or shine. From glacier hikes and scenic trams to food trucks and cozy coffee shops, we’ve got local tips to help you experience it all. Use this flexible itinerary to build your perfect Alaskan adventure.
As most locals know, most things in Juneau are weather dependent. So to start out here are some recommendations depending on the weather you are experiencing during your trip to Juneau.
Day 1: Sunny Day in Juneau
Mount Roberts Tram & & Scenic Hike
Oh man, there is nothing quite like a sunny day in Juneau. When all the mountains are visible and the sunlight is reflecting on the many waterways it feels like you are living in a picture.
The number one thing to do on a sunny day in Juneau is visit the Mount Roberts Tram. Park in downtown Juneau- there are places you can pay to park close by or drive a little further down for a free parking lot to your left and walk along the cruise ship docks to get to the tram building.
Enjoy the short ride up the mountain with views of downtown Juneau and the Gastineau channel. Once you arrive you will disembark from the tram and enter the Mountain House. There are plenty of windows to help you take in the gorgeous 360 degree views.
In the Mountain House, you will find a restaurant, coffee shop, and gift shop. But don’t spend all your time indoors! At the very least, you can take a short (but steep) trail to the famous Father Brown’s Cross. This trail is about 1 mile. From there you can choose to turn around or continue on to reach the alpine or even summit the mountain!
Local Tip: Pack water and snacks and give yourself time to stop and soak in the views. You might even spot marmots, mountain goats, or black bears!
Deckhand Dave’s & Food Truck Village
Hiking in the Alaskan sun is a great way to work up an appetite. Once you are done with your adventure on Mount Roberts, head down the mountain and drive (or walk) to Deckhand Daves.
This local favorite lives in a food truck village in downtown Juneau. Sample a little from here, Crepe Escape, and other unique stops in the area.
Local Tip: Halibut tacos from Deckhand Dave’s are a must-try, especially with their house-made sauces.
Day 2: Rainy Day in Juneau
Fuel Up at Local Coffee Shops
First, stop and get some coffee or tea with your breakfast to fuel your adventures and stay warm on a rainy day. If you’d like to have a slow morning and sit with your cozy beverage and a book, our favorite spots are: Heritage Coffee, and the Northern Tea House.
Juneau also has many drive-thru coffee stands with great coffee at a faster pace. Our favorite drive-thrus are The Grind Coffee Co. and Flying Squirrel. Both of these coffee shops have multiple locations around town.
Local Tip: Try the pistachio rose latte from Flying Squirrel or the vanilla dream from the Grind Coffee Shop.
Auke Lake Trail: A Rain-Friendly Forest Walk
With your coffee in hand, now you are ready for a protected walk through the beautiful Tongass National Forest. Park at Goat Hill Road- only a two minute drive from Glacier Nalu Campground. Auke Lake Trail is accessible from here. It is a beautiful, heavily wooded trail that follows along Auke Lake. It is a 2.3 mile out-and-back gravel trail.
Local Tip: This is a great trail for rainy days thanks to the tree cover. Plus, it’s dog-friendly (on leash)!
Alaska State Museum
After your hike, dry off and warm up at the Alaska State Museum! It is downtown and has a parking garage to make parking easy and keep you out of the rain. There are many exhibits and interesting things to see and read. You can easily spend a couple of hours learning about Alaska Native tribes and Alaska History.
Local Tip: Check the museum calendar for seasonal exhibits or special events!
Day 3: Adventure Tour Day (Rain or Shine)
Rain or shine, something you don’t want to miss is a tour from Above & Beyond Alaska! Check out their Juneau Day Tours they have several tours- all of which will keep you active and become a once in a lifetime experience with amazing memories. Whether you choose a glacier hike and exploration, a kayaking with whales trip, or a journey to the “Fortress of the Bear” to see brown bears in their natural habitat you won’t regret it!
Local Tip: Book in advance, especially in summer. Tours fill up quickly!
Dinner at Red Spruce & Drinks at Forbidden Peak Brewery
After your amazing tour, unwind and fill up at Red Spruce and Forbidden Peak Brewery in Auke Bay. After that, it’s just a short drive back to your cozy Glacier Nalu accommodations.
Local Tip: Try the seasonal spruce tip ale or any of the small-batch brews on tap.
Make Glacier Nalu Your Adventure Basecamp
With so many incredible experiences packed into just three days, you’ll want a relaxing, comfortable place to recharge each evening. Glacier Nalu Campground offers a range of accommodations, from cozy tiny homes and glamping tents to RV sites, all nestled in the rainforest and minutes from Juneau’s top attractions.
Book your stay today and let Glacier Nalu be your home base for adventure in Juneau!
