Road Trip Around Juneau, AK:
Tips For An Unforgettable Experience

A little research about Juneau, and you’ll discover it has no roads leading into or out of it. This explains why many visitors access the state on a cruise ship. In fact, on peak days, 21,000 people get to Juneau by cruise ship, according to Yahoo News. But once you get to Alaska’s capital by sea or air, a road awaits to be explored by car.

Juneau’s longest main road, The Glacier Highway, stretches for roughly 50 miles and offers a galore of natural wonder. There are lots of options when choosing things to do in Juneau during a drive. Ready to explore how you can make your road trip around Juneau, AK memorable? Read on.

Drive To Mendenhall Glacier

To get to the only glacier accessible by car in southeast Alaska, you’ll drive from downtown Juneau using the Egan Drive road. Make a right turn past the Airport and take the Mendenhall loop road that leads up to the mountains. Your excursion at the Mendenhall Glacier begins at the visitors’ center, where you see great museum exhibits. You’ll also learn how the Glacier has been receding over the years because of climate change.

Short summer Mendenhall Glacier hikes outside the visitors’ center provide a picture-perfect view of the Glacier, surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls. For example, the one-mile trail to the Nugget Falls provides a spectacular view of the waterfall dropping 377 feet into Mendenhall Lake.

For a more mesmerizing view of towering ice that goes on for miles, take the West Glacier Trail. But be cautious when hiking on the West Glacier, as it’s for experienced hikers. That said, be prepared before hitting Juneau’s open road for adventure. Pack smart, from clothing to hiking gear, and snacks, and plan for activities. Your car is something worth considering.

It’s always best to choose the best midsize trucks rated by customers. That way, you’ll be sure your ride has enough space for passengers and luggage, traction control, high fuel economy, and advanced safety features, thus enhancing comfort and safety.

Enjoy The Scenic Drive

This scenic drive on Glacier Highway or “Out the Road” as the locals call it, promises mesmerizing views of picturesque marinas, mountain vistas, and memorable activities at different attraction sites. Once you’re back on the highway from Mendenhall Glacier, drive past Auke Bay to the Jensen-Olson Arboretum. This plant and tree museum is known for its collection of primroses.

On a clear day, you can capture beautiful photos of the Chilkat Mountains during your tour at the arboretum. You don’t want to miss another point of interest along the way. So, stop at Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and learn how to raise salmon species like coho, Chinook, chum, pink, and sockeye. Also, view baby salmon from a sky bridge and get a close-up view of over 150 marine species in touch tanks and aquariums.

The next stop will be at the shrine of St. Therese. Since the shrine sits on an island, you can marvel at superb mountain views and crushing surfs, and spot sea lions and humpback whales. You can stroll around the shrine as you admire statues, and gardens or meditate to recharge your mind and soul. After exploring the shrine, enjoy nature walks on hike trails along the way.

Some trails hug the coast, allowing you to hear and see humpback whales, killer whales, and bald eagles. Heading towards the end of the road at Echo Cove lies The Eagle Beach State Recreation Center. What can you do here? Enjoy beach combing, fishing, bird watching, spotting whales and sea lions, hiking, kayaking, and camping. Juneau’s Sea Trails and the Alaska Marine Highway are also worth exploring.

Drive Around Town

Don’t leave Juneau without exploring the city. Start with a tour of the State Capitol Building. It might not be the most captivating capitol building in the US, but it’s rich in history, with photos and art displaying historic events. Near the capitol building is Alaska’s State Museum which is filled with fascinating artifacts that tell about Alaska’s past.

For example, you can learn more about the Tlingit from the display of totem poles, clothing, and tools, along with explanations of their significance. Your exploration can extend to the farmer’s market and further downtown, where you can buy souvenirs.

For many people, a road trip means driving hundreds of miles, but in Juneau your drive will be short. Though the main road is about 50 miles long, the experience will be memorable, with scenic views and great outdoor adventures.

The key to unforgettable experiences lies in how well you plan your road trip. Know the points of interest in Juneau, choose a reliable ride, and plan for multiple stops and adrenaline-boosting activities. If you need somewhere to pause and grab some R&R on your road trip adventure, learn more about our Juneau hotel that provides the perfect basecamp.