Ally Abroad: One Day in Juneau, Alaska: Whale Watching, Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls
- Ally Abroad
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
If you're wondering how to spend one day in Juneau, Alaska, this itinerary has you covered!
When we arrived in Juneau, I knew it would be beautiful, but I wasn't prepared for just how incredible it would be. Every view looked like it belonged on a postcard. This was our second stop on our Alaskan Cruise.
Here's exactly how we spent our day in Juneau and why I'd recommend every single stop.
Start Your Day Whale Watching in Auke Bay
If whale watching is on your Alaska bucket list, don't skip a tour from Auke Bay. It ended up being one of our favorite excursions of the entire cruise. This was definitely a check off my bucket list.
We did a tour on Get Your Guide called Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour. This tour was amazing. It included riding a boat to view the whales, hot chocolate, snacks, a bus to the Mendenhall Glacier & they wait for you to hike Nugget Falls. Then they take you back to the ship port.
Within a short time of leaving the harbor on our warm boat, we spotted humpback whales. Watching them surface, hearing the sound of their breath, and seeing those giant tails disappear beneath the water was something I'll never forget. We even saw them jump out of the water multiple times. They put on a show for us! I was truly in awe! The boat captain will be sure to take you to places to spot them.
Travel Tip: Book an early morning whale watching tour if possible. The light is beautiful for photos, and you'll still have plenty of time afterward to explore Juneau the rest of the day.
Visit the Amazing Mendenhall Glacier
No trip to Juneau is complete without visiting Mendenhall Glacier.
This massive glacier is one of the easiest glaciers in Alaska to visit. The vibrant blue ice, surrounded by evergreen forests and mountain peaks, is even more breathtaking in person than in photos. We spent time taking it all in.
Hike to Nugget Falls
One of my favorite parts of the day was the hike to Nugget Falls. The best part is that it is right beside the Mendenhall Glacier.
The trail is mostly flat, making it an easy walk for families and casual hikers. Plan about 30–45 minutes round trip, plus extra time for photos because trust me, you'll want plenty. Take in all the views on the hike too because these nature views are stunning.
As we reached the falls, the sound of rushing water grew louder until we were standing right beside this incredible waterfall. Looking across the lake at Mendenhall Glacier while standing next to Nugget Falls was easily one of the most beautiful views.
It was one of those moments where you simply stop talking because the scenery says it all.
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes. The trail is easy, but it can be damp & muddy in spots, especially after rain.
Grab a Sweet Treat at the Alaskan Fudge Company
After spending the morning outdoors, we headed back downtown and rewarded ourselves with something sweet at the Alaskan Fudge Company.
The smell alone pulls you through the door. We got caramel corn here.
End the Day at Alaskan Brewing Company
To finish our day, we visited the Alaskan Brewing Company, and it couldn't have been a better ending.
After a full day of exploring, sitting down with a locally brewed Alaskan Hard Seltzers was perfect. We got a flight to try all the different flavors.
Travel Tip: If you're visiting from a cruise ship, keep an eye on the time. Juneau is easy to explore, but it's always smart to allow extra time to return before all aboard.
Tips for Visiting Juneau on a Cruise
Arrive early for popular excursions like whale watching.
Bring comfortable walking shoes.
Have your camera or phone fully charged because you'll be taking photos & videos all day long!
Is One Day in Juneau Enough?
While I could easily spend several days exploring Juneau, I was amazed at how much we experienced in just one day.
From watching humpback whales in Auke Bay to standing in front of Mendenhall Glacier & hiking to Nugget Falls, it was everything I hoped an Alaska port day would be and more.
Juneau completely stole my heart. It's wild, peaceful, and unbelievably beautiful. If you're cruising to Alaska and wondering what to do in Juneau, this itinerary truly offers the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and local flavor.
Have you been to Juneau? I'd love to hear about your favorite experiences in the comments below!
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