Juneau, Alaska’s capital, offers a wealth of complimentary or inexpensive experiences. Since we’ve visited the capital more than ten times, we found many wallet-friendly activities. From historical landmarks to breathtaking landscapes, we share excursion-free things to do.
The city is home to a variety of attractions, from the stunning Mendenhall Glacier and scenic Eagle Beach to the peaceful National Shrine of St. Thérèse. Visitors can also explore numerous free hiking trails, all offering a chance to experience the area’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you explore Juneau’s top budget-friendly attractions. Some of these aren’t walkable from downtown, so you’ll need a car or use transit to access them.
Exploring Juneau’s Natural Beauty
Juneau is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and rainforests featuring the region’s diverse ecosystems. Whether you fly into the city or have one day in Alaska’s capitol, check out these must-see places.
Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area
In Mendenhall Valley, Mendenhall Glacier is undoubtedly Juneau’s most iconic natural attraction. Due to climate change, this glacier is rapidly retreating, so we suggest a visit before it’s not viewable. During the winter months (October through April), the Visitor Center offers complimentary admission.
During peak season, it charges a fee of USD 5 to access the Visitor Center and Steep Creek trail. The recreation area features several well-maintained trails suitable for different fitness levels.
The Nugget Falls Trail (2 miles roundtrip) leads to a spectacular 377-foot waterfall near the glacier’s face. Photo Point Trail provides easy access to glacier viewpoints and requires minimal hiking. The park fee isn’t necessary to use these trails or more challenging hikes in the area.
For experienced hikers, the East Glacier and West Glacier Trails provide more challenging treks. The latter is a 7-mile roundtrip hike on Mendenhall Lake’s west side, offering stunning glacier views. It starts out easy with a flat trail but gets more difficult as you go.
Perseverance Trail
This historic trail in the Gold Creek Valley follows the path of Juneau’s mining history. The 2-mile trail (4-mile roundtrip) begins at the end of Basin Road. We walked to Basin Road from Juneau’s AJ dock and enjoyed the historic buildings along the way.
The Perseverance Trail winds through a lush forest alongside Gold Creek, with several informative signs explaining the area’s gold mining past. As we hiked, we encountered mountain views, small waterfalls, and spotted wildlife such as eagles and other birds.
For more adventurous ramblers, the route connects to other hiking trails in Juneau, like Granite Creek and Mount Juneau Trails. These extensions offer more challenging terrain and even more spectacular vistas.
We suggest the Gold Creek Flume nearby if you’re traveling with children and prefer an easier route. Wooden boardwalks next to Gold Creek provide an easy surface for walking, with little to no elevation gain.
Eagle Beach State Recreation Area
Eagle Beach, 15 miles north of downtown Juneau, is easily accessible by public bus (USD 2) during summer, making it a budget-friendly escape. This vast beach area offers stunning views of Lynn Canal, Favorite Channel, and the surrounding mountains.
The area is aptly named for its large population of bald eagles, which we saw perched on logs and soaring high above. Visitors can also observe other wildlife including seals, whales (from the shore during summer), and numerous bird species.
During low tide, the expansive mud flats provide excellent opportunities for beachcombing and discovering marine creatures. We recommend checking tide schedules before visiting.
Several picnic tables and fire rings are free of charge, perfect for a cost-free day trip.
Juneau’s Historical Landmarks
Juneau’s rich history is preserved in several landmark buildings that offer visitors free access to explore Alaska’s political and cultural heritage. These historical sites provide insight into the state’s governance and development since becoming the capital in 1906.
Alaska State Capitol
The Alaska State Capitol, built in 1931, welcomes visitors with complimentary self-guided weekday tours. The building’s simple neoclassical design reflects the territory’s limited funds during construction. Yet, its marble columns and portico create an impressive entrance.
I explored the legislative chambers, watched a session, admired murals of Alaska’s history, and saw the governor’s formal office. Centrally located, it’s easy to reach and made a great activity on a rainy day.
St. Nicholas Orthodox Russian Church
St. Nicholas Orthodox Russian Church is one of Juneau’s oldest buildings. Constructed in 1894, it symbolizes Alaska’s Russian and Indigenous heritage. Funded by the local Tlingit community and Russian Orthodox clergy, it represents blending cultures through faith.
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church is a landmark in Alaska’s religious and cultural history with its unique octagonal design, historic icons, and artifacts. While its exterior design is simple, its gold onion-shaped dome reminded me of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Sitka, another prominent Orthodox church.
Juneau-Douglas City Museum
This free museum (donations suggested) offers an excellent overview of Juneau’s development from a gold mining camp to Alaska’s capital city. Located in the historic Veterans Memorial Building, it presents a comprehensive look at local history.
Exhibits highlight the Indigenous Tlingit culture alongside displays about mining history and the city’s evolution. The museum features photographs, artifacts, and interactive elements that bring the past to life.
We recommend the “Mining Gallery,” which demonstrates gold panning techniques and equipment used during the Gold Rush era. The museum also offers complimentary walking tour maps of downtown Juneau for those interested in exploring the historic district independently.
Governor’s Mansion
Perched on a hill overlooking downtown Juneau, the Governor’s Mansion has served as the official residence of Alaska’s governors since 1912. This stately white colonial-style home at 716 Calhoun Ave features classic columns.
Though interior access is limited to special events like the annual Christmas open house, the exterior is worth viewing during a walking city tour. The mansion encompasses over 14,400 square feet of living space across four floors.
Cultural Experiences
Juneau offers several enriching cultural experiences that are either complimentary or cost very little.
Last Chance Mining Museum
The Last Chance Mining Museum documents Juneau’s gold mining past in an authentic historical setting. Located in the Last Chance Basin, this museum occupies the former compressor building of the Alaska-Juneau Gold Mining Company.
The museum operates seasonally, typically from May through September. While admission is complimentary, donations are appreciated to help maintain this important historical site.
Operated by the Gastineau Channel Historical Society, the Last Chance Mining Museum offers a glimpse into Juneau’s rich mining history. Visitors can explore historic mining equipment, artifacts, and photographs that showcase the area’s mining boom.
The museum is housed in original structures with machinery dating back to its operation, which continued until 1944. To reach the site, guests must walk a quarter mile from the road, cross a bridge, and head uphill.
Shrine of St. Therese
The National Shrine of St. Therese isn’t visited often as its 22 miles north of downtown. We stopped by when we had a rental car from Turo. Set on a small island accessible by a causeway, this spiritual sanctuary welcomes visitors of all faiths.
Built in the 1930s by volunteers, the rustic stone chapel blends harmoniously with the coastal landscape. Meditation paths, gardens, and shoreline views offer a serene reflection space. We enjoyed walking through the labyrinth, exploring the columbarium, and appreciating the area’s tranquility.
Wildlife sightings are common here, with eagles, seals, and even whales occasionally visible from shore. The shrine grounds are open year-round from dawn to dusk; best of all, no fee is required.
Treadwell Mine Historic Trail
The Treadwell Mine Historic Trail on Douglas Island features fascinating remnants of what was once one of the world’s largest gold mining operations. This well-maintained path weaves through the ruins of a mining complex that thrived from 1882 to 1922.
Additionally, interpretive signs highlight the significance of the remaining foundations, machinery, and structures. The one-mile looping trail also offers scenic views of the Gastineau Channel.
This hike suits families as the route is relatively flat and provides welcome shade in peak season. Expect to spend 30 to 60 minutes exploring the historic trail.
Totem Poles And Statues
Juneau’s waterfront and public spaces feature impressive artistic and cultural monuments celebrating the region’s heritage. These no-fee attractions allow visitors to appreciate local art while learning about Alaskan history.
We didn’t have to walk far to see numerous examples near the docks.
Totem Pole Trail
Along the waterfront, the Totem Pole Trail features about a dozen wonderfully carved poles from different clans. The totem poles are found throughout downtown and on the trail to the Whale Project at Harris Harbor Way, near the Juneau-Douglas Bridge.
I particularly liked the Wooshkeetaan Kootéeyaa pole, which contains three crests. From the top down, it has an eagle, Berners Bay Mountain, and a shark. The shark was a crest I hadn’t seen in other totem carvings.
Once complete, Kootéeyaa Deiyí, or the Totem Pole Trail, will feature 30 carvings. It was started in 2023 to revitalize the waterfront and create a welcoming gesture to travelers arriving by cruise ship. We saw many of the poles in 2023 and 2024, and they still radiated color with their newness.
The Whale Project
The Whale Project features a life-sized bronze sculpture of a breaching humpback whale located north of the cruise ship docks. Created by Juneau artist Skip Wallen, this impressive statue stands 25 feet tall and mimics the size of a male humpback. In the whale species, females are slightly larger.
The sculpture sits atop an infinity fountain that resembles the splash created when a whale breaches. We walked around the entire installation and took lots of photos to show a whale photo-bombing my selfie.
Nearby, Overstreet Park features several totem poles (part of the Totem Pole Trail) and a 20-foot aluminum canoe sculpture. I particularly liked the canoe, created by Lingít artist Robert Mills. Its silver color contrasts significantly with the greenspace of the Gastineau Channel.
Faces Of Alaska
Outside the Sealaska Heritage Institute, the Faces of Alaska art installation showcases a striking collection of bronze masks.
These masks represent Alaska’s five major Native groups: the Alutiiq, Iñupiat, Yup’ik, and Athabascan. The fifth mask honors the Southeast tribes – Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, united in a single representation.
Patsy Ann The Dog
Patsy Ann was a bull terrier who became famous in Juneau during the 1930s for her uncanny ability to detect incoming ships despite being deaf. A bronze statue honoring this beloved canine stands on the cruise ship dock.
Created by sculptor Anna Burke Harris, the statue depicts Patsy Ann sitting attentively as she would when waiting for ships to arrive. The inscription tells her remarkable story as Juneau’s “official greeter.”
Local tradition encourages visitors to pat Patsy Ann’s head for good luck. This practice has polished parts of the statue to a bright shine over the years.
Further down the boardwalk, another bronze sculpture celebrates the miners who operated in Juneau for over half a century.
Wrapping Up A Budget-Friendly Juneau Visit
Visiting Juneau on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on the city’s incredible experiences. With its breathtaking landscapes, deep-rooted history, and an abundance of free or affordable activities, you can explore glaciers, hike scenic trails, and enjoy local culture without breaking the bank.
Whether watching wildlife at Eagle Beach, touring the Alaska State Capitol, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, Juneau offers unforgettable adventures for every traveler.
With some planning, visitors can enjoy no or low-cost activities, proving that exploring Juneau doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
