Which continental State capital is not accessible from the mainland by road? Juneau, AK. This is a point of pride for the residents.
The primary form of commuting is still by car over the "bridge to nowhere" that connects to a nearby island. Others arrive by various water vehicles including ferry and seaplane. We were told that the crime rate is so low because there is no way out! If someone "steals" a car while the ferry is in town, then it is "theft" - otherwise it is "joyriding".
Mt. Roberts is the first thing you see as you disembark. It rises several hundred feet over the downtown area and you can ride an aerial tram to the top for . If you see any clouds on the mountain - don't bother to ride up. You won't see anything but the clouds!
Mendenhall Glacier is nearby and there are many tours that stop here. The visitor center has a short film that explains much about the glacier's history and its future. There is even a trail that will take you almost to the foot of the glacier - take the hike if you have the time. The waterfall at the end is spectacular!
Glacier Gardens is an unusual landscape experience. Uprooted trees are used as baskets for a profusion of flowers. You can ride to the top of the mountain through the Tongass National Forest and view the changing vegetation. Moss covers anything that doesn't move! It must be the Kudzu of the North.
Want to walk on a glacier? Fly over an ice field? Ride on a dogsled? Book a tour! You will pay premium prices for these premium tours, but how many times in your life will you be able to ride in a real dogsled behind a team of real sled-dogs? Once? Twice?
Juneau is a modern city with a pioneer soul. Enjoy it and explore it!
Quick Tips:
Take more cash than you think you will need - tips are expected by the drivers and tour guides. A dollar or two per person will be enough.
If you want one of the premium tours, book it through your cruise company. That way, if the tour runs late, the ship will wait for you.
Talk to your shipboard shopping expert and ask for recommendations for special purchases. Most of the shops that they will refer you to will stand behind their products, even when you are 3,000 miles away.
Eat your meals aboard ship. It is not easy to get served quickly in the restaurants in town. That time could be better spent on a tour or shopping!
Use the coupon books that are available on board. You can get freebies in every port that can serve as the extra "trinkets" for the grandkids or other youngsters.
Wear your walking shoes. The town is not that big and is flat so walking is easy.
If you are transported to the pier by tender, be sure to allow that extra time to get back to the ship. When the Captain says that the last tender is at 7:30pm - he means by the ship's clock. Be at the pier several minutes ahead of time or you might have to book a plane to meet the ship at the next port.Best Way To Get Around:
You can walk the streets of Juneau very easily. All of the stores and restaurants are handicap accessible and the sidewalks are wide enough for walkers and wheelchairs.
Tour buses are available on the pier. Book though the cruise line or take one of the open ones that are available.
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