Low Cost/Free Activities in Juneau Alaska

*Last Updated on 6/14/2026

Alaska is home to some of the most spectacular, bucket-list excursions in the world. Everything from a helicopter glacier landings and dog sledding to private whale watching. But at $500+ per person, the costs for a family add up fast. The secret to planning a flawless Alaska cruise without blowing your budget is blending those massive bucket-list splurges with incredible, low-cost local gems right in port. Here is how I help my clients balance their Juneau itineraries.

While Juneau may look small on a map, the logistics can catch you off-guard if you don't plan ahead. Here are a few of my recommended activities that are lower in cost to help offset those once-in-a-lifetime excursions.

The Capitol Building

The Alaska State Capitol Building

120 4th St. Juneau, Alaska

Exploring the Alaska State Capitol building is the perfect low-key activity if you have an hour or two to spare before or after your primary shore excursions. It is only a 10 to 15-minute walk from the cruise docks, and my family actually squeezed this in right before we headed off on our Juneau seaplane adventure. (As a side note: I highly recommend our seaplane tour.)

Advisor tip: Be prepared for a small workout. While only 10-15 minutes away it is a very steep hill to walk here. There are a few fun shops and places to eat along the way.

Once you arrive at the Alaska State Capitol Building, take a self-guided tour. Plan about 20-30 minutes to walk through it. They provide physical maps right at the entrance, or you can easily download the digital map to your phone here.

Juneau Voices

Walk from the cruise port

Just steps from the cruise port is a hidden gem, the "Juneau Voices" installation. This is another great budget-friendly option to do before or after your cruise excursion in Juneau. This audio tour features local Indigenous people, historians, and residents sharing their personal stories and memories of the city. As you walk through downtown, you will find special signs where you can listen to these incredible local histories right on your smartphone. It brings a wonderful, authentic layer of culture to your port day that most tourists completely miss! View the walking map or click here to learn more.

Advisor tip: Since you will be listening to these stories on your personal phone, make sure to pack a comfortable pair of earbuds in your daypack before leaving the ship!

Nugget Falls

Nugget Falls is located in the Tongass National Forest at the base of Bullard Mountain and can be accessed from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.  It is a relatively easy trail that is 2 miles in length and takes around an hour to complete round-trip. You are rewarded with beautiful views of Nugget Falls, which is 377 feet tall! The falls are a result of ice melting from Nugget Glacier. In addition to the waterfall, you can also see Mendenhall Glacier. This is a popular trail during the summer months. As a result, except crowds.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

6000 Glacier Spur Rd, Juneau, Alaska

A trip to Juneau isn't complete without a stop to marvel at the Mendenhall Glacier. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is where you can see the famous Mendenhall Glacier which is a 13 mile long river of ice. You can also spot icebergs floating in Mendenhall Lake. Keep your eye out for wildlife here as well. You maybe able to see bears, mountain goats, beavers, and spawning salmon depending on when you visit. Please note: There is a nominal fee to enter.

Bonus for families:

If you have young travelers, check out the ranger program. There are two offered. One specifically for Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and one for the entire Tongass National Forest. Click here to learn more.

While you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to get to the Mendenhall Glacier, I highly recommend booking a tour to see Mendenhall Glacier in case it reaches capacity. When there are 5 or more ships in the city, it can be busy and waiting for that taxi of shuttle takes away precious time to see Mendenhall Glacier and other sites around Juneau. When I plan your Alaska cruise, helping select which tour is perfect is part of my services. Schedule a consultation here.

Juneau-Douglass City Museum

114 W. 4th Street Juneau, Alaska

The Juneau Douglass Museum teaches the history of Juneau. It is a great place to learn about the people and cultures of the Tlingit, Aak'w Kwáan and T'aaku Kwáan. As with many cities in Alaska, Juneau has a history of mining. There is an exhibit dedicated to learning about the mining history as well. Note: They do offer walking tours, including one that is geology focused. Reservations are required and there is an additional cost. Click here to learn more.

It is a Blue Star Museum meaning members of the military (plus 5 family members) get in for free. There is a nominal cost for the general public.

From picking the perfect itinerary, ship, and cabin to balancing your budget with the perfect mix of high-end splurges and local free gems, planning an Alaska cruise has a lot of moving parts. Don't spend hours guessing on cruise engine websites. At Markwood Magic, I handle all the logistics, shore excursions, and deck plans so you can just focus on the breathtaking scenery. Click here to schedule a consultation for your Alaska cruise.

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