Juneau

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a city defined by its wide-open scenery and unique geographic isolation. Located on the Gastineau Channel in the Alaska Panhandle, it is the only state capital in the United States that is inaccessible by road; one must arrive by boat or plane. Founded in 1880 during a gold rush sparked by prospectors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris, the city quickly grew from a mining camp into a bustling administrative center, becoming the capital in 1906. Spanning over 3,200 square miles, Juneau is geographically one of the largest municipalities in North America, encompassing vast stretches of wilderness, including the massive Juneau Icefield. The city's most famous natural landmark is the Mendenhall Glacier, a massive river of ice located just a short drive from downtown. Economically, Juneau relies heavily on state government, tourism, and commercial fishing. During the summer months, the city’s population swells as hundreds of cruise ships dock at its port, bringing millions of visitors to explore its historic streets and rugged outskirts. Juneau's culture is deeply influenced by the Tlingit people, whose ancestral lands the city occupies; this heritage is showcased at the Alaska State Museum and through numerous totem poles scattered throughout the area. The climate is a temperate maritime rainforest, resulting in high annual rainfall and relatively mild winters compared to Alaska's interior. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the Mount Roberts Tramway and the extensive trail system that has world-class hiking and wildlife viewing. Despite its remote location, Juneau maintains a sophisticated culinary scene and an animated arts community. The city serves as a critical hub for the Southeast Alaska region, balancing its roles as a political stronghold and a gateway to the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier.

Nearby cities

Anchorage

Alaska's largest city, a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains.

Sitka

Nestled on Baranof Island, Sitka blends rich Tlingit heritage with Russian colonial history and breathtaking Pacific scenery.

Kenai

A historic center on the Kenai Peninsula, world-famous for its salmon fishing on Cook Inlet.

Homer

Homer is known as the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World, located at the end of the Sterling Highway on the Kenai Peninsula.

Dutch Harbor

Located in the Aleutian Islands, Dutch Harbor is one of the world's top fishing ports and famous from 'Deadliest Catch'.

Seward

A spectacular gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where glaciers meet the sea and Alaska's marine life thrives.

Sand Point

A remote fishing community on Alaska's Popof Island, known for its pristine wilderness and the largest fishing port in the region.

King Cove

A remote fishing village on the Alaska Peninsula, surrounded by spectacular volcanic landscapes and the wild Bering Sea.

Port Alexander

A remote Alaskan outpost accessible only by water or air, offering a true wilderness experience.

Whittier

A fascinating port town on Prince William Sound, where almost all residents live in a single building.

Seldovia

A charming, isolated Alaskan fishing village accessible only by boat or plane.

Adak

Adak is the southernmost city in Alaska, located in the Aleutian Islands, known for its rugged tundra and military history.

History & landmarks

Skagway

A historic Gold Rush town that serves as a living museum of the 1898 Klondike era, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks.

More places

Tongass National Forest

The largest national forest in the United States.

Gulf of Alaska

An arm of the Pacific Ocean off the southern coast of Alaska.

Port of Anchorage

The most important port for Alaska.

Denali National Park

Home to North America's tallest peak and diverse wildlife.

Bering Sea

A marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean between Alaska and Siberia.