Hotels in Juneau

Juneau: Alaska's Capital at the Edge of the Glacier

Juneau sits on a narrow strip of land between the Gastineau Channel and the Coast Mountains, making it the only U.S. state capital inaccessible by road. The city of roughly 32,000 residents is reachable only by ferry or air, a geographic fact that shapes every visit. Mendenhall Glacier — a 13-mile-long river of ice — ends just 12 miles from downtown, putting a federally managed glacier within a 20-minute drive of hotel lobbies on South Franklin Street.

Where to Stay in Juneau

Most hotels cluster in two zones: downtown, within walking distance of the Alaska State Capitol building (1931) and the Red Dog Saloon on Franklin Street, and the Mendenhall Valley, a broader commercial strip near the airport and glacier trailheads. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal in Auke Bay sits about 14 miles north of downtown, convenient for travelers arriving by vessel. Summer brings the bulk of visitors, largely cruise passengers from ships docking at the Marine Park wharf.

Practical Tips

• Getting here: Alaska Airlines and Ravn Alaska operate flights into Juneau International Airport (JNU); no highway connects Juneau to the continental road network.
• Weather: Rain averages 61 inches annually — pack waterproof layers regardless of season.
• Glacier access: The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (U.S. Forest Service) charges a small entry fee; arrive early in summer to avoid cruise-ship crowds on the Nugget Falls trail.