Instead of booking a structured excursion, we took a "Go Ashore" DIY approach and explored this iconic city entirely on our own. We spent our day diving into the local city life, exploring the historic Old Town, walking along the waterfront, and chatting with the incredibly friendly locals! We also made sure to visit the famous Whale Monument (the breathtaking life-sized bronze sculpture named Tahku breaching out of an infinity pool! 🐋).
Even though our Disney Cruise Line Navigator app warned us there was a Chance of Rain with a low of 48°F (9°C) and a high of 50°F (10°C), we bundled up and didn't let the chilly weather stop us! 🌧️❄️ We had plenty of daylight to explore too, thanks to a beautiful, early Alaska sunrise at 4:08 AM and a late sunset at 9:56 PM.
💡 Fascinating Facts About Juneau
Gold Rush Beginnings: Long before the city existed, Juneau was a fishing outpost for the local Tlingit Indians. Gold was eventually discovered by Chief Kowee of the Auk Tlingit Tribe in a creek off the Gastineau Channel. Chief Kowee provided gold ore samples to George Pilz in exchange for blankets and work for his tribe, leading prospectors Richard Harris and Joseph Juneau straight to the find!
Nestled in a Rainforest: Juneau is located along the Inside Passage of Southern Alaska's panhandle and is actually situated in a temperate rainforest! Downtown Juneau sits beautifully right at the base of Mount Juneau, which soars almost 4,000 feet into the sky.
Massive & Landlocked: Juneau is the largest capital city in the United States by land size, stretching an incredible 3,248 square miles! Even crazier? It is the only U.S. state capital that is accessible only via ship or air—absolutely no roads connect Juneau to the rest of the state!
🎵 The Sigifamily Ai generated Juneau Song