Exploring Juneau on foot is a perfect way to experience the city during your visit. The city isn’t enormous geographically, and traffic knows to watch out for pedestrians. Any part of downtown you’re exploring, you’ll be able to find quaint coffee shops or delicious restaurants to stop and rejuvenate after a busy day of sightseeing.
As you ask yourself whether you need a car in downtown Juneau to get around, know that an essential element of your travel is to stay in a prime downtown hotel location to be in the middle of everything for sightseeing.
Another benefit you’ll experience is that you can walk everywhere with kids in Juneau without the concern of renting car seats or other safety equipment.
If you need further proof that Juneau is extremely walkable, just download the walking tour guide from the Visitor’s Bureau, known as Travel Juneau.
You’ll find outstanding points of interest or crucial sightseeing locations, including the following:
As you build out your daily exploration plans, you’ll need to add in must-try restaurants. We put together a list of the best Juneau restaurants based on cuisine and budget. Here’s a highlight of a few restaurants in downtown Juneau you won’t want to miss.
Once you’ve plotted out the most important sightseeing you don’t want to miss out on, review the list of the best Juneau hotels for sightseeing.
The best option is to stay downtown because it will put you within walking distance of most sightseeing locations. As you consider the best hotel based on your needs, review the restaurants and points of interest close by.
SEEKING ACCOMMODATION IN JUNEAU?
Here’s a look at the best downtown hotel options and what they are closest to.
You’ll be right near the water when you stay at Juneau Hotel. Take a short walk to The Whale Project or get up in the morning and head just down the street to Coppa or Sandpiper Café for breakfast and a cup of coffee. Or stick around the hotel to take part in the free continental breakfast.
The free airport or ferry shuttle makes it easy to get to your hotel when you arrive in the city. In the room, you’ll have a complete kitchen and washer and dryer to make your stay feel just like home. Here’s what one customer had to say about their experience.
“This place is a total gem hidden inside a building that looks older than it feels inside. It’s a 10-minute walk to town, but that small distance makes for quiet nights. Super friendly staff, airport shuttle, and a full kitchen and washer dryer-the place has more amenities than any of my housing in my 20s did.”
The hotel has an outstanding 4.4/5 star rating on Google, so you can rest assured you’ll have a great experience just like many other customers.
One of the most modern hotels in the area is Silverbow Inn Hotel and Suites. It offers boutique lodging, but with that, there is some exclusivity to it because there are only a few rooms available. Because of the limited availability, you’ll also pay more per night for your stay compared to other downtown options.
Enjoy the convenience of dining on-site at In Bocca al Lupo, a James Beard-awarded restaurant. Relax in one of the two hot tubs, one of which is on the rooftop year-round. You’ll also find sweet treats and surprises in the lobby, as well as coffee, tea and hot cocoa available all day.
Take a look at what one customer said of their stay recently.
“The Silverbow Inn is an incredibly unique hotel. It is a smaller boutique-style hotel but with very large rooms that are all uniquely designed. It is located right in the downtown of Juneau. Everything is within walking distance. Our room had a kitchenette, a living room, a bedroom, as well as a patio, and a hot tub. The kitchen in the main lobby offers 24/7 snacks. For breakfast, they have a range of excellent options that you can select on a tray and take back to your room. I would definitely stay here again!”
One of the highest-rated hotels based on location is Baranof Downtown, though it suffers in other areas with customers, including the small size of the room and lack of cleanliness in the bathroom. You’ll be within walking distance of Juneau Food Tours and the Alaska State Capitol building.
You’ll find many souvenir shops right outside the hotel’s doors as well as some delicious seafood restaurants, including Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos, which is just down the street.
Here’s what one customer said about their recent stay at the hotel.
“Stayed here for 3 nights while visiting Juneau for the first time ever. I love this hotel, I love its history and how quirky it is! Yeah, the hotel could do with a facelift, however, considering it’s survived a pandemic with 2 years of no tourism I’m pleased it’s still open and its decor is appealing! We had a king suite on the 7th floor which was lovely, very comfortable beds and the room was clean and had everything you needed. The staff I came into contact with were friendly and they have a massive laundry room you can use for $4! I did not eat here, however enjoyed a drink in the bubble bar which was very nice! Great location as a hotel and we were lucky to have some amazing views of the cruise ships docked. I would happily stay here again, and would recommend it to anyone!”
Prepare for your walking sightseeing tour of downtown Juneau now by booking one of the best hotels for your trip. Juneau Hotel offers a convenient location with outstanding amenities at a fair price. Book your stay now and get excited for your walking tour.
Further reading:
Learn about the many varying seasonal delights in Juneau. Check out the leading activities and events during each season of 2024.
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