Juneau, Alaska, offers countless things to do alone, making it a stunning destination for solo travelers. If you’re looking for solitude, nature is the place to find it. From a rainforest to fjords, Juneau has something for everyone and diverse landscapes to explore.
Alaska’s capital welcomes travel groups of all sizes. Prepare to immerse yourself in natural wonder as you follow our ultimate solo travel guide.
One of the largest draws for Juneau is Mendenhall Glacier. There are so few parts of the U.S. where you can see something so incredible.
Just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, the area is also one of the best hiking spots. And the great news is, there are trails that welcome hikers of all abilities. So whether you’re comfortable on rugged trails or you are totally new to hiking, you can feel comfortable heading to Mendenhall’s trails.
The shortest trail is Nugget Falls at just .8 miles roundtrip. It’s the perfect introductory place to explore.
Pause and view the icy blue walls and the incredible lake. Depending on the time of year you visit, you might spot salmon or bears nearby.
For the best solitude, visit early in the day before all the tourists show up. However, sunset at Nugget Falls is worth the hike and fighting the crowds.
Ascending Mount Roberts only takes six minutes when done via the Goldbelt Tramway. But once you get to the top, you understand all the hype. Look down over Gastineau Channel for incredible views of the city.
You can also enjoy hiking trails of varying difficulty. Spend some time at the nature center learning more about the area or buying unique souvenirs and gifts from local artists. Enjoy the bar and grill or pause to drink coffee as you look out at one of the best views Juneau has to offer.
This park is also known as Whale Park due to the bronze statue whale Takhu. Spend time looking out at the boats and enjoy the calming sounds of the tide lapping. Watch as seabirds fly. It’s also a great place to capture stunning photos.
Stroll among the totem poles for a free cultural tour provided by Sealaska Heritage Institute. These are available throughout downtown as public art displays. Spend time reviewing some of the well-known landmarks in the area, such as:
As you stroll, watch for plaques and streetside exhibitions. Snack on fresh king crab from Tracy’s King Crab Shack, a must-dine option in Juneau. Or get a flight of beer at Alaskan Brewing Company or Amalga Distillery. And as you sit and sip, you can engage with others at the bars or just enjoy being alone on your adventures.
Paddle the serene waters lined with spruce forests as you watch seals, sea otters, whales and eagles at Auke Bay. Whether you choose to rent a kayak or you just sit on the shores of Auke Bay, you’ll enjoy a peaceful day at one with nature.
Solo kayakers can explore on their own or enjoy a guided tour to take advantage of being with a local who knows their way around the area.
If you enjoy photography, Auke Bay is an ideal place to pause and capture photos. Stay still long enough in the area and you’ll certainly spot some nature worth photographing.
If you want an epic adventure, take a floatplane or boat trip to Tracy Arm-Fords. Here, you’ll encounter icebergs, sheer cliffs, and perhaps even some whale sightings. It’s an adventurer’s dream even if you are by yourself.
Adventurers hoping to stay more in central Juneau can take a floatplane tour on Admiralty Island. These tours are characterized by salmon-feeding brown bears and other wildlife.
History buffs will enjoy a day exploring the Alaska State Museum. Learn about Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Russian colonial and political history as you explore displays.
This is an especially good activity for those rainy Juneau days when the great outdoors don’t feel as appealing. Just remember, precipitation is common in Juneau so don’t let a short rain shower or sprinkling make you avoid the outdoors. Wait for a truly constant rain that you can’t avoid.
The museum is also a good way to move about and get some activity on a rainy day. And the perk of being alone is that you can explore at your own pace, reading captions and exploring areas of interest to you.
The arts are alive and thriving in Juneau. Preservance Theatre is located on Douglas Island. It is a professional theater with regular shows throughout the season. Enjoy performances that celebrate Alaskan themes and culture.
You can explore workshops and backstage tours during certain times of year if you’re big into the arts.
Then walk around the many art stores and studios in downtown Juneau. You’ll see incredibly unique displays of art that celebrate the area’s culture and heritage.
Whether you’re looking for your favorite cuisine or you want to branch out and try something new, Juneau will have a restaurant that will delight your taste buds.
Some popular can’t-miss options during your travels include the following.
Many of these locations offer live music on weekends. Unwind after a busy day in nature and refuel your body for a restful sleep in your Juneau hotel.
If quiet solitude is your reason for visiting Juneau, you’ll find it at the Rainforest Gardens. The wooded paths are teeming with native flora. With a quiet environment, you’ll feel tranquil in the gardens and have the opportunity for quiet reflection. Plus, the rainforest is a unique environment you can’t find in many parts of the country.
We offer full washers and dryers in every suite.
Juneau offers rich nature, engaging culture and culinary delights for all types of travelers. And for solo travelers it’s an area with ample quiet calm. Hike the icescapes, sip local beer, paddle the fjords and explore the gold-rush remnants at your own pace.
Juneau Hotel puts you in a great area of downtown complete with a cozy suite and ample amenities with easy access to adventurous and calming experiences alike.
Book your stay now and start planning the solo adventure of your dreams.
Further Reading:
Discover how to enjoy Glacier Bay without a cruise—alternative tours, hiking, kayaking, and scenic views from land or air await you.
Discover the most Instagrammable spots in Juneau—from scenic trails to iconic landmarks—that tourists love to photograph and share.
Juneau cruise passenger limits may impact your summer travel plans—affecting crowd sizes, port access, and the overall visitor experience.
