About this city
Juneau is the capital city of Alaska and stands out as the only state capital in the United States that is completely inaccessible by land or road. Tucked tightly between the base of Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts, and the seawater channels of the Inside Passage, it was founded in 1880 during a gold rush sparked by Joe Juneau and Chief Kowee. Directly behind the city lies the Juneau Icefield, a massive glacial expanse that feeds over 30 separate glaciers, making the city a dramatic nexus of wilderness and state politics.
Location & Administrative
County
Juneau City and Borough
Time Zone
AKST
State Code
AK
Transportation & Accessibility
Nearest Airports
JNU
Getting Around
Rideshare-FriendlyBusWalkableFerry
Weather & Timing
Best Months
MayJunJulAugSep
Average Temperature
Peak Season
Cruise SeasonWhale Watching Season
Off Season
Rainy Season
Economics & Local Vibe
Population
City proper 32.3K
Sales Tax
5%
Key Industries
Government and Public AdministrationTourism and Cruise Port ServicesMining
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 2–3 days
Stand before the face of the receding Mendenhall Glacier, take the Goldbelt Tram up Mount Roberts for panoramic fjord views, and historical gold-panning at the Last Chance Mining Museum.
⭐
Must-See
🎨
Museums & Culture
1
⛪
Religion & Education
1
🌲
Parks & Nature
1⛰️
Natural Landscapes
3
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