Less Than One Day in Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier and Crab Legs
How can you spend less than one day on a cruise in Juneau, Alaska?
Spending less than a day in Juneau, Alaska, during a cruise can still be an adventure, even when things don’t go as planned. Our day began with the disappointment of our glacier dog sledding excursion being canceled due to Juneau’s unpredictable weather. However, not ones to be deterred, we quickly shifted gears. Opting to explore on our own—a practice we’re familiar with—we set our sights on Mendenhall Glacier, a must-see we’d previously earmarked.
Our revised day included marveling at the glacier and indulging in local food, Alaskan crab legs, to be exact.
This article will guide you through reaching Mendenhall Glacier, exploring its sights, assessing the Nugget Creek Falls hike, and finding the best spots for crab legs in less than a day.
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In this guide, I’ll take you through getting to Mendenhall Glacier, what’s not to miss there if the Nugget Creek Falls hike is a must, and where to find the best Alaskan crab legs—all doable in less than a day in Juneau.
Exploring Juneau in Less Than a Day
Now, a day in Juneau, Alaska, can be spent exploring the town and its rich history, visiting local museums like the Alaska State Museum, grabbing drinks at the Western-style bar Red Dog Saloon, riding Mount Roberts Tram, or going on a hike. There are whale watching, glacier trekking, or dog sledding tours for the more adventurous. And, of course, if time permits, no visit to Juneau would be complete without indulging in some fresh Alaskan seafood.
After our dog sledding tour was canceled, seeing Mendenhall Glacier was our next best thing. After all, Mendenhall Glacier is the crown jewel of Juneau, and locals are so proud of it. Our Lyft driver spoke of it with pure joy and awe, leaving us at the visitor center excited to see it for the first time.
What’s great about Mendenhall Glacier is that you can get there independently without a tour. You can even take the local bus. We chose to take a Lyft out of convenience. We’ll get further into the transportation options below.
Cruising with Norwegian
Cruising with Norwegian lands you at AJ Dock, further from downtown and where they typically dock. While free shuttles are available, they can get crowded. Walking the 30 minutes into town is often quicker and a great way to soak in the sights.
Visiting Mendenhall Glacier National Park
Seeing Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier, located in Southeast Alaska’s Mendenhall Valley in Juneau, stretches 12 miles within the expansive Tongass National Forest. A key attraction for Juneau’s cruise port, it drew about 700,000 visitors in 2023, captivated by its breathtaking scenery.
This natural wonder is renowned for its dramatic ice formations, including a network of caves formed by melting ice, invisible from the visitor center. Bring your binoculars to spot these elusive features. With predictions indicating that the glacier may disappear by 2050, now is the time to visit this rapidly changing landscape.
A friend who visited five years ago shared her photos with us, and the comparison was striking—the glacier has significantly receded. It’s a poignant reminder of the glacier’s vulnerability.
The Mendenhall Glacier National Park Visitor Center offers an exceptional view of the glacier, making it a convenient spot for those limited by time or mobility. It’s surrounded by small exhibits and souvenirs, enhancing your visit.
If you explore further from the visitor center, a daily pass is available for $5 at the visitor center’s gift shop. If you have a National Parks Pass, you don’t need to purchase one. (We purchased passes at the Visitor Center, but no one checked them.)
Note: If you arrive by tour, shuttle, or taxi, check if the pass cost is included in your transportation fee. This can make your visit smoother and ensure you’re all set for a day of exploration.
The Photo Point Trail for Mendenhall Glacier
Just a brief, easy walk from the visitor center, the Photo Point Trail offers beautiful views of Mendenhall Glacier. It is the closest you can get without more extensive adventures like expert hikes or helicopter tours. This trail is the most popular because it is the easiest and fastest, so expect to share the experience with other visitors.
For those looking for a different perspective, consider booking an advanced kayak, canoe, or boat tour to get closer to the glacier. Remember, these tours are in high demand and require early reservations.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Nugget Falls, which is visible from the Photo Point Trail but is the best experience up close on the Nugget Falls Trail. The additional hike is well worth the effort for its breathtaking views.
We suggest you allocate enough time in your Juneau itinerary to enjoy Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls fully—it’s a day well spent.
Tour Ideas:
Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour [book now]
Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour [book now]
Hike to Nugget Falls
The Nugget Falls Trail is a mostly paved 2-mile round-trip hike that typically takes about an hour and a half to complete, not including the time spent admiring the falls. The trail is paved and considered moderate, but I found it quite manageable as a casual hiker.
If you’re visiting with a tour group, check your schedule to ensure you have enough time to complete the trail without rushing back prematurely. It would be disappointing to turn around without experiencing the falls up close due to time constraints.
Nugget Falls, towering 377 feet and sprawling over 100 feet wide, is a breathtaking sight in the Mendenhall Valley near Juneau, Alaska. Standing near this powerful waterfall, you feel minuscule against its immense scale and force.
When we visited in August, the falls flowed strongly, starkly contrasting with the frozen cascades often seen in online photos. Interestingly, a friend mentioned that the falls and lake were frozen during her last summer visit. Our Lyft driver also shared that the falls freeze so solidly in winter that locals can access them on foot from surrounding areas, not just the visitor center.
Visiting Mendenhall Glacier was filled with amazement yet tinged with sadness, knowing it would slowly retreat over the years. This glacier feeds Nugget Falls, and seeing the effects of its recession serves as a reminder of our changing world.
Tip: Watch your eyes while walking the trail. The area surrounding the falls is home to all sorts of wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, and salmon. You never know what you will see. We saw a porcupine climbing a tree. We didn’t even know that porcupines could climb trees.
How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau Cruise Port?
You have a variety of options to get from Juneau Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier. It all depends on budget, convenience, and the level of adventure you’re looking for.
Transportation Options to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau Cruise Port:
Juneau Tip: Look up as you’re being driven around. You’ll be surprised to see bald eagles just hanging out on top of lamp posts.
Can you visit Mendenhall Glacier on your own?
Yes, you can visit Mendenhall Glacier National Park on your own. We did so by just taking a Lyft. You do not need to book a tour unless it’s for convenience or if you want to do something more adventurous that involves getting closer to Mendenhall Glacier, like this Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure tour.
Is Mendenhall Glacier worth seeing?
Yes, with just a day in Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is worth seeing if you have the opportunity and can fit it in. It is an incredible natural wonder and one of the most accessible glaciers you can see in person from land.
Tour Ideas:
Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Trek [book here]
Mendenhall Lake Kayak and Salmon Bake Adventure [book here]
Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip [book here]
Eating Alaskan Crab Legs at Tracy’s Crab Shack
Sampling Alaskan crab legs was a must-do on our Alaska cruise itinerary, though we hadn’t decided at which port we’d indulge. I’d heard about Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau, a renowned spot, but I was open to alternatives since popularity doesn’t always equate to the best choice.
Our decision became clear after chatting with our Lyft driver while returning from Mendenhall Glacier. He praised Tracy’s as the top place for crab legs in Juneau, though he personally preferred the crabs he caught and cooked himself. He also mentioned that while there are tours for crabbing, they weren’t an option for us due to time constraints.
Then, he tipped us off about a lesser-known second location of Tracy’s (at the time), situated away from the bustling downtown near the US Coast Guard—perfect for avoiding the tourist crowds and long lines. Sold by the promise of a quieter setting, we had him drop us off there. It was about a 15-20 minute walk from central Juneau, a pleasant stroll we looked forward to on our way back.
Tracy’s second location on Whittier Street offers a different experience from the one near the cruise pier. This spot features a more spacious layout with outdoor seating that’s both sheltered and heated—a real plus, as it rained heavily while we dined. The stunning waterfront views are highlighted here, adding a scenic backdrop to our meal.
At Tracy’s King Crab Shack, the process is straightforward, guided by clear instructions and a large sign at the entrance:
- First, you order at the first window.
- Second, grab a seat, and don’t forget to share with a neighbor.
- Third, listen for your name to be called – they bring out the food to you.
- Fourth, ENJOY. We sure did!
Tracy’s menu features a variety of seafood. They offer two types of King Crab—Red and Golden—and Snow Crab, Dungeness Crab, crab bisque, crab cakes, fried shrimp, and other tasty dishes.
We opted for a pound each of Red and Golden King Crab, accompanied by beer-battered shrimp and a side of tater chips. We chose a table inside with a lovely water view. Our food arrived quickly, presenting a gorgeous array of crab legs ready to be dipped in melted butter.
The freshness of the crab was beyond my expectations. Having tried Alaskan King Crab before, the difference in freshness was palpable—the sweet meat enhanced wonderfully by the butter. The beer-battered shrimp also hit the spot.
Although my husband usually avoids fish, he agreed to try the crab legs and found the Red King Crab delightful, though he noted the Golden variety had a stronger, fishier taste. Despite that, we both enjoyed the meal thoroughly, finding the hefty price tag of $70 per pound well worth it for such a unique experience during our day in Juneau.
After your meal, you have options. You can walk or call a Lyft back to the Historic District of Juneau and the cruise port or head towards the Juneau Seawalk. The Seawalk offers stunning waterfront views and leads to The Whale Project, just a 12-minute walk from Tracy’s. It’s a perfect addition to a day in Juneau, but remember to allow enough time to return to the cruise port comfortably.
[Tracy’s King Crab Shack Location 2 Menu]
Other Spots for Crab Legs During an Alaska Cruise
Ketchikan, Alaska
- Book the Crab Feast at George Inlet Lodge in advance.
- Ketchikan Crab & Go | 5 Salmon Landing, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Icy Strait Point
- Crab Station| 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK 99829
Additional Things to Do With a Day in Juneau Cruise Port
You can add to your one-day itinerary in Juneau or mix and match. If you plan accordingly, you can fit these other popular attractions and activities into your day.
- Explore Historic Downtown Juneau
- Stop by for drinks at the iconic Red Dog Saloon
- Go on a Ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway
- Visit the Alaska State Museum
- Book a Whale Watching Tour
- Go on a Gold Panning Adventure
- Book a food tour with Juneau Food Tour
BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.