A quiet spring field note from the water near Juneau, Alaska, passing Boy Scout Beach, watching the ferry head toward Skagway, seeing sea lions and a distant humpback, and remembering why some of the best Alaska moments cannot be scheduled.

Planning your first trip to Juneau? Here is how to get there by air, ferry, or cruise ship and which option is best depending on the kind of Alaska trip you want to have.

Trying to decide between seeing Juneau on a cruise stop or staying overnight? Here is how the two experiences differ and which is better for first-time visitors.

Visiting Juneau for the first time is unlike visiting almost anywhere else in the United States. Tucked between mountains and ocean, Alaska’s capital feels wild, dramatic, and deeply tied to the natural world. This guide is designed to help first-time visitors experience Juneau well: from what to prioritize and what to skip, to the landscapes, wildlife, and small details that make this place unforgettable.

Local Juneau photographer shares 12 must-have Alaska cruise photos—whales, glaciers, ports, and quiet deck moments—plus simple tips for phone and camera.

Cruising to Juneau? Use this local’s 2026 hour-by-hour plan with map, Mendenhall options, realistic timings, and photo tips.

A practical, heart-calming guide to intentional living in Alaska’s autumn—rituals, micro-adventures, home comforts, tea moments, and mindful prompts.

Planning Juneau without a rental car? Here’s the 2026 update on rideshare reality in Juneau plus reliable alternatives: taxis, shuttles, buses, walking routes, and day plans from the cruise dock.

There’s something about Juneau that never loses its wonder. Even after years of living here, I can step outside and be reminded that Alaska doesn’t just ask you to look—it asks you to feel.

This past week, I wandered out toward Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls, two of Juneau’s most iconic spots. They’ve been photographed thousands of times, yet each visit is a little different. The air feels new, the water crashes a bit louder, and the trails hold fresh surprises.

It is always exciting to see Orcas while cruising through the waters of Southeast Alaska. Since they move so quickly and the lighting isn’t always the best, I thought I’d share my top 3 pieces of advice for photographing Orcas.

If you have visited Juneau, Alaska, then you have probably spotted a few Bald Eagles flying overhead or sitting on lamp posts and have heard their distinctive cries. Their massive wing spans, powerful jaws and impressive talons all add to this bird’s allure.

One of the biggest surprises of my life has been how much I have enjoyed photographing Humpback whales. Going into my summer in Juneau, Alaska, my goal was to capture landscape photographs. However, when I was spending time on the water fishing for halibut and salmon, I started noticing humpback whales coming up for air and found myself gazing at them until they showed their flukes and dived to the depths of the ocean. These gentle giants grabbed my heart and ever since, I have been hooked trying to photograph them in an effort to tell their story.

There’s so much to see, do, experience and photograph in Alaska! Over the last decade, I have been visiting this great state (mainly throughout Southeast Alaska) and have learned a few things from a photography standpoint that I would love to share with you!