Southeast Alaska, AK

Travel Guide

Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage showing mist or fog, a river or creek and a sunset
Mendenhall Glacier which includes a lake or waterhole
Ketchikan featuring aircraft and an aircraft
Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
Mendenhall Glacier featuring forest scenes and a lake or waterhole
Soaring mountain peaks tumble down into icy, glacier-blue waters in the Inside Passage, one of Alaska’s most dramatic, accessible and wildlife-rich regions. 

Drift along the coastline or hike through the mountains of Southeast Alaska, also known as the Inside Passage, for a voyage into a majestically beautiful region. This spectacular corner of Alaska is also the home of the state capital, Juneau, as well as some of the area’s most engaging cultural attractions.

Competing international interests have left Southeast Alaska with a multifaceted cultural history. Visit the town of Wrangell to discover the different legacies left by four separate nations, the Stikine Tlingits, Russia, Great Britain and the United States. Explore ancient sites with totem poles and petroglyphs then visit the Wrangell Museum to learn about Alaska’s indigenous communities.

Use the capital city of Juneau as your gateway to the Inside Passage. Visit the Alaska State Museum to discover stories from the region’s past. Ride the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway for views of the city and surrounding scenery from about 1,800 feet (550 meters) up in the air.

Bring your skis to Southeast Alaska in winter for fun in the mountains. Hit the slopes at Eaglecrest Ski Area or try out cross-country skiing in Skagway.

The Inside Passage is full of opportunities for spotting Alaska’s glorious wildlife. Wait breathlessly for a sighting of America’s national bird in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve or join a boat trip onto the ocean to spot orcas, humpback whales and more.

Spend your days exploring the stunning scenery of Southeast Alaska. Listen for the sound of calving glaciers at the Norris Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. For a novel way of experiencing the landscape, ride a dog sled through the wilderness.

Fly into Juneau International Airport from destinations around the U.S. to land in the heart of Southeast Alaska. As the most southerly region of the state, the Inside Passage has a milder climate than the rest of Alaska. Visit in summer for warms days by the ocean or come in winter for cold but palatable days, when the landscapes are covered in a thick blanket of snow.

Where to stay in Southeast Alaska

Juneau which includes landscape views, dog sledding and snow

Downtown Juneau

4/5(197 area reviews)

Downtown Juneau is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Mount Roberts Tramway and Alaska State Capitol while you're in town.

Downtown Juneau
Sunrise Christmas Eve.  This was just shot in my iPhone. #nofilters

Mendenhall Valley

4/5(185 area reviews)

Discover the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, explore Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge, or shop at Mendenhall Mall and Nugget Mall in this Alaskan valley. Don't miss the picturesque Mendenhall Lake and River.

Mendenhall Valley
Days with the clouds

North Douglas

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting North Douglas, you might make a stop by sights like Eaglecrest Ski Area and Eagle Creek Beaches.

North Douglas
Default Image

West Juneau

When in West Juneau, you can plan a visit to Alaska State Capitol and Mount Roberts Tramway, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Juneau
Skagway which includes signage

Downtown Skagway

You'll enjoy the mountain views and gardens in Downtown Skagway. You might want to make time for a stop at Captain William Moore Cabin or Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum.

Downtown Skagway
Cloudy day at skaters.

Back Loop

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Back Loop and surrounding area, you can visit Mendenhall Ice Caves and Nugget Falls.

Back Loop
Travelodge by Wyndham Juneau

Travelodge by Wyndham Juneau

2 out of 5
9200 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK
The price is NT$3,031 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$3,031
NT$3,455 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Juneau. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (858 reviews)
"Staff was great. The property is dated however it was perfect and enough for me. The bed was perfect for me not everyone loves firm mattresses. It’s also extremely close to the airport a 2-3 minute drive or a nice walk. They do also have a shuttle to take you back to the airport…. Ask about it when ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

Travelodge by Wyndham Juneau
Super 8 by Wyndham Juneau

Super 8 by Wyndham Juneau

2 out of 5
2295 Trout St, Juneau, AK
The price is NT$3,856 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$3,856
NT$4,396 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Juneau. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (966 reviews)
"It was good 👍"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Super 8 by Wyndham Juneau
Extended Stay America Suites Juneau Shell Simmons Drive

Extended Stay America Suites Juneau Shell Simmons Drive

2.5 out of 5
1800 Shell Simmons Dr, Juneau, AK
The price is NT$3,672 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$3,672
NT$4,186 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Juneau. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Very close to the airport. Convenient to get to/from airport but noise was not an issue"

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Extended Stay America Suites Juneau Shell Simmons Drive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

3 out of 5
17351 E Michele Drive, Talkeetna, AK
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Talkeetna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (425 reviews)
"Excellent place to stay if you are in Talkeetna."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
Denali Tri-Valley Cabins

Denali Tri-Valley Cabins

3.5 out of 5
1/10th Mile Lester Road, Healy, AK
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Healy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Tri-Valley Community Library and Black Diamond Golf ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (443 reviews)
"Beautiful cabin off the beaten path. Quiet and cozy!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

Denali Tri-Valley Cabins
North Star Place

North Star Place

3.5 out of 5
1313 22nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Fairbanks. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (119 reviews)
"Great price, had a great time staying here"

Reviewed on 2025/8/1

North Star Place
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southeast Alaska