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 ¥14,891 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥14,891
¥16,975 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 Aug 2, 2025

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 ¥18,947 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥18,947
¥21,600 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 Aug 5, 2025

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 ¥18,040 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥18,040
¥20,566 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 Aug 4, 2025

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.
Beautiful Downstairs Studio for rent

Beautiful Downstairs Studio for rent

Sitka
Stay at this apartment in Sitka. Enjoy patios and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
Beautiful view, spacious, comfortable & great host!
"We loved our stay in the very large Studio. It was very comfortable, has lovely views of Sitka Bay and was fully equipped with everything we needed. It was the perfect place to call home during our six days in Sitka. If I ever emailed the host with a question, I received an immediate response. I ..."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Beautiful Downstairs Studio for rent
Private house connected to Potlatch Totem Park extreme ocean view. Premium Host

Private house connected to Potlatch Totem Park extreme ocean view. Premium Host

Ketchikan
Stay at this vacation home in Ketchikan. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Totem Bight State Park and Mariah Charters are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
Epic rental/location/property manager
"This unit is better than advertised. Location is away from the cruise ship madness and on the water (we caught a few fish casting from the deck on a higher tide). The views are incredible. The actual unit is quaint and feels like the perfect cabin with all the ammenities. The owner really takes care ..."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Private house connected to Potlatch Totem Park extreme ocean view. Premium Host
Cozy and private home away from home! Ask about the car rental option!

Cozy and private home away from home! Ask about the car rental option!

Sitka
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Sitka. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Sitka National Historical Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Everything we needed for our Sitka stay. Just a short walk to two food trucks, a pizza place located inside a brewery, and a gas station convenience store. Easy walk to town through the Sitka National Historic Park; the trail wanders through lush temperate rainforest. If you are scent-sensitive, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Cozy and private home away from home! Ask about the car rental option!
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