Beauty and the Beer Private Sightseeing and Brewery in Juneau

Juneau’s blend of stunning scenery and lively brewing scene makes for a perfect day out. For $135 per person, this private 3-hour experience offers a thoughtful mix of sightseeing, beer tasting, and local culture, all tailored for small groups of friends or family. Led by friendly local guides, you’ll visit two noteworthy breweries, snap photos of the Mendenhall Glacier, and explore a historic part of town—all while enjoying bottled water and snacks included in the price.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its personalized touch—with only your group participating, you can ask questions and get tailored recommendations. Plus, the combination of culinary delights from Forno Rosso and Red Spruce Eatery ensures you won’t go hungry or thirsty (though alcohol is extra). The tour guarantees you’ll be back at your cruise ship on time, making it both enjoyable and practical.

A possible consideration is that drinks at the breweries aren’t included in the price, so if you’re a beer enthusiast, be prepared for additional costs. Also, the tour’s success depends on the minimum of three travelers, so it might not work if you’re traveling solo or in a smaller party. This experience is best suited for travelers who want to see a bit of Juneau’s scenic and cultural highlights without the crowds, especially those with an interest in local craft beers and stunning natural backdrops.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: Only your group participates, allowing for tailored interactions.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines sightseeing, beer tasting, and cultural stops for a well-rounded experience.
• Local Guides: Insights and recommendations from someone who knows Juneau intimately.
• Flexible Food & Drink Options: Food from local eateries available, with snacks included.
• Time-Conscious: Guarantees you’ll return to your cruise ship promptly.
• Additional Costs: Alcoholic drinks are not included, so budget accordingly.

Exploring Juneau with a Personal Touch

This tour begins with a relaxed pick-up option, making it easier for you to enjoy your day without worrying about transportation logistics. As you head out with your guide, the first stop at Forbidden Peak Brewery lets you sample a selection of beers while soaking in views of Statter Harbor. It’s a wonderful way to start—sampling local brews while watching boats bobbing against a scenic backdrop. It’s also a spot where you can purchase food and non-alcoholic drinks, giving you the chance to sip and snack at your own pace.

Next, the group moves to Alaskan Brewing Co., one of Juneau’s most renowned breweries. Here, you’ll find a chance to taste beers from this famous local label, and if you’re hungry, a wood-fired pizza from Forno Rosso is available for purchase. The brewery’s reputation for quality beer and a lively, welcoming atmosphere makes it a highlight, especially if you’re a fan of craft brews. Many reviews mention the friendly staff and the chance to learn about the brewing process, which adds a layer of appreciation to your tasting experience.

Scenic and Cultural Stops

After your beer stops, the tour shifts gears with a visit to the Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei, a site offering stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier. You’ll get a few miles away from the glacier, perfect for photos and learning about the area’s natural history, including how glacial flooding shapes this landscape. This stop isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s an educational insight into the region’s ongoing environmental story.

Following this, you’ll visit Overstreet Park, home to Takhu, the humpback whale statue, commemorating fifty years since Alaska became a state. It’s a brief but meaningful stop, giving you a glimpse into local history and a chance to snap some memorable photos. Walking along Franklin Street afterwards, you’ll spot the Capitol building and Governor’s Mansion, adding to your sense of Juneau’s civic history.

Family and Wildlife Focus

The Dipac’s Macaulay Salmon Hatchery offers a different perspective—an interactive experience to learn about Juneau’s salmon population. Inside, tide pools and aquariums highlight the region’s vibrant marine life, while outside, you can observe the salmon ladder and spot local ocean wildlife. This stop is particularly engaging if you enjoy learning about Alaska’s rich natural resources or have kids with you; many review comments mention the touch pools and aquariums as highlights.

Practical Details and Value

The tour includes bottled water and snacks, a thoughtful touch that keeps you refreshed throughout. However, remember that alcoholic beverages are extra, so plan your budget accordingly if you want to taste the beers from the breweries. The tour’s 3-hour duration keeps things manageable—long enough to see some sights and enjoy tastings, but not so long that you feel drained before your cruise’s departure.

The cost of $135 per person offers good value considering it’s a private tour with a local guide, combined with multiple stops that showcase Juneau’s natural beauty and craft beer scene. While the price doesn’t include drinks, the experience of sampling local beers, combined with cultural and scenic stops, makes it worthwhile. The fact that it guarantees a timely return to your vessel adds peace of mind, especially in a port city like Juneau where time is of the essence.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed way to see some of Juneau’s highlights without the crowds. Beer lovers will appreciate the chance to taste local brews and learn about the brewing process, while those interested in nature and culture will enjoy the glacier views and historical stops. The tour is particularly suited for small groups or families with children, given its private setting and flexible pace.

If you’re someone who enjoys combining scenic beauty with local flavors and appreciates the comfort of a private guide, this tour will probably be a highlight of your time in Juneau. It strikes a good balance of education, leisure, and local charm, making it a memorable way to experience Alaska’s capital.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, the tour’s private nature and varied stops make it suitable for families. The salmon hatchery and scenic viewpoints are engaging for kids, and it offers a relaxed pace.

Are meals included in the price?
No, meals are not included. Food from local eateries like Forno Rosso and Red Spruce Eatery can be purchased during the stops, but you’ll need to budget additionally for these.

Can I bring my own drinks or snacks?
Bottled water and snacks are included in the tour. Alcoholic drinks are not included and can be purchased at the breweries if you wish.

How much time is spent at each stop?
Expect roughly 30 minutes at each brewery, 15 minutes at the glacier and park stops, and 30 minutes at the salmon hatchery. The total duration is about 3 hours, making it a manageable outing.

What if I want to customize the tour?
Since it’s a private experience, you can discuss your preferences with the guide. However, the itinerary is designed to balance sightseeing, tasting, and cultural education.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is offered, and since it’s a private tour, transportation arrangements are typically tailored to your needs, simplifying logistics.

This private Juneau tour offers a well-constructed blend of scenic exploration, cultural insights, and local flavors. It’s perfect for small groups or families who want to enjoy a relaxed, personalized experience without feeling rushed. While it’s not a beer-focused tour per se, the brewery visits stand out as highlights, especially if you’re curious about Alaska’s craft scene. Coupled with views of glaciers and local history, it provides a compact but meaningful taste of what Juneau has to offer—without the crowds and with plenty of intimate, authentic moments to cherish.