Known as the land of the midnight sun, Alaska is one of the most exciting destinations on the planet for anyone with a sense of adventure. The state capital, Juneau, is located on the panhandle that makes up the Southeastern region of Alaska. It’s a perfect base for exploring massive glaciers, whale watching, and other outdoor activities. However, the city is sandwiched in between a rugged mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, making it only accessible by air or ferry travel. Fortunately, there are plenty of great hotels in Juneau.

The city itself is an excellent place to relax. It became the capital during the Alaska gold rush and is a treasured place in resident’s hearts. The weather is surprisingly nice; even the winters aren’t as cold as those in Chicago or Cleveland! It has a small-town vibe and is populated by fishermen, state legislators, artists, and Alaska natives. There are excellent restaurants and at least one excellent brewing company that are worth paying a visit to while in town. City events include music festivals, craft markets, and even a salmon derby during the summer fishing season. It’s a great place to plan expeditions into the surrounding region. When tourists eventually need to crash after all the excitement, plenty of hotels in Juneau offer excellent accommodation options.

The city is surrounded by miles and miles of hiking trails through rugged terrain and up into the mountains around the city. Mountain biking and kayaking are also excellent options for those inclined to explore. Boats take tourists out into the Pacific to spot humpback whales. Even larger than the whales, one of the biggest draws in the area is the Mendenhall Glacier, only 13 miles from downtown Juneau. It’s part of the Juneau Icefield, a massive network of 38 interconnected glaciers that covers more than 1,500 square miles. Many different agencies offer trips to bring tourists to see the glacier. Some operators will drive to the glacier, but one of the coolest options is a helicopter trip that actually lands on the ice. Trekking up icy ridges and peering into deep blue crevasses is an experience unlike any other in the world.

At the end of an exhausting day it’s time to retire to one of those hotels in Juneau for a bit of relaxation before hitting one of the local pubs. It’s a refreshing, healthy, and exciting place for enjoying life.