Juneau's surroundings offer some of the most dramatic day trip options in North America. The Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, begins almost at the edge of town.
Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular destination, just 13 miles north of downtown. The glacier is retreating — losing around 100 feet per year — and the changing landscape makes each visit different. The visitor centre has good exhibits for all ages; in summer there is a $3 entry fee.
Admiralty Island, about 10 miles south, can be reached by floatplane in minutes. It has one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world, and Pack Creek is a well-known bear-viewing site where you can watch bears fishing for salmon. The island also has bald eagle nesting colonies, humpback whale habitat, a canoe route through interconnected lakes, and sea kayaking. Fees for guided tours and activities range from around $10 to $50.
Glacier Gardens, 6.5 miles northwest of Juneau, is a 50-acre rainforest garden with ponds, waterfalls, a conservatory, and a 580-foot-high overlook with views of the Mendenhall Glacier. Entry includes a guided tour and costs around $22 per person.