Beauty and the Beer Private Sightseeing and Brewery in Juneau

Introduction

If you’re looking for an authentic, laid-back way to experience Juneau beyond just the cruise ship crowds, the Beauty and the Beer Private Sightseeing and Brewery Tour offers a charming blend of local flavor, scenic beauty, and good beer. This tour is designed for those who want to see some of the city’s highlights while enjoying a taste of Juneau’s thriving craft beer scene, all in a relaxed, private setting.

Two things we love about this tour: First, the personalized experience—it’s a private tour, so your group gets undivided attention from a local guide, making it more flexible and intimate. Second, the combination of sights and tastes—you’re not just drinking beer; you’re learning about Juneau’s history, geography, and wildlife while sampling some of the best local brews.

However, one consideration is that alcoholic drinks are not included in the price, so you’ll want to budget for that if beer tasting is a priority. Also, with a minimum of three travelers, it’s worth checking if your small group can meet that requirement or pay for three people if your group is smaller.

This tour works best for curious travelers who enjoy a mix of scenery, local culture, and craft beer—ideal for couples, friends, or small families looking for an authentic Juneau experience that avoids the typical tourist traps.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience tailored to your group
• Combination of scenic stops and brewery visits offers a well-rounded tour
• Learn about Juneau’s history, wildlife, and geography from a local guide
• Food options like pizza and local eats available for purchase
• Price reflects a 3-hour experience, with bottled water and snacks included
• Best suited for small groups of at least three travelers

Discovering Juneau on a Personal Level

This tour offers a refreshing alternative to larger, more rigid excursions in Juneau. It’s all about enjoying the city’s sights and flavors without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The private nature means your guide can tailor the experience, answering questions or spending more time at places you find intriguing.

Scenic and Cultural Highlights

The tour kicks off with a visit to Forbidden Peak Brewery, where you can sample beers while taking in scenic views of Statter Harbor. The brewery’s location promises a relaxed atmosphere with a chance to enjoy the waterfront scenery—an authentic glimpse of Juneau’s maritime charm. You can also purchase non-alcoholic drinks or food here, making it a great spot for a light snack.

Next, you’ll head to Alaskan Brewing Co., one of Juneau’s most renowned breweries. This stop is perfect if you’re a beer enthusiast or simply curious about local brewing styles. You’ll get to sample beers from this famous brand and enjoy the aroma of fresh pizza baked in a wood-fired oven—a delicious pairing that highlights Juneau’s culinary talents. Again, food and drinks are available for purchase, giving you the flexibility to indulge or simply sip and listen.

The Natural Beauty of the Area

Midway through, you’ll visit Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei, where breathtaking photos of the Mendenhall Glacier are guaranteed. The guide will share insights into how the glacier’s yearly flooding impacts the landscape, adding educational value to this picturesque stop. It’s a chance to appreciate the raw power and beauty of Alaska’s glaciers, with plenty of photo opportunities.

A short visit to Overstreet Park offers a chance to see Takhu, the humpback whale statue, commemorating fifty years of Alaskan statehood. It’s a charming spot along the Gastineau Channel, perfect for a quick walk and some memorable photos of the harbor.

Wildlife and Local Life

The final stops include Dipac’s Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, where you can learn about Juneau’s vital salmon population through touch pools, aquariums, and outdoor wildlife viewing. It’s an interactive, family-friendly stop that adds an educational element to your journey.

Strolling along Franklin Street, you’ll get a glimpse of Juneau’s government and historic buildings, including the Capitol and Governor’s Mansion. While brief, these sights provide context about Juneau’s political and historical landscape.

What the Tour Includes and Excludes

The tour provides bottled water and snacks, ensuring you stay hydrated and energized. It’s a private experience, so only your group participates, enhancing the relaxed atmosphere. The admission tickets at each stop are free, although alcoholic drinks are not included, so plan your budget accordingly if you want to taste more beers. Meals are also not included, but food is available for purchase at some stops, letting you choose what suits your taste and budget.

Practical Details

The tour lasts approximately three hours, making it a manageable addition to a day in Juneau. Pickup is offered, reducing the hassle of navigating unfamiliar streets or organizing transportation. Price-wise, at $135 per person, it offers good value considering the personalized attention and unique stops. However, be aware of the minimum of three travelers—if you’re alone or a couple, you may need to pay for an extra person or join with others.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and the itinerary suggest it’s a well-balanced mix of sights, stories, and tastes. Travelers have appreciated the local insights from the guide, often highlighting how much they learned about Juneau’s history, wildlife, and brewing scene. Many noted the intimate setting as a significant advantage over larger bus tours, allowing for more personalized interactions.

One review mentions the gorgeous views of Statter Harbor and the informative stops at the glacier and whale statue, emphasizing they enjoyed the casual pace and the chance to ask questions without feeling rushed. The food options, including pizza from Forno Rosso and local eats from Red Spruce Eatery, were highlighted as nice touches that enhanced the experience.

The Sum Up

The Beauty and the Beer Private Sightseeing and Brewery Tour offers a relaxed, engaging way to see some of Juneau’s highlights while indulging in local brews and learning about the area’s natural and cultural heritage. It’s particularly suited for small groups who value a personalized touch, want to avoid large crowds, and enjoy the combination of scenic beauty and craft beer.

If you’re after an authentic, flexible tour that balances sightseeing, education, and tasting, this experience hits the mark. While it requires some planning—especially regarding alcohol purchases and group size—it promises a memorable, laid-back glimpse into Juneau that you won’t find on a typical bus tour.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered, which simplifies logistics and gets you straight to the fun.

How long does the tour last?
It’s about three hours, making it easy to fit into a day’s itinerary without feeling rushed.

Are alcoholic drinks included?
No, the price does not include beer or other alcoholic beverages, so you’ll want to budget for tastings at the breweries.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Food is available for purchase at some stops, and bottled water is provided. Outside food and drinks aren’t specified as prohibited, but it’s best to check with your guide.

What about the group size?
It’s a private tour, so only your group participates, but there’s a minimum of three travelers, or a small fee if your group is smaller.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?
While the stops include educational outdoor activities and scenic views, the focus on beer tasting makes it more suitable for adults. Kids may enjoy the scenery and wildlife stops, but they won’t participate in tastings.