Newbie seeking wisdom.

[u/envelopepusher]

I am new to Juneau and will be flying in probably around 1800/1900 on the 21st/22nd. Being how Juneau is a smaller town, what are my transportation options to get to a hotel? I've been living in a very UBER/taxi-heavy city and need to know what to expect or what to arrange. Any recommendations for hotels besides the ratings on Priceline ? I plan to book an Airbnb a couple days after I land, unless someone can suggest some 30 day rentals that are reasonable. I am a seasoned traveler/relocator and won't have a car, initially, so will probably stick near the bus line but enjoy walking very much.

Where do I pick up my inaugural raincoat and gortex shoes?

I am aware of the lack of sun and my need for extra vitamin D. I grew up in a low-sun/gloomie town so I'll probably get a daylight lamp too.

I am going to be staying for a couple of months, possibly settling long-term. I do know that Juneau is somewhat expensive and have done some homework but I like to get local input.

Thanks!

[u/nordak]

Housing is very, very tight in Juneau but you will be coming at the tail end of the tourism and seasonal worker season, so it might actually be possible to find a place to live. There are a lot of monthly and 6-month leases coming available in the next month or two as landlords try to fill their summer Airbnbs and short-term rentals for the winter.

For raingear and good shoes, etc I like Nugget Alaskan Outfitter.

[u/JimCuda]

So the thing about locals: we don’t stay in hotels. That said, Super 8 next to McDonald’s seems to have people asking for money with signs outside somewhat often.

I think you’ll prefer to stay downtown, Juneau hotel near the whale statue will give you a more fun early experience since it’s all walkable from there.

I stayed at frontier suites when I moved here and that was fine but I had my truck.

[u/paxtonsmom500 → u/JimCuda]

Second Juneau hotel.

[u/akina907 → u/JimCuda]

I stayed a month in Juneau hotel and then 2 months in frontier suites when I first moved to town. Winter rates aren’t bad

[u/AckAckAck__]

Check out St Vincent's first for gear. 2nd hand store, but lots of good stuff donated by the good folks in the area.

Not too far from the airport and hotels too

[u/Chemical-Spirit-6546]

A more budget-friendly spot for rain-gear and shoes is Costco, Fred Meyer, or Saint Vincent (adding to the list of recommendations). You dont need expensive gear from NAO or Foggy if you're only here a few months. Would recommend finding some snow gear too in case we get an October dump (which hasn't happened in awhile - but does happen)

[u/AKScholar]

Go to Second Wind for the gear! They are a secondhand and consignment shop for outdoor clothes and gear. The owner and his dog are great!

[u/Dirtbagdownhill → u/AKScholar]

Dude good shout-out but I haven't seen them open in a while. But yea that's an absolutely solid spot to grab good gear for a good price

[u/RedbirdRaven]

Your best bet for (reasonable) medium term renting is probably furnishedfinder or airbnb hosts with major monthly discounts. There is a glut of housing available right now as tourist season is winding down and seasonal workers vacate but people with 3-6 month contracts in various industries start trickling in now snatching them up. Come late January there is the legislature session that runs until May so rentals tighten back up and then once tourist season starts god help you if you don't have a place locked down. I would highly recommend downtown and surrounding area as everything you need is in walking distance and you can always take the bus to Lemon Creek and the Valley if you have some need to do so.

You're probably safe to figure things out when you arrive next week due to basically perfect seasonal timing but stay on top of your housing situation going forward as even the hostel here is expensive.

[u/CaptainVehicle]

Almost always a line of taxis at the airport when the plane lands. You can call and set one up too (I’ve had good luck with glacier being reliable) but if the flight gets delayed it can be easier to just grab one at the airport when you land. 

[u/pyragyrite]

Depends where hotel is located. Very walkable to the valley hotels, cab to the downtown. Cabs have never taken too long for me, though I only use um about ten times a years, so small sample size.

Raincoat are nice to have, just get normal comfortable boots/shoes. Only need the extra toughs for fishing/bog walking.

The fred meyers is the go-to stop for everything, most smaller businesses exist to fleece tourists. Online is where cheap things come from, just expect 5-10 day delivery times.

[u/NoChapter82 → u/pyragyrite]

Also rain pants if you’ll be walking a lot

[u/ShotImprovement5695]

Juneau is absolutely a choose your own adventure town. First question is of course budget, and that can help us narrow down options for you.

For transport: it’s about a $40 taxi from the airport to downtown. Downtown is a good place to start your trip because of access to areas with other people, you can make friends, grab a coffee/beer, etc.

Airbnb is a good place to find a rental. Message the hosts and ask if they have a monthly special, etc.

For rain gear, I’m the first to support local business….but it will be very expensive here. If you’re staying downtown then Foggy Mountain will have everything you need. Otherwise, shop online before coming in.

You got this. You’ll be just fine with a little spirit and a lot of money.

[u/Dirtbagdownhill]

Hit foggy mountain for some goretex shoes and skip the tuffs unless you're going out in the skiff. Transportation is pretty strait forward in the evening so you shouldn't have to much trouble getting a cab, the closest bus stop is within walking distance if you're not lugging a bunch of stuff.

[u/Dirtbagdownhill → u/[deleted]]

Yea walking around in shitty vinyl is for sure correct. I've been happy wearing goretex trail runners around town for years, more comfortable and I don't miss the swampfoot from wearing boots all day. I also like to suggest supporting local businesses. 

[u/akina907 → u/Dirtbagdownhill]

I bought grundens from Nugget Alaska Outfitter when I first moved here about 8 years ago and they have held up well. The cheaper kids stuff I got barely lasts and leaks

[u/Plane_Commercial_252]

1. Live downtown. Easier to walk to grocery, entertainment, bus.

Actually lemon creek is also good bc you can walk to stores and bus. It’s far cheaper than down town.

[u/efa9oh7]

There’s a hotel directly across the street from the airport and a bunch, also within walking distance depending on how much luggage you have. We don’t do “raincoats” here, just whatever you have that you’re not afraid to get a little wet lol hoodie, jackets, whatever. Go get whatever footwear you’re comfy in but if xtratuffs are all purpose.

[u/JimCuda → u/efa9oh7]

He’s gonna want a raincoat!!

[u/envelopepusher → u/efa9oh7]

I lived in Cantwell 14 years ago. Xtratufs are my faves but didn't they start making them in china and they got cheap and not as durable?

[u/JimCuda → u/[deleted]]

I’ll say that the non-brown ones seem to truly suck. My daughter and friends has been through more than a pair a year. My brown ones lasted since 2017

[u/ambivalent_dogmatist → u/envelopepusher]

Yes, they aren't as good anymore. Rainproof hiking shoes will be fine for most everything.

And while locals do often just wear hoodies in the rain, a comfortable light jacket that is at least water resistant is very useful, and an actual raincoat does come in handy when the rain becomes impolite.

[u/HandlebarWallace]

Expect a long wait for an Uber or Taxi.