A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Mystic vs. Juneau for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Mystic or Juneau?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mystic and Juneau. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mystic

Mystic is a quaint, laid back, and charming town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mystic travel costs.

Juneau

Juneau is a scenic, breathtaking, and historic city. Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Juneau travel costs.

Mystic and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Mystic or Juneau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Juneau. Although Mystic and Juneau are popular destinations, Juneau has more sights and attractions for tourists. Juneau is very popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mystic attracts visitors for its nightlife and beaches. Mystic is famous for its New England charm and local character. Juneau is famous for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. It is also well known for the Mendenhall Glacier.

How is Mystic different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Juneau and Mystic. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mystic or Juneau?

Mystic
Juneau

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Mystic or Juneau.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Juneau offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.


Is the Food Better in Mystic or Juneau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic
Juneau

Juneau is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Juneau. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Mystic or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Juneau

Mystic is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Mystic or Juneau Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Juneau

Mystic is a well-known place for the beach. However, Juneau is not a beach destination.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Juneau is not a beach destination.


Is Mystic or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Mystic
Juneau

Juneau is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Juneau is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Juneau?

Mystic
Juneau

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Mystic and Juneau.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Juneau is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Is Mystic or Juneau More Beautiful?

Mystic
Juneau

Juneau is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Mystic or Juneau Better for Families?

Mystic
Juneau

Both Mystic and Juneau are superb family-friendly destinations.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Juneau is a very kid-friendly town. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Mystic or Juneau Better for Couples?

Mystic
Juneau

Juneau is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Juneau is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Mystic or Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mystic
Juneau

Juneau is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Juneau is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.


Is Mystic or Juneau Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mystic
Juneau

Juneau is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Juneau a more walkable city?

Mystic
Juneau

Juneau is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Juneau is very walkable. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

For even more information, also check out Is Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Juneau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mystic and Juneau. In our opinion, Juneau has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Juneau than Mystic. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Juneau than Mystic. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Juneau, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Juneau than Mystic. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Juneau that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Juneau than Mystic if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Juneau.


  • How many days in Mystic or Juneau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mystic 2-3 
    Juneau 2-3

One day in Mystic or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Mystic. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Juneau. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Mystic or Juneau?

Mystic is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Juneau is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mystic. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Juneau. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Mystic. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Juneau. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Juneau or Mystic?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Mystic Prices
    USA Prices
    Juneau Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mystic $248
    Juneau $196

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $248, while the average daily cost in Juneau is $196. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mystic and Juneau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Juneau $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Juneau $176
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Juneau

Looking for a hotel in Mystic or Juneau? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mystic


Hotels in Juneau


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mystic Hotel Prices and Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Juneau $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Juneau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Juneau:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU): $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Mystic or Juneau?

Prices for flights to both Juneau and Mystic change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mystic $90
    Juneau $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Juneau $17

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mystic's Ghosts GPS Self Guided Audio Walking Tour w/EMF Reader: $7.80
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $32
  • Guided Graveyard Ghost Tour by Moonlight: $35
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Juneau are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Fishing Experience/Class in Juneau: $225
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska: $189
  • 4-Hour Wildlife and Coastal Tour in Juneau, Alaska: $220
  • Alaska Native Tour and Tram Combo: $145
  • Alpine Segway Wilderness Trail Adventure: $180
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $123
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $145
  • Historical Walking Tour of Abandoned Gold Rush Era City with AR: $99
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Juneau Lighthouse Tours - Whale watching & Lighthouse Combo: $199
  • Juneau Private Tour or Shore Excursion Authentic Alaskan Cuisine: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mystic $31
    Juneau $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100

Sample the Local Flavors in Juneau

Also in Juneau, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Pub Crawl in Downtown Juneau: $115
  • Craft Brews & Epic Views: Juneau's Brewery & Sightseeing Tour!: $159
  • Craft Beer and Brewery Tour with Scenic Stops: $159


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mystic and Juneau, we can see that Mystic is more expensive. And not only is Juneau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Juneau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Juneau and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Mystic would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mystic than you might in Juneau.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mystic Expensive? and Is Juneau Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mystic or Juneau?

Juneau has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic and Juneau, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Mystic or Juneau?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mystic or Juneau in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Juneau. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mystic this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Juneau for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mystic is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mystic in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Juneau averages at about 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the summer, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Mystic usually gets less rain in July than Juneau. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Juneau 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Juneau in the Autumn?

Both Juneau and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mystic for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Juneau in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Mystic is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 53°F (12°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during autumn. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. In October, Mystic usually receives less rain than Juneau. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Juneau 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Juneau in the Winter?

Both Juneau and Mystic during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mystic in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Juneau for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Juneau can be very cold during winter. Mystic can get quite cold in the winter. Mystic is much warmer than Juneau in the winter. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Juneau fluctuates around 24°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mystic usually gets less rain in January than Juneau. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Juneau in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Juneau. Most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Juneau because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Juneau can be very cold. In the spring, Mystic is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mystic in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Juneau averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during spring. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mystic usually receives more rain than Juneau. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Juneau 40°F (4°C)

Typical Weather for Juneau and Mystic

Mystic Juneau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)