A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America South Lake Tahoe vs. Juneau for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit South Lake Tahoe or Juneau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between South Lake Tahoe or Juneau, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a breathtaking, idyllic, and scenic town. You'll find world class beauty in South Lake Tahoe as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See South Lake Tahoe travel costs.

Juneau

Juneau is a breathtaking, historic, and scenic city. You'll find world class beauty in Juneau as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Juneau travel costs.

South Lake Tahoe and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in South Lake Tahoe or Juneau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in South Lake Tahoe than Juneau, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. South Lake Tahoe is better known for its skiing, nightlife, and resorts, while Juneau is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. South Lake Tahoe is well known for its casino resorts, ski resorts, and beautiful setting. Also, South Lake Tahoe is famous for the Heavenly Gondola. Juneau is well known for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880.

How is South Lake Tahoe different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is South Lake Tahoe or Juneau Better for Skiing?

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

South Lake Tahoe is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Juneau is not a skiing destination.

People head to South Lake Tahoe specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There are three ski resorts in the area. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest, but if you're looking for something smaller, head to Kirkwood, which is tucked away and less well known. There's also Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, which is popular with groups and families because it caters to a range of skill levels.

Juneau is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in South Lake Tahoe or Juneau?

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

Juneau is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a good town for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Juneau can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

While most people don't head to South Lake Tahoe specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time exploring the area's nature, but you can also stop by Tallac Historic Site or the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum.

Is the Food Better in South Lake Tahoe or Juneau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

Juneau is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, South Lake Tahoe is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

South Lake Tahoe is becoming an appealing option for foodies. While most resorts have their own restaurants, there are a number of options around town that specialize in "alpine comfort cuisine", which is worth sampling. You'll also find plenty of cafes that serve up a hearty breakfast - the perfect way to start an active day.

Is South Lake Tahoe or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

South Lake Tahoe has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The resort town has plenty of nightclubs, bars, and music venues. There are outdoor options when the weather is warm as well as indoor settings for cooler weather. You'll also find casinos and live shows.

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 South Lake Tahoe or Juneau Better for Resorts?

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

South Lake Tahoe is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Juneau is not a resort destination.

South Lake Tahoe is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It's a resort town, so there are plenty of options to choose from, many with pools, spas, or casinos.

Juneau is not a resort destination.

Is South Lake Tahoe or Juneau Better for Hiking?

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

South Lake Tahoe and Juneau are both places where visitors can find fantastic hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, South Lake Tahoe draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are miles of beautiful hikes in the area that follow the lake's shore or explore the diverse terrain. Skyline Trail Hike is a favorite. It is accessible by lift and offers spectacular views. For a relaxing stroll check out Fallen Leaf Lake Hike.

Around Juneau visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in South Lake Tahoe or Juneau?

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

Juneau is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, South Lake Tahoe is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

South Lake Tahoe has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most of the shopping involves retailers selling ski gear or outdoor equipment. There are also clothing shops, gift stores, and some art galleries.


Is South Lake Tahoe or Juneau More Beautiful?

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

South Lake Tahoe and Juneau are somewhat similar when it comes to the fantastic scenery.

You'll find world class beauty in South Lake Tahoe as well. The pristine lake and striking natural beauty can be appreciated any time of the year.

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.

Is South Lake Tahoe or Juneau Better for Families?

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Juneau is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, South Lake Tahoe is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the outdoor adventures that the area is filled with. There are gondolas, lakefront beaches, adventure parks, and tubing. There are also miles of hiking trails and a beautiful setting that even the young ones will appreciate.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Juneau. 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 South Lake Tahoe or Juneau Better for Couples?

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

South Lake Tahoe and Juneau are both fantastic to visit as a couple.

South Lake Tahoe has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's beautiful setting and wide variety of adventurous activities make this the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The lake has hidden coves and nearby hiking trails. There are also hot springs, gondolas, and carriage rides. You can go hiking when the weather is warm or skiing when the weather is cold.

Juneau is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.


Is South Lake Tahoe or Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

Juneau is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, South Lake Tahoe is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Juneau is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

South Lake Tahoe is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area and the skiing and hiking attracts the backpacker crowd.

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

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

Both South Lake Tahoe and Juneau offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in South Lake Tahoe. While there are some shuttles and buses, if you really want to explore the area, you'll need your own car.

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

Is South Lake Tahoe or Juneau a more walkable city?

South Lake Tahoe
Juneau

South Lake Tahoe and Juneau both are very good when exploring on foot.

South Lake Tahoe is a very walkable town. Once you get to town, the area is very walkable.

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


For even more information, also check out Is South Lake Tahoe Worth Visiting? and Is Juneau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Juneau or South Lake Tahoe?

How long in South Lake Tahoe or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both South Lake Tahoe and Juneau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in South Lake Tahoe than in Juneau. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for South Lake Tahoe, and 2-3 days is enough time in Juneau.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Juneau than South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe or Juneau? Ideal Length of Stay
    South Lake Tahoe 3-5 
    Juneau 2-3

One day in South Lake Tahoe or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of South Lake Tahoe. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Juneau. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in South Lake Tahoe or Juneau?

South Lake Tahoe is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food and shopping around the breathtaking city of Juneau. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in South Lake Tahoe or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in South Lake Tahoe. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Juneau is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


A week in South Lake Tahoe or Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of South Lake Tahoe. This town 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.

Juneau is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Juneau or South Lake Tahoe?

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

  • South Lake Tahoe Prices
    USA Prices
    Juneau Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    South Lake Tahoe $146
    Juneau $196

The average daily cost (per person) in South Lake Tahoe is $146, 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 South Lake Tahoe and Juneau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    South Lake Tahoe $54
    Juneau $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    South Lake Tahoe $108
    Juneau $176
Compare Hotels in South Lake Tahoe and Juneau

Looking for a hotel in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe


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: South Lake Tahoe Hotel Prices and Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    South Lake Tahoe $24
    Juneau $38

Is it cheaper to fly into South Lake Tahoe or Juneau?

Prices for flights to both Juneau and South Lake Tahoe 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
    South Lake Tahoe $66
    Juneau $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in South Lake Tahoe

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in South Lake Tahoe.

  • Persian Cooking Class with Private Chef: $120
  • Lake Tahoe Evening Dinner Cruise: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    South Lake Tahoe $56
    Juneau $17

Tours and Activities in South Lake Tahoe

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for South Lake Tahoe are as follows:

  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour From Incline Village to South Lake Tahoe: $12
  • Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City: $15
  • Self-Guided Driving Tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit: $15
  • Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Public Sauna Experience at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area: $40
  • Lake Tahoe: Full Day Self-Guided Bike Tour: $69
  • Full-Day Lake Tahoe Circle Tour including Squaw Valley: $70
  • Guided Tour of Historic Virginia City and Carson City from South Lake Tahoe: $70
  • Sunset Kayak Experience in South Lake Tahoe: $75
  • Sunset Kayak Tour in Tahoe City: $75
  • Lake Tahoe's West Shore Best Shore Kayak Tour: $80
  • Virginia City Day Tour From Lake Tahoe with Train Ride: $80

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:

  • City Highlights Bus Tour: $51
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour: $79
  • Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $94
  • Historical Walking Tour of Abandoned Gold Rush Era City with AR: $99
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau: $123
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $123
  • Trails and Ale Tour and Tram Combo: $125
  • Tram, Trails and Ale Tour: $125
  • Juneau Highlights and Mendenhall Glacier Tour: $129
  • Alaska Native Tour and Tram Combo: $145

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    South Lake Tahoe $34
    Juneau $16

Sample the Local Flavors in South Lake Tahoe

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

  • Scavenger Adventure and Lake Tahoe Bar Crawl: $15
  • Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise: $150

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 South Lake Tahoe and Juneau, we can see that Juneau is more expensive. And not only is South Lake Tahoe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to South Lake Tahoe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in South Lake Tahoe 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 Juneau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Juneau than you might in South Lake Tahoe.

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


Which is Bigger, South Lake Tahoe or Juneau?

Juneau has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of South Lake Tahoe. When comparing the sizes of South Lake Tahoe 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.