
South Franklin Street, Juneau (must see)
South Franklin Street is a lively and colorful stretch brimming with history, local culture, and artistic flair. At its heart is Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza, a moving tribute to the Tlingit civil rights icon whose advocacy led to the first anti-discrimination law in the U.S. The plaza features a towering mural by Tlingit artist Crystal Worl, surrounded by interpretive plaques and storytelling elements that honor Peratrovich’s legacy and invite visitors to reflect on Alaska’s continuing journey toward equality and justice.
The street also showcases Juneau’s deep-rooted connection to Indigenous stories and the arts. City Hall is home to “Raven Discovering Mankind in a Clamshell,” a massive mural by Bill Ray illustrating the Haida creation story. The iconic Red Dog Saloon at 278 South Franklin welcomes visitors with old-school Western charm and quirky memorabilia, including Wyatt Earp’s unclaimed pistol. The nearby Filipino Hall and the restored Senate Building offer further glimpses into the area’s rich past, now housing boutique shops and galleries.
The South Franklin Street is lined with a wide variety of shops and galleries where you can find everything from hand-carved totem poles and Tlingit silver jewelry to quirky souvenirs like plush iceworms and wild Alaska T-shirts. For authentic items, look for the Silver Hand symbol, which designates work made by Alaska Native artists, and the Made in Alaska polar bear logo for locally produced goods.
The street also showcases Juneau’s deep-rooted connection to Indigenous stories and the arts. City Hall is home to “Raven Discovering Mankind in a Clamshell,” a massive mural by Bill Ray illustrating the Haida creation story. The iconic Red Dog Saloon at 278 South Franklin welcomes visitors with old-school Western charm and quirky memorabilia, including Wyatt Earp’s unclaimed pistol. The nearby Filipino Hall and the restored Senate Building offer further glimpses into the area’s rich past, now housing boutique shops and galleries.
The South Franklin Street is lined with a wide variety of shops and galleries where you can find everything from hand-carved totem poles and Tlingit silver jewelry to quirky souvenirs like plush iceworms and wild Alaska T-shirts. For authentic items, look for the Silver Hand symbol, which designates work made by Alaska Native artists, and the Made in Alaska polar bear logo for locally produced goods.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Juneau. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
South Franklin Street on Map
Sight Name: South Franklin Street
Sight Location: Juneau, USA (See walking tours in Juneau)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Juneau, USA (See walking tours in Juneau)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Juneau, Alaska
Create Your Own Walk in Juneau
Creating your own self-guided walk in Juneau is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Juneau’s architecture tells a story as rich as its gold-laced past. Scattered across the downtown area and nearby neighborhoods are buildings that reflect the city’s beginnings, its role in Alaska’s territorial history, and the strength of the local community over time. These landmarks, preserved and repurposed, offer a unique way to trace Juneau’s past through its physical spaces.
With... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
With... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Juneau Introduction Walking Tour
Alaska’s capital city is one of the most scenic places in the state, and among the most visited. Long before government buildings and cruise ships arrived, the land was home to the Tlingit people. They built permanent villages along the coast and rivers, thriving through fishing, trading, and a way of life deeply rooted in the region’s natural rhythms.
The modern chapter of Juneau’s story... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The modern chapter of Juneau’s story... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles