Under $100: Juneau

Juneau offers some incredible outdoor adventures, but it can be hard to find budget-friendly options. Whale watching and glacier tours tend to set you back at least $100, so what’s an outdoorsy traveler to do? Take the Mount Roberts Tramway up to the top of Mount Roberts to enjoy an incredible view. Plus, the mountaintop is home to a nature center and raptor center, where you can hang out with an actual eagle. Tickets cost $33.

When you get back down to Juneau, grab lunch at Pel’Meni. This hole-in-the-wall spot offers delicious and warming Russian dumplings, and a dozen of them will only set you back a few bucks. It’s cash only, so bring $10 just to be safe!

Alaska State Centennial Museum © Mark Byzewski | Flickr

So far, you’ve spent about $58. If you’re feeling energetic after lunch, take a hike on Perseverance Trail, a three-mile loop that’s not too strenuous but will take you past the site of the original gold rush. Another afternoon stop is the Alaska State Museum, where admission is only $5 and you can leisurely take in some of Alaska’s amazing history, though it is currently closed for renovations until 2016.

For dinner, head to Hangar on the Wharf for some fresh seafood. The cost will likely eat up your remaining $38, especially if you have a drink, but it will be worth it to enjoy the views of the water while enjoying the best local seafood on offer. There are non-seafood options as well, but fish, crab and other from-the-water specialties are what this favorite spot is known for.

The Hangar on the Wharf, Juneau, Alaska © Bernt Rostad | Flickr