Sandy Beach (Savikko Park) - Image 1
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Sandy Beach Savikko Park

4.7
·421 reviews·Juneau, United States

A scenic coastal park on Douglas Island, offering sandy shores, historical ruins, and family-friendly amenities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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Sandy Beach (Savikko Park) - Image 1

Sandy Beach Savikko Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic coastal park on Douglas Island, offering sandy shores, historical ruins, and family-friendly amenities.

4.7
(421 reviews)

"Stunning views and a great place to practice photography, not crowded at all and very easy to take the bus here."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚌 Easy Bus Access

The park is at the end of a bus line, making it super easy to reach from downtown Juneau!

📸 Photography Paradise

Stunning views and changing tides offer fantastic photo opportunities year-round.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sandy Beach Shoreline

Sandy Beach Shoreline

Douglas Island

Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the sandy shores, perfect for photography and appreciating coastal beauty.

Treadwell Mining Town Ruins

Treadwell Mining Town Ruins

Adjacent to the park

Explore the remnants of a historic mining town, offering a glimpse into Juneau's past.

Playground and Trails

Playground and Trails

Within the park

Family-friendly amenities including a playground and scenic walking trails for all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Sandy Beach Savikko Park

While Sandy Beach Savikko Park is beautiful year-round, consider visiting during the summer months (June-August) for the best weather and longer daylight hours. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, especially if you're looking for a peaceful experience. Early mornings or late afternoons offer stunning light for photography.

Getting to Sandy Beach Savikko Park

Sandy Beach Savikko Park is conveniently located at the end of a bus line, making it accessible without a car.Reddit This is a great option for cruise ship passengers looking for an easy excursion. Check the local bus schedules to plan your journey effectively.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Beautiful seasonal colors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to Juneau, Capital of Alaska!🇦🇽❄️🦀🏔️ I picked this trip up to try something new and it turned out to be one of my favorite trips ive done so far! Alaska is beyond underrated! A while ago I heard about Tracys King Crab Shack and her world famous deadliest catch crabs. So when I found out we had super long layovers there I decided, imma get some 🦀! I also went whale watching🐳🐋Juneau is one o...
@thebeautifuljordan
146.7K likes • 744.2K views

🚌 Easy Bus Access

The park is at the end of a bus line, making it super easy to reach from downtown Juneau! Reddit

📸 Photography Paradise

Stunning views and changing tides offer fantastic photo opportunities year-round. Reddit

decided to start juneau posting 🧚🌿🌞 #alaska
@spaycie
10.9K likes • 52.8K views
Canvas: Savikko Park, Sandy Beach Medium: “The geology on Douglas Island consists of a belt of volcanic greenstones next to Stephens Passage, which alternate with slate before the transitioning into a belt of slate next to the Gastineau Channel. The slate band includes many dikes of diorite. “Secondarily fractured and mineralized diorite dikes constitute the ore bodies in the Treadwell group of mi...
blakebyersart
0 likes • 11.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore History

Don't miss the Treadwell mining town ruins for a fascinating historical walk. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Great playground and open spaces make it a hit with families. Reddit

Save for your next Alaska trip! #juneau #whattodoinjuneau #alaska #alaskancruise
@emsotell
10.4K likes • 269.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚌 Easy Bus Access

The park is at the end of a bus line, making it super easy to reach from downtown Juneau! Reddit

📸 Photography Paradise

Stunning views and changing tides offer fantastic photo opportunities year-round. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore History

Don't miss the Treadwell mining town ruins for a fascinating historical walk. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Great playground and open spaces make it a hit with families. Reddit

💎 Beachcombing Treasures

Look for old broken dishes, remnants of the mining past. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(421 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Sandy Beach Savikko Park for its stunning coastal views and family-friendly atmosphere, highlighting the playground and historical Treadwell ruins. It's noted as an easily accessible spot via public transport, perfect for photography and a relaxed outing.

"This is a nice beach and park area for the whole family. The coast guard celebrated “coast guard day” here and it was a great time. The kids love the playground and the trails."

Diane Crandall

"Absolutely stunning views for an out of towner like me. Great place to practice photography and go for a decent walk. It would be fun to come at different times to see the changes in the water and seasons. Not too many bald eagles here on this day. Not crowded at all and it was very easy to take the bus here it's at the end of the bus line. I'm grateful for my stay thank you Juneau."

Zakkry Endicott

". The park is great, especially if you have kids. What is fantastic is the Treadwell mining town next to it, that no longer exists. You can see what can happen to a bustling mining town 100 yeas after it was destroyed by a fire. Even better, get the augmented reality tour where you can see the original buildings superimposed on the first that is there now. Really cool!"

F. Johnson

What People Like

Beautiful coastal views
Family-friendly playground
Historic Treadwell ruins

What People Dislike

Cold water for swimming

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sandy Beach Savikko Park is conveniently located at the end of a local bus line, making it easily accessible from downtown Juneau without needing a car.Reddit This is a popular and straightforward option for visitors, especially those arriving by cruise ship.

While public transport is recommended, there is typically parking available at Savikko Park for those who prefer to drive. It's a good idea to arrive earlier during peak season to secure a spot.

It's a bit of a walk from the cruise port to Sandy Beach Savikko Park, so taking the local bus is generally a more practical and quicker option. The bus route is designed to serve this area.

For photography, consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset. The bus is a reliable way to get there, and you can plan your return trip to coincide with the best light. Reddit

While direct shuttle services might not be readily advertised, the local public bus system is efficient and serves as the primary public transportation to the park. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Sandy Beach Savikko Park is a public park and does not require an entrance fee. You can enjoy its amenities and natural beauty free of charge.

Savikko Park is generally open from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy the space throughout the day. Specific hours may vary slightly by season, but it's typically accessible during daylight hours.

No advance booking is necessary for general visits to Sandy Beach Savikko Park. It's a public space, so you can visit spontaneously.

While there aren't official guided tours for the park itself, the Treadwell mining town ruins adjacent to the park offer an augmented reality tour that provides historical context. Reddit

The park offers trails and amenities that are generally accessible, though specific accessibility details for all areas might vary. The playground and main beach access are usually well-maintained.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Families can enjoy the playground, explore the sandy beach, walk the trails, and learn about the history of the Treadwell mining town ruins. Reddit

The water at Sandy Beach can be quite cold, even in summer. While some may brave a quick dip, it's more commonly enjoyed for walking, beachcombing, and enjoying the scenery rather than swimming. Reddit

While not guaranteed, you might spot various seabirds along the shore. Bald eagles are common in the Juneau area, though sightings at the park itself can vary. Reddit

Yes, Savikko Park typically offers picnic tables and open spaces, making it a great spot for a family picnic with beautiful views.

The augmented reality tour allows you to use your device to see superimposed images of the original Treadwell mining town buildings on the current landscape, offering a unique historical perspective. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with softer light and beautiful colors. The changing tides also create dynamic scenes. Reddit

Popular subjects include the sandy beach, the Gastineau Channel, the surrounding mountains, the Treadwell ruins, and any wildlife you might spot. Reddit

The shoreline itself provides excellent vantage points. Exploring the trails can also lead to elevated spots with panoramic views of the water and landscape. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions. Reddit

Absolutely! The ruins are a significant historical site and offer unique photographic opportunities, especially when combined with the augmented reality tour. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sandy Beach Savikko Park is an excellent choice for families visiting Juneau. The park features a well-maintained playground that will keep younger children entertained for hours. The sandy beach area is perfect for building sandcastles or simply letting kids run around and explore. The gentle walking trails are also suitable for families, offering a safe and scenic environment for a leisurely stroll. Reddit

Beyond the immediate park amenities, the adjacent Treadwell mining town ruins provide an educational and engaging experience. The augmented reality tour can be particularly captivating for older children, allowing them to visualize the history of the area in an interactive way. Packing snacks and drinks is recommended, as there are picnic areas available for a family meal with a view. The ease of access via the local bus also makes it a stress-free outing for families. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Sandy Beach Savikko Park offers a wealth of visual opportunities. The coastal landscape is the main attraction, with the sandy beach providing a versatile foreground for capturing the Gastineau Channel and the surrounding mountains. The changing tides create dynamic scenes, and beachcombing can yield interesting textures and historical artifacts for your shots. Reddit

Don't overlook the Treadwell mining town ruins as a unique photographic subject, blending historical decay with natural reclamation. Visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset will enhance the mood and colors of your images. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a tripod for sharper images in lower light conditions. The accessibility via public transport means you can easily plan your visit around the best light. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will find Sandy Beach Savikko Park particularly compelling due to the adjacent Treadwell mining town ruins. This site offers a tangible connection to Juneau's past as a significant gold-mining center. Exploring the remnants of the once-thriving town provides insight into the lives of the miners and the boom-and-bust cycles that shaped the region. Reddit

The augmented reality tour is a must-do for a deeper understanding of the Treadwell complex. It allows you to visualize the scale of the operation and imagine the bustling town that once stood there. The park itself, while more natural, is situated in an area rich with historical context, making it a great spot to reflect on the area's heritage.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Treadwell Mining Town

Adjacent to Sandy Beach Savikko Park lie the fascinating remnants of the Treadwell Mining Company, once one of Alaska's largest gold producers. Established in the late 19th century, the Treadwell mine complex was a sprawling operation that employed hundreds of workers and significantly impacted Juneau's development. The town that grew around the mine was a bustling hub of activity, complete with housing, businesses, and a vibrant community.

However, the mine's prosperity was not to last. A series of catastrophic cave-ins and flooding, particularly in 1917, led to the mine's eventual closure and the town's abandonment. Today, visitors can explore the remaining structures and foundations, offering a poignant reminder of the town's former glory and the power of nature. The site is a testament to Juneau's rich mining heritage and the resilience of its past inhabitants.

For an even more immersive experience, consider the augmented reality tour available for the Treadwell ruins. This innovative technology allows you to use your smartphone or tablet to superimpose historical images of the original buildings onto the current landscape. It's a captivating way to visualize the scale and grandeur of the former mining town and truly bring history to life. Reddit

Photography Opportunities at Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach Savikko Park is a dream for photographers, offering a diverse range of subjects and stunning natural light. The shoreline itself is a major draw, with the ever-changing tides creating dramatic patterns and reflections. Whether it's the soft glow of sunrise, the crisp light of midday, or the warm hues of sunset, the coastal scenery provides a beautiful backdrop for any shot. Keep an eye out for interesting beachcombing finds, such as old broken dishes, which add a unique historical element to your photos. Reddit

The park's location on Douglas Island also provides opportunities to capture the Gastineau Channel and the surrounding mountains. The contrast between the water, the rugged terrain, and the sky can be particularly striking. For those interested in wildlife, while not guaranteed, the area is known for seabirds, and there's always a chance of spotting a bald eagle soaring overhead. The nearby Treadwell ruins also offer a compelling historical subject, blending industrial remnants with natural beauty.

To make the most of your photography session, consider visiting during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – for the most flattering light. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or attempting wildlife shots. Remember to check the tide charts to plan for interesting coastal compositions. Reddit

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