Tips for day with car rental

Question

Will be renting a car for the day in Juneau. Planning on going to Mendenhall Glacier. Suggestions for other sites and route to follow? We’ll have several hours. Lunch recommendations? Thank you.

Answer

Renting a car in Juneau gives you a lot of flexibility, especially since some of the top sights are spread out along the road to Mendenhall Glacier. You’ll have several hours, so planning an efficient route will help you see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a half- to full-day drive:

Start at downtown Juneau: Pick up your rental car and head out in the morning. Make a quick stop at the Juneau Visitor Center if you need maps or local tips.
Mendenhall Glacier: Drive about 12 miles northwest from downtown (roughly 25–30 minutes). Spend time at the main Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, take short walks along the Nugget Falls Trail or the Glacier View Trail. Allocate 1.5–2 hours for photos, walking, and exploring.
Mendenhall Glacier Panorama Point: If time allows, drive a short distance along the Mendenhall Loop Road to scenic viewpoints for different angles of the glacier and surrounding mountains.
Onward to Mount Roberts Tramway: If you have extra time, return toward downtown and take the tramway up Mount Roberts for panoramic views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and surrounding peaks. A quick visit can be done in 1–1.5 hours.

Lunch options in Juneau:

Sandpiper Cafe: Casual, locally loved, offers sandwiches, soups, and seafood dishes.
Tracy's King Crab Shack: For fresh Alaskan seafood and crab dishes, located near the cruise docks.
Deckhand Dave’s: Quick, casual, and seafood-focused, perfect if you want to get back on the road quickly.

Tips for the day:

Start early to avoid cruise ship crowds at Mendenhall Glacier, especially in summer months.
Parking at the glacier can get busy; arrive early for the best spots.
Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket – weather can change quickly.
Fuel up before heading out, as gas stations are limited along Glacier Highway.

Following this plan, you can comfortably see Mendenhall Glacier, enjoy a scenic drive, stop at viewpoints, and have a nice lunch in Juneau before returning your rental car or heading back downtown.

Tips for day with car rental

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