anniemoll

We will be cruising on Glacier Bay Express the last week of May for one week departing from and returning to Juneau. We will have at least 3 days before and after the cruise to explore that area. Any suggestions? Rent a car? Any posts would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

Orcas

Juneau is accessible only be water or air. The roads lead to nowhere, so don't rent a car. That's about all I know. Why not post where your cruise is going so people can give you ideas of where else to go. You can take the Alaska ferry system lots of places or fly somewhere from Juneau.

pollyvw

You will probably take the tour to Mendenhohl Glacier. You can spend a bit of time there; hike up as close as you can get. Downtown there is a gondola to the top of the mountain; restaurant up there though I cannot speak of the food; did not eat there. Lots of shopping in town. Actually, Juneau and Ketchikan are about the best shopping stops on the Inside Passage. Unique little shops in other places, of course, but for shear volume these two places overpower others. There are 2 very good musuems in the city. Look them up on a websearch as the names have slipped me. You can also spend some time at the dock area looking over the yacht's coming in. We saw Jennifer and Brad in their floating HOME (wonder who gets that in the settlement). Since you have so much time, this might be a good place to schedule an excursion. People on our trip kayaked near the glacier. Check with your cruise line or do an online search to see what vendors offer. Other than that...I will leave it to other posters to fill in the blanks.

Julie304

Mt. Roberts is the one with the gondola that goes to the top. The view is great if you get a clear day, but Juneau has lots of overcast days and it probably isn't worth the trip if you get one. We found the restaurant at the top to be pretty average (except for the view).

I'd second the recommendation for Mendenhall glacier and its hiking trails (watch out for bears). There's a great restaurant in downtown Juneau called The Hanger with gorgeous views of the bay, but be prepared to wait for a table.

BudgetQueen

I disagree- a car rental can be beneficial in Juneau. I have rent there a few times. It is a nice drive out to the Shrine of St. Theresa, a stop at Alaska U and Chapel on the Lake, for serious hiking- the west side of Mendenhall. Also is more convenient for Glacier Gardens, The Hatchery, Alaska Brewery. the two museums are the Juneau Doughlas City Museum and The Alaska State Museum, there is also the Last Chance Mining museum. Request their visitor guide www.traveljuneau.com