plan your own alaska trip

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Alaska [2024]

Planning a trip to Alaska without any help is a bit daunting. It’s a huge place with a lot to see and do. I should know, I’ve spend over 25 years in Alaska calling it home. I’ve also traveled extensively around the world, so I know what it’s like planning a big trip.

I created this extensive article that covers all aspects of planning your trip. Be sure to take notes and check out my other posts about Alaska too !

Planning your Trip

This article is intended to guide you through the planning stages to create your perfect Alaska itinerary, uniquely suited to your needs. There is not a set itinerary in this guide ( you can find one here ), but it will provide ideas and guidance in the planning stages of your trip.

Here’s the thing about travel. Everyone travels differently. My husband and I do not like seeing every single touristy thing out there. I’d rather skip some activities and only focus on what I love.

Some people would rather get up and go, and want to see everything possible. There is plenty to do in Alaska, so that’s an option too!

When Should you Start Planning your Trip?

If you want to see Alaska in the summer (mid-May to early September) then ideally you will want to book as early as possible.

A good rule of thumb is to book your trip (accommodations, tickets, excursions) by the end of the previous year. So for a summer trip, you’d want to have everything booked by the end of the previous year at the latest. This will ensure you get the best choice of accommodation and your preferred excursions will be available.

Flight prices vary a lot throughout the year. I like to book in advance, especially if I’m also booking everything else. I use Google Flights for my flight searches. They have a calendar feature so you can easily see the cheapest days to fly. I also use Going ( Scot t’s Cheap Flights) as they send deals to my inbox nearly daily. I’ve seen many deals to Alaska over the years but also deals to places all over the world.

During the off-season, you may be able to get a good deal on a flight. You’ll also be able to much more easily find places to stay, but some of the popular activities (snowmachining and Northern Lights tours) can book out early.

Another big reason to plan your trip well in advance is so you can secure your lodging. Alaska is full of small towns with limited accommodations. The best ones book up quickly, with people often booking a year in advance .

For example, in October I tried to book our favorite place in Seward at the end of May for the next year and it was already booked. That’s 8 months in advance! There were other places available, but this one is right on the beach, has a covered porch, and is a fantastic place to build a fire and enjoy whale watching.

Excursions, especially Denali, fishing charters, and some more remote options, also book up quickly. I’ve never had trouble getting a last-minute spot on a whale-watching cruise, but that could have just been pure luck.

If your trip is a month or a few months away, don’t fret. There are sure to be many options available, they just might not be your first pick.

See also: The Coolest VRBO Home Stays in Alaska

When Should You Visit Alaska?

Visiting in the Summer Months: The best weather is from June to mid-August, and this is also when most people visit Alaska. If you start planning early, the summer is a wonderful time to see the state. Everything is green and colorful, the sun never really sets, and there’s plenty to do.

It’s not all perfect though – prices will be the highest and mosquitoes will be out in full force.

Visiting in the Shoulder Season: Late April through May, and September/October (mostly after Labor Day) are considered the shoulder season in Alaska. Most rentals drop their rates from the ‘summer rate’ to the off-season rate. There are deals on a lot of tours. There are also many tour operators and places that close in the shoulder season, so you may not be able to do everything on your list. There are usually fewer crowds and you get more of a local feel.

The weather this time of year is anyone’s guess. It could snow, sleet, rain, freeze, or be unusually warm. I’d recommend bringing lots and lots of layers this time of year!

Visiting in the Winter: Some people recommend visiting Alaska in the winter. I really only recommend doing this if you have specific winter activities you want to do. This includes seeing the northern lights, doing any winter sports, or snowmachining.

If you aren’t used to driving in the snow and ice, I wouldn’t recommend making Alaska your first experience. It’s dark much of the day, it’s hard to see the moose on the road, and the roads can be pretty dangerous.

For a full breakdown of when to visit Alaska, I wrote a post all about this topic, here .

How Long Should you Stay in Alaska?

In my opinion, you need at least 7 days in the state. If you can do 12 full days, then you can see quite a bit. So I would suggest booking no less than 7 full days here (not including travel time).

• 5-7 days: You can pick one area below and see the highlights.
• 7-9 days: You can pick two areas below and see the highlights.
• 10-12 days: You can pick two areas below and see a lot!
• 13-15 days: You can likely see all of the Kenai Peninsula, Southcentral Alaska, Denali, and the Interior.
• 15+ days: See multiple areas, slow down and take it all in.

Decide Which Region to Visit in Alaska

Alaska is big so it’s highly likely won’t see everything in one trip. I do not recommend trying to visit Seward and Denali and Fairbanks in 7 days. You would be driving the entire time. When you think of Alaska, it can be broken down into a few main areas:

The Kenai Peninsula is loaded with all of the quintessential Alaska experiences.

Located south of Anchorage and covering nearly 25,000 miles, it’s home to Homer, Seward, Kenai, Cooper Landing, and is very popular for fishing. Of course, there are so many other things to do in this area of the state too! Homer is the main take-off point for bear viewing in Katmai National Park (Brooks Falls) and Kodiak Island.

There’s world-class fishing on the Kenai River, the famous Mt Marathon race in Seward, whale watching in multiple areas, and more beauty than can be captured in one trip. I love this area of the state and visit these areas as much as possible in the summer!

Main Areas to Visit

• Cooper Landing
• Homer & Seldovia

Main Activities

• Whale Watching: Seward & Homer
• Fishing: Seward, Homer, Soldotna, Kenai, Cooper Landing, Russian River, Ninilchik, Deep Creek, and more.
• Glacier Viewing: Seward, Homer, and some stops along the way
• Ocean Excursions: Seward & Homer
• Bear Viewing: Flight tours from Homer (also possible anywhere, especially where there’s fish. Many can be spotted along the Russian River)
• Hiking: All over the Kenai Peninsula, but will be more concentrated in the Seward area. There are good hiking opportunities across the bay from Homer such as the Otterbahn in Seldovia.
• Popular Tours: Glacier tours, whale watching and wildlife, fishing charters, kayaking tours, dog mushing on glaciers, bear viewing in Katmai.

Driving Times

• Anchorage to Homer: 5 – 5 ½ hours
• Anchorage to Seward: 2 ½ – 3 hours
• Homer to Seward: 3 ½ – 4 hours

*Don’t believe Google. Driving times are always longer than what’s listed.*

This large area described as ‘Southcentral’ is self-explanatory; it’s located in the southcentral part of the state. Over half of Alaska’s population is located in this region, and it’s loaded with plenty to see and do.

The Kenai Peninsula is part of the greater Southcentral Region, but it deserves its own spot as there is so much to do just within that area. And for planning purposes, the drive from Anchorage to Homer usually takes well over 5 hours. If you’re on a shorter 5-day trip, it might be too much to try and see Homer and Kenai and then head North of Anchorage to explore those areas as well.

In addition to the Kenai Peninsula, Southcentral includes the Mat-Su Valley (Palmer, Wasilla, Hatcher Pass, Matanuska Glacier, Knik), Talkeetna, and even Valdez (drive time from Anchorage to Valdez is over 5 hours heading Northeast). Southcentral is home to larger-than-life mountains, hundreds (maybe thousands) of glaciers, tons of wildlife, and immense beauty.

The Anchorage area isn’t typically considered a popular tourist stop, but if you’re in town there are a lot of things to do .

The most popular spots to visit in Interior Alaska are Denali National Park, Fairbanks, and the surrounding areas.

If Denali is on your must-see list, but you are flying into Anchorage and don’t have much time, I HIGHLY recommend driving the 2 hours North to Talkeetna and going on a flight tour . There are many tour operators that run day trips. I really like this tour with K2 , and I actually recommend doing this even if you have more time. It’s the best way to see the mountain (in my opinion, anyway).

Fairbanks is a great winter spot to watch the northern lights. If that is why you’re visiting Alaska, skip Anchorage and fly right to Fairbanks.

Fairbanks is much closer to Denali than Anchorage, but if you like driving then you can also fly into Anchorage then drive north to Denali.

This area is most often visited by boat. This is where cruise ships go, and for good reason. Southeast Alaska is full of islands and has no road system connecting them to the rest of Alaska (with a few exceptions). So cruising is the easiest and in my opinion, the best way to see the Southeast towns of Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau.

If you don’t love cruising, you can fly to the towns individually. There is also the Alaska Marine Highway. Unfortunately, it can be pricey to travel through the ferry system, and it’s often cheaper to take a cruise. A one-way ferry from Juneau to Ketchikan, for example, will run for $140. Instead, you can go on a 7-day cruise for porting from Vancouver for under $450 (and you’ll see all the main towns in Southeast Alaska).

Driving Times are Not As They Seem

Alaska is big, really big. If you are using Google Maps, you will want to add 15 minutes for each hour of driving. You are going to want to stop for pictures and there is a 99% chance there will be construction on your drive. There’s also a chance you’ll encounter wildlife of some sort and will want to stop for photos.

There is a joke that there are only two seasons in Alaska; winter and construction season. Summer is the best time to visit, but it’s also the best (and only) time to take care of all road construction as well.

When you are looking at driving times, be sure to also check the distance it will take to get to each spot.

Google Maps states it is 4hr 10min (222 miles) to get to Homer from Anchorage. In my experience, it typically takes 5 1/2 hours. For most places, you are going 55-65mph, so if there’s any road construction or an accident slowing you down, this will add quite a bit of time to your trip.

See Also : 19 Fun Family-Friendly Kid Activities in Alaska

How to get to the state.

Flying: Aside from cruising, most people will fly to Alaska, which is my recommendation. The main airports are Anchorage (ANC) and Fairbanks (FAI). Juneau is the main airport in Southeast Alaska.

Driving: If you are moving here or you’re retired or you have a lot of time and don’t need internet, then you could consider driving to Alaska. I’ve done this drive 3 times and it’s beautiful, but not for the faint of heart.

It’s also not easy on your car. It’s about 2,300 miles just from Washington state to Alaska, and takes about 44 hours (4-5 days). That’s without any stops. Much of the road isn’t paved (especially in the Yukon Territory), there are many potholes, there’s wildlife that stops on the road, and there are very long stretches of nothingness. It is definitely an adventure though, and if you plan 5-7 days of your trip each way to be dedicated to this drive, then you can do it.

Ferry Option: There is the option to take a ferry. Some people prefer to ferry up with their car or RV and then drive down. The ferry is not cheap, so call their reservation line to get an idea of prices and ferry times before committing to it.

How to Get Around the State

There are quite a few ways to see Alaska. Here is a list of the most common ways to travel around up here.

This is a popular way to see the state. If you are flying into Anchorage, you can see a lot of Alaska by car including Seward, Denali, and Fairbanks. There is not a road system that connects Southeast Alaska to Southcentral Alaska (unless you go through Canada, but that would be a long trip!). For example, if you are flying to Juneau you will need to fly or take a car ferry to see other areas of the state.

When it comes to driving around the state, I think it is a VERY easy place to drive. There aren’t many roads and there is rarely traffic. Even in high tourist season. The biggest sources of traffic in the summer are due to construction or slow motorhomes.

There are some gravel roads that rental agencies don’t allow, so if you are planning off-the-beaten path travel, check the fine print for your rental car. Otherwise, the main roads are all paved and have passing lanes or multi-lane roads.

Average speeds: 55-65mph

Securing your Rental Car

There are many car rental companies all over the state, but the majority are in Fairbanks and Anchorage. Just like accommodations, you’ll want to reserve your vehicle very far in advance (at least 6 months if possible). If you wait too long, there is a real possibility that nothing will be available, or the prices will be outrageous.

There are many rental booking sites out there. I usually use rentalcars.com or Kayak.com (which will show Turo listings as well). If you have a credit card, check to see if they offer discounts if you book through them. Many credit cards also cover most insurance which can save quite a bit of money (be sure to check their specific policies).

I also recommend downloading the Turo app . With Turo, locals list their own vehicles for rent. Often you can get a much better deal or find the exact vehicle you’re looking for.

Since you’re renting a vehicle from one person, there is the risk that the car breaks down before you arrive or something happens (vs a rental agency that has a fleet). But if a host cancels, they are charged a fee and an automatic review is added to their listing, so it’s not in their best interest to do this!

FUN FACT: Did you know in Alaska it’s illegal to have more than 5 cars behind you on the road? If you find yourself with a few cars waiting to pass, then be sure to pull over at a designated spot or where possible.

Will My phone (Maps) work in Alaska? Yes, for the most part, your phone will work fine up here (unless you are international, then check with your carrier). Most large US carriers are in Alaska including AT&T and Verizon. Sprint and T-Mobile are available through a GCI partnership. If you have a smaller carrier, check with them before you head up. There are some spots along remote highways where you won’t have a signal. But for the most part, if you plug in your destination on your phone before you leave, the GPS should work even outside of signal range. And even if your cell signal doesn’t work at all, there are only so many roads, and the main towns are marked with signs. If you want to have a hard copy map, you could grab an Alaska Milepost Book . It’s updated annually and includes all the maps and information you need for the entire state. I always grab one when driving through Canada.

I think this is a fun way to see Alaska ( you can read my full article about it here ), and it can save quite a bit of money on accommodations too. Great Alaskan Holidays , ABC Motorhome, and Cruise America are the most popular RV rental companies.

There are also sites where individuals rent out their personal RV’s.

RVShare is my favorite website to find a great RV rental. Often the prices are better and you also get more variety to choose from.

Most of these RV’s have unlimited mileage and come equipped with everything you need at no additional expense.

An average RV runs about $200-250 a night.

While this may seem a bit pricey, when you consider traveling with a family or multiple people, you are only paying for the RV versus two hotel rooms or a larger Airbnb. Then you have a built-in kitchen so you can cut down on food costs substantially.

Upsides: An RV has the benefit of getting a premium spot either on the water or at a beautiful campground. There are many beachfront camping spots in Homer and Seward. The hotels and Airbnb’s are much more expensive in premium locations and book up quickly. This is also Alaska and is the perfect place to get the RV experience. If you are traveling with kids or another couple, an RV can save money (but maybe not your sanity, hah!).

Downsides: There are downsides to RV travel. RV’s are slower on the road and they are larger, so they can’t get to as many places. It’s also not as easy to run to town quickly if you forget something.

They can also be difficult to drive, especially if you aren’t used to driving one. There are many campsites in Alaska that are first come first served, so there’s some risk that you won’t find a spot easily (and will have to drive around for a while).

If you like adventure and a little DIY, I think this is a great way to see Alaska.

Unless you’re a pilot, most people don’t see all of Alaska by plane. But, there are many areas in the state where I would absolutely book a flight. In my opinion, Denali is best viewed by plane and you can do this as a day trip out of Talkeetna.

There are many tours that land on glaciers or in remote areas not accessible by car. Brooks falls, located in Katmai National Park , is famous for its brown bear viewing and is only accessible by plane or boat. You can check out the live bear cam here .

Juneau will require a flight. If you’re short on time but also want to visit Fairbanks, then you can take a quick 1hr flight from Anchorage.

Overall there are many opportunities to get out on the water. If you want to see the Inside Passage, a cruise is the way to go. But there are also plenty of day trips you can take on the water as well.

If you’re driving then Seward, Homer, Whittier, and Valdez are the main towns where you’ll find plenty of water activities (kayaking, whale watching, glacier tours, etc). There are also glacial lakes, regular lakes, and rivers like the Kenai where you can go white water rafting, kayaking, SUP’ing, etc. And of course, there’s always fishing too.

Types of Accommodations in Alaska

Vrbo & homestays.

VRBO and Airbnb are really popular in Alaska. As with anything, the best places book up quite early (some book 8+ months in advance). I will add that there are also many b&b’s and homes that are NOT on either of these sites, so it is also a good idea to do a Google search separately to see what else is available.

To see some of the coolest VRBO homes in Alaska, you can check out my article here .

Cabins & Lodges

Many cabins are listed on VRBO and similar types of sites. There are also some beautiful lodges and are likely also listed on sites like booking.com (my preferred booking site). Here are some of my favorite cabins and lodges:

Homer Inn & Spa: This hotel is located right at the beach in Homer. They offer a mix of suites, apartments, and rooms. Many rooms have ocean views and there is a hot tub available for use as well!

Resurrection Lodge on the Bay: Located right on the water in Seward, this lodge has stunning views of Resurrection Bay. It’s located in a beautiful area called Lowell Point which is just a few miles past town.

Alaska State Cabins: For something a little more adventurous, you can book a State Use Cabin . There are hundreds located around the state. Many of these cabins require hiking or flying or taking a boat (or a combination of these). The more popular spots book well in advance, so be sure to do your research ahead of time. If your cabin is booked, you can try the Alaska Cabin Cancellations Facebook page.

While I typically recommend a VRBO or rental with more of a local feel, there are some definite perks of booking a hotel. Hotels provide creature comforts and typically have 24 hour check-in, breakfast included, and come with all the necessary amenities. And if you use points when you travel, you can save a lot by using those points towards a hotel stay. Here are some of my favorite hotels in Alaska:

Hotel Alyeska: This hotel is a staple in Girdwood and is one of the only ski resorts in Alaska. There are five main restaurants along with smaller cafes and food carts. There’s a tram to take you to the top of the mountain for stunning panoramic views. Also at the top are a few restaurants, including 7 Glaciers, which was named one of America’s top wine restaurants in 2019. The hotel has a pool area and spa , and they are opening a beautiful Nordic Spa, the first of its kind in Alaska.

Lands End Resort: Located at the very end of the Homer Spit, this hotel is a local favorite . Here you will get panoramic views of the bay and can enjoy a delicious dinner at the Chartroom. If you can, book an ocean view, you won’t be disappointed.

Hotel Captain Cook: A staple to the Anchorage downtown skyline, the Hotel Captain Cook was built in 1965 (a year after the major earthquake) and is one of the largest in the city. There are some shops on the main floor and there are a few restaurants at the hotel. The Crow’s Nest is an upscale restaurant that sits atop Tower III. It has 360-degree views of the city, mountains, and inlet.

Unique Stays

Have you ever slept on a beached boat? Well, you can do that in Alaska. How about an igloo? Also possible. Here are some fun and unique stays:

• Orca Island Yurts
• Kayaker’s Cove
• Chena Hot Springs

Budgeting for your Alaska Trip

Alaska is an expensive place to visit. This is especially the case once you add in lodging expenses and excursions. Aside from your flight, lodging will typically be your next big expense. Food can also be quite expensive up here, even at grocery stores. Think of Alaska like an island, everything must be shipped here and we are a LONG way away from the rest of civilization (heh).

Here are some cost estimates for your trip:

• Appetizers: $12-16
• Main Course: $14-25
• Lodging: $160-300/night (possible to find shared rooms in VRBO for under $100)
• Excursions: Anywhere from $100 to $1000 per person
• RV: $180-250+/night
• Gas: Usually runs a bit higher than the continental US
• Gallon of Milk: $6
• Loaf of Bread: $3-6

Here are some examples of how you can save money:

• Consider tent camping or staying at a dry cabin for a few nights to save a ton of money on lodging.
• Don’t eat out for every meal. Stock up at either Costco, Three Bears (like Costco but local), or Fred Meyer. There’s also Safeway and Carrs but I find them to be a bit more expensive than the other options. Anchorage will generally have better prices than the smaller towns. To save even more you can join the Fred Meyer, Carrs, or Safeway rewards programs at the store.
• The same goes for alcohol. It’s cheaper if you purchase in Anchorage (or Fairbanks). Brown Jug is the largest liquor store chain in the state. Also a fun fact, you can ONLY buy booze at a designated liquor store and they will always check your ID.
• When you go out to eat, share meals! Most meals are large enough for two people, so save a little by splitting that meal.
• If you are military, there are a lot of discounts around the state (even the liquor store offers a discount!)

See Also: How to Travel Alaska on a Budget

Things to Do In Alaska

Book a tour vs do it yourself.

Alaska is a place where you will want to book a few excursions. While you can cover a lot by foot and car, if you want to go on a glacier, get out on the water, or catch some halibut, you will need an expert to get you there. Even if you’re on a budget, I highly recommend trying to book at least one or two excursions.

These tours book well in advance, so pick your tours and book as soon as possible!

Here are some popular activities that definitely require some expertise and/or equipment:

• Whale Watching & Glacier Cruise – Most are out of Whittier or Seward. The water in Whittier is usually a bit more tame, but I prefer this tour from Seward .
• 4-Wheeler Adventure – There are many options around the state. I love the Knik Glacier ATV Tour .
• Halibut Charter – Most are out of Ninilchik, Homer, or Seward.
• Dog Mushing – There are many helicopter tours that combine a glacier and dog sledding into one trip. There are also local dog mushers that do tours and rides (in the summer and winter).
• Land on a glacier – There are many options to do this. Many tours run from Seward, Homer, Talkeetna, or Denali.

Here are some things you can do on your own:

• Driving yourself vs a driving tour
• Turnagain Arm – This drive can easily be done with a rental car. There’s no need to pay for an expensive tour to see turnagain arm and the Alaska Wildlfe Conservation Center.

Should you buy bear spray? This will be completely up to you and your comfort level. If you plan on doing a lot of hiking, it’s not a bad idea. I usually hike every other week in the summer and have yet to encounter a bear, but they are around and that isn’t to say you won’t see one. There’s a bear spray exchange group on Facebook where you can easily pickup an unused can of bear spray for free.

Decide on your top bucket list items

If it’s seeing Denali, make that a priority! If you want to see humpback and orca whales, make sure you stay in Seward at the right time of year (I’d recommend late May through June). If fishing is your thing, book that halibut charter out of Deep Creek.

Or maybe it’s something out of the ordinary. Want to take a 4-wheeler right up to a glacier? Then check out Knik glacier tours near Anchorage.

There are many BIG experiences you can have up here. In my personal experience, anytime I’ve skipped an excursion because I was trying to save money, I always regretted it. So do the thing, plan for that big item on your list!

Questions to Ask Yourself

What Type of Traveler are you?

Do you like to pack in as much as possible and be go, go, go? I know some people love to travel this way. If you enjoy waking up at 5am, rushing out the door, and going nonstop until 10pm then yes, you can see more.

In my opinion, however, Alaska is not made to be rushed. You can’t plan for two hours to see whales. They may not be out. Instead, you may need a few days in Seward to see that whale breach or the pod of Orcas.

The same goes for the mountains. Many mountainous areas and coastal towns have rolling fog, especially in the mornings. Or it may be raining and too hard to see anything.

So, I typically recommend at least two nights in each destination spot to see as much as possible.

If you prefer slow travel (my recommendation), then you will want to pick one area from above to really explore.

Also, most people don’t realize the distance it takes to get to each spot. Read through my driving times information above. I cannot stress this enough – DO NOT try to drive all over the state in one trip. Alaska is BIG. Things are spread out and there’s a lot to see along the way.

Who will you be traveling with?

We have two young kids. So when we travel with them, how we travel is very much influenced by their abilities and stamina. Luckily they’re used to long car rides, so that’s not a problem. But having time built in to stretch their feet and play at the park and burn off energy is important. It’s not just our trip, after all, we also want to do things they will enjoy.

If you are traveling with a large group, take into account that everyone will have different ideas for the trip. My husband and I have traveled in large groups quite a bit (we lived in Europe for 6 years). What I learned is that you should usually add time for getting ready, eating out, visiting shops, etc.

Everyone is operating at a different pace. And while I like slow travel, I am ready in 15 minutes and I don’t love shopping. This is likely different for other people, so plan more time and consider that other people will want to do different things.

Things to Pack

Layers layers layers! These are a must when in Alaska, no matter what time of year. In the summer the temperature can vary from 50-75F in a few hours. If you do anything on the water, then you’ll want some layers as the air can get chilly (especially around glaciers). I also recommend a light rain jacket as you’re very likely to get some rain.

Hiking boots that are also waterproof might be a good idea. If you plan to visit the ‘beach’ with kids, I’d recommend bringing some rain boots so they can explore.

I have an entire packing guide that goes into much more detail, here .

Final Notes

If you made it this far, then you should have plenty of ideas to start planning your epic Alaska vacation! If you have questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

For more Alaska ideas, check out these articles:

• The Perfect 2 or 3 Day Homer, Alaska Itinerary [from an Alaskan]
• Katmai National Park: Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip to Brooks Falls
• The Coolest VRBO’s in Alaska
• The Ultimate Alaska Summer Packing List
• 15 Best Things to do in Seward
• Your Ultimate Guide: The Best Time of Year to Visit Alaska
• 12 Perfect Day Trips from Anchorage
• 19 Fun Family-Friendly Kid Activities in Alaska
• Have a Few Hours in Anchorage? Here’s What to Do
• The Perfect 10-Day Alaska Road Trip + Itinerary
• Alaska Packing List: Essential Items for Your Summer Vacation
• Things to do in Girdwood [Alaska] + Itinerary
• How to Travel Alaska on a Budget
• Should I Visit Seward or Homer Alaska (or both)?

20 Unforgettable Experiences in Alaska

I'm Brea, an Alaskan with a serious case of wanderlust. Join me as I share insider information and firsthand accounts to help with your travels. Find destination guides, itineraries, general travel tips, learn how to take better photos, and more! Follow me on Instagram for all my up-to-date travels @travelingigloo

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can you book a trip for us? we are 2 families, with 7 adults, (kids grew into adults – lol ). We want to go this Aug./September – OR, do you recommend someone that can do the legwork for us? Thank you very much. Joan, Joan McGeough 973-769-2237, [email protected]

Hi Joan! Unfortunately, I don’t do trip planning at this time. Here are a few options from agents who’ve reached out to me (I’ve never worked with them personally) – https://auroraheightstravel.com/ or https://bookayt.net/ . Here’s a list of travel agents that can help plan your trip: https://www.travelalaska.com/plan-your-trip/travel-tools/travel-agents . Hope this helps!

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Trip To Alaska in 2024

Are you dreaming of exploring the vast wilderness of Alaska? Our detailed guide on How to Plan a Trip to Alaska is your essential companion for 2024. Packed with insights from our adventures across this majestic land, this article provides step-by-step advice to help you design the perfect Alaskan journey. We cover everything from selecting the ideal destinations to understanding the nuances of transportation and accommodation.

How To Plan a Trip to Alaska in 2024 – An Introduction

Planning a trip to Alaska is both exciting and challenging. As seasoned travelers who have visited Alaska numerous times, my partner Chris and I have gathered much experience. From navigating the rugged terrain in rental cars and RVs to embarking on picturesque cruises, each our journey to this magnificent state has been meticulously planned to capture its essence.

Our love for Alaska is not just about our adventures; it’s also about sharing our experiences and insights with others. We understand that planning a trip to Alaska, such a diverse and vast region can be overwhelming. We’ve dealt with a multitude of queries via email, helping others craft their perfect Alaskan escapade.

This article serves as a step-by-step guide designed to simplify the planning process for your Alaskan trip. We delve into various factors and offer practical tips that should be considered while planning a trip to Alaska.

Whether you are curious about the best time to visit, wondering how to choose the right activities, or need guidance on booking transportation and accommodation, this guide covers it all.

Through this article, we aim to:

• Provide a detailed breakdown of how to approach your trip planning to Alaska.
• Suggest the best regions to visit based on your interests.
• Offer advice on choosing and booking the right transportation and accommodation.
• Share essential tips on safety, etiquette, and responsible travel in Alaska.

Our goal is to make your planning process as smooth and enjoyable as the trip itself. We believe that a well-planned journey leads to the most rewarding experiences, especially in a place as diverse and majestic as Alaska.

So, whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re returning to this enchanting state, let us guide you through each step to ensure your Alaskan trip in 2024 is everything you dream of and more.

When to Start Planning Your Trip to Alaska?

The ideal time to start planning your trip to Alaska depends on several factors, including the type of trip you envision and the activities you want to engage in. However, as a general guideline:

• Advance Planning: Start planning at least 3 – 6 months in advance. This is especially important if you’re visiting during the peak tourist season (June to August) or if you’re planning to engage in popular activities like cruises or guided tours in national parks. Some activities must be booked even 8-12 months in advance.
• Booking Accommodations and Activities: Popular lodges, the best hotels, and tours can be booked quickly, so the earlier you start planning, the better your chances are of securing your preferred dates and rates.
• Transportation Arrangements: Booking your flights, car rentals, and any internal travel (like bush flights or train journeys) should also be done well in advance to ensure availability and potentially better prices.
• Special Events or Excursions: If your trip includes special events, festivals, or once-in-a-lifetime excursions, early planning is crucial to ensure you don’t miss these unique experiences.

Choosing Your Destinations: Exploring Alaska’s Regions

Alaska’s vastness is often underestimated. It’s over twice the size of Texas, making it the largest state in the U.S. by a significant margin. This immense size means traveling between destinations can take much longer than anticipated, often longer than what Google Maps suggests. Therefore, it’s crucial not to overload your travel plan.

Why Not Overload Your Travel Plan

• Geographical Challenges . Alaska’s large area and limited road network can turn short distances into long journeys.
• Enjoyment Over Quantity . Spending more time in fewer locations allows for a deeper and more immersive experience.
• Travel Time vs. Enjoyment . Longer drives can be tiring and take away from the time spent enjoying each destination.
• Our Tip . Select one or two regions in Alaska that resonate with your interests, dedicating your journey to exploring these areas thoroughly. Be prepared to be charmed by the Last Frontier’s beauty, a place that often beckons travelers for a return visit.

Kenai Peninsula: A Natural Wonder

• Location and Accessibility: Just south of Anchorage, this area is known for its accessibility and diverse activities. Easily reachable from Anchorage, ideal for those with limited time but want a quintessential Alaskan experience.
• Main Attractions: Full of attractions Homer , and Seward are gateways to stunning natural scenery, fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing. Seward is also a launch point for wildlife cruises to Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Activities: World-class fishing, hiking trails, whale watching, and glacier viewing.
• Travel Tips: Seward is about a 3.5-hour drive from Anchorage , offering a scenic route that is a journey in itself. The area is ideal for a 3- to 4-day visit to immerse fully in the natural beauty and activities.

Southcentral Alaska: The Urban-Wilderness Mix

• Key Cities: Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, serves as the central hub. Anchorage is perfect for 2-3 days , with additional days for exploring nearby natural attractions.
• Highlights: Anchorage offers cultural sites like the Alaska Native Heritage Center and access to natural attractions like Chugach State Park. Taking day trips from Anchorage to places like Matanuska Glacier and Prince William Sound is a perfect solution.
• Activities: From urban exploration in Anchorage to hiking, wildlife viewing, and glacier tours in the surrounding areas.
• Travel Considerations: Anchorage is the main entry point for most travelers, with the international airport and train connections. It’s an ideal base for exploring the region, especially for those who prefer urban comforts. If you don’t know where to start your trip, read Anchorage vs. Fairbanks from a traveler’s perspective .

Interior Alaska: The Heart of the Wilderness

• Central Locations: Fairbanks and Denali National Park .
• Attractions: Denali National Park is home to North America’s highest peak. Fairbanks is known for its museums. One of the best activities in Fairbanks is Northern Lights viewing.
• Seasonal Highlights: Summer offers endless daylight for exploring, while winter is perfect for aurora sightings and ice festivals.
• Planning Tips: Allocate at least two to three days in Denali . Check our top things and activities in Denali to plan a perfect trip. Fairbanks requires a few days , especially for those interested in cultural and historical aspects.

Southeast Alaska: A Maritime Wonderland

• Travel Mode: Primarily accessible by boat or plane, this region includes the famous Inside Passage cruises.
• Key Destinations: Juneau , the state capital, along with Skagway and Ketchikan , each offering unique experiences from glaciers to totem pole parks.
• Activities: Ideal for cruise lovers, it also offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and exploring the rich Tlingit and Haida cultures. You have a wide selection of shore excursions.
• Visit Duration: Cruises typically last 7 days, but independent travelers should plan for at least 3-4 days in each major town to explore thoroughly. Last year, we enjoyed a 10-day Alaska cruise.
• Planning Tips: The advantage of cruising is that you don’t have to worry about planning an Alaska trip. Accommodation, meals, and transport – everything is perfectly organized from the moment you board the port and start your cruise to Alaska.

Arctic Alaska: The Far North

• Remote and Rugged: This region is ideal for those seeking the ultimate wilderness adventure, far from the typical tourist paths.
• Key Destinations: Barrow for a unique glimpse into Arctic culture; Gates of the Arctic National Park for pristine , untouched landscapes; and the Dalton Highway for a truly adventurous drive.
• Dalton Highway: A challenging route that offers an extraordinary journey through the Arctic wilderness, connecting Fairbanks to the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay .
• Travel Considerations: Mainly accessible by plane, with limited facilities and harsh conditions. Suitable for experienced, well-prepared travelers.
• Recommended Stay: Allocate at least 5 – 7 days, considering the remote nature, limited transportation, and accommodation options, and the time needed to navigate the Dalton Highway safely.

Each region showcases a different facet of Alaska’s vast and diverse landscape. When planning your trip to Alaska, consider the time of year, your interests, and how much time you can dedicate to each area. Alaska’s sheer size means travel can be time-consuming, so it’s wise to focus on a couple of regions rather than trying to cover everything in one trip.

Determining Trip Duration: How Many Days to Spend in Alaska

Planning the duration of your trip to Alaska is crucial to ensure a fulfilling experience. Moreover, the number of days will significantly affect the cost of your trip to Alaska . Here are some guidelines to help you decide how many days to spend:

Short Trip (5-7 days) to Alaska

Ideal for those with limited time. Focus on one region, like the Kenai Peninsula or Southcentral Alaska. This allows for a few days in a place like Anchorage with day trips to nearby attractions or a concentrated exploration of a more compact area like the Kenai Peninsula. This duration is also suitable for a focused experience like a short cruise in Southeast Alaska or a dedicated trip to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks during the winter.

Moderate Trip (8-14 days) to Alaska

This is the most common trip length for Alaska visitors. It allows for a more relaxed exploration of a couple of regions. For instance, you could spend a few days in Anchorage and the surrounding areas, then travel to the Kenai Peninsula or take a short internal flight to explore a part of the Interior like Fairbanks and Denali National Park. This duration is also ideal for a comprehensive road trip along the Seward or Dalton Highways.

For those planning a Moderate Trip (8-14 days), we have crafted a perfect 10-day itinerary starting from Anchorage . This itinerary is designed to give you a balanced experience of Alaska’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural sites.

If you dream about an Alaska RV trip, check out our detailed Alaska RV itinerary for 14 days . It’s also a loop starting from Anchorage, but it’s possible to do it from Fairbanks.

Extended Trip (15-21 days or more) to Alaska

For those who have the luxury of time, an extended trip allows for a deeper dive into what Alaska has to offer. You can cover multiple regions, such as starting in the Southcentral area, moving to the Interior, and then heading to the Arctic or Southeast regions. This length is also ideal for those who want to engage in extensive hiking, camping, and wilderness exploration or for an in-depth road trip that covers a significant portion of the state’s accessible areas.

It’s also possible to visit more remote destinations, like Wrangell – St. Elias National Park with remote McCarthy and Kennecott Copper Mine . Or take a glacier kayak tour in Valdez .

Timing Your Alaskan Adventure: Selecting the Ideal Month and Season for Your Visit

Deciding when to visit Alaska depends largely on what you want to experience during your trip. Each season offers unique attractions and activities. Remember that some activities and locations might be limited or unavailable outside of the peak summer season.

Summer (June to August)

• Peak Season: The most popular time to visit, offering the warmest weather and longest daylight hours. A day lasts up to 16-18 hours, so even if you have less time for sightseeing, you can experience many attractions. Summer is also the best time for visiting Denali .
• Activities: Ideal for hiking, fishing, kayaking tours among glaciers , wildlife viewing, including the best bear-watching tours and the best whale-watching tours , scenic flights, including Denali flightseeing , road trips, and cruising.
• Consideration: Accommodations and tours can be more expensive and crowded. An advanced booking is your best option.

Shoulder Seasons (May and September)

• Advantages: Fewer crowds and often lower prices than in peak summer.
• Weather: Can be unpredictable, ranging from sunny and warm to cool and rainy.
• Activities: Late spring and early fall are great for bird-watching and enjoying the emerging or fading fall colors. Some areas, national parks, and activities may be inaccessible.

Winter (November to March)

• For Northern Lights: Winter provides the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks and its area, especially in the Interior and Far North regions.
• Winter Sports: Opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, and ice fishing.
• Consideration: Some areas and activities may be inaccessible in shorter days and colder weather.

Spring (April to Early June)

• Transition Season: A mix of lingering winter and the onset of summer.
• Activities: Ideal for late-season skiing and early bird wildlife viewing.
• Weather: Variable, with a possibility of both snow and milder temperatures.

Your choice of when to visit should align with the experiences you’re seeking. Summer offers the full range of Alaskan adventures with the most comfortable weather, while winter provides a more serene and unique experience with stunning natural phenomena like the Northern Lights. Shoulder seasons offer a balance between good weather and fewer tourists. However, some activities and locations are unavailable outside of the peak summer season.

Choosing the Best Alaska Activities

When you plan a trip to Alaska, selecting the right activities is not just about tailoring your journey to your interests; it’s also crucial for budgeting and itinerary planning.

While potentially costly, activities in Alaska often offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are worth every penny. Moreover, your chosen activities will significantly influence your travel schedule and the overall timing of your itinerary.

Creating a priority list of your dream activities is a crucial step in planning your trip to Alaska, as it helps you narrow down what is most important for your ideal Alaskan experience. Given the vastness of the state and the richness of activities available, it’s unlikely to cover everything in one trip.

By making a list, you can identify those activities that are non-negotiable for you, ensuring they fit into your itinerary and budget. This approach not only streamlines your planning process but also guarantees that you don’t miss out on experiences that are most meaningful to you.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that booking your chosen activities in advance is highly recommended, especially during the summer peak season. Popular tours and excursions can fill up quickly, and securing your spots early ensures you won’t miss out on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Keep reading for more details on how to book and plan these activities effectively.

The most popular activities in Alaska are:

Wildlife Viewing and Fishing

• Prime Locations: Kenai Peninsula, wildlife viewing in Denali , Kodiak Island, Bristol Bay.
• Experiences: Spotting bears, moose, bald eagles; fishing for salmon and halibut.
• Optimal Season: Summer months are best for wildlife viewing and fishing.

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

• Recommended Trails: Chugach State Park, Hatcher Pass hiking trails , or Denali hiking trails .
• Variety of Activities: Including mountain biking, backpacking, and camping in Denali .
• Preparation is Key: Carry proper gear and have knowledge of the area.

Bear Watching Tours in Alaska

• Ideal Locations: Kodiak Island, Katmai National Park , Lake Clark National Park, Denali National Park. Check out The Best Bear Viewing Tours From Homer In 2024 , Lake Clark Bear Viewing Tour Review , Bear Viewing In Alaska – Best Places, Tours & Tips , and black bear watching in Ketchikan.
• Best Time: Summer months from June, especially July and August, for salmon runs.

Whale-Watching Tours in Alaska

• Top Spots: Juneau, Seward, and the Kenai Fjords National Park. Check out Whale Watching In Alaska – Best Places, Tours And Tips .
• Season: Best from April to September.

Scenic Flightseeing Tours

• Spectacular Aerial Views: Scenic Flight Over Denali , flights over the Kenai Peninsula, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and Brooks Range scenic flights .
• Choosing a Tour: Look for reputable operators.

Glacier Tours and Ice Climbing

• Must-Visit Glaciers: Matanuska Glacier hiking tour , Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Options Available: Guided walks, ice climbing, boat tours.

Northern Lights Viewing

• Prime Viewing Spots: Fairbanks and the Interior region, like the Arctic Circle tours or Chena Hot Springs Resort.
• Best Viewing Time: Winter months, from September to March.

Dog Sledding

• Where to Experience: Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau.
• Seasonal Availability: Winter sled rides, summer glacier dog sledding.

Cultural and Historical Exploration

• Cultural Sites: Alaska Native Heritage Center, Sealaska Heritage Institute.
• Historical Insights: Gold rush history in Skagway, Russian heritage in Sitka, copper mine in Kennecott , or gold Independence Mine at Hatcher Pass.

Transportation Deep-Dive: Navigating Alaska

When planning your trip to Alaska, understanding how to navigate between your chosen activities significantly impacts your time and overall itinerary. Mapping all the places and activities you want to experience is a practical step.

Your choice of transportation in Alaska not only dictates the pace and scope of your travel but also has a significant impact on your travel budget. Rentals, train rides, and flights, while offering unique experiences and convenience, can be quite costly. Including these in your budget planning is crucial for a well-rounded trip.

While a car offers the quickest option for many destinations, some locations in Alaska are only accessible by bush plane or boat. Additionally, while train rides offer scenic views, they may take more time.

Car Rentals

• Flexibility and Speed: The quickest way to move between most destinations and activities.
• Road Conditions and Coverage: Prepare for varying conditions; some remote areas may be inaccessible by car.
• Advance Booking is recommended, especially during peak summer months. Check out the Alaska Auto rental review .

• Adventure on Wheels: Renting an RV is a fantastic adventure and offers a sense of freedom. We have personally traveled through Alaska by RV three times and found it to be an unforgettable experience.
• Pace Consideration: Traveling in an RV generally takes longer than in a car due to size and road conditions. Check out Great Alaskan Holidays , RVshare.com , or ABC Alaska Motorhome Rentals
• Campgrounds: Booking campgrounds in advance is highly recommended, especially in popular areas and during peak seasons. This ensures you have a secured spot to stay each night.

The Alaska Railroad

• Scenic Travel: Alaska Railroad offers a unique and relaxed way to see the interior, connecting major destinations.
• Consideration: While scenic, train travel generally takes longer than driving.
• Advance Tickets: Booking ahead is advisable, particularly in peak season.

Buses and Coaches

• Cost-Effective Inter-City Travel: Services like Park Connection Motorcoach connect major tourist spots.
• Less Flexibility: More affordable but less flexible than car rentals. Plan around bus schedules.

Air Travel / Bush Planes

• Accessing Remote Areas: Essential for reaching parts of Alaska inaccessible by road.
• Regional Flights: Connect to off-the-beaten-path destinations. Check out K2Aviation, Coyote Air , or Katmai Air.
• Weather-Dependent: Flights can be affected by weather, requiring flexible travel plans.

Choosing Accommodation for Your Alaska Trip

Selecting the right accommodation is a key aspect of planning your trip to Alaska. Your choice will depend on your budget, the level of comfort you seek, and the type of Alaskan experience you desire.

Hotels and Resorts

• City Options: In urban areas like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, you’ll find a range of hotels from budget to luxury.
• Amenities: They usually offer amenities like restaurants, WiFi, and easy access to city attractions.
• Booking: Advance booking is recommended, especially during the summer months.

Bed and Breakfasts and Inns

• Local Charm: Offers a more personal touch, often run by locals.
• Unique Experience: Many B&Bs provide insights into Alaskan culture and lifestyle.
• Location: Found in urban and rural areas, offering varying amenities.

Wilderness Lodges

• Immersive Experience: Ideal for those looking to experience Alaska’s natural beauty up close.
• Location: Typically located in remote areas, near national parks or in the wilderness.
• Activities: Often include outdoor activities like fishing, wildlife viewing, or hiking.

Cabins and Cottages

• Rustic Charm: Offers a more intimate connection with the Alaskan wilderness.
• Facilities: Range from basic to fully equipped with modern amenities.
• Considerations: Ideal for those seeking solitude and a self-sufficient stay.

RV Parks and Campgrounds

• For the Adventurous: If you’re traveling by RV or looking for tent camping options.
• Facilities: Vary from basic to those offering full hookups and amenities.
• Reservations: Highly recommended, especially in popular areas during peak season.

Vacation Rentals

• Home Away from Home: Options like Airbnb and VRBO offer many properties.
• Flexibility: Ideal for families or groups, offering more space and kitchen facilities.
• Availability: This can be found throughout the state, from cities to secluded areas.

Budgeting for Your Trip: A Cost Guide

Budgeting effectively ensures a fulfilling experience when planning a trip to Alaska. Once you’ve decided on the regions you wish to visit, the duration of your trip, the activities you want to engage in, and your transportation and accommodation preferences, it’s time to confront the financial aspect.

Will your budget stretch to cover the full range of activities you have planned without causing undue strain on your finances?

You can look at our simulation of how much a 14-day RV trip around Alaska costs in our separate article. And how much does a 10-day trip around Alaska cost in a regular car ?

Initial Budget Consideration

• Reality Check: Alaskan vacations are not cheap. If you have a preliminary budget, it’s wise to add an additional 20-30% as a buffer. This accounts for unforeseen expenses and ensures you can enjoy your trip without constant budget concerns.
• Tools for Budgeting: Use Excel or Google Sheets to track your expenses. List down all costs, including travel, accommodation, activities, meals, and any miscellaneous expenses. A detailed cost summary will not only give you a clearer picture of your budget but also help you identify areas where you might need to cut back.

Major Cost Components

• Transportation: Flights to and within Alaska, car or RV rentals, fuel costs, or public transportation fees.
• Accommodation: Prices can vary significantly depending on the type of lodging. Hotels and resorts tend to be more expensive, especially in peak season, while hostels, cabins, and camping are more budget-friendly options.
• Activities: Guided tours, excursions like glacier hikes or fishing trips, and special experiences like dog sledding or flightseeing can add up quickly.
• Food and Dining: Costs will vary depending on whether you eat out at restaurants or cook your meals in a cabin or RV.
• Miscellaneous: Don’t forget to include travel insurance, souvenirs, and any other incidental expenses.

Tips for Saving Money

• Travel in Shoulder Seasons: May and September often see lower prices than the peak summer months.
• Book in Advance: Especially for accommodations and popular tours, to get the best rates.
• Self-Catering: Consider accommodations with kitchen facilities to save on meal costs.

Emergency Fund

• Always set aside a portion of your budget for emergencies or unexpected opportunities that might arise during your trip. Add at least 20-30% to your total budget.

Remember, while budgeting for your trip to Alaska requires careful planning and can be a bit daunting due to the higher costs, the payoff is the experience of a lifetime in one of the most stunning and unique places on Earth. With a well-planned budget, you can enjoy all that Alaska has to offer without the stress of financial surprises.

Booking Essentials for Your Alaska Trip

Once you’ve analyzed all factors and have a clear understanding of your budget, it’s time to start booking the various components of your Alaska trip. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you have all your essentials lined up:

Book Your Flight to Alaska

• Start Early: Begin by booking your flight. Airfare can be one of the largest expenses, and prices often rise as the date approaches.
• Check Multiple Airports: Compare prices for flights into major airports like Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau. Sometimes, landing in one city and departing from another might save you money.

Booking Transportation Within Alaska

• Car or RV Rentals: If you’re planning to rent a car or RV, book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed, especially for travel during the summer months.
• Train and Bus Reservations: If you’re considering the Alaska Railroad or bus services, check their schedules and book tickets in advance.
• Internal Flights: Book your bush plane or regional flights for remote locations, keeping in mind that these can fill up quickly.

Accommodation Reservations

• Options to Suit Your Style: Whether you’re looking for hotels, B&Bs, wilderness lodges, cabins, or campgrounds, book your accommodation next.
• Peak Season Planning: In the summer, places can book up fast, so securing your lodging well in advance is advisable.

Booking Activities and Excursions

• Popular Tours: For activities like glacier tours, wildlife cruises, fishing trips, or flightseeing, booking ahead is crucial. These tours have limited availability and are in high demand.
• Guided Excursions: If you’re interested in guided hikes, cultural tours, or any specialized activities, reserve your spot early.

Final Checks and Confirmations

• Review Reservations: Once all bookings are made, review them to ensure dates and times align with your overall itinerary.
• Keep Records: Organize all your booking confirmations and contact information in one place for easy access during your trip.

By methodically booking each component of your trip, you’ll be able to relax and look forward to experiencing the wonders of Alaska without the stress of last-minute planning. Early and thorough booking not only often saves money but also secures the experiences that are most important to you.

How to Plan a trip to Alaska – Packing for your adventure

Packing for an Alaska trip requires thoughtful consideration, especially if you’re planning a variety of activities. For more specific packing advice tailored to your Alaska trip, check out our detailed articles.

We have comprehensive guides on what to pack for an Alaska road trip, catering to various summer activities , and a separate guide for what to pack for an Alaska cruise . These resources provide valuable insights into packing effectively for your specific type of travel.

Here are a few key tips:

• Embrace Layering: Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so layering is essential. It allows you to adjust to changing conditions throughout the day.
• Choose Practicality: Gear should be functional. Opt for waterproof and durable items, especially for footwear and outerwear.
• Pack Smart: Avoid overpacking. It’s crucial to strike a balance between being prepared and having too much to carry, particularly if you’ll be moving across different locations.

Safety and Etiquette: Tips for Responsible Travel in Alaska

Traveling responsibly in Alaska means being mindful of both safety and etiquette. Here are some tips to ensure a respectful and safe journey through this majestic land:

Wildlife Safety

• Keep Distance: Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Getting too close can disturb and endanger both you and the animals.
• No Feeding: Never feed wildlife, as it disrupts their natural foraging habits.
• Bear Safety: Carry bear spray, make noise while hiking to avoid surprise encounters, and know how to react if you see a bear.

Environmental Responsibility

• Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles by keeping wilderness areas clean, packing out all your trash, and staying on designated trails.
• Respect Protected Areas: Follow guidelines and regulations in national parks and protected areas.

Cultural Respect

• Honor Local Traditions: Be respectful of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures. Ask permission before taking photos of people or cultural sites.
• Support Local Communities: Consider buying from local artisans and eating at local restaurants to support the community.

Road Safety

• Drive Cautiously: Be prepared for variable weather conditions and wildlife crossings.
• RV Travel: If traveling by RV, be mindful of its size and limitations on certain roads.

Prepare for the Weather

• Dress Appropriately: Weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and always carry waterproof gear.
• Be Prepared for Cold: Even in summer, some areas can be quite chilly, especially at night.

How to Plan a trip to Alaska – Final Thoughts

As we wrap up our guide on planning a trip to Alaska in 2024, we hope you find it useful. Alaska’s a special place with lots to see and do, and good planning can really make your trip amazing.

If you liked this guide, please share it on social media or leave a comment. We love hearing from you, and it means a lot to us. And if you’re having trouble putting together the perfect Alaska itinerary, don’t worry! Send us a message – we offer a service for planning customized itineraries. We’re here to help make sure your Alaska adventure is everything you want it to be.

Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a fantastic trip to Alaska!

Do You Like It? Pin It For Later!

Agnes Stabinska is the creative force and co-founder behind the Alaska Itinerary blog. With a degree in Tourism Management and postgraduate studies in Journalism, Agnes combines academic expertise with real-world experience. Alongside her partner, Chris, she's your go-to guide for an authentic Alaskan adventure.

Agnes doesn't just write about Alaska; she lives it. From capturing the state's breathtaking landscapes through her lens to hiking its rugged trails or observing bears and whales in their natural habitat, her firsthand experiences are your compass to all things Alaska.

With Agnes and Chris, you're not just reading another travel blog; you're tapping into a treasure trove of insider tips, curated itineraries, and invaluable insights to make your Alaskan journey truly unforgettable.

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One Comment

This is a comprehensive and detailed guide that every traveller planning to visit Alaska should read. Even though Alaska is a huge place, my go-to place would be Denali NP. I’m sharing this post with a few friends who are planning to visit Alaska this year.

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March 18, 2024

Paula Martinelli

Are you planning a dream trip and looking for a perfect Alaska Itinerary? You are in the right place! After exploring Alaska for 10 days, I can say that there are only a few experiences more enjoyable than a road trip in Alaska. With this route, you will be visiting the top bucket list in Alaska in as short as a 10-day well-crafted itinerary!

Alaska is so big and vast, that it seems nearly impossible to find the perfect route. But with some research, calculations on your time and distance, and prioritization on what you want to visit in Alaska it is possible!

But what makes this Alaska Itinerary perfect? With this 10-day Alaska Itinerary, you will discover the history, see the breathtaking landscapes, enjoy the rich wildlife, explore stunning hiking trails in Denali National Park , and drive the most scenic roads in the United States, and even in the world!

Also, this Alaska Itinerary is versatile and you can explore it in as short as 5 days to up to 2 weeks (and even more if you are lucky). Just pick your favorite places based on your timing and interest, as here I give you all the tools you need for your perfect Alaska road trip.

All you will need is your own car, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to explore one of the most beautiful places on the Planet!

If you are planning an Alaska Itinerary, these are must-read:

Where to stay in alaska: 7 top towns + hotel guide.

• Ultimate Alaska Bucket List: 22 Experiences you need to do!
• What to Pack for Alaska + FREE Printable

DAY 10 Alaska Road Trip: Exit Glacier Hike & Drive back to Anchorage

15+ days in alaska road trip itinerary.

10-Day Alaska Road Trip Itinerary Overview

If you are planning an Alaska road trip itinerary, you may be wondering how many days you should spend in Alaska? Typically, most visitors choose to spend between seven to fourteen days exploring Alaska. However, the duration of your stay largely depends on your desired destinations and how you plan on getting around.

I recently went on a 10-day road trip in Alaska where I visited some of the best destinations in the state. I have provided a day-by-day itinerary overview below, and you can click on each destination’s link to see a detailed itinerary.

NOTE: My Alaska Itinerary covers 10 days of intense activities and it can easily be done in 15-20 days if you add more days in your favorite locations, as I am also providing additional information about the best things to do in each place! If you have less time to explore, I have prepared Alaska Itineraries for shorter trips too.

Best Time Of Year For An Alaska Road Trip

Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Alaska on a road trip? It depends…First, you need to know what are your priorities so you can determine when is the best time to visit Alaska.

In short, the best time to visit Alaska is from June to August , because this is when you will get the best weather with more sunny days and less rain, and warmer temperatures. But keep in mind, that this is also the most crowded season to visit Alaska. Here are some things to consider:

☀️ Summer Season: from May 10 to September 15 with average temperatures in the 60’s to low 70’s, 16–24 hrs. of daylight, leaves and flowers in bloom, rushing rivers, and the best wildlife viewing.

📷 Peak season : from June to August. By mid-June, it’s as warm as it’s going to get. All summer activities are available, including The Denali Park Road (which opens the second week in June).

🚢 Cruise Season:  is also May through September. Small ship cruises start as early as mid-April.

🌳 Shoulder Season  is May (early season) and September (late season), with 10-25% discounts on some hotels, tours, and cruises.

🐻 Wildlife Viewing:  May to September is the best time to see wildlife in general. Fly-in bear viewing begins in mid-June but is best in July. You can see Moose year-round. Gray whales migrate up in March/April; humpbacks are here from May to September; orcas are here year-round.

Alaska Road Trip Itinerary Map

To help you plan your Alaska road trip Itinerary, we created a map indicating all the main places that we recommend visiting in Alaska. This map is just an overview and doesn’t contain all the details, but it gives you a better idea of where everything is and how you could adjust this itinerary if you have less or more time.

You can click on the picture below and see this map on Google Maps.

Best Way To Road Trip Alaska in 10 Days

Before we jump on this detailed Alaska itinerary, let’s review what is the best way to see Alaska on a road trip.

If you choose to visit Alaska on a road trip, be prepared for a lot of driving. Most of the roads are in great condition, therefore in some areas, you will likely encounter construction. The driving is mostly on scenic roads, and you will be rewarded with incredible views.

You will need to decide on your Alaska itinerary and what time of year before you make a decision if renting a car and if a 4WD is necessary. If you are driving this Alaska Itinerary in the summer you can rent a 2WD. I recommend renting a 4WD if you are traveling in Alaska during wintertime.

Some of the most popular rental cars in Alaska are Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National. I recommend to check current reviews, compare prices and book your rental car in Alaska in advance to secure the best rates and availability or your specific travel dates and locations.

🌟 You can compare and save up to 70% on your rental car when you  book through this site . I use and recommend  Discover Cars  because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different places.

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Road Trip in Alaska with an RV Rental

I traveled to Alaska with an RV rental – since I found that this would be the best way to manage my logistics around Alaska during the time I visited. Note that at the end of September lodges and restaurants start to close for the season. Therefore, an RV made much more sense in my case.

If you are renting an RV in Alaska I recommend you have some prior experience, or you can review all you need to know about renting an RV for the first time . Also, if you are wondering how much it cost to rent an RV, you can check it out here .

Also, I recommend renting your RV from a reliable source. I have rented RVs before and I highly recommend you rent either from Cruise America or RVShare

Starting your Alaska Itinerary | Arrival in Anchorage

Most of the flights from the United States and Canada arrive at Anchorage Airport (ANC) and the busiest time is from 10 pm to 2 am when most flights arrive from Seattle.

If you arrive earlier, you can pick up your car at the airport and head to dinner (see recommendations for restaurants below) and head to your hotel (see recommendations for hotels below).

My flight arrived in ANC at 12:00 am, I got my luggage and took an Uber to my B&B. In the morning, I picked up my RV with Cruise America and went grocery shopping.

Anchorage is the best option to go shopping before your Alaska road trip. I recommend buying your groceries at Costco and Walmart , as the prices in big cities are comparable to the lower 48 states. When you shop in smaller towns you will notice the prices are higher.

NOTE: I visited Alaska in September when it is considered the shoulder season. The pros are that you can get some discounts on hotels and excursions, fewer crowds, no bugs, fall colors, and northern lights viewing by mid-September. But on the negative side, most of the tours were not operating, many hiking trails were closed, and many businesses closed for the season – including lodges and restaurants.

Ultimate 10-Day Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 alaska road trip: explore anchorage and visit the alaska wildlife conservation center.

• DRIVING: Anchorage and AWCC
• ACCOMMODATION: Click here for accommodations in Anchorage
• MUST READ: Complete Anchorage Travel Guide

1. Bird Creek

Exciting starting of your Alaska Itinerary – I hope you are packed and ready to start this adventure in Alaska!

As soon as you start your driving south out of Anchorage on the Seward Highway (AK 1), you will already see the stunning mountain views. Stop at some of the viewpoints along the road to admire the views and take some great pictures.

You will see signs on the side of the right side of the road for Bird Creek. There is a nice parking lot and a very short walk with incredible views. I visited during fall and the foliage made the views even more special. You will see the views of the Turnagain Arm, with great opportunity for photos.

2. Watch the whales at the Beluga Point Sight

Continuing your Alaska road trip on Seward Highway, along the Cooke Inlet, you will see signs for the Beluga Point View on the right side of the road. This is a great point to see Beluga whales and see the 180-degree views of the breathtaking Turnagain Arm. This is a great spot to visit at high tide when you have the highest chance of spotting the Belugas’ whiteheads popping out of the water.

If you walk along the shore, be very careful with the mudflats, as they can be more deadly than quicksand.

3. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC)

This is a must-visit during any Alaska Itinerary. The AWCC their mission is to preserve Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, research, and education, and the animals here are treated with care.

You can buy your tickets directly at the entrance, for $17 (adult price), and another option is this tour to the Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup.

You will have the opportunity to see moose, bears, porcupines, coyotes, wolves, wood bison, reindeer, and many other animals. This is a great opportunity to get to meet some of the most magnificent animals in Alaska. I ended up not seeing any other bears during my Alaska trip, so I appreciated the opportunity to visit the AWCC.

📷 More Things to do in Anchorage

If you have more time to explore Anchorage during your Alaska road trip, and if you are visiting during a season when these places are open, you can also add to your Anchorage itinerary. Check my Ultimate guide for the 20 Best Things to do in Anchorage AK .

🏨 Best Accommodations in Anchorage

• CAMPING | Bird Creek Campground is a great option, with 27 campsites with toilets and water.
• BUDGET | The Lake Front Anchorage is located on the shore of Lake Hood with amazing views and a 24-hour shuttle service from the airport.
• MID-RANGE | Historic Anchorage Hotel is located in the heart of Anchorage city center, with a fitness center, continental breakfast, and free Wi-Fi
• BEST RATED | Highland Glen Lodge B&B is rated as wonderful by the guests, has an excellent location, and includes a full English/ Irish breakfast

DAY 2 Alaska itinerary: Take a Ferry from Whittier to Valdez (option to drive)

• DRIVING: Anchorage to Whittier; or take a Ferry to Valdez
• ACCOMMODATIONS: Click here for accommodations in Valdez
• MUST-READ: Complete Travel Guide to Valdez

1. Drive the Turnagain Arm

The second day of this Alaska road trip itinerary is an early start. On my way from Anchorage to Whittier to catch my ferry, I drove the Turnagain Arm / Seward Highway, with amazing views and great pull-off areas for parking and pictures.

While driving the Seward Highway alongside the Cooke Inlet I saw 2 Beluga whales. I parked my RV to watch them when I saw a whole Beluga family together which was so unexpected and absolutely incredible.

The day before, it was low tide which is when the mudflats appear and it can be very dangerous if you step on it because it is just like quicksand and you can get stuck. But when it is high tide watch for Belugas here. There is a family of Belugas that live around this area, therefore, keep an eye here for Belugas!

If you have more time to explore Turnagain Arm Region, you can also add the following to your Alaska itinerary:

• Portage Lake: From Anchorage head down the Seward Highway and go around 40 miles to visit the lake
• Portage Glacier Tour : A short boat tour to see Portage Glacier, an easily accessible glacier.
• Byron Glacier & Byron Glacier Trail: The glacier descends from the same ice field that feeds both Portage Glacier on the lake and Blackstone Glacier in Prince William Sound.

2. Take a Ferry from Whittier to Valdez

The reason I have decided to take the ferry from Whittier to Valdez instead of driving it is that it gave me the opportunity to see some wildlife, as the Prince William Sound is one of the best places in Alaska to observe wildlife such as sea otters, Dall porpoises, seals, sea lions, humpback and Orcas whales. I saw many Orca whales and it was a fantastic opportunity!

The ferry takes about 6 hours – about the same time as driving. If you choose to take the ferry, it offers comfortable seating inside, with great windows for views, and another seating area if you want to take a nap. It has a kitchen that offers food to buy, or you can bring your own food. The ferry also has bathrooms with a shower and a deck view on top.

My ferry departed from Whittier at 12:30 pm and arrived in Valdez at 6:15 pm.

NOTE: The ferries do not run every day, check here for the full schedule . you need to make your reservations online in advance to guarantee your spot. The ferry runs every other day in summer, once per week in the shoulder season, and does not run in winter. Here for a complete guide with all you need to know to plan a ferry from Whittier to Valdez .

3. Arrive in Valdez

If you take the ferry to Valdez or decide to drive, today is a long day on the road/ ferry. After arriving in Valdez, I had time to walk around the harbor for some photos and stretch my legs.

I grabbed dinner at the Fat Mermaid, a very popular restaurant in Valdez located in front of the Valdez Harbor, and went to my Valdez KOA camping to rest for the next day full of exciting activity.

📷 More Things to do in Valdez

If you spare more time in Valdez during your Alaska road trip, you have many amazing hiking trails to choose from, more waterfalls to visit, or exploring the glaciers around. Check this complete guide of 21 Things to do in Valdez + City Guide

🏨 Best Accommodations in Valdez:

• CAMPING | KOA Valdez is a great campground with on-site services and a great location
• BUDGET |   Keystone Hotel is the best option if you are traveling on a budget, with breakfast included and amazing views
• MID-RANGE | Best Western Historic Anchorage Hotel with an on-site restaurant and panoramic harbor views
• BEST RATED | House on the Rock is rated as wonderful by the guests, with a shared kitchen and continental breakfast

DAY 3 Alaska itinerary: Exploring Valdez

• DRIVING: 4-5 hours

1. Visit the Solomon Gulch

I started the third day of my Alaska itinerary on a rainy day by visiting the Solomon Gulch to learn all about the salmon hatchery and strongly recommend a visit here. You can take a self-tour and learn how important this hatchery is to the fishing industry and the local economy. It is sustainable farming for salmon and the visit is very educational.

I learned that this facility, built-in 1981, is the largest single-species salmon hatchery in North America, incubating up to 270 million Pink salmon and 2 million Coho salmon each year. And every year, adults return to the hatchery in vast numbers—some 16 million pinks and 100,000 Cohos for spawning.

Another highlight at Solomon Gulch is seeing the wildlife that comes here to eat fresh fish, such as sea lions, seals, and even bears can be seen here.

You will see a creek and a waterfall on the other side of the road, and Solomon Lake. To visit it, you can park next to the Fish Hatchery, and hike up the  John Hunter Memorial Trail

2. Explore the Old Valdez Town

Continuing your road trip in Alaska, you can visit the original Valdez, also known to the locals as Old Valdez. In 1964 the strongest earthquake already registered in North America, followed by a tsunami, devasted the original town, and they relocated 4 miles away to where it is now.

The old town was preserved as a memorial, and here you can see the signs where the buildings used to be nearly 100 years ago. You can take the Richardson Highway and follow the signs for the Old Valdez.

3. Hike around the Valdez Lake & Valdez Glacier

It is an easy 0.9-mile hike and a well-marked hike from the parking lot, and you can see the glacier in the distance. The views of the mountains, the lake, and the glacier are amazing here. I visited on a rainy day, and it made the landscape even more dramatic.

You can see features on the mountains that indicate past ice levels forming valleys. The glacier actually used to be visible from the lakeshore, before the ice receded enough to move it out of view.  You can hike around the lake to catch amazing views and take beautiful pictures.

4. Walk around the Valdez Harbor

Valdez is a small harbor town, and you can just park your car and walk around the harbor, visit the marina with some beautiful fishing boats, admire the cute buildings, and at the end of the day, you will see many wild rabbits enjoying some fresh grass around the town.

You can also find my very detailed travel guide for Valdez with more things to do.

DAY 4 Alaska Road Trip: Drive from Valdez to Fairbanks (with a stop at the North Pole)

• DRIVING: Today the driving is long – 364 miles in about 6.5 hours
• ACCOMMODATIONS: Best Accommodations in Fairbanks
• MUST-READ: Complete Travel Guide to Fairbanks

1. Catch some Waterfalls Along the Road

On day 4 of this Alaska road trip itinerary, make sure you plan extra time for your driving from Valdez to Fairbanks because they are a lot of awesome sights along the way.

On the way to Fairbanks, you will pass many waterfalls along the road . On the left side, you will pass the Horsetail Falls, and on your right side, the Bridal Veil Falls. If you want to admire the waterfalls and take some pictures, you can pull them off in the designated area.

NOTE: Stop along the Richardson Highway to see the duck flats. While driving North of Solomon Gutch in between Solomon Gutch and Keystone Canyon you can see many bald eagles , pay close attention when you see one, the second one will be very close .

2. Marvel with the beauty of Thompson Pass

On the drive from Valdez to Thompson Pass, you will notice that the views start to change, as you go up in the mountains and the views are absolutely stunning.

If you have more time to explore, you can find great hiking trails too. There are parking areas along the highway where you can pull off your car for better views and pictures. You will see some signs indicating photo opportunities that I recommend stopping in at least some of them.

Thompson Pass experiences 80 feet of snow accumulation per year, which makes this places the snowiest point in the United States.

NOTE: When snows the Thompson Pass may close the road, very few gas stations between so fill up the tank before you hit the road. Pay close attention to the weather conditions before you plan your driving here.

3. Hike to the Worthington Glacier

If it is not a rainy and cloudy day, you will see the Worthington Glacier from the road. The recreation site has a nice parking lot that costs $5 per vehicle. Here you can find bathrooms, a visitor center, and some hiking trails with lookout areas.

You can also normally hike to the glacier in about 45-60 min. It is a short well-marked trail and also, wheelchair access to a platform overlooking the glacier. The day I visited was snowing a lot, and the hiking trail to the glacier was closed for safety reasons.

4. Visit Santa at the North Pole

My next stop during my Alaska itinerary – and I have to be honest that I was extremely excited about – was the North Pole. I visited the Santa Claus House which is a huge gift shop with guess what? All Christmas amazing gifts, decorations, and more Christmas-themed things.

And the highlight of the visit is to see the real Santa Claus – (well, just look at my face and you will see that I really believed it). Going to the North Pole and not seeing Santa, is the same thing as going to Rome and not seeing the Pope!

Stop for a crepe and a coffee at the North Pole Creperia – it is honestly the BEST crepe and cappuccino I ever had in my life! I had the Nutella with strawberries and it was just phenomenal!

5. Arrive at Fairbanks and Start Chasing the Aurora Borealis

I recommend reserving at least 2 nights of your Alaska Itinerary in Fairbanks to increase your chance to see the Aurora Borealis, if you have 3-nights, even better! I also recommend, at least the first night, booking a tour with the local experts so you can learn about the right conditions to see the lights. Plus, they will help you to adjust the right settings on your camera to capture the best shots.

I closed a tour with Aurora Lodge View and they are great – from pick up from a hotel to the facilities where you can wait comfortably enjoying some hot chocolate and fresh cookies, and it is very educational too. You can stay warm inside and they will alert you when the lights appear, or you can keep warm by a fire outside and gaze at the sky for that special moment. They will guide you through the experience to catch the best Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks.

📷 You can check the Aurora tour prices and availability here!

NOTE: If the sky is clear, even if you don’t see the lights, set your camera for long exposure, and your camera may capture it – even if you don’t see it clearly with your eyes. This is exactly what I did and I couldn’t believe it. I recommend having a good camera such as a Sony Mirrorless, a tripod, and a trigger if you are really serious about capturing the Aurora Borealis .

📷 More Things to do in Fairbanks:

Fairbanks is one of the highlights of a 10-day Alaska Itinerary, and it has amazing things to do. Check my Ultimate Travel Guide of Fairbanks to find out the top 24 things to do in Fairbanks, plus where to eat, where to stay, and all the tips you need to explore this amazing place in Alaska.

🏨 Best Accommodations in Fairbanks:

• CAMPING | River’s Edge Resort is located on the banks of the Chena River
• BUDGET | Billie’s Backpackers Hostel has great reviews, with a shared lounge area and sun terrace and free Wi-Fi
• MID-RANGE | Pike’s Waterfront Lodge has a great restaurant featuring Alaskan cuisine and has great waterfront views
• BEST RATED | A Taste of Alaska Lodge is an excellent option, with a great location, delicious buffet breakfast, and great service.

DAY 5 Alaska Itinerary: Spend this day Exploring Fairbanks

1. visit the trans-alaska pipeline viewpoint.

My first stop on day 5 of my Alaska itinerary, was a quick self-visit, and educational too, was the pipeline. The trans-Alaska pipeline spans 800 miles to reach the refineries, crossing the Alaskan wilderness, mountain ranges, earthquake zones, and rivers – and Fairbanks is a great place to see some of the 420 miles of the elevated pipeline.

Here you can find information displays explaining more about one of the world’s engineering marvels and an example of a pig, the device used to clean and inspect inside the pipelines. Imagine that every hour, more than a million dollars of oil flows through these pipes!

2. Visit the Alaska Museum of North

The next stop on this Alaska Itinerary is to visit the Alaska Museum of North. I love how they are able to tell the story of Alaska with a mix of places, wildlife, people, and culture. From the Alaska Native days and customs to the most recent days.

I was able to learn a lot about this fascinating and diverse state, so I recommend you reserve a few hours of your day in Fairbanks to visit the museum.

3. Have Fun at the Chena Hot Springs

This is one of the highlights in Fairbanks and also, a must-visit! You can choose to book your lodge here, as you can find many attractions, and it is also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, or you can plan to spend a half-day or a full-day visit.

The hot springs are a great outdoor pool with mineral spring water that rises from the earth at 165 degrees Fahrenheit and you will see people just soaking and relaxing here. You can pay $15 to use it, even if you are not staying at the resort.

Here you can also find restaurants, an indoor pool, many activities such as ATV and snowmobiling tours, and many hiking trails. You can also take a tour at the Chena Kennel and the guide teaches all about the Alaskan Huskies you can also pet the beautiful dogs and play with the puppies.

📷 You can also go on a tour from Fairbanks to the Chena Hot Springs – check prices and availability here .

4. Enjoy a visit too the Aurora Ice Museum

The Aurora Ice Museum is also located inside the Chena Hot Springs Resort, and you can buy a ticket there for $15 for a tour inside the museum, where you have the opportunity to see the artists creating the ice sculptures. For another $15 you get to try their appletini served on guess what? An iced glass.

The ice museum is pretty amazing with a bar, sitting area, and lots of amazing sculptures all created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow – the tour takes about 45 minutes and it is open all year long.

5. Explore the Pioneer Park

Another great place to visit while in Fairbanks is Pioneer Park. I was surprised I was the only person visiting the park that day, as I thought it was pretty intriguing to learn that the 100-year-old historic village was featured with the original buildings moved from downtown Fairbanks, as well as the museums and even a Gold Rush town street.

The park opened in 1967 as a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Alaska’s purchase from Russia. It is a great place to learn about the history and to stroll around and imagine Alaska in the early years. Here you can also find a theme park, with a train that runs inside the park, restaurants, shops and the entrance is free.

DAY 6: Drive from Fairbanks to Denali, with overnight in Talkeetna

• DRIVING: Today the driving is 123 miles in about 2.5 hours
• ACCOMMODATIONS: Click here for accommodations in Talkeetna
• MUST-READ: Ultimate Guide How to Visit Denali National Park

1. Go Hiking and Wildlife Views at the Denali National Park

Denali National Park is one of the highlights of any Alaska road trip Itinerary, and is home to the tallest mountain in North America – Mt. McKinley. Within the park, there is a lot of wildlife and vast, unspoiled wilderness with glacier rivers, and tundra and all of this is surrounded by mesmerizing peaks! There are amazing things to doing Denali National Park and here you will find also amazing hiking trails to explore.

The National Park Bus Service is the best option to visit Denali, as they offer access to 92 miles inside the park, with great opportunities for wildlife views. It operates from May to mid-September. Check here for more information.

Even during the summer, private vehicles have limited access to the park. The only option for going into the interior of the park is the National Park Bus Service. This is one of the ways the park is preserved in its natural state.

If you visit the park during the shoulder season or wintertime, access to the park is VERY LIMITED ! Don’t get me wrong, the park is still worth a visit, and the views are absolutely awe-inspiring. I was able to drive the single road 15 miles inside the park for some amazing views. I did the Mountain View hiking which is easy with stunning views.

NOTE: When planning your Alaska Itinerary, make sure you plan your visit to Denali in advance, considering that what you will see and do, will depend on when you are visiting it, so you don’t set your expectations so high. I visited it during shoulder season, which means, I could only drive the 15 miles inside the park, and the bus service was not operating – therefore, the access was very restricted with only a few access to the hiking trails. Read here for a complete guide on how to visit Denali National Park.

2. Hike the Horseshow Lake Trail

Just inside Denali Park, I did the Horseshoe Lake Trail hiking, which I really recommend too with a beautiful trail overlooking a lake.

The trail is only 2 miles and takes about 2 hours and the most exciting part for me was near the mid-way point, on the east side of the loop, you can hike a short spur to overlook a beaver dam. This was the first time I saw a beaver dam and it was one of the coolest things I saw during my 10 days Alaska itinerary.

If you are looking to spend more time in the park, you will find up to 20 hiking trails in Denali , from easy and short hikes to some backcountry trails, with the opportunity to go camping.

3. Drive to Talkeetna

On the drive from Denali to Talkeetna , make sure to stop at the North View Point and then, the South View Point on Parks Highway (AK 3) to see the highest peak, Mt. Denali – both locations are a must-stop and the views are breathtaking and very different landscape. Each of these viewpoints has telescopes to take a close-up look at the mountains on the horizon.

After a full day of exploration in Denali, plus the mesmerizing driving with a few stops along the road for pictures, I got to Talkeetna for some delicious dinner and drinks at the Denali Brewpub.

📷 More Things to do in Denali National Park

If you have more time to explore Denali, you can easily spend at least 2-full days here, as you you can also add the following to your Alaska itinerary:

• Complete Guide for Things to do in Denali National Park
• Complete Guide for Things to do in Talkeetna
• Take a bus tour: This tour bus is narrated by a trained naturalist, with a very informative trip into the park.
• Go on a backcountry safari: You can go on a 3.5-hour off-road 4-wheel safari adventure in Denali National Park
• ATV Adventure: This tour gives you the chance to get dirty and ride for 3.5-hour in Denali National Park
• Camping inside Denali National Park: If you are feeling adventurous, you can camp inside the park
• White-water rafting: I didn’t do it, but I wish I did after I visited the Nenana river and see how awesome this adventure should have been.

🏨 Best Accommodations in Talkeetna:

• CAMPING | Talkeetna Camper Park offers a full service for RV setup, with 35 camping spots
• BUDGET | Meandering Moose Lodging is located in a very beautiful setting, and it is a great option if you are traveling on a budget.
• MID-RANGE | Talkeetna Roadhouse is a classic in Talkeetna, with an excellent location
• BEST RATED | Willow Cabin is just WOW! rated as Exceptional with 10 stars by the guest, this vacation home is a dreamy place to stay in Talkeetna.

DAY 7: Take a flightseeing in Denali and drive to Seward

• DRIVING: The driving from Talkeetna to Seward is long – 237 miles in about 4.5 hours
• ACCOMMODATIONS: Click here for accommodations in Seward
• MUST-READ: Ultimate Travel Guide to Talkeetna

1. Explore Talkeetna Village

Talkeetna was NOT really in my initial Alaska road trip Itinerary, but since I was able to explore Denali in a day, I decided to head to Talkeetna and it was the best decision! Talkeetna is situated just outside Denali National Park, and it is a classic artsy Alaskan village with great views of Mt. Denali (if you are at the right place and time!). This is one of the best places to  catch a plane ride to explore the nearby glaciers and mountain ranges!

Also, walk around the village and take pictures of the historic buildings, grab a coffee at one of the cute cafes, walk by the river for outstanding views and visit the local shops and galleries. I just love the vibe and the laid-back lifestyle in Talkeetna, and I think you will too!

2. Fly above the Denali Mountains

I normally do not book very expensive tours when I travel, but since I didn’t get the chance to see much of Denali National Park I thought it would be a great opportunity to visit Denali’s highest peaks from above, and it was AMAZING! I truly recommend you add this to your 10-day Alaska Itinerary.

I booked a flight with this tour and it was worth every penny! being able to wind between the Denali peaks and feeling so small, is an experience of a lifetime. I booked a private flight, so I could really take advantage of getting the best window in the house and ask tons of questions from my pilot.

For 1 hour I could fly over rivers, glaciers, icefalls, and snow peaks of the Susitna Valley and the highlight was getting so close to the summit of Mt. Denali – it was just WOW!

🔎 You can check a complete article with all you need to know about taking a Denali flightseeing tour from Talkeetna .

3. Drive to Seward

The drive is long, but don’t you worry! This is another scenic road, with great views of mountains and the coast. You may even want to make some stops along the way for some pictures.

You will pass through Anchorage and take the scenic Seward Highway once again. Drive along the Cooke Inlet and Turnagain Arm – don’t forget to keep an eye out for Belugas 😉 – Following this itinerary, you will arrive in Seward in the later afternoon or early evening.

📷 More Things to do in Seward:

Check the 30 epic things to do in Seward , and if you have more time to explore Seward, you can also add the following to your Alaska itinerary:

• Alaska SeaLife Center: This facility was built with funds from the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and serves to remind visitors of the importance of understanding and maintaining  Alaska ‘s marine ecosystem
• Kayak Trip: Go on an amazing kayak trip on the Resurrection Bay
• Helicopter Tour: See from above the unique Kenai Fjords National park and land on Godwin Glacier

🏨 Best Accommodation in Seward:

• CAMPING | Seward KOA is where I stayed and loved it! Great facilities and an amazing location!
• BUDGET | Exit Glacier Lodge is located near the Exit Glacier with free Wi-fi, a restaurant, and a bar.
• MID-RANGE | Arctic Paradise B&B has a great location with a full Alaskan breakfast served in the room
• BEST RATED | Glacier Creek Lodging is the best-rated accommodation in Seward, with a great breakfast included

DAY 8 Alaska Itinerary: Boat day tour on Kenai Fjords National Park

• MUST-READ: Ultimate Travel Guide to Seward
• MUST-READ: Check Ultimate Guide to the Exit Glacier

1. Take a Boat Tour on the Kenai Peninsula

The Alaska itinerary today is dedicated to a day on the boat at the Kenai Penisula.

A visit to Alaska is not completed if you don’t take a boat tour on the Kenai Peninsula . This was also one of the highlights of my Alaska Itinerary. The landscape here is so unreal, and something you can truly only see in Alaska.

The whole tour takes about 6 hours in the Fjords, where we could see lush forests towering walls of rock, icebergs, glaciers, and very abundant wildlife such as whales, seals, sea otters, and sea lions, and a large variety of birds.

Lunch is included on the tour, and there is a cafeteria where you can buy hot chocolate and coffee (and cans of beer). The staff is very helpful, and the captain did an amazing job explaining all about the Fjords and wildlife – I found this was a great opportunity for not only an amazing tour but also, to learn more about the Kenai Fjords.

📷 Check here for the Kenai Fjords tour for prices and availability

2. Explore Seward Downtown

If you still have the energy to explore around after spending the day on the boat, you can explore Seward Downtown.

Seward is my favorite town that I visited during my road trip in Alaska. It is small, located on the gorgeous Kenai peninsula, and it offers great views from the mountains and the shore from different parts of the town.

Park your car and just stroll around the old downtown, and visit the many local shops, breweries, and cute cafes. Walk by the Waterfront Park.

DAY 9 Alaska Road Trip: Hiking to the Harding Icefield

• DRIVING: 1 hour
• MUST-READ: Ultimate Guide on How to Hike Harding Icefield

1. Hike the Amazing Harding Icefield

If you also choose to hike the Harding Icefield Trail , reserve a whole day of your 10-day Alaska Itinerary for this activity.

The round-trip hike is 8.2 miles with 1,000 ft of elevation gain per mile, summiting at 3,512 feet. It may take less time depending on the conditions of the hiking trail. But I did the hiking in a little over 7 hours considering that I got a lot of mud, ice, and snow and the hiking path was not well-market because it was covered in snow.

My advice to you? Please do this hike! But please, read this article first to make sure you are prepared! This hiking trail is insanely beautiful, and honestly one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done in my life. Wear good hiking boots and layers. Alpine poles are recommended to deal with the snowy, icy, and muddy sections of the trail.

The Harding Icefield is located in Kenai Fjords National Park, and the views from any point of this hike are just incredible! I didn’t see many people during my hike, and you can really feel the peace and solitude of the mountains. But just be Bear Aware! I didn’t see any bears, but the day before, a solo female hiker saw a black bear just 10 ft from her.

There is 1 trail to the top and the same trail on the descent. You can choose how far you go and you can turn around at any time.

If you choose not to hike all the way to the Harding Icefield, you have 2 other options:

• Marmot Meadows : A little over 1 mile into the trail, this offshoot will path take you to little platform areas where you can see Exit Glacier
• The Cliffs are the halfway point to the Harding Icefield. It offers fantastic views of Exit Glacier and the tongue of Harding Icefield.

After hiking, I was exhausted, and I just went straight to have dinner in town and crashed for the evening, dead tired but exhilarated.

NOTE: If you choose NOT TO HIKE the Harding Icefield hiking during your 10-day Alaska itinerary, you can choose many other awesome activities to do in Seward that I have listed in this article . You have plenty of options for things to do in Seward, and you are not going to get bored.

• DRIVING: The drive from Seward to Anchorage is 127 miles in 2.5 hours , but can take longer with road construction.

1. Exit Glacier Hike

The final day of this 10-day Alaska itinerary couldn’t end more perfectly, hiking the stunning Exit Glacier. The hike to Exit Glacier is short and easy, starting from the Parking lot you will see the National Park Visitor Center, and the trail is very well marked.

You will see signs with numbers along the road and during your hike – the numbers are a reference to the year the Exit Glacier terminated. Exit Glacier is retreating very quickly and before visitors were able to get very close to it, but now, the end of the trail takes you to the closest point…

The views are still spectacular but it is sad to learn how fast it is melting.

2. Drive Back from Seward to Anchorage

On this last day of this amazing Alaska 10 days itinerary, enjoy the scenic drive from Seward to Anchorage and opt to stop at different places if you have time.

If you still have some time you can also visit Portage Lake and the Chugach State Park – located in Southcentral Alaska mostly within the Municipality of Anchorage. The park contains approximately 495,000 acres of land and is one of the four largest state parks in the United States. Here you can find many hiking trails to explore.

More Alaska Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

5 days in alaska road itinerary (option 1).

• Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage and explore the city
• Day 2: Visit museums or go hike in Anchorage | Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Day 3: Take the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali
• Day 4: Spend the day in Denali
• Day 5: Take the train back to Anchorage | Fly home

5 DAYS IN ALASKA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY (Option 2)

• Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center | Or go hiking
• Day 2: Take a scenic drive to Seward (Portage Pass hike en route)
• Day 3: Option 1: Hike the Harding Icefield hike (strenuous) | Option 2: Hike the Exit Glacier(easy hike)+ explore Seward
• Day 4: Go on a Kenai cruise for whale and wildlife views and glacier
• Day 5: Drive back to Anchorage, fly home

7 DAYS IN ALASKA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

• OPTION 1: Do this Alaska itinerary, but remove Fairbanks
• OPTION 2: Do this Alaska itinerary, but remove Valdez
• OPTION 3: Do this Alaska itinerary and remove Fairbanks and Valdez and add a few days to explore Denali National Park
• OPTION 1 : Do this itinerary and add Home after you explore Seward
• OPTION 2: Do this itinerary and add more days in Denali National Park or any other place where you can explore more activities, such as Seward
• OPTION 3: Do this itinerary and add a flight to Juneau for a few days. A flight from Anchorage is about 1:30 and it costs around $300.

Practical Information for Planning your Alaska Road Trip

Planning a road trip to alaska.

If you are going to travel to Alaska, pre-planning, researching, and understanding what you are looking for in a destination will help make your travels far more successful and safe. Here is some further information I think you might need to plan your 10-day Alaska itinerary:

• Bucket List in Alaska: 22 Top Experiences
• Complete pack list for Alaska + Printable
• How to visit Valdez, Alaska
• How to visit Fairbanks, Alaska
• How to visit Seward, Alaska
• How to visit Talkeetna, Alaska
• How to visit Anchorage, Alaska
• How to visit Denali National Park
• How to Hike Exit Glacier
• How to Hike Harding Icefield
• How to take a ferry from Whittier to Valdez
• Best Denali Flightseeing Tours

Travel Insurance for a Road Trip in Alaska

Travel insurance is as essential to travel as having your accommodations and plane tickets. While some may view it as a contingency for the “just in case” scenarios, that the unexpected can, and does, happen.

In today’s ever-shifting landscape, it’s clear that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. It’s the smart and responsible choice, ensuring that your adventures remain memorable for the right reasons, rather than marred by unexpected hurdles.

That is the reason I use and recommend Heymondo travel insurance – it’s the one I trust, it’s the one I use, and it’s the one I recommend to fellow travelers.  HeyMondo  –

COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.

🌟 Get  5% off  your policy   by booking through  this link. 🌟

How Much Does It Cost a 10-Day Road Trip to Alaska?

I have to start by saying that Alaska is not a cheap and budget-friendly destination, and how much a trip to Alaska will cost will vary a lot. It depends on your travel style and the season that you visit Alaska.

The first thing to plan your budget for your 10-day Alaska Itinerary is planning the length of time you will need to visit Alaska use the table below for cost estimates:

TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS: Consider that you will also want to do some tours in Alaska, you can spend a little more or a lot more if you choose to go on activities such as helicopter flights, airplanes, private tours, etc. Check here for the Best Tours worth paying for in Alaska .

What to Pack for your 10-Day Alaska Road Trip?

You need to plan the right packing for your trip to Alaska. Make sure you are prepared, considering the season and the activities you are planning to do. I prepared a whole article on What to pack for Alaska in summer and winter, plus you can find an awesome Printable Packing List here too, but just some quick tips:

• Pack layers are the best you can do!
• Bring some warm pants, you can check the best Warm leggings in the market
• Pack rain gear – you don’t want to get soaked wet while exploring
• Make sure to pack a warm jacket – check my review guide on the Top Jackets for Travel
• A hat, gloves, and scarf can’t go wrong, even in summer.
• Bring good quality sturdy hiking shoes .
• Leave your fancy shoes and cute dresses at home. You won’t need them in Alaska 😉
• If you are planning to pack on a backpack, check this Best Backpacks for Travel

CLICK HERE: Packing List for Alaska + FREE Printable

Alaska Road Trip Itinerary Conclusion

I hope you have found this Alaska road trip itinerary helpful and that you have the chance to explore the Last Frontier State. You will fall in love – just like I did – with the beauty, the wild nature, and the breathtaking views. Check out these fun and interesting facts about Alaska too, if you’re looking to learn more about this amazing state.

Also, consider reviewing some essential winter road trip tips before you go.

It doesn’t matter if you have 10 days to explore Alaska on a road trip, or if you have more time, you will be able to enjoy this unique place on our Planet. Next time, I want to go back during summertime, to be able to enjoy other activities that I couldn’t do on my first visit, such as hike and camping in Denali National Park.

If you have any further questions, please drop me a message below and I will be very happy to help.

Safe travels, and keep healthy everyone!

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What is Alaska Known For? 20 Things Alaska is Famous For

Ultimate Packing List for Alaska in Summer & Winter + Printable

13 thoughts on “a perfect 10-day alaska road trip itinerary + map”.

This is inspiring! We just bought an RV and hope to take it to Alaska next summer!

This looks like an amazing trip to Alaska. With waterfalls, wildlife & northern lights it looks like a great itinerary. I’ll save it for later!

It is quite clear after reading your post that you were so excited about your trip to Alaska. I loved reading it as much as you enjoyed writing about it.

WOW I feel like you were able to do and see so much during your time in Alaska! I’ve only considered visiting via cruise ship, but I’m reconsidering now!

What an excellent itinerary and it makes me want to go back as I didn’t see a ton on a work trip 12 years ago in February and it was crazy cold! I was in Seward for a week, then went to Fairbanks and stayed at Chena Hot Springs. Sadly in two nights I didn’t get to see the Northern Lights due to weather. That is so cool you got to visit the North Pole and take a boat ride to see the Kenai Fjords! I’d like to see both one day!

Ok, I’ve been wanting to visit Alaska for a while. But this post just sealed the deal for me. This looks like an amazing itinerary!! Your pictures are stunning and I’d love to rent an RV too and do this road trip one day 🙂

Very thorough guide. Thank you! It looks amazing

I have always wanted to visit Alaska since I love nature, wildlife and SNOW! Your article inspires me to start researching it.

I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska and this indepth and thorough itinerary is so helpful. Visiting the North Pole and SANTA (your face lol), Chasing the Aurora Borealis, and flying above the Denali Mountains seem like such amazing experiences!

I know right…LOL…You can tell I was extremely excited to see Santa. And I so hope you get to visit Alaska soon, it is a truly amazing destination!

Terri, it seems Alaska is on your path very soon, and that it will be a perfect destination for you!

Thank you and I am glad you found my article!

Thank you so much, I am so glad my article inspired you and you enjoyed the pictures. I always say that is nearly impossible to take a bad picture of Alaska, as it is so incredibly beautiful. Traveling in Alaska was amazing, and I think that renting an RV added it even more to the adventure and freedom, I really recommend it!

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Alaska itinerary 10 days - how to plan your dream Alaska vacation

A land of epic proportions, dominated by vast icy vistas torn apart by jutting mountains and ferocious waterfalls, Alaska is a US state like no other. Despite the harshness of the environment, visitors will find Alaska inhabited by boundless wildlife. Whether catching sight of native salmon leaping into the claws of a poised brown bear or being sprayed by orcas emerging from ocean depths, Alaska has enough big fauna and stunning scenery to keep you permanently awestruck. While largely impenetrable just 100 years ago, these days Alaska’s wild terrain is far more accessible, allowing for trekking and exploring where few people have gone before. Alaska’s back-to-back national parks are so huge as to be seldom busy, providing superb outdoor adventures backgrounded by fjords and glaciers, either guided by locals or your courageous faux-fur-lined self. Our very own Alaska road trip itinerary spans ten days covering some of the region’s most coveted sights… Jump in.

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Photo: David Mark

Best time of year to travel

With long hours of sunshine and more temperate weather, summer is undoubtedly prime time for Alaska land tours. The warmest months of June, July and August will also be the most crowded dates with prices at a premium. Savvy, cost-conscious travellers should consider the shoulder months of either May and September for decent weather, lesser fees and smaller crowds.

Winter in Alaska, spanning the months from October to April, will have visitors experiencing short daylight hours and extreme temperatures ranging from freezing to -40°C! Road trips to rural outposts could be treacherous at this time and drive-by amenities between towns may be limited. The benefits of bracing the Alaskan winter, however, are significant; you’ll have top sights all to yourself, you’ll be paying less and will have the opportunity of possibly seeing the Northern Lights. Seasonal events such as Fur Rendezvous and the Iditarod are also worthy reasons to travel in winter.

Photo: Steve Halama

Photo: Mckayla Crump

Alaska travel tips

Alaskan weather is bound to keep you guessing, so, to avoid getting caught out, layer up with fleece, a hood and gloves while also packing a waterproof jacket for good measure. Summer travellers should plan around the long hours of daylight and take on extra activities to fill them. Don’t be too alarmed when you find the sun still up at 10 pm!

Alaska’s icy setting sadly hasn’t deterred the mosquito and, believe it or not, the state is notorious for these pesky bloodsuckers. Wear strong mosquito repellent if you are outside around dawn or dusk and consider a stylish face net when exploring the Denali area. Mosquitos notwithstanding, respect Alaska’s wildlife and make sure to adhere to the state’s ‘bear safety measures’. Bears and other wildlife will know if you’re packing a peanut butter sandwich and some animals are brave enough to come and get it. Minimize the risk of a run-in with a grizzly by packing your food tightly if you must carry it, not leaving any food unattended and repressing the urge to feed any animals you do see.

Photo: Paxson Woelber

LGBTQ+ in Alaska

Rural populations tend not to be the biggest LGBTQ+ advocates, and, as such, being out and proud in rural Alaska could garner a frosty response (as well as frosty nips!). Alaska’s only sizable city of Anchorage, however, sees a growing gay community catered to by a number of openly gay bars and clubs as well as an annual week-long Pridefest in June. If you’re wondering about gay destinations across the state, try visiting the Southeast Alaska Gay & Lesbian Alliance , online or in Juneau.

Photo: Will Swann

Best way to see Alaska in 10 days

The sheer vastness of Alaska may seem intimidating but we’ve done some graft and put together a selection of the best places to visit in Alaska to cover a ten-day itinerary. There’s nothing stopping you extending your stay in any of your favourite areas, in particular, we recommend spending a week or as long as time allows in the region surrounding Anchorage.

Before you plan a trip to Alaska, pick your mode of travel to help whittle down your itinerary. Many of Alaska’s top natural sites are accessible via car or cruise ship, while other more remote destinations would require chartering a plane or sailing boat. Cruises are convenient and popular for their diverse itineraries covering coastal areas which are inaccessible by highways, such as Glacier Bay National Park or capital city, Juneau. If this is for you, we suggest opting for a round trip from Seattle with a brief sojourn in Anchorage.

Alternatively, embrace the added freedom of a great American road trip and hire a car or RV. This way you’ll be free to explore urban Anchorage and tackle the epic Denali Mountain in your own time. Our 10 day Alaska itinerary will guide you there and beyond…

Photo: Bryan Goff

Day 1 - Anchorage

Gateway to Alaska’s greatest wilderness adventures, including the mountains of Chugach, Denali, Kenai and Talkeetna, Anchorage is both Alaska’s largest city and cultural hub. Not a metropolis by any means, Anchorage allows visitors to rest while gaining insight into native Alaskan traditions, art and local delicacies. The Anchorage Native Heritage Center holds heaps of cultural information and artefacts and also puts on various musical and dance performances to celebrate Alaskan Heritage. The Anchorage Museum meanwhile is all about art, craft and history of the region. Fill up on homemade products while you’re here, shopping for traditional artworks or even tasty salmon jerky. The state’s berry jams are also a must-try.

Arrive in Anchorage for the weekend to make the most of the Anchorage Market & Festival where musicians and performers mingle among food and gift vendors downtown. On a clear day, the surrounding mountain ranges can also be glimpsed from the market’s edges.

Day 2 - Anchorage to Denali National Park

After taking it easy in Anchorage, it’s time to get on the road towards Denali National Park, home of the tallest mountain in North America, Denali. The journey will take around 4 hours straight but we suggest getting an early start to make the route a more fun one with stop-offs for moose-watching at the hay flats, a coffee break at the cute town of Talkeetna and for any decent viewpoint of Denali Mountain you catch along the way.

While a self-drive Alaska road trip is a winner, an alternative is to take the Alaska Railroad from downtown Anchorage all the way to Denali in 7.5 hours. Once in Denali, there are a small number of lodges that book up well in advance or two other options are to stay in Cantwell to the south or Healy in the north. As you enter the park you’ll also have to pay the entrance fee which stands at $10 per person for a 7-day pass.

Denali National Park | Photo: Steve Halama

Denali National Park | Photo: Pixabay

Day 3 - Denali National Park and Preserve

One of the best ways to explore Denali National Park is with a private vehicle but if you have a very limited time, opt to take a round trip bus through the entire park (13 hours to Kantishna, 11 hours to Wonderlake) or even take a memorable ‘flightseeing tour’ which may even allow you to set down on a glacier. Ranger-led activities and day tours are available daily throughout summer as well as tickets for thrill-seeking adventures such as Whitewater Rafting, Ziplining and Wilderness Exploration. Those who want to go their own way can also follow signs for Denali Short Hikes or the Denali Sled Dog Kennels for free demonstrations. If in doubt, start by dropping by the Eielson or Denali Visitor Center for information or take the road to Savage River.

Whichever way you go, keep your camera on you to snap whatever wildlife comes your way, likely to include grizzlies, coyotes and caribou herds, all within phenomenal surroundings.

Day 4 - Denali to Chitina and McCarthy

Next on our Alaska road trip itinerary is our scenic second drive, this time towards historic McCarthy, a town serving as the gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The journey will take a full day so set out early to do it laidback, stopping at whatever sights make you gasp! The Denali Highway will make driving pleasure but do pack up on snacks and drinks (and gasoline!) while you can because towns on the road are few and far between.

Beware of Alaska’s less-than-standard dirt roads which stretch all the way along the Denali Highway and the road from Chitina to McCarthy. Often car rental companies will shirk any responsibility for damages, so do check your insurance for coverage or drive extra carefully! Driving slow will also allow you to keep one eye peeled on the forest either side (one eye remaining on the road!) to catch sight of a majestic moose or two.

Photo: Danika Perkinson

Day 5 - McCarthy and Wrangell-St.Elias National Park

After safely traversing moose-ville and rubble-laden roads, you’ll arrive tired in McCarthy looking for a lodge. The town itself is full of history and a leisurely diversion from the road but nature lovers will soon be impelled by the fresh air rolling off its adjacent forests to venture into Wrangell-St.Elias National Park. This is where adventurers can get their rocks off, indulging in everything from glacier hiking to rafting on Kennicott Glacier Lake. To see Wrangell in its entirety you’ll want to board a small plane and take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of Chugach and Wrangell Mountain glaciers.

Day 6 - Drive to Valdez

Vacating our McCarthy lodge, we make moves to Valdez, with an estimated travel time of 4-5 hours. Stop along the way as many times as you’d like, with a recommended break at the roadside near Worthington Glacier for a ‘wow’ moment or two.

When in Valdez, do as the locals do and take a carefree walk around the town pier, enjoying the fishing activity and ambience. Views from the mountains are best seen from the shores, with the opportunity for bear watching in nearby creeks and salmon farms. From Valdez, you’re in a prime position to get up close to a real Alaska glacier. Consider signing up for a full-day cruise tour of Columbia Glacier to marvel at huge blue ice wall from sea level, marvelling at both its extreme force and vulnerability – for these quietly retreating glacial cliffs show the devastating fallout of climate change. As each iceberg calves and drops into the ocean – sending shock waves outward to your boat – global sea levels rise.

Alternatively, get a little closer to the ice (safely!) with a kayak expedition out to Valdez Glacier. Start slow, gliding over the tranquil Valdez Lake before paddling out to the ice caves and docking your kayak on the glacier. Your guide will teach you about the fascinating nature of glaciers allowing time for an unforgettable lunch atop the ice.

Day 7 - Ferry to Whittier and Kenai Peninsula

Day seven has us on the water once more, as we cross the Prince William Sound from Valdez to Whittier, potentially laying eyes on majestic birds, whales and orcas, as well as ever more glaciers during the six-hour trip. Back on terra firma, we traverse Kenai by car, winding up at Homer on the very tip of the peninsula. Racking up approximately 10 hours of travel in a day, it is at Homer where we get some much-needed rest.

Day 8 - Homer and Katmai National Park

Spending some downtime in Homer is easy, a leisurely walk around this quaint coastal town will lead you through to Homer Spit home to numerous coffee houses and restaurants sat a short way from the shore where you’ll find impressive views of Kachemak Bay and the mountains beyond. In close proximity to Katmai National Park, Homer is also a jumping-off point for enjoying nature in Katmai, such as river or ocean salmon fishing or ever-popular ‘flightseeing’ tours across the park. After landing back on earth, wander the park grounds to find the famed brown bears that hunt at Brook Falls.

Photo: BC Y

Day 9 - Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park

Start early on your penultimate day in wonderland, and push forward to Seward. A three-hour drive will bring you to the edge of Kenai Fjords National Park, location of the famed Harding Ice Field where as many as 40 glaciers stand. Exit Glacier in the north of Seward is a popular one, where you can get up close or gain perspective with a walk along the short Glacier Overlook Trail or the somewhat longer Harding Icefield Trail (which takes 6-8 hours!).

In the afternoon, get back in the water and take a boat tour around Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay, looking out for sea lions, seals and whales along the way. Another option is to take a ranger-guided kayak tour of the fjords – although solo missions are possible, the changeable conditions of the water means you’ll need someone with you who knows what they’re doing!

Day 10 - Drive to Anchorage via Girdwood

Our final leg takes us on a short last drive back towards Anchorage, with an optional break-in Girdwood. As many flights leave Anchorage in the early morning, you’ll likely have almost a whole day left to explore. One and a half hours to Girdwood from Seward, your gang can rest here, either taking advantage of the glorious hiking spots (including Lower Winner Creek, Alyeska’s North Face and Virgin Creek Falls) or a last supper at one of Girdwood’s many great restaurants. If you still have time, on the 40-minute drive from Girdwood to Anchorage, try dropping the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, McHugh Creek and/or Beluga Point, or simply land in Anchorage for a slow afternoon of shopping for souvenirs downtown. Gluttons for punishment might even take one last hike up to Flat Top for panoramic city views.

Photo: Noel Bauza

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Denali | Photo: Adam Smotkin

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How to spend 7 days in Alaska (4 itinerary options!)

Last updated on January 20th, 2024

Looking to spend 7 days in Alaska? We’re sharing four different Alaska itinerary options for 7 days, which include a mix of activities and scenery! Alaska’s vast wilderness, gorgeous mountains, epic wildlife, coastal views, and endless glaciers make it the ultimate outdoor paradise.  But being such a large state and with so much to do, it can be a bit daunting to figure out how to squeeze it all into a smaller trip. So we’re here to help! 

We spent the entire summer of 2022 in Alaska, traveling around in our home on wheels. It was truly one of the best adventures of our entire lives! And based on our experience, we’ve put together multiple 7 day Alaska itinerary options to help you plan your own epic Alaskan adventure. While 7 days in Alaska is not enough time to experience all it has to offer, it will give you a taste of the many different things that make the state special. And it just gives you a reason to return someday to see the rest! Which if you’re anything like us, you’ll be planning your next trip back before you even leave!

Looking for more things to do in Alaska?

• The ULTIMATE guide to driving the Alaska Highway
• How to drive Canada’s EPIC Stewart-Cassiar Highway!
• The 24 BEST hikes in Alaska
• The ULTIMATE Summer Alaska Packing List
• Things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (The largest in the US!)
• 12+ FUN things to do in Valdez, Alaska
• 8+ EPIC things to do in Hatcher Pass in Alaska  
• The ULTIMATE guide to visiting Denali National Park (Mile 0-43)
• 8 things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park
• The ULTIMATE guide to driving the Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean
• Watch all of our Alaska vlogs
• Read all of our Alaska guides

About our 7 Day Alaska Itineraries 

We have put together four 7 day Alaska itinerary options, which we will detail day by day below. Each one offers a bit of a different experience, with some focusing more on one region and others requiring more driving.

Option #1: Inland adventures (Anchorage, Denali, & Hatcher Pass) Option #2: The coastal experience (Anchorage, Kenai Fjords, & a small coastal town) Option #3: National Park exploring (Anchorage, Denali, & Kenai Fjords) Option #4: A little bit of everything (Anchorage, Hatcher Pass, Kenai Fjords, & Girdwood)

These itineraries only include the Southcentral area of Alaska, plus Denali National Park, all of which you can drive to. If you followed along on our Adventures in Alaska series , there will be some spots missing from these itineraries. And that’s not because we didn’t love them, but because they just require too much driving for only 7 days in Alaska.

Have more than 7 days in Alaska? We have multiple itineraries for 10 days in Alaska as well (coming soon) , which will allow you to visit more national parks and other areas! 

But before we dive into our 7 day Alaska road trip itinerary options, here are a few things to know before planning your trip. Want a more detailed rundown of visiting Alaska and where to go? Check out our guide to visiting Alaska (coming soon) .

Getting to Alaska

You can fly, drive (read our guide to driving the Alaska Highway !), or take a cruise or ferry to Alaska. Although if you take a cruise, your itinerary will be mostly decided based on your cruise schedule.

When to visit Alaska

While visiting Alaska throughout the year offers different activities and experiences, these itineraries are focused on the summer months and early fall (May through September). This is when all of these activities should be accessible. If you’re planning to go in the very early or late ends of this time frame, be sure to double check that any activities you book will be operating. Some businesses open late and/or close early for the season. 

How to get around

Because these are road trips, we highly recommend driving your own vehicle or renting a car . However, in our opinion, Alaska is best explored by campervan or RV. Whether you decide to bring your own or rent one, we have a huge guide with everything you need to know about RVing Alaska !

Do you need 4×4?

While 4×4 could help you access more remote, epic boondocking spots in Alaska, it’s not required. Our van is RWD and we had no issues visiting all of the stops listed on these 7 day Alaska itineraries! 

Plan for construction delays

A common joke in Alaska is that there are two seasons: winter and construction season. The summertime is a popular time for construction to occur and we experienced it in multiple areas across the state. While sometimes it doesn’t cause much of a delay, other times it might, so make sure to allot extra time to get places.

Don’t want to drive? Take the train!

You can also take a train for some of these destinations. There are trains that run from Anchorage to Denali and Seward. Parts of each itinerary could be done by train and Option #3 could be done solely by train!

Where to stay 

Since these itineraries are for road trips, you will have to move around almost daily. We’ll list suggested places to stay under each day!

Inland adventures (Option #1)

This 7 day Alaska itinerary focuses on Alaska’s epic mountains. From the tallest in North America, to the jagged peaks of Hatcher Pass, you’ll get to witness a lot of gorgeous mountain scenery! Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage Day 2: Drive to Denali Days 3 & 4: Denali National Park Day 5: Visit Talkeetna and drive back to Anchorage Day 6: Day trip to Hatcher Pass Day 7: Explore Anchorage and travel home

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage

Welcome to Alaska! Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may arrive later in the day or be exhausted from traveling. So we suggest taking this day easy! If you have time, you could spend this day exploring some of Anchorage (we have suggestions under day 7!). At the minimum, you’ll need to eat, and we suggest grabbing dinner at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria . This pizza spot has some unique combinations and their own beer! Warning, this is a VERY popular place to eat in town and can have a long wait. Arrive early if you can! If you don’t want to wait, check out Bear Tooth Theatrepub , which is owned by Moose’s Tooth and serves the same pizza. 

Where to stay

Campgrounds: Ship Creek RV Park , Eagle River Campground FREE Dispersed Camping: Cabela’s (this is a VERY popular free camping spot in Anchorage. There were 30+ RVs every night we stayed here!) Hotels: Embassy Suites Anchorage , Hyatt Place – Midtown , Courtyard by Marriott   Vacation Rentals: Downtown Studio Apartment , Carriage House , Modern Anchorage Getaway

Day 2: Drive to Denali

Today you’ll get to see the tallest mountain in North America! It’s about a 4 hour (237 mile) drive from Anchorage to Denali National Park. But plan for longer, as we encountered construction on this stretch of the drive. Once arriving in Denali National Park, hike the Mount Healy Overlook Trail . This trail is located at the beginning of the park, making it really easy to access.

Important things to know before visiting Denali National Park

• You aren’t guaranteed to see the mountain. Even though Denali is the tallest mountain in North America, it can still be difficult to see. Only 30% of visitors get to see Denali when they visit because of weather that can block it. The mountain can be seen from the Park Road as early as mile 9 and you get a great view on the Savage Alpine trail too!
• There is only one road in the park (Park Road). On top of that, only the first 15 miles is open to private vehicles for most of the year. After mile 15, you’ll need to take a park bus , which costs extra. There is plenty to see and do in the first 15 miles if you don’t care to ride the bus.
• It costs $15 per person for a 7 day pass , for those 16 and older, to visit Denali National Park year round. Unless you have the America the Beautiful pass !

We suggest staying in or near Denali National Park for days 2 and 3! Campgrounds in the park: Riley Creek Campground , Teklanika River Campground , Savage River Campground , Sanctuary River Campground (tents only, access by bus) , Igloo Creek Campground (tents only, access by bus) Campgrounds outside the park: Cantwell RV Park , Denali RV Park & Motel FREE Dispersed Camping: Roadside pull off near park , pull off behind trees Hotels: Backwoods Lodge , Denali Lakeview Inn , McKinley Creekside Cabins Vacation Rentals: Denali Hideaway , The Taiga Studio Apartment

Day 3: Denali National Park

For your first full day in Denali National Park, you’ll head a bit further into the park to see more mountain scenery and maybe even some wildlife!

• Spend the morning on a bus tour. There are two types of tours to choose from, a narrated bus tour or non-narrated transit bus. On the narrated bus tour, you’ll get to hear about the park from a trained naturalist. There are a couple different narrated tours offered, including the Tundra Wilderness Tour and the Denali Natural History Tour . The tours range in length from 4.5-5.5 hours and are the more expensive option. On the non-narrated transit bus , you’ll ride all the way to East Fork, where you can then hop off and walk the remaining part of the road that is open. You are also able to hop off wherever you’d like to do an off trail hike, but this should only be done by hikers with navigation skills. During our visit, we explored the road closure area and did an off trail hike and both were a great experience!
• After riding the bus, hike the Savage Alpine trail , which you can also combine with the Savage River trail!
• Spend the rest of the day relaxing. If you decide to go out for dinner, check out Moose-AKa’s , 49th State Brewing , or Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse .

We recommend staying in or near Denali National Park. Check out the spots recommended under Day 2!

Day 4: Denali National Park

For your last day in Denali National Park, you’ll tackle another hike, plus meet some furry friends!

• Grab some coffee and breakfast at The Black Bear .
• Want to meet some huskies? Attend a sled dog demonstration ! These demonstrations are given 3 times a day at 10 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM and last for 30 minutes. You’ll learn a bit about dog sledding and also get to meet the dogs. There is limited parking at the kennels, so you’ll need to walk there or ride the free park shuttle, which leaves 40 minutes before the demonstration. 
• Hike the Horseshoe Lake Trail , which is an easy hike with beautiful views!
• Spend the rest of the day driving to Talkeetna, a small town located about 2.5 hours from the park.
• Grab dinner from either Mountain High Pizza Pie , Shirley’s Burger Barn , The Salmon Spot , or Denali Brewpub .

For this night, you’ll want to stay in Talkeetna. Here are some options! Campgrounds: Talkeetna Camper Park , Woodpecker RV Retreat , Montana Creek Campground , Talkeetna Lake Retreat FREE Dispersed Camping: Free campground off Parks Highway , Susitna River Bank    Hotels: Susitna River Lodgings , Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge , Denali Fireside Cabins & Suites   Vacation Rentals: Modern Log Cabin with En Suite Sauna , 2nd Street Retreat , Tiny House Cabin

Day 5: Talkeetna and drive to Anchorage

Today you’ll spend part of the day in Talkeetna, a quirky, charming town, before heading down to Anchorage (if you so choose!). 

• Kick off your morning in Talkeetna with coffee and breakfast at Conscious Coffee .
• If your budget allows, go on a flightseeing tour of Denali National Park with K2 Aviation! While our budget did not allow for this in Alaska, we have heard incredible things. Not only will you get to see Denali (if it’s clear enough), but get an amazing high up view of Alaska!

Want to save some money on this tour or experience? Book it on Tripadvisor and use our code APLUSK10 for 10% off!

• Spend some time wandering around Talkeetna and its different shops. And as you explore, keep an eye out for Talkeetna’s mayor. The mayor isn’t your typical mayor though, he’s a cat named Denali . We spent a good part of our morning walking around town looking for him, including at Nagley’s where he is known to hang out, but never found him. Hopefully you’ll have better luck than we did!
• Have lunch at Talkeetna Spinach Bread , an amazing airstream food truck with cheesy, spinach garlic bread. If you only eat at one place in Talkeetna, this is the spot!
• Learn about birch syrup at Alaska Birch Syrup & Wild Harvest . They offer a free short tour where they explain the process to make birch syrup. Plus how it’s different from maple syrup! And at the end you get to do a tasting of the different grades of syrup. They also sell birch related products, plus ice cream!
• For the rest of the day you could continue exploring Talkeetna or drive to Anchorage. Either option works fine, as the activities for day 6 are located about halfway between the two. 

You can either stay in Talkeetna or drive down to Anchorage. For Talkeetna lodging recommendations, check out day 4. For Anchorage lodging recommendations, see day 1!

Day 6: Day trip to Hatcher Pass

Today you’ll explore what was one of our absolute favorite areas in all of Alaska: Hatcher Pass! This is a section of the Talkeetna Mountains with 300,000 acres of mountainous terrain, more than 30 summits, and numerous glaciers. It’s a mountain lover’s paradise!

• Get an early start to the day and drive to Hatcher Pass. Hatcher Pass is a little over an hour northeast of Anchorage and just under 2 hours from Talkeetna. If driving from Talkeetna, we suggest entering via Wasilla. The way Google Maps tries to direct you is an unpaved road.
• Option #1: Hike the Reed Lakes Trail . This is an almost 9 mile hike that takes you to two stunning blue lakes, surrounded by mountains. It’s the best day hike in the area and quite possibly one of the best in Alaska!
• Option #2: If you’re not up for a long hike, check out a combination of the April Bowl Trail (2.2 miles, but steep!), Hatcher Pass viewpoint, Independence Mine State Historical Park , or Gold Cord Lake (1.5 miles). 
• If you need somewhere to eat after you explore Hatcher Pass, check out Palmer Alehouse in Palmer, on your way to Anchorage. 

We suggest staying in Anchorage for this night! You can see some recommendations under day 1.

Day 7: Explore Anchorage and travel home

For your final day in Alaska, explore Anchorage! Despite being a city, Anchorage has a lot to offer, including some delicious food and nature RIGHT in town. Below is an itinerary for how we’d spend one jam packed day in Anchorage. We suggest trying to snag an overnight flight home, that way you have a full day in town. But if your flight is earlier, pick a few of these spots to check out before you go! 

• Start with breakfast at Snow City Cafe ! This spot is VERY popular, so try to arrive as close to when they open as you can. Or expect a long wait!
• Ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Path ! This is a bike path that runs from downtown Anchorage, past the airport (you can watch planes take off and land over your head!), and along the water. There’s a good chance you’ll see some wildlife along the way. We saw multiple moose! Don’t have a bike with you? You can rent bikes from Pablo’s Bicycle Rentals .
• After your ride, have lunch at El Green-Go’s . This is a delicious Mexican food truck! 
• Get ice cream from Wild Scoops . Make sure to get the baked Alaska topping!
• Still have some energy left? Check out Flattop Mountain ! This hike is just 30 minutes from downtown and offers amazing views of the Chugach Mountains and Anchorage from above. It’s only 2.8 miles, but it is steep!
• Have dinner at 49th State Brewery , a popular spot for both beer lovers and non-drinkers.
• And now it’s time for the worst part of the trip…leaving! 

Want more details on all of these destinations? Check out these guides! The ULTIMATE guide to visiting Denali National Park (Mile 0-43) Hiking the Mount Healy Overlook Trail How to hike the Savage Alpine Trail Hiking the Horseshoe Lake Trail 8+ EPIC things to do in Hatcher Pass in Alaska   The 24 BEST hikes in Alaska The ULTIMATE Summer Alaska Packing List

The coastal experience (Option #2)

Looking for a more coastal experience instead? This 7 day Alaska itinerary focuses on the water, including the coastal city of Anchorage, smaller coastal towns, and the epic Kenai Fjords National Park.  Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage Day 2: Anchorage Day 3: Travel to Seward Days 4 & 5: Kenai Fjords National Park Day 6: Visit Hope or Whittier and travel back to Anchorage Day 7: Explore Anchorage and travel home

Yay, you made it to Alaska! Since this day is a travel day, you may be adjusting to a new time zone and be wiped from travel. So we suggest taking this day easy! But since you’ll likely be hungry, make sure to grab dinner at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria . This pizza spot has some unique combinations and their own beer! Warning, this is a VERY popular place to eat in town and can have a long wait. Arrive early if you can! If you don’t want to wait, check out Bear Tooth Theatrepub , which is owned by Moose’s Tooth and serves the same pizza. 

You’ll be staying in Anchorage for two nights, so make sure to book accordingly! Campgrounds: Ship Creek RV Park , Eagle River Campground FREE Dispersed Camping: Cabela’s (this is a VERY popular free camping spot in Anchorage. There were 30+ RVs every night we stayed here!) Hotels: Embassy Suites Anchorage , Hyatt Place – Midtown , Courtyard by Marriott   Vacation Rentals: Downtown Studio Apartment , Carriage House , Modern Anchorage Getaway

Day 2: Anchorage

While you may have come to Alaska for the scenery, don’t skip out on the Anchorage area! With delicious local food and amazing hikes just minutes from downtown, it has a ton to offer. There are a couple ways you could spend a full day in Anchorage, depending on your interests.

Itinerary- Option #1

This first option combines lots of food, with a couple nature experiences. It’s the best of all worlds!

• Still have some energy and time left? Check out Flattop Mountain ! This hike is just 30 minutes from downtown and offers amazing views of the Chugach Mountains and Anchorage from above. It’s only 2.8 miles, but it is steep!
• Not up for a hike? Visit the Eagle River Nature Center , for beautiful scenery with less effort. Or go kayaking on Eklutna Lake !

Itinerary- Option #2

Prefer to explore the area’s epic scenery? Here’s a second option that gives you the choice between our two favorite hikes in the Anchorage area!

• Grab a quick coffee from Kaladi Brothers (a popular local chain) or Goldie’s Coffee Roasters (an amazing women-run coffee stand) and hit the road!
• Option #1: Crow Pass to Crystal Lake . This hike is a section of the larger Crow Pass Trail. It will take you through lush mountains, up lots of rocks, and past waterfalls (keep an eye out for mountain goats too!), to a beautiful lake. Make sure to continue on another half mile past the AllTrails route to see Raven Glacier as well!
• Option #2: South Fork Valley Trail . This hike takes you through a scenic valley, ending at two different colored lakes, right next to each other. Eagle Lake is a glacial lake, with a milky blue color. While Symphony Lake is a dark blue, from snow melt. The contrast is spectacular! And bonus: if you like to fish, this is a great spot to catch trout and grayling (make sure you have a fishing license). Adam hiked with his fly rod and caught a few!
• After your hike, grab dinner at 49th State Brewery , but make sure to save some room for dessert!
• Enjoy delicious ice cream from Wild Scoops . You MUST get the baked Alaska topping!

For day 2, we suggest staying in Anchorage at one of the recommended spots from day 1!

Day 3: Travel to Seward + Kenai Fjords National Park

Today you’ll spend the day driving to Seward, a beautiful coastal town that is the basecamp for Kenai Fjords National Park. And if you arrive by mid-day, you’ll have time to explore part of the park too!  Kenai Fjords was our favorite national park out of the three we visited in Alaska. It is home to numerous fjords, mountains, forests, tons of wildlife, dozens of glaciers, and the largest ice field entirely in the United States. It combines everything that makes Alaska unique and majestic, all into one park!

• Grab coffee and breakfast at Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop in Anchorage and hit the road! Your drive from Anchorage to Seward will be about 2 hours and 30 minutes. But there’s a good chance you’ll want to stop and admire the views along the way. 
• Once arriving in Seward, head to Miller’s Landing Cafe for some lunch with a view! You may even luck out and get to see a fishing tour return and see their catch!
• Spend what’s left of the day at Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, the only area of the park accessible by vehicle. We suggest hiking the Exit Glacier View Loop and/or the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail . You can learn more about Exit Glacier and read how to hike both of the trails here !
• After a few hours in the park, head back to Seward and have dinner at Lone Chicharron Taqueria , Firebrand BBQ , or The Cookery . One important thing to know about Seward is that many restaurants close 1-2 days of the week. Make sure to check the hours in advance!

You will spend the next three nights in Seward. Here are some lodging options! Campgrounds: Miller’s Landing North Campground & RV Park , Resurrection South Campground , Resurrection North Campground & RV Park , or Exit Glacier National Park Campground (tents only) FREE Dispersed Camping: Exit Glacier Road Special Use Area (where we stayed!) Hotels: Resurrection Lodge on the Bay , Harbor 360 Hotel , or Seward Gateway Hotel Vacation Rentals: Modern Cabin with hot tub , Coffee House Cottage , or Abode Well Cabin

Day 4: Kenai Fjords National Park

Today may be one of the most awe inspiring days of your life! At least, it was for us! You’ll spend the day exploring Kenai Fjords National Park from the water. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see whales, seals, sea lions, puffins, glaciers calving, and so much more!

• Have coffee and a quick bite to eat at Resurrect Art Coffee House .
• Spend the day on a boat cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park. We highly recommend the 7.5 hour tour with Major Marine . This tour takes you to two tidewater glaciers, gives you time to search for wildlife, plus savor the scenery around you. It was truly one of the best days of our entire life! SAVE on this tour: If booking on Tripadvisor, make sure to use our code APLUSK10 for 10% off!
• After a magical day on the water, have dinner at a local spot in Seward. We listed a few options under day 3!

You’ll continue to stay in Seward this evening.

Day 5: Kenai Fjords National Park

For your final day in Seward you’ll explore more of Kenai Fjords National Park! We have a few options for this day, depending on your interests.

• Grab a quick coffee in Seward at Summit Sips , which is open early, making it a great coffee spot before a long hike!
• Hike the Harding Icefield Trail . This 9+ mile hike was one of our favorite hikes in all of Alaska! You’ll get to view the Harding Icefield, which is the largest icefield entirely in the United States at 700 square miles and almost 4,000 feet deep. And it is the source of 38 glaciers in the park! This hike makes you feel like you’re on another planet. Seeing the endless ice from the top is a wild experience! 
• Walk or ice climb on the Exit Glacier . If you aren’t up for such a challenging hike, you could also book a tour to walk on Exit Glacier or go ice climbing. There are several guide companies in town that will take you on a safe trip onto the glacial ice including Exit Glacier Guides and Kenai Backcountry Adventures . 
• Fishing or kayaking tour: You could also book a fishing charter in Seward or a kayaking tour with Liquid Adventures , Kayak Adventures Worldwide , or Adventure 60 North .
• End the day with dinner in Seward. 

This will be your final night staying in Seward. 

Day 6: Visit Hope or Whittier and travel back to Anchorage

Today you’ll drive back towards Anchorage, but on the way, visit the small coastal towns of Hope or Whittier! Both of these towns offer a handful of things to do to keep you busy for a day trip. 

Drive time from Seward: 1.5 hours The tiny town of Hope came recommended to us from a local and it was such a gem! This gold rush town is located right on the water and oozes authentic Alaskan charm!

• After making the drive from Seward, grab coffee and a bite to eat from Grounds for Hope Espresso . This is a super cute coffee stand next to a library and bookstore! 
• Hike the Palmer Creek Lakes Trail , which is a beautiful 30 minute drive out of town. The hike is under 3 miles roundtrip (but steep) and features two beautiful lakes, a waterfall, and lots of mountain scenery. It’s an amazing bang for your buck!
• After your hike, head back into Hope. We suggest wandering around town a bit, walking down to the Turnagain Arm, and learning a bit of the area’s history at the Hope and Sunrise Historical Society Museum .
• Have a late lunch at the Dirty Skillet (they open at 3 PM!) or at Creekbend Cafe !
• Head back to Anchorage, which is about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive.

Whittier 

Drive time from Seward: 2 hours, including going through a paid tunnel Whittier is one of, if not the most, unique towns we have ever visited! And it’s a whole adventure just to get to it! What was once a WWII military base is now a small town that offers lots of outdoor adventure opportunities.  However, getting to Whittier will require a little bit of preplanning. You’ll be driving through the Anton Anderson Tunnel, which is only open from 5:30 AM-11:15 PM in the summer. Cars and trains take turns going through in one direction, so if you don’t time your visit correctly, you may have to wait a bit. You can see the full schedule for both directions here .  After arriving in Whittier from the tunnel, we suggest choosing 2 of these 4 activities for the rest of your day, depending on what your interests are and the amount of time you have to spend.

Activity options:

• Hike the Portage Pass Trail to see amazing views of Whittier, plus tons of mountains and glaciers, including the Portage Glacier at the end!
• If you’d like to see the Portage Glacier from the water instead, go on the Portage Glacier Cruise !
• Jet ski tours are a fun and unique way to explore the area and check out more glaciers!
• Hike the Emerald Cove Trail . Beware – this trail can be VERY muddy. Like, get your legs stuck in the mud kind of muddy. But if you are prepared and can get past the mud, you’re in for a treat! We saw salmon in the stream, picked berries, admired a waterfall, and had the cove all to ourselves!

If you need lunch or dinner while in Whittier, check out Wild Catch Cafe . And after a fun day in the area, head back to Anchorage, which is about a 1.5 hour drive.

You will want to stay in Anchorage this evening and we listed some options under day 1!

For your final day in Alaska you’ll be back in Anchorage! Depending on what time you leave to head home, you could squeeze a lot into a day. We suggest looking at Day 2 and choosing any activities that you were unable to get to then. Looking for even more ideas? Check out:

• Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center or Anchorage Museum
• Check out a nearby Reindeer Farm or Musk Ox Farm
• Ride the Anchorage Trolley Tour

Want more details on all of these destinations? Check out these guides! The 24 BEST hikes in Alaska The ULTIMATE Summer Alaska Packing List How to hike the Portage Pass Trail in Whittier 8 things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park How to experience the Exit Glacier Hike in Kenai Fjords National Park Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park

National Park exploring (Option #3)

If your goal is to just visit National Parks in Alaska, this 7 day Alaska itinerary is for you! While you’ll only be able to see 2 of the state’s 8 National Parks, they are very different from each other, giving you a well rounded trip. Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage Day 2: Drive to Denali National Park Day 3: Denali National Park Days 4: Travel to Seward, explore Kenai Fjords National Park Days 5 & 6: Kenai Fjords National Park Day 7: Drive back to Anchorage and travel home

Welcome to Alaska! After a very likely long travel day to get here, spend the rest of the day taking it easy. Check into your lodging for the night and grab dinner at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria . Warning, this is a BUSY spot to eat in town and can have a long wait. Arrive early if you can! If you don’t want to wait, check out Bear Tooth Theatrepub , which is owned by Moose’s Tooth and serves the same pizza.  And make sure to save room for dessert at Wild Scoops . You MUST get the baked Alaska topping!

You’ll be staying in Anchorage tonight and here are a few options! Campgrounds: Ship Creek RV Park , Eagle River Campground FREE Dispersed Camping: Cabela’s (this is a VERY popular free camping spot in Anchorage. There were 30+ RVs every night we stayed here!) Hotels: Embassy Suites Anchorage , Hyatt Place – Midtown , Courtyard by Marriott   Vacation Rentals: Downtown Studio Apartment , Carriage House , Modern Anchorage Getaway

Today you’re off to see the tallest mountain in North America! It’s about a 4 hour (237 mile) drive from Anchorage to Denali National Park. But plan for longer, as construction delays are very common.

• Once arriving in Denali National Park, attend one of the sled dog demonstrations . The sled dog demonstrations are given 3 times a day at 10 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM and last for 30 minutes. If you leave Anchorage by 8 AM, you should make it in time for the 2 PM demonstration. Note: There is no parking at the kennels so you’ll need to walk there or ride the free park shuttle which leaves 40 minutes before the demonstration. 
• End the day with a hike on the Mount Healy Overlook Trail . This trail is located at the beginning of the park, making it really easy to access. It will also be your first chance to possibly see Denali!
• Grab dinner near the park at Moose-AKa’s , 49th State Brewing , or Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse .

You’ll only have one full day in Denali National Park, so we suggest getting an early start to squeeze it all in! 

• Take a bus tour! There are two types of tours to choose from, a narrated bus tour or non-narrated transit bus . We personally recommend the non-narrated transit bus. You’ll ride all the way to East Fork, where you can then hop off and walk the remaining part of the road that is open. To ensure you have enough time the rest of the day, we suggest taking one of the earliest buses. 
• Once back at the front of the park, hike the Savage Alpine Trail . This was our favorite day hike in the park and gives you the best view (with current park closures) of Denali! We highly recommend combining this trail with the Savage River Loop for a well rounded hike.
• If you have enough time and energy, hike the short Horseshoe Lake Trail to end the day.
• Have dinner at either Moose-AKa’s , 49th State Brewing , or Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse .

You will want to stay near Denali National Park again this evening!

Day 4: Travel to Seward

Today you’ll be traveling to Seward, Alaska. This is a 6.5 hour drive, so it’s going to be a long day! But thankfully, the scenery along the way will keep you entertained.

• Before leaving Denali, grab some coffee and breakfast at The Black Bear .
• Hit the road for Seward! Since this is a long drive, we suggest stopping in Anchorage (about 4 hours in) to grab some lunch. We loved El Green-Go’s !
• Continue the rest of the drive to Seward. The scenery along this next stretch is amazing!
• As you approach Seward, take a quick detour to the Exit Glacier area of Kenai Fjords National Park. While here, hike the Exit Glacier View Loop and/or the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail . These are easy trails that take only a couple hours and you can learn more about them here !
• Have dinner in Seward at one of the following: Lone Chicharron Taqueria , Firebrand BBQ , or The Cookery .One important thing to know about Seward is that many restaurants close 1-2 days of the week. Make sure to check the hours in advance!

After a long travel day yesterday, take it a bit easier today with an EPIC (and also relaxing) boat cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park! You’ll get to witness fjords, gorgeous mountains, see wildlife, many glaciers, and so much more. It is the BEST way to experience the park!

• Start the morning with coffee and a quick bite to eat at Resurrect Art Coffee House .
• After a magical day on the water, have dinner at a local spot in Seward. We listed a few options under day 4!

Day 6: Kenai Fjords National Park

For your last day in Seward, explore more of Kenai Fjords National Park! Depending on your interests, there are a few different activities you could choose from.

• Grab a quick coffee in Seward at Summit Sips , which is open early, making it a great coffee spot before a busy day!
• Hike the Harding Icefield Trail . This was easily one of the BEST hikes we did in Alaska! Along this 9+ mile trail (round trip) you’ll get to view the Harding Icefield, which is the largest icefield entirely in the United States at 700 square miles and almost 4,000 feet deep. It is a sight unlike anything we have ever seen!

Day 7: Drive back to Anchorage and travel home

For your last day in Alaska, make the 2.5 hour drive back to Anchorage. Depending on your flight time, you may have a full day to spend in Anchorage, or just a few hours, but here are some spots we’d suggest visiting! 

• Have brunch at Snow City Cafe ! This spot is VERY popular, so expect a long wait!
• Hike up Flattop Mountain ! This hike is just 30 minutes from downtown and offers amazing views of the Chugach Mountains and Anchorage from above. It’s only 2.8 miles, but it is steep!

Want more details on all of these destinations? Check out these guides! The 24 BEST hikes in Alaska The ULTIMATE Summer Alaska Packing List Hiking the Mount Healy Overlook Trail How to hike the Savage Alpine Trail Hiking the Horseshoe Lake Trail The ULTIMATE guide to visiting Denali National Park (Mile 0-43) 8 things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park How to experience the Exit Glacier Hike in Kenai Fjords National Park Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park

A little bit of everything–our top pick! (Option #4)

Our final 7 day Alaska itinerary option is our personal favorite. It combines a mix of mountain exploring, coastal adventures, wildlife sightings, glaciers, and city life. It’s the best of all worlds! Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage Day 2: Day trip to Hatcher Pass Day 3: Drive to Seward Days 4 & 5: Kenai Fjords National Park Day 6: Visit Girdwood  Day 7: Explore Anchorage and travel home You may notice that this itinerary is missing Denali National Park, but in our opinion, the mountains in Hatcher Pass are even more epic!

Woot woot, you’re in Alaska! Traveling to Alaska can be a bit of a journey, depending on where you’re coming from. Since you may not arrive until later in the day, we suggest taking it easy the rest of the day. Check into your lodging, grab some pizza at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria , and rest up for a big week!

Day 2: Day trip to Hatcher Pass

Today you’ll take a day trip from Anchorage to what was one of our absolute favorite areas in all of Alaska: Hatcher Pass! This is a section of the Talkeetna Mountains with 300,000 acres of mountainous terrain, more than 30 summits, and numerous glaciers. It’s a mountain lover’s paradise!

• Grab a quick coffee from Kaladi Brothers (a popular local chain) or Goldie’s Coffee Roasters (an amazing women-run coffee stand) and hit the road! Hatcher Pass is a little over an hour northeast of Anchorage, so try to leave early!
• If you need somewhere to eat after you explore Hatcher Pass, check out Palmer Alehouse in Palmer, on your way back to Anchorage. 

We suggest staying in Anchorage again tonight!

Day 3: Drive to Seward + Kenai Fjords National Park

Today you’ll drive to Seward and explore a bit of Kenai Fjords National Park, our favorite national park out of the three we visited in Alaska. It is home to numerous fjords, mountains, forests, tons of wildlife, dozens of glaciers, and the largest ice field entirely in the United States. 

• Grab coffee and breakfast at Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop in Anchorage and hit the road! Your drive from Anchorage to Seward will be a scenic 2 hours and 30 minutes. 

Prepare to be amazed today! You’ll be spending a full day out on the water at Kenai Fjords National Park, cruising through fjords, by glaciers, and past wildlife. It is a day full of jaw dropping beauty!

You’ll continue to stay in Seward this evening. We listed some options under day 3!

• Grab a quick coffee in Seward at Summit Sips , which is open early, making it a great coffee spot before a long day in the park.
• Hike the Harding Icefield Trail . The Harding Icefield is the largest icefield entirely in the United States at 700 square miles and almost 4,000 feet deep. And it is the source of the park’s 38 glaciers. On this difficult 9+ mile hike, you’ll not only get to view the icefield, but see Exit Glacier from above, walk through gorgeous alpine terrain, and more! It was one of our top hikes in Alaska!

Day 6: Visit Girdwood

Today you’ll leave Seward and drive back towards Anchorage. But on the way, stop by Girdwood, a resort area only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Seward that has some amazing hikes, fun activities, and local eats!

There is a good amount to do in this area and since you’ll only have part of a day, we suggest picking a mix of these options! 

• Hike the Crow Pass Trail to Crystal Lake . This trail will take you through lush mountains, up lots of rocks, and past waterfalls, to a beautiful lake. Make sure to continue on another half mile past the AllTrails route to see Raven Glacier! We loved this hike so much, it felt like something out of Iceland or something!
• Check out The Alyeska Resort ! While there, you can ride a tram , mountain bike , visit a nordic spa, or cross the brand new Veilbreaker Skybridges , which are 2,500 feet above the valley floor! The skybridges are HIGH up on our list for our next visit!
• Hike the Winner Creek Trail . This trail will take you through the forest and by a gorgeous glacial river. There is a hand tram you can use to get across the river, but it is currently closed.
• Visit Virgin Creek Falls , which is only a 0.5 mile round trip walk!
• Have dinner at Double Musky Inn and grab a beer (if you drink) at Girdwood Brewing Company .
• Head to Anchorage for the evening!

You could either stay in Girdwood for the evening or stay in Anchorage. We listed some Anchorage lodging recommendations under day 1, but here are some options for Girdwood. Campgrounds: Bird Creek Campground , Williwaw Campground , Black Bear Campground FREE Dispersed Camping: Lakefront Spot , Lakefront Spot 2 , Boondocking Spot Hotels: Alyeska Resort , Carriage House Accommodations , Alyeska Hostel Vacation Rentals: Cozy Cabin with private hot tub , Alyeska Hideaway Log Cabin , Cozy A-Frame

If you have a late flight home, you can accomplish quite a bit in Anchorage today! Here are some things we recommend:

• Ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Path ! This bike path runs from downtown, by the airport (where you can have planes take off or land right above you!), and along the coast. It’s also a great spot to see wildlife. We saw a few moose! Don’t have a bike with you? You can rent bikes from Pablo’s Bicycle Rentals .
• Prefer to hike? Hike up Flattop Mountain ! This hike is just 30 minutes from downtown and offers amazing views of the Chugach Mountains and Anchorage from above. It’s only 2.8 miles, but it is steep! 
• After your outdoor adventure, have a delicious and quick lunch at El Green-Go’s or pop into 49th State Brewery , a popular spot for both beer lovers and non-drinkers.
• Get ice cream from Wild Scoops , an amazing local ice cream shop that makes some fun Alaska flavors. You MUST get the baked Alaska topping!
• And then for the worst part of your 7 days in Alaska…heading home. We hope you enjoyed Alaska as much as we did!

Want more details on all of these destinations? Check out these guides! 8+ EPIC things to do in Hatcher Pass in Alaska Hiking the Reed Lakes Trail in Hatcher Pass The 24 BEST hikes in Alaska 8 things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park How to experience the Exit Glacier Hike in Kenai Fjords National Park Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park

Helpful tips for your 7 days in Alaska

Before you head to Alaska, here are a few final tips to make your trip go as smoothly as possible!

What to pack for Alaska

Alaska is a difficult place to pack for. In one day you can experience sun, rain, and a variety of temperatures. So having a variety of items is a must! We created the ULTIMATE Summer Alaska Packing List to help you figure out what to bring. 

Download offline maps

There are many areas in these 7 day Alaska itineraries where you won’t have the best cell service. Make sure to download offline Google Maps and offline AllTrails maps.

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership ? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)! We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

Pack snacks and meals

Dining out can get expensive in Alaska and some areas are remote, without many dining options. We recommend packing snacks, plus meals, to save some money and make things easier. If you plan to cook, we highly recommend getting your groceries in Anchorage. You’ll be able to find multiple large grocery stores, plus Walmart and Target, which will offer the best selection and prices. The smaller towns do have grocery stores, but your options will be limited and expect to pay a good amount more. If you’re flying to Alaska and have extra room in your bag, bring some snacks with you! You will likely find cheaper snacks back home and can ensure you bring items you love.

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Planning a Vacation to Alaska: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Published: april 2, 2024.

Home » Travel Tips » Planning a Vacation to Alaska: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Alaska, often called America’s “Last Frontier”, is a travel destination where “wild” thrives, the northern lights dance and where Alaska landscapes inspire awe at every turn. It’s a place where wildlife roams freely, glaciers and mountain ranges create scenic vistas, and every day of your Alaska vacation promises more adventure.

At Alaska Tours, we understand that planning a trip to Alaska can sometimes seem overwhelming. We know because we get lots of questions from our Alaska travelers…

• When is the best time to visit Alaska? 
• How do I make the most of my limited time in Alaska?
• Which is better: Independent vs Guided Tours in Alaska?
• When is best time to take a cruise to Alaska?
• Getting around Alaska: Should I fly or drive?
• What do I need to pack for my Alaska trip?

In this Alaska Vacation Planning Guide, we cover all the ins and outs of planning a memorable Alaska vacation whether you’re looking to kayak your way through serene fjords, explore the thrill of spotting grizzlies in their natural habitat, or experience the charm of quaint, historic towns.

So let’s dive in!

When Should You Start Planning an Alaska Vacation?

Booking a summer trip to alaska.

Alaska has a short peak season for travel which is highly concentrated during the summer months. With about 80% of Alaska visitors traveling to Alaska between June and August, Alaska hotels, lodges and accommodations fill up quickly as do popular activities such as flightseeing, wildlife cruises, glacier cruises, wildlife and bear viewing and other adventure vacation activities.  Exclusive Alaska experiences that are in high demand, such as  all-inclusive lodge stays  inside national parks,  small ship cruises , and multi-day fishing trips should be booked as early as possible – up to a year in advance is required for some! In addition, flights to Alaska also begin booking up, with many seasonal flights offered May-September.

So, p lanning a trip to Alaska by the end of January is your best bet for securing prime accommodations and experiences . Last minute Alaska land tour reservations may be available up to a month in advance of travel, but routing, itineraries and hotel choices will necessarily be based on remaining availability.

Leveraging Alaska’s Shoulder Season

May and September, the “shoulder season” in Alaska, are quieter months and the perfect option for those with flexible travel schedules as Alaska activities, lodges and flights do not sell out as frequently. Booking your Alaska vacation 2-3 months in advance is usually sufficient if you want to visit the state during these shoulder seasons. Shoulder seasons also boast a more relaxing pace and less crowded attractions compared to the peak summer months.

Viewing Pederson Glacier from Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Booking Day Trips in Alaska Cities

Day trips from key Alaska gateway cities (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Seward, Ketchikan, Whittier etc.) can sometimes be arranged closer to your travel dates. But if you arrive between June and August, these day tours also do sell out. At Alaska Tours, we require at least 10 days’ notice to book a day tour , to allow us time to confirm it and send you your travel documents before you leave home. 

Wildlife viewing tours , fishing trips , and flightseeing tours tend to fill up first. We recommend that you should definitely book these fun Alaska outdoor activities plenty of time in advance.

Up-close view of a diving whale from Juneau.

Embracing Alaska’s Winter Season

Traveling in Alaska during the winter is a completely different experience from a summer vacation trip, with winter sports , like skiing, dog sledding , and Northern Lights viewing taking center stage. Many national parks, hotels, and summertime activities are closed. Because this is a quieter season in Alaska, with fewer visitors, it is easier to plan your Alaska winter vacation and arrange a flight to Alaska only a few weeks in advance. 

Just note that during the holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, and Spring Break) many Alaska winter tours sell out about two to three months in advance.

Aurora Over Denali (Kent Miller/NPS)

How to Plan a Trip to Alaska: Our Top 10 Tips

Planning an Alaskan adventure can be both exciting and fun.   Based on our over 3 decades planning Alaska trips for visitors, our travel experts have compiled a step-by-step guide to make your vacation planning easy and educational!

#1: Choose Your Ideal Time to Visit

Alaska boasts four distinct seasons, each offering a unique Alaska travel experience.

• Summer (June-August) is peak season with mild temperatures and long daylight hours, ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, exploring and summer sightseeing.
• Spring (May) and Fall (Mid August-September) offer shoulder season advantages – fewer crowds and stunning fall foliage.
• Winter (December-March) transforms Alaska into a snowy wonderland, perfect for aurora borealis viewing and winter sports.

#2: How Much Time Do You Have?

Alaska is a vast state, and travel distances between destinations in Alaska can be significant. Consider how much time you realistically have available once you arrive in Alaska for your itinerary. A week allows for a taste of Alaska, while two weeks or more opens up opportunities for exploring diverse regions.

• What you can do with 4 days in Alaska
• What you can do with a week in Alaska
• What you can do with 10 days in Alaska

#3: Set a Realistic Travel Budget

Alaska can be an expensive destination. To create your Alaska vacation budget , make sure to factor in flights, accommodations, tours, meals, and any additional activities. Research the average cost of an Alaska vacation ($300+ per person/day) and set a realistic budget that aligns with your travel style.

#4: Choose Your Top Alaskan Destinations

Alaska is a land of diverse attractions, landscapes and ecosystems. Research different regions on our interactive map of Alaska . You might choose Denali National Park for majestic mountains, Kenai Fjords for glaciers and marinelife, or  Inside Passage cruises to get a taste of the coastal beauty. Prioritize Alaska locations and activities that align with your interests, be it outdoor adventure , wildlife viewing , northern lights viewing , or cultural experiences .

#5: Dream Up Your Own Alaska Bucket List

Alaska is an explorer’s paradise. From families looking for quality time together, to scenic sightseers who prefer guided tours, to adventurer travelers seeking thrills and discovery. Whether you like to arrive by cruise ship or by vehicle , Alaska is a truly unparalleled destination in so many ways. From glacier kayaking to flightseeing over Denali, you just need to narrow your focus to your own “top 10 things to do in Alaska”. Then we’ll help you customize your trip to plan it all out so you can “dream it then live it”!

#6: A Word About Transportation & Logistics

Consider the travel time necessary to get from point to point in Alaska when planning your Alaska trip. While the Alaska Railroad routes and scheduled buses provide convenient access to some destinations, their departure and arrival times have limitations. Renting a car or motorhome for a self-drive tour grants you the most flexibility, allowing you to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and discover hidden gems at your own pace. 

#7: How to Pack for Alaskan Weather

Alaska weather is unpredictable so pack accordingly! Layers are a great idea and just be prepared for anything by packing layers of clothing, including waterproof gear, hiking boots, warm hats, and gloves. Whether you’re packing for an Alaska cruise or exploring the wilderness, make sure to review weather forecasts closer to your departure date for up to the minute packing ideas.

And just three more ideas as you put your final thoughts together for your Alaska trip:

#8: Five things I wish I knew before I visited Alaska

#9: five amazing reasons to visit alaska in 2024, #10: 25 fun facts about alaska.

Alaska beckons with wild landscapes, captivating wildlife, and endless adventures. With a little early planning, you can unlock the best experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime.  If you’re ready to start planning your itinerary for your own special Alaskan adventure, just contact our friendly team at Alaska Tours today!  

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Planning a Trip to Alaska: Our Expert Advice

Organizing an Alaska adventure can feel daunting. There’s so much to explore in this stunning state, and the possibilities can quickly become overwhelming.

For Karen Siegfried, tour consultant with the Alaska Collection , there’s an art form to designing the perfect  Alaska itinerary.

“I think it’s a creative process,” she says. “It’s usually a once-in-a-lifetime thing for people, so I really want to make sure it’s the perfect trip for them.”

If you’re thinking and dreaming about making the trip to Alaska, you probably have lots of questions. Karen books dozens and dozens of trips to Alaska every year. Here, she walks us through some of her key advice.

What should I see in Alaska?

Wildlife, glaciers, national parks, adventure, history — there is no definite answer on what you should see here. It’s more important to consider what you want to see. Often people already know this, even if they don’t realize it.

I start by taking time to talk it over, to get to know the traveler. Everybody’s different. For me, this part is about getting to know the person. Most people, though, end up focusing on wildlife and scenery.

Where are the best places to see wildlife in Alaska?

I think Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are the two best options. They’re both great places with superb tour options. They link up really nicely. And you’ll see two completely unique biospheres.

In Kenai Fjords , the glaciers and whales and temperate coastal rainforest. Then, in Denali, of course, the taiga, the tundra and the tall mountains and big land mammals. These two complement each other really well.  

When should I visit Alaska?

As soon as you can! Truly, it’s tough to say because there’s something special about each month. If you come in the early summer, you’ll get the midnight sun. For bears, July and August are prime time. Then, later in the summer and into early fall, you could catch the northern lights. And more and more people are asking about coming in wintertime and the northern lights — that’s definitely hot right now.

How much time should I spend in Alaska?

I think seven to 10 days is pretty decent to get two to three major stops in without making it too cluttered. But there’s so much to see, you could come back every year. If you want a bigger adventure and to get farther from the beaten path, two weeks would be my minimum.

How much should I budget for my Alaska vacation?

We can start by looking at some of our base tours as a baseline, and we can talk about your expectations. There’s room for just about any budget, but everything has its pros and cons. Often, things may look expensive but the key is what is included.

Some of the best lodges (like the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge and Denali Backcountry Lodge ) include meals, guided activities and scenic tours of the national parks they are in. And there’s the plus of being away from all the other tourists.

How should I get around Alaska?

There are options like the train , bus or a car rental. Each has its advantages. Taking the train and bus means you can relax and enjoy the scenery. But you’re limited with routes and schedules. A rental car will give you freedom.

Many people, however, aren’t prepared for how big the distances are (and how long the drives will be) here in Alaska. Bush plane is another option, but make sure you have another plan in place because flights can be cancelled due to weather.

Where and when is the best place to see the northern lights in Alaska?

The northern lights are viewable at any time when it gets dark enough at night. Generally, this is from late August through April. Between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. is considered the best time.

The farther north you go in winter, the more likelihood you will spot the aurora if the conditions are right. Talkeetna , Denali , Interior Alaska and the far north are best. 

Why should I book with a local Alaskan tour planner?

We really know Alaska welll. We live here and we play here. We don’t just book whatever is easiest for us.

I’ll usually go through many hours of planning a trip, and the proposal may get modified — or ‘perfected’ — five or six times before it’s time to book. Then, many guests will send me pictures when they’re back. I love that!

When should I book my trip to Alaska?

If it’s a pretty involved trip of say 10 days or more, or if you want something exclusive, you should definitely book before New Year’s to be ahead of the pack. If it’s a typical tour, six months in advance is probably going to work. If it’s last minute, well then you take what you can get.

Anything else I should consider?

Don’t forget about travel insurance. Cancellation policies up here are much stricter than most other places because we only have a three-month window for most tourist destinations.

Dreaming of your own Alaska escape? Our talented team of local experts can make it happen! Take our Great Alaska Getaway Trip Finder today, check out tour options online  and give us a call at 1.800.808.8068.

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How to Plan a Trip to Alaska

Welcome! Are you dreaming of Alaska? Let’s make that dream come true!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let me help. I have worked in the Alaska travel industry since the late 90s, lived in Alaska and spend several weeks in Alaska each year, both on my own and working as a tour director.

Here are the ways I can help you make it happen without missing out on anything important, blowing your budget or sinking months of your life reading the whole internet:

• Join my free weekly email list – I’ll send you real talk expert Alaska travel tips every week
• Listen to my podcast ( Alaska Uncovered ) about all things related to Alaska Travel
• Check out my shop for all of my Alaska Travel Planners and Done-for-you Itineraries
• Looking for some personalized advice for your trip? Book a 30 minute planning session with me
• Would you like someone to plan your trip for you? I’m a travel advisor and I would love to make this happen for you. Learn more (including pricing) here .
• Check out my 5 step process for planning your trip on this page, as well as additional articles and resources to get your on your way!

Planning Your Alaska Trip – Step 1

Start by deciding whether you’re going to take a cruise, cruisetour or other organized tour or if you want to plan your trip on your own. Here’s all my advice about figuring that out.

Planning Your Alaska Trip – Step 2

Next, you’ll sketch out your itinerary! You’ll find my advice about cruise itineraries here and my suggested itineraries to plan on your own here .

Planning Your Alaska Trip – Step 3

Determining where you will stay in Alaska is the next step. Lodging is the most limited resource and for most people the biggest budget item, so you want to figure this out first. Cruises, RV rentals, hotels and vacation rentals are all good options in Alaska, depending on your travel group, how long you’re staying and how you like to travel.

Planning Your Alaska Trip – Step 4

Now you’re ready to book everything else, including your transportation in Alaska, flights to and from Alaska and any tours or activities that need to be booked in advance.

Planning your Alaska Trip – Step 5

Travel insurance is not the most exciting subject, but it’s an important consideration when traveling to Alaska.

I always have travel insurance when I go to Alaska if I’m booking anything non refundable (remote lodges, small plane flights, etc). I like to use InsureMyTrip (this is an affiliate link, which means if you make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you) because you can compare prices from different travel insurance companies and search based on the features you need in your plan instead of what a single company offers.

All my Alaska Articles

Planning and itineraries.

• What’s the best way to see Alaska according to an Alaska guide
• Best Alaska Itinerary by an Alaska Guide
• What is the best month to visit Alaska?
• Best things to do in Alaska according to Alaskans
• Best places to eat in Alaska according to Alaskans
• Five things to consider before visiting Alaska in Fall
• Five things to consider before visiting Alaska in Spring (April and May)
• Four things you must pack for Alaska in Summer
• Five things you must pack for Alaska in Winter
• How to visit Alaska on a Budget
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• Complete Guide to Camping in Alaska
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• Do you need Travel Insurance for Alaska?
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Visiting Alaska’s National Parks

• How to visit all of Alaska’s National Parks
• How to visit Denali National Park
• How to visit Denali National Park in winter
• Denali Road Lottery Trip Planner
• Denali Park Village Hotel Review
• Hiking the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali National Park
• Hiking the Oxbow Trail in Denali National Park
• K2 Aviation Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing Review
• Things to do in Talkeetna
• Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge Review
• How to Visit Glacier Bay National Park
• Best things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park
• Harding Icefield Trail Guide in Kenai Fjords National Park
• How to visit Wrangell-St Elias National Park
• Hiking Root Glacier in Wrangell-St Elias National Park
• Getting from Anchorage to McCarthy – All your options explained
• Ultimate guide to Katmai National Park
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Alaska Cruising

• Cruise Haters guide to having a blast on an Alaska Cruise
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• How to get between Whittier and Anchorage – all your options explained
• Top 5 Rainy Day activities in Alaska cruise ports

Alaska Road Trips

• How to Drive to Alaska
• 5 Best Road trips in Alaska
• Best stops on a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks
• 13 Must see stops on a road trip from Anchorage to Seward
• Anchorage to Valdez – 14 Unforgettable Road trip stops
• Fairbanks to Valdez Road trip guide (Richardson Highway)
• Fairbanks to Dawson City Road trip guide

Fairbanks and the Interior

• 20 Unique things to do in Fairbanks in summer
• Things to do in Fairbanks in winter – 12 Unique things to do while you wait for the Northern Lights
• Why March is the best month to visit Fairbanks
• Foodie’s guide to Fairbanks
• How to hike to Castner Glacier and Castner ice caves
• Guide to Chena Hot Springs
• Riverboat Discovery Tour Review
• Gold Dredge #8 Tour Review
• Pike’s Waterfront Lodge Review
• Best places for Cross country skiing in Fairbanks
• Chena Outdoor Collective Dog sledding Tour Review
• Large Animal Research Station Tour Review
• Angel Rocks Hiking Guide

Southeast Alaska

• Perfect 3 day itinerary for Juneau
• Best way to spend one day in Juneau
• How to visit Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau
• Juneau Lighthouse Tours Tour Review
• Juneau Food Tour Review
• Mt Roberts Hiking Guide
• Tracy Arm day trip Tour Review
• Alaskan Hotel Review
• 12+ Unique things to do in Sitka
• Exploring Ketchikan beyond the cruise ship dock
• Things to do in Skagway
• Things to do in Haines
• Things to do in Wrangell
• Things to do in Petersburg
• Exploring LeConte Glacier

Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska

• Things to do in Anchorage
• Backside of Flattop Hiking Guide
• Alyeska Nordic Spa Review
• Best things to do at Eklutna Lake
• Thunderbird Falls Trail Guide
• Albert Loop Trail Guide at the Eagle River Nature Center
• Portage Glacier Day trip from Anchorage
• 26 Glaciers Tour Review
• Visiting Matanuska Glacier: Your best two options
• Alaska Helicopter Tours Knik Glacier Landing Review
• Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula – things to do and itinerary
• 13 Best things to do in Seward
• Things to do in Homer
• Anchorage to Valdez – Unforgettable road trip stops
• Things to do in Valdez

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Alaska Airlines is partnering with Expedia to bring you Alaska Vacations , a convenient, one-stop portal to thousands of possibilities for your next dream vacation. Alaska Mileage Plan™ members can now breeze through travel planning by bundling their flights, hotels, car rentals and activities with Alaska Vacations—all while unlocking savings and earning miles every step of the way. 

Alaska already offers the most generous loyalty program with the fastest path to elite status—and now we’re making memories even more rewarding by giving guests another way to earn miles through Alaska Vacations in partnership with Expedia. 

“Our partnership with Expedia gives guests a convenient way to book their next trip and experience an award-winning loyalty program on the premier airline of the West Coast,” said Courtney Lansing,  managing director of business development and products at Alaska Airlines. “Alaska Vacations allows you to explore new destinations or book last-minute deals while earning miles toward your next dream vacation. By bundling your flight, hotel and activities through Alaska Vacations you’re also saving money, which is a win all-around.” 

The one-stop travel portal powered by Expedia Group seamlessly integrates flights, car rentals and access to thousands of properties worldwide into customizable packages so travelers can book their entire journey with ease.

✈️ Here’s how Alaska Vacations works  🧳 

Book with ease & save while doing it .

• Powered by Expedia. Access thousands of properties globally so you can book with peace of mind.
• Freedom to be flexible. Most hotels offer free cancellation if your plans change.
• Here to help. 24/7 support to help with your travel plans.

Get rewarded with every booking: 

• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Members will earn miles for every package booked via Alaska Vacations, on top of the normal flight miles earned.

Earn even more with the Alaska Airlines Visa® card 

• Alaska Airlines Visa® cardholders earn 3 miles per $1 spent on eligible Alaska Vacations packages when using their card to book. 
• Our members earn more miles on average than other airlines. 
• Earn miles every time you fly. 
• And more. 

Looking forward to making some plans!

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Travel Checklist

Before packing.

• Start with an EMPTY bag (make sure all pockets and compartments don’t have any items in them)
• 3.4 ounces or less per container
• 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag)
• 1 bag per passenger
•   Review the prohibited items list for both carry-on and checked baggage.
• If purchasing a baggage lock, be sure to look for those that are TSA recognized.
• Tape a card with your name and contact information on your electronics.

When Packing

• Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)
• Firearms are only allowed in checked baggage and must be unloaded, placed in a locked, hard-sided container and declared to your airline.
• All fireworks contain explosive materials and are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage.
• Do not pack items such as box cutters, utility knives, and razors in carry-on luggage. Razor blades intended for shaving that are enclosed in a safety cartridge in which the blade cannot be removed are permitted.
• Pack large electronics on top layer of carry-on for screening accessibility.
• Place your 3-1-1 bag with liquids, gels and aerosols in the front pocket of your carry-on for accessibility.
• If traveling with a pet, be sure to bring a leash so carriers can be properly screened.

Before Leaving for the Airport

• Give yourself enough time to arrive at the airport early.
• Wear easily removable shoes.
• Passengers with a disability or medical condition may call ahead to the TSA Cares toll free helpline at (855) 787-2227 .

Before Entering the Checkpoint

• Eligible passengers look for the TSA PreCheck® lane for expedited screening at participating airports.
• Have your  ID and boarding pass out for inspection.

In Standard Screening Lane

• Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin.
• Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on).
• Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.
• Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening. (E.g. laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.)
• Remember to check the bins and collect all belongings after going through screening.

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