driving tour anchorage

Drive Alaska with a GPS audio tour. Everything from photo stops and points-of-interest, to wildlife information and history, to authentic Alaskan stories.  Your own personal tour guide through an app on your phone and played through the speakers of your vehicle. It's like having a knowledgeable Alaskan friend with you as you journey the last frontier.

Authentically alaskan. wildly entertaining find us on the app stores.

Essential and cost-effective.  Perfect if you're traveling Alaska in a rental vehicle or RV. 

Fun Times As You Drive Alaska

Purchase and download the tours with Wi-Fi or in town with good data coverage, then the GPS will do the rest, no cell service required.

Easy to use!

Download the app to your device.

Purchase tours.

Give permission in settings for the app to use your GPS in Location Services. Android users may want to set their phone to never sleep.

Connect your phone via cord or bluetooth to your car audio and we'll give the tour while you drive! 

We have hours and hours of content and are adding more as quickly as we can. Here's just a sample.

Bundle Them All

Denali Park

The tours play in either direction. For example, if you drive from Anchorage to Seward, you can begin the tour in Anchorage or Seward, whichever is most convenient for you. 

Anchorage - Seward

One direction tour you can begin in Anchorage or Seward. See Turnagain Arm and Resurrection Bay with wild mountain passes in between. Look for beluga whales and take a hike on the historic Iditarod Trail.  

Approximately 2 1/2 hours one way. 

Tern Lake - Homer

One direction tour you can begin in Homer or Tern Lake. See the beautiful scenery of Kachemak Bay to the junction of the Seward Highway at Tern Lake. Follow the banks of the Kenai River and the shoreline of the Cook Inlet to see volcanos. We'll talk about salmon, halibut, and the many groups of people who have been using the land for thousands of years. 

Approximately 2 1/2 hours one way.

Anchorage - Talkeetna

One direction tour you can begin in Anchorage or Talkeetna. See the urban metropolis of Anchorage, the frontier town of Talkeetna, and the lakes and forests in between. Learn about life in Bush Alaska and see a forest in rebirth several years after a forest fire. 

Talkeetna - Denali National Park

One direction tour you can begin in Talkeetna or Denali National Park. Drive through some wild country. You'll be in a great position to see the tallest mountain in North America, Denali. Stop by the Veterans Memorial. Go for a hike. It's epic!

Denali Park Entrance/ Savage River

Written by a former Denali Park tour guide. Enjoy the drive from the Park Entrance to Savage River and back to the Park Entrance. Where to stop to see Denali, lots of things to do, and tons of Park Info!

Approximately 1 hour out and back.

Denali Park Savage River/ Teklanika Campground

Written by a former Denali Park tour guide. If you're lucky enough to have a permit to travel past the Savage River check station, you'll want to listen to this tour as you drive the Denali Park Road.

Fairbanks - Denali National Park

One direction tour you can begin in Fairbanks or Denali National Park., from the historic gold mining district of Fairbanks to Alaska's crown jewel, Denali. Learn about the northern forests, some of the animals that live in it, and history of the great land. 

Wildlife Safety

Free with purchase of any tour

Curious about what to do if you see a bear? Do you know how to escape a charging moose? We have some information that will help you stay safe as you travel the wildest state in the country.  

Enjoy The Scenery

Lot's of stops. Have fun.

You're in good hands. The writers love Alaska and have a great deal of experience adventuring along the highways, trails, and rivers. Try not to rush between destinations. Make lots of stops. Enjoy the drive. 

Audio Tour Alaska  was 100% worth the purchase price! I had done extensive research plotting out my road trip, but the tour had suggestions, information and stops that I would have driven right past had I not known! Thanks for a wonderful product

So glad this was recommended to us. It was like having a professional guide in the passenger seat beside us. Highly recommend. 

hikers-surbhi

We downloaded this app to listen to in the car while on vacation. It made for great stories, history and geography of the area. Absolutely loved it. 

This app changed my whole trip for the better! I bought the Milepost and barely used it. This app is all you need!

Meet the Guides

Voice actor and artist, every moment that Ranger is out of the recording booth is spent hiking, biking, skiing, and just taking in the glory of Alaska.  https://www.rangerhfox.com/

Writer/Narrator

Writer, tour guide, professor, pilot, fisherman, and family man, Gunnar loves experiencing Alaska and sharing Alaska history, science, and culture with visitors.

We love Alaska and want to protect its natural resources for future visitors to see and experience. We aim to provide entertaining and educational tours that are Fun and Formative with a functional and intuitively designed GPS based app.  

Travel Guide

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Driving Tours in Anchorage

Side Trips to Turnagain Arm & Portage Glacier

One of the world's great drives starts in Anchorage and leads roughly 50 miles south on the Seward Highway to Portage Glacier. It's the trip, not the destination, that makes it worthwhile. The two-lane highway along Turnagain Arm, chipped from the foot of the rocky Chugach Mountains, provides a platform to see a magnificent, ever-changing, mostly untouched landscape full of wildlife. There are a lot of interesting pull-outs all the way along the road. It will take at least half a day round-trip, and there's plenty to do for an all-day excursion. Use your headlights for safety even in daylight, and be patient if you get stuck behind a summertime line of cars -- if you pass, you'll just come up behind another line ahead. If traffic is stopped, it usually means someone has spotted belugas or Dall sheep near the road. Mileage markers count down from Anchorage. Bus tours follow the route and visit Portage Glacier. Gray Line of Alaska (tel. 800/544-2206 or 907/277-5581; www.graylineofalaska.com) offers a 7-hour trip that includes a stop in Girdwood and a boat ride on Portage Lake for $79 adults, $39 children 12 and under, twice daily in summer.

You can also see this awe-inspiring scenery -- and more -- from a train, although, of course, without stopping along the Arm for hikes or wildlife viewing. The Alaska Railroad (tel. 800/544-0552 or 907/265-2494; www.alaskarailroad.com) operates summer trains to Whittier and Seward that trace Turnagain Arm on the way (you can book the train and a Prince William Sound day boat with one call). Definitely also consider the railroad's day tour to the glaciated interior of the Kenai Peninsula, beyond Turnagain Arm where no road extends. That unique tour, called the "Glacier Discovery Train to Grandview," begins in Anchorage, Girdwood, Whittier, or Portage; if starting from Anchorage, the return from Portage is by bus. The tour costs $110 adults from Anchorage or Girdwood, $85 from Portage or Whittier, and roughly half price for children. There are several choices of what to do during your day in the backcountry: Take a hike led by a forest ranger at Spencer Glacier, go white-water rafting, or even use the whistle-stop service for your own, self-guided hike or expedition. The railroad and Forest Service are working on ambitious plans for a backcountry network of trails, campsites, public cabins, and rail stations, which will take a number of years to complete but parts of which are already usable.

Potter Marsh (Mile 117) -- Heading south from Anchorage, the Seward Highway descends a bluff to cross a broad marsh formed by water impounded behind the tracks of the Alaska Railroad. The marsh has a boardwalk from which you can watch a huge variety of birds. Salad-green grasses grow from sparkling green water.

Potter Section House (Mile 115) -- Located at the south end of Potter Marsh, the section house was an early maintenance station for the Alaska Railroad. Today it contains the offices of Chugach State Park, open during normal business hours, and, outside, a few old train cars and interpretive displays. Just across the road is the trail head for the Turnagain Arm Trail. It's a mostly level path running down the arm well above the highway, with great views breaking now and then through the trees. Hike as far as you like and then backtrack to your car; or, if you can arrange a one-way walk with a ride back from the other end, continue 4 miles to the McHugh Creek picnic area and trail head, or 9 miles to Windy Corner.

McHugh Creek (Mile 111) -- Four miles south of Potter is an inviting and memorable state park picnic area, perched on terraced rock above the ocean and bisected by a series of crashing rapids and waterfalls. A daily parking fee is $5. Above the picnic area starts a challenging dayhike with a 3,000-foot elevation gain to Rabbit Lake, which sits in a tundra mountain bowl, or to the top of 4,301-foot McHugh Peak. You don't have to climb all the way; there are spectacular views within an hour of the road. The trail branches from the Turnagain Arm Trail: Hike west (back toward Anchorage) to where it heads uphill.

On the highway, you will find that. from this point onward. most of the stops are on the right or ocean side of the road: Plan your stops on the outbound trip, not on the return. when you would have to make left turns across traffic.

Beluga Point (Mile 110) -- The state highway department probably didn't need to put up scenic overlook signs on this pullout, 1 1/2 miles south of McHugh Creek -- you would have figured it out on your own. The terrain is simply awesome, as the highway traces the edge of Turnagain Arm, below the towering cliffs of the Chugach Mountains. If the tide and salmon runs are right, you may see beluga whales, which chase the fish toward freshwater. Sometimes they overextend and strand themselves by the dozens in the receding tide, farther along, but they usually aren't harmed. The pullout has spotting scopes to improve the viewing. The farther right-hand pullouts over the next few miles have interpretive signs about the 1895 gold rush in this area and other topics.

Windy Point (Mile 106) -- Be on the lookout on the mountain side of the road for Dall sheep picking their way along the cliffs. It's a unique spot, for the sheep get much closer to people here than is usual in the wild; apparently, they believe they're safe. Windy Point is the prime spot, but you also have a good chance of seeing sheep virtually anywhere along this stretch of road. If cars are stopped, that's probably why; get well off the road and pay attention to traffic, which will still be passing at high speeds.

You may also see windsurfers in the gray, silty waters of the Arm. They're crazy. The water is a mixture of glacial runoff and the near-freezing ocean. Besides, the movement of water that creates the huge tides causes riverlike currents, with standing waves like rapids.

Tides in Turnagain Arm rise and fall over a greater range than anywhere else in the United States, with a difference between an extreme high and low of more than 41 feet. When the tide is rising, the water can grow deeper by as much as 7 feet an hour, or a foot of water every 8 1/2 minutes. If your foot gets stuck in the mud, it takes less than an hour to drown. (Yes, that has really happened.) Amazing as that speed is, the tide here can go even faster. A breathtaking wall of water up to 6 feet tall called a bore tide can roar up Turnagain Arm twice a day. To see the ocean do such a thing is so unfamiliar it looks almost like science fiction, as the wide arc of foam rushes ahead of a noticeably deeper sea. You can (theoretically) predict the bore tide. Get a tide-table book, or look up the tide change on the Web (start at http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov and pull down "Products"). Note the size of the tidal range for the day you are visiting: The bore tide will be most noticeable during periods of large tides. (The magnitude of tides varies on the lunar cycle.) Find the time of low tide in Anchorage. Now add the following intervals to the time of the Anchorage low for a prediction of when the bore tide will pass each of these spots on the highway:

• Beluga Point (Mile 110): 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Bird Point (Mile 96): 2 hours, 15 minutes
• Twentymile River (Mile 80): 4 hours

The best viewing is Beluga Point to Bird Point; at the latter wayside, a set of signs explains the tides, and tide tables are posted to predict the tidal bore.

Indian Valley (Mile 104) -- Up the road by the Turnagain House restaurant is the Indian Valley trail head, a gold rush-era trail that ultimately leads 24 miles to the other side of the mountains. The path, while often muddy, rises less steeply than other trails along the Arm.

Bird Ridge Trail (Mile 102) -- This is a lung-busting climb of 3,000 vertical feet in a little more than a mile. It starts with an easy, accessible trail, then rises steeply to views that start at impressive and get more amazing as you climb. With the southern exposure, it's dry early in the year. Parking is $5.

Bird Creek (Mile 101) -- If you stop, use the lot on the left side of the road before you reach the creek. The parking fee is $5. There are also a short trail, interpretive signs, an overlook, and a platform that makes fishing easier for people with disabilities. Pink salmon run from late June to mid-August, silver salmon mostly in August. A scenic bike trail starts here and runs 10 miles to Girdwood, much of it on an older highway alignment.

Bird Point (Mile 96) -- The remarkable wayside here is not to be missed. A paved pathway rises up to a bedrock outcropping with a simply wonderful view -- all the severity of the Turnagain Arm, but framed by the soft green of a freshwater wetland with a beaver lodge. Take a look at the fascinating interpretive signs on many subjects. A $5 day-use fee is charged for each vehicle at a self-service kiosk.

Turnoff to Girdwood (Mile 90) -- The attractions of Girdwood are worth a visit, but the shopping center here at the intersection is not chief among them. Stop for a simple meal or a restroom break (the convenience store has large public restrooms), or to fill your gas tank for the last time for many miles.

Old Portage (Mile 80) -- All along the flats at the head of Turnagain Arm are large marshes full of what looks like standing driftwood. These are trees killed by saltwater that flowed in when the 1964 quake lowered the land as much as 10 feet. On the right, 3/4 mile past the Twentymile River and across from the rail depot, a few ruins of the abandoned town of Portage are still visible, more than 45 years after the great earthquake.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Mile 79) -- The nonprofit center, developed with visitors in mind, gives homes to injured and orphaned deer, moose, owls, elk, bison, muskox, bear, fox, and caribous (tel. 907/783-2025; www.alaskawildlife.org). Visitors drive through the 200-acre compound to see the animals in fenced enclosures as large as 110 acres -- you can often get a close look at the animals, but the larger enclosures give them natural vegetation and the ability to get away from view if they want to. There's no need to visit both here and the Alaska Zoo. The zoo has more kinds of animals and it's a fun place to stroll, but the cages there are much smaller and often seem constricting. Here the animals' settings are more natural and perhaps more humane, but viewing is car based. A big log gift shop and outdoor snack bar are at the end of the tour. Admission is $10 for adults; $7.50 for military, seniors, and children 4 to 12, with a maximum of $30 per vehicle. Summer hours are daily 8am to 8pm (last vehicle in at 7:30pm); off-season hours vary but in the spring and fall are at least daily 10am to 5pm.

Portage Glacier (Take the 5 1/2-mile spur road at Mile 78) -- The named attraction has receded out of sight of the visitor center. (The glacier you can see is Burns.) When the center was built in 1985, it was predicted that Portage Glacier would keep floating on its 800-foot-deep lake until 2020. Instead, it withdrew to the far edge of the lake in 1995. Today the exhibits in the lakeside Begich-Boggs Visitor Center focus on the Chugach National Forest as a whole rather than just the glacier, and they're worth an hour to become oriented to the area's nature, history, and lifestyles. Children and adults find much to hold their interest here. Admission is $5 adults, free age 15 and younger. It is open from the end of May through September daily from 9am to 6pm. To see Portage Glacier itself, take the road toward Whittier that branches to the left just before the visitor center, and stop at a pullout beyond the first (toll-free) tunnel; or take the boat mentioned below.

Several short trails start near the center or along the spur road from the Seward Highway. Check at the center for ranger-led nature walks. The Moraine Trail is an easy, paved quarter-mile. Another trail leads less than a mile to Byron Glacier, in case you're interested in getting up close to some ice. Always dress warmly, as cold winds are the rule in this funnel-like valley.

A day boat operated by Gray Line of Alaska (tel. 800/478-6388, 907/277-5581 for reservations, or 783-2983 at the lake; www.graylineofalaska.com) traverses the lake to within a few hundred yards of Portage Glacier on hour-long tours, ice conditions permitting. It costs $29 adults, $15 ages 12 and under, and goes five times daily in summer, every 90 minutes starting at 10:30am. If this is your only chance to see a glacier in Alaska, it's a good choice, but if your itinerary includes any of the great glaciers in Prince William Sound, Kenai Fjords National Park, or the like, you won't be as impressed by Portage. Sandwiches and other simple meals are sold at a cafeteria near the visitor center called the Portage Glacier Lodge (tel. 907/783-3117 ). There are no lodgings in Portage, but two Forest Service campgrounds are on the road to the visitor center, with 72 sites between them. At the Williwaw Campground, there's also a place to watch red salmon spawning in mid-August, but no fishing.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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5 Best Drives Around Anchorage

The road beckons. With so many wonderful sights in Anchorage, getting behind the wheel in Alaska can be a rewarding experience in itself. Here’s a roundup of popular driving tours in and around Anchorage. Pick a favorite, or add them all to cover more of the city and its sights. Each is easy to do as a self-drive, and many tour companies offer similar routes, if you prefer someone else drives.

Turnagain Arm

The trip along Turnagain Arm neatly packs some huge things about Alaska into a day-sized drive. The Seward Highway traces the Cook Inlet coast south of Anchorage as it slips alongside mountains. It’s a gorgeous landscape with plenty of photo stops. Beluga whales, eagles, and Dall sheep make regular appearances. There are great trailheads all along the route. McHugh Creek, Rainbow, Bird Ridge, and Winner Creek are among the most popular hiking spots. Turnagain Arm is also home to two historic gold mines, Indian Valley and Crow Creek . Stop off in Girdwood for a bite to eat and alpine views from Mount Alyeska .

Drive south as far as Portage, and you’ll also find glaciers in Portage Valley and more animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center .

Want to keep rolling? Take the Anton Anderson tunnel to the port town of Whittier, starting point for many day cruises.

Kincaid Park

The wooded preserve at Anchorage’s western edge is proof that wildlife is an integral part of Anchorage. Now a city park, Kincaid was spared development by its long years set aside for the military. Moose love the area’s dense woods. Drive west along Raspberry Road; the 3-mile stretch from Sand Lake Road to the Kincaid Chalet is a prime spot to scan for the park’s antlered stars. Park it and explore; Kincaid has a vast network of paths. The rolling terrain was formed by an ancient glacier; the rock and soil pushed up as the glacier receded. Deep ponds and depressions mark the spot where huge chunks of ice once melted. Walkers and bikers head to Kincaid in the summer, with cross-country skiers sliding through in winter. There are many single-track mountain bike trails, and Kincaid is also the southern end of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

Keep the animal quest going during the return trip. Wildlife is just that, wild, and they come and go as they please.

For easy and accessible mountain views, the drive to the Glen Alps trailhead is a must. It’s about as much elevation as you can gain on four wheels. The switchback route up the steep and aptly named Toilsome Hill Drive climbs above the trees into the Chugach Foothills for panoramic views of the city, inlet, and surrounding mountains. The trailhead lot serves as the starting point for hikes like Flattop, Powerline Pass, and many others, but there is also a ¾-mile paved loop adding plenty of scenic views without adding extra miles.

Eagle River

An early 20th-century survey crew called the Eagle River Valley “a miniature Yosemite” when they first laid eyes on it. Rocky spires of the Chugach Mountains rise high above a river valley, giving the area a secluded, peaceful character a stone’s throw from nearby neighborhoods. Heading north out of Anchorage, you’ll pass through the town of Eagle River and follow the course of river back into the mountains. Even before you reach the nature center (starting point for many great day hikes), keep an eye on the slopes to the left. White Dall sheep pop against the contrasting rocky backgrounds.

Extend the trip and get a high-elevation perspective on the community of Eagle River by adding a side trip to Arctic Valley.

Eklutna Lake

Venture farther north for a visit to the glacial Eklutna Lake for kayaking and biking. The long lake reaches back 11 miles into the mountains, and rentals for pedaling or paddling (or a combo of both) are available on-site. The lakeside trail is also open for ATV tours on select days. The Eklutna area is one of the oldest inhabited parts of Anchorage, with Alaska Native settlements and villages for several centuries at least. Make time for a poignant stop at Eklutna Historical Park, site of a small cemetery filled with colorful spirit houses.

There is more than one way to enjoy the day. Another huge glacier deep in the Chugach Mountains feeds the broad, braided Knik River. You’ll need more than a car to reach the glacier. Helicopter sightseeing flights, ATV tours, and many other trips use area as the jumping-off point for visits to this glacier.

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Visit Anchorage is the official source for Anchorage, Alaska and Southcentral Alaska travel information.

9 Alaska Itineraries From Anchorage (With A Car Or Without One!)

• By Site Staff
• In Alaska Travel

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable adventure through the Last Frontier. Whether you have a few days or a couple of weeks, this guide provides 9 curated itineraries showcasing the best of Alaska—all starting from Anchorage.

Unlike a basic road trip from the Lower 48, exploring Alaska requires some planning to make the most of your time. These carefully crafted itineraries draw from our experiences driving through the state's rugged landscapes, iconic national parks, and charming small towns.

Whether you prefer the convenience of a rental car or the nostalgic experience of winding your way through the wilderness aboard the iconic Alaska Railroad, we've got you covered.

From action-packed 3-day trips to leisurely 2-week journeys, each itinerary includes a day-by-day schedule tailored to make your Alaskan dream vacation a reality.

Are you eager to meet grizzlies at Denali? Or maybe you'd rather chase waterfalls along the Kenai Peninsula? Our local insights ensure you won't miss the must-see highlights; we'll tell you about foodie favorites and where to spot marine wildlife.

First up, all aboard! The train itineraries allow you to kick back and enjoy Alaska's magnificent scenery at a relaxing pace.

Train Itineraries From Anchorage

If you're in the mood for a leisurely ride up the Alaskan landscape, why not take a train? These vestiges of a time gone will take you all across the state in style.

1. Seward (3-4 days)

Just a scenic 4-hour train ride from Anchorage, the coastal town of Seward offers the perfect intro to Alaska's rugged charms. Sit back and enjoy the views as you wind along Resurrection Bay en route to this quintessential fishing village.

Arrive early to maximize your time in Seward. After stowing your bags at your downtown digs (we love the historic Harbor 360 Hotel), head straight for the bustling small-boat harbor.

This working waterfront offers a captivating glimpse into local life - watch fishermen offloading their catch as playful sea otters and seals bob nearby.

Don't miss the impressive Alaska SeaLife Center, where you can view puffins, harbor seals, and more through immersive undersea viewing areas. As evening falls, tuck into fresh salmon at one of the many harborside eateries.

More about the awesome things to do in Seward .

In the evening, you can rest in an Orca Island Cabin , the Harbor 360 Hotel, or any other B&B in the area. You'll need to stay in Seward overnight to start your journey back in the morning.

Today, you'll experience Alaska's jaw-dropping coastal scenery on a 6-hour Kenai Fjords cruise.

Prepare to be dazzled as you glide past calving glaciers and dense spruce forests clinging to sheer rock faces. You may also spot whales, sea lions, and other marine wildlife frolicking offshore.

Our insider tips will help you make the most of this bucket-list experience.

In Seward, toast to the day's adventures over local tea and freshly shucked oysters.

On your final morning, visit the Seward Museum to learn about the town's rich Indigenous heritage and pioneering past. Then, stroll the waterfront one last time, watching for frolicking sea otters and breaching whales before hopping back aboard the train to Anchorage.

Winter admission to the museum is free, while summer admission costs $5.00 per person. Children under the age of 12 are admitted for free.

You can also walk down the Waterfront Park to catch a final glimpse of any whales or seals enjoying an early morning.

After a luxurious lunch, you can return to the train station and journey to Anchorage, having well-acquainted yourself with one of Alaska's beautiful cities.

2. Denali National Park (3-4 days)

Alaska's crown jewel beckons via the Denali Star train from Anchorage. Settle in for this 7.5-hour journey as you wind through spruce stands and aspen toward Denali National Park's jaw-dropping peaks and valleys.

Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of Denali's snowy 20,310-foot summit, the highest mountain in North America.

After an awe-inspiring arrival into Denali's backcountry, orient yourself at the park's Wilderness Access Center to secure coveted bus tickets for exploring the park road over the next few days.

Next, hop on the free shuttle to the Denali Kennels for a delightful introduction to the park's hardworking sled dog teams. Watch as these mighty pups demonstrate their skills and unleash their boundless energy.

As evening falls, hike (or ride) back to the Visitor Center area for a ranger-led program illuminating Denali's natural and cultural wonders. Then settle into your cozy digs - from rustic cabins to full-service lodges just outside the park entrance.

Rise early to maximize your day inside Denali's wild boundaries. On your second day in Denali, pack for a full day because you'll spend most of your waking hours in the park.

We recommend taking the guided transit bus deep into the park. There, you'll have a good chance of spotting caribou, grizzlies, Dall sheep, and more amid the alpine tundra and glaciated peaks.

Back at the park entrance, refuel on fresh Alaskan seafood as you recount your memorable sightings. Read more about Denali National Park Tips here .

For those with just 3 days, embark on an early morning hike along the Savage River Loop before hopping back aboard the train to Anchorage late afternoon.

This relatively flat 2-mile trail offers Denali's beauty from the valley floor, meandering past beaver ponds and through thick stands of spruce and willow.

Those with an extra day can linger for potential aurora-viewing as night falls over Denali's wilderness. Staying at one of the lodges near the park entrance puts you in a prime position.

Optional Extra Day

On your optional fourth day in Denali, you can take an early morning shuttle back into the park to get a better glimpse of the wildlife in the area. You'll then want to be on a train back to Anchorage by early afternoon.

3. Denali National Park & Fairbanks (5-7 days)

If you have more time in the Denali area, take advantage of it! Families staying for a week can use the above itinerary to map out their first two days in the area. From there, though, things will start to vary.

Spend the morning exploring the Savage River area and hiking to better see the waterway. As the afternoon comes around, head down to the train station. You're not heading back to Anchorage, though. Instead, hop back onto the Denali Star Line for a 4-hour, 121.5-mile trip to Fairbanks.

You'll want to secure accommodations in Fairbanks ahead of time so you can rest up without having to run through the semantics of securing a hotel. Fairbanks has many bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, and hotels at the ready; all you need to do is choose the most appropriate place for your family.

Day 4 & 5

On the fourth and fifth days of your vacation, please take the opportunity to explore Fairbanks to its fullest. You'll be able to use available public transportation to make your way to any of the following hot spots:

• LARS (Large Animal Research Station)
• The Museum of the North in Fairbanks
• Georgeson Botanical Gardens
• Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
• Pioneer Park
• Riverboat Discovery

Learn more about all the places in our guide to Fairbanks . Once you've tuckered yourself out, head back to your lodging of choice for the evening and prepare for the final day of your trip.

You should spend the final day of your Alaskan vacation making the most of your time in Fairbanks. Make sure to visit some of the hot spots you missed the day before in the morning. In the afternoon, you'll want to return to the train station and prepare for the 12-hour, 356-mile trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage.

Car Itineraries From Anchorage (3-4 Days)

If you're not interested in taking the train, you can always rent a car and turn your Alaskan vacation into a road trip. Let's explore your shorter road trip options here.

1. Girdwood, Portage, and Seward

After leaving Anchorage, your first stop on this road trip will be Girdwood . Girdwood is only 40 miles from Anchorage, courtesy of AK-1 S, meaning it'll take under an hour to get there.

Here, you'll be able to visit the Alaska Wildlife Center. Alternatively, you can spend your early morning hiking around Portage Glacier before getting lunch in town.

In the afternoon, drive to Seward. This drive will take under two hours, as Seward is some 90 miles from Girdwood.

You don't have to explore Seward in the evening, but if you have the energy, you can take advantage of the gorgeous waterfront views the city boasts.

You'll have your second day in Alaska to explore Seward. You'll need it, too. The Seward Marina and Sealife Center are both teeming with wildlife.

The local Exit Glacier area also makes for excellent mid-day hiking. Once you've worn out on the area's natural features, you can head back to town for a peaceful dinner.

On the last day of your trip (unless you're looking for a little more time in Seward), make your way up to Lowell Point in the early morning. You can look out over the Pacific Ocean and whale watch.

Once you're finished, you can drive an hour and 44 minutes to Girdwood's Alyeska Resort, where you'll enjoy a luxurious meal and snowy ski slopes.

You can readily drive the 40-minute jaunt back to Anchorage, where you can either settle in for the evening or head home after a busy but satisfying trip.

Optional Day

If you have time to stay in Seward for an extra day, book a cruise to the Kenai Fjords!

2. Portage and Whittier

For a shorter trip, why not explore Portage and Whittier ?

Start your trip with a visit to the Girdwood Alaska Wildlife Center. Once you've toured and hiked around Portage Glacier, you can cross over the Girdwood Tunnel to enter Whittier. Do note that the tunnel's operations vary by season.

The tunnel is open in the summer between May 1 and September 30. Depending on the weather, you can also cross it in the winter.

The drive from Girdwood to Whittier takes 41 minutes, as you only travel 23.5 miles. Even so, research ahead to ensure you can easily cross the tunnel. Once you have, you can settle into a Whittier hotel for the evening.

On the second day of your trip, you can explore all of Whittier's attractions. These include the Prince William Sound Museum , which will appeal to children and adults alike.

You can also spend your day hiking on Whittier's local trails or familiarizing yourself with the sights down at the Whittier Harbor. Make sure you've booked your hotel for two nights, as you'll be bunking in Whittier again.

On the last day of your trip, you'll cross through the tunnel to return to Girdwood. Here, you'll be able to spend the day enjoying all of the attractions available to you at Alyeska Resort.

Grab a meal in town at the end of the day before driving the 40 miles back to Anchorage.

3. Denali Road Trip From Anchorage

Make the 4-hour, 237-mile drive from Anchorage to Denali courtesy of AK-3 N. Once settled, visit the National Park's dog kennels via shuttle to watch a sled dog show.

From here, you can hike to the park's Visitor's Center to learn more about the area. Book a hotel near the park to make the next morning's travel easier.

Take a shuttle from your Denali hotel into the National Park. You can spend your day hiking, re-visiting the kennels, and enjoying the many other attractions in the area.

Take the morning to hike the Savage River area outside the National Park.

Once you've finished your morning, hit the road for the 4-hour drive back to Anchorage, where you can either spend the night or catch a plane to your hometown.

Car Itineraries From Anchorage (5-7 Days)

Want to spend a little more time on the road? You can take a few longer road trips that'll expose you to all of Alaska's natural secrets.

1. Kenai Peninsula Road Trip

The trip from Anchorage to your first stop, Girdwood, will take 48 minutes. In those 40 miles, look for bears, puffins, and other Alaskan wildlife. Once you're in Girdwood, you'll be able to find these creatures more readily at the Alaska Wildlife Sanctuary .

After exploring with the animals, you can go to Portage Glacier and eat lunch by the glacial lake. Once you've finished, all that's left is a 1 hour, 15-minute drive to Cooper Landing, where you'll spend the night. Here, you'll have your choice of hotels and B&Bs to rest up in.

Spend your next morning hiking around Cooper Landing . Once you've got your boots muddy, you can drive the 45 miles and 52 minutes to Soldotna. Soldotna is a smaller Alaskan city, but you can still stretch your legs on local trails after grabbing lunch.

After resting in Soldotna, you can take AK-1 S for the last 2 hours and 20 minutes to Homer, AK. Homer is 120 miles away from Soldotna and full of urban energy.

If you're up for a late-night adventure, you can spend the evening exploring the many restaurants in the area.

Day 3 & 4

After settling into your lodgings in Homer , you can explore the city's many attractions for the next two days. These hot spots include:

• The Homer Spit
• Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center
• Kilcher Homestead Living Museum
• Pratt Museum
• Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
• Kachemak Bay State Park (boat tour available)
• Bishop's Beach Park
• Hallo Bay Lodge Bear Viewing

There are also ample hiking opportunities available in the Homer area. Spend these two days of your trip making the most of this Alaskan city, and you'll appreciate the area all the more.

Leave Homer early in the morning and make your way to Seward. The three-and-a-half-hour, 168-mile drive will let you and the kids rest before another day of exploration.

In Seward, you can visit the Seward Marina and Sealife Center , where you can go whale-watching and learn more about Alaska's aquatic wildlife.

If you want to spend the night in Seward, you can (and arguably should)! However, if you're going to get back to Anchorage ASAP, you'll need to complete the drive on the fifth day of your visit.

This drive lasts 2 and a half hours and will take you past 127 miles of Alaskan wilderness.

If you want more time on the road, you can pre-book a cruise to Kenai Fjords from Seward Marina. This 6-hour tour will let you explore the area's gorgeous waterways up close and personal.

Additional hiking opportunities are also available near Seward and Portage Glacier. If you want to take the extra time to explore Alaska, spend the night in Seward and watch the sunrise over its chilly hills.

2. Denali & Anchorage

If taking a train up to Denali doesn't excite you, you can easily turn the itinerary mentioned above into a road trip.

On the first day of your visit, you'll want to quickly stop in Talkeetna , AK. Talkeetna is a two-hour, 113-mile drive away from Anchorage. Here, you can stretch your legs while exploring the local river walk.

After all, Talkteena rests at the crossroads of three glacial rivers, making it the ideal spot to have lunch and enjoy the sound of running water.

From Talkeetna, it's a 2-and-a-half hour, 152-mile drive to Denali. If you have the energy after your drive, you can hike the Savage River Area before checking into your hotel for the evening.

We recommend spending your second day in Denali at Denali National Park. Take a shuttle into the park in the early morning and spend the rest of your day hiking or enjoying the park's many attractions.

If you're visiting in the fall, stay in the park through the evening. You may catch a glimpse of the auroras overhead.

If you didn't visit the dog kennels at Denali on the second day of your trip, you need to see them today. Here, you can watch sled dogs play and test their strength. You may even be able to take a ride on a dog sled!

After visiting the Visitors' Center and saying goodbye to the dogs, head back onto the road and drive to Fairbanks. This 2-hour, 123-mile drive will set you up to spend two-and-a-half days exploring the Fairbanks area.

Similarly to the Fairbanks visit described in the train itinerary, you can spend your fourth and fifth days on vacation exploring the many attractions in the Fairbanks area, including:

On both nights, make sure to stay within the city limits. You'll be able to explore the city's nightlife and seasonal attractions more readily if you do.

On the last day of your visit, spend your morning visiting one or two of the attractions you missed on the previous days of your trip. Then, hit the road and head back to Anchorage.

The drive takes an average of 6 hours, as you'll have to cross 360.6 miles of Alaskan highway.

Two-week Alaska Itinerary From Anchorage By Car

If you have more time, this two-week Alaska itinerary will take you around the state's most popular spots.

You can use the Kenai Peninsula Itinerary to schedule the first week of your Alaskan vacation.

Divide the next five days of your trip between Denali and Fairbanks, as you would if following the itinerary mentioned earlier.

You'll want to prepare the kids for the twelfth day of your trip. This day, you'll be heading to the North Pole. A 17-minute, 13.5-mile drive away from Fairbanks, courtesy of AK-2 E, you'll be able to do more than see this natural wonder in its beauty.

You'll also be able to dive into the history of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus.

If you can get the kids to calm down, you can eat lunch in Delta Junction and take advantage of the thematic boutiques in the area. Then, you can return to lodgings in Fairbanks or settle in the distant Glenallen.

If you want to head out of Fairbanks, Glenallen is a 4-hour and 13-minute drive away via AK-2 E and AK-4 S. Driving these extra 248 miles will help you jump on the next day's activities.

If you haven't already made your way to Glenallen, today is the day to do it. On your way, you can drive the McCarthy Road, which takes you to the gates of Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

Do note, however, that McCarthy Road is a dirt road. If you've rented a car for your trip, you may want to forgo this visit.

Instead, you can drive over to Valdez. This scenic drive will take you through Alaska's varying ecosystems, exposing you to as many chilled tundras as it will glistening forests.

After your two-hour, 120-mile drive, you can visit the Solomon Hatchery, one of Valdez's many other local attractions .

At last, with the kids tuckered out, you can start your drive back to Anchorage. Head down the scenic Glenn Highway to glimpse America's last frontier.

The drive will take 5 and a quarter hours over 300 miles, but the views you'll get are worth the time spent on the road.

Take Your Time and Enjoy the Beauty of Alaska

As you can see, there are many great options for creating a memorable trip to Alaska, and she has everything she has to offer.

Take your time to appreciate the gorgeous land in all its glory!

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wow, it’s the Informative Alaska Itinerary, thank you so much for sharing your great tips.

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Best of Alaska Self Drive Road Trip with Arctic Circle

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INTRODUCTION

Alaska's classic self drive route features most of the highlights and scenic wonders of the central Alaska region - Kenai Fjords, Denali and Wrangell / St.

Elias national parks., take your choice of tours in both seward and denali, enjoy a sternwheeler riverboat cruise and flight to the arctic circle, explore fairbanks and visit mccarthy and the kennicott mine. , wrapping up the trip, you'll hike to exit glacier and join a spectacular kenai fjords glacier cruise. .

Itinerary at a Glance

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 Anchorage to Seward | 204 km/127 mi This morning travel along the Seward Highway towards scenic Turnagain Arm, a body of water featuring the world’s second highest tides at over 30 feet. Keep an eye out for Beluga whales chasing salmon in the bay or Dall sheep along the highway. A great stop for lunch is Alyeska Resort in Girdwood where you can take the tram up Mt. Alyeska (optional). Other stops we recommend include Portage Glacier and its visitor centre, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely get close, observe, and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears, muskox and in Seward Exit Glacier and the SeaLife Centre.

Day 2 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure Resurrection Bay is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to several Alaska state parks that offer abundant opportunities to hike, sea kayak and explore! Option 2. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on this scenic local lake with fun-loving guides. Bear Lake is located just outside Seward, Alaska and normally offers flat calm waters, and a home for Sockeye salmon. On the way there is a stop to visit the salmon weir and learn about their life cycle. Eagles, loons, and bears are often seen while on this adventure Option 3. Wilderness Dog Sled ride Tour Visit the Seavey Family Homestead in Seward, and tour the beautiful tether free summer camp for Iditarod athletes! Meet the dogs, feel their excitement as teams are hitched to comfortable summer sleds, then mush for two miles through the scenic rainforest. Option 4. Exit Glacier Hike This moderate hiking adventure is great for viewing the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley - Exit Glacier. This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field, down to the Resurrection River. Option 5. Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Treat yourself to an abundance of wildlife viewing with this 31/2 hour Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection Bay. Travel 55 miles (round-trip) along a rugged coastline and snap plenty of memorable photos as you sail past Bear Glacier. Sail close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles and mountain goats.

Day 3 Seward to Talkeetna | 386 km/240 mi Head back towards Anchorage today taking in the sights of the Seward Highway as you go. Pass through Anchorage and drive the Glenn Highway north to Wasilla and onto Talkeetna. Stops can include a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre in Anchorage and the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry in Wasilla. Talkeetna serves as a base camp for Denali climbers; the community of under 1000 residents is located at the confluence of the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers. A turn-of-the-20th-century gold-mining centre, the town has retained much of its early Alaskan flavour.

Day 4 Talkeetna to Denali National Park Entrance | 257 km/153 mi This morning, embark on a Wilderness Adventure Jet Boat tour. Stand in the splendor of Denali and the great Alaska Range from a spectacular vantage point on the Susitna River! The folklore, artifacts and a panoramic view of Denali in the Alaska Range combine to make this an unforgettable and unique Alaskan river adventure. After your jet boat tour, drive the Parks Highway north to Denali National Park, passing by incredible forest and mountain landscapes.

Day 5 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Get a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak. Option 4. Upgrade Option : Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Be immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.

Day 6 Denali National Park to Fairbanks | 198 km/123 mi | Sternwheeler Riverboat Cruise Continue on the George Parks Highway north to Fairbanks. Accompanied by incredible forest and mountain landscapes, you drive through the communities of Healy, Nenana and Ester - an old mining camp. In the afternoon, climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery III for an unforgettable 3-hour cruise into the Alaskan Interior, traveling the Chena and Tanana Rivers on the only authentic sternwheeler riverboat operating in Alaska. This narrated tour provides background on the area’s natural history and the Athabascan Indian culture.

Day 7 Fairbanks | Arctic Circle Air Adventure Tour An Alaska travel experience would not be complete without an opportunity to experience firsthand the vast wilderness expanses and Alaska’s Arctic.Fly over the expansive Yukon River Valley, home of traditional peoples that sustain their lifestyle and culture as they have for thousands of years. Thrill at the excitement of crossing the Arctic Circle. Experience the rugged and magnificent Brooks Mountain Range as the flight route passes just south of the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Participate in a ceremonious Arctic Circle landing at a wilderness community on the Middle Fork Koyukuk River and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. Then bask in the long daylight hours of the Midnight Sun on the return flight to Fairbanks.

Day 8 Fairbanks to Chitina | 498 km/310 mi | Chitina to McCarthy | Flight Depart early this morning for an approximate 6-hour drive through broad, meandering river valleys characteristic of the north side of the Alaska Range. Reaching Copper River, you’ll find the scenery changes dramatically as Mt. Drum, Mt. Wrangell and Mt. Blackburn rise to stunning heights. A quick visit to Copper Centre is well worth the few extra miles off the main Richardson Highway – located at the confluence of the Klutina and Copper Rivers it offers classic Alaskan character and some interesting sites. Continue south to the town of Chitina, the main entry point by flight into McCarthy-Kennicott and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Day 9 McCarthy | Kennicott | Root Glacier Hike Spend the morning exploring the dynamic features of nearby Root Glacier on a guided trail and ice hike. The afternoon is yours to visit the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark and the funky-rustic nearby enclave of McCarthy.

Day 10 McCarthy to Chitina | Flight | Chitina to Valdez | 194 km/120 mi Today fly back to Chitina by bush plane while enjoying great views of the Wrangell Mountains. From Chitina continue south where you will begin to enter the Chugach Mountains that ring the coast of Alaska from Prince William Sound. At Thompson Pass you may wish to stop at one of the pullouts for the scenery and views of Worthington Glacier before you begin the descent into Valdez.

Day 11 Valdez | Prince William Sound Columbia Glacier Cruise with lunch Discover the magic of Alaska on this 7-hour Columbia Glacier cruise from Valdez. A local captain and crew will guide you through the Trans Alaska Pipeline Terminal and Columbia Bay before arriving at Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in South Central Alaska. Look out for wildlife along the way; if you’re lucky you could spot porpoises, puffins, sea lions and sea otters among other creatures. (Lunch included)

Day 12 Valdez to Sheep Mountain Lodge | 309 km/192 mi Today you will drive back north on the Richardson Highway with great views of the Wrangell Mountains as you return to Glennallen (weather permitting).Here you follow the Glenn Highway towards Palmer/Anchorage until you reach Sheep Mountain Lodge.

Day 13 Sheep Mountain Lodge to Anchorage | 172 km/107 mi Drive the Glenn Highway south to Anchorage. Highlights include the Independence Mine in beautiful Hatcher Pass and the many communities in the Mat-Su Valley. This valley contains many farms with the remarkable growing season in Alaska and offers beautiful views of the Chugach Range. Upon arrival in Anchorage your incredible Alaska self drive adventure comes to an end.

Package Includes:

• Accommodation including taxes for 12 nights
• Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure
• Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip
• Wilderness Dog Sled ride Tour
• Exit Glacier Hike
• Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise
• Admission to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Alyeska Scenic Tram Ride
• Talkeetna Wilderness Adventure Jet Boat Tour
• Denali Highway Jeep Excursion
• Tundra Wilderness Tour
• Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing by Plane
• Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing by Helicopter
• Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery Cruise
• Arctic Circle Air Adventure Tour
• Scenic Return Flight Chitina - McCarthy
• Kennecott Mill Town Tour
• McCarthy | Kennicott Morning Glacier Hike
• Prince William Sound Columbia Glacier Cruise with lunch
• Meals as per Itinerary

Hotel Information | Moderate Grade

• Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room
• Talkeetna - Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge | Main Lodge Room
• Denali Park Entrance - Denali Cabins | Standard Cabin
• Fairbanks - Rivers Edge Resort | Garden Cottage
• McCarthy - Ma Johnson Hotel | Standard Room
• Valdez - Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn | Standard Room
• Sheep Mountain - Sheep Mountain Lodge | Premier Cabin

Hotel Information | Superior Grade

• Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room with Deck
• Talkeetna - Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge | Mountainside Lodge Room
• Denali Park Entrance - Grande Denali Lodge | Standard Room
• Fairbanks - Rivers Edge Resort | River Cottage

Not included:

• Activities other than specified
• Portage fees
• Road and tunnel tolls

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Arrange a call with an Alaska Travel Designer and bring your vacation to Alaska one step closer!

DATES & PRICING

Departs from Anchorage: Daily (Tour Code: SDA26)

STAY AT THESE HOTELS ON THIS ALASKA VACATION

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

Days / Nights

Grande Denali Lodge

Rivers Edge Resort Fairbanks Alaska

Kennicott Glacier Lodge McCarthy Alaska

Sheep Mountain Lodge

Seward Windsong Lodge

Lands End Resort Homer Alaska

Susitna River Lodge Talkeetna

Denali Cabins

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Anchorage is a perfect home base for these 10 day trips

Mar 31, 2021 • 9 min read

Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery train in Chugach National Forest © Alamy Stock Photo

Locals like to say that Anchorage is only 30 minutes from Alaska: wedged between 5000ft peaks and an inlet filled with salmon and whales, the Big Apple of the north is unlike any other city. Indeed, Anchorage makes a prime home base from which to explore both Alaska's small town charms and big, cinematic scenery one day trip at a time.

From artsy, mural-strewn 'bergs to glacier hikes, from stunning lakes to cozy taverns, from fun road trips to train rides, you might be surprised to see just how much of Alaska is accessible from Anchorage. These are our ten favorite day trips.

Editor's note: During COVID-19, please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. Events may be subject to change. 

1. Spencer Glacier

Encircled by mighty peaks brimming with glaciers, Girdwood is a laid-back antidote to the bustle of Anchorage. Home to the luxurious Alyeska Ski Resort and the fabled  Girdwood Forest Fair , Girdwood is a dog-and-kid kind of town, with excellent hiking, fine restaurants and a feel-good vibe that will have you staying longer than anticipated.

Getting there:  Ride the Alaska Railroad to Spencer Glacier, where you can hike a 3.4-mile trail to the face of the glacier or join a guided walk with a United States Forestry Service Ranger. Whistle Stop hikers have from 1:25pm to 4:40pm to complete the hike and meet the train for the return. 

2. Turnagain Arm

The drive out of Anchorage along Turnagain Arm is well worth the price of a train ticket or rental car. Sure, it might be quicker (and probably cheaper) to fly, but staying on the ground will make you appreciate just how close to the wilderness Anchorage really is.

Turnagain Arm Trail , an easy 11-mile hike, begins at Potter Trailhead (Mile 115). Originally used by Alaska Natives, the convenient route has since been used by Russian trappers, gold miners and happy hikers. The trail, with a mountain goat’s view of Turnagain Arm, alpine meadows and beluga whales, can also be accessed at the McHugh Creek (Mile 112), Rainbow (Mile 108) and Windy (Mile 107).

Meanwhile,  Potter Marsh  (Mile 117) was created in 1916, when railroad construction dammed several streams. You can stretch your legs along the 1500ft boardwalk while spying on ducks, songbirds, grebes and gulls.

Bird Ridge Trail  starts with a wheelchair-accessible loop at Mile 102, then continues with a steep, popular and well-marked path that reaches a 3500ft overlook at Mile 2; this is a traditional turnaround point for folks in a hurry. Or you can continue another 4 miles to higher peaks and even better views from sunny Bird Ridge, a top spot for rock climbing.

Getting there: Turnagain Arm is just south of Anchorage and can be reached on the scenic Seward Highway – a worthwhile day trip in and of itself.

Perched on the edge of Resurrection Bay, Seward offers out-of-this-world views of water, sky, mountain and forest, and is easily accessed by road, boat and rail. Because of its size (and its history as a railroad port), there is plenty of nightlife and there are lots of good restaurants in the picturesque old-time downtown area.

Slurp local oysters backed with champagne at The Cookery or cozy up by the massive wood stove at Resurrect Art Coffee House Gallery. The Lost Lake Trail offers gorgeous views of Seward from alpine meadows. Stoney Creek Canopy Adventures gives you a unique perspective of Seward from its treetop ziplines. Or you can simply stroll the town and admire the many murals – go to the Painted Whale to get a tour led by one of the artists.

Meanwhile, the 127 miles of the Seward Hwy is all Scenic Byway, and there are plenty of turnoffs for gawking and snapping photos. The mileposts along the highway show distances from Seward (Mile 0) to Anchorage (Mile 127). The Turnagain Arm section of this road is from Anchorage to just past the Portage Glacier turnoff (Mile 79).

Getting there: It's only two and a half hours to Seward from Anchorage by car or four by train, but if either seems too long to spend on a day trip, you can also fly – though that's the more expensive option.

4. Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park  was created in 1980 to protect 587,000 acres of Alaska’s most awesome, impenetrable wilderness. Crowning the park is the massive Harding Ice Field; from it, countless tidewater glaciers pour down, carving the coast into dizzying fjords. Lucky for visitors, the park is free. The majority of visitors either take a quick trip to Exit Glacier’s face or splurge on a tour-boat cruise along the coast. 

From the  Exit Glacier Nature Center , the Outwash Plain Trail is an easy three-quarter-mile walk to the glacier’s alluvial plain. The Edge of the Glacier Trail leaves the first loop and climbs steeply to an overlook at the side of the glacier before returning. Both trails make for a short hike that will take one or two hours; you can return along the half-mile nature trail through cottonwood forest, alder thickets and old glacial moraines before emerging at the ranger station.

Getting there: It's two and a half hours from Anchorage to Kenai Fjords via AK-1 S and State Hwy 9.

5. Eagle River

As you drive out of Anchorage, you’ll soon parallel Knik Arm, while the Chugach Mountains stay to your right. Small communities dot either side of the road, but Eagle River and Eklutna offer the best access to the mountains. Both communities are worthy of a day trip from Anchorage, but to escape the hustle of the city, you can use these small towns as a base for exploring Anchorage and the wilds around it.

Eagle River has something of a city center; the Eagle River Town Square is off Business Blvd and has just about every business you’ll need. The  Bear Paw Festival  is worth the trip just for the Slippery Salmon Olympics, which involves racing with a Hula Hoop, serving tray and, of course, a large dead fish. Most people, however, come here for the drive down Eagle River Rd or to take a hike.

Getting there:  Eagle River is less than half an hour from Anchorage along Glenn Highway / AK-1 North.

6. Whittier

Whittier is a wonderfully weird Cold War anachronism set on the edge of some sublime coastal wilderness where rugged fjords dispatch tumbling glaciers into Prince William Sound. Even by Alaskan standards, this is a bizarre outpost. The “town” is dominated by two Cold War military installations: the hopelessly ruined Buckner building and the equally incongruous Begich Towers, a 14-story skyscraper that houses most of Whittier’s population.

Activities in the area include following a marked historical walk around the spooky monuments to Whittier’s Cold War past. You can also take a deluxe boat cruise past a profusion of Prince William Sound’s glaciers, or head uphill on the Portage Pass Trail for an immediate wilderness fix and great views at this trail two miles outside of Whittier.

Getting there:  Arriving in Whittier from Anchorage after a spectacular ride on the Alaska Railroad  alongside the waters of Turnagain Arm is a special experience.

In one direction, just west of the Eklutna Lake Rd exit at Mile 26.5 of the Glenn Highway, you have the 350-year-old Alaska Native village of Eklutna, home to  Eklutna Village Historical Park . In the other direction is the gorgeous 7-mile-long Eklutna Lake, which offers lots of recreation opportunities, including kayaking, biking and hiking on 27 miles of trails.  It’s worth every minute once the sky suddenly opens, unveiling a stunning valley with a glacier-and-peak-ringed lake, the largest body of water in Chugach State Park, at its center. 

Getting there:  Eklutna Lake is 10 miles east of the highway on Eklutna Lake Road. 

8. Talkeetna

Downtown Talkeetna is a strip of gift shops, guide services, restaurants and old-school saloons. And it's awesome: artsy, playful, infused with community spirit, but also self-aware enough to market itself to the thousands who come here seeking a view of Denali and a dip in the funky energy that permeates the mountain's main climbing base.

The  Talkeetna Historical Society Museum  is a great introduction to the area's indigenous and frontier past. So is the Belle's Interpretive Trail, which strolls past interpretive signs laying out local history. The Talkeetna Riverfront Park affords great views of Alaska's scenery, not to mention fish doing their best acrobatic routines. 

If you're here for the outdoors, roll down the local waterways with Talkeetna's knowledgeable river guides – if you're lucky, you'll get a view of Denali from the Chulitna River. You can also hire an Alaska Nature Guide for trips to local lakes or even a trek into the bush by plane. Zipline tours are available in the area, as is dogsledding and salmon fishing charters.

Getting there:  Talkeetna is just two hours from Anchorage via AK-1 S and State Hwy 9, and can be reached by car or bus.

Filled with old farming-related buildings, Palmer at times feels more like the Midwest than Alaska, except that it’s ringed by dramatic mountains. Many downtown venues exude 1930s ambience, with antique furniture and wood floors. For those who want to skip the city hassles and high prices of Anchorage, Palmer is an excellent option with just enough choices in lodging, restaurants and sights to keep you satisfied for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Nearby Palmer, the town of Knik boasts a rich sled-dog history, since it's the home of many Alaskan mushers (and checkpoint 4 on the race route). For more information about this uniquely Alaskan race, stop in at Iditarod Trail Headquarters. Outside, you can get a short sled-dog ride (around US$10, from 9am to 5pm) on a wheeled dogsled.

Getting there:  Palmer is just under an hour from Anchorage via AK-1 North or about an hour and a half by train.

Hope has beautiful views of Turnagain Arm, a quaint and historic downtown, wonderful gold-rush-era relics, and incredible camping and hiking opportunities. Life here moves a little slower. It's close enough to Anchorage to attract a weekend city crowd, but tucked away enough to stay tiny and quiet. It's authentic, pioneering, friendly and esoteric. Most tourist services close October to May. 

Sixmile Creek  is serious white water, with thrilling – and dangerous – rapids through deep gorges that survivors describe as ‘the best roller coaster in Alaska.’ The first two canyons are rated Class IV; the third canyon is a big, bad Class V. It's a four- to five-hour round-trip. Dress warmly and bring extra clothes.

The Hope area also provides numerous opportunities for the amateur panner, including a 20-acre claim that the US Forest Service (USFS) has set aside near the Resurrection Pass trailhead for recreational mining.

Getting there: The Seward Highway will get you to Hope in about two hours.

You may also like:  Why Alaska's stunning coast is best seen by ferry Under the Radar USA: Fairbanks is Alaska’s Golden Heart 5 Alaska adventures that offer a new perspective

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Bucket-List Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

February 10, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away //   27 Comments

Are you looking for the best Alaska road trip itinerary that showcases the best the “Last Frontier” has to offer?

Since I have been to Alaska multiple times I can suggest exactly how to plan a trip to Alaska based on experience. I will teach you how to travel Alaska to see all the coolest locations.

I want you to see the best of what Alaska has to offer including cute small towns, scenic drives, and national parks such as Kenai Fjords and Denali which are full of wilderness and wildlife.

When planning your trip, feel free to modify my Alaska itinerary based on the time you have to spend in the state.

I recommend visiting Alaska for at least a week, but two weeks is an ideal amount of time for an Alaska vacation.

No matter how long you have to spend in the state, you are in for a real treat when visiting America’s 49th state! Alaska is so diverse with nature and wildlife like you have never seen before!

Don’t forget to check out my detailed road trip packing list so you don’t forget any essentials!

Here is my Alaska road trip guide!

Table of Contents

Stop 1: Anchorage

You will start and end your Alaska road trip in the city of Anchorage.

There are plenty of things to do in Anchorage and the town is full of all the comforts you could ask for such as large grocery stores, a mall, museums, shops, and more.

The city is also closely tied to the surrounding nature.

Most Alaska road trip itineraries begin and end in Anchorage because it is convenient and the international airport is nearby.

If you are looking for the best attractions in Anchorage, consider going to the Anchorage Museum . It has something for the whole family!

Fascinating art and cultural exhibits, a planetarium, and an entire kids section make it a great day trip for all ages!

If you want to see more of the city, Anchorage Trolley Tours is a fun and affordable way to take a tour! I learned all about how Anchorage was founded, saw cool local homes, and drove on a small plane runway!

This was certainly one of the most fun Alaska tours in town. You can book your trolley tour online and save time when you arrive. This is a great family-friendly thing to do!

Finally, if you are looking to get active in Anchorage, this Coastal Trail 3-Hour City Bike Tour may be perfect for you. It is educational, fun, and a great way to see the city while getting some exercise.

The coastal parks are BEAUTIFUL in Anchorage and filled with tons of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and you may even spot some moose!

Anchorage is a fun and educational place to begin your road trip in Alaska!

Where To Stay In Anchorage

As a major city, there are a ton of great hotels in Anchorage for all budgets and types of travelers.

• Midtown Location. Hyatt Place Anchorage . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range. Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Luxury. Embassy Suites Anchorage . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Talkeetna

Next, continue your Alaska itinerary from Anchorage.

If you haven’t yet heard of Talkeetna, you are in for a real treat! It is the cutest town in Alaska and is the base for people who are hiking the mountain of Denali. Make sure to pack good hiking boots for Alaska !

Talkeetna is eclectic and so cute and a wonderful place to visit before you head to Denali National Park.

The food in Talkeetna is some of the best in Alaska so you will certainly want to try to eat at as many places as possible.

One of the best things to do in Talkeetna is to take a flight tour of Denali. This Talkeetna: Denali 1-Hour Flight Experience is based out of Talkeetna This is the best way to see Alaska from the air.

If you want the chance to walk on a glacier, you can also choose the Talkeetna: G rand Denali Flight Tour with Optional L anding .

If taking a flight, understand that a glacier landing will up the price of the flight. If you have seen enough glaciers, I recommend sticking to the flight to save money!

You can also go fishing or whitewater rafting along the nearby lakes and rivers.

Many people stop in Talkeetna for a quick stop and that is fine if that is all the time you have, but I highly recommend spending at least one night in this unique little Alaskan city!

Where To Stay In Talkeetna

As a smaller town, there are not a ton of hotel options for Talkeetna. But the handful of lodgings feature beautiful properties and reasonable prices.

• Mid-Range. Denali Fireside Cabin & Suites . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Great Views. Susitna River Lodge . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3: Denali National Park

After Talkeetna, the next stop on your Alaska road trip itinerary is Denali National Park, one of the most iconic Alaska attractions.

The drive north to the park is a bit long, so budget at least four hours of driving for this part of your Alaska trip. As one of the best things to do in Alaska , the drive is worth it.

Both times I drove from Anchorage to Denali, it was raining, so I had to drive slowly. If it is a clear day, you are going to want to stop to see all the stunning mountains once you get further north!

This is one of the top road trips from Anchorage!

In Denali National Park, you have the option to drive your car 14 miles into the park, but after that, you have to either hike or pay to take a national park bus.

If you want to try something fun, consider taking a Denali Highway Jeep Excursion .

The drive is over 100 miles and highlights the best of what Denali has to offer from glaciers to epic wildlife! Book early as this one fills up quickly!

If you want to do some hiking but are a little tentative about being among wildlife such as bears and moose all alone, consider taking a guided hike.

This Denali: 5-Hour Guided Wilderness Hiking Tour  is a great introduction and a wonderful way to get active within the park. This is a great way to explore Denali National Park!

If you are a novice hiker or even a pro looking to find the best spots, a guided hike is a great thing to do on your first day or two to get a lay of the land. It is also one of the best ways to see Alaska’s beauty.

Looking for a burst of adrenaline? I suggest the Denali Park Zipline Adventure . Ziplining is SO MUCH FUN and it is even better in Alaska because of the views and amazing cool air.

Denali is the highlight of many travelers’ Alaska itineraries, so choose the top things to do in Denali that suit your interests.

If you want to add a day or two to this itinerary, you can head farther north to Fairbanks. If you visit in winter, this is one of the best places to see the northern lights.

Where To Stay Near Denali

Denali National Park is remote but there is a smattering of hotels along its perimeter on the Parks Highway. Camping here is also a popular option if you are writing an Alaska on a budget itinerary.

• Near Park Entrance. McKinley Chalet Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Great Views. McKinley Creekside Cabins . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Seward

Seward should top every Alaska by-car itinerary!

You can head there from Denali, but that is an 8-hour drive, or you can spend another night or two in Anchorage or the nearby towns of Wasilla or Palmer to cut down on the drive.

The drive from Anchorage to Seward is one of the most famous in Alaska. The Seward Highway is so pretty!

The drive down the Turnagain Arm is one of the top drives in the world, and the highlight of many Alaska road trips.

This drive is totally doable in a day and I have done it before and many friends have too. If you want to stop and take your time, there are plenty of other cute towns that you can visit along the way.

If you have time, stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you can see bears, wolves, moose, bison, and more up close and safely!

When people set out on an Alaska vacation, they want to see glaciers! There is no better way to see glaciers up close and personal than taking a boat ride in Seward!

While there are many companies, Major Marine Tours is hands down the best company for Alaska tours of glaciers in Seward.

I went on the Kenai Fjords National Park 7.5 Hour Glacier Cruise . Honestly, almost 8 hours on a boat is long. However, it is worth it because you get to see glaciers AND animals.

You can also take a shorter tour that focuses on one or the other like this 4-hour From Seward: Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Tour .

Wildlife to see include sea otters, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoise, orca, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and puffins!

If you want to see two glaciers and have a higher chance of seeing wildlife, this Seward Glacier tour is the best option for you.

If you are looking to see glaciers from above instead, add a helicopter tour to your itinerary for Alaska!

Flying over mountains, the ocean, and glaciers is one of the top things to do in Alaska and Seward is a wonderful choice for a flight.

If you are looking to do a helicopter tour of Seward and the surrounding glaciers, make sure to book with Marathon Helicopte rs .

I had never flown in a helicopter before and while I knew it would offer stunning views for photography and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I was a little afraid!

The owner, Mike, is a professional pilot and his takeoffs and landings were as smooth as butter!

I went on a 30-minute glacier landing tour which involved 15 minutes of flying and 15 minutes of landing at the foot of a glacier so remote it doesn’t even have an official name!

Don’t forget to pack a windproof jacket if you plan to land on a glacier!

If you just want to stick to the ground, take a hike to Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska.

Where To Stay In Seward

Though it is a small town, there are a ton of great hotel options in Seward from affordable to luxury.

• Central Location. Hotel Seward . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Great Views. Harbor 360 Seward Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com  

Stop 5: Homer

Found on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is an essential stop on any Alaska itinerary. It is easy to drive to which makes it perfect to visit on an Alaska road trip. Homer is about a 3.5-hour drive from Seward.

One of the top things to do in Homer is to go fishing for halibut.

Since I don’t fish, I spent our time walking the beach, taking in the stunning mountain and glacier vistas, visiting the famous Salty Dog Saloon, and meandering through Homer’s Wednesday Farmer’s Market.

Homer is one of the best places to see in Alaska because of its proximity to the mountains and ocean. Don’t forget to check out Homer’s crazy tides and beautiful sunsets if you visit when it isn’t raining!

Many Alaska road trip itineraries don’t include Homer and if they do, it may only be a day trip.

I urge you to add more time to your vacation to see this unique and eclectic town since it is one of the best things to do in Alaska.

Where To Stay In Homer

There are plenty of hotels in and around Homer whether you want luxury accommodation or something simple and affordable.

• Centrally Located. Best Western Bidarka . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Great Views.  Land’s End Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 6: Soldotna

One of the top Alaska attractions in Soldotna is the Kenai River and the Salmon Fishing Run.

Whether you fish or just want to enjoy the town and the stunning [active!] volcanos in the distance, Soldotna is one of the best Alaska road trip ideas.

On your way to Homer, you will pass through Soldotna, but it is better to visit this part of your Alaska itinerary on the way back to Anchorage so you can break up the driving time.

The drive from Homer to Soldotna is only 1.5 hours, so you will be hanging out in this cute Alaskan town before you know it!

Keep an eye out for moose and bears as animal watching is one of the top things to do in Alaska, and Soldotna is the perfect place for wildlife viewing!

If you choose to stop in Soldotna, I highly recommend checking out the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. It is a wonderful spot for hiking and exploring.

In addition, the Soldotna Historical Museum is home to vintage log cabins and more which show what local life was like in the past. Break up your exploration with a little history.

Soldotna is home to MANY incredible parks that go along the Kenai River so there is plenty of space for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Whether you visit Alaska on your own or with family, this is a great place to hang out.

Where To Stay In Soldotna

There are not a ton of hotels in Soldotna since it is a small town, but there are still great choices. I suggest booking a place near the river.

• On The River. Aspen Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com
• Central Location. Soldotna Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 7: End Your Alaska Itinerary by Flying Out of Anchorage

End your Alaska road trip in Anchorage where you started.

If you fly Alaska Air, many flights are red eyes, leaving after midnight. The benefit to this is you have the entire day to explore, drive slowly back to Anchorage, and still make your flight without missing any fun!

When flying on a red-eye, you are going to want to pack a sleep mask for extra comfort!

Alternatively, you can add one extra day in Anchorage to your Alaska itinerary if being closer to the airport on the day of your flight is important to you.

How Long To Spend On Your Road Trip In Alaska

I recommend as much time as possible for the best Alaska road trips since Alaska is a huge state and has a ton to offer. However, I know not everyone can take a lot of time off for a vacation.

To help you out, I have written some sample itineraries for Alaska to help you plan for anywhere from 3 to 10 days in Alaska .

As always, I suggest prioritizing what you want to see the most. Feel free to revise your Alaska example itinerary.

3-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1 : Anchorage – Explore Anchorage, including the Anchorage Museum and Anchorage Trolley Tours. Day 2: Seward – Drive to Seward, enjoy the scenic Turnagain Arm drive, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and explore the town. Day 3: Seward and Return – Take a boat tour to see glaciers, then drive back to Anchorage.

4-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – Spend the day in Anchorage, visiting the museum and taking the trolley tour. Day 2: Drive to Seward – Journey down the Turnagain Arm, stop at the wildlife center, explore Seward. Day 3: More in Seward – Go on a glacier boat tour, consider a helicopter tour. Day 4: Return to Anchorage – Spend the day driving back, possibly stopping at scenic points.

5-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – City exploration and museum visit. Day 2: Drive to Homer – Explore Homer, beach walk, visit Salty Dog Saloon. Day 3: Homer – Spend another day in Homer, enjoying local activities and scenery. Day 4: Homer to Soldotna – Drive to Soldotna, visit Kenai River and local attractions. Day 5: Return to Anchorage – Drive back with leisure, enjoying the landscapes.

7-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – Explore the city, including the Anchorage Museum. Day 2: Drive to Seward – Travel down the Turnagain Arm, stop at the wildlife center. Day 3: Seward – Take a boat tour for glacier and wildlife viewing. Day 4: Seward to Homer – Drive to Homer, explore the town. Day 5: Homer Activities – Enjoy a day in Homer, perhaps fishing or beach walking. Day 6: Homer to Soldotna – Travel to Soldotna, explore the Kenai River. Day 7 : Return to Anchorage – Drive back to Anchorage, with optional stops.

10-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – City exploration, Anchorage Museum visit. Day 2: Drive to Talkeetna – Explore Talkeetna, consider a Denali flight tour. Day 3: Talkeetna to Denali – Travel to Denali, begin park exploration. Day 4: Denali National Park – Spend a full day in Denali, hiking or on a Jeep tour. Day 5: Denali to Seward – Drive to Seward, enjoy the Turnagain Arm scenery. Day 6: Explore Seward – Take a glacier boat tour, explore the town. Day 7: Seward to Homer – Drive to Homer, visit local attractions. Day 8: Enjoy Homer – Spend the day in Homer, exploring the beaches and town. Day 9: Homer to Soldotna – Travel to Soldotna, visit Kenai River. Day 10: Soldotna to Anchorage – Return to Anchorage, with leisurely stops.

Best Time Of Year For An Alaska Road Trip

When planning your Alaska road trip, the time of year is something you should consider. The best time of year for traveling Alaska is easily summer or fall.

Winter is not a good idea because the weather is harsher and the many Alaska driving routes are impassible because of snow.

Spring can still be very cold in Alaska as well. Depending on where you want to go, spring in Alaska can be quite snowy and cold.

If you want to drive into the mountains, the snow may not have melted yet and you will be limited in what you are going to be able to do.

Late summer and early fall are an ideal time for taking a road trip in Alaska because the weather is good, the snow is gone, and the animals are out and about.

The downside is that this is high season and prices will be at their most expensive. Even so, this is one of my favorite summer trips in the USA !

If you can visit Alaska later in the year, like September or even October you will have the chance to experience the state with lower prices.

A word of caution, if you go later in the year you will have to deal with closures as many companies shut down for the season.

You are safe to travel in late summer and early fall so keep this in mind when choosing what time of year to plan the best Alaska trip itinerary.

What To Pack For Your Alaska Road Trip

Chances are you are visiting Alaska in the summer or late spring/early fall. If you aren’t, more power to you, and let us know how it is!

If you are going in the summer, Alaska isn’t as cold as you may think, but it is still chilly for those of us who live year-round in warmer climates.

The weather in Alaska during the summer will range from 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit along this route. The weather during the late summer can also be rainy.

Make sure to stay prepared and you will have a great time on your Alaska driving trip!

• Fleece-lined Leggings.  If you are packing for a road trip in Alaska you need to bring  fleece-lined leggings ! They don’t take up much space and they keep you warm under jeans or hiking pants. I bring two pairs to double them up if I want to wear a dress!
• Thin Long Sleeve Thermal Tops.  I recommend bringing 2-3  thin thermal tops . These tops are affordable and pack up very small all while keeping you extra warm! They are  perfect for layering  and can be worn underneath other tops as a base layer.
• A Balaclava.  Weather in Alaska can get windy and blow your scarf all over the place! Cut down on chasing your clothing around and  add a balaclava  to your Alaska packing list! A balaclava is especially important for Alaska if you are doing anything on the water such as a glacier boat tour or whale watching!
• Warm Knit Hat .  S imple knit hats  or beanies are a must. You only need one of these  cable-knit hats or you can pack a few!
• Filtered Water Bottle.  I swear by my Bobble Water Bottles and they have seen multiple trips to Alaska. F iltered water bottles don’t cost much and will help you cut down on plastic waste. Refill them using any tap water and be on your way!
• Waterproof and Windproof Jacket. A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential for Alaska since it may be raining, windy, or both at any given time. I love this jacket from Columbia for women and this one for men . Make sure to add a solid jacket to stay warm and dry.
• Waterproof Rain Pants. I love my waterproof rain pants and you will too! They are affordable and pack up small. If you are hiking or walking and it starts to rain, simply whip out this waterproof shell and put it on over your clothes! They are windproof too!
• Sleep Mask. If you take your Alaska road trip during the summer, you will experience the midnight sun! Now 24-hour daylight is super cool, but some people have a hard time sleeping when it is light out! Bring along a sleep mask to help block out the light and to help you get some shut-eye before more exploring.
• Trail Mix and Protein Bars. This Alaska driving itinerary is best done on a full stomach! I love  this brand of bars ! As for  trail mix , you can make your own or buy a big bag of trail mix online or at your local store. The nuts and seeds in trail mix will help you stay satisfied longer.
• Waterproof Hiking Shoes. No matter what time of year you are traveling to Alaska, make sure to add sturdy hiking shoes to your Alaska packing list. Pack  so l id hiking shoes  that are waterproof and offer good support.  Good hiking shoes  often make all the difference when exploring Alaska!

Safety Tips For Your Alaska Road Trip

A road trip planner for Alaska would not be complete without some essential safety tips. Alaska is a beautiful but harsh state at times and it is important to be prepared.

First off, watch the weather closely . The weather can change quickly during your trip and can range from sunny to freezing and windy.

Make sure you dress in layers so you can easily take off or put on clothes based on the weather.

Download a weather app to keep track of local weather so you don’t venture out when it is too dangerous. You do not want to risk driving in Alaska if the roads are bad.

Always let a family member or friend know if you go hiking so if something happens, someone knows where to find you.

The phone service in Alaska is incredibly crappy so be prepared! Use wifi to let someone know where you will be.

Always ensure you have extra food and water in the car in case you get into an accident and are stranded for a long time. You don’t want to be stuck without provisions while you wait for help.

I recommend a reusable water bottle as well as an emergency bottle of water during your drive.

Finally, make sure to make noise and be bear aware . When you are hiking, sing or wear cans on your backpack to make noise and alert animals so you won’t surprise them.

As usual, NEVER feed any wild animals , and never get out of your car to walk up to an animal to view it more closely.

Taking these precautions to heart will help you have a safe and fun time on the best trip to Alaska!

Now you should hopefully be armed with the knowledge you need to start planning the best Alaska vacation itinerary.

I love Alaska and have been multiple times so I hope you take the tips to heart and keep an open mind to learn some things along the way too!

I know you will love exploring Alaska by car as much as I do!

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A special thanks to our partners Alaska Air, Major Marine Tours, and Marathon Helicopters. All opinions are our own and are honest because lying sucks! Please note that some links may be affiliate links which means that we may make a small profit of the sales at no additional cost to you. All the products we recommend are what we personally use and trust. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases.

Reader Interactions

September 4, 2017 at 10:41 pm

OHMYGOSH!!! Your post was awesome! The pictures were stunning. Someday I hope to make it to Alaska and your itinerary is perfect!

September 12, 2017 at 11:40 pm

Thanks for this wonderful and exhaustive post. A road tirp through Alaska would be a dream trip. Thanks especially for the little reminders of reality–like bringing a wind-proof jacket, waterproof shoes and a balaclava! It’s Alask, after all!

September 13, 2017 at 12:15 am

Despite growing up in Northern Canada, I’ve still never been to Alaska. That wildlife and glacier tour in Seward looks absolutely fantastic! Will not miss it when we finally make our way north.

September 13, 2017 at 9:48 am

So did you fly for $700 round-trip in first class? Or did you get upgraded? Cause this photo definitely looks like a great travel experience on AA!

Happy continued travels! C

September 13, 2017 at 5:11 pm

Alaska is so huge- I think a 1-week itinerary would be too short to see all of this cool stuff. I would love to take that heli ride- it looks amazing.

September 14, 2017 at 12:55 am

Wow! You stayed in some pretty nice airbnb’s — love the one with a slide! My kids would have adored that one. Thanks for sharing your itinerary and photos. It all sounds (and looks) like a truly amazing road trip!

September 14, 2017 at 5:22 am

You know we’re big fans of your pics but your travel advice is spot on as well! Thanks for sharing!

September 14, 2017 at 11:55 pm

Alaska is still unfamiliar territory for me. To be honest, I’m reading most of these names for the first time. But your post gave me a great inspirational start. Those pretty vacation homes are really sweet. How does one manage the meals?

September 15, 2017 at 8:11 am

Still yet to try Airbnb. I guess I’m a bit fearful of the scams – good to know there are resources out there to help with that, but surely the onus should be on Airbnb to do more careful vetting.

September 17, 2017 at 10:47 am

Alaska is surprising me with every post I’ve read about it! Denali for one looks gorgeous and the glacier tour in Seward is breathtaking. Your post has definitely put Alaska on my bucketlist. Oh, and btw, what a cool airbnb in Anchorage you had. The slide seems an odd yet fun addition to the place. 😀 ..

September 17, 2017 at 9:05 pm

What an epic road trip this is! I’ve only done Alaska by cruise ship. But I would LOVE to get back and hit the road for some stops like this.

October 26, 2017 at 9:27 pm

This makes me seriously miss Alaska! You hit all the great spots, love it!

January 15, 2018 at 9:01 pm

What time of year were you on this adventure in Alaska?

January 15, 2018 at 9:55 pm

This was in mid-late August!! The weather in Alaska is great from May to September time

March 14, 2018 at 4:06 pm

Beautiful pictures!

April 21, 2018 at 7:50 am

What is the best place to stay and take glacier cruise? Whittier or Seward? I’m a bit confused which one to select.

May 7, 2018 at 1:07 pm

Wow, what a great post! You guys really seem to know your way around Alaska. I’ll be borrowing a couple of these suggestion.

May 8, 2018 at 1:52 am

Yes!! Have so much fun! Before this trip I [Victoria] had been twice before as well! Have a good trip!

May 23, 2020 at 11:05 pm

This itinerary is not doable in a week. Not even close. I hope that people who read this, realize that this is more of a 2 week, minimum, itinerary.

May 24, 2020 at 5:04 pm

With a lot of driving, it is entirely doable and I have friends that did it just a week after I got home from my most recent trip. It really isn’t that bad when people road trip Iceland they do far more driving and it happens quite often!

November 23, 2018 at 11:55 pm

Hello there, I enjoyed reading your itinerary for alaska. Since we coming to alaska the second time. This time we arrive at fairbanks and be leaving from anchorage airport on jan 6th, 2019. We are going to spend new years in fairbanks( we spent new years last time in anchorage). Any suggestions of places to visit? I really appreciate your reply, and we are renting a car. 2 adults only. Thank you.

November 24, 2018 at 12:52 pm

Yes!!! In the north area of Alaska we highly recommend Alaskaland in Fairbanks [a fun little area] as well as driving through Denali just to see the mountains on your way down to Anchorage. Also Talkeetna for sure! It is a very cute town! Have fun!

September 19, 2019 at 2:30 am

A great article! Have you ever compared costs of renting a camper vs renting a vehicle and staying in hotels. We are planning a trip to Alaska in 2020 and I’m debating between camping and staying in hotels or Airbnb.

April 1, 2022 at 2:17 am

I used to live in Alaska. If you really want to explore Alaska, go to Juneau or Kake. They are both islands, so you have to take a plane or ferry, but so worth it. Don’t just look at a glacier, go walking on one or climb into the caves (at your own risk). The best way to see wildlife is by kayaking, not tour boats. Go with the lobster over the fish.

April 2, 2022 at 2:58 pm

Thanks for sharing!! I have down Juneau growing up! A very unique place!!

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Home > Road Trip Itineraries > Alaska > Road trip in Alaska: 3 Recommended Itineraries to Explore on Your Own

Road trip in Alaska: 3 Recommended Itineraries to Explore on Your Own

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The boundless spaces of the American continent inevitably inspire road travel and the great north is no exception. Alaska ‘s long distances are perfect for driving for hours across unknown lands, admiring wild landscapes, and hoping to meet wild animals here and there. The desire to come across animals is fulfilled more often than one imagines.

Unfortunately, the rugged terrain and sparse population have meant that much of the state has no road connections . But fear not, the existing roads are more than enough to commit you to a multi-day trip to Alaska.

Itinerary 1: 7/8 days in Prince William Sound

Itinerary 2: 10 days in prince william sound and kenai peninsula, itinerary 3: 10 days in central alaska from anchorage to fairbanks, best time to drive in alaska.

If you’ve already read my article about Alaska’s climate , you may have realized that not every month of the year is ideal for traveling by car in this cold northern state. In winter, many roads are closed to traffic due to excessive snow or because they are too dangerous, considering that even some of the main routes are not paved.

While the roads in the city are kept clean, long drives for non-locals can be dangerous even along roads open to traffic. If you go to Alaska in winter, I suggest you to choose other means of transportation: have a look at the article dedicated to how to organize a trip to Alaska .

If you travel between May and September , you should have no problems and you can rent a car freely. Unless you plan to drive the Dalton Highway , or you are coming from Canada, the best place to fly to and rent a car from is Anchorage .

I have therefore thought of 3 possible itineraries that will allow you, depending on the days you have available, to discover the best of what Alaska has to offer. In my article on Anchorage instead, you can discover some short day trips that depart from the city, that you could perhaps integrate into your itinerary.

Prince William Sound is one of the most interesting regions of Alaska, where land and sea form an indissoluble union with glaciers that plunge into the ocean and you can choose between hiking and kayaking along the coast every day. Looking at the map, one immediately realizes how this part of the gulf (about 31×69 miles in size) is full of fjords and islets, which make it the perfect habitat for numerous marine and terrestrial species.

But Man has also chosen these lands as his home since time immemorial: the tribes of the Ahtna, the Alutiiq and the Eyak have for centuries settled respectively in the areas of the St. Elias National Park, the south-western coast and the Copper River Delta. A drive through these lands will not leave you disappointed .

Days 1 and 2: Anchorage

The day of your arrival and the following day are dedicated to Anchorage. You can acclimatize and start to become familiar with the place. Find out here what you can do in the city along with some advice on where to sleep.

Day 3: along the Matanuska

Early in the morning hop in the car and leave Anchorage behind and head north on the Glenn Highway. In less than half an hour you’ll reach some interesting sites to choose from for your morning stop: Thunderbird Falls (which involves a 2-2.5 mile trek), and the village of Eklutna, where you can discover the culture of the natives. With a few minutes more drive, you’ll cross the Knik and Matanuska rivers, which join together right here.

The road then turns east following the course of the latter, which will be your companion for a long time. If you travel at the end of August , a little further on, in Palmer, you will find indications for the Alaska State Fair : a big fair full of events, which can be an interesting stop to discover and try local products and attend shows and concerts.

Following the course of the Matanuska River, the road crosses the valley that divides the Alaska Range from the Chugach Mountains, offering spectacular views from both sides. One of the most interesting areas to stop is the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site (about 2 hours from Anchorage), where the river springs from the glacier of the same name. Excursions on the river and glacier are organized nearby. If you don’t make stops in the morning, you can head straight here to devote the day to a hike.

With only 10 minutes more driving time, you instead reach a rest area (obviously called Glacier View ) with a refreshment stand. The Lionhead Mountain Trail also branches off from here, a 1.2-mile trail on one of Alaska’s most famous rocks (the ‘Lionhead’) from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view from over 1750 feet overhanging the glacier.

Resuming the route, we cross an area where Dahll’s sheep roam in large numbers and it is very easy to spot them. When you reach the village of Glennallen (3h from Anchorage) you will have a scenic view of Mount Drum, which stands out in front of you at the end of the road. Here the Glenn ends with a T-junction on the Richardson Highway: turn right, heading south, and look for a place to stay overnight in one of the first villages, such as Copper Center .

• Overnight tip: an interesting place to sleep is the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge .
• All available accommodations in the area

Day 4: Wrangell-St.Elias National Park & Preserve

Spend a day visiting Wrangell-St.Elias , one of Alaska’s most beautiful parks . Halfway between Tazlina and Copper Center (about 10 minutes from each) you’ll easily find the park’s visitor center, where you’ll get all the information you need to embark on a day tour. Stay overnight in the same place as the night before so you have the full day available. Only a small part of this boundless territory can be visited without difficulty on foot. If you can afford it, board a tourist plane to see the mountain range from above.

Days 5 and 6: Valdez

The Richardson Highway runs parallel to the pipeline from Prudhoe Bay to the port of Valdez . It takes, two hours to get from Copper Center to Valdez and I recommend a stop on the shore of Willow Lake and the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site . Valdez is worth a visit, in particular for the suggestive Valdez Glacier Lake : the lake that forms immediately below the glacier due to its melting, and where you can see the icebergs falling off.

In town don’t miss the Whitney Museum with its walrus ivory carvings. You can stay overnight in Valdez and devote the next day to a boat trip to the Columbia Glacier (one of the largest in Alaska) or perhaps a shorter kayaking trip around Valdez.

Columbia Glacier Cruise from Valdez

• Overnight tip: a good solution within walking distance from the port is the Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn , while those who prefer the atmosphere of a bed and breakfast to those of a large hotel chain can opt for the ‘ House on the Rock .
• All hotels in the area

Day 7: Cordova and the Copper Delta

Please note : for the next 2 stops you need to travel by sea and you need to be strategic in your planning: on checking the ferry schedules you will notice that, unfortunately, the Aurora ferry (the one that serves the ports of Cordova, Valdez, and Whittier) runs every 2-3 days depending on the month, this means that you will have to organize your itinerary according to the departure of the ferries themselves. The only other alternative (other than going backwards all the way and driving over 5 hours) is to fly from Valdez airport to Anchorage in about 40 minutes. To shorten the itinerary by 1 day and have more variables in your choice you can also consider skipping this leg  and taking the ferry to Whittier from Valdez, availability permitting.

Cordova is one of the homelands of salmon, being located at the mouth of the Copper River , and the large delta is definitely worth a day of touring. If you come here in May, you’ll come across the migration of millions of waders, to which a festival is dedicated: the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival.

• Advice on accommodation: the Cordova Rose Lodge is built on a structure that resembles an old moored barge, around which birds and otters nest. Don’t expect a hovel: sauna, library, and patio with barbecue are just some of the amenities it offers.

Day 8: Across Prince William Sound

From Cordova, you can take a ferry to Whittier, a western port on the Kenai Peninsula . The crossing takes several hours (7 from Cordova, 6 if from Valdez), but it’s worth it for both the scenery and the chance to spot whales right from the ferry. After disembarking at the port of Whittier, you will be back in Anchorage with a drive of an hour and a half.

One of the reasons why it is worth visiting Alaska is the Kenai Peninsula, a paradise for bird-watchers and favorite habitat of elk that graze undisturbed in large swampy areas, but above all home to the most beautiful fjords of the American continent (I have already spoken of them in my Top 10 Alaska ). Easily reachable from Anchorage by car, and in part also thanks to the railroad, the Kenai Peninsula is also a perfect match for a larger road trip, like the one I suggested in the previous paragraph.

Days 1-5: Anchorage-Valdez

Consider the previous tour up to Valdez, an ideal stop to visit the spectacular glaciers of Prince William Sound .

Days 6-7: Seward

It takes about 6 hours by ferry from Valdez to Whittier, but you’ll find that it’s not long enough to take in the unique scenery of one of North America’s most scenic gulfs. From Whittier, you can reach Seward in a couple of hours driving along the Seward Highway , perhaps the most spectacular road in Southern Alaska.

Kenai Lake is just one of the scenic spots where a stop is inevitable. The town is small but lively, particularly in the marina area. In addition to the pleasant walks along the waterfront, it is worth renting a kayak to paddle around and visit the Alaska SeaLife Center : a museum and research institute among the best in the state, and certainly the most quoted to discover the secrets of the Alaskan sea.

• Tip on staying overnight: the Seward Hotel is a hotel with a gold rush atmosphere, next to the Alaska SeaLife Center.
• All accommodations in the area

Day 8: Kenai Fjords

Book a day tour to explore the Kenai Fjords, one of the wonders of Alaska. You won’t regret it!

• Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise : This is a full-day cruise along the spectacular Kenai Fjords and its glaciers where you will also have the opportunity to see some of the local wildlife such as whales, killer whales and sea lions in their natural habitat.
• Half-day cruise between Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay : if you don’t have a whole day to dedicate to the cruise, this could be the best solution for you since the whole excursion will last only three and a half hours, allowing you to see the best that the area has to offer.

Day 9: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

If one of the reasons you came to Alaska is moose, devote a day to this park, where there are several hiking trails and, most importantly, you get around by canoe. The Kenai national wildlife refuge canoe trail is considered the best in the state, and not without reason. It will take you about a 2-hour drive from Seward, and I also suggest a quick ride to the nearby town of Kenai, famous for its Russian Orthodox community. In the evening, head to Homer, only a 1h 30 minute drive away.

• Overnight Tip: Homer has B&Bs, chalets, and ocean view apartments that give a great view of Kachemak Bay. Check the availability of the Oceanhouse chalet Alaskan Suites or the Land’s End Resort . The latter boasts a fabulous location at the very end of the peninsula.
• Other accommodations in the area

Day 10: Homer and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge

Homer is the town of shellfish and, like so many other Alaskan towns, lives off the sea. Why stop here? Because it is a privileged point to discover the colonies of seabirds, millions of specimens of dozens of different species. The most comfortable and agile way to enjoy this reserve is to participate in one of the free activities organized by the rangers, including the search for shellfish and sea creatures (tidepooling) or the simple Beluga Slough Trail walk.

In the afternoon, you can leave to return to Anchorage (it will take 4 hours by car), or you can choose to spend another night here and leave at leisure the next day. The town of Homer also has an airport that can be used to get to Anchorage in about forty minutes, although it probably won’t be very convenient compared to continuing the trip by car.

If what you’re looking for are long roads across endless moors , you can make a loop from Anchorage that touches the northern stronghold of Fairbanks . This will give you a taste of mountains, forests and wilderness like you’ve never seen before.

Days 1-3: From Anchorage to the Richardson Highway

Consider Route 1 to the edge of the Wrangell-St.Elias National Park & Preserve, the point where the Glenn Highway intersects the Richardson Highway , which connects Fairbanks with the southern port of Valdez. The mountain scenery here is incredible, and a stop on the slopes of the mountain range is worth the stop. However, if you plan one or more hikes, add days to the itinerary.

Day 4: Head to Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway

Early in the morning take the Richardson road north: with the pipeline as your faithful companion. It takes about 5 hours of driving to reach Fairbanks, but there are many points along the way where it may be worth stopping to stretch your legs and maybe take some pictures.

A couple of examples are the Richardson Monument ( coordinates here ) or the Rainbow Ridge : a mountain ridge so named for the red and green colors of its volcanic rocks (it’s clearly visible from this point on). You’ll only need the afternoon to visit the small town of Fairbanks and the ice sculpture museum.

• Advice on accommodation: if you want a truly unique accommodation choose the Aurora Express , a B & B created inside 7 railway carriages of the early twentieth century, located in the heart of the forest and transformed into elegant accommodation.
• For those who want to sleep surrounded by nature I recommend the Fairbanks Moose Manor , a simple but well cared for bed and breakfast.

Days 5 and 7: To the Arctic Circle or other excursions from Fairbanks

The city lends itself as an excellent base for many interesting excursions or activities. So I suggest you spend a couple of nights here and here are some suggestions of things to do.

• For an adventurous trip, but that will surely remain as a lasting memory, take the first part of the impressive Dalton Highway , but consider that if you want to reach the Arctic Circle you will have to drive for 5 hours and then return (in the linked article above, you will find information on the possibilities of overnight stays along the road); if you want to simplify things you can join an organized tour.
• For something less long, you can opt for a day at the Chena Hot Springs : natural hot springs, just over 1 hour from Fairbanks. The road through the tundra is well worth the drive and soaking in the steaming waters, while outside even in summer the air is cold, is definitely a good feeling.
• A third option to consider is a visit to Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge : an 800+ acre oasis right next to the town houses, where thousands of migratory birds congregate in the spring and fall.

Many other experiences will help you to enjoy your stay in Fairbanks: a sled dog ride or a visit to the Museum of the North; a walk in the world’s northernmost botanical garden or in the Large Animal Research Station, where musk oxen and caribou await you.

If the most popular proposals do not satisfy you, you can always improvise yourself as a prospector and venture into an abandoned mine : along the Steese Highway you will find the signs for Gold Dredge No. 8 , an old mine now accessible by a short railroad, where you can try your luck sifting for gold.

Days 8 and 9: Denali National Park

The Parks Highway connects Fairbanks with Anchorage, but halfway you will find one of the best stops you can make in Alaska: Denali National Park , where I recommend you spend at least a couple of days, considering that the first one will not be complete because of the trip.

Before arriving, make a stop in Nenana : this village of 400 inhabitants has little to offer besides the Alfred Starr Nenana Cultural Center (a museum that tells the story of the natives), but it is interesting for its location. From here, across the Yukon and Tanana rivers, boats depart to supply the more distant villages during the thaw period.

During the months of February and March, people place bets (300,000 lottery tickets are sold each year) on the exact time when the ice will melt, freeing Nenana; the topical moment is identified by a tripod placed on the shore, which makes a clock stop when it falls.

Another suggested stop is the small Healy, where you can see the bus used for the movie Into the Wild . To plan a visit to the park in detail, I refer you to my guide on how to visit Denali National Park .

( June 2020 update : Unfortunately, due to constant distress calls from inexperienced tourists trying to get to this location, the bus has been permanently removed . At the time of writing this update, a possible new location has not yet been decided.)

Day 10: Return to Anchorage

It takes about 4 hours to get to Anchorage and to make a stop a little past the halfway mark, I recommend Talkeetna , a quaint little town famous for having a cat as its mayor! With 900 residents, it has practically more animals than people and is located on the end of a background-free road that branches off the highway, nestled at the point where the Talkeetna River flows into the Susitna.

If you arrive here hungry, stop by the West Rib Pub & Grill and sample one of the signature musk ox burgers ! If you have more time, you can book a tour on the Hurricane Turn: a train that shuttles between the town and the picturesque Hurricane Gulch, crossing a bridge that is definitely not for those who suffer from vertigo.

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

Andrea Cuminatto

Journalist and traveler. I love seeing new places, but more than anything, I love to meet those who live there.

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Best Places to Visit on the Kenai Peninsula: Homer, Seward, and Other Attractions

Discover Prince William Sound: things to do, best cruises and tours

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13 Must see stops between Anchorage and Seward Alaska

Last Updated on August 24, 2023

The drive from Anchorage to Seward is one of the most scenic drives anywhere in North America! I lived in Alaska for seven years and worked as a guide and still visit frequently. I have driven nearly every mile of road in Alaska and I am here to tell you that this drive is one of the best in the whole state.

This is a unforgettable drive because of the non stop stunning scenery , the variety of water and mountains and the many places to stop and stretch your legs. There’s just so much to see and the trip is fairly short compared to other Alaska road trips. The road is generally in good condition too.

If you’re driving from Anchorage to Seward, I recommend giving yourself all day to make the trip so you can fully enjoy all these stops and not have to rush. If you’re a hiker, make sure to give yourself time to do one of the amazing hikes along the way. Not a hiker? No problem, there are plenty of wonderful things to see right from your car or a short walk away. The view from the Alyeska Tram whisks you up to a high incredible view without any hiking at all.

The road is maintained all year and can be truly stunning on a beautiful winter day. Most visitors will be driving between May and September and this article focuses on a summer visit when everything is open.

Map of the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Seward

• How to get from Anchorage to Seward for a cruise

How long is the drive from Anchorage to Seward?

How can i get from anchorage to seward without a car.

• Parking passes
• Alaska Railroad
• Potter Marsh
• Beluga Point
• Alyeska Tram
• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Portage Glacier and Portage Valley
• Turnagain Pass
• Cooper Landing Brewing
• Exit Glacier
• Best hikes between Anchorage and Seward

How to get from Seward to Anchorage for a cruise

If you’re boarding or leaving your cruise ship in Seward, it’s important to make a plan in advance for how you are getting between the ship and the Anchorage airport or your Anchorage hotel.

Seward is a small town and it is very busy in the summer with travelers on their own as well as cruise ships and lots of Alaskans come here too!

Taking a taxi or ride share from Anchorage is not an option (it’s a 2.5-3 hour drive). You can book transportation by motorcoach from Anchorage to Seward either through your cruise line or through an independent tour company.

You can also book the Alaska Railroad which is a very unique way to get between the ship and Anchorage! I’d recommend booking this through your cruise line so that they take care of your luggage and you don’t need to wait all day with your bags.

Finally, you can book a motorcoach or van tour that includes a tour of some interesting places along the way. Tours include options like a wildlife cruise from Seward, Portage Glacier, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or the Alyeska Tram in Girdwood.

It’s about 130 miles from Anchorage to Seward. The actual driving time is less than three hours in good weather but I recommend spending the whole day so you don’t miss a thing on this gorgeous drive.

I don’t think I’ve ever been on a drive with so many interesting things to do along such a short distance! Even if you don’t stop, the scenery is still amazing for the entire drive. Make sure to mind the speed limit as the weather can change rapidly. Watch out cars and RVs making left turns and stopped in the road.

Finally, make sure to keep a close eye on the road and the brush beside you as there are frequently moose along this road. It’s a thrill to see a moose, but it is NOT a thrill to collide with one. If you are pulling over to look, make sure you fully pull over completely off the road.

This article is focused on the best stops along the highway if you are driving from Anchorage to Seward, but for those of you who are not wanting to or able to rent a car, you can see all this amazing scenery from the Alaska Railroad or the bus as well. You won’t get to make all these stops and walk around, but the trip will still be stunning!

Related : Things to do in Seward , Things to do in Anchorage

Parking Passes

Some of these stops are on Alaska State Recreation area land and require a parking pass. Generally you can get a pass at a parking area if they are required and they cost $5-$10. You can also buy an annual pass online ($60 for the year).

Must See stops on your Anchorage to Seward road trip

You’ll probably need to prioritize because it’s hard to do everything on this list in one trip! Lucky for you, you’re probably driving round trip, so you can pace yourself by saving some stops for the return.

#1 Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad is near the highway for a good portion of the drive from Anchorage to Seward. If you make this drive, chances are good you’ll get a glimpse of the photogenic blue and yellow Alaska Railroad along the road or from one of the pullouts along the Seward Highway. Keep an eye out for some great photo ops! You can check the Alaska Railroad schedule online to get a better sense of what time the train passes in different locations.

#2 Potter Marsh

You’ve barely gotten outside of the city of Anchorage when you arrive at Potter Marsh. This end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is a mandatory stop for bird and wildlife lovers! There are ADA accessible restrooms in the parking area and a half mile flat boardwalk to wander along looking for the many kinds of birds that frequent Potter Marsh. This is also an excellent place to see moose, so keep your eyes open for them in the marshy wetlands they frequent and love.

#3 Beluga Point

One of the many stunning vistas along the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Seward, Beluga Point has a large parking area. This is a good place to watch for the train to go by too.

In addition to views of the stunning mountains along Turnagain Arm, this is one of the places along the route you can see Turnagain Arm’s famous bore tide. The bore tide happens when the tide is changing and creates such a strong current it looks like a river instead of salt water! It’s particularly dramatic in winter when bits of ice rush by and crash into each other in the current.

As the name suggests, this is also a good place to keep your eyes out for Beluga whales, a relatively small whale that frequents these waters for a few weeks in midsummer.

#4 Bird Point

Similar scenery to Beluga Point, Bird Point is also a great picture stop with a chance of seeing Belugas, the bore tide and the Alaska Railroad. This is also one end of the so-called “Bird to Gird” trail, a paved walking and biking trail along Turnagain Arm. More about this in the hikes section below.

#5 Alyeska Tram

If you’re not a hiker, then you absolutely must take the tram to get the amazing views you’ve seen from below without any hiking! From the top of the tram, you can see not only most of Turnagain Arm, but mountains that seem to stretch forever.

The tram is at the Alyeska Ski Resort, and they operate and offer scenic tram rides in the summer. There is also a fine dining restaurant here with the amazing view.

Board the tram at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. The cost is $48/adults, $38/children (5-18) and free for children 5 and under.

If you have extra time, relax for awhile at the Alyeska Nordic Spa (reservations required).

#6 Town of Girdwood

The town of Girdwood itself is worth a stop. This fun ski oriented town by winter turns to a hiking and mountain biking paradise in the summer. There’s a great ice cream shop, creatively called “the ice cream shop” near the gas station at the turn off into town from the Seward Highway. The ice cream shop is a mandatory stop for our family anytime we’re driving from Anchorage to Seward!

Chair 5 is also a great place for pizza and beer in Girdwood. It’s very popular with locals and visitors so be prepared to wait but the wait is worth it. Double Musky and Jack Sprat are both ideal food stops for foodies (be prepared to wait a long time). If you really want to take it easy in Girdwood, make a reservation for the day spa at Alyeska resort.

#7 Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

A favorite activity for Alaskans and visitors alike, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a wonderful place to see Alaska’s wildlife up close! This is also a good location to practice your wildlife photography.

A beautiful outdoor area and sanctuary for wildlife, the center is dedicated to education about conservation and wildlife preservation in Alaska. Walk or drive the loop around the center and see bears, wolves, caribou, musk oxen, foxes and more. I recommend parking and walking around the grounds, although you can also drive between the different areas if you prefer (as long as you aren’t in an RV).

It open all year and the cost is $17/adults, $13/student, $15/seniors or military and free for children.

You’ll see the sign for it just past Girdwood.

#8 Portage Glacier boat trip and Portage Valley

Portage Valley is a worthy day trip from Anchorage all by itself! Even if you’re just passing through, at least stop at Portage Lake and learn about the glacier. You can no longer see the glacier from the visitor center as it has retreated around the corner. The glacier is visible from the short boat tour across the lake.

You can also see many other glaciers in the Portage Valley by walking along the boardwalk on the trail of blue ice, which is flat and has views of glaciers up in the mountains above.

Related : How to visit Portage Glacier

#10 Turnagain Pass

Make sure to stop at the rest area at the top of Turnagain Pass. Turnagain Pass represents the highest point along the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Seward. It’s only 1000 feet above sea level but it’s stunning mountain scenery makes it seem like you’re way up there!

#9 Cooper Landing Brewing

Cooper Landing Brewing is about a half hour detour (15 minutes each way) but is a mandatory stop for beer lovers! They have delicious beer and indoor and covered outdoor seating. They don’t serve food but they do have an excellent food truck in the parking lot with lots of classic favorite sandwiches.

To get there, turn onto the Sterling Highway towards Cooper Landing and Soldotna. Look for the big log building and large gravel parking area on the left after about 8 miles. It’s just before you get to the town of Cooper Landing.

#11 Moose Pass

Shortly beyond the turnoff to Cooper Landing and the rest of the Kenai Peninsula, you’ll come to beautiful Summit Lake and the tiny community of Moose Pass.

As you arrive at Summit Lake if you’re interested in salmon you can stop at the Moose Creek fish viewing platform to see spawning salmon up close. Late July and early August is the best time to catch salmon spawning here and possibly see eagles or bears who are here fishing.

There is a lodge and restaurant here. Keep an eye out for moose on the shores of the lake.

#12 Kenai Lake

Your next stop on the drive from Anchorage to Seward is Kenai Lake. This large L shaped lake has many access points and you will drive along it for several miles. There are tours going out on the lake for fishing and other recreation, or you can just enjoy it’s beauty as you go by.

#13 Exit Glacier

Exit Glacier is an absolutely stunning place that you must stop either on your way into Seward or out (unless you’re spending a whole day there, which is also an excellent idea!). You’ll see the turn off just outside of the town of Seward.

Once you turn off, you’ll head up a forested road and enter Kenai Fjords National Park. At the nature center you can learn about Exit Glacier and take a paved trail to a view point or do a really tough hike up the mountain next to it. See more on hiking at Exit Glacier below!

If you’re not a hiker, you can still see Exit Glacier from the road as you drive up to it.

Best Hikes between Anchorage and Seward

If you’re a hiker, there are plenty of great hikes along the road from Anchorage to Seward! Bears are present on all these trails so make sure to travel in groups and carry bear spray with you. Give yourself even more time and check out one of these beautiful and beloved favorite hikes:

McHugh Creek Trail

This trail goes all the way to Rabbit Lake, but as a stop on the highway, I recommend either the short loop through the forest by the creek, or a longer and steeper climb up to views of Turnagain Arm that start after about 3 miles of climbing through the forest. It’s about 1800 feet of elevation gain to the viewpoint. The trailhead is between Potter Marsh and Beluga Point.

If you want a similar view as the view from the Alyeska tram but don’t want to pay for the tram, you can hike this trail instead! You’ll pay for the climb in other ways, like your complaining muscles the next day! This is a hard hike with a wonderful view if you’re an experienced hiker. There are viewpoints you can reach without going all the way to the top if a shorter hike is more your style. The shorter option is still plenty steep. This trail is 5 miles round trip with 3400 feet of elevation gain. Super steep! The trailhead is in Chugach State Park between Anchorage and Girdwood near the Bird Creek Campground.

Bird to Gird

This 12 mile paved trail goes along Turnagain Arm and is just about the most stunning bike path you’ll find anywhere. You can start at Bird Point or Girdwood and do a round trip or one way trip. You can rent bikes in Girdwood, or you can hike as much of the trail as you like.

Trail of Blue Ice

This 5 mile trail in the Portage Valley takes you over creeks, through forest and around beautiful mountain views with frequent glaciers above you. Much of it is flat and a boardwalk although there are a few sections near the visitor center that go up and down a bit. You can start near the visitor center at Portage Lake and go as far as you like. If you have a bike this makes a great 10 mile round trip bike ride.

Iditarod National Historic Trail

Just outside of Seward on Nash Road, you can walk along a section of the historic original Iditarod trail. The trail was used by dog teams in winter to bring mail and supplies to remote Alaskan communities in the early 20th century. You can also hike on part of this historic trail on the Johnson Pass trail between Moose Pass and Granite Creek.

Kenai Fjords National Park

There are some amazing hiking trails at the only part of the park you can drive to, just before you get to Seward. Hikes here range from a mellow nature trail to one of the hardest and most rewarding hikes in Alaska! Read more about your hiking options in Kenai Fjords here .

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• 14-Days | Spectacular Alaska

SDR 06 Spectacular Alaska Self Drive Tour

14-Days Alaska Self Driving Tour Discover the scenic places of the Kenai Peninsula - Homer, Soldovia, Kenai and Seward. It is your choice to try your luck fishing, go kayaking, join a wildlife cruise or visit a remote community. Continue north to Denali National Park, Fairbanks and the Matanuska Valley.

Day 1: Anchorage

Arrive in Anchorage during the day. Pick up your rental car and check in your hotel in downtown Anchorage. Spend the remaining afternoon to visit the sights of the Alaskan City, explore the busy downtown area or stroll along the coastal trail with splendid views of Mt. Denali and the "Sleeping Lady". We can arrange a guided city sightseeing tour upon request.

Day 2: Anchorage - Denali National Park

Leave Anchorage and drive north on the Parks Highway towards Matanuska Valley. Stopover at Talkeetna whose wilderness location at the base of Mt. Denali and at the confluence of three wild rivers makes an ideal center for outdoor enthusiasts, climbers, and tourists. The mountains, rivers, glaciers, and meadows in the area provide superb sightseeing, especially by air. Ask us for the different flightseeing trips offered to Mt. Denali including an optional glacier landing. The highway travels across Broad Pass, one of the lowest summits along the North American mountain system, but feeling very top-of-the-world, with its alpine valleys and mountain peaks on either side. Continue to Denali Village at the border of Denali National Park.

Day 3: Denali National Park Wildlife Tour

Today experience the wildlife and wonderful sceneries of Alaska's Denali National Park. In the morning drive to Denali Visitor Center where your wildlife tour begins. Pick up your pre-reserved tickets and explore the center if time allows. Board the bus, sit back, enjoy the scenery and look out for wildlife. Your driver informs you about the history of Denali National Park, its diverse wildlife and flora. Once a bear, caribou or another animal has been spotted the bus will stop that everyone can watch and take pictures. Your wildlife tour runs all the way to Eielson Visitor Center, a four hour drive or to Wonder Lake - on request. You can get off the bus anytime you wish and take a stroll, go hiking and enjoy Denali's unique landscape. By hand signal the next available bus will stop for you to get on. Return to Denali Village in the evening.

Day 4: Denali National Park - Fairbanks

Today leave Denali National Park and drive further north to Fairbanks. Stopover at Nenana, once a traditional gathering place for Athabascan Indian. Continue to Fairbanks the "Golden Heart City" where you can visit a former gold mine, cruise aboard a sternwheeler on the Chena River and view the Alaska Pipeline. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 5: Fairbanks

In Fairbanks you have the unique chance to go on a bush mail plane flight to Alaska's vast, roadless interior. Enjoy the scenic flight above the Arctic Circle and experience how the Gwich'in Athabascan Natives live in "Bush" Alaska. Put your hand in the Yukon River, travel through the Wetlands and crest the rounded peaks of the Northern Edge of the Alaska Range looking out for moose and dall sheep. Another option is to travel by van along the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle. Your experienced guide tells you about Fairbanks gold rush days, the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline and points out any wild animals along the way. Return to Fairbanks in the evening.

Day 6: Fairbanks - Copper River / Wrangell-St. Elias Nat. Park

Heading south, the Richardson highway runs through stands of white birch and black spruce, often photogenically close to the Tanana River. Soake up the raw beauty of the drive into the central Alaska Range, often paralleled by the Alaska pipeline. Overnight near Copper Center with great views of the Wrangell Mountains.

Day 7: Copper River - Valdez

Visit the historic roadhouse in Copper Center before the Washington Glacier peeps into view. Arrive in Valdez, gateway to Alaska's Prince William Sound and southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline. A favourite sightseeing tour is the boat cruise to the amazing icebergs of the Columbia Glacier. On board you have a chance to view Prince Williams Sound's abundant wildlife including a Sea Lion Haul-out and a bird sanctuary. Watch sea otters play in the water and learn about Valdez's mining history, oil business and the great earthquake. Overnight in Valdez.

Day 8: Valdez - Ferry Prince William Sound - Whittier - Seward

This morning board the Alaska ferry for a scenic cruise across the Prince William Sound to Whittier. Along the way you will pass chunks of ice floating from the Columbia Glacier. Listen to the interpretation and programs of the National Forest Ranger. Upon arrival in Whittier drive through Whittier Tunnel and stop at Portage Glacier. Continue to Seward, gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward's in-town highlight is the Alaska SeaLife Center, a research aquarium. Furthermore the attractive town of Seward offers excellent ocean fishing, scenic wildlife & Kenai Fjords glacier cruises as well as wonderful hiking trails to nearby glaciers.

Day 9: Seward / Kenai Fjords National Park

Board the ship at 11:30 am for a thrilling full-day cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park and Chiswell Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Covering 110-miles, the trip is narrated by a National Park Ranger, who is highly adept at spotting wildlife, pointing out the many spectacular sights, and fielding any questions you may have. Wildlife is abundant throughout Kenai Fjords National Park, and the tidewater glaciers are massive. You'll visit the mighty Aialik Glacier where guests often witness calving - a process by which glaciers shed giant blocks and slabs of ancient ice - from a close distance. The cruise also offers the good chance to spot whales in Alaska. Optional: If you would like to see more of Kenai Fjords National Park then join the 9 hours Northwestern Fjords Cruise, covering 150-miles. Experience the glacially carved region known for its five tidewater glaciers, steep cliffs, and rich waters abundant with wildlife. A continental breakfast and lunch is included.

Day 10: Seward - Homer

Your driving vacation continues on the Kenai Peninsula towards Homer. The paved highway comes to an abrupt conclusion at the tip of the Homer Spit, almost 5 miles out of Kachemak Bay. In the late afternoon you may take a cruise to Halibut Cove, a charming village on Ismailof Island across Kachemak Bay. The highlight of the cruise to Halibut Cove is a visit to Gull Island, home to a bird sanctuary. Kachemak Bay is teeming with sea life - sea otters, seals, whales, porpoises. Spend three hours to explore Halibut Cove, stroll along the boardwalk, visit the art galleries or enjoy a delicious dinner at the renown "The Saltry" restaurant, specializing in seafood.

Day 11: Homer

Spend the day in Homer, also called the "Halibut Fishing Capital of Alaska". Go for a full day fishing for Halibut or Salmon, rent a sea kayak and explore Kachemak Bay, one of the richest marine estuaries in the world. Go on a hiking trip to glaciers, mountain lakes and explore miles of uninhabited beaches.

Day 12: Homer - Kenai

Today we recommend to visit one of Alaska's best bear viewing destinations - Katmai & Lake Clark National Park. They feature the world's highest concentration of brown bears. Fly by bushplane from Soldotna or Homer to Lake Clark National Park on the west side of Cook Inlet. Spend time in Alaska's wilderness viewing and photographing magnificent brown bears along the coast. Here it's not unheard of to spot 30 bears fishing for salmon or digging for clams. You will be able to move freely about while observing safe bear viewing practices in the company of one of the well-trained guides. You are ensured not to fight any crowds of people.

Day 13: Kenai - Anchorage

This morning you have the chance to go fishing for the famous Kenai King Salmon - the world's largest salmon. Your expert Alaska fishing guide will show you how to hook and land a fighting King salmon on the famous Kenai River or Kasilof River. Beginners to advanced will enjoy this unique experience. If you are not into fishing, then try a exhilarating and fun rafting or float trip down the Kenai River. Leave Kenai Peninsula and drive north towards Girdwood / Alyeska Ski Resort. If time allows take the tram on top Alyeska mountain offering a splendid view of Turnagain Arm and the Chuchach Mountain Range. Continue along Seward highway traveling past saltwater bays, ice blue glaciers and alpine valleys. You have a great chance to spot a bear, moose and dall sheep along the way. Arrive in Anchorage and check in your hotel. Spend the last evening visiting one of Anchorage excellent seafood restaurants.

Day 14: Anchorage

It is your last opportunity to shop for some souvenirs before catching your flight back home.

Services Included

Departures: Daily from May 10 - September 20

Self Drives

• 04-Days | Denali Park
• 03-Days | Kenai Fjords
• 07-Days | Alaska Highlights
• 09-Days | Alaska Backroads
• 08-Days | Denali Backcountry
• 14-Days | Super Natural Alaska
• 13-Days | Northern Alaska
• 07-Days | Yukon Goldrush
• 14-Days | Alaska and Yukon
• 17-Days | Alaska and Yukon

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Eagle River Alaska Auto/Shop/Warehouse

Listing Contacts

11115 Old Eagle River Rd, Anchorage, AK 99577

Marketing description.

11115 Old Eagle River Road, Eagle River, AK 99577 Great B3 (General Business) zoned location in the heart of ER.​ Utilize 10 overhead doors, again, 10 OHD! for auto/shop/warehouse and more! Property has 3 auto stalls with pits, 3 signs, & 3-phase power.​ Multi-Tenant ready.​ It's .33 acres & 5,401sf of building with robust traffic counts & neighbors on OERR & Old Glenn HWY.​ Sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS.​ Seller will not entertain any repairs or improvements.​ BTV all information for their intended use.​ Call to schedule a showing, broker must be present for all showings.​ Seller will not entertain any repairs or improvements.​

MLS# 24-7629

Ryan Schwalbe

Spire Commercial Real Estate

SpireCommercial.​com

Investment Highlights

11115 Old Eagle River Road, Eagle River, AK 99577 Great B3 (General Business) zoned location in the heart of ER. Utilize 10 overhead doors, again, 10 OHD! for auto/shop/warehouse and more! Property has 3 auto stalls with pits, 3 signs, & 3-phase power. Multi-Tenant ready. It's .33 acres & 5,401sf of building with robust traffic counts & neighbors on OERR & Old Glenn HWY. Sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS. Seller will not entertain any repairs or improvements. BTV all information for their intended use. Call to schedule a showing, broker must be present for all showings. Seller will not entertain any repairs or improvements.

SpireCommercial.com

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Alaska’s Finest Self Driving Tour

Independent travel for visitors seeking the best alaska hotels in popular locations..

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Home » Tours » Alaska Driving Tours » Self-Drive » Alaska’s Finest Self Driving Tour

Tour Overview

This independent self-driving tour from Anchorage features Alaska’s finest accommodations. You’ll first stay at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood and spend your day enjoying Alaska’s only Nordic spa, riding the aerial tram up the mountain, or hiking nearby nature trails. Then drive to Whittier for a cruise to view the glaciers of Prince William Sound. Travel north to Talkeetna via the scenic Turnagain Arm and through the Matanuska Valley. Your stay in Talkeenta provides options for scenic flightseeing tours. Afterwards, continue to Denali to enjoy a lodge experience at Tonglen Lake Lodge at the Denali Park entrance. After your Denali fun, return to Anchorage for final urban adventures and possibly an optional bear-viewing tour.

What's Included

• 5 nights of deluxe accommodation in Girdwood, Talkeetna, and Anchorage
• 2 nights at the Tonglen Lake Lodge at the Denali Park entrance
• 7 days midsize car rental with unlimited mileage
• Prince William Sound glacier cruise with lunch
• 4-6 hour bus tour into Denali National Park (depending on weather and road conditions)
• All meals while at Tonglen Lake Lodge as well as onsite activities (vary daily / may include performances, presentations, art exhibits, classes and workshops)
• All taxes and fees

What's Not Included

Meals other than listed, optional excursions, and gratuities. Nordic Spa admission. Car rental coverage (such as LDW or liability insurance), additional driver fees, gas, and GPS rental. Car rental category upgrades available at additional fee.

Tour Itinerary

Anchorage to girdwood.

Today you pick-up your rental car and drive approx. 1 hour to the nearby resort village of Girdwood, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Chugach Mountains and pristine wilderness. Relax and enjoy the remainder of the day pampering yourself in Alyeska’s Nordic spa, riding the aerial tram up the mountain, or taking a walk on a nature trail. The town offers both casual and fine dining choices. Overnight in Girdwood.

Important Note : Please provide us with your flight arrival information at time of booking, so that we can schedule the car rental pick up time correctly.

This morning drive south through a one-lane toll tunnel to the small port town of Whittier. Embark on the magnificent 26 Glacier Cruise, which takes you over 135 miles into Prince William Sound. Here you will see 26 “named glaciers” and many more unnamed. The specially designed catamaran gets you within 500 feet of the face of the tidewater glaciers. Your captain will turn off the ship’s engines so you can “hear” the glaciers move, as well as see the brilliant blues in the ice. Glacier calving, where large pieces of ancient ice break off and fall into the sea, is normally seen during each cruise. You will see three types of glaciers on each trip including Alpine, Piedmont, and Tidewater glaciers. A hot lunch is included while on board. Return to Girdwood after the cruise. Overnight in Girdwood.

Girdwood to Talkeetna

Drive north from Girdwood along scenic Turnagain Arm, traveling through Anchorage and the agricultural region of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, to the small, picturesque town of Talkeetna. Historic Talkeetna is best known as the jumping-off point for Denali climbing expeditions. Given clear weather, views of the Mountain are breathtaking. Upon arrival, you will have the rest of the day to explore the town on your own or participate in optional activities such as an exciting jet boat tour, fishing, or a ski-plane flight to Denali (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight in Talkeetna.

Talkeetna to Denali National Park

Continuing northward from Talkeetna, tour the scenic Parks highway along the boundary of Denali State Park and Hurricane Gulch. The massive peaks of the Alaska Range are in view nearly the entire route. At 6 million acres, Denali National Park is one of the world’s last great frontiers for wilderness adventure. In Denali you will stay at Tonglen Lake Lodge, located 7 miles south of the Denali park entrance along the Parks Highway (not inside the park). Tonglen Lake Lodge offers Alaska-style premium lodging for visitors seeking an exclusive Denali experience. Accommodation is in log cabins. Handcrafted log furniture, quilts, pottery, paintings and glass created by uniquely talented local artists accent the cabins, café, gallery and main lodge. Overnight Denali Park entrance (not inside the park). (Dinner included).

Denali National Park

Today, depart on a narrated bus tour into Denali National Park. As you travel through the pristine wilderness, look for wildlife, such as bears, caribou, and moose, as well as views of the Mountain. Your experienced driver/guide will provide commentary. The tour is approximately 4-6 hours long and takes you approximately 30 – 43 miles into the park, depending on weather and road conditions. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the Denali area and to enjoy the lodge. On-site activities at Tonglen Lake Lodge are included during your stay. Don’t miss to check out the daily offerings which may include performances, presentations, art exhibits, classes and workshops). Overnight Denali park entrance (not inside the park). (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Denali National Park to Anchorage

After breakfast, take more time to explore the Denali Park entrance area or take a flightseeing tour, then drive south to Anchorage. Points of interest along the way include the Iditarod Museum and the Reindeer Farm in Palmer. Overnight in Anchorage. (Breakfast included).

Today is yours to explore the city. Go shopping, tour local attractions, or take a hike or bike in one of Anchorage’s many parks. City highlights include the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum, the Log Cabin Visitor Center, the Alaska Zoo, local breweries, and the Coastal Trail. Experience more by adding an optional bear viewing excursion (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight in Anchorage.

Anchorage Departure

Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Transfer on your own to the airport for your flight departure, or extend your vacation an additional program.

Dates & Rates

Please provide us with your flight arrival information (arrival time, flight number and name of airline) when you make your reservation. That way we can book the rental car accordingly.

Our Standard Program Includes:

2 and 3 star hotel accommodations..

The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.

Standard train car seating on all rail services (reserved seats).

If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.

Our Upgraded Program Includes:

* 3 and 4 star hotels (best available) wherever possible..

The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.

Deluxe dome train car seating between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, or Anchorage and Seward.

All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.

Contact us to book this Tour.

Thank you for your interest in this tour! At this time, it is not currently available to book online. Please feel free to continue to peruse our website for more Alaska travel ideas. If you would like options and information from our team of Alaska experts, please call 1-866-317-3325 or fill out the form below.

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Tour Add-ons

Browsing optional excursions for the alaska’s finest self driving tour :.

Bear Viewing Flight to Lake Clark from Anchorage

Length: 10-12 hours

Starting at: $1245 / pp

Enjoy a bear viewing day tour from Anchorage to Lake Clark National Park via seaplane. An Alaska experience of a lifetime! Depart from Lake Hood Floatplane Airport in Anchorage and fly southwest over Cook Inlet toward the Chigmit Mountains. Enjoy […]... Browse itinerary

Chinitna Bay Bear Viewing

Length: 6 hours

Starting at: $1076 / pp

Depart from Anchorage by wheeled plane for a 90-minute scenic flight southwest over Cook Inlet toward the Chigmit Mountains. Enjoy spectacular views of the Alaska and Aleutian Mountain Ranges and two active volcanoes – Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Iliamna – […]... Browse itinerary

Denali Experience Flightseeing with Glacier Landing

Length: 1.5 hours

Starting at: $467 / pp

This tour out of Talkeetna, Alaska, takes you on a magnificent bush plane flight within six miles of the 20,310-foot summit of Mt. Denali. As your flightseeing adventure departs Talkeetna, you begin to see firsthand how the last Ice Age […]... Browse itinerary

Katmai and Brooks Falls Bear Viewing

Starting at: $1399 / pp

Fly from Anchorage to one of Alaska’s most famous bear viewing destinations, Katmai National Park and Brooks Falls!  Depart Anchorage early on a scheduled flight to King Salmon (approximately 1.5 hours).  On arrival, a local representative will transfer you directly […]... Browse itinerary

I just wanted to let you know that I did the trip with my sister and it was great!! We loved it!! Thank you so much for all your help to make this trip possible!! All the details were right on, the tour guide was very nice and always willing to make... Read more  

Marcia | New Jersey

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Glaciers and Wildlife Tour

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All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour

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