Trying to see everything in Alaska in one trip is like trying to visit 19 states in one go — that’s how many states could fit in Alaska! A more realistic way to see Alaska is to prioritize the most important things for your perfect adventure. Whether your dream is to reel in an Alaska salmon, see the tallest peak in North America, hike as many trails as possible, see bears and moose or stand on a glacier, here are three sample Alaska itineraries to help your planning process.
7-Day Alaska Itinerary: Southcentral
For a weeklong adventure in Southcentral Alaska, this itinerary focuses on exploring Anchorage, Girdwood, Seward, Cooper Landing and Homer. The region is known for its stunning coastlines, glacier views and abundant fishing.
Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage
Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, where you’ll start your adventure.
Things to do:
Explore downtown Anchorage, including a visit to the Anchorage Museum to learn about Alaska history and Alaska Native cultures.
Take a walk or bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for panoramic views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains.
No trip to Anchorage is complete without going to the Glen Alps Trailhead, one of the most popular starting points to the Chugach Mountain Range. The most well-known hike is Flattop Mountain, iconic for it’s truly flat top. Be warned some scrambling is required for the last stretch.
Check out our blog about walking tours in downtown Anchorage
Moose’s Tooth for the country’s highest-grossing independent pizzeria.
Day 2-3: Anchorage to Girdwood and Seward (2.5-3 hours drive)
Start your morning with a scenic drive to Girdwood, located just under an hour from Anchorage along the Seward Highway. After exploring Girdwood, continue south to Seward, a charming coastal town nestled between mountains and the ocean.
Spend the next day exploring Kenai Fjords National Park and seeing more of Seward.
Photo Credit: Michael DeYoung
Things to do in Girdwood:
Stop at Beluga Point along the way to watch for beluga whales.
Ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram for views of Turnagain Arm and surrounding glaciers.
Chinooks for an upscale seafood dining experience with great views.
Day 4: Seward to Cooper Landing (1.5 hours drive)
Leave Seward in the morning and head to Cooper Landing, known for its incredible fishing. It is the perfect place for a Kenai River rafting trip or a guided fishing expedition to catch some of Alaska’s famous salmon. A great option for accommodations is Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge.
Photo Credit: Matt Hage
Things to do in Cooper Landing:
Book a Kenai River fishing or rafting trip. The river is famous for its salmon runs and scenic beauty.
Hike to Russian River Falls for a chance to watch salmon leap up the waterfalls.
Take the beautiful drive to Homer, a coastal town known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.” Continue to explore Homer for another day, giving plenty of time for a fishing tour, wildlife tour or long hike.
Photo Credit: Matt Hage
Things to do in Homer:
Spend the day exploring the Homer Spit, a long stretch of land lined with shops, art galleries and restaurants.
Go halibut fishing or book a wildlife tour across Kachemak Bay.
Visit the Pratt Museum to learn about Homer’s history and local culture.
No trip to Homer is complete without visiting the Salty Dawg Saloon, a staple establishment.
On your final day, drive back four hours to Anchorage along the Sterling Highway. Spend your last day in Anchorage before heading home. This is the perfect time to visit any spots you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.
Things to do:
Visit Kincaid Park for more hiking or wildlife viewing, with great views of the Cook Inlet.
For those with more time, this 10-day itinerary combines the highlights of Southcentral Alaska with a venture into the Interior, including a visit to Denali National Park and Preserve.
Day 1-6: Follow the seven-day Southcentral itinerary
Start your trip with the seven-day itinerary described above, focusing on Anchorage, Girdwood, Seward, Cooper Landing, and Homer. End day seven with a night in Anchorage.
Day 7: Anchorage to Talkeetna (2 hours drive)
On day seven, head north to the quaint town of Talkeetna, the gateway to Denali National Park. Visitors can enjoy flightseeing tours, river adventures and lots of cute shops and local art galleries. This is the perfect destination for those looking to experience the heart and soul of Alaska.
Photo Credit: Michael DeYoung
Things to do in Talkeetna:
Take a flightseeing tour for breathtaking aerial views of Denali and the Alaska Range.
Stroll through Talkeetna’s charming downtown area, which is full of local shops and restaurants.
Take a river rafting tour along the Chulitna River.
Visit a sled dog kennel and learn about Alaska’s state sport.
Continue to Denali National Park, where you’ll explore one the tallest mountain in North America and one of Alaska’s most popular national parks. There is no shortage of activities and things to see in Denali, but here are a few of our suggestions.
Things to do in Denali National Park:
Take the Denali Park shuttle deep into the park to view wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and moose.
For a full two-week adventure, combine Southcentral and Interior Alaska with a journey to Alaska’s northernmost regions, including the Arctic Circle and Utqiaġvik (Barrow).
Day 1-9: Follow the 10-Day Itinerary
Spend the first 9 days exploring Southcentral Alaska and Denali National Park, as outlined in the 10-day itinerary. Instead of heading back to Anchorage on day 10, you’ll be heading North next!
Day 10: Visit the heart of Alaska in Fairbanks
Head north to Fairbanks, known for the midnight sun as well as stunning aurora borealis views.
Day 11: Arctic Circle day trip (16 hours roundtrip drive)
Stay in Fairbanks for another day, or if you’re feeling bold, make the trip to cross the Arctic Circle and experience the untouched wilderness of Alaska’s northernmost regions. You can either book a guided tour or drive along the Dalton Highway, which offers incredible views of the tundra and mountains.
Photo Credit: Michael DeYoung
What to do:
Take a guided Arctic Circle tour that typically includes a stop at the famous Arctic Circle sign for a photo opportunity and a certificate of achievement.
Along the way, explore the Yukon River and stop at the Finger Mountain viewpoint, known for its unique rock formations and panoramic views.
Where to eat:
Bring a packed lunch for the long journey or enjoy provided meals if you’re on a guided tour.
Day 12: Fairbanks to Utqiaġvik (Flight)
On Day 11, fly from Fairbanks to Utqiaġvik, the northernmost city in the United States. Utqiaġvik is a remote and culturally rich destination, offering a unique glimpse into the life of the Inupiat people.
Things to do in Utqiaġvik:
Visit the Inupiat Heritage Center to learn about the Inupiat culture and history, including traditional hunting and whaling practices.
Walk along the shores of the Chukchi Sea and experience the midnight sun or the polar night, depending on the time of year.
If you visit in the summer, take a tour to see the Point Barrow area, where the Arctic Ocean meets the Chukchi Sea
Where to eat in Utqiaġvik:
Dining options in Utqiaġvik are limited, but you can try local spots like Sam & Lee’s Restaurant for a mix of Alaska and Chinese cuisine.
Day 13: Fly Back to Fairbanks
After spending a full day in Utqiaġvik, return to Fairbanks by flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you can either relax in Fairbanks or take a scenic drive to explore more of the surrounding areas. Consider the Westmark Fairbanks for perfectly located accommodations.
