Are you looking for the perfect Alaska itinerary for a road trip? Well, you have come to the right place!
I’ve been to Alaska several times and did an Alaska road trip each time. This state is my favorite place on earth! It is so magical and rugged. I can attest that a road trip is one of the best ways to visit Alaska!
There are so many epic places to visit in Alaska! I have covered many in this Alaska road trip itinerary so you can see the best spots.
Planning your trip to Alaska last minute?
Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours can sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top pics for Alaska!
Top Experiences and Tours in Alaska:
- Kenai Fjords National Park 6-hour Cruise Bring a waterproof jacket!
- Juneau Whale Watching & Wildlife Cruise With a local guide.
- Portage Glacier & Wildlife Full-Day Tour From Anchorage
- Anchorage Trolley Tour Very popular!
- Arctic Circle Adventure Tour From Fairbanks
Best Alaska Hotels:
- Resurrection Lodge On The Bay In Seward Offers free breakfast
- Pikes Waterfront Lodge Near Fairbanks airport
- Alyeska Resort Near Anchorage with luxury accommodations
- Oceanhouse, Homer Located near the beach!
My Alaska road trip experiences were so extraordinary I want to show you how to have the same experiences when you decide to plan your own perfect Alaska itinerary.
My sample itinerary for Alaska has been set up for a road trip in a certain order, but you can rearrange it however you want.
If you are taking a long international flight to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, check out my guide to surviving long-haul flights.
My post explaining how to avoid getting sick on an airplane will help everyone remain healthy during their Alaska itinerary road trip, whether you fly an international or a domestic flight.
Keep reading for my Alaska trip planner!
Alaska Itinerary: 15 Stops for Your Bucket List
Anchorage
Anchorage is NOT the political capital of Alaska. It is the economic capital though, and with 300,000 inhabitants calling it home, Anchorage deserves a place on your Alaska itinerary.
Anchorage is very cosmopolitan with high-end department stores at a fancy mall downtown and its own symphony.
Anchorage has big box stores and national chains like Walmart and is a great place to stock up your supplies.
This is where you could fly in and rent your car before starting an Alaska road trip.
Check out all the amazing things to do in Anchorage before hitting the road!
Things To Do In And Around Anchorage:
Walk downtown Anchorage and stop at the Visitors Information Center. Downtown Anchorage is easy to navigate as it is set up on a grid system.
The Visitor Information Center is a cool-looking log cabin with a sod roof located at 4th Avenue and F Street.
They have a wealth of information about Anchorage specifically, and Alaska in general. Pick up maps and brochures to aid you on your Alaska itinerary road trip.
You will want to take some time to walk around downtown. If you are visiting in the summer, you will marvel at all the flowers! Restaurants and shopping opportunities abound.
Book Here: Anchorage: Downtown Food & History Walking Tour
Walk, run, or bike the eleven-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This trail starts in downtown Anchorage and eleven paved miles later ends in Kincaid Park.
Several times I walked/ran and once even raced on the Coastal Trail!
The views are spectacular along the water with mountains in the background, and you will also pass Earthquake Park.
It’s a stark and somber remembrance of the damage from the 1964 Good Friday earthquake.
Catch a glimpse of some wildlife! Although Anchorage is a cosmopolitan city there are certainly opportunities to see some wildlife such as bears, moose, and Dall sheep.
Many bird species call Anchorage and surrounding areas home as well. Keep your eyes open!
Add Alaska Wildlife Conservation Cente To Your Alaska Itinerary
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is located about forty-five miles south of Anchorage in Portage on the Seward Highway.
There is an admission fee for this attraction but it is well worth adding to your Alaska itinerary!
The conservation center provides a home for orphaned, ill, or injured wild animals.
There is a 1.5-mile viewing loop which you can either walk or drive to view the animals. It was raining when we visited the center, so we drove very slowly.
We watched the afternoon feeding of the black bears and saw moose, owls, wolves, and porcupines, just a few of the animals that call the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center home.
Maybe people travel to Alaska to see wildlife and if you want a guarantee to spot some, this is the place to go!
There is also a rather large gift shop for souvenir shopping as well.
Book Here: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Admission Ticket
Seward Alaska
After some time at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, keep driving south about 78 miles to Seward. This popular Alaska road trip stop is situated at the end of the Seward Highway, on the Kenai Peninsula.
Since the Seward Highway has been named a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road, your drive will be an unforgettable experience on your Alaska itinerary.
Make sure to read about the most spectacular spots from Anchorage to Seward. The cliche, “It is the journey and not just the destination,” comes to mind here.
There is so much to see in Seward, you will not be disappointed!
Seward is positioned where the ocean meets the mountains! Due to its geographical location, it is blessed with very moderate temperatures for Alaska and very high precipitation levels.
If this is your first time visiting Alaska, do not miss Seward!
Things To Do In And Around Seward:
Take a glacier and wildlife cruise. Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward are epic locations to see glaciers and sea life. A cruise is easily the best way to see Alaska!
Imagine whales, puffins, and calving glaciers! When we last visited Seward, we took the full-day, 7.5-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Tour with Marine Major Tours.
The staff as well was extremely knowledgeable and ready to answer any questions we had. But most of all, we loved all the sea life we were able to view and the up close and personal visits to glaciers.
The day of our tour was windy and the water was very choppy and the tour was almost canceled. Understandably, I was affected by a nasty case of seasickness during the long boat ride.
If you are prone to motion sickness like I am, you might be interested in these anti-nausea motion sickness patches to prevent or lessen the symptoms.
Some people like to wear natural nausea relief wristbands like these.
Remember the temperature drops when you are on the frigid waters of Resurrection Bay and especially when you are near the glaciers!
This affordable water-resistant jacket will keep you dry and warm. Waterproof shoes such as these from Columbia will keep your feet warm and dry.
These waterproof warm gloves and this waterproof and collapsible hat are also great suggestions to bring along to keep warm and dry.
A few years ago, we also took a shorter four-hour, half-day cruise and were very satisfied with the amount of wildlife we saw and the glacial experiences we had!
Do not miss out on putting this exciting option on your Alaska itinerary. Both children and adults will enjoy it.
Book Here: Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Cruise
Book Here: From Seward: Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Tour
Taking a flightseeing tour of Resurrection Bay is an unforgettable experience and one of the best Alaska vacation ideas!
When we were last in Seward, we took a 30-minute Glacier Tour with Marathon Helicopters.
Mike, the owner of Marathon Helicopters, was very reassuring, and liftoff, landings, and flying were all a dream! There is nothing at all like seeing the water, forested mountains, and glaciers from the air!
The best part though was landing on a glacier. If you want monumental and unforgettable memories, consider adding a flightseeing tour to your list of things to do in Alaska!
Venture to Exit Glacier. This is one of the most popular glaciers in Alaska and must be seen when in Seward.
Exit Glacier is located about eight miles north of Seward and is one of the top tourist destinations in Alaska because it is so easily accessible.
You want to add visiting Exit Glacier to your trip to Alaska! Find out everything you need to know before visiting Exit Glacier to make your visit more memorable.
Book Here: Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure from Seward
Kenai and Soldotna Are Perfect Stops On An Alaska Itinerary
To reach Kenai and Soldotna, you’ll have to backtrack a little from Seward and then reconnect to Alaska Route 1, heading west. It is about a 90-mile drive.
These two small towns in Alaska are just off the highway. This area is a great bonus stop that is often skipped on an Alaska sample travel itinerary.
You’ll find Soldotna hugging the Kenai River while the town of Kenai sits at the river’s mouth on the Cook Inlet.
If you are interested in hiking, fishing, history, or wildlife, you will love exploring the Kenai and Soldotna areas.
Things To Do In And Around Kenai and Soldotna:
Enjoy views of the Kenai River from the boardwalks in Soldotna. The ten elevated boardwalks along the river offer the perfect place for a scenic walk. They have benches and stairs that lead right to the water.
Soldotna Creek Park features 2,300 feet of boardwalk including an accessible portion. You can also find the boardwalks at Swiftwater Park, Rotary Park, and Centennial Campground.
There are also many festivals held in Soldotna. If you travel Alaska in summer, you can attend the Levitt Amp Soldotna Music Series with free concerts in Soldotna Creek Park from June through August.
Alaska in July is a beautiful time to visit!
In February, the Frozen RiverFest features live music, food, and a beer garden. This is a great way to warm up during Alaska in winter!
Practice your swing at the Kenai Golf Course. Alaska isn’t known for golfing, but it is a beautiful place to hit the greens.
The full-service, 18-hole golf course gives players the chance to see sandhill cranes, moose, eagles, and sometimes bears! It is open late during the midnight sun or you can cross-country ski here in winter.
Admire the Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church. This adorable church stands out in Kenai with its three light blue domes.
Completed in 1896 and named a National Historic Landmark in 1970, this is one of the most unique places to visit in Alaska!
For more Russian history, check out the exhibits at the Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center or stop by the St. Nicholas Chapel.
For The Adventurous: Alaksa Bear Hiking Experience By Plane
Homer Alaska
Homer is my favorite destination of all to visit when I am in Alaska. I urge you to put it on your Alaska itinerary since it is one of the coolest places to see. Homer is located 75 miles south of Soldotna.
Home has the nickname “The End of the Road” because it is at the terminus of the Sterling Highway.
Situated on Kachemak Bay at the southern end of the Kenai Peninsula, Homer boasts a very eclectic and ambitious vibe, and you will feel it at once.
Things To Do In And Around Homer:
Explore the Homer Spit. When I visit Homer, I always stay on the Homer Spit, a 4.5-mile natural slice of land that juts into Kachemak Bay. Here you will find lots of restaurants, shops, and bars.
I almost always wait to purchase my handmade Alaskan souvenirs until I stay in Homer. They have a flourishing crafting community, and I always like to purchase handmade items to support the locals.
There is a flat, paved trail that I took advantage of many times. It winds through the harbor past the shops and restaurants and back to Homer.
Stopping in the Salty Dawg Saloon on the Homer Spit for a drink is a definite must for things to do in Homer.
Alaskan residents love the Salty Dawg Saloon so much that wearing its apparel is very popular with them.
You want to have something from the Salty Dawg Saloon to take home with you, so add visiting there to your Alaska itinerary!
Oh, and even if you do not have an alcoholic beverage when visiting, you might decide to leave an autographed dollar bill on the walls or tables of the Salty Dawg Saloon in Homer!
It is a tradition for visiting tourists to do so!
Seldovia Alaska
To reach the village of Seldovia from Homer, you will leave your vehicle behind and hop on the passenger ferry. The trip across the bay will take about 45 minutes one way.
Known as the “City of Secluded Charm,” Seldovia is small but still has many fun things to do.
One of the best activities is simply walking around the Main Street area with its Alaskan charm. You will find shops, restaurants, and the cute Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church.
For a hike, check out the Otterbahn Trail. The easy-to-moderate dirt trail is 1.2 miles one way.
You will love the forest and beach views as well as the chance to spot sea otters, black bears, eagles, and other wildlife.
While many Alaska itineraries do not include Seldovia, I suggest checking it out while you are in the area.
Whittier Alaska
From the Homer area, it is time to backtrack north along Route 1 and then connect to Portage Glacier Road to reach Whittier. It is about a 185-mile drive.
The small town sits on the Passage Canal and is the gateway to the Prince William Sound.
With fishing village vibes, a huge concentration of glaciers, and easy access to marine wildlife, Whittier is a must-see when planning Alaska trips!
Things To Do In And Around Whittier:
Take a scenic cruise around Prince William Sound. This is one of the top activities in Whittier! The calm water here is perfect for viewing the densest concentration of tidewater glaciers in the world!
You will also spot waterfalls and wildlife including eagles, otters, seals, and more.
Book Here: From Whittier: Glacier Quest Cruise with Onboard Lunch
Book Here: FromWhittier: Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise
Kayak in the sound for a unique experience. Book a sea kayaking tour to get up close and personal with the glaciers and icebergs.
If you love a nature adventure, this is one of the best things to do in Whittier. Want something with a little more speed? Jet ski tour itineraries are available too.
Explore the amazing hiking trails. The trails surrounding Whittier will bring you to mossy rocks, pretty waterfalls, and views of mountains and glaciers.
If you want something short and easy, the Whittier Creek Trail is a great starting point. This trail is about 1.5 miles roundtrip. It begins in downtown and follows the Whittier Creek to a waterfall.
The most popular hike is the Portage Pass Trail which provides an awesome view of the Portage Glacier. It is 4 miles roundtrip and rated moderate.
Valdez Alaska
One of the best ways to get to Valdez from Whittier is by taking a 6-hour ferry across the Prince William Sound. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance!
Another is driving the Richardson Highway like my family and I did. There are jaw-dropping vistas all along this paved highway.
Set on the water of Port Valdez and surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, Valdez is known as Little Switzerland. It is one of the prettiest places to visit in Alaska!
There is a ton of outdoor recreation for both summer and winter as well as chances to see wildlife.
While it is out of the way, you do not want to miss out on Valdez!
Things To Do In And Around Valdez:
See glaciers from the water or air. Valdez is near many glaciers including Shoup Glacier, Columbia Glacier, or Valdez Glacier.
Tourists can view the glaciers from cruise boats, helicopters, or sea kayaks. For a unique experience, book a flightseeing tour that features a glacier landing!
On these tours, you will also see amazing waterfalls and a ton of wild animals such as seals, whales, sea otters, and birds.
Book Here: Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise
Look Here Too: 7.5 Hour Glacial & Wildlife Cruise
Check out the beautiful hiking trails. Around Valdez, there is an assortment of hikes for all skill levels. The landscapes are gorgeous from waterfalls to creeks to glaciers.
The Dock Point Trail is a popular, easy 0.8-mile loop ideal for birdwatchers. To see Bridal Veil Falls, hike the Goat Trail. It is a moderate, 4.3-mile roundtrip trek.
In winter, skiing is a popular activity. With 600 inches of snow each year, Valdez is a fantastic place for winter sports! You can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or cross-country ski.
Put Hatcher Pass On Your Alaska Itinerary
The next town on this itinerary for Alaska is Talkeetna. It is a long drive there from Valdez (about 340 miles).
From Anchorage, it is less than 50 miles away by car.
Hatcher Pass is located off the Parks Highway, connecting the towns of Palmer and Willow. It is very popular with the locals.
To get through the pass, you take the rugged and scenic Hatcher Pass Road for almost 50 miles through alpine fields full of flowers, tons of hiking trails, and mountain peaks.
When we visited twice during the Alaska summer, it was the blueberry season and wow, the Alaskan blueberries you pick yourself in the wild cannot be beaten!
What a unique experience to add to Alaska trips!
Talkeetna Alaska
Talkeetna is located about 120 miles north of Anchorage on the George Parks Highway.
Found at the confluence of the Susitna, Chulitna, and Talkeetna Rivers, this town is the staging area for mountain climbers attempting to ascend Denali.
But you do not have to have plans to climb to the summit of Denali (formerly called Mt. McKinley) to write Talkeetna on your Alaska itinerary.
Talkeetna is cool! It has a community of artists and craftspeople. Along with its hip art scene, there is a myriad of outdoorsy options that will make your head spin.
Talkeetna has kept its small-town charm, and you just might see a moose meandering downtown!
Things To Do In And Around Talkeetna:
Head to downtown Talkeetna for some shopping or a bite to eat. There is only one main street in Talkeetna. Meandering through all the quaint shops should top your list of things to do in Talkeetna.
An independent, hippie vibe permeates the air.
Or you can shop local and purchase hand-made, one-of-a-kind Alaskan souvenirs to remember your epic Alaska road trip. Either way, there are lots of unforgettable choices.
Walk to Talkeetna Riverfront Park to view Denali. Located not far from downtown Talkeetna, this city park offers spectacular views of the Alaska Range and its star, Denali.
You will also be able to view firsthand the convergence of the Chulitna, Talkeetna, and Susitna Rivers. What epic photos will you bring home if this is on your Alaska itinerary?
Select an outdoor activity. Take advantage of all the rustic outdoors Talkeetna has to offer. Take a guided wilderness hike or a flightseeing tour of the mighty Denali.
Several aviation companies in Talkeetna offer glacier flightseeing tours.
Denali State Park is another close option to explore, whether to camp, hike, or simply take a walk to look for wild animals.
Book Here: Talkeetna: Guided Tour of Denali National Park By Air
Book Here: Talkeetna: Mountain Voyager with Optional Glacier Landing
Denali National Park And Preserve
If you add a trip to Denali to your Alaska itinerary, you would be one of the 400,000 or so yearly visitors to make that same decision!
It is about a 150-mile drive from Talkeetna to Denali National Park and Preserve along the George Parks Highway.
Tourists and locals alike usually visit the national park for two reasons: Denali (the mountain!) and wildlife.
If you are driving an RV, know that three campgrounds within Denali can accommodate you and your rig.
Please also be aware that you MUST make reservations far in advance. We visited Denali National Park and Preserve twice traveling in our RV during the summer season.
Without a reservation, we were never successful in obtaining a camping spot within the park. It is that popular and crowded!
Do not worry though as there are private campgrounds located just outside the entrance of the park and several hotels too.
Denali National Park and Preserve has retained a lot of its rugged wilderness because the ninety-mile Denali Park Road is closed to private vehicles at Mile 15.
Fifteen miles is a LONG WAY! If you do not have a very long time on your Alaska road trip to spend at this national park, do not worry because you can and will see a lot on those fifteen miles.
This is easily one of the top national parks in Alaska!
Things To Do In Denali National Park & Preserve:
Visit the Denali Visitor Center. Located near the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, the visitor center is a great place to stop for information about the park.
There is a park film to watch and various exhibits explaining Denali and its unique history and culture. Park rangers are available to answer questions, give advice, and lead a variety of talks and walks.
Take a bus tour to discover Denali! You have two options when deciding how to explore Denali National Park by bus along the Denali Park Road.
You can choose a non-narrated transit bus. Run by the National Park Service, these buses are green and are hop-on/hop-off buses. This is great if you plan to hike or bike off the grid.
You will board this bus at the Denali Bus Depot. Remember to bring lots of water and food, especially if your Alaska trip planning includes a daylong excursion.
Another option is a narrated tour bus that has a trained narrator on board. These tours are run by private companies.
Often they pick you up at your hotel and lunch and snacks are included. These buses are tan in color and do not permit you to get on or off during the tour.
Book Here: Denali National Park: Wilderness ATV Adventure
Book Here: Denali: Highway Jeep Excursion
Take a walk or a hike in Denali National Park. The amount of time you have and your interest level, will determine the hike you will take.
At the least, there are several paved hiking trails around the visitor center right near the entrance of the park. These are shorter distances but are not short on scenic views!
If you have time and are physically able, you can board a non-narrated green bus and hop off anywhere you desire to hike.
Guided hikes are available as well if you are not sure where to start.
Remember to have plenty of water with you. When I travel, I never leave home without a filtered water bottle.
Book Here: Denali: 5-Hour Guided Wilderness Hiking Tour
Look for wild animals! Probably the number one goal of visitors to Denali National Park and Preserve is to see as many wild animals as possible!
The National Park Service limits vehicles in Denali to keep the land as wild and untamed as possible for the animals that live there.
If you are one of the few lucky ones, you will see “the big five” during your Denali trip. This includes grizzly bears, Dall sheep, wolves, caribou, and moose.
Fairbanks Is A Great Stop On Your Alaska Itinerary
Fairbanks, the Golden Heart City, is located just over 120 miles south of Denali National Park and Preserve.
There are so many epic things to do in Fairbanks! With its rugged environment, hiking, biking, and camping opportunities abound.
Fairbanks is Alaska’s second-largest city and the Gateway to Alaska’s Interior. It is very neat to visit Fairbanks in the summer because you will experience very long days where the sun barely sets.
That was an amazing experience for me. As expected, the opposite occurs in the winter.
The Chena River runs through the heart of downtown Fairbanks and there are many art galleries and studios around town displaying and selling their local, handmade wares.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a reputable resource for local history with its Natural History Museum.
Things To Do In And Around Fairbanks:
Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center in downtown Fairbanks.
Here you will find everything you need to know about visiting Fairbanks and the Interior and Arctic regions of Alaska. You will see many exhibits and three life-sized dioramas that depict life in the Interior.
Book Here: The Best of Fairbanks: Half-Day City Highlights Tour
Book Here: Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour
Check out the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. An engineering feat, the 800-mile Alaskan pipeline was built after oil was discovered in Prudhoe Bay in the Arctic Ocean.
You can take a tour during the summertime at two locations just outside of Fairbanks to see the 48″ diameter pipe.
See the aurora borealis in winter. Fairbanks is considered one of the best places in the United States to view the phenomenon of the northern lights.
If you visit Alaska during the summer as I did, you will be disappointed, like I was, to find out that due to extended daylight hours, the aurora is not visible.
The darkest of skies are needed to see the spectacular explosions of light. If you visit later in the year, your odds of seeing the northern lights increase dramatically.
I can say I finally witnessed the northern lights and it was unforgettable. Please add this to your list of things to do in Alaska!
Seeing the aurora borealis is a bucket list item! Look here for other USA bucket list ideas!
Book Here: From Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour
Play a round of golf at the North Star Golf Club, the northernmost golf course in America. It is located a few miles north of Fairbanks.
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Just 60 miles outside of Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs Resort is a must on any Alaska travel itinerary!
After so much hiking and driving, you deserve some time to unwind in the natural, geothermal waters. Or you can treat yourself to a massage!
The hot spring was discovered in 1905 and quickly became a popular tourist destination in Alaska.
The resort features indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant, and a cafe. The unique Aurora Ice Museum is open year-round and is made of 1,000 tons of ice and snow.
Book an ATV or horseback riding tour to see the surrounding wilderness. In winter, you can take a snowmobiling tour or view the northern lights.
If you want to stay here, there are plenty of accommodations including a lodge, cabins, yurts, and a campground.
Alaska vacations can be tough, but this resort will help you relax!
Book Here: From Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs Day Tour
Arctic Circle And Prudhoe Bay
Located 194 miles north of Fairbanks on the Dalton Highway, you can cross over the Arctic Circle.
Many dream of driving over this invisible line at latitude 66* north, and you too should consider adding this to your Alaska itinerary.
A word of caution though, the Dalton Highway, also known as the Haul Road because it is used by the Alaska pipeline workers, can be dangerous.
Most rental car companies will not permit you to drive the Dalton Highway. There is no cell service and limited wifi.
There are lots of tour companies that can fly or drive you to the Arctic Circle and Prudhoe Bay. From Fairbanks, it is 495 miles to Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic Ocean.
I’ve visited Fairbanks twice and never made the trip to Prudhoe Bay to dip my toes in the Arctic Ocean and regret it!
Do not make the same mistake! Add this to your Alaska trip, for sure!
Book Here: Fairbanks: Arctic Circle Adventure – Full-Day Guided Tour
Visit Juneau Alaska During Your Alaska Itinerary
As the capital, Juneau is one of the top Alaska cities to visit. Found on the Alaska panhandle, it is a popular cruise port and destination for tourists.
While it is the capital, Juneau is fairly small, especially when compared to Anchorage.
Even so, there are still plenty of Alaska attractions to enjoy in the city and the surrounding nature. It is easily one of the coolest places to visit in Alaska!
Some activities include the Mount Roberts Tramway, Alaska State Museum, and Last Chance Mining Museum.
From the Fairbanks area, it is about 730 miles to Juneau. If you decide to add it to your driving itinerary for Alaska, you will have to pass through Canada.
Then drive down to Haines, Alaska, and take the ferry over to Juneau.
Things To Do In And Around Juneau:
Visiting the Mendenhall Glacier is one of the best things to do in Juneau. It is located just outside of town within the Tongass National Forest.
This just happens to be the largest national forest in the United States! Start by going to the Mendenhall Visitor Center for information.
Helicopter tours are offered to see the glacier and even land on it. There are almost forty major glaciers in the Juneau Icefield that can be seen via helicopter.
Book Here: Juneau: Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour
Book Here: Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour
Go on a whale-watching tour. There is lots of sea life at Juneau’s doorstep so a tour out into the waters is a very popular option.
It is said there are more than 50 humpback whales that are frequently seen near Juneau.
What a great option to add to your Alaska itinerary.
Book Here: From Juneau: Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks
Get out into the wilderness. There is access to the best wilderness in southeast Alaska in Juneau.
Venture into Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve for a scenic cruise. Check out Tongass National Forest for many hiking trails and backcountry camping in Alaska.
Packing Tips For Your Alaska Itinerary
Read my tips on how to pack lightly for your trip here. and if you want some tips on staying healthy while flying to Alaska read this.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring with you on your Alaska itinerary. This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.
I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.
I am a big fan of locking my luggage too. These TSA-compatible durable luggage locks have easy-to-read numbers and are easy to set.
This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.
The replacement carbon filters ensure fresh water whenever you want it.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.
You will want to bring a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
Perhaps you need a more substantial backpack for your international travel. This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.
These waterproof all-season shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.
Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.
If you are visiting Alaska in warmer weather you may want a pair of sandals to wear exploring. I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals
I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip-flops. The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable.
We all need to protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.
If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
Do you need new luggage? his expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.
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If you are arriving via cruise ship, check out my Alaska Cruise Packing List!
Christine Rusdo
Your photos and comments are amazing and fabulous. Alaska is definitely on my bucket list now for sure.
Linda Malys Yore
Christine it is epic in Alaska! Hope you get there soon. Thank you for your compliments.
Jill
Love your post and hope to include most if not all these locations. We are coming from Illinois. How many days do you suggest to experience Alaska for the first time?
Enoch Leffers
“Looks nice! Like your image!!”
Linda Malys Yore
Thank you!
Jennifer Broomhall
Very informative thank you Linda. I have been searching trying to work out a trip. What time of the year etc. We would like to go in the fall (or autumn we call it in Australia) Is driving OK that time of the year? Say mid September.
We like to be independent travellers and self drive seems the best option..
Linda Malys Yore
Hey Jennifer. Yes, mid-Sept is a great time to visit and drive in Alaska. Snow is not a real issue in most of AK till early November.
Ron & Ty Shuss
I found your itinerary and information extremely helpful. My second trip to Alaska, prior was a fishing trip to Pt. Baker 10 years ago. (Time flies!)
This time wanted more time to explore and hike. My 26 year old son and I will be visiting in Early August for 7 days and renting a motorhome.
Hopefully in 7 days we can capture Anchorage>Seward>Homer>Kenai>Denali.
Thanks Linda!
Linda Malys Yore
I am so happy you are returning to Alaska. We drove around Alaska twice in an RV & loved it. I know you and your son will too.
Guqinz
Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this info. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and net and this is actually annoying. A good website with interesting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this web site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.
Linda Malys Yore
Thank you Guqinz for your kind words. At this time I do not publish any newsletters. Maybe someday!
Deana Seigler
You should add Midnight Sun ATV to your list of things not to miss in Fairbanks. It is a 30+ mile round trip that stops at two peaks with beautiful views. We’ve done their tour twice!
Linda Malys Yore
Thank you very much for this suggestion.
Vikrant Jain
Hi Linda,
I am planning to visit Alaska during end of September 2019 with my wife and 2 kids (5yrs and 18months old) for 5-6 days trip. I am planning to fly in to Fairbanks and flying out from Anchorage. I’ll be flying from Pittsburgh, PA. I am looking to visit Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage and Seward. I am not able to plan the itinerary for the trip by covering these locations. Will it be possible if you can help me with the itinerary and what activities can be planned for it with kids. I am planning to drive from Fairbanks to other places.
Thanks,
Vikrant Jain
Linda Malys Yore
This is a wonderful trip you have planned for your family. September is a great time to visit Alaska. When you are in Seward I would suggest going to Exit Glacier. In Anchorage I recommend going to Aleyaka. There is a cute touristy bus in Anchorage that will take you around and show you the town & explain about the earthquakes. In Denali there’s the possibility to see lots of wildlife. For specifics, I would recommend a good travel agent in your area. This will be a great trip. Have fun!
Vikrant Jain
Hi Linda,
Thanks for these details. Need to know one more thing that taking tour of arctic circle and northern lights is almost of 14 hrs. Is it a good option and preferable with 5yrs n 18 months old.
Thanks,
Vikrant
Linda Malys Yore
I am sorry but I am unable to help you with this one! I suggest you speak with the tour operator.
Arthur
Hi Linda. Thanks for the great blog! I am planning to visit Alaska with my 7 year old soon in an RV. How long do you think we should stay to visit all the 7 locations you suggested?
Thanks!
Arthur
Linda Malys Yore
Hi Arthur. Let me start by saying how envious I am of your upcoming trip to Alaska. My family and I were fortunate enough to meander around Alaska several times like you are about to do in our own R.V. How long you stay there depends on how much time you have for traveling. I would suggest devoting 2 weeks minimum if at all possible. Have a great time making memories with your son.
Nicola Lavin
Wow! Alaska is the dream for me and your photos just confirm that.
Linda Malys Yore
I hope you get to visit Alaska!!! It is so spectacular!
Sophie
Thanks Linda for the great itinerary planning. I am planning my second trip to Alaska for next September and am already looking at our itinerary, can’t wait!
One question: Where was the picture inside a glacier cave taken under the Ultimate Alaska Itinerary? That looks so cool to do!
There’s a town that no one really mentions that I visited on my first trip to Alaska and that was Valdez. It’s not the cleanest town by all means with all the dead fishes, but absolutely LOVED the white water rafting I experienced in Valdez, I might go back in September if time permits.
Linda Malys Yore
I am very happy you are already planning your next trip to Alaska. I loved Valdez as well. It was very clean when we visited. Happy planning!
Jenn
Wow! So many great tips! I need to get back to Alaska. We went to see the northern lights a few years ago, but it was sadly too overcast to see anything for the entirety of our stay. We had a great time otherwise. Loved the wildlife sanctuary you mentioned. .