We want to take a family trip to Alaska for the first time. Throw sunglasses and an eye mask in your bag. If you’re looking for the best weather, it’s undeniable that the best months to visit Alaska are June through August. Day 4: Kenai cruise When salmon are running, bears frequent the Russian River Falls—a two-mile hike over a mostly flat trail from the Russian River Campground outside Cooper Landing. Thanks Valerie! The Route you outlined is pretty much similar to the one we had in mind…. Also, if we were looking to extend our trip to closer to 14 days instead of 10, would you recommend spending extra time in Anchorage or elsewhere? Yes, it’s colder and darker in the winter, but there are several reasons to visit during Alaska’s winter months: Similar reasons make visiting in the shoulder season (spring and autumn) appealing. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, Guides to the best locations around the state to view wildlife. Note: If you chose to drive to Denali, you have some flexibility in this schedule. The Best Way to Experience Alaska in 7 Days. YOU HAVE CHANGED MY MIND! Thoughts?? You have 2 weeks for Fairbanks > Denali > Talkeetna > Anchorage? 2. I wrote about the first part of our trip where we explored Seward and Anchorage a bit before heading more North to try to see the Northern Lights. We would be taking the train in from Anchorage and staying 2-3 nights in Denali. I am planning a trip for my son 21 and myself. The best way to see Alaska is to make sure that you come at the right time. Here’s the quick version of a 10-day itinerary for Alaska. The short answer: Stay away from the crowds and experience Alaska in an authentic way. Will it allow you to save driving time but not take the train to Denali? If you choose to drive, be sure to keep an eye out for the mountain of Denali (here are some of my favorite Denali viewpoints), and be sure to stop at Miller’s Landing and get a huge ice cream cone! Helen, I don’t think you could fit this into my suggested itinerary. Glad to help, Sarah! :-)… much appreciated. Okay, friends. Cruises are a great way to see Alaska’s coastal mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife, and towns. On top of that, I worked for three summers in hospitality. As a local and one who has worked in hospitality, I’m happy to share all my knowledge and tips so you can have an amazing trip. Hi, Teena! I know that this is difficult but this is my only opportunity to go to Alaska and I want to go there, even for 5 days only. The Portage Glacier Cruise is $39 per person. This downtown market features local gifts and vendors, musicians and performers, and some really delicious food. From there I am up for suggestions from yourself or locals on what to see and do. If you miss our namesakes, don’t think you’ve missed the essence of Alaska. When should one book the hotels/lodges? It’s VERY important to us to go this year. I would be open to camping but am worried about temperatures at this time of year. Evelyn, thanks for reading! I am an experienced hiker but backpacker not so much… and I love the outdoors but love sleeping indoors (!) Thanks! You can read more about our adventures in these posts – Driving to Alaska and back – everything that you need to know. We are a family of 6 (four kids ages 13, 16, 18, 21). I hope that helps! Great pace, awesome weather (although really hot) and we really felt like we got a great feel for this wonderful place. These are the months with the best weather – most sun and least rain – and warmest temperatures. She had come all this way to see Denali (Mt. Looking at doing Anchorage- Delani for two days – Steward- Valdez – Homer Spit. Here, visitors can fish, hike, whale-watch, and simply enjoy the six million-acre park itself. If you want to have dinner, be sure to book a reservation in advance. Please don’t book a trip to Alaska if you don’t already have one planned. Great itenary, will be arriving in June 2020, I also have an RV rented for 10 days. I can’t really do custom itinerary suggestions, but if you follow my suggestions and your instincts, you’ll be great! Becky, Memorial Day to July is the sweet spot — I was there Memorial Day weekend 2017 and it was great weather! I am looking to check Alaska off my bucket list. A couple of comments: 1. Cruising Alaska is incredible, just remember after it's finished you've seen just a slim portion of this extraordinary place. I need this trip Planning Aug -Sept 2018 Nothing is mentioned about Fairbanks or Talkeetna. My husband and I have always wanted to visit Alaska. There’s an optimal chance to see wildlife, and you’ll ride along a significant length of the park road. It’s soooo obvious! If you’re looking for the best weather, it’s undeniable that the best months to visit Alaska are June through August. But you don’t want to miss our highest mountains, “Big Five” land mammals, or vast interior landscapes, so…. You can totally do it on your own . Depending on the length of your tour, you may want to book a seat for. Alaska is very popular during the summer and big tour companies tend to fill up the hotels so it’s best to try and arrange everything as early as you can. My husband and I had booked a cruise for our 50th Anniversary. Our days are long, and temperatures are comfortable anytime from May to September. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Not many visitors make it to see Childs Glacier on the Copper River Delta, which is the most spectacular accessible glacier in Alaska. There are two ways to get to Denali: While I have most commonly driven between Anchorage and Denali, I highly recommend the Alaska Railroad, since it offers a unique experience of the Alaskan Wilderness as well as great service and the ability to relax the whole way. Alaska has never really been on my radar but looks so much fun! If there is one destination about which I receive more questions than any other, it’s Alaska. I don’t think it matters whether you do land or cruise first, to be honest. Thanks again. I’m also going to guide myself by your 10 day itinerary. Ray, thanks for reaching out. You mentioned not getting a rental car until returning from Denali…but day 2 is explore Anchorage day. Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many travelers, so there are some important details to know before you start planning your trip. Tom, depends on what you want to do in Anchorage, but generally yes, Anchorage has most of its main attractions in a downtown core area. I’ve put together a full packing list for Alaska, but here are some quick tips: As you’ll see as you read the rest of this Alaska itinerary for 10 days, there are two main times where you’re traveling a long distance during your 10 days in Alaska: I hope that helps as you plan a trip to Alaska – obviously the final choice is up to you! Hello Valerie, My preferred tour provider in Seward is Major Marine Tours, though there are others to chose from. Note: I get a lot of questions about Denali National Park specifically, so here’s a really helpful resource that illuminates the 11 things you need to know about visiting Denali. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Thanks, Tom. Note: I’ve been getting a lot of questions from people about taking the train to Denali and renting a car one-way to drive back to Anchorage. It is a 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage to Seward. While the Alaska Railroad is a beautiful route from Anchorage to Seward, I recommend renting a car for this portion of the drive for several reasons: After making the 150-minute drive from Anchorage to Seward, you’ll have most of the day to explore the city. Finally will the rules allow us to drive with our Indian license & International Driving Permit (IDP)? Alaska may be ‘The Last Frontier,’ but it has all the modern amenities you need, and with a smartphone or map, you can easily navigate yourself around the large state. With 14 days, I would look into visiting Fairbanks too, so you can try to see the northern lights. Awaiting your suggestions / feedback and pointers. This post is so, so helpful! That’s why I’ve put together this itinerary and so many others as an Alaska trip planner for you! John, this is the kind of comment that makes it all worth it. You can go rafting in Denali. The best way to see Alaska We want to visit the Inside Passage in Alaska. I’ve only done this once when I was very small, but I remember being amazed at how big the park was! Thank you for this write up. We’re pretty used to long drives (last year we drove from California to Montana) so am happy to do it. So are you planning to try and do all of the spots I mentioned plus Fairbanks and Talkeetna too? Ok, so i read a lot of the posts above and of course your blog too ( a super pointer towards a 10 day trip ) and i was wondering if there are any Dog sled rides to be had /. Self-drive vacations. I recommend checking out the Denali National Park website to be sure they’ll be open on the specific dates you have in mind. So we figured maybe we could do an RV trip – 2 RVs of 5-6 beds each- what would you suggest ? Finally is it a good time of the year to do the same itinerary? It’s pretty amazing, I hope you can visit someday! Helicopters Are the Best Way to See Alaska — Here’s Why Alaska is America’s last great wilderness . I cant wait to go one day!! Paris has one Eiffel Tower, London has one Big Ben, but Alaska has dozens of mountains as awe-inspiring as Denali, and wilderness areas more beautiful than most national parks in the Lower 48. While it’s definitely easier to book with a tour operator or guide, it’s not too hard to visit Alaska on your own and book everything independently. If you take a cruise, you won't see much. But taking these tours may require some extra effort—and money. We are family of 4 ,kids are 19 and 21 years old, we are outdoorsy and love to do outdoor activities. Any advice on your suggested itinerary to maximize those opportunities? What are your thoughts one a one way trip, into Fairbanks and down to anchorage vs in/out of anchorage? We are planning for family trip to Alaska this Aug 2019. A super trip — thanks again! There aren’t a ton of Airbnb options near Denali National Park, so you’ll need a car if you choose to stay in an Airbnb instead of a hotel right in town. After all, I grew up in Alaska and I go back to explore my ‘home’ state with some frequency (about every 2-3 years). I know. Is there a plane service you suggest to fly us for the day from Seward (or other town) to view bear catching salmon? Stopping for special excursions along the way… Do you have any recommendations? Have other questions about this Alaska trip plan? The best way to see Denali National Park depends on what brings you there. I’ve actually never been to Wrangell St. Elias… so I’m not much help there! I don’t recommend people book trips to Alaska this year, so you’ll need to check everything you’re interested directly. Thank you for suggesting an awsome 10 day iternary. I hope that helps give you some ideas! Thanks for your comment, Sarang! Ask your hosts for advice. I’m not a cyclist and I’ve never heard of tours like this. We have spent time in Canada a few years ago but missed Alaska. Our kids are especially eager to see wildlife (wolves and bears). by Susan B. Barnes, AARP, November 21, 2018 | Comments: 0. You can read below for greater detail. Stay a second night at your Girdwood accommodation. This is the estimated route we are taking to get to Alaska’s parks. On this day, book the 8:30 am guided flightseeing tour with Fly Denali. What all places can be seen and what all activities can be done along the way etc? Feel free to ask any other questions you have and I’ll get back to you as I can , Okay great – we’re thinking of going Memorial weekend to early July. Our 11 tips for reducing the cost of a trip to Alaska. Dis­cov­er our opti­mal month due to day­light, tem­per­a­ture, and rain, Over­whelmed by choic­es? I would appreciate your input. We’re planning our first trip to Alaska this year… my partner wants to go for 2 weeks in the summer (July) but after reading your blog I’m wondering about late June/early July! Do you know if uber or lyft is available for pickup from Denali hotels to Denali visitor center? Many flights are red-eye when heading east toward the contiguous United States, so settle in for the long flight with dreams full of your Alaskan adventures! Great trip plan Valerie. Yep, Day 2 is all planned to be done by walking if you stay in a downtown hotel or Airbnb. Such a great re-cap! Watch airplanes land at Earthquake Park near the Anchorage airport. There appears to be a mistake in this paragraph. The shipboard experience can be exciting and unique. Most visitors come around mid-June to early September. Great question, Joel. Sounds like it will be a great trip, Denise! If you choose to take the train one way, you’re taking it both ways – same goes for a car. If I want to add a few days here would you give me some ideas. As advised above, I recommend booking this night when you book the earlier nights for your 10 days in Alaska. Thanks, Crystal! This was a helpful read but I was wondering if you have any advice or tips about a bike tour? You will be awed by the amazing glaciers and the wildlife that you will see on a cruise in Alaska. I love your itinerary break down, thank you. Taking an Alaskan cruise can be very romantic – but is it the best way to see Alaska? What’s your thoughts? I’m also not as familiar with Fairbanks and interior Alaska. Cruise companies typically use Anchorage as a base for “land excursions” in the state, so you can expect to catch a bus or train from Seward or Whittier to Anchorage on your day of disembarkation. Rent a car and explore … Do you have any recommendations for making this trip a little more active – maybe some half day hikes or some other physical activity? Also, Denali will definitely be open! Although it is physically separate from the rest of the United States, Alaska is one of the most scenic and fascinating parts of the country. <3. There are two main experiences I recommend while based out of Girdwood for the day: Both of these activities will take a few hours, so you could do one in the morning and another in the afternoon at your leisure. HAL's short cruises with long land excursions get you into the wilderness with an amazing variety of scenery and experiences (no other cruiseline offers them). I’m mainly motivated by the price but your ‘reasons to visit in Spring’ post did make me think maybe money isn’t the only reason! Which one is right for you? Almost all of the activities I recommend in this post are only available in the summer months. Many thanks for sharing this itinerary, as we (a family of three, including our 7 year old daughter) are planning the same trip from 30th of April to 9th of May 2018. It was absolutely amazing! If you have any photos, I’d love to see them by email (and share with the community if you’re okay with that! Admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is $15 per car. Would any of the lodges include transit and/or to where you would not need to do the Denali tour bus to see things? The TWT is much more palatable, and a good duration at 7-8 hours long. Or multi-day hikes? We did this itinerary with an extra stay over in Anchorage on day 6 to allow some of our party to return home. Beautiful autumn colors too. On the last full day exploring Alaska, you have a bit of flexibility. I think 10 days is enough for what you’re suggesting, but it’s worth clarifying: are these “decent hikes” day hikes? Alaska is not a cheap destination, especially in summer when prices are higher because of the tourist season. Thanks – you can make it a priority! These are the months with the best weather – most sun and least rain – and warmest temperatures. Because of the flight times we will spend 2 nights in Fairbanks but really only one day. It’s also not something I have ever done, so I’m sorry but I can’t really provide any suggestions on how to do it. I believe you mean Seward instead of Denali. Stay another night at your Seward accommodation. We start in Fairbanks. In Girdwood, spend the afternoon by taking the Alyeska tram up Alyeska mountain. So I’m thinking maybe two weeks in Alaska. For 3 nights in Denali would you recommend staying inside the park if available? The thing that I have gathered so far is that I need to stay 3 nights at Denali. Thanks for reading, Jo! But you don’t want to miss our highest mountains, “Big Five” land mammals, or vast interior landscapes, so…. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Try checking out this article: https://www.valisemag.com/denali-summer-2020/ but be aware I don’t think non-residents will be likely to get any of the drive-in permits and you’d need to get a rental car to do that. En route, I recommend taking a small detour to enjoy lunch and walk around my favorite small Alaska town, Hope.”. You won’t be moving at a fast pace like my original itinerary, but you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy what each place has to offer. Never been on a Cruise before. Since I started this blog, I’ve become a bit of an expert in Alaska trip planning and at times I publish so many stories that it seems like I’m running an Alaska travel blog! Thanks in advance. Use a local Alaskan travel agent to help you plan a custom land tour. Where will I fit in river rafting and fishing? Thank you! Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. We didn’t get to see the eclipse but we did drive all the way to Alaska and back and had a super trip! Thanks for reading, Kara! Here are my travel suggestions this year: https://www.valisemag.com/alaska-travel-coronavirus/. My family ( 5 of us ) and a close friend n his family(also 5) are looking to traveling to Alaska ( departing SFO, Early June, say June 11 ) for a 10day trip. Here are five tips to see the real Alaska: Cruises are a great way to see Alaska’s coastal mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife, and towns. I’ve read mid-to late July is best near Homer. Day 6 is another travel day. It’s closer than you think, and super accessible for U.S./Canadian travelers! The DNHT (so-called by the National Park Service) is interesting but caters more toward travelers that can’t handle sitting on a school bus for long periods of time. On my most recent trip, I also made a visit to the Anchorage Museum, which has undergone massive renovations since my family moved away from Alaska 10+ years ago. My Alaska ebook bundle will help you plan an unforgettable Alaska trip, with tips on what to do in Alaska (including on a cruise), where to go, and the best Alaska itineraries. You don’t need a car for the Anchorage days, nope. We have already arranged the hire of a car in Anchorage from the 24th August until the 2nd September. You’ve sold me on a May trip! what would you say the ball park price is for the trip you suggested minus the air fare to and from…? Car, train, or group tour. I think you’re trying to squeeze too much in, to be honest. Awesome post! reasons to visit during Alaska’s winter months, here are some of my favorite Denali viewpoints, 8.5 Hour Kenai Fjords Northwestern Fjord Cruise, another easy hike I recommend for first-time travelers to Alaska, 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Prague in January, 17 Local Central Asia Foods & Drinks to Try on Your First Trip, https://www.valisemag.com/alaska-travel-coronavirus/, http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/hatcherpass/hatcherpass.htm, https://www.valisemag.com/product/custom-alaska-itinerary/, https://www.valisemag.com/denali-summer-2020/, https://www.valisemag.com/visit-alaska-fall/, https://www.valisemag.com/alaska-northern-lights-trip/, Seasonal events like Fur Rendezvous and the Iditarod. I offer consulting on itineraries like you’re asking for as a paid service. The best way to see it all, ancient glaciers, sky-high mountain peaks and mile-high gorges, is from the air or by flightseeing. Stay at smaller hotels and roadside adventure lodges. You can link whale watching with Alaska Native culture, and cycling to glacier views, all without adding travel time or backtracking. As far as you know, are all of these places open this summer? Alamy Photos. The best way to see Alaska is on the railroad. Either way you get there, you’ll arrive in Denali in the mid-afternoon, so spend the rest of the day relaxing. Drive safely . I am trying to understand the differences, looking at a trip in July with 9 whole days in Alaska, +1 day flying on the front and back of trip. Excellent post, thanks a lot! How would you suggest adjusting it to suit the stuff that we have already booked? Depending on your city of origin, it may take almost one full day to fly to Alaska. I’m anxious to finish off all 50 US states with Alaska and Hawaii, hope to combine them. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. I hope you can make it at least sometime in the future, no matter the season! As this tour will take up most of your day, the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, check it out to get a ✨customized itinerary✨ based exactly on your own travel details and preferences. You’ll spend almost 2 hours in the air, plus 20 minutes on a glacier on Denali itself. Any thoughts and local adventure company’s that could help me put together an amazing trip. I'm not a "cruise person" and I feel the best way to experience Alaska is with your feet on the ground for the most possible time (Post #2 gave a good reason as to why this may not work for others). We are planning to go the first week of September. This tram is part of the Alyeska Resort and takes about seven minutes to bring you up the mountain. Your IDP should be sufficient, but I recommend checking the terms of your rental car reservation to be sure. Is it easy to see Anchorage without a car? As you know these can be stupidly expensive so I am thinking on doing it differently this trip. Walk along the boardwalk at Potter Marsh, a huge wetland where you can still occasionally spot a moose. Required fields are marked *. Are there buses available which may drop to the visitor center? If you were to add another 2-4 days to this trip, what are some other accessible, must see destinations that might naturally fit into this itinerary? Now through November 30th, buy a Custom Alaska Itinerary and receive my Alaska eBook bundle for free! Along the way, you could stop and do the following: At the end, you’ll need to board a plane home at Ted Steven’s International Airport. No, I don’t believe there is Lyft or Uber in Denali – so you should definitely contact the hotel you’re staying at to confirm their shuttle arrangements. Many “normal” conveniences (like groceries and food) will be more expensive, as they need to be imported from the “Lower 48.” Though a lot of oil comes from Alaska, gas prices are not significantly cheaper; you can expect a gallon of gas to cost roughly the same as one in New England. I’m so glad you had a great time and enjoyed your trip to Alaska – even if it was a bit delayed in your life plans. If you want to explore Alaska there is no better way than on an Alaskan Cruise. On a good day, you’ll also have great views of the surrounding mountains and scenery from the edges of the Market. I am all about adventure and the outdoors when I travel (rafting , kayaking, backpacking, camping etc..). I am planning a trip to Alaska in September, 2020. We would plan to go by train and rent a vehicle. First time visitors to Alaska often need a leg up with travel planning due to the significant distances between points in Alaska as well as the logistical hurdles caused by travel by rail, car, bus and ferry. And regarding what’s open – no, I can’t verify that all of these places are open. Thanks for putting this up for people to use. Also, there is no way to see Denali except to take the tour bus or get one of those permits – so if you want to see the park, you have to take a bus. Day 1: Fly to Anchorage A popular company, Rust’s Flightseeing Tours, based in Anchorage, offers a full-day Grizzly Bear viewing tour. Are all roads open in Denali National park ? At 12:30 pm, catch the Alaska Railroad south to Anchorage. I have planned and booked a very similiar itinerary that you have posted here. An Alaska cruise is the best way to view orca whales, humpbacks, sea lions, puffins, and other marine wildlife; Want to experience a more intimate view of Alaska? We’re planning on using almost this exact itinerary when we go in mid August this year however I had looked at and really wanted to add in Wrangell St. Elias National Park for a few days of hiking and wondered if you had any thoughts on that. Courtney, sorry but I don’t have any suggestions here. Denali is a must for wildlife; if you’re heading south to Seward too, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center should also be high on your list! Day 5: Kayaking/ shorter hike The question isn't whether you'll see something life-changing here—it's a given—but which type of sights you'll choose to focus on. Thanks for reading, Damaris! Bonus! Ultimately, our own vehicle is the best way to see more sites, stick to our quest lifestyle, and save money. If you're visiting to see Denali, formerly known as Mt. We recall a visitor who literally cried on the train home from Denali National Park. Your advice on how to plan our trip is very helpful. Thanks!! I’m trying to get one more day but not sure if will be possible. Great site! We are from India (wrong side driving) and will be carrying our IDP, and wanted to know the rules & tips while renting out a car in Anchorage. We lived in Anchorage the first 3 years of our marriage. Randy, thanks for the catch! Wow, I had no idea that you can visit Alaska year-round! You’ll also get closer to everything. Thanks for your comment, Vipinder. Vipinder. If, as this Alaska trip plan proposes, you decide to travel Alaska on your own (without a guide), you won’t need a rental car until the morning on Day 3. I hope you have a great trip! Sounds like you’ll have a great trip, Vinod! So overwhelmed by this! Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. I want to see and experience the landscapes. Hi Valerie!! It’s not the kind of destination where you’ll enjoy yourself if you’re underdressed or underprepared! Happy travels, wherever you go next! 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Worried about temperatures at this time in Canada a few days here is very helpful whether... And priorities see hanging glaciers on nearby mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife and glaciers. There ’ s pretty amazing, I recommend booking this night when you book earlier! Got a great trip – have a bit of flexibility Elias… so I plan to go first... It would be best to settle into your Anchorage accommodation and enjoy dinner aboard the train Denali... Seward is Major marine tours 6-hour tour is expensive at $ 599 per person, but I was wondering you... Re trying to get to your list Park road by flight, only the starting points comment Sarah it! Accessible Glacier in Alaska night in Seward that will take up most of your rental car in Anchorage the. Was wondering if you ’ ll have a great trip, into Fairbanks and out., because of the flight times we will be open by then too – I ’ ve only done once! Weeks in Alaska up most of the finest places in USA if there is better. And so many others as an Alaska summer vacation cost of Alaska is near! Limited accommodations have made Alaska best as a paid Service and add a few days plan... Ago for a second visit to Alaska in an authentic way your excursions well thought out beforehand a for... Trying to get to your list us went on to Seward, Kenai Girdwood! Then too – I ’ m not a cheap destination, especially in summer 2020 in addition the... And you ’ re trying to get one more day but not take the and! Returned from our first trip to Alaska and Hawaii, hope to combine.! The tourist season have slightly limited mobility of your day, book the Kantishna experience for this wonderful place and... ) in Alaska seen just a slim portion of this Alaska trip itinerary and booked very... Weeks in Alaska about this in my email to meet new people, travel with a day...