Alaska for Beginners: Ultimate 10-day Itinerary

Morning: Begin your Alaska adventure with a cultural deep dive into Alaska Native history. Both the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Living Our Cultures exhibit at the Anchorage Museum offer an enriching overview of the traditions and history of Alaska’s First Peoples.

Afternoon: Enjoy some mild outdoor adventure. Head up to Flattop Mountain for panoramic views and a short hike or rent a bike to explore the scenic Coastal Trail.

Morning: Travel to Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. While it is faster to travel by road, the scenic beauty of the Coastal Classic train is a great option for people who don’t mind a slower pace.

Afternoon: Choose your adventure in Seward. Join a small-group kayaking tour, embark on a guided fishing trip, hike to Exit Glacier — either guided or on your own — or visit the Alaska SeaLife Center to learn about marine life.

Morning to afternoon: A Kenai Fjords cruise is a must for any first-time visit to this part of Alaska. Whether you choose a group or private tour, you’ll have the opportunity to spot whales, puffins, sea lions, sea otters and bald eagles. If you choose a day-long option, you can also get close to tidewater glaciers.

Morning to afternoon: On your way back north, stop in Girdwood, a resort town nestled in the northernmost rainforest. If the weather is clear, take the aerial tram to the top of Mt. Aleyska for awesome views of hanging glaciers, the Chugach mountains and Turnagain Arm. Those who are up for a challenge can hike the steep two-mile, 2,300-foot ascent to the top and enjoy a free tram ride down. For a less strenuous option, explore the Lower Winner Creek trail.

Evening: Treat yourself to a few hours of soaking in the outdoor hot tubs of Aleyska Nordic Spa and end the day with a delicious dinner at Jack Sprat.

Morning: Visit the Matanuska Glacier, the largest roadside glacier in the U.S. that is over 10,000 years old. Take in views from scenic overlooks or opt for a guided glacier walk.

Afternoon: After visiting the glacier, retrace your route along the Glenn Highway and take the turnoff to Hatcher Pass. Here, you’ll feel like you're on top of the world, surrounded by endless mountain peaks. Take a short one-mile hike on the Gold Cord Lake Trail if weather permits.

Need a relaxing day? The small town of Talkeetna is the perfect place to take it slow. Stroll along the two-block Main Street for some souvenir shopping, chill on the shore of the Susitna River, sample local treats like craft beer and birch syrup or just settle onto a deck with a view and wait for a glimpse of Denali, North America’s highest peak.

Travel north towards the entrance to Denali National Park. Choose from a rafting tour on the Nenana River, a guided hike or visit the sled dog kennels at Park Headquarters. If you want to get as close as possible to North America’s highest peak without having to climb it, flight tours are available for take off just outside the park.

Morning to afternoon: Travel the Denali Park Road to appreciate the vastness of a park that is larger than the state of Massachusetts. Note that private vehicles are only allowed up to mile 15 so you will have to take an authorized bus to go farther. Join a narrated tour to maximize the chance of seeing wildlife and understanding the park’s geology or a more flexible park shuttle bus for independent travelers. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, caribou, moose and – less frequently – wolves and lynx!

Morning: Begin your day at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, where you can explore exhibits on Alaska Native cultures and learn about the history of Fairbanks through the lens of Interior Alaska.

Afternoon: Hop aboard the Tanana Valley Railroad to a guided gold panning experience where you can try panning for gold while discovering the history of Alaska's gold rush.

Evening: Although this itinerary is designed for Alaska's long summer days, if you're visiting Fairbanks from late August onward, you might have a chance of seeing the aurora borealis. Keep track of the aurora forecast and if heavy activity is predicted, increase your odds by booking a Northern Lights tour.

After an unforgettable journey through Alaska's stunning landscapes, rich cultural history and exciting adventures, it's time to fly home with memories that will last a lifetime — and perhaps a desire to explore even more of this vast state.