Adventure in Alaska: A Five Day Itinerary

Start your adventure by heading to Seward and taking a boat cruise through Kenai Fjords. There are several different operators and options to choose from. We chose a six-hour tour from Kenai Fjords Tours that included lunch on board. This was an amazing adventure and we got to see both orca and humpback whales as well as sea otters, bald eagles, seals, and sea lions. Other great options in Seward include the Alaska Sea Life Center where you can learn about all the wonderful creatures you might see on your boat tour. Also nearby is Mile 0 of the Iditarod, located on a beautiful beachside walk next to the center. At the end of the day board the Alaska Railroad to take in the gorgeous scenery on your way up to Anchorage.

Take a guided tour of the city by booking either a Trolley Tour or the Salmon Express. We chose the deluxe Trolley Tour and got to stop at several scenic views around Anchorage and learn about the history of the city and the devastating earthquake of 1964. Learn even more about Anchorage and its culture by visiting the Anchorage Museum or Alaska Native Heritage Center. Don’t forget to spot for a bite to eat at Biscuit Club or 49th State Brewing before making your way up north.

Book a bus tour of Denali to see as much of the park as possible and pray that the clouds stay away so that you can join the 30% of guests to actually see the mountain peak on a clear day. Afterwards take a hike (we chose the Savage River Loop and Mountain View) or visit the sled dogs at their kennels for a daily demonstration. Stop in at the Visitors Center to learn more about the history of the park and its many inhabitants. Then head over to “glitter gulch” for shopping and food. We enjoyed breakfast (and lunch) at The Black Bear and pizza for dinner at Lynx Creek. Full disclosure - you should definitely spend more than one day here if you want to take in all that Denali has to offer.

If you are looking for a secluded retreat, then plan a day at Chena Hot Springs. Located about an hour out of Fairbanks, this isolated resort makes use of the natural hot springs to create geothermal power for the entire property. You can take a tour of their greenhouses and learn more about the geothermal power as well as visit the unique Ice Museum on property. Of course, make time to soak in the hot springs and even treat yourself to a massage. There is a restaurant on site and if you visit in the winter you’ll have a front row seat to the northern lights.

On your way back to Fairbanks stop at the Last Frontier Mushing to meet Alaskan Huskies and take a ride on a cart through the woods. In Fairbanks be sure to visit both the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and the Museum of the North for tons of historical and cultural information. Grab a bite at any number of food trucks, like Bun on the Run and then sit and eat while watching migratory birds at Creamer’s Field. Eat a quick dinner at East Ramp Pizza before taking your flight home.