Family Guide to Summer in Alaska

You will definitely want to rent a car, better yet a small suv as Alaska is very mountainous. The beautiful Captain Cook Hotel offers an incredible four-star stay for your time in Anchorage. With views of Chugach Mountains, or Cook inlet, you'll love your first taste of "the last frontier."

There is so much to see around Anchorage, but on day two get in your rental and head north toward the small town of Palmer on your way to Hatcher Pass. Hatcher Pass, the mountain pass that runs thru the Talkeetna Mountains, has stunning views as far as you can see. Here you will find a range of different hikes as well as base jumpers hiking up for that real close up view. My favorite hike here is Marmot Mountain and Fish Peak. This is a two-for-one hike and it is straight up. Its a real climb, but my 12, nine and seven year olds all did it. While your in Hatcher's pass make sure you swing by Independence Mine. Fascinating abandoned mine from the 19th century.

The closest glacier to Anchorage is the Matanuska Glacier. Hop in your car again, and head north on the Glenn highway. About two hours later, you'll end up at Matanuska Glacier State Park. This is at mile marker 102, turn here and head in to the sign that says Glacier access, turn again, drive across the bridge and your at the lodge. The majority of this area is on private land, so don't stray too far. In order to access the glacier you do need to sign a waiver and you can't go on the glacier without a guide. I recommend Glacier Tours on the Matanuska. They accommodate all levels and even winter guides. This is a once in a lifetime tour.

It's time to pack up from Anchorage and head to Homer. A long four hour drive on twisty Alaska roads, break up the day and plan on stopping in Girdwood. This is only about 45 minutes away, but well worth a few hours. This is a ski resort in the winter and beautiful hikes in the summer. Take the tramway up to Mt. Alyeska observation deck, at over 2300 feet the view is incredible. Dress in layers, we were there in July, and my boys had a snowball fight! Once back on the ground, grab a quick burger at Chair Five and head the rest of the way to Homer. You'll drive by the Kenai river. There are loads of places to explore this bluesest of blue river, if you want to stay the night here, fishing guides for the world famous Alaska salmon will take you out right here on the Kenai. Land's End in Homer, right out on the spit is a perfect place to spend the night.

The next morning, grab some pastries at Wild Honey Bistro and head out to Kachemak Bay to explore the low tide. The tides in Homer are some of the most drastic in the world with an average distance of 15 feet, 2 times a day. This is worth walking on. What is it about being by the ocean that helps put your life in perspective? If you have kids with you, let them run and run and if its just you and your partner, enjoy the beauty. Plan 2 nights here if you have time. Homer is known as the Halibut capital of the world. Charter a fishing trip for this afternoon. Later in the day, walk the spit, endulge in some fresh fish and chips and treat yourself to an ice cream cone. Hopefully the weather is nice and you can sit out and enjoy that midnight sun.

The next morning, hope back in the car for the long journey to Seward. Hotel Seward is a warm welcome after a long day in the car. This boutique hotel has been open since the early 1900's and is full of charm and nostalgia. It is also centrally located downtown and just steps from Seward Harbour. Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Taking a cruise tour to the start of the park is defintely what to spend your time on here. This tour will take you to Fox island where you'll most likely see sea lions bathing on the rocks, and then onto the park. This is also a wildlife tour, so I hope you like seeing wild whales. Alaska Collection is a company that I highly recommend. Tours last anywhere from four to eight-and-a-half hours. If it's a nice day, grab an ice cream cone in town after.