7-Day Itinerary for Alaska in December 2023

1. Day 1: Anchorage
   15 minutes (7.5 miles) from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

   Start your trip by exploring Anchorage. Visit the Anchorage Museum to learn more about Alaska's history and culture. Head to Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a scenic walk and stop by Snow City Cafe for brunch. In the evening, catch the Northern Lights at Arctic Valley.

2. Day 2: Denali National Park
   4 hours and 30 minutes (237 miles) from Anchorage

   Travel to Denali National Park for a chance to see wildlife and stunning views of Mount Denali. Book a guided tour or hike the Savage River Loop Trail. Have a relaxing evening at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge with a hot tub and mountain views.

3. Day 3: Fairbanks
   2 hours and 30 minutes (125 miles) from Denali National Park

   Head to Fairbanks to visit the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center to learn about Alaska's indigenous cultures. Take a tour of the Aurora Ice Museum to see ice sculptures and have a drink at the ice bar. End the day by soaking in the Chena Hot Springs.

4. Day 4: Valdez
   7 hours and 30 minutes (364 miles) from Fairbanks

   Take a scenic drive to Valdez and stop at Worthington Glacier on the way. In Valdez, visit the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive for a look at the town's history. Take a walk along the waterfront and have dinner at The Fat Mermaid.

5. Day 5: Juneau
   8 hours (364 miles) from Valdez

   Take a ferry to Juneau for a chance to see humpback whales. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier and take a hike around the area. Have dinner at The Rookery Cafe and catch a show at the Alaska State Capitol.

6. Day 6: Sitka
   2 hours (98 miles) from Juneau

   Take another ferry to Sitka for a chance to see sea otters and bald eagles. Visit the Sitka National Historical Park to learn about the Tlingit people. Have lunch at the Highliner Coffee Co. and take a walk around the historic downtown.

7. Day 7: Ketchikan
   10 hours (418 miles) from Sitka

   Take a final ferry ride to Ketchikan and visit the Totem Heritage Center to learn about the area's Native American tribes. Take a tour of the Tongass National Forest and have dinner at the Alaska Fish House. End your trip by watching the sunset at Rotary Beach.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting Glacier Bay National Park or taking a dog sled tour. To maximize fun, make sure to bring warm clothing and pack snacks and water for long drives. Other suggestions include visiting the Anchorage Market and Festival, taking a helicopter tour of the glaciers, and trying local seafood.

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