Start your Alaskan adventure in Anchorage, the heart of the state. See the wildlife and local history at the Anchorage Museum or hike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail with amazing views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
Head north to Denali National Park, home of the highest peak in North America. Enjoy a scenic bus ride through the park to see moose, grizzlies, and caribou. Hike the trails for close-up views of glaciers and breathtaking scenery.
Visit Fairbanks, home of the northern lights. See the Aurora Borealis at the Alaska Science Center or take a dog sled ride with a local musher. Take a dip in the hot springs or learn about the gold rush history at the Museum of the North.
Drive the Dalton Highway, an isolated road that stretches from Fairbanks to the Arctic Ocean. See the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, cross the Yukon River, and witness the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Stay overnight in Coldfoot.
Travel to Valdez, a small town nestled in the mountains and known for its fishing and glaciers. Take a glacier cruise to see sea otters, whales, and puffins up close. Hike the Keystone Canyon Trail to Bridal Veil Falls for stunning views.
Visit Kenai Fjords National Park to see glaciers, wildlife, and the Harding Icefield. Take a boat tour to see humpback whales and orcas, or kayak in the fjords for a unique experience. Hike the Harding Icefield Trail for a challenging but rewarding adventure.
End your trip in Seward, a charming town with views of Resurrection Bay. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center to see marine life up close, hike the Mt. Marathon Trail for great views, and dine on fresh seafood at local restaurants.
Travelers can rent a car in Anchorage to drive to Denali and other destinations. The Dalton Highway requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle and careful planning for fuel and provisions. Flights are available from Fairbanks to Valdez and from Seward back to Anchorage. Estimated travel costs for the trip are $150-300 for car rental, $400-500 for gas, and $200-500 for flights.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Matanuska Glacier or the Kodiak Island Archipelago. If you have less time, skip the Dalton Highway or Kenai Fjords National Park. It can be chilly even in the summer, so bring warm layers and rain gear.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the main airport in Alaska with connections to major US cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York. It is located 6 miles south of Anchorage city center. The airport in Fairbanks is Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), located 5 miles southwest of downtown Fairbanks. The airport in Valdez is Valdez Airport (VDZ), located 3 miles east of downtown Valdez. Seward has a small airport, Seward Airport (SWD), but flights are limited.