5-Day Adventure and Culinary Experience in Fairbanks

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Fairbanks, Alaska

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sara's Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring Alaskan salmon scramble and fresh-baked pastries.
Located downtown, just a short drive from the visitor center.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fairbanks Visitor Center

Learn about all the wonders of Fairbanks, including local attractions and outdoor activities from knowledgeable staff.
Head north on the Richardson Highway, a 10-minute drive.
USD0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Pioneer Park

Stroll through this charming park showcasing Alaska's history through museums, shops, and attractions.
A short drive back into town will get you there in about 10 minutes.
USD0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cookie Jar

Savor a delightful meal with homemade daily specials and claim one of their famous cookies for dessert.
Roughly 5 minutes by car from Pioneer Park.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Museum of the North

Immerse yourself in Alaska's rich natural and cultural history with engaging exhibits and stunning architecture.
A 15-minute drive from The Cookie Jar.
USD15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at your accommodation

Relax and freshen up at a cozy local hotel before your evening adventures.
Choose any centrally located hotel in Fairbanks.
Varies, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Pike's Landing

Indulge in riverfront dining with fresh fish and meat specialties, capturing the true flavor of Alaskan cuisine.
A quick 10-minute drive from your hotel.
USD40, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Optional: Aurora Viewing

If it's winter, partake in an unforgettable evening viewing the northern lights just outside the city.
Head to the Chena River State Recreation Area, about 30 minutes away.
USD0, 2 hours
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Day 2: Relaxing at Chena Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a complimentary breakfast, preparing you for a day of relaxation.
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Chena Hot Springs

Enjoy the scenic drive, with breathtaking landscapes taxing around 1 hour.
Drive southeast on Chena Hot Springs Road.
USD0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Soak in the Hot Springs

Unwind in the mineral-rich hot springs, surrounded by picturesque views of nature.
Located right at Chena Hot Springs Resort.
USD15, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Chena Hot Springs Restaurant

Enjoy hearty local dishes featuring ingredients sourced from nearby gardens.
On-site at Chena Hot Springs.
USD25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ice Museum Tour

Discover unique ice sculptures and even enjoy a refreshing cocktail served in ice glasses.
Just a short walk from the hot springs.
USD15, 1 hour

3:30PM

Above-Ground Dog Sledding Experience

Experience the thrilling adventure of dog sledding, exclusive to warmer months.
On-site at Chena Hot Springs.
USD125, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the resort

Wrap up the day with dinner, reflecting on your hot springs adventure while enjoying fresh meals.
Dine at Chena Hot Springs Restaurant.
USD30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Return to Fairbanks

Drive back while enjoying the scenic views lit up by the evening sun.
Easy drive back to Fairbanks.
USD0, 1 hour
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Day 3: Adventure in Denali National Park

Denali National Park, Alaska

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up on a satisfying breakfast before your day trip to Denali.
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Denali National Park

Set out for an adventurous drive with stunning views, reaching your destination in about 2 hours.
Take the Parks Highway southward towards Denali.
USD0, 2 hours

10:00AM

Park Visitor Center

Kick off your exploration with an introduction to the park and its features.
Located just inside the park entrance.
USD0, 1 hour

11:30AM

Wildlife Viewing Bus Tour

Join a guided bus tour through the park for optimal wildlife viewing opportunities and scenery.
Book in advance for the tour starting near the Visitor Center.
USD80, 4 hours

4:00PM

Lunch at the Denali Park Village

Enjoy a well-deserved meal after your wildlife adventure, featuring local and sustainable fare.
Located about a 10-minute drive from the visitor center.
USD25, 1 hour

5:30PM

Short Hike at Denali

Take a leisurely hike on one of the shorter trails to immerse yourself in nature.
The trails are easily accessible from the park village.
USD0, 2 hours

7:30PM

Drive back to Fairbanks

Enjoy another scenic drive under the Alaskan sky while reflecting on your day.
Return via the Parks Highway.
USD0, 2 hours

9:30PM

Dinner at The Pump House

Settle down for dinner at this historic restaurant with a cozy ambiance and exquisite menu offerings.
Located in Fairbanks, just off the Highway.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature and Culture

Payson, Alaska

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast at a café near your hotel, filled with local flavors.
Savor breakfast at a local spot.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Payson

Make the scenic drive towards Payson to explore its unspoiled wilderness in roughly 1 hour.
Follow the Parks Highway west to Payson.
USD0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Payson Lake

Enjoy a morning exploring the beautiful Payson Lake with activities such as canoeing or just relaxing on the shore.
Several access points provide entry to the lake.
USD0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a local cafe

Grab lunch at a cozy café with local specialties and a beautiful view.
Find eateries close to the lake.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit a Local Artist Studio

Discover the artistic side of Payson by visiting a local artist’s studio and exploring their work.
Research studios ahead for appointments.
USD0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Scenic Walk in the Forest

Take a walk through the scenic forest trails, appreciating the serenity of nature.
Connecting trails are easy to access.
USD0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Fairbanks

Head back to Fairbanks as you unwind at the end of the day.
Return along the same route back.
USD0, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at the Fairbanks Alaska Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious final meal featuring reindeer sausage and Alaskan crab.
Head to another popular dining spot in Fairbanks.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Departure Day

Fairbanks, Alaska

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel, reflecting on all the memories made.
Savor breakfast before packing.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Alaskan Pipeline

Take a short trip to visit the famous Trans-Alaska Pipeline for some last-minute exploration.
The pipeline is an easy drive from your hotel.
USD0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Souvenir Shopping in Fairbanks

Pick up some local mementos and gifts at Fairbanks' souvenir shops.
Explore downtown Fairbanks shops.
USD0, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Arctic Fox Restaurant

Enjoy a farewell lunch, tasting fresh Alaskan fare that encapsulates your trip.
Just a short drive away.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Return Rental Car and Depart

Return your rental car, concluding your adventure in Fairbanks with memories that will last a lifetime.
Head to the airport, nearby.
USD0, 1 hour
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