Start your trip in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Spend the day exploring the Anchorage Museum, which has exhibits on Alaska Native cultures and local history. Then, head to Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a scenic bike ride or a leisurely walk while enjoying the views of mountains and waters.
Take a day trip to Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can see glaciers and wildlife such as whales and sea lions. Book a guided boat tour or kayak trip to get up close and personal with the nature. On the way back to Anchorage, stop by Girdwood to experience the excitement of the Alyeska Resort, featuring the longest aerial tramway in North America.
Drive to Matanuska Glacier, the largest glacier you can drive to in Alaska, and take a guided tour to walk on the ice. Here, you can see stunning ice formations and learn about the science behind glaciers. Consider stopping by Palmer in the evening to enjoy a dinner at the famous Alaska State Fair.
Drive to Denali National Park, which is known for its diverse wildlife and being home to the tallest peak in North America, Denali. Take a shuttle or a bus tour to explore the park, and make sure to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery. Stay in Healy, close to the park entrance.
Spend a full day in Denali National Park. Depending on your preference, consider hiking some of the trails or participating in some of the ranger-led activities. Keep an eye out for caribou, moose, and even grizzly bears.
Head to Fairbanks, known as the "Golden Heart City." Take a tour of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum of the North to learn about the natural and cultural history of the state, and then visit the Pioneer Park to experience the old-time Alaska. End your day with a relaxing soak in the Chena Hot Springs.
Drive to Hatcher Pass, where you can hike, bike, or fish in summer or ski, snowboard, and snowshoe in winter. The colorful tundra and stunning views of the mountains make this area a photographer's paradise. In the evening, enjoy a dinner at the quaint town of Palmer.
Drive to Valdez, a picturesque town located at the end of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Take a wildlife cruise or a sea kayaking tour to see the glaciers and marine wildlife such as sea otters and puffins. Don't miss a visit to the Valdez Museum to learn about the town's history and culture.
Travel to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the United States. Explore the abandoned Kennecott Copper Mine, hike along the Root Glacier, and marvel at the towering peaks in this remote wilderness. Stay in the nearby McCarthy or Chitina for the night.
On your last day, drive to Kenai Peninsula, which is known for its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. Spend the day at the Kenai Fjords Adventure Center, where you can take a whale-watching cruise or go kayaking. End your journey with a fresh seafood dinner at any of the local eateries in Seward or Homer.
During your trip to Alaska, you will need a rental car to get around. Make sure to plan for the long drive times, as the distances between the attractions can be significant. Additionally, some tours and activities may include transportation, so check with the operator before booking. A full tank of gas should cost about $60, and the rental car will cost about $500 for the 10-day period.
If you have more time, consider adding a trip to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the only wildlife refuge in the US that spans the Arctic Circle. If you have less time, consider skipping Fairbanks and Hatcher Pass. Airline travel, even within the state of Alaska, is often more expensive than driving, so plan accordingly if you decide to fly.
The main airport in Alaska is the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), located in Anchorage, which offers domestic and international flights. The airport is about 6 miles south of downtown Anchorage and can be reached by a free shuttle service. Another airport option is the Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), located in Fairbanks, which mainly offers domestic flights. The airport is about 4 miles southwest of downtown Fairbanks.