I was in absolute awe of Alaska’s beauty. We explored Anchorage, Whittier, Seward, and Denali. From the road trips to train rides and glacier cruise, the stunning views of Alaska were endless. We went on a road trip to Denali National Park, experienced the beauty of Alaska on the Alaska Railroad, did a spectacular 5-hour glacier cruise, and more!
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BEST TIME TO VISIT
Mid-May to Mid-September
THINGS TO DO IN ALASKA
ANCHORAGE
ANCHORAGE TROLLEY TOURS
We did a one hour Anchorage Trolley Tour, which departs from the Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Information Center in downtown Anchorage. This 15-mile tour was very informative and entertaining.
ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is an educational and cultural institution for all Alaskans and shares the heritage of Alaska’s 11 major cultural groups. You can catch the free shuttle from the Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Information Center to the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
ALASKA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
Animals come to AWCC for different reasons. Some animals are abandoned at a young age and others are injured in the wild. Due to the amount of human interaction and food being provided on a daily basis, the animals become permanent residents. This is where I got to see a moose up close.
ALASKA ZOO
The Alaska Zoo is located about 15 minutes south of downtown Anchorage and is open year round with extended hours from June 1st to August 31st. During the summer, they offer guided tours, VIP tours and animal feeding experiences.
ALASKA SAUSAGE & SEAFOOD
This is a great place to pick up gifts for your family, friends and of course, you! Alaska Sausage & Seafood is located in Anchorage. They have delicious Alaskan smoked salmon, gourmet sausages, and more!
WHITTIER
ALASKA RAILROAD
The Alaska Railroad is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Alaska. We road the train from Anchorage to Whittier, which is where the 26 Glacier Cruise departs from. It was so beautiful and the train even stopped so we could take pictures of Dall sheep on the mountains. The railroad’s main line runs between Seward on the southern coast of Alaska and Fairbanks, which is near the center of the state. The Alaska Railroad requires check-in one hour prior to departure.
PHILLIPS CRUISES & TOURS – 26 GLACIER CRUISE
If you don’t plan to go on an Alaskan Cruise but would still like to experience the amazing sights of glaciers and wildlife, I would definitely recommend the 26 Glacier Cruise. It is a 5.5 to 6 hour cruise on Prince William Sound, where you don’t have to worry about getting sea sick because the waters are very calm.
SEWARD
SEAVEY’S IDIDARIDE SLED DOG TOUR
Seavey’s IdidaRide Sled Dog Tour includes a 1.5 hour Alaska Dog Sled Tour and Kennel Tour. It is a 2-mile dog sled ride through the Seward Alaska wilderness to the base of Resurrection Mountain and along Box Canyon Creek. It was so much fun!
DENALI NATIONAL PARK
We did a one day road trip from Anchorage to Denali, which took about 5 hours each way. I wouldn’t recommend it but we were limited on time so we decided to do it. The drive actually wasn’t bad as there is nothing like a beautiful scenic drive in Alaska. Just be sure to fill your tank before your road trip. It could be miles before you see another gas station!
DENALI NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTER
It is best to start your visit of Denali National Park at the Visitor Center. They are open during summer only from May to September. Most trails in Denali can be accessed from the center and there are park rangers available to answer any questions you may have.
During the summer, private vehicles are allowed to drive the first 15 miles of Denali Park Road to Savage River or catch the FREE Savage River Shuttle to Mile 15.
MILE 3: SLED DOG KENNELS / PARK HEADQUARTERS
Meet the sled dogs at the Sled Dog Kennels, which is located at the Park Headquarters. This is the first stop of the 15-mile drive and they are open year-round.
MILE 15: SAVAGE RIVER
We did the drive to Savage River with several stops along the way. It is so beautiful and serene. I would’ve loved to stay longer but we had to make the drive back to Anchorage.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at Sheraton Anchorage Hotel, conveniently located in downtown Anchorage and a 15 minute drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).
PLACES TO EAT
SNOW CITY CAFE
Snow City Cafe is a cute brunch spot in downtown Anchorage where you can try reindeer sausage!
GLACIER BREWHOUSE
Glacier Brewhouse is a popular restaurant and brewpub in Anchorage that serves wild Alaskan seafood, wood-grilled meats, and handcrafted ales.
SOUTH RESTAURANT + COFFEEHOUSE
South Restaurant + Coffeehouse is an urban-chic restaurant with a coffeehouse and bar. They are conveniently located 10 minutes from the Ted Steven Anchorage International Airport.
MCKINLEY CREEKSIDE CAFE
McKinley Creekside Cafe is located 15 minutes south of Denali National Park. It is a small, locally owned restaurant that also includes a small boutique Alaskan lodge.
Looking to see more of Alaska? Check out my Fairbanks post below!
Happy Travels!
BK Travel Collage 