The Ultimate 7 Day Alaska Itinerary From Anchorage
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Alaska has always been a dream destination of mine, but I’ve also been hesitant to visit because of the sheer size of the state. With an area so large and expansive, it can be tough knowing where to begin your adventure. Luckily, a few months ago I finally visited the Last Frontier and it was honestly way better than I had ever imagined.
This seven-day adventure begins in Anchorage and is based in Southcentral Alaska. It promises an unforgettable journey through some of the state's most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife hotspots, all of which will make your time in Alaska unforgettable. This itinerary covers everything from the towering glaciers of Whittier and Matanuska to the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park. You’ll spend a couple of nights in downtown Anchorage, Girdwood, Seward, and northern Anchorage near Matanuska Glacier.
Whether you plan to spend a week in Alaska or longer, this 7-day Alaska itinerary is a great place to start and includes activities that will appeal to everyone. This itinerary is jam-packed with bucket list activities but I’ve also included some lighter days so it’s the perfect balance. Let’s dive in!
Fly into Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and serves as the perfect gateway to explore the wonders of Southcentral Alaska. As you land at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, you are immediately greeted by the breathtaking sight of the Chugach Mountains, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. Make sure you get a window seat so you can see the unique terrain as you make your descent into Anchorage.
Downtown Anchorage is a short 15-minute drive from the airport and it’s very easy to get a taxi or ride-share service. Additionally, you can take the bus directly to Downtown Anchorage for less than $5 making it the cheapest option available. Rental cars are also readily available at the airport if you prefer to go on self-guided explorations.
Anchorage is the perfect base for exploring Southcentral Alaska. The city itself offers a variety of attractions, such as museums, bike trails, and delicious food, but the true beauty lies in its proximity to Alaska's great outdoors. By having Anchorage be your home base for part of this trip, you'll be perfectly positioned to venture out and experience the natural wonders of this region over the next week.
Day 1: Soak Up Downtown Anchorage
After arriving in Anchorage, check into your hotel and get settled. Anchorage was the home base for most of my trip and there’s so much to do that I recommend everyone spend at least one full day in Anchorage.
Anchorage, Alaska, was established in 1914 as a railroad construction port for the Alaska Railroad, making it a crucial hub for transportation. Over the years, it has developed into the largest city in the state, with a diverse population reflecting various cultural backgrounds. The city is home to historical sites such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which showcases the rich traditions of Alaska's indigenous peoples, and the Anchorage Museum, offering insights into Alaskan history and art.
A couple of my favorite things to do in Anchorage for first-time visitors is to go on a tour around town with Anchorage Trolley Tours and go on a bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. If you have time, you can set off on a trail in the nearby Chugach Mountains. I hiked part of the Powerline Pass trail on my first full day in Anchorage in the Fall and the foliage was absolutely beautiful! At the end of the day, have dinner at the oldest steakhouse in Anchorage, Club Paris, and get some rest before an early morning on day two.
Where to Stay in Anchorage: The Aviator Hotel in Downtown Anchorage
Day 2: Bear Viewing at Lake Clark National Park
Day two is setting the bar high and this was by far my favorite experience in Alaska! Your day will begin early, but trust me, it’s worth it. One of the most iconic things you can do in Alaska is go on a flyover in a small floatplane. These planes can hold 10 passengers and can take you to places like Lake Clark, Katmai, and Denali, they can land on glaciers and even offer guided fishing tours. Today, you’ll experience the ultimate Alaskan adventure - bear viewing at Lake Clark National Park!
Accessible only by small aircraft, Lake Clark National Park provides a remote and secluded setting for bear viewing. This National Park is one of the largest but also one of the least visited National Parks in the United States.
Rust’s Flying Service is based on Lake Hood in Anchorage and they offer two tour options for bear-viewing at Lake Clark. One takes you inside Lake Clark National Park and runs from late July through mid-September. The other tour option takes you to Redoubt Bay Lodge which is just outside the entrance of Lake Clark National Park and runs from June through mid-September.
After boarding the seaplane in Anchorage, you’ll be in the air for a little over an hour before landing at Redoubt Bay. The views from the plane are unreal as the landscape changes below you. Once you land in Redoubt Bay, your group will exit the plane and meet the naturalist who will be your guide for the day. This tour is about 6.5 hours long in total including flight time, giving you plenty of time to be on the pontoon boat with your guide watching bears hunt for salmon along the shore of the bay.
Once you’ve returned back to Anchorage, hop in the car and drive 45 minutes south to the small town of Girdwood where you’ll stay for the next two nights. Before heading to Aleyaska Resort, stop at Double Musky Inn for cajun dinner at a local favorite restaurant.
Where to Stay in Girdwood: Aleyaska Resort
Day 3: Girdwood and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Situated in a valley surrounded by towering mountains, Girdwood is a true gem of southcentral Alaska. This former mining town has transformed into a vibrant ski resort community, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and a range of other outdoor activities year-round.
The highlight of Girdwood is the Alyeska Resort, a luxurious alpine destination boasting incredible views of the Chugach Mountain Range. Explore the resort's numerous trails, take a ride up the mountain in the cable car, or pamper yourself at the renowned Nordic spa. Alyeska just renovated their Signature Rooms and Signature Suites and they’re really beautiful. I stayed in a Signature Suite during my stay and it was one of the best sleeps of my entire vacation!
But don’t worry, you won’t be spending the entire day at the resort. No visit to Girdwood is complete without a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This facility is dedicated to preserving Alaska's diverse wildlife and providing a safe haven for injured and orphaned animals. As you wander through the spacious enclosures, you'll have the opportunity to observe various Alaskan species up close, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The center's knowledgeable staff offers engaging educational programs, ensuring visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the region's remarkable creatures.
In the afternoon, take the Girdwood Shuttle, which is completely free, out of the resort downtown to Girdwood Brewing Company. Order yourself a pint or a flight and find a seat either inside or at their outdoor beer garden with fire pits. They usually have at least one food truck on site every day and they have regular live music in the afternoons during the summer months.
Where to Stay in Girdwood: Aleyaska Resort
Day 4: Whittier Glacier Tour
Located within the heart of Prince William Sound, the small town of Whittier offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to Southcentral Alaska. This secluded community, accessible only by boat or through a mind-boggling 2.5-mile tunnel carved through the mountains, is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking glacier tours in the region.
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the stunning backdrop of towering peaks and the glistening waters of the Sound. Various tour operators offer thrilling excursions that take you up close and personal with the awe-inspiring glaciers that have carved their way through this rugged landscape. One thing that surprised me most is that there are tons of waterfalls. Too many to count actually!
One of the most popular options is a cruise that navigates through the icy waters, allowing you to witness the glaciers from a unique vantage point. As you glide past these massive walls of ice, you'll be mesmerized by their sheer size and beauty, with towering spires of blue and white hues that seem to defy gravity. Two of the larger tour operators out of Whittier offer roundtrip transportation options from Alyeska Resort or Anchorage which are perfect options if you’re not looking to rent a car the entire time.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Lazy Otter Charters offers the opportunity to disembark the vessel and explore areas on foot. You can choose from small-guided tours that are from 4.5 to 8 hours long. The tour I went on with Lazy Otter Charters was about 5 hours long and it was plenty of time. Lazy Otter Charters also offers guided kayak tours through Price William Sound - a truly magical experience if you’re visiting in the Summer months.
Prince William Sound is a very calm body of water so for those of you who are prone to motion sickness, there’s no need to worry about this activity!
In the afternoon, take a scenic drive along the Turnagain Arm, winding toward the stunning Kenai Peninsula. This National Scenic Byway offers unparalleled views of glaciers, waterfalls, and rugged coastlines. Stop at various pullouts to capture the natural beauty and keep an eye out for wildlife, including Dall sheep, bears, and bald eagles.
As you approach the coastal town of Seward, the landscape transforms into a picturesque harbor surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Seward was one of my favorite towns I visited during my trip. It looks like a postcard and the views from your room at Harbor 360 Hotel will have you smiling at all times throughout the day. This charming town serves as a gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park and is the perfect base for your next adventure.
Where to Stay in Seward: Harbor 360 Hotel
Day 5: Kenai Fjords Tour From Seward
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as you explore the Kenai Fjords on a boat tour! Kenai Fjords National Park is a breathtaking area full of rugged coastlines, towering glaciers, and abundant wildlife. It’s a true gem of southcentral Alaska and this experience should be high on your list!
One of the most popular ways to explore the park is by taking a day cruise. These tours depart from Seward's harbor, which is directly outside of Harbor 360 Hotel, and navigate through the fjords, providing unparalleled views of the park's natural wonders. Major Marine Tours offers a few options for different durations. The tour that I was on lasted between 6 - 7 hours and we saw everything from adorable otters, a colony of sea lions, multiple glaciers, and of course, the beautiful fjords. Depending on the time of year you visit you may even see Orca whales or Humpbacks!
If you're prone to getting seasick, make sure you bring some motion sickness medicine with you. The seas can be rough at times and they were very rough the day we went out and a few people in my group unfortunately felt the effects.
Each tour comes with non-alcoholic drinks and lunch, and there are alcoholic beverages available to purchase on board. The vessel holds about 40 guests and there are comfortable seats inside for everyone and an ample amount of outdoor seating as well. It does get chilly on board so be sure to bring an insulated jacket to help block the wind and keep you warm.
Seeing the Kenia Fjords is truly unforgettable and worth seeing even if you only go out for half a day. I loved seeing how much the terrain changed as we went further out into the peninsula. The fjords themselves look like they’re from the Jurassic Park era! One of my other favorite parts of the cruise was seeing fragments of ice floating in the water as we pulled up to a tidewater glacier. People of any age will be in awe!
Where to Stay in Seward: Harbor 360 Hotel
Day 6: Matanuska Glacier Hike
On day six, you’ll depart Seward and head back up north to an area just above Anchorage where Matanuska Glacier is located. The Matanuska Valley offers a unique hiking experience that should not be missed during your visit to Southcentral Alaska. This mighty river of ice, spanning over 27 miles in length and 4 miles wide, is a true testament to nature's raw power and beauty.
One of the most popular ways to experience Matanuska Glacier is by going on a guided small-group glacier hike. The hike itself is relatively moderate, with a guide helping you navigate the rocky terrain. As you approach the glacier, the landscape transforms into a surreal world of ice and rock, with towering seracs (ice formations) and deep crevasses that will leave you mesmerized. I almost felt giddy when we arrived at the glacier. It’s an experience that I’ve never had before and might not ever again. For the more adventurous travelers, you can book a guided ice climbing tour where you can experience the glacier from new heights and angles.
After having some fun on the ice, stop at Long Rifle Lodge for a meal with incredible views. Once your bellies are full, make your way south toward Anchorage to your secluded private chalet for the night. BlueWater Basecamp has newly constructed private chalets in the wilderness just an hour and a half south of Matanuska Glacier and there’s no better way to spend your last night in southcentral Alaska. Grab some groceries on the way and after you arrive, relax and cook a homecooked meal for dinner, and try your luck at seeing the northern lights.
Where to Stay Near Matanuska Glacier: BlueWater Basecamp
Day 7: Depart Anchorage
Your last day of the trip will be spent at your own pace depending on when your flight is departing Anchorage. Have a peaceful morning at BlueWater Basecamp before checking out and making your way back toward Downtown Anchorage. Have lunch at 49th State Brewing and choose an activity that you weren’t able to do on day one like the Anchorage Trolley Tour, Anchorage Museum, or Alaska Native Heritage Museum. Afterward, head back to the airport to return your rental car and check-in for your flight.
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Alaska?
For this itinerary, I would recommend renting a car on day two after the flyover to Lake Clark and keeping it for the duration of your time in Alaska. Renting a car is the easiest option and gives you the most flexibility with your time. However, you can take the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Girdwood, Whitter, and Seward and book taxis and tours to cover the distance in between. Another option would be to book a private tour through a tour operator such as Salmon Berry Travel. This woman-owned, sustainable company is really amazing and offers both small-group guided tours and custom multi-day tours.
Visiting Alaska was a dream come true for me and I hope it is for you as well! Whether you’re staying a long weekend, a week, or even two weeks, the adventures are endless and there is so much to experience in this magical state. From the rugged coastal fjords and tidewater glaciers to the vast wilderness teeming with bears, this itinerary showcases the region's extraordinary natural beauty - and this is just one region of Alaska! Next time I visit Alaska I hope to go to Denali National Park, Katmai National Park, Sitka, and Wrangell-St Elias National Park! I hope that you find this 7 day Alaska itinerary helpful and I can’t wait to share more adventures with you soon!
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
