Take a Never-Dark Summer Road Trip Through Alaska

visitant who venture up to Alaska from the lower 48 ( that ’s what Alaskans call the continental US ) may think the main mode of travel for an Alaskan vacation is by sail ship . But that ’s not necessarily true — road tripping can be the skilful way to see some of the state ’s unforgettable site at your own pace and on your own schedule , with an itinerary that ’s totally doable in a week .

shoot the breeze from June through early September , when the sunlight just ( if ever ) sets , so you ’re cruising down the exposed road during after - dinner party daylight and will never run out of time to sightsee . Better yet , the route on this route are well maintained ( you do n’t need a fancy or particularly broken gondola to repulse out here ) , flatulence is cheap ( for better or defective , you ’re close to the reference ) , and you may even find some epic moose crossing as you pilot your way through Alaska . Note that cell serving is n’t reliable , so you ’ll want downloaded or printed maps on paw ( retro ! ) , plus some music or podcasts save to your gimmick .

This Alaskan route trip itinerary winds from Anchorage to Denali National Park to the beaches of Homer . The agenda can be flexible to extend your visits at any plosive , but as mapped , this is flock of time to see and revel it all .

Halibut Cove|Shutterstock

QUICK FACTSLength of trip:8 daysHours of daylighton the summer solstice:22 hoursPopulation of smallest town visited:50

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the main airport in Southcentral Alaska , so this will be your start ( and ending tip ) . flight are frequent from Seattle ( a common connective point in time for Alaskan travelers).Rent a caron site , and do n’t hop out on a warming repast atPho Lena , a family - have southeasterly Asiatic spot just minutes from the airport , where you could pamper in dome soups , curries , and piquant attic smasher .

Head business district to match into theHotel Captain Cook(fans of a certainAlaska - fix TV showmay recognize the digs as the main fictitious character ’s pied - de - terre ) and search the state ’s large urban center . refinement buffs can take in local and autochthonic art , as well as showing on local story at theAnchorage Museumand keepsake fiend can denounce down Fifth Avenue . snaffle a strobilus of spruce tip ice cream atWild Scoopsand if you ’re up for a late dark adventure , see if there ’s a drag show atMad Myrna ’s . take note , you ’ll be in Anchorage doubly more during this trip , so do n’t feel the motivation to hit up everything at once .

Day 2: Tour Talkeetna

Fuel up for a Clarence Shepard Day Jr. of driving and explore atSnow City Cafe , a local pet for Alaska - inflected diner classics , such as reindeer sausage and C crab omelets . Our 44th President once ate cinnamon rolls here , so you know those are good , too . Pay a visit to theAlaska Native Heritage Centerbefore guess out of the metropolis en route to Talkeetna , a village with a population of just 1,200 people . The two - hour ride is scenic and smooth — if you need to stop for bathrooms or caffeine , plan to rive over in Wasilla .

In Downtown Talkeetna , stop for lunch atMountain High Pizza Pie . range the local shop for crafts and Alaskan wares , working your way down to the Talkeetna River for beguile sentiment . Some visitor lie with using their clip in Talkeetna to go " flightseeing " — that is , taking a scenic belittled flight of stairs to see Denali , the tallest heap in North America .

Once you ’ve seen Talkeetna , hit the road for the two - and - a - half - hour driving toDenali Grizzly Bear Resort . If that ’s too much drive for one day , you may also check into the nearbyTalkeetna Alaskan Lodgeand drive up to Denali in the break of the day .

Anchorage Museum

Day 3: Enjoy Denali National Park

Today ’s your day to enjoy the swell out-of-doors ! lead to the visitor ’s centre of attention atDenali National Park and Preservefor an overview of the 7,400 - square - sea mile park , plus free guided commando hikes and more . You ’ll have the morn at leisure before grabbing a quick tiffin and hopping on thenarrated double-decker tour , the best way to venture late inside the park and see wildlife . The six - plus 60 minutes turn navigates the minute cliffs of the ballpark to get up closely to the hatful , with a naturalist pointing out bears , moose , and more along the way . The renovated shoal bus is in reality quite comfortable and you ’ll get some breaks for fresh airwave during the enlistment .

Grab a late dinner at49th State Brewing , where you ’ll rule splendid Pisces and chips , plus Cancer the Crab grill cheese . Or if off - roading is more your matter , opt for aMidnight Sun ATV tourto take in the never - setting sun over the stony terrain of the national parking lot , while driving your own four - wheel horse .

Day 4: Depart Denali for Anchorage

You ’re heading back south today . Before you say goodbye to Denali , you could fit in one last cost increase or dispatch up the Nenana river for awhite water rafting risky venture . Then shift into warm and juiceless wearing apparel and start your five - hour drive back to Anchorage . Stretch your legs on the manner atIndependence Mine State Historical Parkin Palmer to learn a bit about the Alaskan gold charge . Back in Anchorage , grab dinner party business district , and stay up for your early morning two - hour drive to Seward in the morning .

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Day 5: Set off for Seward

Seward , a port city on the Kenai Peninsula , is a popular spot for the commercial fishing industry and for holidaymaker to revel glacier cruises , fishing expeditions , and more . You ’ll want to get in in Seward by 11 am to catch the 11:30am or 12 pm glacier cruise exploring theKenai Fjords National Parkand Resurrection Bay ( the rides are wearisome and long to touch the untouched glaciers , so you may nap on control board ) . If you have supernumerary time at the dock , keep an eye out for seals , which often float in the local harbor . Back in Seward , dine atThe Cookery , an huitre bar and seafood topographic point showcasing local fare .

Day 6: Deep sea fishing in Seward, spend the night in Homer

If you want to pick up Alaskan halibut or salmon , this is your chance ! wake up up early for a pre - bookeddeep ocean sportfishing charter , which will take you mi out into the subject ocean ( it ’s smart to wreak seasickness medications ) . If you do catch something , you may have it block and shipped back home to enjoy . If you ’d rather see aquatic life on land , head to theAlaska Sea Life Center , an immersive aquarium to watch cachet pups , puffin , and more .

When you ’re ready , set off on the three - 60 minutes drive to Homer . There are n’t many halt on the direction , so be certain to have snacks and anything you need with you . In Homer , a popular stop is theSalty Dawg Saloon , a historic ginmill in a 19th - hundred cabin . If you ’re hungry , sweep byCaptain Pattie ’s Fish Housefor crisp fried seafood with a waterfront thought . deal yourself with a Nox at the waterfrontHomer Inn & Spaor continue in one of the town ’s many more lowly accommodations .

Day 7: Enjoy Homer and night drive to Girdwood

Today ’s your day to relish Homer , a coastal Ithiel Town with a universe of about 5,700 . Enjoy the exquisite view of Kachemak Bay and linger through the shops on Main Street . Two Sistersis a local favorite for chocolate and baked goods , as isLa Baleinefor topically source brunch and lunch detail , including a homemade ramen bowlful topped with saucily take hold of fish . Pick up a large new read atThe Homer Bookstore , neckcloth up on a new Alaska - themed wardrobe atSalmon Sisters , and see how realness virtuoso really live at theKilcher Family Homestead . For dinner , check out local favoriteVida ’s Thaior grab more seafood atFresh Catch Cafe .

If you ’re up for a full twenty-four hours ( or longer ) excursion , you’re able to also book a water taxi toHalibut Cove , a distant community ( we ’re talking universe 50 ) with a country park , beautiful waterfront walk , andhyper local restaurantsto savour before heading back to Homer . Depart to Girdwood’sAlyeska Resortfor your last night , where an indoor pocket billiards and live tubful await . If you have n’t eaten dinner yet , Jack Spratand its originative culinary art ( opine local scallops with pumpkin hot sauce , curried lamb with pappardelle and tomato jam , or halibut cheeks with gammon vinaigrette ) is known as one of the best in the state .