Exploring Alaska in two weeks presents a multitude of options, but this carefully crafted itinerary is tailored to showcase the state's major highlights while optimizing travel time between destinations.
Whether you're looking for a standalone two-week adventure or seeking to complement a southeastern Alaskan cruise or ferry excursion, this road trip is an ideal way to experience the essence of Alaska. It strikes the perfect balance between adventure and efficiency, ensuring you get the most out of your Alaskan journey.
Before You Start
This itinerary is designed with car travel in mind, providing access to each destination efficiently. While public transportation is an option, it may result in longer travel times and potentially higher costs. Additionally, the time estimates provided are based on summer conditions. If you're planning this road trip outside of the summer season, consider allowing extra driving time or possibly omitting a few stops.
The journey starts and ends in Anchorage, facilitating round-trip flights from Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC). Many cruise trips also commence or conclude in Seward or Whittier, often including transportation to Anchorage. This makes it convenient to embark on this itinerary in conjunction with a cruise.
Car Rental Suggestions
Standard Car Rentals: Companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz offer reliable vehicles and rentals are available directly in the airport. If you are traveling during the summer, be prepared for costly rental rates and reserve ahead of time.
Turo: For a more personalized experience, Turo offers a variety of vehicles rented out by locals. This option can often be more economical and offers a chance to drive a car well-suited to Alaskan conditions, with additional perks sometimes included, such as a state park pass or camping gear.
Alaska 4x4 Rentals: Alaska 4x4 Rentals provides vehicles equipped to handle rugged terrain, giving you the confidence to explore more remote areas. If you plan on exploring the miles of off-roading and gravel highways in Alaska (such as the Dalton and Denali Highway), you will need to rent specifically from a company permitting off-pavement travel.
The Ultimate 14-Day Alaska Adventure
Day 1-2: Anchorage
Anchorage is the perfect introduction to Alaska, offering an easily accessible mix of culture, history, and nature. It's a place where you can enjoy a bustling downtown by day and witness the northern lights by night.
The city's proximity to the wilderness makes it a perfect starting point for outdoor activities, while its cultural institutions provide a deep dive into the rich history and art of Alaska. Anchorage also serves as a culinary hotspot, where you can savor fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
- Explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
- Sample fresh seafood and local cuisine.
- Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions like Eagle River or Chugach State Park.
Day 3-5: Denali National Park
How to Get There: A 4 to 5-hour drive from Anchorage.
Denali National Park is a marvel of unspoiled nature, home to North America's highest peak. This vast park offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, with grizzly bears, moose, and caribou roaming freely. The landscape varies from low-elevation taiga forests to high alpine ranges, offering breathtaking views and a variety of hiking trails.
Things to Do:
- Take a wildlife spotting bus tour in the park.
- Hike trails of varying difficulties and length.
- Experience a scenic flight tour around Denali Mountain
- Attend a dog sled demonstration at the park kennels
Day 6-7: Fairbanks
How to Get There: Approximately a 2-hour drive from Denali.
Fairbanks, with its unique geographical location, offers a blend of native Alaskan culture, gold rush history, and modern-day adventures. Known for its extremes of light - the midnight sun in summer and the aurora borealis in winter - Fairbanks is a city of contrast and diversity.
The city's location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Arctic, and its rich cultural scene includes museums, native art, and summer festivals. The surrounding hot springs and river offer a natural escape from the urban setting.
Things to Do:
- Explore the University of Alaska Museum of the North.
- Relax at the Chena Hot Springs Resort.
- Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.
- Take a riverboat cruise or a guided canoe adventure down the Yukon River
- Take a northern lights tour (only available in the fall-spring)
- Visit a reindeer farm.
- Book a guided tour up to the Arctic Circle
Day 8-9: Valdez
How to Get There: A 6-hour drive from Fairbanks.
Valdez is known for its remarkable fjords, glaciers, and waterfalls. It's a town that has overcome natural disasters and emerged as a key destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The area is not only a visual treat but also a haven for activities such as fishing, kayaking, and glacier hiking. The town's history, particularly regarding the 1964 earthquake and the oil pipeline, adds an educational aspect to its natural allure.This coastal community is a perfect blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, set in a dramatic landscape.
Things to Do:
- Go on a glacier and wildlife cruise.
- Visit the Valdez Museum.
- Engage in outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
- Take a boat tour to explore the fjords.
- Go waterfall viewing around town.
- Go bear viewing at the local hatchery.
Day 10: Whittier
How to Get There: Take the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry from Valdez, a journey offering breathtaking coastal views. Be sure to plan your trip around the ferry’s schedule, which changes depending on the time of the year. Alternatively, you can drive, but this will take an additional few hours.
Whittier, a small town accessible by a unique tunnel through the mountains, is a hidden gem on Prince William Sound. Known for its glaciers and wildlife, it's a quiet place with a significant WWII history. The town is a gateway to glacier cruises and sea kayaking adventures, offering a glimpse into Alaska's coastal wonders and marine life.
Things to Do:
- Take a glacier cruise in Prince William Sound.
- Explore the Portage Glacier.
- Learn about the town's WWII history.
- Enjoy sea kayaking and fishing.
- Take a guided jet ski tour of the local glaciers (summer only).
Day 11: Seward
How to Get There: About a 1.5-hour drive from Whittier.
Seward is a picturesque port city located at the head of Resurrection Bay. It's a gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, known for its abundant marine life and glacier viewing opportunities.
The city's rich history is reflected in its historic downtown, and the Alaska SeaLife Center offers a closer look at local marine species. Seward's natural beauty, combined with its cultural and historical significance, makes it a must-visit destination.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center.
- Explore Kenai Fjords National Park by boat.
- Kayak in Resurrection Bay.
- Wander through the historic downtown area.
- Hike to Exit Glacier.
- Book a whale tour (summer only).
Day 12: Homer
How to Get There: Approximately a 4-hour drive from Seward.
Homer, situated on the shores of Kachemak Bay, is renowned for its vibrant arts community, breathtaking views, and excellent fishing opportunities. The town's unique character is evident in its eclectic mix of art galleries, museums, and beachside cafes.
Homer's natural beauty is complemented by a friendly and laid-back atmosphere, making it a haven for artists, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Things to Do:
- Take a water taxi to Kachemak Bay State Park.
- Fish for halibut or take a wildlife cruise.
- Visit the Homer Spit for shopping and dining.
- Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching.
- Take the ferry for a day trip to Seldovia.
- Visit the Kilcher Family Homestead,
Day 13-14: Girdwood and Return to Anchorage
How to Get There: A 4-hour drive from Homer to Girdwood, followed by a 1-hour drive to Anchorage.
Girdwood, a short drive from Anchorage, is nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountains and glaciers. This resort town is known for its outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and scenic tram rides at Alyeska Resort.
Girdwood's proximity to Anchorage makes it an ideal final stop, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation before heading back to the city.
Things to Do:
- Take a tram ride at Alyeska Resort for panoramic views.
- Hike in the surrounding forest and visit nearby glaciers.
- Explore the local dining scene.
- Book a spa day at Alyeska Resort.
- Attend one of the many summer festivals in town (check for dates during your visit).
A Journey Through Alaska
This 14-day road trip through Alaska is more than just a vacation; it's an exploration of diverse landscapes, rich culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. But this isn’t the only way to explore Alaska.
If you have extra time, consider spending longer in each area or splitting up your longer driving days, to take advantage of the numerous stops and sights you will be passing along the way. For an extra dose of adventure, pair this trip with a weekend trip over to Katmai National Park or Kodiak Island, to get a full dose of Alaska’s coastal brown bears during your Last Frontier adventure.
