Ultimate 7-Day Alaska Itinerary

Alaska is home to some of the most jaw-dropping, awe inspiring, crazy, beautiful scenery I have ever seen. The vast, untouched beauty is something that sets Alaska apart from anywhere else in the entire world. You could spend months exploring The Last Frontier and still feel left wanting more. However, it is possible to hit the highlights in just one week- and I’d recommend you make it happen. You won’t be disappointed! Here is my ultimate 7-Day Alaska Itinerary!

Read More: 15 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Alaska

Day 1: Exploring Anchorage

On your first day in Alaska, take some time to ease into the scene (and time zone) by exploring greater Anchorage! Anchorage is the largest city in the state and is a perfect place to launch your Alaskan adventure.

Start your day just outside of downtown Anchorage at Earthquake Park to watch a spectacular sunrise. Park at the main lot and take a short walk down the path to this viewpoint for sweeping 180 degree views of the Knik Arm, downtown Anchorage, and the surrounding mountain ranges. The sun will slowly creep above the horizon to your right (behind the city) and illuminate the mountains. On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Denali in the distance!

Tip: Moose frequent this area, and are especially active at dawn and dusk. Keep calm and from a safe distance and they will not bother you.

Once the sun has risen on your Alaskan trip, make your way to downtown Anchorage for breakfast at Snow City Cafe. This is one of the best places in town for both locals and tourists. Everything on their menu is solid, but make sure you order the Milky Way Mocha to drink. I still drool thinking about it!

After your breakfast, make your way on foot throughout downtown Anchorage to explore. A few blocks away is the Log Cabin Visitors Center, which is Anchorage’s tourism office. I always recommend visiting the tourism office when you are in a new city. After all, it’s their job to service tourists! You can find unique things to do and even save a bit of money doing so. Here, they also offer a narrated trolley ride through the city that you can go on to learn and see more. One of my favorite stops downtown was at the Greetings From Alaska mural- a shot that is just begging to grace your Instagram Feed! Here is an exact pin to the mural.

After some urban exploration, make your way to 49th State Brewing for some drinks and apps. This iconic brewery is located right downtown and is an easy walk. If you can, I’d highly recommend making a reservation (even if you’re just going in for drinks). This place is popping all the time and even a seat at the bar is hard to come by. It’s worth it though, as all their beer is locally brewed and the ambiance is perfectly Alaska.

Next, make your way slightly outside of the city to Kincaid Park to watch the sunset. Kincaid Park is an old military base that was transformed into a park, and offers sweeping views of the water and surrounding mountains. Slowly watch the sunset over the mountains and – if you’re like me – enjoy some plane spotting. Just like at Earthquake Park, Kincaid is frequented by many moose! Keep a sharp eye out, as they are most active at dusk and dawn. If you find yourself still hungry, make your way over to Moose’s Tooth Pizza for a great pie and end to the day. The perfect start to your Alaskan adventure!

Day 2: Road Trip South of Anchorage

Day 2 of your Alaskan trip will have you exploring south of Anchorage. After sunrise, time to hit the road down Highway 1. This drive will take you out of Anchorage and hugs the coast for about 40 scenic miles. Be prepared for lots of pulling over to take pictures- each mile gets more and more beautiful as you ride the coast and drive into the Chugach Mountains.

Beluga Point

Only about 25 minutes down the road was my absolute favorite viewpoint: Beluga Point. This site is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and for a good reason- the views are spectacular. There is a large parking lot with easy access across railroad tracks and down to the coast. Large rocks jet out of the water and create hidden beaches and coves to walk on and explore. Whale watchers flock to this point during the summer months (July/August) as beluga whales make their way through the Turnagain Arm for salmon feeding. Belugas are hard to spot though, so keep a sharp eye.

Girdwood and Alyeska

After some views on the coast, hit the road back down Highway 1 into the town of Girdwood. This picture-perfect ski town is a great stop for some fuel (both for the body and car)! In the summer and fall, the Alyeska Resort offers aerial tram rides to a 2,300′ elevation. Views for days! No need to book your tickets ahead of time. The tram runs every fifteen minutes, and is about a 4.5 minute ride to the top. We visited in the fall (late September) and were lucky enough to have about 13″ of fresh powder waiting for us at the top! Venture over to the Roundhouse for 360 degree views of the mountain and resort. There are even a couple of restaurants at the top, one being fine dining!

Byron Glacier

Back on the road, and about a 25 minute drive from Alyeska, is Byron Glacier. This very easy 1 mile hike is a spectacular addition to your day! Park at the main lot here and start your walk down the gravel path. While it’s only a mile, you’ll want to budget for about an hour each way to leave time for photos and to appreciate the view!

Once you get to the end, there is a small area with benches to rest and enjoy the scenery. You can walk out onto the rocks to the glacier and watch the river run underneath it. More adventurous travelers continue on – literally up the mountain – to the ice caves. From the pictures I’ve seen, it looks incredible, but you will definitely need to be an advanced hiker with special equipment. We were totally fine enjoying the views from the base. They were worth it!

Read More: A Chubby Girl’s Guide to Hiking Byron Glacier

Whittier Tunnel

After your hike, just a few minutes down the road is the famous Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This tunnel connects Portage to the small fishing town of Whittier, and is a really cool thing to experience. This tunnel is one lane only, and is shared between traffic and a train! Meaning, you drive through literally on top of train tracks. How often can you say you’ve done that?!

Because it’s only one lane, the tunnel is on a very tight schedule. They have to account for traffic going each way, plus the train in each direction. Click here for the schedule for both winter and summer. This is something you’ll absolutely want to plan ahead for, as if you miss your time by just a couple minutes you will be stuck waiting for up to an hour!

Once you get to Whittier, there isn’t a ton to do. In fact, we just spent a few minutes driving around before we drove back through the tunnel to take advantage of the open time. There are some great cruises and hikes you can take in the summer, so plan ahead if that’s what you’d like to do!

Back to Anchorage

After a once-in-a-lifetime drive through the tunnel, it’s time to make your way back to Highway 1 back up to Anchorage. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is located right at the intersection back onto Hwy 1- you can’t miss it! Unfortunately, we did not plan our time well this day and we didn’t have an opportunity to visit. We were bummed, as just about everyone we talked to told us this was a must-do! Their hours are limited, so plan ahead if this is something you’d like to add to your day. The conservation center is home to tons of animals that are native to Alaska, all that are being rehabilitated in hopes of releasing them back into the wild. We’re talking bears, moose, reindeer, bison, caribou, and so much more! This is a great chance to learn about these animals and see them up close.

Continue back up Highway 1 to Anchorage where you can call it a night and rest up for the next day in Alaska!

Read More: Ultimate Day Trip from Anchorage, Alaska

Day 3: Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park

On day 3, make your way down to the small fishing town of Seward, about 2 and a half hours south of Anchorage. Another day with a lot of driving, but as with everything in Alaska, it’s worth it! You’ll drive back down Highway 1, through the Chugach Mountains and then through the peninsula before you come across the small town. Seward is the jumping off point for tours into Kenai Fjords National Park. There are a few vendors that offer tours, but we went with Kenai Fjords Tours and did their National Park Tour. We were not disappointed! Try to arrive about an hour and a half before departure and grab a quick bite at the Lighthouse Cafe and Bakery directly across the street.

Tip: Use the bathrooms in the gift shop before you board the boat! Trust me.

After boarding, you’ll set sail out of Seward and into Resurrection Bay. The views are beautiful. Like, stupid beautiful. Everywhere you turn there are mountains (some capped with snow) jetting out of the water. You’ll lose cell service almost immediately and will be completely out in the wilderness. Along the ride, the captain will come on the loudspeaker with tons of information about the park and the land surrounding it. You’ll get a rundown of the day while you kick back and enjoy the ride. They’ll even serve you lunch!

After a couple hours of cruising through the bay doing some wildlife spotting, you’ll arrive at the star of the show: Aialik Glacier. While you’ll pass a few other (smaller) ones along the way, this one is the granddaddy of them all. The glacier is over 3 miles wide and is constantly moving. We were lucky enough to catch a few glimpses of pieces falling into the sea. Keep your eyes peeled for that, because it happens fast (and is truly a sight you don’t want to miss). The boat will stop at Aialik for about a half an hour, giving everyone plenty of time for photo ops. This is the time to make sure you have your camera charged and ready to go- truly spectacular!

Tip: You’ll likely be chilly on the entire ride, but especially at Aialik Glacier. Bring plenty of layers, even in the summer!

On the sail out of Seward, you may be lucky enough to do some wildlife spotting! We were greeted by a pod of porpoises that loved coming up and playing with the boat. They behave just like dolphins do, but fun fact: they’re actually more closely related to whales than dolphins. The more you know! We were then greeted by 3 orca whales! These creatures are absolutely magnificent and it is so surreal to watch them out in the wild. The captain was very patient and let us watch until we all got our fill. It was such an unexpected highlight of the day!

On the ride back to Seward, you may get lucky enough to stop at one final location: Spire Cove. I say that because a few factors had to align for this to be possible. First, because everyone had boarded the boat on time, our tour left about 20 minutes early so we had a little extra time. Second, we had heard that stopping at Spire Cove is not on the formal itinerary for this tour and is by request only. If you want to see this- let the captain and crew know early on! Spire Cove is another place for the ultimate photo op. If you get lucky enough to have as skilled of a captain as we did, he will also carefully drive the boat’s bow into a cave that is next to the spires. Get to the front of the boat when that starts happening!

After a long eight hour day on the water, you’ll make your way back to Seward where you can get your land legs back. Before you make the long drive back to Anchorage, grab a quick bite across the street at Alaska Seafood Grill. It was a very casual, order-at-the-counter type of place. We had our food quickly and were back on the road within the hour. What an incredible day!

Read More: Kenai Fjords National Park: A Day on the Water

Day 4: Exploring North of Anchorage

After a couple days of long drives in the car, it’s time to take things a little slower and stay local! Within about a half hour of downtown Anchorage you will find two hikes out to spectacular waterfalls. Both are relatively easy hikes (I did them and I am wildly out of shape), with million dollar views.

South Fork (Barbara) Falls

South Fork (Barbara) falls is an easy out-and-back trail that follows the Eagle River out to a waterfall. The coolest part about Barbara Falls is that there are two options: an upper and a lower trail. The upper will – unsurprisingly – take you to the top of the falls, while the lower trail goes along the river to the base. Whichever trail you choose, it’s a quick hike. Each are about 1/2 mile (or 20-30 minutes) each way.

The trailhead is found by clicking here, right at the end of Ken Logan Circle. At the very end of the street, you’ll see several No Parking and Tow Away Zone signs. Don’t worry- you’re in the right spot! These signs only apply to the end of the street where the turnaround is. Circle back up the street just a bit and park on the right side of the road along the wooden fence. Just make sure you pull off the road as far as you can.

To access the trailhead, make your way back to the end of the road. You’ll see a gate with Private Property signs, but access to the trail is allowed if you pass the gate and stay on the trail. Only about a 2-3 minute walk down this path, you’ll arrive at the River Bridge. It’s here where you have the choice between going to the top of the falls, or walking the path along the river to the base. We actually ended up doing both trails and found each to be uniquely incredible!

Upper Hike

The upper hike is the easier of the two trails and will lead you up to a viewpoint of the falls. The grade is gradual, and really not steep at all. The trickiest part was there were a few trees down that crossed the entire path. The path is gravel and easy to navigate over. Once at the top, there is a small viewing area with a guardrail. Once at the top, please stay behind the guardrail. After a period of rain or snow, it can get very slippery and it is a very steep drop down!

Tip: Don’t get lost like we did! At the fork immediately following the bridge, stay right! There is a small sign nailed to a tree that we missed. Going left will lead you nowhere down a long private driveway.

Lower Hike

While the upper hike is the more formal trail, it’s the lower hike that is the real star of the show! Access to this trail is much more hidden, but once you find the trailhead you are set. Right before you cross the bridge (about 3-4 minutes from the parking area), there are a few natural steps down to the river. As you’re approaching the bridge, they are on your right side directly before the first post of the bridge. The trail then follows the Eagle River for about a half mile to the base of the falls.

This trail requires more athleticism and balance, as it is less of a “trail” and more of a “clearing where a lot of people have walked”. After a period of rain or snow, it can get muddy and slick. There are times where you have to walk over roots, and even one small section where there is a rope to help bring you up a few steps over a tree. It’s there if you need it, but I grabbed onto the nearby trees for balance instead. As you arrive to the falls, there are tons of rocks to walk on. You can get pretty close to the falls!

The trails to the falls are actually located on private property, but an agreement with the landowners allows public access on the trails. Please be respectful and stay on the trails!

Read More: A Chubby Girl’s Guide to Hiking South Fork (Barbara) Falls

Thunderbird Falls

After your time at Barbara Falls, hit the road and drive about 20 minutes north to Thunderbird Falls. Thunderbird Falls is located within Chugach State Park so it’s very accessible and well maintained.

There are plenty of signs directing you to Thunderbird Falls and a large parking lot at the base of the trail. Pay at the self-serve stations and make your way along the path. The path is paved the entire way and less than 2 miles each way. Expect a steep climp to start the trail, but it does level off pretty quickly. A few more hills are sprinkled throughout, but nothing too strenuous. There are plenty of places to rest along the way including benches and scenic overlooks. There is one overlook located about halfway through the hike (here) that suspends over the gorge below. Not for the faint of heart, but a worth it for the view!

At the end of the trail, there will be a viewpoint to overlook Thunderbird Falls. The view is from a distance, but still a magnificent view nonetheless. In the winter, expect the falls to be frozen over (which can be a spectacular view in itself!). There are benches to rest on and take in the view before starting your descent and starting the drive back into Anchorage. A perfect Alaskan day!

Day 5: Denali National Park

Today, it’s back in the car for the ultimate road trip! It’s time to say goodbye to Anchorage and make the 6+ hour drive up to Fairbanks. Of course, one can not make this drive without stopping in the iconic Denali National Park! It’s the perfect halfway stop to let you stretch your legs from the drive, while also giving you the ambition to push through the second half of the drive.

I visited in September 2021, which is shoulder season for Denali. It’s definitely not summer, but not quite the dead of winter. During the peak summer tourism season, you’ll park your car in one of the lot near the visitors center and ride one of the NPS busses through the park. However, once summer ends, the park is open for self-drive as far in as conditions allow. On our day, the road was open for about 19 miles out to Savage River. We were so excited to be able to explore ourselves and not be at the mercy of their bus schedule!

Because we could only drive less than 20 miles into the park before wintery conditions make roads impassable, I can only speak to my experience. However, those 20 miles gave me my fill of beautiful overlooks and untouched nature. When we entered the park, we drove all the way out as far as we could to Savage River. Here, you can access the Savage River Loop Trailhead. This 2 mile loop hugs the river up and back and is a great place to see wildlife. Even in September, the trail was covered in snow so make sure you bring appropriate footwear if visiting in the shoulder seasons.

On the drive back towards the entrance of the park, we enjoyed simply pulling over the car every mile or so to take in the views. Because it’s only a 2-lane road, they have built in plenty of pull-offs for you to park safely off the road. We loved looking for wildlife and just enjoying the vastness of the park. And we only got a small nibble of all the park has to offer!

After your time in Denali, it’s time to jump back in the car and make the drive up to Alaska’s second largest city: Fairbanks!

Read More: 5 Tips for Driving between Anchorage and Fairbanks

Day 6: Fairbanks

Your first day of 2 days in Fairbanks is all about exploring the town and staying local. This will be a welcome rest day after yesterday’s big drive! Start your morning downtown at The Creperie for a casual (and delish) breakfast. Choose between sweet or savory crepes, and then take a minute after your meal to snap a photo of the iconic Fairbanks mural right outside (pictured above)! From there, take the short walk down to the Chena (pronounced chee-nuh) River. There is a flat walking path that runs alongside with lots of informational signs to read and learn about the history of this remote city. Cross over the river at Barnette or Chushman Streets to be surrounded by flags of all 50 states.

A short walk down the river will lead you to Griffin Park. Here, you can snap a picture with the iconic Moose Antler Arch. The arch is made up of over 100 antlers of both caribou and moose and actually started when a 14 year-old boy brought a single set of moose antlers back after a hunting trip. Adjacent to the arch is the Cultural Visitors Center. This free center offers small exhibits and info about the city and its history. There really is so much to learn about this tiny city!

For lunch, I can think of no better place than Food Factory. We had such a blast here that we actually came back a second time! The menu is enormous, and so fun. After you enter your inevitable food coma, no trip to Alaska is complete without viewing the iconic pipeline! About fifteen minutes north of Fairbanks is the Alaska Pipeline View Point. This stop is a quick exit from the highway and really interesting to experience. The pipes are huge, and there is even a small part near the fence where you can touch the actual pipe yourself, which is pretty neat.

For dinner, make your way back into the city and relax at The Banks Alehouse. This was the absolute perfect place to stop after a long, busy day. Plenty of drinks and food options, and it was all solid. Get the chicken and waffles and thank me later!

Read More: How to Spend 2 Days in Fairbanks, Alaska

Day 7: Chena Hot Springs

About an hour outside of Fairbanks, you’ll find the remote resort of Chena Hot Springs. This isn’t just a tourist trap- a lot of the stuff here is genuinely cool, and deserves one of your 2 days in Fairbanks!

Tip: Book every activity well in advance if you plan on visiting Chena Hot Springs!

The Aurora Ice Museum at the resort is probably the most tourist-trappy attraction at the resort, but at only $15 per person, it’s not a huge indulgence.  The museum is open for tours only, and they must be booked ahead of time online or at the activities center. There are tons of sculptures inside, but the best part of the ice museum is the ice bar! You can order yourself an Appletini in an ice glass!

As the name would suggest, there is also a natural geothermic hot spring that you can soak in! When we visited, the water temperature was just shy of 106 degrees Fahrenheit! A springs/pool pass will run you $15 per person, but it is valid for the entire day so feel free to come and go as you please. In addition to the hot springs, there is also an indoor pool and hot tub, and another outdoor hot tub. Funnily enough, we actually went into the outdoor hot tub to cool off after the springs. 99 degrees never felt so good!

Chena Hot Springs is also one of the best places to view the Northern Lights in Fairbanks! The Aurora season runs from mid-August through mid-April and as long as you have relatively clear skies, you should be able to see the dancing display! The Aurora tours book up quickly, so you’ll want to book at least a few weeks ahead of time. The group leaves from the activities center at 9:30 pm and returns at about 3:00 am. It’s a long night, but so worth it! There are yurts to warm up in that provide snacks and hot drinks. When the aurora starts dancing, the guides will notify the people inside the yurt so you never miss out on a great show!

When the tour returns early in the morning, make the hour drive back to Fairbanks (have some coffee on hand!). What a way to end the perfect Alaskan vacation!

Read More: How to Spend a Fall Day at Chena Hot Springs Resort

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