I might be biased having grown up there, but Alaska is truly one of the most epic places on earth. It is rugged, remote, filled with wildlife, and suitable for any type of traveler – from the hardcore backpacker to the luxury seeker.
This itinerary centers around Anchorage—Alaska’s largest city that provides easy access to breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. This two-week itinerary guides you through my day-by-day recommendations on where to visit, where to eat, and where to stay. I tried to offer options for everyone, including giving you options for backpacking trips and expensive (but worth it) excursions.
This is the trip I would recommend to my friends. For general tips on visiting Alaska, including packing lists and a deep dive into the various reasons, you can check out this ultimate guide to visiting (and backpacking) in Alaska.
Where To Fly Into?
I highly recommend that you fly to Anchorage. This guide centers around Southcentral Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula, and the Interior. I chose this because it’s the most diverse and accessible of any Alaska region.
Alternatively, you can have an incredible time exploring the islands around Southeast Alaska. If you go this route, expect to spend a lot of time and money flying from island to island. If you want to charter fish, this is the place to do it.
Another option is to fly to Fairbanks. This would be my recommendation if you want to spend most of your time near Denali. However, I included a Denali visit in my two-week itinerary out of Anchorage.
When to Visit Alaska for a Two-Week Adventure
This itinerary is based upon visiting between June through August. This time gives you the best weather and wildlife viewing. You also have extremely long daylight hours giving you plenty of time to explore.
The downside is that it’s also the time with the most tourists, so prices are expensive. Also, there are lots of mosquitos.
August is by far my favorite time to visit, as there are fewer mosquitos and crowds, but the weather is still (usually) good.
Alternatively, a trip during the winter offers an incredible adventure and cheaper prices.
Two-Week Alaska Itinerary Overview
This two-week itinerary takes you through the heart of Alaska’s iconic landscapes. I divided it into two separate regions. During the first week, you’ll explore north of Anchorage before returning south and hitting the Kenai.
Week 1: Exploring Southcentral Alaska
Highlights: Scenic hikes, quirky towns, and jaw-dropping views of Denali. This week focuses on the stunning landscapes and vibrant towns around Anchorage. You can also include an optional backpacking trip.
- Hatcher Pass: Hike serene alpine trails surrounded by blooming wildflowers.
- Denali National Park: Spot wildlife, marvel at Denali, and explore iconic trails.
Week 2: The Kenai Peninsula and Interior
Highlights: Coastal beauty, glaciers, and quaint seaside towns. This week delves into Alaska’s wild coastline and the serene Kenai Peninsula.
- Seward: Experience glacier cruises and marine wildlife up close.
- Homer: Discover untouched beauty in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage
Depending on when you arrive in Anchorage, I’ve outlined a day’s itinerary. You can also check out this extensive guide to visiting Anchorage.
Morning:
- Arrive in Anchorage and check into your hotel or Airbnb.
- Head over to Middle Way Cafe for a nice brunch and check out Tidal Wave Books next door for an amazing used book store.
Afternoon:
- Take a stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for amazing coastal views.
Evening:
- Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Spenard Roadhouse (try their sweet potato tots) or Glacier Brewhouse (king crab!) for a fantastic first meal.
Where To Stay In Anchorage?
Anchorage has a number of hotels you can stay at. I would also recommend checking out Airbnb for cheaper options. Prices are high in the summer, but here’s where I’d recommend:
Best Luxury Option: Captain Cook Hotel
- The iconic luxury Anchorage stay, this four-star hotel has all of the amenities, fine dining, and is located right downtown.
- Cost: $400-$500.
Best Mid Range Option: SpringHill Suites Anchorage University Lake
- A modern hotel along a gorgeous lake with spacious suites, free breakfast, and easy access to trails.
- Cost: $250 to $350
Best Budget Option:
- A budget-friendly option with shared and private rooms.
- Cost: $50-$100
- Base Camp Anchorage Hostel
- A welcoming hostel offering dorms and private rooms, a sauna and sensory deprivation float tank, and a shared kitchen with free breakfast.
- Cost: $80-$100
How To Rent A Car?
Car rentals are notoriously expensive in the summer. I highly recommend booking well in advance or checking our Turo. You can also explore this guide I wrote on how to get a cheap car rental in Anchorage.
Day 2: Explore Anchorage
Morning:
- Hit Snow City Cafe for breakfast! It’s the best breakfast in Anchorage. Seriously. Stop by early to put your name on the waitlist. There is usually a wait (at least 45 minutes on a weekday) and they don’t take reservations. Or you can get on the waiting list through Yelp (you have to be within ten miles of the restaurant).
Afternoon:
- Stop by Fire Island bakery and pick up a picnic lunch and then head to the trails.
- If you’re up for a hike, climb Flattop Mountain or McHugh Peak for incredible views of the city and surrounding wilderness. You can also check out this guide for the best hikes by difficulty in Anchorage.
- If hiking isn’t for you, you can explore one of Anchorage’s scenic walks. I recommend heading up to the Flattop parking lot and doing Blueberry Loop. It is a very easy walk but has incredible views of Anchorage. You can even see Denali (150 miles away) on a clear day.
Evening:
- Since you’re already at Flattop, catch dinner in South Anchorage at South restaurant, a nice bistro with good food and great drinks.
Day 3: Hatcher Pass and Talkeetna
Morning:
- Stop by Fire Island Bakery again for breakfast, or eat at the City Diner for a great diner experience, then drive the 1 hour and 30 minutes north to Hatcher Pass. Take in the incredible views along the way.
Afternoon:
- Spend the afternoon exploring Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine, an old gold mining town. There are numerous walks or hikes you can do in the area.
- Hike to Gold Cord Lake. It’s about 2.2 miles round trip and you will feel the burn on the uphill. Alternatively, head to the Gold Cord trailhead and walk around. The views even from the trailhead are totally worth it.
- Get lunch at the Hatcher Pass Lodge, an old homesteading lodge with amazing lunch (but expensive food) and hot drinks. It’s a step back through time.
Evening:
- Either stay at Hatcher Pass Lodge overnight (a great option), or continue the drive to Talkeetna (about 2 hours). Talkeetna is a small Alaskan town that serves as the last refuge before Denali. It has a strong mountaineering and artist scene.
- Check out High Expedition, one of the coolest cannabis dispensaries.
- Have dinner at Talkeetna Roadhouse for hearty Alaskan fare.
Where to stay in Talkeetna?
Luxury Option: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
- Offers stunning views and upscale amenities
- Cost: $400–$500 per night
Mid-Range Option: Chinook Wind Cabins
- Cozy, well-equipped cabins that are comfortable and affordable
- Cost: About $200–$250 per night.
Budget Option:
- There’s not a great budget option in Talkeetna. I recommend checking Airbnb.
- There are also several campgrounds nearby for $15-25 per night including the state campground: Denali View South Campground.
Day 4: A Day Trip To Denali National Park
Morning:
- Wake up early and have breakfast by Conscious Coffee before heading to Denali. Pick up a pack lunch before you go. It’s a 2.5 hour drive.
- Aim to get to Denali at about 9:00am. You can only drive into the national park via one of their shuttles, so I recommend booking ahead online.
- The park had a bad landslide and the road is currently closed at mile 43.
Afternoon:
- Plan to spend around 5-6 hours in the park before catching a shuttle out of the park.
Evening:
- Relax in a nearby lodge or campground.
- Enjoy a casual meal surrounded by the beauty of Denali.
Where to stay near Denali?
Luxury Option: Camp Denali & North Face Lodge
- Located inside the park, this is a one-of-a-kind stay with high-end cabins, spectacular views of Denali, gourmet meals, guided activities, and an immersive wilderness experience.
- Cost: Around $1,200–$1,400 per night, including meals and tours.
Mid-Range: Denali Bluffs Hotel
- Located just outside the park entrance, overlooking the Nenana River, this hotel is beautiful with incredible views and easy access to the park.
- Cost: Around $250–$350
Budget Option:
- Either stay at a nearby campground like Riley Creek Campground (National Park Service Campground), or book ahead at Denali Hostel & Cabins, which has cozy private cabins and dorm-style rooms for between $50–$200 per night.
Day 5: There Are Three Options
Depending on if you’re in a backpacking mood or not, this is where things get interesting. I am going to offer two options for backpackers and one option for non-backpackers.
Option 1: For a moderately difficult backpacking trip, hike Kesugi Ridge over 3 nights.
Option 2: For an advanced backpacking trip over three nights, do the Bomber Traverse.
Option 3: If you’re not interested in backpacking, spend another day in Denali National Park.
If you choose Option 1, spend the morning preparing your gear before hitting the trail at around 12pm. Kesugi Ridge is 27.5 miles and takes you through Denali State Park. The best part of this hike is that it is almost entirely on a ridge overlooking the Alaska Range and offers some of the most spectacular views of Denali. Be aware that it is not a round trip hike, but it is easy to hitchhike from the end point, back to your car. Alternatively, park your car at the end and hitch to the trailhead to begin the hike.
If you choose Option 1, skip next to “Backpacking Itinerary.”
If you choose Option 2, spend the day preparing your gear and head to Palmer where you’ll spend the night. Prepare for an early morning start to the Bomber Glacier Traverse the next day. This is by far the coolest backpacking trip in Alaska (in my opinion). It takes you into the back range of the Talkeetna mountains, across small glaciers, and through some extremely rugged and remote terrain. Most of it is off-trail, but you’ll spend the night in mountaineering huts that are first-come, first-serve. If you’re up for it, I recommend this route as a three-night option. However, it is rugged and difficult and there are easier routes available.
If you choose Option 2, skip next to Backpacking Itinerary.
If you choose option 3:
Instead of the recommendation below, you can instead book yourself a private plane tour of Denali, which is an incredible experience. I recommend you use K2 Aviation. Prices typically range from $300–$450 per person, depending on the tour and whether you opt for a glacier landing. It’s pricey, but if you’re going to splurge, this is the place to do it.
If not, spend the day enjoying Denali!
Morning:
- Start off your morning with a hike by heading to the Savage River Loop Trail, located at Mile 15 of the Denali Park Road.
- Hike the 2 miles round trip, mostly flat, following the Savage River with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at the 49th State Brewing Company, located in Healy, about 11 miles north of Denali. It has delicious Alaskan food and a great craft beer selection.
- Relax during the afternoon and check out the Denali Visitor Center near the park entrance.
Evening
- Catch dinner at Moose-AKa’s, a wacky restaurant that blends Eastern European and Alaskan cuisine.
Day 6: Head Back To Anchorage
Morning:
- Have a leisurely morning before beginning the drive back to Anchorage. It’s about 4 hours. I highly recommend you stop at Matanuska Glacier which is a bit out of your way, but allows you to get up close and personal with the blue ice of the glacier.
Afternoon:
- Arrive back to Anchorage by mid-afternoon.
- If you’re up for it, go visit the Alaska Zoo, which is a great afternoon activity and has a lot of local animals.
Evening:
- Have dinner at Moose’s Tooth, rated the third best pizzeria in America! It’s so good!
Day 8: Drive to Girdwood
Morning:
- Drive the 1 hour from Anchorage to Girdwood. Girdwood is an awesome ski-bum town just south of Anchorage. The drive along Turnagain Arm is one of the most beautiful highway drives in America.
- Have breakfast at the Bake Shop.
- Check into your accommodation.
Afternoon:
- Check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. They have large enclosures to host wounded, sick, or orphaned animals including wolves, bears, and musk ox. It’s an awesome place and they take good care of the animals.
- Have lunch at Spoonline Bistro, a great bistro offering local cuisine.
- Take a walk along Winner Creek, a 3 mile loop or take the tram up Mount Alyeska. The tram costs $48 for an adult.
Evening:
- Explore the town of Girdwood before having dinner at Jack Sprat, a gorgeous eatery with a beautiful wood interior and good seafood and meat.
Where to stay in Girdwood?
Luxury Option: Alyeska Resort
- A four-star resort surrounded by mountains, offering luxurious rooms, a heated saltwater pool, a spa, and fine dining.
- Cost: $450–$600 per night
Mid-Range Option: Carriage House Accommodations
- A charming B&B offering spacious, cute rooms and a peaceful setting near hiking trails and local restaurants.
- Cost: $250–$350 per night
Budget: Alyeska Hostel
- A cozy and rustic hostel catering to the budget-conscious among us with dorms, private rooms, and communal kitchens.
- Cost: $50–$120 per night, depending on the room type.
You can also find many options on Airbnb.
Day 9: Drive to Seward
Morning:
- Get breakfast at the Grind before driving to Portage to check out Portage Glacier. You’ll have amazing views of the nearby glaciers.
- Afternoon:
- Drive two hours to Seward, a beautiful coastal town with great art, trails, and wildlife cruises.
- Get lunch at the Highliner and spend the day exploring Seward and check out the Alaska Sealife Center.
- Evening:
- Have dinner at the Cookery, a unique and famous Seward restaurant.
Where to stay in Seward?
Luxury Option: Resurrection Lodge on the Bay
- This epic waterfront lodge offers breathtaking views of Resurrection Bay, comfortable and stylish accommodations, and personalized service.
- Cost: $350–$500 per night.
Mid-Range Option: Harbor 360 Hotel
- Located right on the Seward Small Boat Harbor, this hotel provides spacious, comfortable rooms with harbor or mountain views, a heated indoor pool, and complimentary breakfast.
- Cost: $250–$350 per night
Budget: Moby Dick Hostel & Lodging
- A simple, budget-friendly option in downtown Seward offering dorm beds and private rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities.
- Cost: $50–$150 per night depending on room type.
You can also find many options on Airbnb.
Day 10: Take a Wildlife Cruise
Morning:
- Have breakfast at this awesome cafe, one of my favorites in Alaska!
Afternoon:
- Head to the harbor to check in for your wildlife and glacier cruise at around 11am. I recommend Kenai Fjords Tours.
- Tour Length: 4–6 hours, depending on the cruise.
- Highlights: Spot whales, sea otters, puffins, sea lions, and majestic glaciers.
- Cost: About $150–$250 per person, often including a light lunch. It’s expensive, but definitely worth doing. And Seward is the place.
Evening:
- Get dinner at Exit Glacier Salmon Bake, a great spot for affordable, fresh salmon.
Day 11: Drive to Homer
Morning:
Today we head to Homer, a small town which is an absolute local favorite. It’s situated on Kachemak Bay and has a strong food, art, and fishing scene. There’s also the famous Homer Spit, which extends into the bay and has many shops and harbors along the way.
- Get breakfast in Seward at one of the places I already recommended and then hit the road to Homer.
- Begin the 4–5 hour drive along the stunning Sterling Highway, passing through beautiful landscapes of mountains, forests, and rivers.
Afternoon:
- Stop in Cooper Landing along the way to stretch your legs with a short walk to Russian River Falls (2.3 miles round trip).
- Stop for lunch at Gwin’s Lodge, which has great halibut tacos and brisket.
Evening:
- Check into your place and head down to the Homer Spit for a sunset walk.
- Have dinner at Fat Olives, one of the most famous Homer restaurants that has delicious pizza.
Where to stay in Homer?
Luxury Option: Land’s End Resort
- Located at the end of the Homer Spit, this iconic resort offers stunning waterfront views, cozy rooms, and modern amenities. Enjoy an onsite spa and hot tub.
- Cost: $400–$600 per night
Mid-Range Option: Driftwood Inn & Seaside Lodges
- A charming and comfortable option near downtown Homer, offering a mix of modern and rustic rooms. It’s close to shops, restaurants, and the beach.
- Cost: $200–$300 per night
Budget: Seaside Farm Hostel & Guesthouse
- This rustic and affordable option is located just outside Homer, offering dorms, private rooms, and campsites with spectacular views of Kachemak Bay.
- Cost: $50–$150 per night, depending on the accommodation type.
Day 12: Enjoy Homer
Morning:
- Have breakfast at Two Sisters Bakery. Located near Bishop’s Beach, this bakery serves fresh pastries, hearty breakfasts, and excellent coffee in a cozy atmosphere.
Afternoon:
- Take an optional charter fishing trip. You’ll probably have to wake up pretty early, but you can book a halibut or salmon fishing adventure with a local charter company, like Homer Ocean Charters. It usually costs about $300 per person for a full day of fishing.
- If you opt not to do a charter fishing trip, drive to the Skyline Drive Viewpoint. Take this scenic route for panoramic views of Homer, the Spit, and Kachemak Bay. It’s an excellent spot for photography and a peaceful drive. Then explore the Spit.
- Have lunch at The Little Mermaid, a cozy bistro on the Homer Spit, offering fresh seafood dishes and vegetarian options, like halibut tacos or seafood chowder.
Evening:
- Have dinner at Captain Pattie’s for delicious seafood.
- Check out one of Alaska’s most famous dive bars: the Salty Dawg Saloon. You’ll see many locals rocking their merchandise.
Day 13: Head back towards Anchorage
- Morning:
- Have breakfast in Homer before hitting the road. It’s six hours back to Anchorage.
- Stop at Anchor Point Beach. Take a quick walk on the beach and snap a photo at the westernmost point of the North American highway system.
- Afternoon:
- Stop in Soldotna (about 1.5 hours from Anchor Point). Visit the Kenai River Viewing Platform for a chance to see salmon swimming in the turquoise waters of the river.
- Stop for lunch at the Flats Bistro. Located just off the highway, this spot offers fresh, locally inspired dishes and beautiful river views.
- Evening:
- Return to Anchorage and have your last dinner in town. Eat again at one of the spots I previously recommended or try Orso’s for high end (and delicious) seafood. Catch the sunset at Potter Marsh.
Day 14: Departure Day
I hope it’s been an incredible trip!
Backpacking Itinerary
If you did choose to do either Kesugi Ridge or the Bomber Traverse, you obviously won’t be able to do everything else on this itinerary. But do not fret. It was well worth it, I’m sure. Both of those are incredible treks.
If you chose to do these trips, I would recommend heading down south once you finish the trip, passing through Anchorage, and spending the rest of your trip in Girdwood and Seward. I would skip Homer.
Conclusion
I hope that this itinerary serves as an inspiration for an incredible trip in the Last Frontier. Whether you’re lacing up your hiking boots for a rugged trek or savoring the serene views from a glacier cruise, this two-week itinerary promises to be one of the best trips of your life. I love this land and I hope you do too.
Author Bio: Noam Levenson
Noam Levenson is a writer, traveler, and backpacker who is often found warming his hands by a fire and daring to eat street food. Born and raised in Alaska, Noam has explored remote and rugged landscapes around the world, sharing his experiences through his blog, Backpacking Ways.
