7 Days in Alaska Itinerary: Summer & Winter (PDF & Map!)
What’s the best 7 days in Alaska itinerary for summer and winter? Is a 7 day visit to Alaska enough?
Alaska is a world of extremes and creating the perfect week-long itinerary can be a daunting task if you don’t know where to start. The 49th state is commonly deemed as this far-off place that you only see on popular TV shows, and never really a place that would be worthy of a family vacation.
But, having lived there with my husband and dog for nearly a year everywhere from the Kenai Peninsula all the way to the Arctic Ocean in Prudhoe Bay, I can confidently say that Alaska is absolutely worth a week’s vacation… at a minimum!
It stands out as one of the most diverse states in the nation, boasting extraordinary wildlife such as moose, bears, and a stunning array of marine species. The breathtaking landscapes feature towering mountains and majestic glaciers, while the northern lights adorn the night sky!
With these 7-day Alaska itineraries for both summer and winter, you’ll be more confident than ever in planning your special trip to The Last Frontier.
We’ve also included two maps highlighting the routes, a complete list of local travel tips, and a FREE downloadable guide on visiting Alaska for the first time!
The Ultimate 7 Days in Alaska Summer Itinerary
Day 1: Touchdown at Anchorage International Airport
Anchorage is not just your gateway to the vast wilderness of the state, but also a vibrant city with unique culture!
Once you pick up your car rental, personally, I would start my adventures with a visit to the 49th State Brewing Company for a pint of their crisp ales and then a big plate of food over at Fletcher’s inside Hotel Captain Cook (their beef stroganoff and oysters Rockefeller are the best I’ve ever had).
If you’re up for a little more looking around after your long travel day, check out the Alaska Native Heritage Center and Once in a Blue Moose for some authentic Alaskan souvenirs.
Depending on when you’re flying in and who you’ll be traveling with, you may be up for starting your trip south towards the Kenai Peninsula the same day you land, or you may want to plan on spending a night in Anchorage. Whichever you choose, just be sure to plan an extra day if you need to!
Believe it or not, Anchorage actually houses a ton of wildlife right on the outskirts of the city. Head over to Kincaid Park for a solid chance of spotting moose (we saw 7 moose in one hour when we were there in July!) or up to the Glen Alps Trailhead where you’ll be 1,300 feet above the city, making for unparalleled views.
Plus, it’s one of the most popular spots to go for a hike in Anchorage – just be sure to bring your bear spray! We saw a mother and 2 black bear cubs on our most recent visit.
You can spend the rest of this first day roaming the town, walking along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, or even stopping at the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.
Our Favorite Place to Stay in Anchorage: The Lakefront Anchorage
Day 2: Seward and the Kenai Fjords National Park
To kick off your second day in Alaska, set off for Seward – a stunning seaside town on the eastern side of the Kenai Peninsula (also where Sean and I got married!)
To get there, it’s a 2.5-hour scenic drive with numerous pull-offs worthy of a quick stop along the way including Beluga Point on Turnagain Arm, so I’d plan for at least 3 hours, or 3.5-4 hours if you’ll be traveling with kids.
The journey will take you along the stunning Seward Highway and through the Chugach National Forest, which offers some of the most breathtaking views in the entire state, so be sure to have your camera ready.
And if you have time to spare, we never make the drive without stopping into the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center! You can see everything from grizzly bears to musk ox and bison, all in an environment that is as close to their natural habitat as possible.
These animals have been rescued from the Alaskan wilderness whether it be from natural causes or the effects of hunting, and are either in the process of being rehabilitated and released or will finish out their lives at the sanctuary if they are no longer able to survive in the wild.
You can truly learn so much from the rangers here and it makes for a fantastic stop along the Seward Highway!
Once you arrive in Seward, you’ll have time to explore the charming downtown area and grab lunch at one of the many delicious restaurants – we love Ray’s Waterfront or The Cookery for a taste of fresh Alaskan seafood (the king crab and oysters are always our favorites!)
After lunch, you have a few options. You can throw on your hiking boots, grab your bear spray, and head over to the start of the Kenai Fjords National Park hiking area at the Exit Glacier Trailhead.
There are tons of trails perfect for people of all ages, with the Exit Glacier Lookout Trail being a perfect choice for those who want to see one of the largest glaciers in Alaska, without the taxing journey of climbing up it.
↪️Pro Tip: If you love hiking, don’t skip the Harding Icefield Trail. Sean and I did it in July and it was absolutely amazing. Just be sure to pack warm clothes – it was in the low 20s Fahrenheit when we reached the top!
If national parks and hiking trails aren’t really your thing, instead head over to the Kenai Fjords National Park ticket office if you haven’t secured your spots onboard the ship already.
This is easily one of the best things to do in Seward since it provides the opportunity to get out on the fjords and experience wildlife up close!
From whales and Dall porpoises to puffins, sea lions, and bald eagles, this is by far one of our favorite things to do when we’re in Seward. For a full breakdown of what you can expect on the tour, what to pack, and which tours to book, check out our complete guide: 9 BEST Kenai Fjords Tours in 2026!
Our Favorite Place to Stay in Seward: Seward Windsong Lodge
Day 3: Kenai Fjords National Park & Soldotna
Due to the average length of these tours, you’ll want to plan an extra day in Seward if you’ll be heading into the national park by boat. Most tours range between 4-9 hours, so depending on who you’ll be traveling with and which tour you choose, you may or may not be able to get some more miles behind you on your Alaska road trip this day.
If you find that you have the time, then you’ll head next to Soldotna, a haven for some of the best bear-viewing tours in the state! When departing from Soldotna, you’ll have two options for where you can go.
You can either choose Lake Clark National Park which is reachable by bush plane on a 45-minute directly from the runway in Soldotna. Here, you’re likely to see plenty of coastal brown bears and we were even lucky enough to witness a scuffle between a boar and a sow protecting her cub’s fresh catch, a sow nursing her cub, and multiple moose and eagles, as well!
Trips like these also usually include a quick detour over a scenic glacier, so you get the full bird’s eye view of the beautiful mountains. Tours like these typically range between $400-600 per person, so it’s expensive, but absolutely worth budgeting for if you’ve always wanted to see wild bears up close.
The second option for those seeking an adventurous outing with some brown bears is to visit the infamous Katmai National Park where every summer thousands of these massive creatures amass in the Brooks River to snack on salmon jumping upstream.
This was easily the experience of a lifetime for us, and we’d do it again in a heartbeat. However, it does require more travel time, including two floatplanes and a shuttle, and it typically costs around $1000 per person, so it’s nearly double the cost of Lake Clark.
If you want a full comparison of the two parks, I’ve got you covered: Katmai National Park vs Lake Clark National Park: Which is Better for Bear Viewing?
Day 4: Homer – The ‘Halibut Fishing Capital of the World’
Continue this one week itinerary to Homer, famously known as the halibut fishing capital of the world!
This small town on the Kenai Peninsula boasts spectacular views of Kachemak Bay and the active Augustine Volcano with the Homer Spit, a long strip of land jutting out into the bay, being the most popular area for people to visit.
If you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for a halibut fishing charter and try your hand at catching one of these massive fish. If you aren’t a natural angler or simply aren’t interested in spending between 4-12 hours out on the ocean, there are also plenty of other enjoyable activities to do in Homer.
For example, you can visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, take a hike through the Kachemak Bay State Park, or treat yourself to some brews over at the Homer Brewing Company (we love stopping in here after a long day of fishing!)
And let’s not forget about the amazing views – wherever you go in Homer, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.
And if you’re a wannabe photographer like myself, be sure to keep an eye out for bald eagles perched on the remnants of old docks along the left side of the road when you’re heading down the Homer Spit!
↪️Pro Tip: If you’re having a hard picking which towns to visit on the Kenai Peninsula, check out this guide on Seward vs Homer: The Complete Comparison from a Local!
Our Favorite Place to Stay in Homer: Kenai Peninsula Suites
Day 5-6: Denali National Park
Now, no visit to Alaska would be complete without visiting the iconic Denali National Park, but I’ll be honest with you, it’s quite the hike to get up to Healy.
To get there, you have three options. You can head north back to Anchorage, return your rental car, then take a flight up to Fairbanks. From Fairbanks, you’ll rent another car, drive a little over two hours south to Denali National Park, then return back to Fairbanks to fly home.
On the other hand, you can also make the 8.5-hour drive directly from Homer if you’re up for a long, scenic road trip! And lastly, you could return to Anchorage and drop off your rental car, then jump on the Alaska Railroad (here are the best trains that go to Denali and Fairbanks) for a hands-free, comfortable ride up to Healy.
Regardless of which option you choose, the journey will be well worth it once you see the stunning views and diverse wildlife in Denali National Park. From grizzly bears to moose, and wolves to Dall sheep, this park is home to some of the most iconic mammals in North America.
While you’re there, you’ll be free to drive the first 14 miles of Denali Park Road and search on your own for all different species of wildlife and perhaps even see Mount Denali if it’s a very clear day!
If reaching deeper into the park interests you, then you’ll want to book tickets on one of these top Denali tours or transit buses by going to ReserveDenali.
↪️Pro Tip: Sean and I rented bikes from Bike Denali and booked a transit bus that would take us to the Eielson Visitor Center.
These transit buses only have two bike slots on the front, so you’ll want to call the ranger station ahead of time and have them book your spot a few months in advance if you’ll only be in the park for a day or two!
We got to ride our bikes 25 miles through Denali National Park and it was absolutely incredible. Highly recommended for adventurous couples and families!
Our Favorite Place to Stay in Homer: Denali Cabins
Day 7: Fairbanks
Finally, journey to Fairbanks. Now, if you’ll be visiting in the summer months, you won’t want to book any northern lights tours that are seemingly “bookable” since you’re chances of seeing the auroras in summer are slim to none.
Instead, visit the Museum of the North, or maybe try your hand at gold panning if you have time before taking off! As your trip winds down, gaze at the midnight sun (summer) or northern lights (winter).
It’s time to say goodbye, but Alaska will always welcome you back for more!
Our Favorite Place to Stay in Fairbanks: Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
Alaska Summer Itinerary Map
The Perfect 7 Day Alaska Winter Itinerary
If you know you’re planning to visit Alaska in winter to see the northern lights, take a look at our #1 Alaska Winter Packing List! We provide you with a free downloadable PDF so you have everything at your fingertips while you’re packing your suitcase!
Day 1: Arrival at Fairbanks International Airport
If you’ll be stepping off the plane in Fairbanks between November and April, you’ll want to be well-dressed because Alaska gets very cold at this time of year (we experienced -50°F in January).
First things first, pick up your rental car! Now, this shouldn’t be the cheapest car you can find… you’ll want one equipped with an engine block heater, a heated oil pan, and a battery heater.
↪️Pro Tip: This will be an expensive part of your trip, but getting stuck in negative temperatures in the middle of the night in a snow bank when you were out looking for northern lights can turn fatal in a very short amount of time.
Since this will be your first day in Fairbanks of a few, take this day to get checked in, get caught up on some sleep, and start figuring out if it will be a good night to go on a northern lights tour.
You can check out all of the information in the link I provided to know exactly how to tell if it’s going to be a good night for the auroras!
If your primary goal of visiting Alaska in the winter is to see the northern lights, you’ll want to spend a minimum of four nights there. The auroras can’t be seen every night due to weather, low Kp values, northern-facing solar winds, etc.
So, you’ll want to give yourself as much time as possible in this city to get the best chance for viewing! If you aren’t a fan of skiing, skip the end of this itinerary and just spend a week in Fairbanks. Sure, there isn’t a ton to do, but it’s sure worth the wait if you get to see the northern lights.
Our Favorite Place to Stay in Fairbanks: Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
Day 2: Ice Fishing on Chena Lake
Today is all about that Alaskan pastime – ice fishing! Probably one of the most popular things to do in Fairbanks in the winter, practically everyone you meet will have their own cabin and/or tent and complete set of gear.
You’ll definitely want to get bundled up, but don’t worry about grabbing your fishing gear because these 5+ Top-Rated Fairbanks Ice Fishing Tours for 2024 provide everything for you!
They pick you up from your central Fairbanks hotel, drive you out to the infamous Chena Lake Recreation Area, drill holes with special tools for your entire group, set up your fishing pole, and just ask that you wait for the bite.
Plus, you’ll be in a toasty cabin equipped with seats and usually a wood stove to keep things nice and toasty for you. Some tours even have special cameras that can go under the ice to see where the fish are!
Ice fishing is more about the experience than the catch, but if you do snag a fish, it’ll be the cherry on top of an already awesome day because they cook it for you right there in the cabin.
Sean and I went on a few occasions and never caught anything, but it was super fun being out on the ice with a roaring fire, plenty of food and drinks that we brought, and peace and quiet in the Alaskan wilderness.
You also have the option of booking an aurora ice fishing tour (included in our post above) which starts the tour between 9 and 10pm so you have the best chances of seeing the northern lights – it’s two tours in one!
If you decide to go fishing during the day, be sure to check the Aurora Forecast and the local weather so you know whether or not to head out into the icy temperatures well past your normal bedtime.
Day 3: Relaxation at Chena Hot Springs
Ready for a day of relaxation? Today, you’ll take the 75-minute ride to the eastern side of the city to the very end of Chena Hot Springs Road.
Here, you’ll find beautiful geothermal Chena Hot Springs that are the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate after all of your travels and icy adventures thus far in the trip!
Soak in the warm waters and enjoy the snowy landscape around you. If you’re lucky, you might even get another glimpse of the northern lights depending on when you go! We’ve been half a dozen times and would surely go again.
The Chena Hot Springs Restaurant is also onsite for a quick bite to eat before heading back to town, though we find it best for drinks (the food isn’t the same quality that you can find in Fairbanks). If you’re in the mood for some more time in icy conditions, then book a tour of the Aurora Ice Museum where everything is made of ice, even the bar!
If you book the upgraded package, you’ll also get an apple martini made right on top of the ice bar in a glass made entirely of ice. Pretty unique!
↪️Pro Tip: before heading to the Chena Hot Springs, be sure to pack yourself some snacks, water, a change of clothes, a towel, a warm hat, and flip-flops! Otherwise, you have to pay for all of these things when you get there.
If you want to take photos of yourself in the hot springs, it’s advisable to either bring a waterproof GoPro or at the very least one of those watertight bags for your phone.
After your return to the city, head to The Pump House for dinner. It’s easily the best restaurant in the city (expect a wait if you get there at prime dinner time) and you can get everything from Alaskan specialties like halibut, king crab, and reindeer sausage to some incredible homemade desserts!
You can also make a reservation online or by calling if you know it’s somewhere you want to eat. End your evening with another jaunt for the northern lights if it’s looking like it’ll be clear and Kp values will be strong.
Day 4: Journey to Girdwood
Bid adieu to Fairbanks and embark on your journey to Girdwood, a popular ski town known for its world-class slopes and stunning views over Turnagain Arm.
To get there, you’ll want to return your rental car to the Fairbanks International Airport and take a quick flight down to Anchorage. From there, you can either take the Alaska Railroad or you can rent another car.
↪️Pro Tip: You won’t want to consider driving all the way from Fairbanks to Girdwood in the winter. We’ve done it, and road conditions can vary a lot with ice and snow being very probable. Unless you’re exceedingly comfortable driving in winter conditions for 10+ hours, I’d jump on a plane.
Once you reach Anchorage, it’ll be far safer to drive the rest of the way since the Kenai Peninsula experiences far milder temperatures than those in Fairbanks.
Once you reach Girdwood, settle into your accommodation, explore the resort, and prepare for the skiing adventure tomorrow! If you decide to stay at the Alyeska Resort like we did, then you’ll have access to an indoor saltwater swimming pool and saltwater hot tub with mountain views… it was probably one of the nicest resorts we’ve ever stayed at.
If this is a 7 day Alaska itinerary for a couple, then book an advance reservation at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant! This restaurant is perched atop Mount Alyeska at 2,300 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape while providing a delicious menu of Alaskan-inspired cuisine.
Only reachable by tram, this is one of the most unique places to eat in Alaska!
Otherwise, if you’d prefer to keep things a little bit less expensive (the menu is pre-fixed for 3 or 5-course meals), then head to one of the other restaurants at the resort where you’ll find everything from local Alaskan plates to classics like burgers and pizza.
Our Favorite Place to Stay in Girdwood: Alyeska Resort
Day 5: Skiing at Alyeska Resort
It’s time to hit the slopes! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, Alyeska has plenty of trails to suit every skill level. You’ll find gear rentals right at the base of the mountains, and you seriously can’t beat the views that you’ll find overlooking Turnagain Arm. Or, if you prefer, you can also rent snowshoes or cross-country skis!
After a day full of fresh powder and a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants, head on over to the Girdwood Brewing Company for some cold pints around their firepits (though, depending on the outdoor temperatures, they may or may not be lit).
Round off the night with a dip in the hot tub and maybe even head down the road a little to where there’s less light pollution and your chances of seeing the northern lights will be a little bit greater.
Day 6: Back up to Anchorage
Your Alaskan adventure is starting to come to an end, but not without a bang! Spend your last day exploring more of Alyeska, or try out other activities the resort has to offer.
Then, hop on the road and start making your way up to Anchorage for one last night in Alaska’s largest city. You can head to Polar Bear Gifts or Once Upon a Moose for some authentic souvenirs or over to one of the restaurants I mentioned previously. There are a ton of great options, just be sure to check the most recent reviews before sitting down at a table.
End your day with a walk along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail which offers great views of the city skyline. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail, as it’s not uncommon to spot moose or bald eagles!
Head back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep before your flight tomorrow.
Our Favorite Place to Stay in Anchorage: The Lakefront Anchorage
Day 7: Return Home
Enjoy breakfast and pick up a coffee from my favorite coffee spot in the city, the Alaska Coffee Company, before packing your bags, dropping off your rental car and heading into the airport for your flight home.
Alaska Winter Itinerary Map
Custom Alaska Itinerary Creator
To help organize your thoughts and plans, we’ve created our very own custom Alaska itinerary creator! Simply enter where you’re going, your travel dates, and any activities you want to include during your trip, and you’ll be able to download and print your very own FREE Alaska itinerary (NO email address necessary!)
Custom Itinerary Maker
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Travel Tips for Visiting Alaska for One Week
Here are some handy travel tips for your Alaska 7 day driving itinerary:
- Pack Like a Pro: Remember, weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. Layered clothing, warm gloves, sturdy boots, and waterproof jackets are your best friends here. Don’t forget your swimsuits for those hot springs!
- Early Bird Catches the…Northern Lights: The best time for viewing the northern lights is usually between 10PM and 2AM, so don’t hit the hay too early!
- Drive Responsibly: If you’re driving in Alaska, especially in the winter, road conditions can be challenging. Drive cautiously and be prepared for potential road hazards including wildlife.
- Stay Connected: Mobile service can be spotty in remote areas. Download offline maps beforehand and inform someone about your travel plans.
- Respect the Wildlife: If you’re lucky, you’ll encounter some of Alaska’s majestic wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed or approach the animals.
- Embrace the Adventure: Whether skiing, hiking, or just soaking in the views, embrace the spirit of adventure. Don’t stress over minor hiccups and remember that mishaps often make the best travel stories!
- Savor the Local Cuisine: From king crab legs to reindeer sausages, don’t miss out on Alaska’s unique culinary delights. The oysters are some of the best in the world!
- Souvenir Shopping: Alaska offers a range of authentic souvenirs. Look for locally made items to support the community, but there are also plenty of general tourist stores in the major cities if you’re looking for something small and affordable.
- Stay Hydrated, Stay Energized: Outdoor activities can be physically demanding. Keep yourself hydrated and pack some quick-energy snacks.
- 10. Capture the Moments: Alaska is a paradise for photographers, with its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife. Don’t forget your camera!
FAQ
In this last section, I’ll be providing you with some important information for your 1 week Alaska itinerary including how much it may cost, how much time you may need, and more!
What is the Best Way to Visit Alaska for the First Time?
The best way to visit Alaska for the first time is to rent a car and skip the cruise! Sure, cruises are great if you’ll be traveling with someone who has limited mobility or several kids that make the idea of a road trip slightly horrifying, but if you have a sense of adventure, then a driving itinerary is certainly the way to go.
Cruises can only access the tourist ports (particularly, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Seward) and rarely provide enough time for you to see everything there is to do and see in every place since you’ll be moving between cities overnight.
You’ll miss all of interior Alaska, which is not-so-arguably the best spot to see wildlife and get a local feel of the state. In our opinion, visit Alaska on a cruise when you’re older or have already visited, not when you’re trying to be adventurous.
Is 7 Days Enough for Alaska?
While 7 days in Alaska can give you a fulfilling experience if you plan it wisely, most people wish they had between 8 and 10 days to see the state.
Being someone who lived in Alaska and has returned numerous times, the 49th state always has more to offer.
So, while we highly recommend spending a week here if you get the chance, don’t be surprised if you find yourself longing to return for another Alaskan escapade or wishing you had more time while you’re there.
How Many Days in Alaska Are Enough?
If you ask us, come for as long as you possibly can… but 10-14 days in Alaska is ideal!
This amount of time will let you make your way in and out of Anchorage and Fairbanks, around the Kenai Peninsula and the iconic Denali National Park, head out on a bear-viewing tour to Lake Clark or Katmai, and potentially even down to southeast Alaska to the capital of Juneau and the popular tourist town of Skagway.
With this amount of time, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for activities like glacier hiking, wildlife viewing, and even some downtime to explore small towns throughout Alaska. Of course, if you have more time, even better!
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Alaska?
If your goal of visiting Alaska is to see tons of wildlife, go hiking, see glaciers, and get out on a cruise around the Kenai Fjords, then the summer months between June and August are ideal.
If you want to see the northern lights, then the best time of year to visit Alaska is from September to March. This is when daylight hours will be the most limited due to the polar night.
Keep in mind that the peak tourist season in Alaska runs from mid-June to mid-August, so if you want to avoid crowds and potentially get better deals on accommodations and activities, consider traveling outside of those months.
Where is the Best Place to Spend a Week in Alaska?
In our opinion, the best place to spend a week in Alaska is the Kenai Peninsula, but this is solely based on our personal preferences and interests.
It has everything from stunning coastal scenery to abundant wildlife, and a variety of activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Plus, it’s easily accessible from Anchorage and is home to the famous Kenai Fjords National Park and borders Cook Inlet which provides easy access to some of the best bear-viewing spots in the entire world!
Not to mention, it has some of the best seafood in the state and houses some of the region’s most beautiful towns including Seward, Homer, and Cooper Landing.
Other popular options for a week-long trip in Alaska include Denali National Park and Fairbanks, or Juneau and the surrounding areas. Ultimately, it depends on what you want to see and do during your visit.
How Much Does a 1 Week Vacation in Alaska Cost?
The cost of a 1-week vacation in Alaska can vary greatly depending on your travel style and preferences, but typically 2 adults will spend around $3,300 including international flights, a rental car, food (including eating out at a few nicer dinners), accommodations, and souvenirs.
*This does not include the price of additional activities or luxurious accommodations*
On the more budget-friendly end, if you’re camping, cooking your own meals, and limiting paid activities, you could manage spending roughly $500-$700 per person, not including flights. If you opt for mid-range accommodations, eat out occasionally, and participate in a couple of paid excursions, expect to spend around $1,500-$2,000 per person.
For a luxury experience with high-end accommodations, dining, and multiple guided tours or excursions, it could be $3,000 or higher per person. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your costs will likely differ due to various factors including time of year, etc.
Traveling off-season will also help save some pennies if you’re looking to visit on a budget, however, if you want to see wildlife, it’s best to visit in the summer months and camp out. You’ll save a ton of money and still get to see what you came to Alaska for!
Which Cruise is Best for Alaska?
When choosing the best cruise for Alaska, there are several factors to consider including itinerary, budget, onboard amenities, and type of ship.
Alaska cruises range in length from seven to fourteen days and typically visit popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Seward, and often begin in Vancouver. Some cruises also include a stop at the stunning Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier.
For a more adventurous experience, choose a smaller ship that can navigate through narrower fjords and bring you closer to the wildlife. Some of the cruise lines that offer adventurous trips to Alaska include UnCruise, Lindblad Expeditions, and Alaskan Dream Cruises.
If you prefer a larger ship with more onboard activities and amenities, then popular cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean may be a good choice for your group, as well!
Or, if luxury is what you’re after, consider a larger ship with amenities like onboard spas and fine dining options. Some of the cruise lines that offer luxury trips to Alaska include Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Seabourn.
Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference, but we highly suggest doing some research of your own and reading reviews before booking your Alaska cruise to ensure you’re happy with your choice!
✅ Before you go, be sure to download our free PDF Alaska cruise packing list!
What is the Best Way to See the Most in Alaska?
The best way to see and experience the most in Alaska is by combining land and sea travel. This will give you a more rounded view of the state’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, and allow you to visit both popular and lesser-known destinations.
We drove the 1,382 miles across the Alaska State Highway, and even if you plan on just doing a small section of it, the #1 resource you can purchase is the Milepost. Every year, an expert team navigates this lengthy stretch of road from Dawson Creek in British Columbia all the way to the Arctic Ocean!
It tells you about where you’re likely to see wildlife, where the road might start getting bad, and everything you can expect to find along the way including open gas stations, food stops, and more!
It seriously saved our butts on a few instances during our drive, and getting your own copy of the Milepost is surely worth it.
Alaska truly has something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a luxury traveler. This 7 days in Alaska itinerary is your complete beginner travel guide to the state, and we hope you find it helpful!
