Alaska 8 Day Itinerary

Alaska 8 Day Itinerary

Get a glimpse of beautiful Alaska, exploring some of the best hiking, flying, and boating. This is also a great option to add to a cruise vacation.
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Day One

Your first day in Alaska will be primarily a travel day. After flying into Fairbanks or Anchorage, rent a car and head out to Denali National Park. With typically such a long travel day, I wouldn't plan anything on this day other than checking into the resort and exploring the amenities.

Hotel Recommendations

McKinley Chalet Resort
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A great option with some newly remodeled rooms and beautiful views. Offering a shuttle to take you around the resort and into the park.
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Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
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Also just outside the entrance to the park, this lodge offers a number of restaurants and shops, as well as a shuttle into the park.
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Day Two

Spend the day in Denali National Park. Take a narrated bus tour, looking for wildlife and learning about the history of the area. 

Denali Visitor Center
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Two narrated bus tours are available through the National Park Service- the Natural History Tour and the Tundra Wilderness Tour. The Natural History Tour focuses more on the cultural and natural history of the area, while the Tundra Wilderness Tour focuses more on the wildlife and landscape.
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Day Three

Start your second day in Denali National Park with some white water rafting, followed by an easy afternoon hike.

Activities

Denali National Park and Preserve
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With so many hikes to choose from, start at the visitor center to get a map of the trails and decide which one is best for you.
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Day Four

Time to move locations to Talkeetna on your fourth day. Spend some time around town enjoying the shops and food, or take a float plane over Mt Denali. 

Hotel Recommendations

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
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This lodge has incredible views of Mt Denali, with great food options and clean comfortable rooms.
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Susitna River Lodging
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Stay in the backwoods cabins overlooking the Susitna River for a more private option. Walking distance from town, with easy access to shops and restaurants.
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Food and Activities

Talkeetna Spinach Bread
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A local institution for over 20 years. Try the spinach bread and the Brazilian limeade.
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Talkeetna Roadhouse
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A full service roadhouse since 1944. Breakfast cooked to order here is incredible but the bakery also has some great items you can take to-go.
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Mountain High Pizza Pie
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Delicious pizza with a fun ecclectic vibe
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Alaska Floatplane Company & Alaska Bush Floatplane Service
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Flying over the tops of mountains, rivers and glaciers, this is a bucket list kind of activity.
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Day Five

Drive out to the beautiful Hatcher Pass to enjoy some hiking and photo opportunities before ending in Anchorage for the night. 

Hotel Recommendations

Hotel Captain Cook
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Historic building, centrally located.
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Sheraton Anchorage Hotel
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Clean and modern rooms, centrally located
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Food and Activities

Hatcher Pass
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Try the Summit Lake Hike or the Independence Mine Trail for an easy hike with stunning views.
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Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
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Fresh fish and seafood with amazing views
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Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
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Really creative menu with an eclectic vibe
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Day Six

Spend the day at the Matanuska Glacier with a guided tour. 

Day Seven

Head out to Seward for your last stop of the trip. If staying at the Orca Island Cabins, you can spend the day just enjoying the beauty of the area. If choosing the more budget friendly option, spend the day enjoying the local shops, restaurants and parks.

Hotel Recommendations

Orca Island Cabins
@emilyworden
These yurts are pricey but worth it. Tucked away in Humpy Cove of Resurrection Bay, you'll stay in a yurt with a private bathroom and full kitchen. You'll also have access to kayaks, SUP boards, row boats, fishing and snorkel gear. A private water taxi will take you directly there from Seward.
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Harbor 360 Hotel
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A more affordable option, walking distance from Seward's downtown area.
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Food and Activities

The Cookery
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Fresh oysters and seafood. Reservations highly recommended.
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Ray's Waterfront
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Offering local seafood and beautiful views for 40 years.
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Day Eight

Last day of the trip, take a wildlife cruise through the Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hello, I'm Emily - hit hard by the Wanderlust bug, I devote all that I can to experiencing new adventures. In between trips, I spend my time researching and cultivating the perfect itineraries in order to optimize my vacation time. I want everyone to have the best trip possible so please feel free to check out my itineraries for inspiration and guidance. Happy traveling!
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