Always up for traveling with my teenage grandkids, this year I took that to new levels when my grandson Marshall suggested we visit Alaska together. As a lover of all things Alaskan, I jumped at the opportunity.
We camped for the first week as we explored from Anchorage to Seward and experienced Kenai Fjords National Park. For week two, we ventured north to Denali National Park, Fairbanks and a flight above the Arctic Circle. We shared hundreds of miles while making endless memories. Here’s our itinerary and I hope it inspires yours!
The writer was hosted for portions of this trip.
Road Trip From Anchorage to Seward
After resting up from our flight to Anchorage, Marshall and I picked up our camper from Cruise America RV Rental. A brief introduction to the RV gave us an overview of our home on wheels. Then we were off on our road trip adventure.
Exiting Anchorage, the Seward Highway (Hwy 1 & 9), a National All-American Road and Alaska Scenic Byway winds alongside the Turnagain Arm and Kenai Lakes, through Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest offering spectacular views of the Kenai Mountains and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
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Tips for Spotting Wildlife
Take your binoculars out and stop at Beluga Point for possible whale sightings. Keep those binoculars handy when you get to mile marker 106, known as the Windy Corner, where Dahl sheep hang out on the mountain rocks above. Make a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears, bison, moose, musk ox, wolves and more.
Adventures in Seward
Almost too cute to be true, Seward serves as a gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park. The road to the Exit Glacier provides the only entrance to the park by vehicle. Apart from the glacier road access, park visitors book boat trips, helicopter rides and small plane excursions to enter the park.
When you’re not on a park adventure, Seward provides plenty of adventures from fishing to hiking to train rides and an abundance of seafood.
Explore Kenai Fjords National Park by Boat
A boat adventure starting in Resurrection Bay and extending into the Kenai Fjords National Park is an unforgettable experience. Among the most popular excursions is the Captain’s Choice Kenai Fjords National Park Tour.
This extensive excursion spans seven hours and serves morning snacks and lunch. The time flies as you cruise by glaciers calving into the sea. The sea life is astounding, with everything from puffins to seals to humpback whales bubble-net feeding. It’s best to book early with Get Your Guide to ensure your spot on this epic adventure!
Hike the Exit Glacier
When you drive into Kenai National Park via the road to the Exit Glacier, why not hike it upon arrival! The trail begins with a paved sidewalk through a forest, offering eye-catching views along the way. It becomes a bit more challenging as you get closer to the glacier, but it’s worth the effort to stand on the rocks overlooking the beauty of the glacier.
Don’t Miss the Alaska Sea Life Center
Combining a public aquarium with marine research, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, the Alaska Sea Life Center is a must-see in Seward. Visitors enjoy close encounters with sea lions, seals, octopus and the always delightful puffins.
Where to Camp
Campgrounds in the heart of Seward overlook Resurrection Bay and the views are unbeatable. Amenities include water and electric hook-ups and real showers in case the one in your RV is a bit too snug. Bonus: Seward is home to several delicious seafood-focused restaurants so cooking fish in your camper won’t be necessary!
SheBuysTravelTip: Summer and early autumn is the best time for travel to Alaska as boat excursions are only available in warmer months.
Scenic Drive North from Seward to Denali National Park
Without stops, the drive from Seward to Denali National Park takes about six hours. But, don’t kid yourself, you will want to stop often to capture the beauty of the drive. We stopped in Anchorage to return our camper and spent the night before we continued our adventures.
A Taste of Anchorage
If you choose to stay overnight in Anchorage there are some excellent options for dining. Check out Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria for delicious pizza with unique varieties of toppings. For a taste of Alaska, consider the “Call of the Wild” topped with reindeer sausage, steak, bacon, portabella and crimini mushrooms, red peppers and garlic cream sauce.
Start the day with breakfast at an Anchorage icon, White Spot Cafe. In business since 1959, this classic diner serves all the classics for breakfast. Marshall sampled his first reindeer sausage links here and had no problem cleaning his plate! If you choose to linger in Anchorage, stop in White Spot Cafe for lunch and try the halibut sandwich.
Don’t Miss a Stop at Talkeetna
There’s only one road leading to Denali National Park—Highway 3, also known as Parks Highway. About 99 miles north of Anchorage, take a detour right on Talkeetna Spur Road to the quirky town of Talkeetna.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Talkeetna features log cabin-style architecture reflecting its frontier-town character. A fun stop for shopping, the main street is lined with boutique shops and art galleries. Be sure to try a salmon or halibut taco from the food vendors.
Located at the confluence of the Talkeetna, Susitna and Chulitna rivers, Talkeetna is a popular starting point for mountaineers heading to Denali. If you’re up for an adventure, consider a flightseeing tour.
Experience the Wild & Wonderful in Denali National Park
Nestled in the heart of Alaska’s interior, Denali National Park and Preserve spans over six million acres of untamed wilderness. The star of the park, Denali’s snow-clad summit rises 20,310 feet above sea level, overlooking a landscape that seems untouched by time.
Wildlife viewing is a highlight in Denali National Park, where grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves roam freely. You may also spot golden eagles, ptarmigans and fish such as salmon and grayling in the park’s rivers.
Getting Around in Denali National Park
Denali features a 92-mile park road. Visitors may drive their vehicles for the first 15 miles. Beyond that, the road is accessible only by shuttle bus. The shuttle bus program is designed for access and flexibility.
Passengers board at the park entrance and disembark at designated stops or at any safe location along the route, allowing for spontaneous hikes and wildlife viewing. Be sure to bring your bear spray—just to be safe.
Meet Denali’s Sled Dogs
Unique to Denali, sled dogs have served as companions and indispensable workers for over a century, making them a vital part of one of the most remote and wild landscapes in North America. Essential to Denali’s winter operations, these canine teams and their rangers become the park’s primary means of transportation.
Meet these canine heroes at the park’s sled dog kennel. Daily demonstrations allow visitors to see the dogs in action, learn about their care and meet the youngest pups.
Where to Stay
Overlook the beautiful surroundings of Denali National Park with a stay at the Grande Denali Lodge. The lodge exterior features authentic log construction. Inside you’ll find a welcoming, warm stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. For dinner, Alpenglow offers seafood, steak and poultry entrees. Rooms boast a sleek, modern design with breathtaking views.
Exploring Fairbanks – Gateway to the Arctic
A city for all seasons, Fairbanks serves as the gateway to the Arctic. It’s also an ideal place to see the Northern Lights during the Aurora season. Since we visited in summer, we explored the local attractions and ventured above the Arctic Circle on an epic adventure. Of course, no visit to Fairbanks is complete without a walk with the reindeer!
Fairbank Favorites
Don’t miss the opportunity to pan for gold at Gold Dredge 8, which left Marshall $18 richer. Another Fairbanks highlight, The Riverboat Discovery is a family-owned and operated business spanning five generations.
As you cruise in an old-fashioned steamboat on the Chena River, you’ll be treated to a sled dog demonstration by the family of Susan Butcher, who was the second female to win the Iditarod and four-time champion.
The experience also includes a visit to the Chena Village Living Museum. With a guided tour, you’ll learn how the Athabascans skillfully survived for over 10,000 years.
Just 15 miles from Fairbanks is the North Pole—well, Alaska’s North Pole—a town fully immersed in the Christmas spirit.
Experience an Arctic Adventure
Marshall was determined to cross the Arctic Circle and the Northern Alaska Tour Company made it happen. Much of the region is accessible only by air, with the only land route being the Dalton Highway.
On our adventure we flew across the Arctic Circle and skirted the edge of the Gates of the Arctic National Park, taking in the breathtaking sights of the Brooks Mountain Range. Our excursion landed at Coldfoot Camp—a haven for truckers working on Alaska’s North Slope.
From there we were driven to the tiny settlement of Wiseman. Home to just 12 residents, we met a lifelong local who shared insights into a sustainable life above the Arctic. Northern Alaska Tour Company offers several experiences so you can choose your own adventure!
Walking with Reindeer
Our Alaska adventures ended with a truly magical experience at the Running Reindeer Ranch. Nestled in the tranquil boreal forest, guests have the opportunity to walk alongside a friendly herd of reindeer as they amble through the trees.
Guides share stories about the animals and introduce visitors to each reindeer’s personality. The experience combines elements of a nature walk and wildlife observation, offering an immersive and unforgettable introduction to these endearing characters of the Far North!
Where to Stay
In Fairbanks, we split our time between two accommodations. First, we stayed at the River’s Edge Resort. Situated at the edge of the Chena River, this seasonal resort offers a variety of lodging options, including private cottages overlooking the river. There’s also an RV Park for campers.
Next, we stayed in the heart of downtown Fairbanks at the Bridgewater Hotel, a boutique property with modern rooms ideally situated within walking distance to downtown attractions and dining.
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