7 Day Alaska Summer Itinerary
Southcentral Alaska is the central hub for life in Alaska. On a 7-day trip to Alaska, you will have plenty of time to taste the highlights around this area. The Ted Stevens International Airport is located in Anchorage, where most flights to Alaska will arrive. From here, you can access everything you need to begin your trip, including tons of exciting sights and activities, all within a few hour’s drive.
Included in this sample itinerary:
Flightseeing in Denali National Park
Aerial Tram in the Chugach Mountains
Whale Watching in Kenai Fjords National Park
Exit and Byron Glacier Access
Easy Hiking
Wildlife Viewing
Additional activities that can be added to this itinerary:
Helicopter Flight with Dog Sledding on a Glacier
Brown Bear Viewing in Katmai National Park
Guided Salmon Fishing
Alaska Summer 7 Day Itinerary Map
Day 1 - Anchorage
Welcome to Alaska! You’ve had a long journey, and we are excited to welcome you to our home. At the airport, you will collect your belongings and rental car prior to going to your hotel. You can spend the afternoon enjoying some of the local sights around Anchorage, including the Glen Alps Overlook, which will give you a beautiful view over the city of Anchorage and the famous Mount Susitna (aka Sleeping Lady as known to locals).
You can also visit Westchester Lagoon, a beautiful area near downtown Anchorage with a large lake, birdlife, and panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains. You will enjoy dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in Anchorage (you will receive our Alaska Restaurant Guide) before turning in for the evening.
Day 2 - Talkeetna
Today you depart the city and head north to the artistic, charming, and historic town of Talkeetna. Along the way, you will stop at some beautiful places, including Hatcher Pass. Here you can walk through the well-preserved remnants of the Independence Mine.
From here, you will drive to Talkeetna. The drive north promises majestic views of Denali that only get better as you approach the town. You will check into your hotel for the evening, followed by a brewery visit at the well-known Denali Brewing Company. Talkeetna has many excellent restaurants, so you won’t lack delicious places to choose from for dinner.
Day 3 - Girdwood
Wake up on the shore of the powerful Susitna River and treat yourself to a hearty breakfast and coffee at one of the many breakfast joints around town. Talkeetna is well known to many as the starting place for climbers attempting to summit Denali. While you’re not going to climb the mountain, you will hop aboard a flightseeing tour that will circumnavigate the tallest mountain in North America and make a glacier landing. You don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Once you’ve had the chance to settle down from your adventurous morning, you will retrace your route south, passing through Anchorage, traveling along the picturesque waters of Turnagain Arm, and arriving in the mystical outdoorsy community of Girdwood. Girdwood is the home of Alaska’s main ski resort - Alyeska, but boasts plenty of year-round activities. Some of the best restaurants in Alaska are located in this little town, so make a reservation at the one you choose! You will overnight at the cozy resort with rooms that have incredible mountain views.
Day 4 - Seward
In the morning, you will take the aerial tram from the hotel to the top of the mountain. From here, you can hike or take in the stunning views over Turnagain Arm. Next, you will drive over Turnagain Pass to the seaside town of Seward.
You will stop at Exit Glacier on the way, where a gentle trail will take you close to the action. You can observe the glacier’s retreat and see how glaciers can reshape landscapes. From here, you will continue into Seward, where you will stay for the next two nights. The charming downtown has many restaurants to choose from. There is also a beautiful coastal walk along the water, where you can observe whales coming in for their evening meal.
Day 5 - Seward
In the morning, you will embark on a wildlife-watching extravaganza! From the boat, you will travel through Kenai Fjords National Park. You can observe wildlife in their natural habitat, including sea otters, whales, sea lions, puffins, and more.
After disembarking, you can regain your land legs by walking along the Lowell Point beach. If you have more energy, we highly recommend hiking on the Tonsina Creek Trail, which will lead you through enchanted mossy forests.
Day 6 - Anchorage
Today you will return to Anchorage while making some fun stops along the way. Your first stop is Portage Glacier. Here you can take a short, gentle hike on the Byron Glacier Trail, which allows close-up views of the glacier. As you drive back along Turnagain Arm, take the drive slowly as there are often possibilities for spotting beluga whales swimming or large mountain goats on the cliffs on the edge of the road.
After arriving in Anchorage, stop at some small locally owned shops such as Dos Manos or Sevigny Studios, where you can purchase quality, locally made gifts. We also recommend driving to Flat Top, where you can take a short walk and take in your final views of the city. Enjoy dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants in Anchorage before turning in for the night.
Day 7 - Departure
On your last morning in Anchorage, you will have time to pack your bags and enjoy breakfast before heading to the airport. Thank you for visiting us in Alaska!
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