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Are you looking for the best Alaska road trip itinerary that showcases the best the “Last Frontier” has to offer?

Since I have been to Alaska multiple times I can suggest exactly how to plan a trip to Alaska based on experience. I will teach you how to travel Alaska to see all the coolest locations.

I want you to see the best of what Alaska has to offer including cute small towns, scenic drives, and national parks such as Kenai Fjords and Denali which are full of wilderness and wildlife.

When planning your trip, feel free to modify my Alaska itinerary based on the time you have to spend in the state.

I recommend visiting Alaska for at least a week, but two weeks is an ideal amount of time for an Alaska vacation.

No matter how long you have to spend in the state, you are in for a real treat when visiting America’s 49th state! Alaska is so diverse with nature and wildlife like you have never seen before!

Don’t forget to check out my detailed road trip packing list so you don’t forget any essentials!

Here is my Alaska road trip guide!

A winding road through trees heading toward mountains on an Alaska road trip.

Bucket-List Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

Stop 1: Anchorage

You will start and end your Alaska road trip in the city of Anchorage.

There are plenty of things to do in Anchorage and the town is full of all the comforts you could ask for such as large grocery stores, a mall, museums, shops, and more.

The city is also closely tied to the surrounding nature.

Most Alaska road trip itineraries begin and end in Anchorage because it is convenient and the international airport is nearby.

If you are looking for the best attractions in Anchorage, consider going to the Anchorage Museum. It has something for the whole family!

Fascinating art and cultural exhibits, a planetarium, and an entire kids section make it a great day trip for all ages!

If you want to see more of the city, Anchorage Trolley Tours is a fun and affordable way to take a tour! I learned all about how Anchorage was founded, saw cool local homes, and drove on a small plane runway!

This was certainly one of the most fun Alaska tours in town. You can book your trolley tour online and save time when you arrive. This is a great family-friendly thing to do!

Finally, if you are looking to get active in Anchorage, this Coastal Trail 3-Hour City Bike Tour may be perfect for you. It is educational, fun, and a great way to see the city while getting some exercise.

The coastal parks are BEAUTIFUL in Anchorage and filled with tons of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and you may even spot some moose!

Anchorage is a fun and educational place to begin your road trip in Alaska!

Where To Stay In Anchorage

As a major city, there are a ton of great hotels in Anchorage for all budgets and types of travelers.

Aerial image of Anchorage at sunset with mountains in the distance.

Stop 2: Talkeetna

Next, continue your Alaska itinerary from Anchorage.

If you haven’t yet heard of Talkeetna, you are in for a real treat! It is the cutest town in Alaska and is the base for people who are hiking the mountain of Denali. Make sure to pack good hiking boots for Alaska!

Talkeetna is eclectic and so cute and a wonderful place to visit before you head to Denali National Park.

The food in Talkeetna is some of the best in Alaska so you will certainly want to try to eat at as many places as possible.

One of the best things to do in Talkeetna is to take a flight tour of Denali. This Talkeetna: Denali 1-Hour Flight Experience is based out of Talkeetna This is the best way to see Alaska from the air.

If you want the chance to walk on a glacier, you can also choose the Talkeetna: Grand Denali Flight Tour with Optional Landing.

If taking a flight, understand that a glacier landing will up the price of the flight. If you have seen enough glaciers, I recommend sticking to the flight to save money!

You can also go fishing or whitewater rafting along the nearby lakes and rivers.

Many people stop in Talkeetna for a quick stop and that is fine if that is all the time you have, but I highly recommend spending at least one night in this unique little Alaskan city!

Where To Stay In Talkeetna

As a smaller town, there are not a ton of hotel options for Talkeetna. But the handful of lodgings feature beautiful properties and reasonable prices.

Cute stores in downtown Talkeetna, Alaska.
Photo Credit: Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock.com

Stop 3: Denali National Park

After Talkeetna, the next stop on your Alaska road trip itinerary is Denali National Park, one of the most iconic Alaska attractions.

The drive north to the park is a bit long, so budget at least four hours of driving for this part of your Alaska trip. As one of the best things to do in Alaska, the drive is worth it.

Both times I drove from Anchorage to Denali, it was raining, so I had to drive slowly. If it is a clear day, you are going to want to stop to see all the stunning mountains once you get further north!

This is one of the top road trips from Anchorage!

In Denali National Park, you have the option to drive your car 14 miles into the park, but after that, you have to either hike or pay to take a national park bus.

If you want to try something fun, consider taking a Denali Highway Jeep Excursion.

The drive is over 100 miles and highlights the best of what Denali has to offer from glaciers to epic wildlife! Book early as this one fills up quickly!

If you want to do some hiking but are a little tentative about being among wildlife such as bears and moose all alone, consider taking a guided hike.

This Denali: 5-Hour Guided Wilderness Hiking Tour is a great introduction and a wonderful way to get active within the park. This is a great way to explore Denali National Park!

If you are a novice hiker or even a pro looking to find the best spots, a guided hike is a great thing to do on your first day or two to get a lay of the land. It is also one of the best ways to see Alaska’s beauty.

Looking for a burst of adrenaline? I suggest the Denali Park Zipline Adventure. Ziplining is SO MUCH FUN and it is even better in Alaska because of the views and amazing cool air.

Denali is the highlight of many travelers’ Alaska itineraries, so choose the top things to do in Denali that suit your interests.

If you want to add a day or two to this itinerary, you can head farther north to Fairbanks. If you visit in winter, this is one of the best places to see the northern lights.

Where To Stay Near Denali

Denali National Park is remote but there is a smattering of hotels along its perimeter on the Parks Highway. Camping here is also a popular option if you are writing an Alaska on a budget itinerary.

Fall day at Denali National Park with evergreen trees, lakes, and mountains.

Stop 4: Seward

Seward should top every Alaska by-car itinerary!

You can head there from Denali, but that is an 8-hour drive, or you can spend another night or two in Anchorage or the nearby towns of Wasilla or Palmer to cut down on the drive.

The drive from Anchorage to Seward is one of the most famous in Alaska. The Seward Highway is so pretty!

The drive down the Turnagain Arm is one of the top drives in the world, and the highlight of many Alaska road trips.

This drive is totally doable in a day and I have done it before and many friends have too. If you want to stop and take your time, there are plenty of other cute towns that you can visit along the way.

If you have time, stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you can see bears, wolves, moose, bison, and more up close and safely!

Aerial view of the Turnagain Arm Highway with mountians on one side and water on the other, one of the best drives on your Alaska road trip.

When people set out on an Alaska vacation, they want to see glaciers! There is no better way to see glaciers up close and personal than taking a boat ride in Seward!

While there are many companies, Major Marine Tours is hands down the best company for Alaska tours of glaciers in Seward.

I went on the Kenai Fjords National Park 7.5 Hour Glacier Cruise. Honestly, almost 8 hours on a boat is long. However, it is worth it because you get to see glaciers AND animals.

You can also take a shorter tour that focuses on one or the other like this 4-hour From Seward: Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Tour.

Wildlife to see include sea otters, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoise, orca, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and puffins!

If you want to see two glaciers and have a higher chance of seeing wildlife, this Seward Glacier tour is the best option for you.

Glacier in Seward with blue ice and a dramatic sky.

If you are looking to see glaciers from above instead, add a helicopter tour to your itinerary for Alaska!

Flying over mountains, the ocean, and glaciers is one of the top things to do in Alaska and Seward is a wonderful choice for a flight.

If you are looking to do a helicopter tour of Seward and the surrounding glaciers, make sure to book with Marathon Helicopters.

I had never flown in a helicopter before and while I knew it would offer stunning views for photography and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I was a little afraid!

The owner, Mike, is a professional pilot and his takeoffs and landings were as smooth as butter!

I went on a 30-minute glacier landing tour which involved 15 minutes of flying and 15 minutes of landing at the foot of a glacier so remote it doesn’t even have an official name!

Don’t forget to pack a windproof jacket if you plan to land on a glacier!

If you just want to stick to the ground, take a hike to Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska.

Where To Stay In Seward

Though it is a small town, there are a ton of great hotel options in Seward from affordable to luxury.

Dusk falls over the sailboats in the Seward marina with purple mountains in the distance.

Stop 5: Homer

Found on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is an essential stop on any Alaska itinerary. It is easy to drive to which makes it perfect to visit on an Alaska road trip. Homer is about a 3.5-hour drive from Seward.

One of the top things to do in Homer is to go fishing for halibut.

Since I don’t fish, I spent our time walking the beach, taking in the stunning mountain and glacier vistas, visiting the famous Salty Dog Saloon, and meandering through Homer’s Wednesday Farmer’s Market.

Homer is one of the best places to see in Alaska because of its proximity to the mountains and ocean. Don’t forget to check out Homer’s crazy tides and beautiful sunsets if you visit when it isn’t raining!

Many Alaska road trip itineraries don’t include Homer and if they do, it may only be a day trip.

I urge you to add more time to your vacation to see this unique and eclectic town since it is one of the best things to do in Alaska.

Where To Stay In Homer

There are plenty of hotels in and around Homer whether you want luxury accommodation or something simple and affordable.

Aerial view of Homer on a strip of land in the water with mountains in the distance all under a cloudy sky.

Stop 6: Soldotna

One of the top Alaska attractions in Soldotna is the Kenai River and the Salmon Fishing Run.

Whether you fish or just want to enjoy the town and the stunning [active!] volcanos in the distance, Soldotna is one of the best Alaska road trip ideas.

On your way to Homer, you will pass through Soldotna, but it is better to visit this part of your Alaska itinerary on the way back to Anchorage so you can break up the driving time.

The drive from Homer to Soldotna is only 1.5 hours, so you will be hanging out in this cute Alaskan town before you know it!

Keep an eye out for moose and bears as animal watching is one of the top things to do in Alaska, and Soldotna is the perfect place for wildlife viewing!

If you choose to stop in Soldotna, I highly recommend checking out the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. It is a wonderful spot for hiking and exploring.

In addition, the Soldotna Historical Museum is home to vintage log cabins and more which show what local life was like in the past. Break up your exploration with a little history.

Soldotna is home to MANY incredible parks that go along the Kenai River so there is plenty of space for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Whether you visit Alaska on your own or with family, this is a great place to hang out.

Where To Stay In Soldotna

There are not a ton of hotels in Soldotna since it is a small town, but there are still great choices. I suggest booking a place near the river.

Bull moose standing among greenery and flowers.

Stop 7: End Your Alaska Itinerary by Flying Out of Anchorage

End your Alaska road trip in Anchorage where you started.

If you fly Alaska Air, many flights are red eyes, leaving after midnight. The benefit to this is you have the entire day to explore, drive slowly back to Anchorage, and still make your flight without missing any fun!

When flying on a red-eye, you are going to want to pack a sleep mask for extra comfort!

Alternatively, you can add one extra day in Anchorage to your Alaska itinerary if being closer to the airport on the day of your flight is important to you.

Blue hour over Anchorage with city lights reflecting in the water and snow-capped mountains in the distance.

How Long To Spend On Your Road Trip In Alaska

I recommend as much time as possible for the best Alaska road trips since Alaska is a huge state and has a ton to offer. However, I know not everyone can take a lot of time off for a vacation.

To help you out, I have written some sample itineraries for Alaska to help you plan for anywhere from 3 to 10 days in Alaska.

As always, I suggest prioritizing what you want to see the most. Feel free to revise your Alaska example itinerary.

3-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – Explore Anchorage, including the Anchorage Museum and Anchorage Trolley Tours.
Day 2: Seward – Drive to Seward, enjoy the scenic Turnagain Arm drive, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and explore the town.
Day 3: Seward and Return – Take a boat tour to see glaciers, then drive back to Anchorage.

4-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – Spend the day in Anchorage, visiting the museum and taking the trolley tour.
Day 2: Drive to Seward – Journey down the Turnagain Arm, stop at the wildlife center, explore Seward.
Day 3: More in Seward – Go on a glacier boat tour, consider a helicopter tour.
Day 4: Return to Anchorage – Spend the day driving back, possibly stopping at scenic points.

5-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – City exploration and museum visit.
Day 2: Drive to Homer – Explore Homer, beach walk, visit Salty Dog Saloon.
Day 3: Homer – Spend another day in Homer, enjoying local activities and scenery.
Day 4: Homer to Soldotna – Drive to Soldotna, visit Kenai River and local attractions.
Day 5: Return to Anchorage – Drive back with leisure, enjoying the landscapes.

7-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – Explore the city, including the Anchorage Museum.
Day 2: Drive to Seward – Travel down the Turnagain Arm, stop at the wildlife center.
Day 3: Seward – Take a boat tour for glacier and wildlife viewing.
Day 4: Seward to Homer – Drive to Homer, explore the town.
Day 5: Homer Activities – Enjoy a day in Homer, perhaps fishing or beach walking.
Day 6: Homer to Soldotna – Travel to Soldotna, explore the Kenai River.
Day 7: Return to Anchorage – Drive back to Anchorage, with optional stops.

10-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – City exploration, Anchorage Museum visit.
Day 2: Drive to Talkeetna – Explore Talkeetna, consider a Denali flight tour.
Day 3: Talkeetna to Denali – Travel to Denali, begin park exploration.
Day 4: Denali National Park – Spend a full day in Denali, hiking or on a Jeep tour.
Day 5: Denali to Seward – Drive to Seward, enjoy the Turnagain Arm scenery.
Day 6: Explore Seward – Take a glacier boat tour, explore the town.
Day 7: Seward to Homer – Drive to Homer, visit local attractions.
Day 8: Enjoy Homer – Spend the day in Homer, exploring the beaches and town.
Day 9: Homer to Soldotna – Travel to Soldotna, visit Kenai River.
Day 10: Soldotna to Anchorage – Return to Anchorage, with leisurely stops.

Snow-capped Denali in the distance with a lake and pine trees in the foreground.

Best Time Of Year For An Alaska Road Trip

When planning your Alaska road trip, the time of year is something you should consider. The best time of year for traveling Alaska is easily summer or fall.

Winter is not a good idea because the weather is harsher and the many Alaska driving routes are impassible because of snow.

Spring can still be very cold in Alaska as well. Depending on where you want to go, spring in Alaska can be quite snowy and cold.

If you want to drive into the mountains, the snow may not have melted yet and you will be limited in what you are going to be able to do.

Late summer and early fall are an ideal time for taking a road trip in Alaska because the weather is good, the snow is gone, and the animals are out and about.

The downside is that this is high season and prices will be at their most expensive. Even so, this is one of my favorite summer trips in the USA!

If you can visit Alaska later in the year, like September or even October you will have the chance to experience the state with lower prices.

A word of caution, if you go later in the year you will have to deal with closures as many companies shut down for the season.

You are safe to travel in late summer and early fall so keep this in mind when choosing what time of year to plan the best Alaska trip itinerary.

An RV on a road heading towards the mountains among flowers and green trees on an Alaska road trip.

What To Pack For Your Alaska Road Trip

Chances are you are visiting Alaska in the summer or late spring/early fall. If you aren’t, more power to you, and let us know how it is!

If you are going in the summer, Alaska isn’t as cold as you may think, but it is still chilly for those of us who live year-round in warmer climates.

The weather in Alaska during the summer will range from 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit along this route. The weather during the late summer can also be rainy.

Make sure to stay prepared and you will have a great time on your Alaska driving trip!

  • Fleece-lined Leggings. If you are packing for a road trip in Alaska you need to bring fleece-lined leggings! They don’t take up much space and they keep you warm under jeans or hiking pants. I bring two pairs to double them up if I want to wear a dress!
  • Thin Long Sleeve Thermal Tops. I recommend bringing 2-3 thin thermal tops. These tops are affordable and pack up very small all while keeping you extra warm! They are perfect for layering and can be worn underneath other tops as a base layer.
  • A Balaclava. Weather in Alaska can get windy and blow your scarf all over the place! Cut down on chasing your clothing around and add a balaclava to your Alaska packing list! A balaclava is especially important for Alaska if you are doing anything on the water such as a glacier boat tour or whale watching!
  • Warm Knit Hat. Simple knit hats or beanies are a must. You only need one of these cable-knit hats or you can pack a few!
  • Filtered Water Bottle. I swear by my Bobble Water Bottles and they have seen multiple trips to Alaska. Filtered water bottles don’t cost much and will help you cut down on plastic waste. Refill them using any tap water and be on your way!
  • Waterproof and Windproof Jacket. A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential for Alaska since it may be raining, windy, or both at any given time. I love this jacket from Columbia for women and this one for men. Make sure to add a solid jacket to stay warm and dry.
  • Waterproof Rain Pants. I love my waterproof rain pants and you will too! They are affordable and pack up small. If you are hiking or walking and it starts to rain, simply whip out this waterproof shell and put it on over your clothes! They are windproof too!
  • Sleep Mask. If you take your Alaska road trip during the summer, you will experience the midnight sun! Now 24-hour daylight is super cool, but some people have a hard time sleeping when it is light out! Bring along a sleep mask to help block out the light and to help you get some shut-eye before more exploring.
  • Trail Mix and Protein Bars. This Alaska driving itinerary is best done on a full stomach! I love this brand of bars! As for trail mix, you can make your own or buy a big bag of trail mix online or at your local store. The nuts and seeds in trail mix will help you stay satisfied longer.
  • Waterproof Hiking Shoes. No matter what time of year you are traveling to Alaska, make sure to add sturdy hiking shoes to your Alaska packing list. Pack solid hiking shoes that are waterproof and offer good support. Good hiking shoes often make all the difference when exploring Alaska!
Person standing on a cliff of wildflowers overlooking mountains and rivers.

Safety Tips For Your Alaska Road Trip

A road trip planner for Alaska would not be complete without some essential safety tips. Alaska is a beautiful but harsh state at times and it is important to be prepared.

First off, watch the weather closely. The weather can change quickly during your trip and can range from sunny to freezing and windy.

Make sure you dress in layers so you can easily take off or put on clothes based on the weather.

Download a weather app to keep track of local weather so you don’t venture out when it is too dangerous. You do not want to risk driving in Alaska if the roads are bad.

Always let a family member or friend know if you go hiking so if something happens, someone knows where to find you.

The phone service in Alaska is incredibly crappy so be prepared! Use wifi to let someone know where you will be.

Always ensure you have extra food and water in the car in case you get into an accident and are stranded for a long time. You don’t want to be stuck without provisions while you wait for help.

I recommend a reusable water bottle as well as an emergency bottle of water during your drive.

Finally, make sure to make noise and be bear aware. When you are hiking, sing or wear cans on your backpack to make noise and alert animals so you won’t surprise them.

As usual, NEVER feed any wild animals, and never get out of your car to walk up to an animal to view it more closely.

Taking these precautions to heart will help you have a safe and fun time on the best trip to Alaska!

Mother bear with a fish and her cub next to the river seen on an Alaska road trip.

Now you should hopefully be armed with the knowledge you need to start planning the best Alaska vacation itinerary.

I love Alaska and have been multiple times so I hope you take the tips to heart and keep an open mind to learn some things along the way too!

I know you will love exploring Alaska by car as much as I do!

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A special thanks to our partners Alaska Air, Major Marine Tours, and Marathon Helicopters. All opinions are our own and are honest because lying sucks! Please note that some links may be affiliate links which means that we may make a small profit of the sales at no additional cost to you. All the products we recommend are what we personally use and trust. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases.