Alaska, breathtaking—that’s one word I can use to describe it. The mountains, the perfect white snow, the friendly locals, and the delicious food… This trip ranks as one of my favorites.
I have to say, Anchorage is a blast. April isn’t the most ideal time to visit, as it’s known as the “breakup” season—snow is melting, and sometimes it can look a bit dreary if you happen to arrive at the wrong time.
Tips for Planning a Trip to Alaska
Time Zone – Anchorage is in the Alaska Standard Time zone, which is 4 hours behind my family on the East Coast. So, there’s some adjustment to the timing, and with kids, I try to follow their lead and let them rest when they need to.
Cost – I’m not sure if this is still the case, but the last time I went to Alaska, prices for things like food, gas, and accommodations seemed generally higher compared to the lower 48 states. Packing carefully cooked takeaway meals and snacks (like PB&J sandwiches, bagels, fruits, etc.) helped us save some money. Check out some of my favorite portable food recipes (like peanut butter energy balls, Italian sausage rolls, and DIY trail mix).
Book Accommodations Early – When planning this trip, I found that booking accommodations was my biggest challenge. My top priority was securing lodging, and then I booked other things like rental cars, short excursions, etc., the earlier, the better.
Time of Year – Consider the time of year you’re visiting Alaska, as daylight hours can vary greatly. In the land of the midnight sun, summers are almost 24/7 daylight, while winters only have a few hours, depending on which part of the great state you’re visiting. We learned there’s an inside joke that Alaska has three seasons—winter, summer, and breakup. Breakup happens in spring when the snow melts, and fall seems to last a brief 1-3 weeks. Summer is the most popular tourist season, and rightfully so. But if you have the chance to visit in winter, I wouldn’t rule it out. Alaska is stunning in the winter, and much less crowded. Winter doesn’t stop Alaskans from going out. One of our favorite winter activities is cross-country skiing in Anchorage, as the trails are lit at night. Note that many places will have seasonal closures in winter, such as roads and businesses.
Northern Lights – If you’re chasing the Northern Lights, you’re unlikely to see them in summer because it’s too bright outside. But if you visit at other times of the year, you can use some apps to track activity, such as Aurora Forecast and Aurora Alerts. While you might not see them in summer, it doesn’t mean you have to wait until deep winter to see them. I’ve seen them in September and April, times I didn’t expect to.
Northern Lights Coupon Book – If you want to try to get some discounts during your visit, you can explore and purchase the Northern Lights Coupon Book for some deals that might fit your plans.
Other Guides – You might also consider purchasing some guides to help plan your trip. If you plan on driving many miles, the popular Milepost is definitely a good choice. Internet service on the roads may be limited or nonexistent, so it’s best to carry maps or download them on your phone beforehand. Alaska.org is also a great resource, with some guides that you can download or request to be sent to your home. You can also call ahead to national parks you might visit, like Denali National Park and Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park, and they can send you some information to help plan your trip.
Transportation Around Anchorage
Driving is the most convenient way to explore Anchorage and its surrounding areas. Make sure to park your car in safe, monitored areas, and never leave valuables in the car. Taxis and Uber are reliable options.
Staying downtown, we can explore on foot without worrying about the hassle of parking. Renting a bike is another great way to experience Anchorage, providing both freedom and a unique perspective of the city.
Bike Along the Coastal Trail
If the weather permits, we recommend biking along one of Alaska’s premier bike paths — the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a vibrant afternoon in Anchorage. You can download an official PDF map highlighting the most exciting sights along the route.
If you prefer not to bike — no worries. You can walk several miles along the coast. Or park at one of the parking lots along the Coastal Trail and enjoy the most thrilling viewpoints.
Approaching Glaciers: 8 Ways
Alaska is dotted with glaciers, and Anchorage gives you easy access to some of the best. With approximately 60 glaciers within just 50 miles of the city, there are multiple ways to explore the ice and snow by foot, air, road, or water. Going solo? Remember, glaciers are powerful and unpredictable: stick to marked trails and follow all posted signs to enjoy the glaciers safely, or connect with knowledgeable local guides for up-close encounters with these ancient ice rivers.
Easiest Accessible Glaciers
Just 50 miles south of Anchorage, drive along one of the nation’s most scenic highways to stroll along the lakes dammed by icebergs left behind as the Portage Glacier retreated. Watch award-winning exhibits and the film “Voices from the Ice.” Take a narrated walk and then board the Ptarmigan for an hour-long glacier cruise.
Roadside Ice
Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, about 90 miles north of Anchorage, offers stunning views of the 27-mile-long Matanuska Glacier. The Edge Nature Trail leads through forests to a glacier viewing platform. Several companies offer guided day hikes or climbs of Matanuska and other nearby glaciers near Anchorage.
Dog Sledding on Glaciers
Dog sledding – in summer! Glaciers provide ample opportunities to explore Alaska’s state sport and one of the oldest forms of transportation. Fly to nearby glacier dog kennels for a short-sleeved sled adventure! Rust’s Flying Service and Alpine Air are among the companies with such setups.
Glacier Day Tours
Narrated day cruises depart several times daily from Whittier (60 miles south of Anchorage) and Seward (130 miles south of Anchorage). Watch glaciers calve and spot other giant Alaskan wildlife. Various whale species ply these waters, not to mention otters, sea lions, seabirds, and Dall’s porpoises.
Paddling
Kayaking through frozen chunks in Prince William Sound is just the start of paddling options. Resurrection Bay (Seward) also offers excellent sea kayaking. Prefer to stand up? Many outdoor retailers also stock stand-up paddleboards.
Flightseeing Tours
For a true high-altitude glacier experience, book a helicopter or bush plane tour for a once-in-a-lifetime flight over numerous glaciers. Operators offer flightseeing tours year-round departing from Anchorage, many of which include glacier landings or lake landings to admire immense glaciers.
Rail Day Trips
The Glacier Discovery Train is your ticket to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop on the Alaska Railroad. Here, you can disembark for short hikes with U.S. Forest Service rangers, strap on crampons and helmets for glacier trekking, or hop on a raft for a gentle float among the icebergs. Or you can stay on the train and continue on to the Grandview Valley, enjoying magnificent views through large picture windows.
Dining with a View
Standing on the deck at the top of the Alyeska Resort’s aerial tramway in Girdwood, you can see seven named glaciers in the surrounding mountains. Bore Tide Deli, Roundhouse Museum, and Seven Glaciers Restaurant all offer magnificent views of glaciers and the valleys below.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Alaska?
Most airlines offer budget flights to famous Alaska cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage. Be sure to book early and keep an eye out for deals! The cost of each trip will vary depending on your wish list. Do you want to charter a fishing trip? Are you interested in visiting Alaska’s wilderness? There are plenty of free activities like hiking to glaciers, wildlife viewing, exploring lakes and rivers, etc. Or, if you’re feeling indulgent, you can book flightseeing tours or ATV tours to enjoy Alaska’s beautiful scenery. Multi-day tours combining transportation, accommodation, and activities can save expenses and provide convenience in trip planning. Whatever your budget, Alaska offers choices for you!
When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?
Did you know that in Alaska, summer days never get dark? While coming to the Land of the Midnight Sun in summer means more daylight hours for all your adventures, it also means the sky never gets dark enough to see the Northern Lights. If you want to see the Northern Lights, you need to schedule your visit between September and March. Want to increase your odds further? Bundle up in warm clothes and have a hot drink because spending at least three nights searching the dark skies will increase your chances.
Anchorage Dining:
Some favorite restaurants among Anchorage foodies:
Moose’s Tooth Pub: Best pizza and beer joint! Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse: This is the staple of Alaska! Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Very upscale, with live music!
I hope this travel guide inspires you to get out there and see all that this beautiful world has to offer! Alaska is truly breathtaking and never disappoints. It’s a great place for scenic road trips. While traveling to the northern regions of the state may require longer vacations, you don’t need more than three days to visit all the best attractions in central and southern Alaska.
