Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

Valdez

Valdez, Alaska Itinerary: The Best Things to Do and See

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If you’re looking for the best way to plan a trip to Valdez, Alaska, look no further than this guide. After being born and raised in Valdez, I’ve got the inside scoop on the best things to do and see. This itinerary will be a little different than most you’ve probably seen, however, so let me explain below.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Valdez, Alaska welcome sign
Welcome to beautiful Valdez, Alaska!

What’s the best way to plan a Valdez vacation?

There are a ton of variables when traveling, especially when traveling anywhere in Alaska. Your Valdez, Alaska itinerary will greatly depend on weather, the time of year you’re visiting, how long you’ll be there, your budget, and other factors. These factors will determine what places and activities are open, what you can see, and what types of activities you’ll be able to fit into your time frame and budget. Which leads me to the explain how I’ve organized this itinerary.

How is this Valdez, Alaska itinerary organized?

The seasonality, unpredictable weather, costs, and more of traveling around Alaska can make travel planning a bit difficult. This is why I’ve left this itinerary with no specific schedule, and it’s more of a pick-your-own-adventure type of guide. This will help you be flexible to changes in weather, what fits your budget, what’s open at the time, and more. You can mix and match to fit your needs. For example, maybe it’s too foggy to explore Thompson Pass (pretty common), so you decide to stay in town. Why not check out the museums? Did you want to go on a fishing charter, but they’re all booked up? (To avoid that, check out this post!) Maybe look into fishing at Allison Point depending on the season. Those are just a couple situations you might encounter.

So, without further ado, let’s get to planning! I’ve broken the travel planning up into a few different categories. As you’ll be able to tell, some may overlap. The hatchery is educational and you’ll likely see wildlife. Going on a kayaking adventure is both a great activity and scenic. Fishing is a great activity and you’ll likely see wildlife. Anyway, you get the point, so let’s jump into the ultimate Valdez, Alaska itinerary!

Black bear in Valdez, Alaska at Solomon Gulch Hatchery
A black bear at the Solomon Gulch Hatchery.

Activities and Adventure

There are never ending adventures and activities all across Alaska. Here are a few of my favorite Valdez adventures to add to your travel plans.

Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

Are you looking for one of the most epic activities do to while in Valdez? Check out a glacier and wildlife cruise with Stan Stephen’s Glacier and Wildlife Cruises. Explore beautiful Prince William Sound and get the opportunity to see majestic glaciers and wildlife such as whales, puffins, otters, seals, and more. These cruises are full day excursions, so when planning your itinerary know that this will take up a large portion of your day, and it’s well worth it!

Tip: Are you wondering what to wear and bring with on a glacier and wildlife cruise? Check out our post here!

Prince William Sound on Stan Stephen’s Cruise
Beautiful views from Stan Stephen’s Cruise.

Fishing

Fishing is what many people visit Valdez to do. You can go fishing from the rocks at Allison Point, or drop a line while on a charter. Your fishing experience could last a few hours from the shore, be a half or full day trip on a charter, or you could even overnight on a charter!

The first thing to do when fitting fishing into your plans is to see what species will be available to catch during your visit, determine your budget, and pick the best option that will fit your schedule. Maybe you’re traveling with a large party and a charter is out of your budget? Try out a few hours of fishing at Allison Point. Is catching a halibut a must do on your Alaska bucket list? Splurge on a charter for a chance to get hooked up on the fish of your dreams!

Tip: Don’t go fishing without a derby ticket! Learn all about tickets and what you could win here!

Kayaking

Experience a once in a lifetime paddle around glaciers with guided kayaking tours in Valdez. You can plan your itinerary for this similarly to planning a glacier and wildlife cruise since they both excursions take up a good portion of the day.

Valdez, Alaska harbor
Hop in a kayak for a beautiful paddle.

Hiking

If you want to add exercise with a view to your schedule, check out some local hikes. Whether you want a short little jaunt after lunch, or an afternoon adventure, there’s something for everyone. Check out local hikes here, and don’t forget to be bear aware!

Walking in Thompson Pass near Valdez, Alaska
Walking around picturesque Thompson Pass.

Sights and Wildlife

Wherever you look in Valdez you’ll have spectacular views (as long as it’s not too foggy!). Below is a list of some specific places to see the most beautiful sights Valdez has to offer, along with some great wildlife spotting areas! You can also check out my detailed guide to the sights and wildlife of Valdez here.

Valdez Boat Harbor

The boat harbor is one of my favorite places to wander around in Valdez. It’s so peaceful and the perfect spot to walk around with a warm drink on a chilly morning, or check out the views on a sunny day. I love to see the creative names on the boats, and you might also see an otter or two if you’re lucky!

A section of the Valdez Boat Harbor.
A section of the beautiful Valdez Boat Harbor.

Keystone Canyon

If you didn’t stop on your drive in, check out Keystone Canyon. Horsetail and Bridal Veil Falls are just a couple of the majestic waterfalls you’ll see, and they make for great photo opportunities. This stop is a must add to your Valdez itinerary!

Waterfalls in Keystone Canyon near Valdez, Alaska.
A pit stop for some photos in Keystone Canyon.

Valdez and Worthington Glaciers

If you’re out viewing the falls in Keystone Canyon, you might as well add a trip up to Worthington Glacier in Thompson Pass to your plans for the day. Not only are there great walking trails with lots of informative signage, but the scenery is stunning! If you want to stay in town though, check out Valdez Glacier via a kayaking tour!

Worthing Glacier, Alaska
Worthington Glacier.

Dayville Road/Allison Point

If you’re looking for wildlife, here’s your spot! Cruise down Dayville Road and keep your eyes peeled for bears! Depending on the time of year, once you get closer to the water around the hatchery and Allison Point you may get the opportunity to see bears, sea lions, otters, seals, and tons of fish, which is what bring all the other animals into the area. Here’s a great pair of binoculars in case you want to get a closer look at them from a safe distance. And, once again, be bear aware.

Tip: As large and in charge as bears are, they are also fantastic at hiding out. If you want to get a photo of one from your vehicle, have your camera out and ready as you drive the road because as soon as you see one, it can disappear into the trees in a flash!

A brown bear in Valdez, Alaska along Dayville Road.
A brown bear along Dayville Road; I didn’t have my camera ready so we only got phone photos!

History and Education

If you’re visiting a new place it’s always nice to hear some of the backstory of how it got to where it is today, right? Well, Valdez has quite the history and many wonderful places to learn about it that I’ll explain more about below. Also, there’s a lot to learn about the area’s wildlife as well, so don’t miss out on that, either!

Valdez Museum

The Valdez Museum has two educational and unique locations. I highly suggest visiting both locations and learning about the gold rush, 1964 earthquake, oil spill, and more. The artifacts, movies, and displays are very well set up, and it’s a great way to learn about the town. Museum visits are great rainy day activities to add to your itinerary and you could spend an afternoon at the two Valdez Museum locations.

The Valdez Museum Annex Old Town Valdez replica.
Visit the Valdez Museum Annex to see a replica of Old Town Valdez.

Old Town

After learning a bit about Valdez history, head out to Old Town Valdez, the original Valdez townsite. You won’t see a bunch of historical buildings there (you’ll learn about why at the museums), but there are signs posted with information about Valdez before the earthquake and tsunami, and it will give you an idea of what the town was like before it was moved.

Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum

If you want to see one of the biggest and most interesting collections of Alaska Native art and Alaska wildlife mounts, visit the Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum. The artifacts there are beautiful and fascinating to see. This would be another great rainy day activity that you could spend an hour or so at.

Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery

Visit the hatchery, learn how it runs, and learn about its purpose on a self guided tour. This tour is not only informative, but also has beautiful views and, depending on the time of year, very good chances of seeing a lot of the wildlife in the sections above. Last summer we spent a whole afternoon there walking around and watching wildlife, but you could probably plan for around an hour if you were short on time.

Sea lions in Valdez, Alaska at Solomon Gulch Hatchery.
A sea lion getting salmon at the hatchery.

Crooked Creek

If you’re staying in town and up for a little walk, you could stroll on over to Crooked Creek. There’s a salmon viewing area, waterfall, and a cute cabin that you can visit to learn more about local wildlife, salmon cycles, native plant species, and more.

Tip: Just watch for bears here too, because where there’s fish there’s usually bears.

Crooked Creek information site and cabin in Valdez, Alaska.
Crooked Creek information site.

Okay, now that you’ve got the scoop on some of the best things to do and see in Valdez, Alaska, it’s time to compile your Valdez itinerary! Will you stick with the adventurous activities, spend some time indoors at the museums, go sightseeing in Thompson Pass, or a little combination of everything? Let me know in the comments!

If you have questions about traveling to Alaska, or how best to build your Valdez itinerary, feel free to leave a comment below, sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, or send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier and I hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we do!

11 Things You Must Have on a Summer Vacation in Alaska

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So you’re planning a vacation to Alaska; what an exciting time! Second only to the actual visit, planning is one of my favorite parts of travel. It can be tricky when it comes to planning what to pack, though. One of the things you may be wondering about is what you should bring on your Alaska vacation. Don’t fret, I’ve got a list of eleven must have things you‘ll need on your summer vacation in Alaska!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

What are the must have items for a summer vacation in Alaska?

Alrighty, let’s hop into our list of items you’ll want to have on your vacation in Alaska!

Sunscreen

It’s Alaska, the land of glaciers, snow, and freezing temperatures, right? Well, that’s not quite all correct in the summertime. Although we have an immense amount of glaciers, it can get pretty toasty here in the summer, especially with the midnight sun shining down. So, don’t forget to purchase sunscreen, and reapply as directed. You definitely don’t want to get burnt on your vacation, and if you do your friends may think you traveled to Mexico and not Alaska!

Kayaking on the Kenai Peninsula.
Hat, sunscreen, and sunshine!

Sunglasses

While we’re on the topic of sunshine, don’t forget to bring your sunglasses! The sun can be very direct and bright, so protect your eyes with some good sunglasses.

Hat

Continuing on that same topic, make sure you bring or purchase a hat(s) for your vacation. There are plenty of places to purchase them while you’re here, too. This will provide additional protection from the sun, and keep it out of your eyes and off your noggin.

Sleep Mask

Okay, I promise this is the last sun-related item! With the amazing amount of daylight Alaska gets during the summer, it’s sometimes hard to fall asleep if you don’t have the right items. I’d like to think that the places you’ll be staying will have blackout curtains, but on the chance that they don’t, I’d suggest getting a sleep mask. This will help you fall asleep even if there’s daylight still streaming into the room, or if you need a little midday nap after a day of Alaskan adventures.

Summer sunset on the Kenai Peninsula.
A late night sunset on the Kenai Peninsula.

Camera Batteries

Make sure you have enough camera batteries and keep them charged on your travels. The last thing you want to do is come upon a clear view of Denali and have your camera batteries die!

Binoculars

Whether you’ll be RVing through Alaska, taking a cruise, or making a short trip, binoculars are a must have Alaska vacation item. These will help you spot Alaska’s abundant wildlife, and check some wildlife sighting off your bucket list. We use Vortex binoculars for spotting sheep, goats, moose, bears, and more.

Spotting sheep on the mountains along the Seward Highway.

Bug Spray

You may have heard that mosquitos are our state bird, and that’s pretty accurate. They can get pretty vicious in the summertime, so grabbing some bug spray is essential.

Bug Net

It’s definitely not a fashion statement, but a bug net is a game changer! These bug nets, and nets with hats, are my go-to and have saved me from many bites. But, if you do happen to get bit, check out my remedies for mosquito bite relief!

Extra Suitcase

If you’re like me, you’ll be purchasing some souvenirs on your vacation. Take along an extra bag that fits in a bigger suitcase to bring your treasures back in. And, if you’re wondering what the best, authentic Alaskan souvenirs are and where to buy them, check out my post here!

Nomar bags made in Homer, Alaska.
Purchase a souvenir AND a suitcase in one with Alaska made Nomar bags.

Cash

I know the card has really taken over, but cash is still a good thing to have on hand. It’s convenient to have cash for tips on charters, some more remote stops may not accept cards, and on the off chance a system is down and businesses are only taking cash it’s important to have some accessible to you.

Good Attitude

I’m sure you knew I’d mention it, but one of the most important things to have on a summer vacation in Alaska is a good attitude! Be flexible, have some patience, create backup plans for times when rainy weather interrupts your plans, and enjoy your time in the Last Frontier!

Where can I find these must have Alaska travel items?

Lastly, I’ll give a short run down of where you can find these items. Some things you may want to bring with you if you already have them, and others you can purchase online to pack with you. You can also buy some of the less travel friendly items (e.g. sunscreen) when you arrive in Alaska, and yet other things (e.g. patience) will hopefully come with you for your whole vacation. See what suits you and your travel needs best, and purchase when and where it’s most convenient for you.

I hope this Alaska vacation packing list has helped you determine what you’ll need to enjoy your vacation to the fullest! If you have questions about traveling to Alaska feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email.

You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!

6 Mistakes to Avoid when Visiting Alaska for the First Time

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You’ve saved and saved, and now you’re planning your dream trip to the majestic wilderness of Alaska. Road trips through waterfall walled canyons, plentiful moose sightings, and hikes through untouched mountains fill your mind. But, to truly enjoy your time in the breathtaking Last Frontier, there are a few mistakes you’ll want avoid making.

One of the many waterfalls in Keystone Canyon.

What should I avoid when visiting Alaska?

There are a few things you should avoid or account for when visiting Alaska. Don’t worry, though, these aren’t trip ruining mistakes. With the right attitude, no trip to my home state can truly be bad. These are just some suggestions and guidelines to help you enjoy Alaska to the fullest.

I want your dream vacation to become one of your favorite memories. It’s my favorite place to be, and I’m hoping it will become one of your’s, too. So without further ado, here are a list of mistakes to avoid when visiting Alaska.

Underestimating the Size

Don’t underestimate the truly vast size of Alaska. It’s the largest of the United States, coming in at over 2.5 times the size of Texas! This is a very important fact to keep in mind when visiting Alaska, especially if you plan on doing a bit of traveling around the state.

It may sound fun to travel from Anchorage down to the Kenai Peninsula, and then make a quick drive to Denali National Park and Fairbanks during a five day trip. It doesn’t look too bad on the map, right? Well, maps can be a bit deceiving. That would be like driving through multiple states, and when you factor in construction season, weather, road closures, and extra traffic from visitors (learn more about those variables here), it’s quite the trek. Most of that time would be spent viewing Alaska from the inside of a vehicle, and although the drives here are extraordinary that’s not what you want to spend your vacation doing. So, all said and done, consider the size of Alaska and plan accordingly with the amount of time you’ll be visiting.

Mile 123 of the Denali Highway. Plan extra time for more remote roads as they are not usually paved.

Forgetting Layers

As I’m sure you’ve heard, weather in Alaska is unpredictable, so layering is your best friend when packing for your Alaska vacation. Having a variety of layers will help you stay comfortable no matter what weather you encounter or what season you visit during. This will help ensure that you can enjoy the activities you’ve dreamed of without being too hot, cold, or wet.

Downtown Anchorage during the Iditarod Start. Time to put those layers on!

Being Unprepared for the Season

This ties into a couple other points, but it’s important to be prepared for the season you’re visiting in. If you show up in the summer, expect road construction. If you visit during the summer through early fall, be prepared for mosquitoes. If you visit during the winter, know that daylight hours are lean. This goes for clothing as well, as I stated above, and also time on the road.

The time it takes to go from town to town will change per season as well. Things slow down in winter with the snow and ice. Fall is a more normal pace, but still has some construction. Summertime can be a mixed bag. Because of the midnight sun you can travel in the light a majority of the day, but all of the visitor traffic can often make road trips slow going. Those are just a few things to think about for the different periods you may be traveling during.

Expecting Public Transportation

Alaska is not known for its public transportation system. Surprisingly, many people think it’s easy to hop a bus and head to the next town a couple hundred miles away. There are so many other visitors heading in that direction, so of course there’s a bus right? Nope. You won’t be seeing any Graylines here.

Although there may be tour buses and some shuttles, there are no major buses that will take you around the state at scheduled times. There are, however, Ubers, taxis, rental cars and RVs (the most popular options), the ferry, the Alaska Railroad, and some city buses. Not all of those are consistent and reliable options, though, and some are very seasonal so check into schedules when planning your trip.

Not Making Reservations

Skipping over making reservations and not planning early can leave you in the lurch for some of the bucket list activities you may want to enjoy. If you’re set on doing an aurora tour, jet skiing around glaciers, zip lining, going on a fishing charter or day cruise, or mushing with sled dogs, you may want to look into getting a reservation. The same goes for lodging and rental cars/RVs as well.

Although there are things you can schedule last minute, it’s best to call ahead of time and check. We get an immense amount of visitors here every year who likely want to do the same activities you do and stay at the same places you want to stay. Thus, things book up quickly and reservations are out over a year in advance sometimes.

Fishing trips book up quickly. Book in advance to make sure you get a spot!

But, if your trip is coming up soon and you haven’t made any reservations, or if you’re just winging it day by day, don’t fret! You can sometimes book activities and other reservations on short notice and also check for cancellations. If an activity or place you wanted to experience doesn’t work out, don’t worry! Alaska has a plethora of beautiful places and epic activities to enjoy, so pivot and find a new experience you may not have thought of otherwise!

Thinking You’re the Only Ones

Alaska is a bucket list destination, so naturally there is a large number of people that travel here. But the thing is, as large as our state is it’s just not built for a lot of people. We have a small road system. Our towns aren’t built for populations to double and triple over the summer. We don’t always have the workforce to fill the positions needed to accommodate visitors.

Some visitors get frustrated with long lines and slow food service. Others can’t believe the traffic would be so slow, or that places would run out of food or rooms. And it’s not that we’re not happy you’re here! We really are (most of the time 😉 ) happy to have people come enjoy the beautiful 49th state. Who wouldn’t want to visit Alaska, after all? It’s just hard to prepare for such an influx of people when there really isn’t the infrastructure or workforce to support that. It also takes time for supplies to get here, and things are often late to arrive. Even if business are prepared, other things may be running late. So, if things are slow try your best to go with the flow. That’s what we do. You’ll have a much happier trip overall.

In summertime you’ll see traffic backed up even in “the middle of nowhere”.

These mistakes to avoid when visiting Alaska are suggestions that I feel will help make your dream vacation go as smooth as possible. Many travelers only make it to Alaska once, and I want your trip to be all you hoped it would be. Although no trip is exactly “perfect”, a vacation to Alaska is about as close as you can get, and I hope you have a wonderful time visiting the Last Frontier.

How to Prepare for Rainy Days on Your Alaska Vacation

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I guess it’s only fitting that I start writing this while it’s pouring rain outside. Today I’ve seen sun, wind, clouds, and pouring rain within the past few hours. Just another average weather day in Alaska! But, what can you do to prepare for these rainy days on your Alaska vacation and continue to enjoy your time in the 49th State? Well, being a born and raised Alaskan has given me some insight into how to best deal with inclement weather, and I’ll share those tips below.

Kayaking the Moose River in Sterling, Alaska.
One minute you’re kayaking in sun, and the next you’re warming up by the fire after a rain.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

What is the weather usually like in Alaska?

To sum it up in one word, Alaskan weather is unpredictable. You can start off your day kayaking in shorts. A few hours later you’re bundled up in a sweatshirt, raincoat, and pants trying to warm up by a campfire. It’s a mixed bag and you never know what you’ll be getting. But, that shouldn’t dissuade you from getting out and having an adventure!

A lot of the weather you’ll experience will obviously depend on what season you visit and which part(s) of Alaska you travel to. But, how you prepare for the rain will remain much the same. With the right clothes, attitude, and backup plans you can make a rainy day a bright spot in your trip. As I said in my post about things to consider when planning an Alaska vacation, the thing to remember about the weather is although it might dictate how some of your plans go, don’t let it dictate your mood!

A rainbow after some rainy weather in Alaska.
Looking for the sunshine and that pot of gold!

What activities may be cancelled or delayed due to rainy days on my Alaska vacation?

Inclement weather can change some of your planned activities on your Alaska vacation. If you have a flightseeing tour to explore surrounding glaciers and mountains, bad weather could cancel or postpone your flight. Rough seas can occasionally cause glacier and wildlife cruises and fishing charters to be rescheduled, and dangerous weather conditions may have you canceling your hiking plans. Those are a few of the activities that may be cancelled or rescheduled due to poor weather conditions.

When will I know if my activities are cancelled due to weather?

Unfortunately, with the rapidly changing weather, you may not know about your cancelled excursion until last minute. The ever changing weather can also be a positive thing, though. One minute you may find out your flightseeing tour is cancelled, and an hour later the clouds could clear and give you safe flying weather to go on your adventure! But, if the weather doesn’t clear and your plans get changed this is where having a backup plan comes in handy.

Our glacier and wildlife cruise boat for the day.

How do I plan for a change in my Alaska vacation plans?

Planning for a hiccup in your travel plans is no different than planning for hiccups in daily life. You either have a backup plan or just wing it! Personally, I would do a little research and have a “plan B”. Let’s say you’ve got a flightseeing tour planned one day and a hike a couple days later. Before you leave for your vacation, check out some other popular activities in the area incase you need an alternate option due to weather. Alaska is full of adventure, so even on those days where the weather isn’t cooperating you can still find a variety of things to do!

What should I wear to enjoy my time outside even on inclement weather days?

Most Alaskan’s get outside in almost all weather conditions. If we didn’t, we’d be stuck inside a lot! To take advantage of all Alaska has to offer, in any type of weather, we wear layers. If your plans get cancelled due to weather, just layer up and give your backup plan a try, or check with locals to find a different activity to do. This summer packing list will give you some ideas of what to pack to enjoy your trip to the fullest, no matter the weather. Having a raincoat, warm socks, waterproof shoes (or a spare pair of shoes incase ones gets wet), a hat, and even HotHands will help keep you warm on those chilly, drizzly days.

Wearing layers on a windy glacier and wildlife cruise kept us warm.
Layering up can keep you enjoying the outdoors on cold and windy days.

What activities are best for rainy days in Alaska?

On rainy days you can layer up and head outside to spot wildlife, fish along lakes and rivers, view glaciers, visit the Reindeer Farm, Muskox Farm, AWCC, and more! Check out Alyeska and its Nordic Spa, or spend some time indoors at local gift shops (Check out our list of the perfect Alaskan souvenirs here!), museums, and educational centers such as the SeaLife Center.

No matter the weather there is always something exciting and adventurous to do in our great state! Just remember, just because the weather may be gloomy doesn’t mean you have to be! Go out, find adventure, and create lasting memories even when the Midnight Sun may not be shining!

If you have questions about traveling to Alaska feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!

Valdez, Seward, or Homer: Which Should You Visit?

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Should I visit Valdez, Seward, or Homer during my Alaska vacation? I’ve seen this question asked quite a bit in various groups, and the answer is dependent on many factors. How far do you want to travel? How much time do you have? Are you more interested in whale watching or halibut fishing? Do you like a small town feel or the hustle and bustle of a tourist town? Those questions and more will help you determine which costal Alaskan town to visit on your Alaska vacation.

Below, I’ll answer those question and give you local insight that will help you with planning your travel itinerary. If you’ve got limited time on your travels and need to decided between visiting Homer, Valdez, or Seward, this guide is a must read.

A serene day at the Valdez Harbor.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

How far do you want to travel?

This will be a big factor in determining which town to visit. If you’re basing yourself in Anchorage and don’t want to have a full day of driving to your destination, Homer and Seward will be your options. Seward will be the shortest of the two drives, being less than three hours, so you can even make a day trip there. Homer is about four hours away, so you’ll want to stay at least overnight there.

Valdez is about a six hour drive from Anchorage. If you have the time, this is the most beautiful drive of the three. Obviously, this is my personal opinion (And being born and raised in Valdez I may be a bit biased!), but the views and variety of scenery are breathtaking. If you are able to break the drive up and stay a night somewhere along the way that would be ideal. Also, with the drive being long, you’ll want to stay in Valdez long enough to explore.

Tip: Check out our local’s guide to Valdez to find some great spots to stop along your road trip.

If you’re traveling throughout Alaska and have no particular starting point or home base, but have time constraints that will allow a visit to only Seward, Homer, or Valdez, the next things to consider are activities you’d like to do and sights you want to see.

Tip: Be sure to factor in road construction, traffic, and weather conditions into these travel times. To learn more about things to consider when planning an Alaska vacation check out this article.

Welcome to Homer!

What activities would you like to do on your Alaska vacation?

Activities and excursions are somewhat similar in all these beautiful towns, but they vary enough to help narrow your decision down. Below, I’ll list some popular activities and which towns I’d recommend for each.

Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

Glacier and wildlife cruises are a popular excursion when visiting Alaska. Valdez and Seward are your options for these, and both are incredible. You’ll have the opportunity to see whales, puffins, otters, seals, glaciers, and more on cruises out of either location.

Our glacier and wildlife tour boat out of Seward.

Fishing

Homer is known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World”, so you can correctly assume that the halibut fishing there must be good. But, you can also catch great halibut in Valdez and Seward.

All three locations also have salmon fishing. In Valdez you can fish for salmon off the rocks at Allison Point or on a charter. In Seward and Homer you can do the same; either fish on a charter boat or from the shore.

To narrow your choice down, consider the species of fish you’re after, when and what fish runs are occurring during the time you’ll be here, and which places still have charters available during the dates you want. The timing of your trip and your target fish species will help you narrow down the area you’d like to visit.

Tip: Book you fishing charter ASAP as they are very popular and book up well in advance.

Wood carving of man with halibut in Homer, Alaska.
Reel in a whopper like depicted in this Homer wood carving.

Hiking

I’d love to give you insight into the best hikes in Valdez, Seward, and Homer, but I don’t hike much so my qualifications in this category are null. But, I can suggest using AllTrails to view lists of popular trails, difficulty levels, and more.

Are there any specific sights you’d like to see on your Alaska adventures?

Although all of Alaska is beautiful, there are some places you’ll want to visit to see certain sights. From glaciers and moose to National Parks and boat harbors, I’ll suggest the best of the best below.

Wildlife

This is a bit of a tricky one since there is no guarantee of wildlife sightings, but some of these places will increase your chances of seeing certain animals. After living in Alaska over thirty years, I have a pretty good idea of where you’ll have the best chances to see specific critters.

Tip: Keep in mind that what season you visit will effect what animals you’ll see. Check out a complete Alaskan wildlife bucket list here!

If you want to see whales, head to Seward or Valdez and hop aboard a glacier and wildlife cruise. This goes for most marine life, as I’ve had some great wildlife sightings on these cruises. You can usually spot otters and check out tide pools in Homer, but if you want to have a better chance of seeing the bigger animals, I’d opt for Seward or Valdez.

Moose. A popular highlight of many people’s trip! You may see them along the road to Valdez, but you likely won’t see them in town. You’ll have a chance to see them on your way down to Seward, and you’re almost (but not quite!) guaranteed to see them while driving to Homer and in Homer itself.

Bears can be spotted along the way to any of these places if you’re lucky. But, your best chance of seeing bears in the wild is in Valdez. You can see them on the way to town, in town, and at Allison Point eating salmon.

Look up for eagles! You can see eagles in Homer, Valdez, and Seward. Where there’s harbors and fish, you’ll find the eagles!

A bear hanging out after dinner across the bay in Valdez.

Harbors

Speaking of harbors, which one is the best? They’re all fun to check out, so no matter which town you choose to visit, I’d make time to walk around the harbor. You’ll likely see a sea otter, and it’s pretty entertaining to read all the boat names, too!

Checking out the Homer Harbor with our pup.

Glaciers

There are tons of glaciers around Alaska, so you have a vast amount of options to view them. Comparing Valdez, Homer, and Seward for glacier viewing experiences, though, I would rate Valdez first. You can see Worthington Glacier when driving into Valdez, view Valdez Glacier by kayak, and take a glacier cruise. Seward would be my next choice, with glacier cruises and a visit to Exit Glacier being popular ways to view these colossal mounds of ice.

Tips: Are you looking for the best ways to see glaciers around Alaska? My glacier viewing guide can help you find the best ways and places to see these magnificent sights.

A blue glacier on a clear day out of Seward, Alaska.
A glacier we viewed on a cruise out of Seward.

National Parks

If you want to check another National Park off your bucket list, visit Seward. You can explore the beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park from there. Or, on your drive to Valdez you can stop at a Wrangell St. Elias National Park visitor center and view a slice of America’s largest National Park.

Scenery

This is really a subjective category. Personally, I have to put Valdez first. Maybe I has to do with my bias after living there most of my life, but it’s one of my three favorite places in the world. The mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, and the drive in really seal the deal for me. Homer would be second. The views of the bay, surrounding mountains, and beaches are quite amazing. Next up would be Seward. You can’t beat those big, beautiful trees, mountains, and costal views. No matter which you choose, you’ll have fantastic scenery to view since you’d be hard pressed to find a bad view in Alaska.

Sunset in Thompson Pass on the way to Valdez.

Of the three, does Valdez, Seward, or Homer have better weather?

The weather you’ll have on your vacation, and the scenery that’s visible, will vary greatly depending on which season you visit. Weather in Alaska is unpredictable, though, no matter what time of year. I’m writing this in June. It just got warm enough to plant my garden, and some areas recently had snow, so you never know what you’ll get.

If you’re in any of these towns for any length of time, you’ll see rain. Valdez and Seward tend to see more rain than Homer, though, so you may have a better chance of sunny days in Homer.

During the winter you’ll see snow in all these towns, but it varies depending on the area. Valdez is one of the snowiest towns in the world, Seward also gets an abundance of snow, and Homer tends to get a bit of snow, but it doesn’t get too snowy there.

Mural of whales in Seward, Alaska.
A mural in Seward by the SeaLife Center.

Are there things to do in these places year round?

Seward, Homer, and Valdez are seasonal, as is the rest of Alaska, as far as tourism activities go. They are all very busy and bustling in the summer, but when the snow and cold start to creep in seasonal business and activities close up.

Seward and Valdez are less “touristy” than Homer, though. Of the three, Valdez is likely the most popular during the “off season” due to the immense amount of snow making it a famous destination for winter sports such as snowmachining (snowmobiling), skiing, and snowboarding. Homer has the popular Winter King Salmon Tournament in March, and there are winter fishing options in Seward as well.

Plan a visit to the Seward SeaLife Center.

Which has the best food: Valdez, Seward, or Homer?

As mentioned above, all of these costal Alaska towns are seasonal. There are restaurants in each place that are open year round, but many of the food trucks and smaller restaurants you’ll see are just open during summertime.

I would say Homer has the best variety of food options. There are a number of great places to eat, and a handful of them stay open all year. Many of the places you’ll find on the Homer Spit are only open for summer, though. There’s a tie for Seward and Valdez being second. Very few places are open during winter, but food trucks and seasonal vendors widen your options during summertime.

Captain Pattie’s In Homer
Visiting Captain Pattie’s for halibut in Homer.

Are you looking for the journey or destination?

Now, I have a question for you! Are you all about the journey or destination? If a long, scenic drive through the vast beauty of Alaska doesn’t intrigue you, choose between Homer or Seward. Both of these destinations will likely be shorter drives for you, depending on where your starting point is. They are both scenic trips through the Kenai Peninsula, but much shorter than the drive to Valdez.

There are more “tourist” type activities on the Peninsula than there are in Valdez, but personally I think the journey to Valdez, and the scenery you’ll experience there beats any type of paid excursions you could do elsewhere. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful journey and destination, choose Valdez. If you’re wanting a shorter trip and a few more activities, choose Seward or Homer.

Would you choose to visit Valdez, Seward, or Homer?

If someone asked for my opinion on which of the three to visit, I would choose Valdez first, Seward second, and Homer third. Consider this a very biased opinion, though, as I was born and raised in Valdez. The drive there, the people, the views, and the wildlife are unmatched. Although I live on the Kenai Peninsula now, and enjoy visiting Seward and Homer just as much as the next person, there’s no place like home.

I know this is a lot of information to digest, but I hope it give you the insight you need to plan the best trip for you! If you have questions about traveling to Alaska feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email.

You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!

12 Things to Consider When Planning Your Alaska Vacation

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Alaska. The Last Frontier. The 49th State. The Land of the Midnight Sun. There has always been a draw for people from all around the globe to visit the northernmost state in the United States. Is it for the scenic views? The abundance of activities? The majestic wildlife? Whatever your reason is for planning your adventure way up north, you’re sure to have the trip of a lifetime. However, there are a few things to consider when planning your Alaska vacation to get the most out of your visit to our beautiful state.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Budget

Let’s hop right into it with the B word. Budget. If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, you need a fairly large budget. Even if you’re renting a vehicle and tent camping along the way or staying with friends while you’re here, Alaska is expensive. Getting here, renting a vehicle, accommodations, food, and activities are all very costly. But don’t fret, there are some ways to save money!

One of things you can do to have a more budget friendly Alaska vacation is renting an RV so you have your accommodations and transportation in one. This also allows you to stock up on food and cook some of your own meals to save a bit. Another thing is narrowing down your list of excursions. There are so many to choose from, but if you do a few of them your cost will skyrocket. If you narrow it down to just a couple, it will save you a ton. Plus, there are many options such as hiking, fishing lakes and rivers, and spotting wildlife near the road that are just as fun as more pricy adventures. You can check out some more money saving tips I’ve compiled here!

Daylight Hours

The nickname the Land of the Midnight Sun probably gives away the fact that daylight hours are a big deal in Alaska. There really are some days with twenty-four hour daylight. If you’re visiting during summertime there are a plethora of activities going on, everyone stays up late to take advantage of the daylight, and places are open longer. It’s a busy and bustling time for Alaskans, and this is a time when most visitors come as well. If you visit during summer, plan to wear your sunglasses (and sunscreen) at night, too! If you’re wondering how we sleep when it’s light out all the time, check out this article here.

During winter it gets dark. Very dark. I heard “reality” tv refer to it as “dark winter”, and that’s just what it is. Daylight pops up it’s head for short periods of time, and then goes back into hibernation. That being said, there are some awesome things to do in Alaska during winter. These include viewing the northern lights, snowmachine (AKA snowmobile) tours, dog sled tours, snowshoeing, skiing, and more. Plus, there are no crowds! If you’re interested in visiting during winter, check out my winter bucket list here. But, be aware that places will shut down earlier, and all of the seasonal “touristy” areas will be very quiet or shut down as well.

Kenai, Alaska sunset.
A Kenai sunset.

Time Zones

Considering Alaska is the biggest state, it’s fitting that it would have its own time zone. Most of Alaska, other than part of the Aleutian Islands and St. Lawrence Island (which go by Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time) is on Alaska Standard Time. This means that, depending on where you’re visiting from, you’ll have a bit of an adjustment to make from your normal sleep schedule. This, on top of unique daylight hours and travel itself, can wear a person out.

The reason I’m bringing this up is because I’ve seen many people’s itineraries that have them heading off to adventure shortly after they arrive. While I know you’ll want to make the most of your Alaska vacation, I really think it’s best to have at least a half day to just rest, grab some food, and maybe take a nap before you start exploring. This way you can recuperate and be refreshed and ready to enjoy your time here.

Plan Ahead

Plan ahead. And in some cases I mean waaayyyy ahead. I just read another comment from a lady trying to book a halibut charter for August, but everything is full since that’s only three months away. Other people are trying to find rental cars for this summer, but are coming up empty. This is pretty common considering how busy Alaska is during summertime. Booking rental cars, accommodations, fishing trips, and some excursions well in advance in highly recommended. I’d say start planning and booking a year ahead, and at least get your accommodations and transportation set up first. After that, book adventures that fill up quickly like fishing trips, train rides, and smaller guided tours. Check cancellation policies for these bookings first, though, incase you have to cancel or change your schedule.

That being said, not everyone has the luxury of being able to plan far in advance, or you may just be spontaneous and not want to plan much. That doesn’t mean you can’t visit Alaska! If you’re short on planning time or just found a good deal on plane tickets to fly up here, come on up! Just make sure you look for transportation and a hotel ASAP.

If you’ll be visiting during summer, check into renting an RV if there are no vehicle or hotel reservations available. Maybe you’d hoped to take a fishing charter out of Homer but they’re all booked by the time you look at them. Check into fishing rivers or lakes. Say you wanted to take a guided glacier tour but there are no more available spots. Check out glaciers you can drive or hike to. Know that last minute planning may change the activities you can do, but it won’t change the amount of fun you’ll have!

Weather

Another thing to consider when planning your Alaska vacation is the weather. My, oh my, the weather here changes quickly. The thing to remember about the weather is although it might dictate how some of your plans go, don’t let it dictate your mood. Do you plan on driving north to view Denali? It might be clouded in and not visible. You scheduled a bush plane flight for bear viewing but it got weathered out? That happens. And, yes, it’s a huge bummer when the weather ruins your plans, but Alaska is a vast state with so much to see, even on those bad weather days. Make the best of it and know that the weather changes minute by minute, so sunshine may be on it’s way!

One more thing to note about the continually changing weather is how to be prepared for it. If you ask anyone what to pack for an Alaska vacation, they’ll likely tell you layers. No matter the season, layers are a necessity. Summertime? Shirt, sweatshirt, windbreaker/raincoat. Fall? Long sleeve shirt, fleece jacket, raincoat, hat. Winter? Long sleeve base layer, shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, hat. Spring? Shirt, sweatshirt, windbreaker. You never really know what weather you’ll be getting. It could be a great day for kayaking, but once you’re out it starts to rain. And then it hails. Just put those layers on and keep on keeping on! Being prepared with the right layers will help you embrace the changing weather and continue enjoying Alaska.

Denali view from the Denali Highway.
A distant view of Denali from the Denali Highway. When the weather cooperates, it’s quite the sight!

Mosquitos

Speaking of things to wear, lets talk bug nets. A thing you’ll want to add to your wardrobe if you’ll be visiting during May through September is a bug net. It’s not a super hot fashion statement, but it works. People joke that mosquitos are the state bird, so it’s safe to assume that they’re pretty prevalent. If you’ll be in more populated areas, you’ll see less of them. If you venture off the beaten trail or are in more wooded or swampy areas, you’ll likely encounter more of them. Just grab some bug spray, a Thermacell, and don your bug net when necessary. They’re an annoyance, but really nothing to stress about as long as your prepared. If you do get a bite, check out these remedies here.

Road Construction and Conditions

As many people say, there are two seasons in Alaska: winter and construction. Something to keep in mind, in particular during the summertime, is road construction. I’ve seen many itineraries that have full days scheduled in Seward or Homer, and then plans to drive back to Anchorage that evening and get there in the nick of time to catch their flight back home. There are a few problems with plans like that, and one is road construction. This is an important variable you’ll want to account for when planning your trip, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of driving through various areas of Alaska. How to you account for such a thing, though?

To give you updates on road construction and even weather conditions there are two places you’ll want to check. Alaska 511 will show you road construction, closures, and more. The Road Weather Information System will give you weather information and cameras to keep you up to date on weather conditions along the highways. Using both of these will alert you to any updates you’ll want to be aware of as you travel throughout the state so your trip can go as smoothly as possible (minus a couple of our famous/infamous potholes 😉 ).

Roadwork on the Seward Highway.
Rock blasting work along the Seward Highway.

Cruise or Land

While planning your Alaska vacation you may wonder which is best, a cruise or exploring Alaska by land? I’ll give you my two cents on this. Being someone who has never done a big cruise before you can take it with a grain of salt, but I think it’s good advice. If you will only visit Alaska once, don’t take a cruise.

Here’s why. Obviously cruises are very popular. A huge amount of visitors to Alaska see it via a cruise. So, what’s wrong with a cruise? Absolutely nothing! People really seem to enjoy them, and it’s a great way to see things. But, do you get the real Alaskan experience from a cruise? I don’t think so. Being shuttled from place to place with time limits and lists of excursions to choose from isn’t really what Alaska is about. Taking time to enjoy views, wildlife, visit with locals, and see off the beaten path places is what really makes a trip to Alaska.

I know it seems like I must really hate cruises. I don’t! Personally, I just feel like you get a better Alaskan experience going at your own pace on land. And, if you still want to get out on the water during your travels, check out a glacier and wildlife day cruise to see the beauty of Alaska from the water. However, if you’ll get the chance to visit Alaska more than once, it may be fun to check it out by land and then take a big cruise.

Plan a day cruise in Alaska.
Unloading after our Seward glacier and wildlife day cruise.

Transportation

Something else to consider when planning your Alaska vacation is transportation. Don’t count on using public transportation to get you around much of Alaska. Renting your own vehicle or RV is going to be the best way to get around the state if you plan on doing a lot of traveling. If you’re staying in Anchorage or Fairbanks, you may be able to get by with using Ubers, but having your own transportation is vial to travel around Alaska. Just follow the above tip and book as soon as possible.

Seasons

In this case, I’m not talking about your typical spring, summer, fall, winter seasons. We’ve already covered weather and preparing for seasonal temperatures. What we haven’t discussed is seasonal activities.

Activities in Alaska are very seasonally based. This is something important to look into when planning your Alaska vacation. For example, if you’re hoping to see whales and the northern lights during one trip, the chances of that happening are very slim. Aurora season is from the end of August to the end of April. You have a chance to see whales between April and September. Although there is some overlap, and we did have beautiful northern lights displays this April and belugas in the Kenai River in April as well, there isn’t a great chance of experiencing both of those things in one visit.

Those are just a couple examples of seasonal activities. Some others are certain types of fishing, Alaska Railroad excursions, and glacier and wildlife cruises. Another “season” to think about is “tourist season”, as mentioned a bit in the section above regarding daylight. Visitors start showing up in May and the season ends about September. More tourist centered places and activities open up on Memorial Day and shut down at Labor Day, which usually wraps up the busy season up here.

Planning a trip to Alaska isn’t complete without an aurora sighting.
A late season April aurora in Soldotna.

Manage Expectations

This is really important. As visiting Alaska is a once in a lifetime trip for many people, everyone wants to cram an infinite number of activities into their visit. It’s just not a good way to plan your trip. You can’t see everything here in one trip, or even one lifetime. I’m not saying this to discourage you though, because just being in Alaska is an adventure in itself, and you will see more amazing things than you could imagine. Pick a few of your top Alaska bucket list activities, don’t jam pack your itinerary with to-dos, know you can’t do and see everything, and just enjoy the journey.

Alaska is Massive

Last, but not least, Alaska is massive, and size matters when you’re planning your Alaska vacation. For reference, Alaska is over twice the size of Texas. It’s best to map out your drive in an app to give you rough estimates of times, and check the sites above for construction and road conditions. Allot yourself plenty of time to travel from place to place.

Whether you’re planning next year’s dream trip to Alaska or grabbing last minute tickets to visit next week, I hope these tips have helped you in planning your Alaska vacation. If you have questions about traveling to Alaska feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!