Seward

11 Things You Must Have on a Summer Vacation in Alaska

January 25, 2024 by Everyday Alaska

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!

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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

November 18, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

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

June 22, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

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.

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?

June 9, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

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.

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.

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.

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.

A 7 Day Kenai Peninsula Itinerary: A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Kenai Peninsula Adventure

May 17, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Planning a trip to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula can be a bit overwhelming. With such a huge variety of things to do, it’s hard to narrow down the places to see and activities to do. That’s why I’ve created this seven day Kenai Peninsula itinerary to help you plan the perfect trip.

Who is this itinerary for?

This itinerary is for anyone who is planning a trip to the Kenai Peninsula. I’ll be making a few different itineraries geared towards specific interests such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and fishing, too. Feel free to follow one specific travel guide, or take pieces from each and make up your own. This particular one is the itinerary I would create for myself if I were visiting the Peninsula for a week. It includes my favorite things to do and see, which I hope you’ll love, too.

What activities should we include in our itinerary?

Great question! I’ve included my favorite Kenai Peninsula activities and places in the itinerary below for you to check out. This travel guide has a mixed bag of activities, but, as state above, I’ll create ones catered to wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking and more as time goes on. What you choose to do will depend on your interests, abilities, and the time of year you visit.

A collared cow moose and one of her twin calves on the Kenai Peninsual. — A collared moose and one of her twins on the Kenai Peninsula.

What do I need to know before I travel to the Kenai Peninsula?

Check out this list of things to consider when planning an Alaska vacation. This travel advice will give you insight into what to plan for and expect on your Alaskan adventure.

When are the activities on this Kenai Peninsula travel planner available?

Many of these activities are seasonal, so it will depend on what time of year you’re visiting to what activities will be available. Things start to open up and become more busy during May. The season tapers off in early September, with business’s changing to winter hours or closing for the season. But, if you’re coming to Alaska during the “off season”, check out my winter bucket list for some fun winter activities!

Where does this travel itinerary take us?

All over the Kenai Peninsula! Cooper Landing, Seward, Soldotna, Hope, Homer, and more! For this itinerary I’m assuming you’ll be traveling by car from Anchorage rather than flying into the Peninsula, so Anchorage is our starting point.

The welcome sign to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. — Enjoy your trip to the Kenai Peninsula!

Why should I use your itinerary?

As a lifelong Alaskan I’ve been very fortunate to travel all over Alaska. I’ve made the Kenai Peninsula my home for the last eight years and hope to show you the best ways to enjoy your time here. Obviously, you don’t need to use whole itinerary verbatim, but the travel plan listed below includes my favorite things to do on the Kenai Peninsula, and I’m excited to share them with you.

Day One

Get an early start to the day and enjoy a hearty breakfast before you leave Anchorage. Although you won’t have a long drive today, you’ll be on the road awhile since there are many great places to explore on your way to Soldotna, so don’t forget snacks for the road.

Tip: Before you hit the road, check out road and weather conditions for any delays along the way. You can find out about those here. Also, fill up your vehicle before you head out of Anchorage.

You’ll start your journey on the Seward Highway along the Turnagain Arm. You won’t be on the highway too long before you get to Girdwood, which is your first stop. Although it’s not technically on the Kenai Peninsula, it’s a fun stop to make on your way south. Here, you can explore this unique little community, and visit Alyeska Resort. Take a trip on their tram for some aerial views of glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and the resort itself. Depending on how busy it is, and how much you explore Girdwood, be prepared to spend an hour to an hour and a half here.

The Alyeska Resort tram in Girdwood, Alaska. — The Alyeska Resort Tram on its way up to the mountain.

Next up the is Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, just a short drive down the highway from Girdwood. This is one of my favorite stops as you can see so many amazing Alaskan critters in one place. This stop will be a minimum of an hour, but it really depends on how long you’d like to watch the animals and if you decide to do a tour or animal encounter while you’re there.

After you visit the center, it’s time to hit the road and head towards Cooper Landing. It will take roughly an hour to get there. Once in Cooper Landing, you can grab a bite to eat or snacks. The reason I’m including this stop in this seven day Kenai Peninsula itinerary is not only for the beautiful views and food, but for the wildlife viewing.

Dall sheep on the mountains near Cooper Landing on the Kenai Peninsula. — Dall sheep on the mountains near Cooper Landing.

While you’re in Cooper Landing, pull out your binoculars and glass the surrounding mountains for goats and Dall sheep. The agility of these animals is amazing to witness, and this is the perfect opportunity to spot some. Then we’re on to Soldotna.

Tip: To find the best places to view wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula, check out our Kenai Peninsula wildlife viewing guide.

After viewing wildlife in Cooper Landing, continue along the Sterling Highway into Soldotna. This is where you’ll stay for the night, and grab some dinner for tomorrow’s adventure.

Tip: If you’re looking for great places to eat in Soldotna, check out the list of my favorite local spots here.

Day Two

Soldotna is famous for its salmon fishing on the Kenai River, so take this opportunity to do a bit of fishing yourself! You can grab a pole and fish at the many public use areas along the river, or take a guided trip on the Kenai or nearby Kasilof River. Spend this day on the river, and then check out the visitor’s center to learn about local events like markets and concerts. Take time to explore shops such as Northcountry Fair, and grab a bite of some delicious local food. Then kick back for the night before you head to your next destination.

Tip: Before you go fishing, make sure you have your fishing license. Also, be sure to check out all of the rules and regulations first. You can loan gear from the local Fish and Game Office if you plan on going unguided. If all the regulations make going without a guide seem daunting, it may be best to book a fishing trip. Book ASAP, though, as they fill up quickly.

The Bluebird Cafe in Sterling, Alaska on the Kenai Peninsual. — Head to the nearby community of Sterling to eat at the Bluebird Cafe.

Day Three

We’re on the road again! Pack up your things, grab some food, and let’s head to Homer. Only an hour and a half away from Soldotna, Homer is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. Spend the day on the Homer Spit visiting shops, eating, and walking the beach. After your time on the Spit, check out the Islands and Ocean Visitor’s Center to learn about Alaska history and wildlife. Wind down the evening with a stop at a local restaurant such as Fat Olives or AJ’s Oldtown Steakhouse.

Day Four

For your second day in Homer, take advantage of the great halibut fishing. Homer is known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World”, so book a charter in advance and hit the waters to catch the tastiest fish in Alaska. If you’re not interested in fishing, or are unable to book a charter, hop on the ferry and head to Seldovia.

You can explore much of the community of Seldovia on foot. It’s a beautiful little spot to spend some time, view wildlife, and then enjoy the boat ride back over to Homer before dinner.

Day Five

Now we’re off to one of my favorite towns on the Kenai Peninsula: Seward! This drive will take you over three hours, and possibly longer since there are many scenic places to stop along the way. Once you arrive in Seaward and get settled in, the first must-do activity is visiting the SeaLife Center.

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a fun, interactive, and educational center that supports wildlife rescue, research, and rehabilitation for Alaska’s marine wildlife. After your trip there, grab a bite to eat, and walk around town to see the various murals and visit local shops. Then, settle in for the night for a big excursion on day six!

Day Six

All aboard! Head out of the Seward Harbor on the adventure of a lifetime aboard a glacier and wildlife cruise. View the Kenai Fjords National Park, see epic glaciers, and get the opportunity to see whales, sea otters, puffins, porpoise, and more on this full day adventure. If you’re curious about the glacier and wildlife cruise experience, read more here. After your day on the water, it’s time to eat and get ready for the drive back to Anchorage tomorrow.

Tip: Are you wondering what to wear and bring on a glacier and wildlife day cruise? Check out my post about what to wear here.

Day Seven

Onto the last day of the seven day Kenai Peninsula itinerary. Today, you’ll be making your way back to Anchorage. This is about a two and a half hour drive, but you can take it as leisurely as you’d like depending on when you need to be back in Anchorage. I’d suggest stopping in the very small town of Hope on your way back, depending on how much time you have. It’s just a short detour off of the Seward Highway, and is a cute place to stop, walk around, and learn a bit about Alaska history. Then, you can cruise back on into Anchorage from there to wrap up your time on Alaska’s beautiful Kenai Peninsula.

This may not be the jam packed seven day Kenai Peninsula itinerary you were expecting. This is for good reason, though. Traveling in Alaska shouldn’t be rushed, overly planned, or stressful. I believe the best way to view our beautiful state is by taking as much time as you can, visiting with locals, enjoying the scenery, and not planning every minute of your stay here. Yes, there are things you have to plan ahead of time, but save some time to savor the experience, too.

I hope this week long Kenai Peninsula itinerary has helped you with your Alaska travel planning. 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

May 13, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

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.

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.

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!