Alaska 5-Day Itinerary: Don’t Miss Out on These Places

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Alaska has lots to offer and is an excellent vacation destination. There are tons of wildlife, unique hot springs, glaciers, and charming towns. 

This Alaska 5-day itinerary will give you a comprehensive guide to exploring Alaska’s beauty and activities.

The state offers everything required for a perfect gateway.

From cruising the Fjords, ice climbing, and flight tour of the snow-capped mountains to driving through the most beautiful and natural environment in the United States. 

Stick around to understand the best Alaskan places to visit, eat and explore. 

Alaska 5-day Itinerary

A vacation itinerary is an integral component for any traveler as it allows one to sample all the things that the chosen destination has to offer.

Traveling Alaska by train
Traveling Alaska

This 5-day Alaska itinerary will ensure you do not miss out on anything Alaska offers. We will take you through the best activities that you can engage in while in Alaska.

To ensure that you enjoy your stay and visit as many sights as possible, it is essential to rent a car.

The cost of renting a car depends on the season, car model, and size. 

The 5-day itinerary will provide you with plenty of activities and adventures, such as:

  • A glacier hike
  • A glacier flight
  • A trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Exploring the Denali and Kenai fjords national park

You will also explore the Alaskan culture as well as sample Alaskan cuisines.

This guide will see you driving the whole Kenai Peninsula as you enjoy the homely welcome of locals from Seward and Homer towns. 

Additionally, this itinerary will take you to the most exciting places, perfect for singles, couples, or family travelers.

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It will also guide you on some non-touristy activities people miss while in Alaska.

Some tips that will help you save money include visiting during less preferred seasons like May and September, going camping, and booking flight tickets in advance.

Day 1: Anchorage Arrival

Depending on your flight, you can arrive in the morning or afternoon.

Coming in the morning allows you to feel Alaska before embarking on your fun-filled vacation.

You can stroll on the streets while exploring the many shops, cafes, museums, architectural marvels, and restaurants. 

Go to see Anchorage Alaska
Anchorage Alaska

If you still feel like enjoying your first day, you can still try and visit the following sites:

  • Eklutna Lake is famous for hiking and kayaking. However, it attracts an entrance fee of $5.
  • Reindeer Farm charges an entrance fee of $15 per person.
  • Musk Ox Farm attracts an entrance fee of $11 per person.
  • The Log Cabin Visitor Center and learn about local history.
  • Visit Captain James Cook’s Statue. 

Where To Stay In Anchorage

There are many hotels in Anchorage, some close to the airport and others on the outskirts of the town. 

Budget stay

Luxury stay

Dining options

  • The Snow City Café
  • Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria,
  • Glacier Brewhouse
  • Spenard Roadhouse
  • 49th State Brewing
  • Crow’s Nest

Things to Do In Anchorage

Anchorage has lots of outdoor activities and scenic views, including visiting the Alaska Zoo and Hiking on glaciers.

Make sure to carry your camera and capture every moment.

Read later3 Best Fishing Charters In Anchorage

Visit Alaska Zoo

The Alaska zoo is a small zoo that can be fully explored in half a day or less.

It is a family-friendly attractions site that acts as a rescue center for orphaned, injured, and endangered animals.

Some animals found at the Alaska zoo include polar bears, moose, gray wolves, Dall sheep, and many more. 

The Alaskan Zoo is open all year round and only close during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  

Admission to the Zoo is not free and ranges between $10 and $17 per person. However, it is free for children aged 2 years and below. 

You will also get free wildlife lectures during the winter months and live music during the summer. 

Visit Alaska Native Heritage Center

To understand the indigenous culture of Alaskans, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a must-visit.

Visit Alaska Native Heritage Center
Alaska Native Heritage Center

The center will take you through Alaskan culture and history through several activities such as dance, exhibits, films, and dance. 

The center hosts 11 significant groups of native people each showcasing their culture.

You can also head outside and take a guided walk along Lake Tiulana or stroll around traditional village sites. 

Tip – If invited to dance with the troupe, do not be shy and join them, and I guarantee it will be worth your Time.

The Alaska Heritage Center gives a feeling of living in a primitive society and an experience you will hold dear for a very long time. 

Visit Alaska Aviation Museum

For any aviation enthusiast, Alaska Aviation Museum is a must-visit.

Located on Lake Hood and close to Anchorage International Airport, the Museum is a great place to view and observe planes. 

The Museum has 4 hangars that showcase vintage aircraft in perfect working condition.

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At the Museum, you can watch as vintage aircraft are restored at the restoration hangar and watch the landing and take-off of planes at the control tower. 

You can also enjoy flight simulation services, including a full-immersion virtual reality. Also, at the museum yard, you can board retired planes to have a close view of the cockpit and cabin. 

One of the historical and most phenomenon exhibits was the Stearman C2B plane, built in 1928. It was the first plane to carry out a successful rescue mission at Denali. 

Full-day hiking on glaciers

Hiking on glaciers is a must-do activity when visiting Alaska.

Most of Alaska’s glaciers are accessible with hiking trips designed based on interest and experience. 

If you do not prefer climbing, you can take a cruise, raft, or kayak to get close to the glaciers. You can also take a helicopter tour over the mountain cirques and land on a glacier. 

If you want to spend more time and explore the glaciers, I recommend trekking across an icefield, overnight camping, or even exploring the ice caves. 

The best and most easily accessible glacier is the Matanuska Glacier. It is only two and a half hours from Anchorage, just off Glenn Highway. 

To get a unique Alaskan adventure, visit the summer sled dog training camp at the top of Matanuska glacier. 

Must read – You should try the artic Plunge. Read more here!

Alaska Railroad

This is the perfect and most memorable way to explore the wilderness outside Anchorage.

Alaska railroad views
Alaska railroad

A train from Anchorage to Seward will take you through breathtaking sceneries and wildlife. 

Get close to wild animals in their natural habitat at the Chugach National Forest or visit the Glacier Valley, home to many hanging glaciers and lakes. 

You can also take the train between Anchorage and Seward, considered the most scenic route, or Anchorage and Denali route. Here you will be able to see the Denali Mountains.

Other scenic views include:

  • The Knik and Matanuska rivers
  • Talkeetna Mountains
  • Matanuska Valley
  • Hurricane Gulch trestle

Just as you arrive at Denali Park, you will pass the Broad Pass, which provides a panoramic view of the Alaska Range. 

The Anchorage and Seward route gives a view of Dall sheep on the rocky cliffs, Spencer Glacier, and Kenai Mountains as you experience what is commonly referred to as bore tide. 

Dine at the Bridge Seafood Restaurant

To unwind and experience unmatched Alaskan seafood experience visit the Bridge seafood restaurant. The restaurants overlook the Chugiak Mountains, Cook Inlet, and the fishermen of Ship Creek. 

Here you will enjoy the most breathtaking dining environment and seafood delicacy as you watch fishermen catching salmon. 

Into fishing? Take a look at 3 Best Fishing Packages In Alaska

Day 2: Go To SEWARD

Driving to Seward from Anchorage will only take you two hours.

However, you will have to make several stops due to the many sceneries along the way.

Some breathtaking views include

  • Turnagain Arm,
  • The Beluga Point
  • The Virgin Creek waterfalls
  • The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
  • The Alyeska Aerial Tram
  • The Whittier
  • The blue-tinged glaciers
  • The sparkling glacier lakes. 

Where To Stay In Seward

Enjoy Seward Alaska sunset
Seward Alaska sunset

Some of the places to stay while in Seward include:

Luxury

Budget

Dining

  • Ray’s Waterfront
  • The Cookery

Things to do in Seward

For those curious enough, Seward has a lot to offer. 

Go to Seward Alaska
Seward Alaska

Here you can visit the Kenai Fjords National Park and watch marine wildlife, such as whales. 

Read laterKenai Fjords Tours Vs. Major Marine In Seward

Visit Alaska SeaLife Center

Located on the shores of Resurrection Bay, Alaska, SeaLife center is part aquarium and part rehabilitation center for marine mammals.

It is a great place, especially if you are traveling with kids or just an enthusiast of marine animals. 

At the center, you will have an opportunity to see sea lions, otters, sea birds, puffins, and seals.

They will also educate you on sea animals to promote an understanding of Alaska’s marine ecosystem. Additionally, visiting the center is worth the time, mainly because it is for a noble course. 

You can either opt to drive to the center or use the free shuttle to the center from Seward. 

Visit the Seward Community Library & Museum

The Museum and library highlight the history of Seward through photographs, artifacts, and documents.

Go to Seward library
Seward library

While at the Museum, you will be taken through Seward’s history from the town’s first inhabitants to modern times.  

It also hosts modern learning materials, such as audiobooks and DVDs, that you can check out using a library card.

The center also has a kid’s room with toys. It also has plenty of room to catch up with your work while on the road. 

Visiting Kenai Fjords National Park

Although there are many things to do in Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park is a MUST visit.

We recommend taking the Kenai Fjords wildlife cruise to enjoy the best parts of the national park and view as many wildlife and glaciers as possible.

Read next4 Best Kenai Fjords Kayaking Tours

However, you can also visit on foot or by helicopter. 

The park is home to many marine wildlife, long fjords, coves, and bays. It also hosts various land wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and moose.

If you have a day to spare in at the park, we recommend hiking the Harding Icefield Trail or trails at the base of the Exit Glacier.

Later take a cruise that will take you to the most remote fjords in the park.

Depending on the cruise package and duration, some famous glaciers you can visit include:

  • Bear Glacier
  • Northwest Fjord
  • and Holgate Glacier

Hiking Mount Marathon

Mount marathon looms over Seward town, and it is an excellent place to hike or take a morning jog.

Although very hard to hike, the mountain provides a beautiful view of Seward town and the waterfront.

Go to Mount Marathon Seward
Mount Marathon Seward

Also, the mountain host an annual race on the fourth of July, attracting elite and amateur trail runners. 

The mountain has two hiking trails, including a runners trail for experienced hikers and a jeep trail that is less difficult.

While hiking, you can see the Gulf of Alaska as boats leave and return to Resurrection Bay. 

Visit The Seward Brewing Company

Located in downtown Seward, it is a local and visitors’ favorite spot to get great beer and delicious meals.

After a long cruise or boat tour of the fjords, Seward brewing company is the best place to unwind and relax. 

The place is kid and adults friendly, with an excellent dining atmosphere. You will enjoy your beer, fish tacos, other seafood delicacies, and an amazing view of the Seward Mountains. 

Day 3: Visit FAIRBANKS

Fairbanks is a blend of new and old, as it is characterized by historical structures and modern architecture.

Go to see Fairbanks Alaska
Fairbanks Alaska

With buildings dating back to the gold rush and other modern amenities. There is plenty to do in this town, including the following.

Where to Stay In Fairbanks

Budget

Luxury

Dining

  • Cookie Jar
  • Hilltop Truck Shop
  • Library Bar and Bites
  • Pagoda
  • Lemongrass

Things To Do in Fairbanks

There are many historic and scenic sites to visit while at Fairbanks.  

Some of them include the following.

The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

Located at Wedgewood Resort, the Museum has more than 90 classic and vintage American-made car collections.

Here you will see a car built before WWII, vintage outfits, and antiques. There is also an exhibit that comprises videos and photos of Alaska’s motoring history. 

Read next4 Guided Snowmobiling Tours In Fairbanks

The Aurora Ice Museum

The Aurora Ice Museum is a year-round ice environment located at the Chena Hot Springs Resort.

The Museum has a fascinating and beautiful carved ice structure.

For Example – There are life-size knights on horseback, a bar, and furniture all made of ice. 

To make the place more exciting, it is usually lit up with ice chandeliers.

While at the Museum, be sure to taste its signature appletini. 

Crossing the Fairbanks bridge
Fairbanks bridge

Georgeson Botanical Garden

This public garden consists of 5 acres of outdoor gardens and features over 250 species of plants from subarctic and boreal climates.

It is a demonstration botanical garden to provide information on annual flowers and vegetables.

The garden offers valuable information to both commercial growers and home gardeners. Additionally, visitors can learn and understand plant culture in Alaska. 

McKinley Explorer Train

The Mckinley Explorer is not just a method of transportation but an experience.

The train is very luxurious, with large curved glass dome windows allowing a 360-degree view of the mountain ranges, wildlife, forests, and marshes. 

While in transit, you will pass through snow-capped mountains, rivers, and alpine meadows that are inaccessible by road.

The Mckinley explorer gives a clear view of Denali Mountain for the better part of the journey. 

Even when having lunch or having a beer on the lower level, you will still be able to enjoy the scenic Alaskan countryside.

Be sure to camera your camera to capture the memories of the Knik and Susitna rivers, Hurricane Gulch, Talkeetna and Willow town, and Broad Pass. 

Chena River State Recreation Area

The recreation area is excellent for summer outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, hunting, and fishing.

During winter, it is a perfect place for ice fishing, dog mushing, and skiing.

Chena River has impressive hiking trails, including:

  • Chena Dome Trail
  • Angel Rocks Trail
  • Granite Tors Trail

While at the park, you will see some wild animals, including bears, moose, and even eagles. 

Palace Theatre

The palace theatre gives the history, culture, traditions, and habits of Alaskans through a musical presentation.

It was built in 1927 and has since been restored to its original grandeur.

It is the best place to relax and unwind as performers entertain you with their comical and insightful performances. 

The Fudge Pot

Visiting Fudge Pot Fairbanks
Fudge Pot Fairbanks

The Fudge pot is the best place to end your day as relax and have your favorite snack, food, or beverage.

This candy store also specializes in handmade chocolates, caramel apples, taffy, and other sweet treats.

The store also offers gift baskets, custom orders, and a variety of flavors and sizes.

Day 4: SITKA

Sitka is located near Juneau and is home to the United States’ largest national forest, (the Tongass National Forest).

Go to Sitka Alaska
Sitka Alaska

Since it was once part of Russia the area is a blend of the Tlingit and Russian cultures.

It is popular due to its interesting history and heritage, charming harbor, and marine adventure. 

Where to Stay In Sitka 

Luxury

Budget

Dining 

  • Beak restaurant
  • Mean Queen
  • Mangiare
  • Backdoor Cafe

Things to Do in Sitka

Go to Sitka hiking
Sitka hiking

From shore excursions, and scenic tours, to exploring the town, there is plenty to do in Sitka. 

Visit St. Michael’s Cathedral

The cathedral is a national monument built by the Russians when the town was still part of Russia. The cathedral is famed to be the oldest cathedral in the modern world.

Although most of the St. Michael Cathedral’s monumental heritage was lost to fire, you will still find some of the artifacts and paintings that were saved. 

Go to Sitka Michael's Cathedral
Sitka Michael’s Cathedral

The paintings and religious artifacts on the wall are soul-stirring, giving you a chance to reflect and give thanks, regardless of religious affiliation.

It is an excellent place to take photographs and learn about the town’s Russian past. 

Go to the Alaska Raptor Center

This is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured birds before they are released back into the wild.

Although they mainly specialize in raptors, the rescue center also caters to other bird species. 

Visiting Alaska Raptor Center will get you close to the birds as well as learn a deal about them from experts. A great area to take your kids. 

Visit the Fortress of the Bears

This fortress is a home to orphaned, injured, or rescued bears. The fortress allows visitors to interact with bears in close proximity.

Visiting Fortress bears Sitka
Fortress bears Sitka

A guide will educate you on the personalities of each bear and give a brief history of why they are they to create that connection between human and animal.

The sanctuary tries to keep them in a setting that resembles their natural habitat.

So as not to create a routine, there is no feeding time or other activity that can alter their natural adaption. 

Try the Gavan Hill Trail 

The Gavan hill trail leads to the alpine and maritime vistas, where you can enjoy the Baranof Island Mountains.

It is an excellent trail that can be accessed year-round and is snow-free during most of the winter. 

The trail has distinct destinations, including the:

  • Gavan Ridge
  • Harbor-Gavan Shelter
  • Muskeg Viewpoint
  • Summit
  • Overlook
  • and Harbor Mountain Parking Lot

All the destinations provide a scenic view of the surrounding area. 

Enjoy Sitka view
Sitka view

Quench Your Thirst at Harry’s Soda Shop

This is a local favorite shop that offers treats like Sundae, Banana Splits, floats, or Milkshakes. It is a great place to take your kids.

The walls are lined with vintage posters, and the air is filled with the smell of freshly made waffle cones.

You can find a wide selection of classic and unique ice cream flavors, as well as a variety of sodas, shakes, and malts.

Visit The Baranof Island Brewing Company

Alaska has excellent handcraft beer.

Baranof Island Brewing Company prides itself on combining glacier-fed Alaskan water and a blend of gourmet malts and hops to give the best beer. 

Day 5: KETCHIKAN

Ketchikan is a town that prides itself, as shown by the numerous totem poles displayed throughout the town.

Visiting Ketchikan Alaska 5-day itinerary
Ketchikan Alaska 5-day itinerary

The city holds its histories, traditions, culture, people, ancestry, and event dearly.

Therefore, there are plenty of places to visit and learn about its amazing history. 

Where to Stay In Ketchikan

Budget

Luxury

Dining

  • Bar Harbor
  • Annabelle`s
  • Chico`s Mexican restaurant
  • Market Café
  • The Arctic bar

Things to do in Ketchikan

Below are some amazing venues to visit when you arrive at Ketchikan.

Walk Creek Street

Take an afternoon walk on the iconic Creek Street.

The boardwalk is just beside Ketchikan Creek and is home to many Alaskan-themed shops, restaurants, and cafés.

The boardwalk also has the best salmon-viewing locations. There are many interactive exhibits that give more profound insight into the town’s culture and history.  

Visit The Totem Heritage Center

The Museum is centered on learning the history of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people.

Go to Totem Heritage center
Totem Heritage center

The Totems found at the Museum date back to the 19th century and were collected from the Tongass Island, Old Kasaan, and Village Island settlements.

At the Museum – You will get a deeper insight into the meaning of the different totem poles, including the cultural and artistic approach behind each of them.

Other artifacts are also on display, including traditional attire, carvings, and basketry works. 

Go And See The Misty Fjords National Monument

The misty fjords monument is a must-see as it comprises an attractive Alaskan landscape.

You will see breathtaking and captivating snowcapped mountains, glacial lakes, rocky cliffs, wildlife, steep fjords, waterfalls, and more.

Visiting Misty fjords
Misty fjords

While exploring, make sure to visit the most scenic areas, such as Walker Cove and Rudyerd Bay.

The exploration is worth your time as your go through the untapped and untainted rainforest and misty slopes surrounding the national forest. 

Visit The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This is a privately-owned sanctuary located at the rustic Herring Cove.

The sanctuary is home to various marine animals, including seals and wildlife.

Visiting the sanctuary is a memorable experience as you come across bears, seals, bald eagles, and salmon.

Go to see Alaska rainforest sanctuary
Alaska rainforest sanctuary

Besides flora and fauna, the sanctuary has outdoor activities such as axe throwing, ziplining, visiting the historical Alaskan sawmill, or watching as carvers’ cave totem pole firsthand. 

Try George Inlet Crab Feast

If you want to try Ketchikan crab cuisine, visit George Inlet Crab Feast.

The Feast is a local tradition that involves eating as much Dungeness crab as you can withhold.

If you are too stuffed to continue, George Inlet Lodge has rooms you can book to rest for the night. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Some other useful information you need to have includes the following.

How To Get Around Alaska

Major United States airlines offer direct flights to Alaska.

The leading destination is Anchorage, but there are other smaller flights that fly into Fairbanks and Juneau, but with minimal daily flights.

You can also take a ferry that connects Alaska to other states. You can also drive to Alaska; however, no public transportation connects Alaska to other states. 

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Best Time to visit Alaska

The best months to visit Alaska are June, July, and September, when it is warm. Considering this is the peak season, be sure that it will be crowded.

However, if you are not a fan of crowds, you can opt to travel in May or September.

Expect also to pay higher rates during peak seasons compared to low seasons. 

Final Thoughts

From its culture, sceneries, cuisines, and wildlife, Alaska offers an unforgettable experience to visitors.

With a guide, you can get the best experience of Alaskan outdoor activities, culture, and history in just ten days. 

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