One Week in Alaska: 3 Road Trip Itineraries (Kenai, Denali, Valdez)

If you’ve got limited time in Southcentral Alaska, don’t try to see everything. Instead, pick a region and explore it completely, leaving time to slow down and enjoy the views.

It’s tempting to try and see it all, but Alaska is too big and too diverse for that. A better idea is to decide what kind of experience you want to have and plan your trip around that, focusing on a smaller part of Alaska. 

If you only have a few days in Southcentral Alaska, we recommend focusing your time on one of three routes: Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage to Fairbanks via Denali, or Anchorage to Valdez.

Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula: Coastal Views, Glaciers & Small Town Charm

• Route Overview: Anchorage → Girdwood → Seward → Homer
• Best for: coastal glaciers, marine wildlife, day cruises, fishing.
• Overview: This route is ideal for travelers who want a mix of marine wildlife, iconic glaciers, and authentic Alaskan towns. You’ll follow the Seward and Sterling Highways, two of the most beautiful drives in the state.
• Recommended Trip Length: 6-7 days
• Total Driving Time (round trip): Approximately 10 – 11 hours (not including local exploring).

Day 1

Drive Anchorage to Seward with an optional stop in Girdwood.  Drive time is approximately 2.5 – 3 hours. 

If you plan to stop in Girdwood (which you should) this will be a full day. You may need to spend the night in Anchorage depending on arrival time. If you skip Girdwood, you’ll only need 3 hours. 

Highlights: Keep an eye out for beluga, Dall Sheep, eagles and moose as you drive along Turnagain Arm (one of my favorite drives in Alaska).

Things to Do in/near Girdwood

• Ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram for mountaintop views
• Hike the Lower Winner Creek Trail  3 miles, easy
• Hike Byron Glacier Trail  2.8 miles, easy
• Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center nearby to see bears, moose, and bison

Continue your drive to Seward.  Drive time is approximately 1.5 hours. You’ll spend two nights in Seward. 

 Days 2 & 3

You’ll have two full days to explore Seward so mix and match the activities below to fit your travel style. Will you pack several activities into each day or leave some downtime?

Things to Do in Seward

• Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park to see tidewater glaciers, whales, and puffins
• Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center for hands-on marine education
• Visit Exit Glacier 
• Take a hike. Our favorites are Two Lakes and Tonsina Point
• Stroll along Waterfront Park
• Kayak in Resurrection Bay 
• Book a fishing charter

For more ideas, check out our guide to the Best Things to Do in Seward, Alaska and our favorite family-friendly options.

Where to Stay in Seward

Hotels and B&Bs  There are several hotels in the heart of Seward. These are a great option if you don’t have a car and want to be within walking distance of the waterfront, tour activities, shops and restaurants. 

If you are looking for something a little more remote or unique, try a cabin or yurt. Many properties are accessible only by boat or float plane, providing a truly unique Alaskan experience. 

Check Alaska.org and Seward.com for a list of lodging choices. 

Camping: If you plan to camp, there are similar options available.

If  you want to wake up with Resurrection Bay out your front door and a coffee shop out the back, then Seward Waterfront Park is your best bet. This area extends along the edge of town and includes several RV and tent camping areas, picnic areas, playgrounds and beach access. 

There are plenty of other camping options available from full hook-ups to dry and remote spots. Check here for some options. 

Days 4 & 5

Drive to Homer. Drive time from Seward to Homer is approximately 3.5 hours. We recommend spending at least two nights in Homer so you can get a good feel for this seaside community and all it offers. Will you choose land or sea activities? Or a mix of both?  

Things to Do in Homer

• Stroll the Homer Spit and enjoy the beach, local shops and restaurants. This is the place to try Halibut fish and chips.
• Visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center 
• Visit the Pratt Museum
• Take a ferry to Kachemak Bay State Park and hike the  Grewingk Glacier Lake Trail, an easy 3-mile trail.
• Take a ferry to have lunch in Seldovia 
• Book a kayaking tour
• Enjoy wine tasting at Bear Creek Winery
• Go fishing!  Book a fishing charter or fish from the shore. 
• Have a beer at The Salty Dawg Saloon 
• Grab a coffee and pastry at Two Sisters Bakery or Wild Honey Bistro and stroll along Bishop’s Beach
• Charter a Bear Viewing flight

Where to stay in Homer

There are a lot of lodging options in Homer. You can stay out on the Spit at the Land’s End Resort. There are many B&Bs and vacation rentals in town and in the hills above town providing spectacular views. Take a ferry to a remote resort around Kachemak Bay or camp on the beach. 

Day 6

Return to Anchorage. Drive time from Homer to Anchorage is approximately 4.5 – 5 hours. 

Optional Additions to Itinerary: Add an additional day to fish the Kenai River. 

Anchorage to Fairbanks: Denali, wildlife and small town charm

• Route Overview: Anchorage → Palmer/Wasilla → Talkeetna → Denali → Fairbanks
• Best for: Mountains, wildlife, small towns, and interior Alaska culture
• Overview: This route will take you north along the Parks Highway. You’ll explore smaller towns, epic views and hikes and wildlife spotting.  
• Recommended Trip Length: 6 – 7 days
• Total Driving Time (round trip): Approximately 13 hours (not including local exploring). For less driving, drop your rental car in Fairbanks and fly back to Anchorage.

Day 1

Drive Anchorage to Wasilla or Palmer, 1 hour drive.  

You’ll spend two nights in Wasilla or Palmer. You can access all of the below activities from either place. Where you stay just depends on your lodging preferences. See below for accommodation ideas in each town. 

Things to Do in the Mat-Su Valley

• Hike the Butte; a local favorite; or family-friendly Reflections Lake
• Hike the Matanuska glacier with Nova Alaska Guides or Mica Guides
• Explore Knik Glacier by jet boat with Knik Glacier Tours
• Go Ziplining
• Visit Hatcher Pass for hikes, Independence Mine, ATV tours and amazing views
• Take a tour with local experts at Revel Treks and Tours
• Get close to creatures at the Musk Ox Farm and the Reindeer Farm 
• Explore the vehicles that helped build Alaska at Alaska Museum of Transportation and Industry
• Learn about sled dog mushing at the Iditarod Headquarters

Looking for more? Our Local’s Guide to Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley has plenty of ideas to fill your day.

Where to stay in Palmer and Wasilla

We would love to host you at one of our properties in Palmer and Wasilla.

The area offers a variety of other accommodations to suit your travel style — from waterfront inns and boutique hotels to rustic cabins and campgrounds. 

Day 3

Drive to Denali with optional stop in Talkeetna  – drive time approximately 3 hours.

A stop in Talkeetna will add a few hours to your travel time. You’ll detour off the Parks Highway at Talkeetna Spur Road and drive 14 miles to Talkeetna. Along the way you can stop at Kahiltna Birchworks and learn about tapping birch trees for syrup. 

Another recommended stop is the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. Stroll through the soaring lobby created from locally-sourced timber, notice the 46’ high rock fireplace, and step out onto the back deck for an amazing view of Denali and the valley. This is a great spot to take a break, order lunch, and soak in the beauty of Alaska. Pic of denali

Drive the short distance into Talkeetna and park in the central parking lot. Stroll down the main street with shops and restaurants – all with a local flair. At the end of the street, you’ll find Talkeetna Riverfront Park where three glacial rivers, the Talkeetna, Susitna, and Chulitna join to form the Big Susitna River

Talkeetna is a great place to book a flightseeing tour over Denali if that is in your plans. 

Continue your drive to Denali National Park. Keep an eye open for views of Denali if the skies are clear. Did you know that only 30% of visitors to Alaska actually see Denali. Cloudy skies often obscure the view. So if you see it, count yourself lucky! 

Our favorite spot to enjoy the view of Denali is Mary’s McKinley View Lodge. Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy a bite from the cafe while soaking in the view (if you are lucky!). And if you don’t see the mountain, at least you enjoyed a nice meal!   

If you don’t have time to stop at the Lodge, pull into Denali Viewpoint South for another great view and toilets, picnic and camping sites. The Viewpoint is located at mile 135.2 on the Parks Highway 

Day 4

You’ll want to spend at least two nights in Denali to fully explore the park and take in some activities. 
Within Denali National Park, you can take a guided bus into the park, hike the Savage River loop, or join a ranger-led walk. Spend some time in the Visitor Center to learn more about this magnificent National Park. There are also many activities to explore outside the park.

Things to do near Denali

• Denali Visitor Center
• Self drive to Savage River
• Choose a Denali bus option –  make reservations early
• Sled dog kennel tour
• Hike on your own or with a guide
• River rafting
• Flightseeing trip
• Denali Park Zipline
• ATV Tours

Where to stay in Denali

You can find accommodations just outside Denali National Park or deep within the park. Stays range from luxury resorts to rustic cabins. 

Day 5 

Drive to Fairbanks. Drive time approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.  You’ll spend 2 nights in Fairbanks. 

Finish your trip in Fairbanks to catch the midnight sun, soak in Chena Hot Springs, or visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Don’t miss the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks. Whether you are a car enthusiast or not, you’ll be amazed at this hidden gem.  

Things to do in Fairbanks

• Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum 
• University of Alaska Museum of the North
• Pioneer Park Historical Theme Park
• Riverboat Discovery Tour
• Take a tour to the Arctic Circle
• Hike
• Discover Alaska’s Gold Rush history
• Soak your troubles away at Chena Hot Springs. Go for the day or spend the night at the lodge. 

Where to stay in Fairbanks

Accommodations in Fairbanks range from hotels in the city, cozy vacation rentals to remote lodges. Campgrounds  are available for RVs and trailers. 

Day 7 

Drive or fly back to Anchorage

Anchorage to Valdez: mountain views, wide open spaces and a bit off the beaten path

• Route Overview: Anchorage → Palmer/Wasilla → Glacier View → Valdez
• Best for: Epic mountain drives, glaciers, waterfalls, and remote charm
• Overview: Less traveled than the other two routes, the road to Valdez is beautiful. Along the way, you’ll enjoy wide open views, glaciers, waterfalls and majestic mountains.
• Recommended Trip Length: 6 – 7 days
• Total Driving Time (round trip): Approximately 11 hours (not including local exploring). For less driving, take the ferry to Whittier or fly back to Anchorage.

Days 1 & 2

Drive Anchorage to Wasilla or Palmer, 1 hour drive.  

You’ll spend two nights in Wasilla or Palmer. You can access all of the below activities from either place. Where you stay just depends on your lodging preferences. See below for accommodation ideas in each town. 

Things to Do in the Mat-Su Valley

• Hike the Butte; a local favorite; or family-friendly Reflections Lake
• Hike the Matanuska glacier with Nova Alaska Guides or Mica Guides
• Explore Knik Glacier by jet boat with Knik Glacier Tours
• Go Ziplining
• Visit Hatcher Pass for hikes, Independence Mine, ATV tours and amazing views
• Take a tour with local experts at Revel Treks and Tours
• Get close to creatures at the Musk Ox Farm and the Reindeer Farm
• Explore the vehicles that helped build Alaska at Alaska Museum of Transportation and Industry
• Learn about sled dog mushing at the Iditarod Headquarters

Looking for more? Our Local’s Guide to Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley has plenty of ideas to fill your day.

Where to stay in Palmer and Wasilla

We would love to host you at one of our properties in Palmer and Wasilla.

The area offers a variety of other accommodations to suit your travel style — from waterfront inns and boutique hotels to rustic cabins and campgrounds. 

Day 3   

Drive to Glacier View  –   You’ll spend 1 night in Glacier View    

It’s just about an hour or two drive to Glacier View, depending on if you stayed in Palmer or Wasilla. On the way, stop at Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area for your first glimpse of Matanuska Glacier. The entrance is at mile marker 101. If you aren’t stopping in Glacier View, this is a great place for a picnic, short hike and bathroom break.

Things to do in Glacier View

• Hike the Matanuska glacier with Nova Alaska Guides or Mica Guides
• Zipline with a glacier view in Glacier View
• Raft the Matanuska River
• Take a hike

Where to stay in Glacier View: There are limited options for lodging in Glacier View. You can camp or stay in one of several vacation rentals. Sheep Mountain Lodge is a favorite. Because lodging is limited in Glacier View; it is recommended to make reservations in advance. 

If you choose not to stay in Glacier View, continue on to Valdez. 

Day 4 

Drive to Valdez   Drive time is approximately 3.5 hours.

From Glacier View, continue on the Glenn Highway to Glennallen. Keep an eye out for moose, Dall sheep, eagles and falcons as you drive through the Copper Valley towards Glenallen.  Be sure to look north around mile 113 to see wild sheep on the mountain.

Glenallen is the largest town you’ll encounter along your drive from Anchorage to Valdez and it serves the many small communities surrounding it with medical services, supplies, schools, etc.

From here turn south onto the Richardson Highway. Be sure to fill up your gas tank here before heading towards Valdez. 

The Richardson Highway was the first modern road in Alaska and runs from Fairbanks to Valdez. Look to the east to see the Wrangell Mountain Range. These are among the highest mountains in Alaska with 12 peaks over 13,000 feet.

Also, keep an eye out for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline which parallels the Richardson Highway all the way from Fairbanks to Valdez. The pipe is visible here because it is elevated above ground, supported by heat-transfer pipes ensuring that the permafrost doesn’t melt and shift the pipe. The supports are coated in Teflon so that the pipe can move sideways during earthquakes. Read more about the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.     

As you drive south, you’ll be driving past Wrangell-St. Elias, America’s largest National Park. If you want to drive into the park, turn onto McCarthy Road – one of only two roads through the park. This is a primitive, unmaintained road with little to no services and is not recommended unless you and your vehicle are prepared. See this guide if you are considering the drive. 

A better choice for most visitors would be a stop at the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center located at mile 106.8 on the Richardson Hwy. 

As you continue towards Valdez, take a break to explore Worthington Glacier at mile 29. The rest area is large with plenty of parking and paved trails leading to the glacier.

Day 5 and 6 

You’ll spend two nights in Valdez, leaving plenty of time for hikes, fishing, wildlife tours and more.

Things to do in Valdez

• Take a hike. Our favorite is Mineral Creek Trail.
• Go Fishing. This is a great website to learn more about fishing in the Port of Valdez and Valdez Arm. 
• Spend the day in town at the Valdez Museum, the Visitor Center. Enjoy the Dock Point Park trail.
• Kayak in Prince William Sound or freshwater lakes
• Glacier and Wildlife Viewing Tours with  Stan Stephens Cruises and  Lulu Belle Tours
• Flightseeing or Helicopter Tours
• The Solomon Gulch Hatchery
• Explore the Old Valdez Town Site
• Pangaea Adventures and Anadyr Adventures offer a variety of single and multi-day adventures in the Valdez area.

For more detailed information about Valdez, read our posts about the drive from Anchorage to Valdez and about how we spent Three Days in Valdez. 

Where to stay in Valdez

Valdez boasts quite a few lodges, cabins and vacation rentals. 

There are three RV Parks within walking distance to shops, restaurants and the harbor: Eagles Rest RV Park, Bear Paw RV Park, and Bayside RV Park. Valdez KOA is 5 miles out of town and is a good alternative if you want a more secluded campsite and don’t mind driving into town.

Day 7

Return to Anchorage. Drive, take the ferry to Whittier or fly back to Anchorage. Book ferry passage or flights early as these can fill quickly.    

Planning Tips: Alaska road trip essentials

• Check drive times and add plenty of time for traffic delays and stops. 
• Purchase a copy of the Milepost, available in most bookstores. It contains valuable information about stops along the way and where the rest areas are (pro tip: They are far apart – stop before you need to!)
• Always have at least half a tank of gas in your car. Gas stations can be far apart and delays can happen. 
• The construction season in Alaska is short so you will likely encounter stops for construction on all three of these routes. Always plan extra drive time for delays.
• Watch out for wildlife and take care when stopping along the side of the road.
• Download the Audio Tour Alaska app to get stories, history and more triggered by GPS so you’ll hear them at just the right time. 
• Make activity and lodging reservations early. Limited options and high demand means you can’t leave this till the last minute. 
• Leave time to explore local favorites: farmer’s markets, breweries, quirky museums.
• Pack layers, good walking shoes, and gear for sun, rain, and everything in between.

Final Thoughts

I get trying to jam all the things into a visit. But the more I travel, the more I feel the urge to slow down and see less. Alaska is that kind of a place. Whether you head south to the Kenai, north toward Denali, or east to Valdez, choosing one route lets you soak in the beauty and culture. Spend a few days in each destination so you’ll have time to fully explore. 

Recommendations for your stay in SouthCentral Alaska