Originally Posted by
requine
To get things clear from the start - Alaska wise, I'm totally clueless. So of course, I've been handed the assignment of planning an upcoming week long trip right there this summer.
Still, these forums seem to be packed full of amazingly helpful people, and so I'm hopeful I can get some good advice.
Basically, me and my four person family - my mom, dad, and eleven year old brother - are landing in Anchorage towards the end of June for a seven day vacation.
The thing is, I really, /really/ don't want any sort of generic touristy trip. Instead I'm hoping to explore the beautiful state of Alaska - and likewise - see the actual culture, unique attractions, and gorgeous scenery.
Here's where I'm hoping you guys have suggestions. Right now, I haven't got much planned. It's really pretty up in the air. I want to figure out what spots we simply can't miss, and then plan the rest of the trip around them. That's where I need the most help. What things do we just have to do? What are the very best activities we'll have a chance to experience?
We all enjoy hiking and the outdoors, and my mom has a weird obsession with trying local foods. We're more than willing to wander off the beaten path or try something new. Seriously, anything that comes to mind would be wonderful.
Also, as soon as I get the chance, I'll try to post up a more specific itinerary. Haha, and I'm really sorry for how vague I must be sounding.
All the same, thank you so much! Any comments would be fabulous.
I had 5 nights in Alaska and had a pretty packed itinerary but I loved it.
I spent 2 nights in Anchorage from which I did a day trip down to Seward and onto Portage Glacier for a cruise...beautiful ride through the Kenai Penisula.
http://www.graylinealaska.com/sights...roduct_id/2371
From there we went to Fairbanks via the Eastern Route which goes through Delta Junction...I can't say enough about this drive. In all my travels this was the most senic, beautiful drive I have ever expierenced. on this route we stopped briefly at North Pole to do the Tourist thing up to Fairbanks. We then did two nights in Fairbanks where we went to Pioneertown which was touristy but fun. The next day we did an excursion above the Artic Circle.
http://www.northernalaska.com/arcticcircle.cfm
That was a long day but worth it You get to see the pipeline, tundra and cross the Artic Circle on Dalton Highway (If you watch Icetruckers you would know this road). That is all we had time for in Fairbanks and I am kind of bummed I missed Chenna Hot Springs I hear that is neat.
From Fairbanks we continued down to Denali for 1 night. I was not impressed with Denali. Little did I know if you do not go on the full day bus tours from the Parks Service there is little to see as they only let you drive 18 miles into the park by car. The next day we went rafting which was neat then back to Anchorage for our departing flight. I was glad though that we did get too see over 1500 miles of different roads in Alaska as they are all beautiful and worth it! Enjoy!
As for lodging I can't recommend enough Lake Hood Inn in Anchorage
http://www.lakehoodinn.com
^