What sorts of things are you hoping to do/see in Alaska? Would you prefer to spend time outdoors: fishing, hiking, seeing wildlife, etc.? Are you more interested in Alaskan culture and arts? Or do you want to experience a little of everything?

Fishing is a culture in itself here, and July is a great time for halibut, salmon and more. You might consider taking a deep sea fishing charter or river day trip, available out of both Seward and Anchorage.

Hiking trails abound for inexperienced and veteran hikers alike. If you choose to get in touch with nature, it is important to understand wildlife safety in Alaska. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game provides information on living with wildlife such as bears, moose, etc.

If you want to guarantee that you'll see certain types of wildlife, consider visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (between Seward and Anchorage).

A 20-minute drive from the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center will take you to Alyeska Resort, where you can take the aerial tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska for incredible views of Turnagain Arm, plus glaciers, mountains, and the town of Girdwood below.

For arts and culture in Anchorage, check out the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum.

No matter what you choose to do in Alaska, plan to wear layers, sturdy shoes, and bug spray. I hope you enjoy your trip!

Thanks a bunch for the info!

As for what I might do, I'm an amateur musician, and music is my passion. I usually like to take in a live performance wherever I go, be it folk, rock, classical or whatever. Something local is always nice.

Otherwise, I enjoy the the outdoors. I enjoy seeing wildlife and beautiful landscapes. I enjoy hiking, although I don't take the rough ones as much as I used to. I'd really like to see bears, but from a safe distance somehow.

If it's feasible to see Denali, that'd be great. I don't know much about Homer.

I also really enjoy being on/near the water. How I'll feel about that after a week-long cruise is yet to be determined, but a half day boat ride seeing wildlife would be enjoyable. I'm not a fisherman. Is it feasible to see the salmon running upriver?

Lastly, it's a minor thing, but I kind of like taking tours of distilleries, and I see there's one not too far from Anchorage. Maybe I'll check that out.

I'm not sure, but I'm beginning to think I may need to rent a car in Anchorage, although hopefully not in Seward. tls

There are various local music events throughout the summer in Anchorage and surrounding areas, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding live performances.

You'll see bears from a safe distance at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center; fences separate visitors from the wildlife.

You've probably seen the info in this thread on Denali National Park. Homer is a fun, picturesque little seaside town on the Kenai Peninsula, about a 3 hour drive from Seward. It's home to the Homer Spit, which is a 4.5 mile long narrow strip of land that juts into the ocean. The Spit is popular for camping in the summer and the boardwalk portion is lined with little shops.

There are many places to view the salmon run.

There is one distillery in Anchorage and a few others near-ish. There are also a few local breweries and a meadery. We do love our spirits.

Anchorage is a driving city, as almost everything is spread out and the public buses don't reach a lot of areas, so renting a car is generally a good idea.

had a quick read here & it seems like there is a lot to do outside anchorage but not much info on what to do in the city itself....i will be there for work later this week on thursday & friday....decided to stay the day on saturday as well to do some sightseeing before taking the redeye back so i have the full day to explore....

if anyone has any recommendations on what to do here at this time of the year then i would appreciate it....i will be staying at the sheraton & will have a rental car....also, do i have any chance of being able to see the northern lights while i am here????

The Anchorage Museum is always good. The Public Lands Information Center has programs and exhibits, though nothing like in the summer. You should drive south along Turnagain Arm to Girdwood and even further to the Wildlife Conservation Center (check their website for their winter hours). Have a meal in Girdwood (several options) but the scenery along that drive is excellent. Maybe take one day and drive north to Talkeetna. Funky town and a great place to see Denali/Mt. McKinley if it is visible.

Definitely a chance to see the Northern Lights. They have been quite active recently. But you need to be prepared to get out of Anchorage and away from the light pollution if you want to see them well. Ask for a Northern Lights wakeup call from the hotel and be prepared to drive to Eagle River, about 20 minutes north. I went to Hiland Drive there one time when I stayed in Anchorage. Dark, a bit higher in elevation and good place to see.

Go to the Moose's Tooth for pizza and beer. It's awesome anytime of year!
http://moosestooth.net/

(but yes, Anchorage itself isn't that great, especially in December...)

girdwood & talkeetna sound good....but i think i'll probably be able to do one of those...which one would be better????

great....will ask the hotel for the wakeup call....

thanks for the advice....will be sure to check that out....

I would recommend Girdwood over Talkeetna - it's significantly closer (45ish minute drive vs. 2 hours or so to Talkeetna) and the drive is really pretty.

Thanks a bunch, this is great info! tls

sounds good....thanks for the advice....

If you decide to go to Girdwood, I'd recommend grabbing a bite to eat at Chair 5.
http://www.chairfive.com
They serve pub style "bar food" with a few Alaskan specialties like the Elk burger or the Caribou burger. There is a solid selection of cold beverages, plus outstanding opportunities for people watching.

If you decide to go to Talkeetna, be sure to stop by the Talkeetna Roadhouse for a cinnamon roll.
https://www.talkeetnaroadhouse.com/cafe-and-bakery.html

No trip to Anchorage is complete without a visit to Moose's Tooth or Bear Tooth.
Both places are great for lunch or dinner. Expect tasty food, awesome local brews, and long lines (but it's worth the wait).
http://moosestooth.net/menu/
http://beartoothgrill.net

If you're looking for a breakfast place, Snow City is the place to go.
http://www.snowcitycafe.com/menu/good-morning
The wait for a table can be long (especially on Saturday mornings), but it really is the best breakfast in the downtown area.
Pro tip: Look for an open stool by the bar - sometimes there's no wait there.

excellent....i think i'll end up spending all my time eating at various joints....