Want to go to Alaska but aren’t sure where to start? While no amount of time ever seems to be enough, a 10-day Alaska itinerary can easily cover many of the highlights. That’s about how much time I spent on my recent visit – and I don’t recommend staying less than 10 days in Alaska. It’s a huge state and there’s a lot to see.
If you are traveling to Alaska solo, and even better, as a solo female traveler, you will find Alaska to be absolutely perfect. It’s a place of lone adventurers, and you will discover joys in days spent alone with opportunities to meet like-minded Alaskans too.
For thousands of years, Alaskan natives have lived throughout this vast land, fishing, hunting, and gathering food which has enabled them to thrive in some of the harshest and most challenging environments.
Of course, you do not have to be as hardy as they were, and you can actually enjoy a trip here with plenty of modern luxuries to take advantage of.
In this post, you will find all the information you need to plan an incredible 10-day Alaska itinerary, including some of the best places to stay in Alaska! This 10-day Alaska itinerary includes a very detailed list of daily activities.
At the end of this post, I will include some more useful information and practical tips to help you plan your trip – make sure you read through the end of the article.
I recommend following this Alaska itinerary during the warmer months of the year, between May and September. I visited between the end of August and September and found the weather to be a bit cold for me (though Autumn in Alaska is fabulous), but it was (close to) perfect for hiking.
If you visit outside of the warmer months, much of the national parks and other areas will be covered in snow and inaccessible. Even May can be too early so if you plan to travel then, aim for the second half of the month.
Before your dates are set in stone, be sure to confirm that any must-do experiences like tours, hotels, and attractions will be available when you plan to visit, since many of them shut in the colder months.
Finally, let’s discover how to spend 10 days in Alaska!
The Ultimate 10-Day Alaska Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Anchorage
Your flight will likely arrive in Anchorage during the afternoon or evening hours (I landed at 7:00 pm from Seattle, which is a hub for Alaska Airlines for example).
The rest of the day is best spent in a low-key way so that you’ll be refreshed and ready to fully enjoy your trip in the following day. This is especially relevant if you are arriving from the east coast of the US, or from Europe – depending on where you are in Europe, there is a 10 hours time difference which is major!
Perhaps walk around the downtown area which offers practically an endless number of shops along with enticing cafes, restaurants, public art installations, and museums.
You can also stretch your legs after a long flight by strolling north on L street to see the city’s early architecture as you make your way to Resolution Park. It offers sweeping views of Cook Inlet, and a statue of the British explorer, Captain James Cook.
If it’s early enough in the day you can stock up on travel information at the Log Cabin Visitor Center and perhaps take an Anchorage Trolley Tour for a brief course in the local history.
Short and sweet, the hour-long tour offers the chance to see top attractions like Earthquake Park, Lake Hood, and the Alaska Railroad while learning about the city’s unique history.
You might even spot a moose or other wildlife in the process as this is one of the best places to see Alaska wildlife.
You have the option of a this Anchorage Trolley Tour or a deluxe one. I recommend the deluxe one (it’s what I took) as you make more stops along the way and have the chance of getting off for photos and can ask questions. Tours depart regularly from 546 West 4th Avenue in Anchorage. It’s a quite popular tour, so you may want to book it in advance.
If you are arriving later, simply unwind in your hotel and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Best restaurants in Anchorage
All of these restaurants are in downtown Anchorage, so are easy to reach on foot if that is where you are staying.
Whisky and Ramen: Of the restaurants I have tried in Anchorage, this was my favorite. It serves delicious appetizers, a fantastic selection of ramen, and it has a great range of cocktails and wines.
Simon & Seafort’s: For dinner with a view, this is the place to go. And if you are visiting in the summer months, you will be able to enjoy a fabulous sunset during your meal.
Snow City Café: The ultimate breakfast place in Anchorage, I love the blueberry pancakes and I can pretty much swear their Canadian bacon is the best one I have ever had. It’s always busy, but it’s worth waiting.
Where to stay in Anchorage
There are lots of places to stay in Anchorage. Opt for something downtown so it’s easier to explore:
Hotel Captain Cook: A huge hotel taking up an entire city block, downtown Hotel Capital Cook is considered to be the only luxury accommodation for your stay in Anchorage. It includes the fine-dining Crow’s Nest restaurant, a pub, wine bar/bistro, cafe, and a health club with an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness center.
Marriott Downtown Anchorage: Downtown hotel within walking distance of the Anchorage Museum. It includes a gym, an indoor (tiny) pool, and a bar/restaurant.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage: All-suite hotel with mountain views two miles from downtown. Some rooms have mountain views and whirlpool tubs, while an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and a bar/restaurant are all on-site.
Day 2 – Exploring Anchorage
With a full day to explore Anchorage, you have lots of options. This is a great starting point for your Alaska itinerary, and you should not miss out on what it has to offer!
If you’re interested in Alaskan Native traditions, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center located in the Dena’ina Athabascan people’s traditional homelands. Less than seven miles (11.2 km) from downtown, it tells the story of the state’s 11 major cultures firsthand, through dance, stories, and more, with cultural performances regularly hosted.
The Anchorage Museum is the state’s largest, focused on the history of Alaska through both art and history galleries. This was by far my favorite museum in Anchorage and it is a great place to visit if you have an interest in indigenous cultures.
You can get tickets to the Anchorage Museum directly at the door, but if you want they are also available for purchase online.
If you want to get more active while enjoying picturesque views and the chance to spot wildlife, including regular sightings of eagles and moose, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail stretches for over 11 miles (17.7 km) and starts right in the center of town.
It makes its way to Kincaid Park, a tranquil and scenic endpoint with magnificent views of Denali, the Chugach Mountains, and Fire Island.
You can also join this Coastal Trail 3-Hour City Bike Tour, where you’ll be accompanied by a local guide who can teach you about each place you pass by.
If it happens to be a Saturday, check out the Anchorage Market and Festival which hosts over 300 vendors right downtown. You can shop for high-quality crafts, foods, clothing, and more while sampling locally grown eats and enjoying live entertainment.
Finally, if you would rather head out of the city, you don’t have to get far to hit one of the best hiking trails in Alaska: the Flattop Hike. The trailhead it just about 30 minutes from downtown Anchorage and you can either drive there or take a shuttle from downtown Anchorage.
This 3 miles (5 km) trail has a 1,500 feet (455 meters) elevation gain and can be challenging, but very rewarding with views of Anchorage and the bay. Depending on the day, you can see Denali (Mt. McKinley), the Chugach Mountain Range, the Aleutian Islands, and more.
For more information on Anchorage, head over to my posts The Best Things To Do In Anchorage. And if you have more time in the city, consider reading my post The Best Day Trips from Anchorage for ideas on other places to visit nearby.
Day 3 – Epic Seward Highway to Seward
On the third day of your Alaska itinerary, it’s time to drive to Seward, traveling south on the 127-mile-long (204.3 km) Seward Highway that runs through the Kenai Peninsula.
The trip from Anchorage to Seward takes just under two and a half hours to cover without stopping, but as this is often ranked among the top scenic drives in the entire country, you’ll want to take time to savor those views.
It features dramatic vistas of the Turnagain Arm shoreline, the craggy peaks of the Chugachs, blue-tinged glaciers, sparkling valley lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
Along the way, watch for wildlife like eagles, moose, and bears. Stop at Beluga Point, a rocky outpost jutting into the water, for the chance to see beluga whales that come in with the tide.
When they’re present you may be able to hear their unique vocalizations that have led to their nickname, “the canaries of the sea.”
A little over 30 miles (48.2 km) further along your drive to Seward, you’ll reach the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center located just off the roadway for guaranteed animal sightings. It’s a great way to get a close-up look at many of the animals that inhabit Alaska.
The center rescues orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife, such as moose, elk, reindeer, bison, bears, wolves, and lynx, with a habitat that replicates their natural wild habitat with over 200 acres.
When you reach the town of Seward you’ll get to enjoy a bit of everything the state of Alaska has to offer. It’s surrounded by breathtaking wilderness, with Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay the highlights.
The bay is frequented by orca and humpback whales, porpoises, harbor seals, sea otters, and sea lions, while the park offers all of that, along with glaciers like the famous Exit Glacier, coastal fjords, and islands.
After checking into your Seward accommodation, you might want to explore downtown, visit the Alaska Sealife Center, a visitor center and research center in Seward that provides an up-close look at Alaskan marine life, including the popular Stellar sea lion and harbor seal habitats, and a seabird aviary.
You can also check out the nice shops and restaurants, including some excellent options for halibut fish ‘n chips.
Seward Waterfront Park which extends for over 5 miles (8 km) from the small harbor is a great place for a stroll with the glistening water backed by soaring snow-dusted peaks.
Best restaurants in Seward
Small as it is, Seward has a great selection of restaurants. I tried and loved the following ones:
The Cookery: One of the most highly rated restaurants in Seward, The Cookery is a foodie favorite. The menu is inspired by Alaskan ingredients, including fresh seafood, local farm-raised meats, and fresh produce. Book in advance as it is very popular.
Ray’s Waterfront: Popular with Seward locals and visitors alike, enjoy steaks and seafood complemented by mountain and harbor views.
Flamingo Bar: Family-owned eatery with friendly service and some of the best seafood chowder in town along with favorites like halibut, salmon, and king crab. You will love its retro look.
Where to stay in Seward
When I visited Seward I stayed at the Edgewater Hotel and I can’t recommend it. The only good thing about it is the location. Rooms are small, messy and breakfast beyond basic, and I found the staff to be unhelpful. These are some better places to stay:
Seward Windsong Lodge: Located along the banks of the Resurrection River surrounded by dense forest, Seward Windsong Lodge is 4 miles (6.4 km) from town with a free shuttle if you don’t want to drive.
Harbor 360 Hotel: Nestled right along the water in the Small Boat Harbor district, this hotel offers panoramic views of the bay and the mountains while being within walking distance of the top restaurants and shops.
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge: Set within Kenai Fjords National Park, this spectacular lodge includes the main lodge and eight waterfront cabins, providing breathtaking views of Halibut Cove.
Day 4 – Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park
The fourth day of your Alaska itinerary will have you rise early to take advantage of a full day in Seward. You might want to rent a kayak or join a guided kayak tour to paddle the waters of Resurrection Bay, which has been named among the country’s top places to kayak.
Follow the shoreline, winding through hidden coves while enjoying a breathtaking backdrop of scenery and wildlife.
You’ll be sharing the tranquility with puffins, eagles, sea lions, sea otters, porpoises, and a variety of different whale species like humpbacks and orcas.
Alternatively, you can join a boat tour and there are several options you may want to consider.
First of all, there’s this Kenai Fjords National Park cruise that lasts 6 hours and includes a small deli lunch. You will have binoculars for more chances of spotting wildlife.
There’s also this half day Resurrection Bay wildlife cruise that is a bit shorter, which means you have more time for other activities (especially if you are visiting in the summer months when days are much longer).
If you’d rather stay on land, consider a horseback riding excursion, watching bald eagles, arctic tern, moose, and even bears along the way.
You’ll head into areas only accessible with a horse, perhaps getting up close to bald eagles to watch them feed and see where they nest.
A visit to Kenai Fjords National Park is another must. Just a few miles from downtown Seward, it protects over 600,000 acres of long fjords, tranquil bays, and coves, with snow and ice covering more than 60 percent of the area.
The vast, 936-square-mile Harding Icefield is the crown jewel of this national park, which feeds nearly 40 glaciers that flow out of the mountains. Wildlife is abundant here too, including mountain goats, black bears, moose, sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions.
If you choose just one activity for this day, however, I recommend a hike on the Harding Icefield Trail. One of the most popular things to do while visiting Seward, the 8-mile (12.8 km) round-trip hike showcases Exit Glacier, Resurrection River, and a massive sheet of ice and snow.
This is not an easy hike – you will be walking entirely uphill on the way to the Harding Icefield, and downhill on the way back. But the views make it very rewarding, and the trail is easy to follow.
Day 5 – Homer Road Trip
Halfway through your 10-day Alaska itinerary, it’s time to head to Homer, one of the nicest places to visit in Alaska. The drive from Seward is an easy three hours along the Kenai Peninsula, traveling west to Soldotna before venturing south along the Cook Inlet.
You might want to stop in the small town of Cooper Landing to learn about some of Alaska’s unique culture and history at the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area.
It tells the stories of the Gold Rush and some of the notable characters who decided to call this area home.
There’s an old roadhouse with historic photos and a historic post office in Cooper Landing too.
At the last turnout before reaching Homer, you’ll find the Homer Baycrest Overlook which offers a stunning panoramic view of Kachemak Bay with towering mountains and glaciers in the backdrop.
Once in Homer, take time to get to know it. One of the state’s coolest towns, not only does it offer old-growth Sitka spruce forests, deep fjords, impressive mountain peaks, and serene beaches with remarkable tidal fluctuations, but it’s the cultural capital of the region.
The main attraction in town is the Homer Spit. It’s a long, narrow piece of land jutting from the coast into the bay and lined with small, local businesses and a beautiful beach. It’s a bit of a hippie haven, with art galleries, music venues, live theater, and museums, along with trendy coffee bars and many outstanding eateries.
Delve into the food scene and perhaps check out the Art Shop Gallery which features original Alaskan works. It offers something for every budget with fine art posters, limited edition prints, pottery, jewelry, Alaskan Christmas ornaments, and a collection of bone and ivory carvings created by Native Alaskans.
Occasionally one of the local artists will be here signing items, drawing pictures on the spot for customized creations, or personalizing cards.
Best restaurants in Homer
I tried all these restaurants, and enjoyed them!
La Baleine Café: This tiny café on the Spit is a perfect place for breakfast or brunch, and has lots of excellent options for any dietary requirement. It’s also very budget friendly, considering the prices of Alaska.
The Chart Room: Located at Land’s End Resort, the only hotel on the Homer Spit, this full-service restaurant and lounge focuses on local, sustainably harvested seafood and produce that can be enjoyed with breathtaking views while dining indoors or out. There’s a nice bar for cocktails and the views of the Ocean from the dining room are stunning.
Captain Patty’s Fish House: I ate here on my first night in Homer and enjoy it. The atmosphere is easy-going and there’s a great choice of fish and seafood dishes. As an Italian, I would not recommend the pasta dishes though!
Where to stay in Homer
Here are the best places to stay in Homer:
Land’s End Resort: Located at the tip of the Homer Split surrounded by water and mountain views, this hotel offers a wide variety of accommodation options from beachfront rooms and cabins to luxurious four-bedroom homes.
Tutka Bay Lodge: Nestled in a remote fjord at the southern end of Kachemak Bay, Tutka Bay Lodge offers both private, individual accommodation and rooms in the main lodge, offering recreational activities like halibut and salmon fishing, sea kayaking, and hiking.
Aspen Suites Hotel: This is where I stayed when I visited. The rooms are large and equipped with a kitchenette if you wish to cook your own meals, but there’s little in terms of services, no breakfast is offered and you will need a car to get to the Spit where most restaurants are located.
Day 6 – Homer
Start the sixth day of your Alaska itinerary by visiting one of the most popular attractions in Homer, Alaska.
Accessed by water taxi, Kachemak Bay State Park is a 350,000-acre paradise. The spectacular wilderness area is inhabited by more bald eagles than you can count. It includes an extensive trail system for hiking, secluded coves for paddling, opportunities for fishing, beachcombing, and watching all sorts of other wildlife.
Keep an eye out for notable species like orca and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, sea otters, and sea lions in the water, while black bears, mountain goats, and moose roam the land.
While the state park is a dream for nature lovers, it’s also possible to join a bear-viewing tour from Homer. Excursions will bring you to Katmai National Park to check off another bucket list experience during your 10 days in Alaska.
It’s one of the best places in the world to view grizzly bears, with a population of around 3,000. The flight to Katmai National Park also brings the chance to see a glacier or two, waterfalls, volcanoes, and whales from above.
Back in town, be sure to visit the Pratt Museum. One of the leading cultural and educational institutions in the state, it reveals the region’s natural history through exhibits and a historic homestead cabin.
You’ll discover how those hardy early Alaskans survived and somehow even thrived despite the harsh conditions. Just behind the museum, there’s a natural trail where moose can be spotted.
Check the tide tables and aim to visit Bishop’s Beach at low tide. Often named among Alaska’s best beaches, it can be reached with a short walk on a trail leading from the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center. This is the perfect time to search through tide pools. Turn over the rocks and you never know what you might find, from colorful starfish and sea anemones to hermit crabs.
Free guided tidal pool tours are offered by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge when there’s a good low tide at Bishop’s Beach if you’d like to head out with a naturalist.
Day 7 – Girdwood & Mt Alyeska View
It’s time to head back to Anchorage, enjoy the breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm, and ultimately venture north to Denali National Park. But first, your Alaska road trip itinerary includes a night in Girdwood, a perfect stop about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Homer.
As you get close to your destination, Whittier is only about 10 miles (16 km) out of the way to the southeast and brings the chance to explore the sparkling waters of Prince William Sound on a kayak or jet-skiing tour with glacier views.
Or, hike one of the short, easy trails like Horsetail Falls to stretch your legs and view multiple cascades.
My recommendation, however, would be to hike the 4.2-mile (6.7 km) out-and-back Portage Pass Trail to see Portage Glacier. It’s a very challenging hike for the first mile or so, as you will be going on a steady uphill. However, the trail is easy to follow and the views are very rewarding.
From Whittier, Girdwood is less than 35 minutes away. Originally known as Glacier City, it’s surrounded by seven glaciers.
For a big thrill, consider a helicopter flightseeing excursion with Alpine Air. You’ll get an aerial view of the glaciers and you can even choose the option for a glacier landing where you’ll be able to take in a 360-degree view of the area’s glaciers and mountains.
It’s also possible to get a bird’s-eye view of hanging glaciers and mountains from above by riding the tram to the top of Mount Alyeska. At the summit, there are trails to explore and two dining venues. Casual bites can be enjoyed at the Bore Tide Deli, or treat yourself to a meal at the upscale Seven Glaciers Restaurant.
Want to try your hand at panning for gold? Head to the Crow Creek Mine. You can also enjoy beautiful views and tour the historic buildings.
Best restaurants in Girdwood
These are my favorite places in Girdwood:
Double Musky: One of the most highly-rated eateries in the state, the Double Musky specializes in New Orleans cuisine with an Alaskan twist. Think cajun cooking with lots of local seafood in a roadhouse-style restaurant filled with Mardi Gras-style decor.
Jack Sprat: Dine on local, sustainably caught seafood, humanely raised meats, and vegetarian dishes with a mountain view.
Hightower Pub: Downtown gastropub with a diverse menu focused on comfort cuisine, including all-day breakfasts.
Where to Stay in Girdwood
There are some decent accommodation options in Girdwood. Here’s a selection:
Hotel Alyeska: A luxury chateau-style hotel with a spa, saltwater pool, and hot tub surrounded by the Chugach Mountains.
Ski Inn: A boutique inn open year-round located downtown steps from coffee shops and restaurants.
Carriage House: A boutique property set along a creek with a hot tub, fire pit, and outdoor games offering accommodation in lodge rooms and cottages.
Day 8 – Talkeetna and Denali National Park
The eighth day of your 10-day Alaska itinerary brings you to your final stop, a bucket list destination: Denali National Park, one of the most popular attractions in North America and one of the most wildlife-filled national parks.
The drive to Denali takes a little under five hours, so you might want to go back to Anchorage first, fueling up with some coffee, and then plan to break up the drive with a visit to Talkeetna.
This is a small town in the shadow of Mount Denali is 150 miles (241.4 km) from Girdwood, founded at the height of the gold rush.
Take a stroll around town to check out the historic buildings standing testament to local craftsmanship having survived after more than a century of harsh Alaskan weather. Today they house restaurants, shops, local breweries, and other local venues. My favorite is the historic Nagley’s General Store, where the so called mayor of Talkeetna (which is actually a cat!) lives.
Talkeetna also happens to be the world’s sled dog capital, bringing the chance to take a kennel tour with Sun Dog Kennel starting right from downtown. You’ll meet the dogs, watch a demonstration, and learn about their winter training program that gets the animals ready for the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
You can even hold and play with future champions, the cuddly puppies.
Once in or near Denali National Park, after a long day behind the wheel, you’ll probably want to enjoy a meal and unwind at your accommodation, resting up for the fun tomorrow.
Best restaurants near Denali National Park
I tried several places near Denali and these are my favorite ones:
The Overlook at the Crow’s Nest: Serving farm-to-table cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, including Alaskan oysters and weathervane scallops, this restaurant was actually my favorite in the entire country!
49th State Brewing Company: A brewpub restaurant serving unique offerings like yak burgers and buffalo meatloaf. If you’re here on a Friday, it hosts a popular pig roast.
Prospectors Pizzeria & Ale House: Seriously delicious pizzas made with handmade dough that’s aged for 24 hours and baked in a traditional wood-stone oven, enjoyed with outstanding beers in a quintessential Alaskan setting.
Where to stay near Denali National Park
Talkeetna is actually quite far from Denali National Park – it’s almost a 3 hours drive. So look for something closer, possibly in Healy. When I visited, I stayed at Denali Grizzly Bear Resort and found it to be too basic (not to mention, a tad dirty) so I won’t recommend it. Here are some better places to stay:
Denali Backcountry Lodge: Located at the end of the famous Denali Park Road it offers all-inclusive accommodation in private cabins. Meals consist of fresh, local fare while activities include everything from morning yoga to guided hikes and fishing.
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge: Located 0.8 miles (1.2 km) from the entrance to Denali National Park, this lodge offers traditional rooms with basic amenities, multiple on-site dining options, and a dinner theater.
Grande Denali Lodge: A rustic lodge on a secluded hilltop 2.7 miles (4.3 km) from the entrance to the park, providing panoramic views of the wilderness. accommodation is in rooms and cabins.
Day 9 – Denali National Park
On the ninth day of your 10-day Alaska road trip itinerary, you’ll have a full day in Denali National Park.
You can make the most of it by taking the Tundra Wilderness Tour. This is the park’s premier tour, showcasing the jaw-dropping scenery while bringing the opportunity to view much of the abundant wildlife and enjoy a narrated history of the park road. Watch for the park’s big five: Dall sheep, caribou, moose, grizzly bears, and wolves.
You might even see a bear fishing for a salmon feast or roaming the tundra searching for berries on the Tundra Wilderness Tour.
If you want to splurge, take a helicopter flightseeing tour where you’ll land on a glacier and explore it on foot while taking in the brilliant blue of the lakes and winding rivers among a dramatic backdrop of nearly endless snow-covered peaks.
However, my personal recommendation if you enjoy hiking is to tackle the Savage Alpine Trail. This challenging 4.1 mile (around 6.6 km) point to point hike takes you to several fantastic viewpoints from where – on clear days – you get to enjoy unparalleled views of Mount Denali.
I wasn’t so lucky when I hiked it, but the rest of the views were magnificent and it was an overall great hike.
It makes for a great finale, providing the chance to savor it all with your 10-day Alaska road trip soon coming to an end.
Day 10 – Travel back to Anchorage for your flight home
It’s time to say farewell to Denali National Park. After 10 days in Alaska, you’ll make your return to Anchorage where your unforgettable Alaska road trip comes to an end.
Ideally, you’ll have a flight that leaves in the late afternoon or early evening hours as it will take you a little over four hours to get to the Anchorage International Airport from Denali.
If you leave early enough you might be able to enjoy lunch or some last-minute souvenir shopping in downtown Anchorage before you have to catch your flight. Otherwise, plan to spend another night in Anchorage and depart the following day.
10-Day Alaska Itinerary Planning Tips
Best time to visit Alaska
The best month to visit Alaska depends on what you hope to experience. While the winter can be magical, many places will be closed, including visitor centers at national parks like Wrangell St Elias National Park.
Many people travel to Alaska with plans to arrive in Anchorage during the summer, with July and August the peak time, which means more people on the trails and paying more for airfare, car rental, and accommodation.
But this is also the time for enjoying long hours of daylight so you’ll be able to squeeze in more outdoor activities and opportunities for sightseeing. Whale watching is at its best too (whale season starts in May). While dog sledding through the snow may not be possible, there are opportunities to meet a sled dog and learn more about them.
I visited Alaska between the end of August and early September and never found it to be crowded, but the weather wasn’t great either. Wildlife is still quite active in September, another favorite month to watch the animals as they prepare for winter hibernation.
If you hope to view the aurora borealis but don’t want to do it in the middle of winter when roads aren’t clear, you might want to go in late September. Some people in my tour actually saw it in early September too!
Early autumn is also a great time for wildlife watching in Denali, with the animals taking advantage of every bit of daylight before winter sets in – but as snow starts to come, hiking becomes practically impossible.
The wintertime brings a snowy wonderland, a magical setting with snow blanketed across the landscapes.
There are festivals, dog sled races, ice sculpture competitions, and all sorts of activities available depending on where you are, including skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and more. However, daylights are minimal even in the south – Anchorage or Juneau.
Overland travel in the winter will be practically impossible.
Booking a guided tour versus doing it on your own
The best way to see Alaska in 10 days is to rent your own car so that you can drive at your own pace. I appreciate that if you are traveling solo, driving may not sound like the most fun thing to do.
In this case it’s definitely easier to book your 10-day Alaska road trip with a tour operator or guide as it can take a lot of time to plan your own independent trip.
When a guided tour is organized, all you have to do is relax and enjoy the experience, which is why you need to make sure it’s a good trustworthy company you are booking with.
I opted for a guided tour during my trip, and while all the logistics – transportation, hotels and most activities – were taken care of, I must admit it was a bit of a disappointing experience and I would not recommend that tour. The guide was not great, the hotels were basic considering what the tour costed, and the organization was a bit lacking).
If you plan a trip on your own, you’ll be able to define where you want to visit and what you want to do. With hindsight, it’s what I should have done, since I actually do enjoy driving.
If you drive, you won’t be lost among the crowd following your leader like a cattle drive, or forced to jump back on a bus when you aren’t ready to go. It frankly is how I felt on my guided tour – and it was made worse because some members of the group were really holding the rest of the group back on hikes!
Want to linger at the Denali Visitor Center or stick around Beluga Point so that you can spot the whales? You can do that and anything else you’d like.
Of course, an independent trip covering 10 days in Alaska costs a whole lot less too. While it does take time and effort, for many travelers, planning a trip is part of the fun and hopefully my itinerary to see Alaska in 10 days will help!
That said, you can enjoy the best of both worlds by taking the occasional tour of the destinations that you visit. Whether it’s a boat tour, bus tour, day trip, or something else, it can be a great way to meet up with like-minded travelers and perhaps even find a hiking partner for that epic trek.
The cost of travel in this Alaska itinerary
There’s no doubt about it, Alaska travel isn’t cheap. Visiting Alaska independently brings many options for ways to save, typically making it much less than a trip on your average cruise ship, guided tour, or excursion on the Alaska railroad.
Travel experts have estimated a typical Alaska vacation to cost a little over $450 per day per person, which would make it $4500 per person for 10 days. I spent way more than that on a guided tour – around $6500 including my flights.
Of course, you could easily spend much more, especially when calculating the current cost of a rental car. For 10 days in Alaska the cost can vary significantly depending on how far in advance you book, the type of vehicle, and the company you choose, ranging anywhere from about $1700 to over $4,000 currently due to the worldwide shortage.
I recommend using Discover Cars as a comparison site to look for the best deal on car rental in Alaska.
Be sure to check current gas prices and consider the type of vehicle when you rent a car as you’ll pay more for a gas guzzler like an SUV.
Try to reserve your trip – flights, hotels, cars – as soon as are set on dates to avoid paying an exorbitant price.
The cheapest flights to Anchorage, are usually from Seattle, averaging about $350 to $500, again depending on how far in advance you book. If you are flying from Europe, you have the option of going via Seattle or flying via Frankfurt and directly into Anchorage.
The standard Alaska hotel room runs about $350 per night in the peak summer season while economy hotels run about $100 less and luxury properties about $100 more. An all-inclusive wilderness resort will be much pricier.
The cost of excursions will depend on which you choose to take if any. They can range anywhere from $120 for a whale-watching tour to $175 for a half-day guided hiking trip or over $900 for a fly-in bear-viewing tour.
Other costs to consider for Alaska travel include dining out and fuel. The average meal is $25 to $30 per person and that is for budget dining, but you can cut back by stopping at grocery stores and picking up ingredients for picnics and snacks.
If your accommodation includes breakfast, you may be able to get by going out just for one meal a day. In my experience, breakfast is never included and you will likely have to pay separately for it, whether at a hotel (where even the most basic breakfast buffet costs $15 and up) or at a café.
Once you have all the specific details narrowed down for your Alaska travel itinerary, you’ll know how much you need to budget for your 10-day trip.
How to travel to Alaska without breaking the bank
If the cost of visiting Alaska causes your jaw to drop and wonder if you have to give up on your dream, the good news is there are ways to save.
Consider traveling in the shoulder season, ideally late spring or early fall which typically means cheaper flights and accommodation rates along with fewer crowds.
Non-hotel accommodations may be your better bet as there are often lower-cost campgrounds, cabins, hostels, Airbnbs, and other vacation rentals available too.
Instead of a flightseeing tour to a glacier, for example, look for a glacier you can reach by car like Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, or Matanuska Glacier which is an easy day trip from Anchorage.
What to pack for Alaska
While packing for Alaska varies depending on the destination and season, for my recommended 10-day Alaska itinerary you’ll want roads to be clear of snow for smooth travel, which means visiting during the warmer months of the year.
That said, the weather is unpredictable so while you may not have to deal with ice or snowstorms, rain is common.
You’ll want to pack rain gear, including a light rain jacket and waterproof hiking boots. I got so soaked during my Harding Icefield hike that as soon as I went back to Seward I went to a gear shop to get a proper rain jacket.
You will need clothing that can be layered so if it gets too warm you can peel a layer off and when a chill hits you’ll have another layer to throw on.
If you’ll be doing anything outdoors like hiking or kayaking, be sure to bring waterproof pants with a fleece lining, a mix of long- and short-sleeve shirts, and a fleece jacket that can be topped with your rain jacket if necessary.
Consider the sun too. In the summertime, there are long hours of daylight meaning more exposure to the sun. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat as well as a beanie or another warmer hat if you’ll be out on the water.
If you plan on soaking in a hot tub or a natural hot spring or enjoying a refreshing (read: freezing) dip in an alpine lake or a hotel pool, don’t forget your swimsuit.
Other Things To Know Before Your Alaska Trip
Here are some other useful things to know before your trip to Alaska.
It’s a huge country
Alaska is vast, covering 600,000 square miles. The drive from Anchorage to Denali National Park takes about four hours and from Anchorage to Fairbanks, it’s six-and-a-half. nThere are no interstates and few roads, which means there is no quicker way, but the journey is sure to be scenic.
Book in advance
Booking a trip to Alaska is best done far in advance. Many travelers book their accommodation a year or more ahead.
You’ll want to rent a car to make the most of your time and explore at your own pace.
As soon as you purchase your flights, reserve a car rental as vehicles can sell out quickly during the busy summer season.
You’ll also get a better rate the farther away you are from your dates.
It rains a lot
Prepare for rain. With all the talk about glorious summer weather, you might think you don’t have to worry about rain, but it tends to rain quite a lot during the season. It rained almost every day when I visited!
You’ll want to pack rain gear even if you are traveling in the summer, including a light rain jacket and waterproof boots.
Drive carefully
The scenery in Alaska is jaw-dropping so you’ll probably want to stop frequently to take photos. Don’t stop on the shoulder of the road, use the pull-offs instead to avoid a possible accident.
Be very careful when driving during the early morning hours and around sunset when wildlife is more likely to get too close to the road or even venture out on it. We came across several moose on the road!
Join the locals
Check for local events before you go for the opportunity to enjoy authentic Alaskan life such as the Iditarod dog sledding race, the Alaska State Fair, Mount Marathon, and unique festivals.
Dangerous animals in Alaska
Finding snakes in Alaska is a very rare event, because of the cold climate which is not suitable for snakes. On the other hand, it is common to come across bears in Alaska and you will be better off carrying bear spray on any hike you do.
10 Days In Alaska Itinerary: Final Thoughts
One thing is for sure, you are likely to capture hundreds of photos while following this Alaska itinerary, with so many photogenic places – that’s certainly what I did!
While Alaska is a place that is never easy to leave, planning a return trip can make it less bittersweet. Perhaps next time you can even venture all the way to remote Wrangell St Elias National Park?
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