Suggestions on Itinerary

Question

My husband and I are flying into Anchorage in early August. We are taking the Denali Star to Talkeetna and staying 2-nights. Then staying near Denali National Park 2-nights before we train back down to Anchorage.

We then have about 7-nights open, before we stay in Seward 3-nights and board a cruise ship for Vancouver. We are planning to rent a car for this portion of the trip. If we were to pick one or two places to stay 2-3 days in the middle of our trip, what do you recommend?

Some of our interests are horseback riding, fishing, hiking (not too difficult), visiting historical places, and relaxing!

Thank you!

Answer

Given your plan of Anchorage → Talkeetna → Denali → Anchorage and then a 7-night window before heading to Seward for your cruise, you have a great opportunity to explore Alaska’s scenic interior and coastal regions. With your interests in horseback riding, fishing, moderate hiking, history, and relaxation, here are some suggestions for one or two stops to break up the drive to Seward and make the most of your time.

Option 1: Girdwood / Alyeska Area

Located about 40 miles south of Anchorage, Girdwood offers mountain scenery, relaxing resorts, and access to outdoor adventures.
Activities: Moderate hiking on trails around the Alyeska Resort, horseback riding nearby, scenic tram ride for panoramic views, and opportunities for salmon or trout fishing in nearby streams.
Relaxation: The town has spa facilities and cozy lodges; it’s a great place to unwind before continuing your drive to Seward.

Option 2: Cooper Landing / Kenai Peninsula Interior

Approximately halfway between Anchorage and Seward along the scenic Seward Highway, this area is a hub for outdoor activities.
Activities: Famous for Kenai River fishing (salmon and trout), gentle hiking trails, and local history at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center nearby. Horseback tours are available in nearby areas as well.
Relaxation: Beautiful river views, quiet lodges or cabins, and the chance to enjoy the Kenai Peninsula scenery at a slower pace.

Option 3 (if you want a more historical/cultural experience): Talkeetna Revisit or Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass area offers light to moderate hikes, alpine scenery, and interesting historical gold-mining sites.
While not as commercially developed as Girdwood or Cooper Landing, this area provides a mix of history, scenery, and light adventure. Horseback tours may be more limited here.

Suggested Itinerary Flow:

After returning to Anchorage from Denali, drive south along the Seward Highway.
Stop 2–3 nights in Girdwood or Cooper Landing for a mix of your interests—hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and relaxation.
Then continue the scenic drive to Seward, allowing time to stop at viewpoints along Turnagain Arm and Kenai Lake.

This approach maximizes outdoor experiences without overloading travel days and lets you enjoy both the mountains and the Kenai Peninsula before boarding your cruise.

Make sure to reserve lodging in these areas early, especially in August, which is peak season.