Alaska- pre trip day trip opinions needed

Question

Hello!

We are a family of 4, 2 adults 48/52, 13 and 15 yo. Going on a cruise in early June and will fly into ANC Thurs Pm. We will have all day Friday and stuck on what to do. Staying at Hyatt place Anchorage and have a rental car. We will be returning the rental at noon Sat and taking ACT to Whittier. Flying home from Vancouver.

Cruise details- Hubbard, glacier bay, Skagway (train booked), Juneau ( whale watching), Ketchikan (Deadliest catch).

We are looking to maximize our limited time pre cruise. Coming from east coast so fine with early day and long day/driving since the cruise will be relaxing! Like outdoors but not looking for strenuous hikes (not our thing). Short hikes for great views are fine. Really looking to see uniquely Alaska things, no museums, etc.

Options we are considering and questions. Using “worth” in the frame of time vs reward, I know everything is worthy just trying to prioritize!

1- Drive to Seward with sightseeing along way (Turnagain arm, etc)

- Worth the long trip? Possibly doing a cruise there but unsure since we will be cruising.

— Exit glacier, Portage glacier- worth a short hike (exit) or cruise (portage)?

— Byron glacier- worth the time to hike?

—- Would it make more sense to do the drive to Turnagain arm/Girdwood and not all of the way to Seward? Is the scenery to Seward with the extra drive?

— also considering doing glacier quest cruise in lieu of Seward- concerns being that we will be in Whittier next day- is the scenery on the way good enough to see by bus (no stops) or worth the independent day exploring ? (We can’t do cruise on departure day due to transportation)

- Alyeska tram- great views or skip? It is pricey!

- Hope, worth the stop?

2. Option 2- Matanuska glacier hike

— how is the drive scenic-wise?

— other things to see do in the general area? Iditarod HQ? Independence mine?

— worth it?

Another question- dog sledding- should we try and fit this in somewhere? The puppies would be neat but is the dogsled on dry land worth the time/$? If so any suggestions? We will have time in aftn at Skagway and Juneau as well as Ketchikan or could do in lieu or along with one of the above.

We plan to get up early on Sat as well so may have 2-3 hours before we need to return rental car. Any recommendations on what to do with that time? Explore Anchorage? (We are from a decent sized city so unless worth it would prefer something scenic). Coastal trail?

We are open to any/all suggestions and opinions- greatly appreciated as I’m driving myself nuts going back and forth and studying the Milepost guide!

Thank you!!

Answer

It sounds like you're in for an amazing adventure, and you're asking great questions to make the most of your time in Alaska! Given your interests and time constraints, I’ll break down the two options you’re considering and give my thoughts on some of the other activities you’re interested in.

Option 1: Drive to Seward with Sightseeing

The drive from Anchorage to Seward is about 2.5 hours one-way, but it's scenic and offers a lot of beautiful spots to stop along the way. Here's what you might want to consider:

Turnagain Arm: This drive is a must, especially if you take the time to stop and enjoy the views. The drive itself offers stunning views of the mountains and ocean, so it's worth a leisurely trip. The drive is a major highlight, so it's definitely worth the time.
Exit Glacier: It's a relatively easy stop with a short walk to get up close to the glacier. If you want a taste of Alaska's glaciers without too much effort, this is a great stop. You can do it in 1-1.5 hours.
Portage Glacier: This is a good option if you're interested in a glacier cruise, but since you'll be doing glacier-related activities on the cruise, you could skip this one in favor of more time in Seward.
Byron Glacier: A 1-1.5 hour hike, depending on how long you want to spend. It's beautiful, and you can see ice caves and the glacier up close, so if you’re feeling up for a bit of an adventure, it’s worth it. But if you're not in the mood for a hike, it might be better to skip this and just enjoy the views.
Girdwood & Alyeska: If you’re looking for stunning mountain views but don't want to go all the way to Seward, stopping in Girdwood could be perfect. The Alyeska tram offers great views, but at $40+ per person, it can feel pricey. If you're looking to maximize value, you could skip the tram and simply enjoy the stunning drive to Girdwood and some of the local spots around town. The views are spectacular without paying for the tram ride.
Hope: It’s a very small and charming town, but unless you have a strong interest in small towns, this stop may not be worth the extra time. If you're already making the trip to Girdwood, you can skip Hope and continue exploring.

Option 2: Matanuska Glacier Hike

If you're looking for something unique and different, the Matanuska Glacier hike is a great option. The drive is about 2 hours north of Anchorage, so it’s doable for a day trip.

Scenic Drive: The drive to Matanuska is lovely, and you'll get to see a different side of Alaska's landscape. It's less populated and has a mix of valleys, glaciers, and mountains. The drive itself is scenic, but not as dramatic as Turnagain Arm or Seward.
Things to Do Nearby: There are other places to stop around the Matanuska Glacier, such as the Iditarod Headquarters (if you're interested in learning more about the famous dog sled race) and Independence Mine State Historical Park (which offers a short hike to the historic mine site). These spots can be cool to add to your drive if you have extra time, but they might not be a "must-see" if you're prioritizing natural beauty over history.
Worth It? If you're looking for a unique Alaskan experience with a little more adventure, this is a good option. It’s not as popular as Seward, but it offers a chance to get up close to a glacier without dealing with crowds.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding on dry land (via ATV or wheeled sleds) can be a fun way to experience the dogs, but it's very different from the traditional winter dog sledding experience. If you really want to see the puppies and interact with the dogs, it could be worth considering, especially if you have some free time in Skagway, Juneau, or Ketchikan. However, if you're on a budget and have limited time, you could prioritize the outdoor activities above. Dry land dog sledding typically runs about $150-$250 per person.

What to Do in Anchorage Before Returning the Rental

If you have a few hours on Saturday morning before returning the rental car, consider the following:

Coastal Trail: The Coastal Trail is a great option, especially if you enjoy walking or biking. It’s scenic, flat, and provides nice views of the water and mountains. If you’re interested in a short, easy outdoor experience, this is a good choice.
Earthquake Park: It’s a quick stop and gives you an interesting look at the effects of the 1964 earthquake that shook Anchorage.
Downtown Anchorage: If you want a quick look around the city before heading out, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to check out. But since you're from a decent-sized city, this may not be as exciting as the surrounding natural landscapes!

My Recommendation: Given your time constraints and interests, I would recommend Option 1 (driving to Seward) as it offers stunning views, accessible hikes, and a taste of Alaska’s diverse beauty. It’s an easy drive from Anchorage, and you’ll see some incredible landscapes without the intense physical exertion. For dog sledding, consider doing it in Skagway or Juneau if the schedule allows. For Saturday morning, the Coastal Trail or Earthquake Park are perfect quick stops before heading back to the airport.

Hope this helps in narrowing down your options! Enjoy your trip—Alaska is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!