Alaska - 7 nights in/out of Anchorage

Question

Thank you for your help in planning a last-minute graduation trip to Alaska. Flying in and out of Anchorage first week of July with 3 teens and my 80-year-old (very spry) mom. Desire is to see wildlife, my son (this is his graduation gift) would love to fish. The only planned activities are a day trip to Brooks Falls and a day cruise departing from Whittier. I was planning to drive to Denali but debating now on just going south to Seward or Homer. Could use your help.

Thursday: Land in ANC 7PM

Friday: Day trip to Brooks Falls

Saturday/Sunday: unplanned

Monday: boat cruise in Whittier

Tuesday/Wednesday: unplanned

Thursday: Fly out of ANC 8PM

Thank you.

Answer

It sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned to Alaska, and with the combination of wildlife, fishing, and stunning landscapes, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Since you already have some planned activities, here are some suggestions to help fill in the gaps for your unplanned days and give you a good mix of outdoor adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty while keeping in mind the needs of your group (with teens and an active 80-year-old!).

Day 1 - Thursday: Arrival in Anchorage
You’ll arrive in Anchorage in the evening, so I’d recommend keeping it light and relaxing. Depending on how much energy you have, you could stroll around downtown Anchorage or take a scenic walk at Kincaid Park, which has beautiful views of the Cook Inlet and is just a short drive from downtown.

Day 2 - Friday: Day Trip to Brooks Falls
This is a great plan! Brooks Falls is one of the best places to see wildlife, particularly bears fishing for salmon. Since you’ve already planned a day trip there, be prepared for a full day. The flight from Anchorage to Katmai National Park (Brooks Falls) takes around 1.5 hours, and then you’ll spend a few hours at the falls. Make sure to book your flight and tour in advance, as this is a popular destination.

Day 3 - Saturday: Seward
For your first unplanned day, I recommend heading south to Seward, about a 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage. Seward is a great place to explore and offers a mix of wildlife, fishing, and scenic beauty. Some key things to do in Seward include:

Kenai Fjords National Park: Take a boat tour to see glaciers, sea otters, puffins, and possibly orcas and humpback whales. This is a great way to experience the stunning coastline.
Seward Harbor: This area is great for walking around and enjoying the view. There are also opportunities for fishing trips from the harbor if your son is interested in fishing here.
Exit Glacier: If you're up for a scenic hike, the short trail to Exit Glacier is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains.

Day 4 - Sunday: Homer
If you want to continue exploring, consider driving further south to Homer, which is about 4 hours from Seward. Known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World," Homer is a great place for fishing, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

Fishing: Since your son loves fishing, Homer offers amazing opportunities for halibut fishing. You can arrange a half-day or full-day charter trip, which is popular in the summer months.
Kachemak Bay State Park: You can take a water taxi across Kachemak Bay to the state park for hiking and exploring. It’s a beautiful, less touristy area with great wildlife viewing.
Spit Walks: Spend some time walking along the famous Homer Spit, which has scenic views, restaurants, and wildlife watching opportunities.

Day 5 - Monday: Boat Cruise in Whittier
This day is already planned, and a boat cruise in Whittier is a great way to see the stunning scenery of Prince William Sound. The area is known for its glaciers, marine wildlife, and breathtaking fjords, so be sure to have your camera ready. If you have time after the cruise, consider visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on the way back to Anchorage, which is just outside of Portage. It’s home to bison, moose, bears, and other Alaskan wildlife.

Day 6 - Tuesday: Denali National Park or Anchorage
Given the distances, you may want to rethink whether Denali is feasible in just one day. Denali is about a 5-hour drive each way from Anchorage, so a round-trip in one day could be too much, especially for your mom. Instead, you could focus on enjoying Anchorage and surrounding areas with less driving.

Hatcher Pass: About an hour's drive north of Anchorage, Hatcher Pass offers stunning mountain views, wildflower-filled meadows, and the historic Independence Mine. It’s a great spot for hiking or just enjoying the scenery.
Wildlife Viewing: Anchorage has great local wildlife viewing spots, like the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which can be explored by foot or bike. The area offers opportunities to see moose, bald eagles, and more.

Day 7 - Wednesday: Scenic Drive & Relax
For the last full day, you can relax and enjoy a scenic drive or take a gentle hike. If you prefer to stay near Anchorage, consider visiting the Kincaid Park for easy walks or exploring the Anchorage Museum to learn more about the state’s history and culture.

Glacier View Scenic Drive: Take a drive to Glacier View, located about 2 hours north of Anchorage. It’s known for its breathtaking views of glaciers and the Matanuska River.
Fishing: If your son hasn’t had enough fishing yet, there are several great spots around Anchorage where you can fish for salmon or trout. You could visit the Russian River or Ship Creek for some local fishing action.

Day 8 - Thursday: Departure from Anchorage
On your last day, enjoy a relaxing morning in Anchorage before heading to the airport for your flight. If you have time, take a final stroll around the coastal trail or stop at the local shops in downtown Anchorage for souvenirs.

Summary:
To make the most of your 7 days, I recommend a combination of scenic drives, wildlife experiences, and fishing opportunities, with some time for relaxation in between. It may be a bit too rushed to do Denali and then head to Homer or Seward, so focusing on one area (like Seward and Homer or staying local around Anchorage) might be a better option. Your family is sure to have an unforgettable trip with these activities and experiences!

Alaska - 7 nights in/out of Anchorage

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