Itinerary help sought

Question

Long time lurker, first time posting. My husband and I are coming to Alaska to celebrate our 30th anniversary. (We were supposed to come for our 25th, but a stupid virus ruined those plans.) Anyway, we will be arriving in Anchorage on Wednesday, September 10th, around 7:00 PM. I have an AWD mid-size SUV reserved through about 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 14. Upon turning in our rental, we will be transferring to catch a cruise ship in Whittier. Our dates and times for arrival and departure are set. I need help determining an itinerary for the 3 full days we have in Alaska. We are in our early 50s and moderately active. We enjoy easy-to-moderate hikes and scenic drives. We are thinking about driving to Seward and hiking Exit Glacier (with several stops along Turnagain Arm along the way). We are considering a wildlife cruise. We would like to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. We are also looking at going north of Anchorage to maybe Talkeetna or Denali STATE Park. (We are planning to return after the road is fixed at Denali National Park and spend 2-3 weeks traveling via motor home.) We are ok with long drives (we make 12-hour drives multiple times a year to visit family). We have no reservations yet, but are planning to lodge via Airbnbs. My husband loves trying locally-brewed dark beers (preferably on draft). We understand that our time is short, but we’d like to make the most of it. Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer

With your limited time in Southcentral Alaska (Wednesday evening through Sunday afternoon), you can create an itinerary that balances scenic drives, moderate hikes, wildlife viewing, and some local flavor without feeling too rushed. Here’s a suggested plan that makes the most of your 3 full days while keeping Anchorage as your base.

Day 1: Turnagain Arm & Seward / Exit Glacier

Drive south from Anchorage along the Seward Highway (Turnagain Arm). This is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., with multiple pullouts for photography, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the rugged coastline.

Stops along Turnagain Arm: Beluga Point (potential beluga whale sightings), Potter Marsh (birdwatching and boardwalk).
Continue to Seward (about 2.5–3 hours). Have lunch in town—try a local café or seafood spot.
Hike Exit Glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park. There are options from easy boardwalk paths to moderate hikes toward the glacier face.
Optional: If time allows, consider a short wildlife or glacier cruise out of Seward (typically 3–4 hours). This would give a chance to see sea otters, seals, puffins, and perhaps whales.

Return to Anchorage in the evening or consider staying overnight in Seward to reduce driving stress. Anchorage has a few breweries for your husband to try local dark beers, such as Anchorage Brewing Company or 49th State Brewing Company.

Day 2: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center & Scenic Drive to Girdwood / Portage

Head south of Anchorage again for a more relaxed day focusing on wildlife and scenery.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC): short drive south of Anchorage, easy to walk, and excellent for seeing bears, moose, bison, and other Alaskan species in large, natural enclosures.
Continue to Girdwood (optional: take the Alyeska Tram for panoramic views if you’re up for a short ride). Enjoy a stroll along the town and a meal.
Stop at scenic areas along Portage Glacier or Byron Glacier for photography.
Return to Anchorage for the evening. Explore local breweries or enjoy dinner at a restaurant featuring Alaskan cuisine (fresh salmon, halibut, or reindeer). 49th State Brewing Co. and Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse are popular options.

Day 3: North of Anchorage – Talkeetna or Denali State Park

For your northern day, you can either do a day trip to Talkeetna or head toward Denali State Park. Since Denali National Park Road is closed this year, consider Denali State Park for scenic hikes and photography.

Talkeetna (~2 hours north of Anchorage): a charming small town with scenic views of Denali. Easy walking around the town, gift shops, and riverside paths. Local breweries such as Denali Brewing Co. and Talkeetna Brew Park offer tastings.
If time and energy allow, you could drive farther north to Denali State Park for short hikes like Byers Lake Trail or Polychrome Overlook. Moderate day hikes are possible, but keep the time needed to return to Anchorage by rental car drop-off in mind.
Enjoy a scenic drive back along Parks Highway, stopping for photography and wildlife sightings.

Additional Tips

Start early each day to maximize daylight, as September daylight is shorter than summer but still generous.
Pack layers: September can be cool, especially near glaciers, with winds and occasional rain.
Bring sturdy shoes for moderate hikes and waterproof footwear for glacier areas.
Plan meals in towns where breweries or local seafood are available for a break.
Reserve lodging in Anchorage or Seward in advance, particularly if you stay overnight in Seward for Day 1.

With this plan, you’ll get a mix of scenic drives, wildlife viewing, glacier hiking, and local flavor while keeping daily drives manageable and enjoying your short Alaskan adventure before your cruise.

Itinerary help sought

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