Itinerary check, please

Question

Hi Everyone,

I have a mostly complete itinerary that I would love some feedback on. We are a family of 5 (3 teens). This is our first time to AK (which will be the 50th state we visit!), and the trip will be focused on glaciers, scenery, hiking, wildlife- all things outdoors. We will be staying in short term rentals, so we may be eating a few meals in, but I'd love suggestions for unique places to eat and perhaps shorter stops that we can make with this general itinerary. I may be able to change some stops/stays if recommended.

7/17 Arrive Fairbanks 3:00pm, Cultural center if still open, eat dinner at Pikes Landing or Thai (overnight Fairbanks)

7/18 Breakfast at Cookie Jar, drive to DNP. See first 15 miles with vehicle (overnight Healy)

7/19 Take bus into DNP (overnight Healy). Question: I know it's closed at mile 43; is it still worth taking the transit bus to then? Or would the previous day be enough? I couldn't find a lot of hikes past the first 15 miles. My spouse gets cranky when I make him hike more than 5 miles, so I'm looking at the shorter ones. I could cancel this day and add it to Palmer/Wasilla perhaps, or shift the whole trip down a day to get an extra day/night in Seward. I'm totally fine just doing the bus ride, too and keeping it as is.

7/20 Leave Healy/DNP, quick stop at Talkeetna (Riverfront park?), helicopter/dog sled tour out of Palmer, (overnight in Wasilla). This helicopter tour is ridiculously expensive for 5 of us, so we may not do it. Trying hard to convince ourselves it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

7/21 Matanuska glacier hike at 9:30am (already booked but I can change it), drive to Girdwood (overnight Girdwood)- should have extra time here to do things on the way or near Girdwood

7/22 Drive to Whittier, 26 glacier cruise, drive to Seward (overnight Seward)

7/23 Fjord cruise (too much cruising? Hike Exit glacier instead? Kayaking? (overnight Seward)

7/24 Flight out ANC at 5:30 pm so can do more in Seward that morning or make stops along way back to ANC. Stops between ANC and Seward: McHugh Creek Rec area, Alaska Wildlife Center

Thanks for any advice!

Answer

Hi! Your Alaska itinerary looks fantastic and packed with outdoor adventure, glaciers, wildlife, and scenery. Here’s a detailed review with some suggestions and considerations for your family of five, keeping in mind short hikes, teen-friendly activities, and unique stops.

7/17 – Arrive Fairbanks

Arriving at 3:00 PM gives you a little time to stretch your legs. Visiting the Cultural Center is a good start if it’s still open. For dinner, both Pikes Landing and the Thai restaurant are solid choices; Pikes Landing has a scenic riverside view that’s iconic in Fairbanks.

Check if the University of Alaska Museum of the North is still open; it’s an engaging stop for all ages.
Consider a short stroll along the Chena River for photos and to get acclimated.

7/18 – Drive to Denali National Park (DNP)

Seeing the first 15 miles of DNP by vehicle is perfect for wildlife spotting without long hikes. Overnight in Healy is convenient for early access the next day.

Stops at Savage River or Teklanika River pullouts offer short, scenic walks and good wildlife viewing.
Keep snacks and water handy for quick stops.

7/19 – Green Bus Transit into DNP

Taking the Green Bus into Denali is still worth it, even if the road beyond mile 43 is closed. It allows for more remote wildlife viewing and incredible photography opportunities without hiking long distances.

Even short hikes near the first 15 miles (like Horseshoe Lake or Savage Alpine) can offer beautiful scenery and wildlife.
If your spouse prefers minimal hiking, you could focus on wildlife viewing from the bus and short, flat trails at pullouts.
Deciding whether to cancel this day depends on how much you value seeing deeper into the park; most wildlife is often spotted further along the road.

7/20 – Talkeetna & Palmer

Talkeetna is a charming town for a quick stop; the Riverfront Park is scenic and family-friendly. The helicopter/dog sled tour from Palmer is expensive but can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for glacier access and adventure. Consider how much you value this versus reallocating funds elsewhere.

Alternative in Talkeetna: Flightseeing tours without landing, or short hikes along the riverside trails.
Quick stops along the Parks Highway can include viewpoints of Denali or rivers for photos.

7/21 – Matanuska Glacier Hike & Drive to Girdwood

Your glacier hike is already booked; this is a highlight for teens and adults alike. Driving to Girdwood allows flexibility for additional stops.

Consider stopping at Crow Pass Trail viewpoints, or Byron Glacier for short walks.
Alpine Scenic viewpoints on the Glenn Highway provide beautiful photo opportunities.

7/22 – Whittier & 26-Glacier Cruise, Drive to Seward

This day is focused on glaciers. A 26-Glacier cruise is a full experience and can be long; make sure everyone is prepared for the duration. Driving to Seward afterward is straightforward.

Pack snacks and motion-sickness remedies for the cruise.
Look out for whales, sea otters, and puffins along the cruise route for wildlife photography.

7/23 – Fjord Cruise or Alternative Activities

If you already did a glacier cruise, a full second cruise may be repetitive. Alternative options include:

Hike Exit Glacier: Short, accessible trails with incredible views and ice formations.
Kayaking in Resurrection Bay: Fun for teens and provides unique wildlife perspectives.
SeaLife Center: Educational, quick visit, especially if you want indoor activity.

7/24 – Drive back to Anchorage & Departure

With a 5:30 PM flight, you can do short stops along the way for final sightseeing.

McHugh Creek Rec Area: Short hike or picnic.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Excellent stop to see bears, moose, and bison up close without long hikes.
If time allows, scenic pullouts along Turnagain Arm provide photo ops of Beluga whales and tidal flats.

Overall Suggestions

Your itinerary is very full; be flexible with some activities in case weather or energy levels require adjustments.
For teens, balance longer drives with active stops like glacier hikes or kayaking.
Consider combining short hikes with sightseeing stops to get the most out of Denali and other parks without long exertion.
Unique dining: Look for local seafood in Seward, Talkeetna’s quirky cafes, and Palmer’s farmer’s markets or small bistros.

In summary, your itinerary is ambitious but well-structured, with a mix of scenic drives, wildlife viewing, glacier adventures, and manageable hikes. Small adjustments, like skipping a second glacier cruise or shortening long bus trips, could make it even more enjoyable for your family.

Itinerary check, please

More Alaska (AK) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions