7 nights pre-cruise hitting National Parks

Question

We are cruising out of Whittier on 6/27 next summer. We includes my husband and I and our daughter who will be 14. We are trying to hit all of the National Parks with her before she graduates. It doesn't need to be an in depth visit, as we hope she'll return to the ones she loved in the future to explore more deeply (same for us, when we retire).

We are planning on spending 7 (maybe 8) days on land before our cruise. I'd like to fly either into Anchorage or Fairbanks on the Friday or Saturday before, and rent a car. I've already found either ANC/ANC or FAI/ANC car rates I'm happy with.

The cruise leaves the following Saturday, and we'll be meeting friends in Anchorage the evening before the cruise. I expect we'll stay the night in Anchorage and then take the train to the ship with them.

For the rest of our time I'm thinking I'd like to see Denali, Kenai Fjords, and possibly Lake Clark. We plan to make another trip in the future to hit Katmai, Gates of the Arctic, and Kobuk Valley. We already have Wrangell and Glacier Bay.

Would this be an unreasonable itinerary?

Fly into FAI or ANC (I don't love the flights to FAI, but I do like driving only one way through Denali).

2 nights in Denali area. Take the bus into the park on the full day.

2 nights in Seward. Take a Kenai Fjords boat tour on the full day.

2 nights in Homer. Take a plane to Lake Clark for bear viewing.

1 night in Anchorage. Take the train to Whittier in the morning.

I know it doesn't leave much flexibility if we need to reschedule the boat or flight tours due to weather. But we could incorporate it on our future trip, if necessary, and have backup day plans.

I see there are some flight tours to Lake Clark from Anchorage too, and wonder if that's a better option instead of Homer?

Answer

Your proposed 7-night pre-cruise Alaska itinerary is ambitious but feasible, provided you are comfortable with a tightly scheduled trip and potential weather-related adjustments. The sequence you outlined—Denali, Seward, Homer/Lake Clark, Anchorage—is logical and allows you to hit several major National Park areas efficiently.

Here’s a breakdown of considerations for your plan:

Flying into Fairbanks (FAI) vs. Anchorage (ANC): Flying into FAI gives you a scenic one-way drive through Denali and avoids backtracking, but the flights are less convenient. ANC arrival is easier logistically, though you’ll need to drive north to Denali and then south afterward, which adds more driving. For a first-time family trip, ANC might reduce travel stress.
Denali National Park (2 nights): Taking the park shuttle or tour bus is recommended since private vehicles are restricted beyond certain points. Two nights gives you a full day in the park and an extra day for hiking, wildlife viewing, or short excursions.
Seward / Kenai Fjords (2 nights): A Kenai Fjords boat tour usually takes 6–8 hours, so two nights gives a buffer for weather delays and allows for exploring Seward town and nearby trails like Exit Glacier.
Homer / Lake Clark (2 nights): Lake Clark bear viewing is an incredible experience but logistically challenging. Flying from Homer works but involves coordination with floatplane operators and potential weather delays. Flying from Anchorage is an option—often faster and avoids extra driving—but may require staying near the airstrip and could be pricier. Consider which experience you prioritize: driving to Homer for a two-night stay vs. a same-day or overnight flight from Anchorage.
Anchorage (1 night): Staying here before your cruise is practical for meeting friends and taking the train to Whittier. Make sure to allow extra time for potential train or car delays.

Tips and suggestions:

Leave buffer time for weather-dependent tours, especially Lake Clark flights and Kenai Fjords cruises.
Book accommodations and tours well in advance, as June is peak season.
Consider flexible tour options or backup activities (short hikes, wildlife viewing) in case of cancellations.
If you prefer less driving and fewer logistical complications, the Anchorage-to-Lake Clark flight could be simpler, though it limits the Homer experience.
Pack for variable weather and prepare for early mornings and long days to maximize park time.

In summary, your itinerary is manageable and offers a rich Alaska experience for a week. The main trade-offs are driving distance vs. convenience and scheduling flexibility for weather-dependent activities. Flying to Lake Clark from Anchorage could reduce travel stress, while staying in Homer provides a more immersive experience. Either approach works depending on how much time you want on the ground versus in the air.

7 nights pre-cruise hitting National Parks

More Alaska (AK) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions