Table Of Content
There’s a giant vegetable contest amid all the usual fare of a fair, such as rides, games, etc. Alaska’s long summer days are great for crops, so vegetables often grow to gigantic proportions. This guide covers many of the popular attractions in southcentral Alaska, from alpine hikes and glacier cruises to charming small towns. I also share can’t-miss hidden gems, along with key tips that will help ensure a safe and unforgettable experience.
Meet Local Alaskans
Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a whale watching tour. There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water. In the center of the state, Denali National Park is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.
Itinerary
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Vancouver to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Vancouver to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 23:18:30 GMT [source]
The Turnagain Arm is the name of the waterway into the northwestern Gulf of Alaska. If you’re not interested in seeing the Northern Lights head to 49th Street Brewery for drinks and dinner. The Brewery has a couple of large outdoor decks and has great views of the Anchorage sunset. The food is also really good – make sure you try the yak burgers. Situated in the city’s heart, Anchorage Museum is a lively cultural hub with a massive art, history, anthropology, and science museum.
Ultimate 3 Day Anchorage Itinerary for First Time Visitors
If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder. Passing through gorgeous inlets and fjords, you'll look for bears, mountain goats, bald eagles, and puffins. Then cruise into waters to look for whales, seals, porpoises, and sea lions. This tiny town across Turnagain Arm from Anchorage boomed in Alaska’s gold rush years.
Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. And do it all from onboard one of four thrill-filled ships. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running. If the salmon are running, there may be the opportunity to watch a fishing boat at work. Or, you might take the Zodiak ashore for a short hike if there is interest.
Twice the glaciers
Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation. We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks. There are some fantastic nature and wildlife experiences to be enjoyed within one-two hours drive of Anchorage.
Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There
Arrive in Anchorage and travel to the pioneer town of Talkeetna for authentic fun and outdoor adventures. Fly into Anchorage and use Girdwood as your base to discover the glaciers and wildlife of Prince William Sound. From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise. Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land. Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.
Start & End Ports
During this time, temperatures are still warm and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing are not yet uncomfortable. However, if snowy ski slopes and hot chocolate are your ideas for a perfect Alaskan holiday, you’ll probably want to visit in winter. You need at least two days to explore the most popular cultural and natural treasures in Anchorage. If you can extend your trip by a day or two, I recommend doing it. You can also take several day trips to explore hidden wonders outside of Anchorage.
Let us create the perfect event while you relax and have the time of your life. An outdoor restaurant was closed when I visited in February but I imagine it is wonderful in the summer. I had a fantastic meal of halibut at the Fancy Moose Lounge. The hotel has a strong taxidermy theme so if you don’t like wall-mounted animals, this might not be the best choice of accommodation for you. My room was absolutely fine but fairly plain and the decor was a bit dated.
For booked guests, please see our travel planning details on how to book an airport transfer. Just an hour’s drive from Anchorage, the MV Ptarmigan let you get within 300 feet of the towering ice wall called Portage Glacier. You can also book a narrated motorcoach tour to take you to Portage Glacier.
Their knowledge of the region, the hidden coves, the history, and the culture, all made for a magical experience. I can truly say that this trip exceeded my already high expectations. My two sons and my father-in-law also joined and they were equally impressed. Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.
At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.
Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid. Our voyages feature hiking & kayaking, glaciers, photography, whale watching and wildlife viewing, birding, as well as Land & Sea adventures and private family & friends charters. Juneau’s glaciers produce nutrient-dense waters making the waters a prime feeding ground for humpback whales. Alaska Tales’ boats are intimate (49 passengers max), and they’re super-fast, so you’ll get out to see the whales in no time. You also have the option of adding a stop at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center prior to your whale watching tour. This trip is an excellent sampler of what Prince William Sound has to offer!
