DAY ONE: Anchorage
Anchorage is your jumping off point, but it shouldn’t be considered a place to wait for your adventures to begin. Surrounded by the Chugach mountains, Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and boasts the bounty to prove it. Enjoy year-round Farmer’s Markets, culture and history museums, endless trail systems and even a zoo. From dives to fine dining and everything in between, Anchorage has food for every mood and reflects the wide array of cultures in the city.
Activities
A quick jaunt in Anchorage can take you into the mountains, down to the water or to the city in between. Spend the day soaking up ancient history, sampling local eats (kelp chocolate anyone?), hiking, biking, skiing, and everything in between.
Places to Stay
From homey hostels to five-star hotels, you’ll find your home away from home in the offerings of Anchorage. The summer months fill up quickly so plan to book ahead.
Restaurants
Every day of the week in Anchorage could have its own food: Movie theater Monday (enjoy great eats while watching your favorite new flick), Taco Tuesday, Wings Wednesday, Thai Thursday…every day is a new day to try a new to you cuisine.
DAY TWO: Girdwood and Hope
Sometimes, a nice drive is the perfect way to see Alaska, and as soon as you begin your drive from Anchorage to Hope, you’ll see that “a nice drive” is a supreme understatement. On the first leg of your journey, you’ll explore the Seward Highway (aka AK-1, Voted America’s Most Outstanding Scenic Byway by Scenic America) as you meander along the Turnagain Arm. As the city fades, the wilderness sets in. Stop at Beluga Point to see…you guessed it! Beluga whales. Then look to the hills behind you to spot a Dall sheep, a moose, or a bear (oh my!). Twenty minutes later, you’ll find yourself in Girdwood where craft brews and epic views are just a few of the perks. Year-round, Girdwood offers up endless options. Skiing, biking, hiking, indulgent relaxation and endless adventure await you. Refreshed from your visit, you’re off again! One right turn onto Hope Highway is all it takes to lead you to this historic waterfront town. Enjoy gold rush history, rafting and hiking or taking in the views from the local waterfront.
Activities
Girdwood:
Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, Girdwood has it all. Enjoy biking, hiking, relaxing at the local spa, tram rides, festivals, great eats and drinks, and more.
Hope:
Soak up leisurely outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and beach combing, or opt for a thrill and hop on a whitewater rafting excursion down Sixmile Creek. In the summer, enjoy evenings filled with waterfront live music.
Places to Stay
Hope’s local B&Bs, plus campsites make for a cozy stay. Visit the Hope Chamber to for lodging options.
Restaurants
Girdwood:
There is a surprisingly varied fare in Girdwood. From pizza to sushi, upscale to downhome, you’ll find something for everyone (with local beer and kombucha to boot).
Hope:
Casual fare and local seafood are a few Hope highlights which boasts cafes and a food truck, restaurants, and coffee shops. Visit the Hope Chamber for restaurant options.
DAY THREE: Moose Pass
A sweet mountain town on the shores of Upper Trail Lake in the heart of the Chugach National Forest welcomes you in Moose Pass. It’s the perfect locale for jumping off into longer hikes, camping, kayaking, and more.
Activities
Fishing, hiking, paddleboarding, and more! Moose Pass has plentiful activities on land and water for an active day and shops, and history to take in for a relaxing stay. Check out the Moose Pass Chamber to find a local guide.
Places to Stay
Moose Pass offers a lakefront lodge, camping, cabins, B&Bs, and RV sites. Visit the Moose Pass Chamber for information on places to stay.
Restaurants
The local restaurant is open for every meal or you can pack to cook campside. Visit the Moose Pass Chamber to find a listing of local restaurants.
DAY FOUR: Cooper Landing
Cooper Landing has lakes, bear viewing, a brewery, and gold panning… oh, and did we mention the world famous fishing on the Kenai and Russian Rivers. There’s something for every type of weather, whether you want to be in it or inside, and something for everyone of every age.
Activities
Fishing for Salmon, packrafting, panning for gold, taking in the area’s history, or simply relaxing on the beach at Cooper Lake, are all perfect days in Cooper Landing. Expert guides are available, or you can choose your own adventure.
Places to Stay
Wilderness lodges, fishing lodges, and fancy to no-frills stays are all available in Cooper Landing (plus camping and RV sites). Find your perfect stay.
Restaurants
Breweries, fine dining, fast and easy… there are plenty of dining options in Cooper Landing. Enjoy meals and drinks while watching the Kenai River flow by.
DAY FIVE: Nikiski
Bears, boating, and beers, oh my! Nikiski, located north of Kenai, packs a lot into a relatively small town. Birders and anglers alike will be pleased to find all there is to do in Nikiski.
Activities
Lakes abound for boating, rivers for floating and the entire Captain Cook State Recreation Area rolls out in front of your for endless adventures. If the outdoors isn’t your style, enjoy the indoor waterpark at the Nikiski Pool.
Places to Stay
When visiting Nikiski, travelers can find a range of comfortable lodging options that provide convenient access to the area’s natural attractions and outdoor activities. Accommodations include cozy hotels, motels, and vacation rentals that offer a welcoming base for exploring nearby fishing spots, wildlife viewing areas, and scenic trails.
Restaurants
Nikiski is home to several local dining options and a brewery that showcase the flavors of the Kenai Peninsula. The area’s fresh seafood, hearty Alaskan fare, and classic American dishes, are perfect for refueling after outdoor adventures like fishing or hiking. Nearby breweries provide a welcoming atmosphere to sample craft beers brewed with local ingredients.
DAY SIX: Funny River
Fish on! Just the other side of the river from Soldotna, Funny River boasts some of the best fishing for sockeye and silver salmon, hands down. If you’re an avid angler, this is the spot for you.
Activities
Did we mention fishing? Stop at the campground for a couple of casts then feast on a picnic or relax with a round of golf.
Places to Stay
Camp at the local campground or head into nearby Soldotna for the night.
Restaurants
Enjoy your fresh caught fish over the campfire or grill, or head into nearby Soldotna, which offers a diverse range of dining options including fine dining restaurants, cozy cafes, ethnic specialty eateries, sandwich shops, pizza parlors, and fast food chains.
DAY SEVEN: Kasilof
Small town vibes and easy fishing welcome you in Kasilof. Access the rivers and prime king, silver, and sockeye salmon fishing through public campgrounds or sign on with a local charter. If fishing isn’t you’re favorite, there’s plenty of hands-off wildlife to be seen from the shore or in a kayak, canoe or paddleboard from beautiful Johnson Lake.
Activities
Fishing, boating of any kind, and beachcombing are favorite pastimes in Kasilof. Take in the majestic panoramic views at the mouth of the Kasilof River or visit the Kasilof Museum and Historic Park to see what life was like in Kasilof in the 1900s.
Places to Stay
Cabins for rent, lodges for just you or a group and camping are all available options in Kasilof.
Restaurants
The Mercantile and cafe will ensure you’re plenty well fed and provisioned during your stay.
DAY SEVEN: Ninilchik and Anchorage
Views, views, views (and history to boot)! In this gorgeous outlook, take in the epic scenery or the history of the early 1900’s through the local church plus some of the best salmon and halibut fishing (plus Rockfish!) you can find.
Activities
ATV rides, fishing charters, wildlife viewing, local tours, and hiking will make your trip to Ninilchik memorable. Enjoy the views, take in the small town pace.
Places to Stay
