Alaska is the largest state in the United States (it's bigger than the next three largest states combined) and is often referred to as “The Last Frontier” because of its vast and unspoiled wilderness. Here you can find rugged mountain ranges, dramatic glaciers, coastal fjords, expansive lakes, dense forests, diverse wildlife, and more.
In June 2024, my family and I visited Alaska for the first time—seeing them marvel at all of the sights and especially at the wildlife was such a joy to experience. While we only scratched the surface, our stay made it evident why Alaska is world-renowned for its scenic landscapes. During our visit, we also had the opportunity to meet a few locals who so clearly have a deep appreciation for and a wealth of knowledge about where they live. It's easy to see why the locals take pride in where they call home!
To help plan (or inspire) your trip to Alaska, keep reading for our 4-day itinerary and watch my YouTube video!
Table of Contents
Skip ahead to specific places on our itinerary!
• Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk (again)
Our 4-Day Itinerary in Alaska
Day 1:
Black Cup Coffee: After flying into Anchorage the night before, we began our first full day in Alaska with coffee and pastries at Black Cup Coffee which offers plenty of seating for those who enjoy a sit-down coffee shop.
Beluga Point and Bird Point: On the way to our next stop, we visited Beluga Point and Bird Point which are viewpoints on Seward Highway. Seward Highway connects Anchorage to Seward, and is so stunning. The stretch of road we were on ribbons along the Turnagain Arm, a scenic waterway lined with snow-capped mountains.
Portage Glacier Cruise: The Portage Glacier Cruise offers a one-hour tour that runs across Portage Lake and passes by snow-capped peaks and cliffside waterfalls, before reaching Portage Glacier which you're able to view up close. This was the perfect way to get a glimpse into one of Alaska's many glaciers—I highly recommend adding this activity to your itinerary!
Make a reservation here in advance.
Inferno Seafood Boil: For dinner, we went to Inferno Seafood Boil which specializes in cajun seafood. The seafood boil here was delicious—as well as their fried calamari!
Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk: After dinner, we visited the Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk which offers an accessible boardwalk to spot wildlife. This wetland provides habitat for a number of wildlife, including over 130 bird species. While we were there, we spotted an American robin, a tree swallow, and a bald eagle with her nest of babies. A local volunteer let us peek into his telescope which allowed us to get a clear view of the eagles—we were all giddy with excitement! We enjoyed our visit here so much that we returned a second time on our last day.
Day 2:
Glacier Discovery Train: Operated by Alaska Railroad, the Glacier Discovery Train offers a leisurely way to see the Chugach National Forest (the second largest national forest in the country) including remote areas that are only accessible by train. This scenic train ride passes by mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers—and the top deck of the train offers glass-dome windows for panoramic views throughout the entire ride. This is another activity that I highly recommend adding to your itinerary!
Make a reservation here in advance.
Gia Dinh Pho and Vietnamese Cuisine: After spending the day on the train, we went to Gia Dinh Pho and Vietnamese Cuisine for dinner. Their hủ tiếu khô (pork and seafood noodles) was the perfect comfort meal to end the day.
Day 3:
Tern Lake: On the drive from Anchorage to Seward, we stopped by the overlook at Tern Lake which offers panoramic views of the valley and mountains around the lake. I recommend coming early to see clear reflections of the surrounding scenery in the lake!
Resurrect Art Coffee House: After arriving in Seward, we grabbed coffee and pastries at Resurrect Art Coffee House which doubles as a café and an art gallery—and is housed inside of an old church. Here you can also find handcrafted goods available for purchase from local artists.
Seward Boat Harbor: We boarded our national park cruise at Seward Boat Harbor which is bustling with shops and restaurants—and is also the port for a number of fishing charters and tour boats.
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise: The Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise was such a fun experience—one that we'll remember for a long time. This 6-hour guided tour takes you up close to snow-capped mountains, coastal fjords, expansive glaciers, cliffside waterfalls, and diverse marine life. During our tour, we spotted sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, humpback whales, and orcas! The captains and crew made the experience engaging with narration throughout the duration of the tour. I can't recommend this activity enough!
Make a reservation here in advance.
Exit Glacier Salmon Bake: After returning to the harbor, we had a seafood dinner at Exit Glacier Salmon Bake before making the drive back to Anchorage.
Day 4:
Eagle River Nature Center: Our last day began at the Eagle River Nature Center where there are a few hiking trails to choose from. We followed the family-friendly Rodak Nature Loop which offers observation decks for views of glacially-carved mountains surrounding the valley below.
Wildlife can often be spotted here—I recommend having bear spray on hand. We rented bear spray from Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental for the full duration of our stay in Alaska. You can reserve here in advance.
Eklutna Lake: Eklutna Lake is incredibly picturesque—here you'll find a turquoise lake surrounded by forested mountains and snow-capped peaks. This is a popular spot for kayaking, which you can reserve here in advance. When we visited, there were several people out enjoying the day with their loved ones (including their adorable pups).
49th State Brewing: We had dinner at 49th State Brewing—a (very) popular brewery and restaurant in Anchorage. I recommend trying their crab artichoke dip and king salmon!
Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk: Before heading to the airport, we revisited the Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk and were so glad that we did. This time we spotted geese, tree swallows, and a bald eagle (again)!
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