7-Day Alaska Itinerary Without A Cruise Ship
If you’re wondering how you can hit the highlights of Alaska in 7 days without doing a cruise I’ve got you covered.
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Reed Lakes in Hatcher’s Pass
Here are a few reasons I feel it’s better to see Alaska by flying and renting a car
1. The number one reason I highly recommend NOT doing a cruise is that you are very limited on time at each destination. Some of the tour companies are often more pressed with time which allows for less spontaneity to enjoy whatever activity you’re doing
2. The highways are just as beautiful and scenic compared to cruising through the waters
3. More Flexibility
4. Driving allows you to experience the local cuisine + people and stop to see the sights
(I would focus half of my time in Anchorage and half on the Kenai peninsula. I would absolutely rent a car!)
(Here is an extra resource on where to eat in Alaska)
WHERE TO RENT A CAR
Rentalcars.com - a great option for quality service and convenience. You can be guaranteed a good rental from this company and pick it up right from the airport!
Turo- This is a great option for renting a car that will typically be cheaper than a car rental straight from the airport.
Indie Campers OR Outdoorsy- These companies more focus on people seeking converted vans, campers, or RVs. Alaska has incredible campsites so if this is something that interests you, I highly recommend this option!
(If you are considering this option, I would look at campsites north of Anchorage for the first 3 days (Eklutna Lake Campground) and campsites in the Kenai Peninsula for the other 3 days (Seward, Cooper Landing, Girwood)
7 DAY ALASKA ITINERARY
Days 1-3, I recommend staying in Anchorage/Eagle River area
Days 4-7, I recommend staying in the Kenai Peninsula
DAY 1
Most flights landing in Anchorage are typically in the evening so for the first day I would book a reservation at 49th state brewing on the rooftop to have dinner and see an epic sunset. For other restaurant suggestions, here is a link to the best restaurants in Alaska. If you happen to get in at an earlier time, I recommend either checking out the Anchorage Museum or perusing Historic 4th Avenue.
STAY ~ Anchorage / Eagle River
DAY 2
Explore A Glacier
There are several glaciers near Anchorage but there are 2 that are definitely worth a visit and you can see them almost all year round.
The Knik Glacier will be your closest option and there are many ways to see it. I highly recommend using Alaska Helicopter Tours to curate exactly your desired experience. They were so accommodating and helped us with whatever glacier dreams we had. We told them we wanted to paddle board and jump in, and they made it happen!
Matanuska Glacier is also a great option to explore, and the drive to get there is gorgeous. I recommend using this company to explore Matanuska. They made me feel so comfortable for my first time being on a glacier!
Various Glacier Viewing Options of the Knik & Matanuska Glacier
EAT ~ Either glacier you choose will lead you on the road through Palmer, Alaska. If you want something casual but with good quality food I recommend Matanuska Brewing Company. They serve local beef and incredible craft beer. If you are looking for more upscale dining, Settlers Bay Lodge is a great option. They serve seafood, steak, and burgers.
STAY ~ Anchorage / Eagle River
DAY 3
Explore Hatcher’s Pass
Hatcher’s Pass is one of the most beautiful drives near Anchorage that has adventures for everyone. Whether you want to drive through the stunning pass or take a hike, it has all levels of fun. The Hatcher’s Pass Lodge has an adorable cafe and occasionally live music. You can either drive straight to the lodge or enjoy it after your hike. If you’re looking for a hike to do in the area I highly recommend using All Trails to help you pick one. I love using All Trails because you can see recent reviews, gauge the distance + elevation gain, and they will give you directions right to the trailhead.
Hiking to Lower Reed Lakes in Hatcher’s Pass
EAT ~ Familia or The Rustic Goat. Either of these restaurants are incredible!
STAY ~ Anchorage / Eagle River
DAY 4
Drive the Seward Highway through the Kenai Peninsula
Driving the Seward Highway along the Kenai Peninsula is one of the most iconic road trips in Alaska. First things first, I would hold off on breakfast until you can reach Birch & Alder. They serve incredible breakfast focaccia and craft coffee. Next, I would stop in Whittier to either explore Portage Glacier or hike Portage Pass. The hike is gorgeous, full of wildflowers and berries with a glacier feeding a glacier lake. After your hike, I would make your way to Seward. This drive + hike will most likely take all day due to the beautiful views and stops along the way. Take your time to pull off the highway and enjoy the beauty when it feels right to you.
EAT ~ Before you get to Seward, I would stop in Cooper Landing for dinner. The Kenai Princess Lodge has expansive views over Cooper Landing and the Kenai River with open outdoor seating serving American fare. If you want something more casual, I recommend Cooper Landing Brewing for delicious grass-fed burgers and local craft beer.
STAY ~ Seward
DAY 5
Kenai Fjords Wildlife Tour
If you want to see wildlife this is by far one of the best tours in Alaska. I recommend doing the 6-hour tour with Major Marine. You have the chance to see orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, otters, puffins, bald eagles, and on the rare occasion grizzly bears! This tour also takes you right up to the glaciers and beautiful areas of the Kenai Fjords National Park that are only accessible by boat.
EAT ~ The Cookery. If you’re wanting to try fresh seafood and wild Alaskan salmon cooked to perfection, The Cookery is the perfect place. What makes this place so special is its’ incorporation of foraged finds from the area as well as locally sourced seafood, meats, and produce. Reservations are required so make sure to book ahead of your trip.
STAY ~ Seward
DAY 6
Explore Seward
There is so much to do in Seward. My suggestion would be to go for a hike in the Kenai Fjords National Park to Exit Glacier but if you’re feeling ambitious hike up to Harding Ice Field. For more on other things to do in Seward, here is a great resource.
EAT ~ Seward Brewing Company
After a long hike, nothing is better than a nice burger and washed down with an amazing local beer.
STAY ~ Seward
Hiking Exit Glacier
(TIP~ If you don’t want to hike all the way to Harding Ice Field but still want more views of Exit Glacier, this viewpoint is the perfect distance as it is just a few miles in)
DAY 7
Drive back to Anchorage
Depending on your flight time, I would still make some time in your day to stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see some of Alaska’s wildlife up close and from a safe distance. I loved watching the bears run around and climb the trees!
Alaska is a magical wild state and I hope this itinerary will guide you to create the perfect adventure. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions!
