I would like to give a BIG THANKS to my sister, Taylor, for helping us put together this list of places we thought truly signify the beauty and culture of Alaska.
Text Taylor for all your questions and concerns. As she is a travel agent on her summers off.
If you would like more flexibility in scheduling a day in or on the water, AK Paddlesports rents out a plethora of equipment. Prices vary, but all rentals include life vest, paddles, pumps, etc.
If you are headed north to Denali National Park to see the tallest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley; book your white water rafting excursion. The Wilderness Run is great for beginners and families. Their website says to plan to be there for 3 hours. $130 per adult and $100 per child (ages 5-11). Your tour guide will tell you when you can jump out of the raft, BUT when they say come back, COME BACK!
The Denali strip has places to eat and multiple shops to buy trinkets to remember Alaska by.
The Alaskan Princess Resort is located across the way. If you are extending your stay in Alaska and want to further explore the area, they have multiple lodging sites and guided excursions.
If you are heading out to Seward, book a 3-hour zipline tour ($164 per adult) with Stony Creek Canopy Adventures. You will zip 8 lines and finish with a 40ft rappel.
You will need to ensure you arrive with adequate time to dill out the safety forms and take care of personal business. Keep in mind that Alaska's prime time for construction is during the summer. Plan accordingly!
From Website:
What to Bring
Closed-toed shoes are required. We recommend comfortable clothing for the current weather conditions. Alaska’s weather can change quickly, so the best advice we can give you is to dress in layers. Feel free to bring a camera along, however you will be responsible for transport, damage or loss of your own photo or video equipment. It is best to have a lanyard that can secure your equipment to your harness or to keep it in a zippered pocket.
If you’re looking for a thrilling way to explore Alaska but are a beginner with ATVs and Alaska’s backcountry trails, this 3-hour Alaska glacier viewing tour based in Palmer is the perfect experience for you. This tour offers you a great way to get acquainted with this exciting all terrain vehicle all while having fun and immersing yourself in the Alaskan wilderness!
It is $259 per driver and $139 per passenger.
The Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours provides other experiences on their website.
If you do not want to make the drive out to Seward, Whittier, Denali, or any other tourist hub spot, try booking with the Alaska Railroad. You can purchase day trips and excursions, or Muti-day packages.
The Anchorage Museum is a place of ideas and transformation. It is a place of narratives and perspectives, resilient and relevant communities working toward a better future for all. The museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and celebrates Alaska Native cultures through presenting voices, stories and cultural heritage pieces from the Smithsonian Institution. Art of the North and the history of Alaska combine throughout the museum, including our all-ages Discovery Center.
The Anchorage Museum is located at 625 C Street in downtown Anchorage. The museum sits on the traditional homeland of the Eklutna Dena’ina and is committed to recognizing and honoring the land, culture and language of the Dena’ina people.
The bride and groom suggest starting from the top (Floor 4) and working your way down to the main floor. Within the museum's atrium you can purchase Kaladis coffee and snacks.
If you are looking for food, or a tasty treat; try Sullivan's Steakhouse, 49th State Brewery, and Wild Scoops (ice cream).
The Alaska Museum of Science and Nature is a hands-on science museum featuring dinosaurs, rocks and gems, Ice Age mammals and more. Get close to it all! Exhibits include a full size pterosaur and other dinosaurs, the wooly mammoth, an Ice Age bear, touchable wolves and bears, and even a whale. This museum caters to younger guests.
General Admission
Adult $8 and Youth (ages 3-18) $6
Newly renovated, the Alyeska Nordic Spa in Girdwood is surrounded by the Church mountains. Treat yourself by scheduling a massage, or hydrotherapy experience. Prices vary.
If you plan to take a drive out to Seward, we suggest scheduling a Stoney Creek Canopy Adventure Tour (zip lining) and visiting the Sea Life Center.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet.
Enjoy over 200 acres of animal enclosures by touring our scenic 1.5-mile loop, accessible by foot, by bike, or by car, while learning about resident wildlife.
On your way there, you can stop by the gas station strip and try Coast Pizza, Ice Cream Shop, and visit the Alpine Cafe and Bakery.
General Admission: $25 per person (ages 13+)
Youth (ages 4-12): $20 per person
You can check the website for more information.
While AK Horse Adventures have various experiences to enjoy, the 1.5 hour is a perfect way to see some of Alaska’s beauty from horseback! Josh and his team will be more than delighted to take pictures as you journey through Alaska's backyard woods out into the sand dunes and open beach alongside Knik River with the mountains in the background. The tour is $135 per person ages 7+.
Disc Golfing is a cheap, fun way to get outdoors and explore Alaska. It's also one of Austin's favorite hobbies,
We recommend trying out some local courses - Kincaid Park, Peter's Creek.
Also a popular place to dine off of Knik-Goose Bay. Dining Website: https://www.settlersbay.com/dining-catering