Things To Do
Girdwood
Your first stop as you drive south from Anchorage to Sterling. Stop by Alyeska Resort for the day to explore the local trails, hit the Nordic Spa, or take the tram for aerial views of Turnagain Arm. Don't forget to hit Girdwood Brewing Company!
Seward
Located 2.5 hours south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is your gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Take a wildlife boat cruise with Major Marine Tours, visit Exit Glacier, tour the Alaska SeaLife Center, hire an ocean fishing charter with Miller's Landing, or hit the downtown area bars with the locals.
Soldotna
You're here for the wedding, hang with the locals! Visit the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, walk the beach in Kenai, hit the Kenai River Brewing Company, or take a fishing charter right out of town. Soldotna is 15 minutes away from the community (and airport) in Kenai.
Fish the Kenai River
If you would like to salmon or trout fish on the Kenai River, please contact Shawn directly (907-741-7955) to discuss options and booking!
Homer
Described as the "Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea," Homer is the end of the road 4.5 hours south of Anchorage and 2 hours south of Sterling. Kachemak Bay is known for its halibut- hiring a charter for a day of fishing is a must! Walk Bishop's Beach, visit the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, grab a pastry at Two Sisters Bakery, and shop the Homer Spit.
Portage Valley
Portage Valley is another great stop on your drive south on Turnagain Arm. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see Alaska's most iconic wildlife. Drive through the Whittier Tunnel (see drive direction times) and hike to Portage Glacier. Bike or walk the Blue Ice Trail for incredible hanging glacier views.
Anchorage
It's likely you'll have at least a day in Anchorage traveling in and out of Ted Stevens International Airport. Walk the Coastal Trail or trails in Kincaid Park, hike in Chugach State Park, watch float planes take off from the patio at the Lakefront Hotel, and shop stores downtown. We had our first date at 49th State Brewing Company! AirBnB and hotel options are available in Anchorage; Uber and Lyft can get you to and from the airport and around town.
Eagle River
Just 15 minutes north of Anchorage, Eagle River has great access to Chugach State Park for hiking and walking. The Eagle River Nature Center has family-friendly programs, flat walking trails, and beautiful vistas. Don't forget to stop by Odd Man Rush Brewery.
Palmer
Located one hour north of Anchorage and in the heart of the Mat-Su Valley, Palmer offers small-town vibes with incredible views. Drive to Hatcher Pass for more challenging hiking and to see the picturesque red cabins. Drive another hour on the Glenn Highway to take a glacier tour with Matanuska Glacier Guides.
Talkeetna
Talkeetna. Visit the iconic town of Talkeetna, a 2.5 hour drive north of Anchorage. Walk along the Susitna River, hit Denali Brewing Company, hop on a flight-seeing tour to get an up-close view of Denali. Talkeetna is great for a day trip- AirBnB and hotel options are limited.
Denali
Located 4.5 hours north of Anchorage, the famous Denali National Park offers incredible views, potential wildlife viewing, and a unique opportunity to bike in further than the park bus will take you. Stay in McKinley Park Village and make reservations in advance. See National Park Service website for details on hiking trails and access points.