It's spring break for many schools in Alaska and that has inspired me to start planning a "to do" list for when my good friends visit in May. It's always exciting to have friends and family visit, as it not only gives me the ability to show off where I live, but forces me to take time off to enjoy it!
Over the years living up here, I've tried to perfect a travel circuit to hit everything possible depending on the time of year and how long someone is visiting. When we first moved up and family began visiting in the summers, I realized how DIFFICULT it is to choose where to go and what to do because there is an unending list! After a few summers of trial and error, I feel I've found a "high lights" list that will satisfy your urge to see as much of Alaska as possible in the short amount of time a vacation allows.
In celebration of another summer of visitors, I'd like to share my top MUST DO items and a few tricks to make your planning go smoothly.
Purchase The Milepost when you arrive in town and visit their website to help with trip planning. This is a an excellent resource for all things Alaska no matter where you are in the state. I keep copies in both of our cars and our camper. You will get mile by mile directions and callouts for significant things such as scenic spots, historical markers, and gas stations (super important if you're heading out of town). The Milepost is also packed with fun facts about the areas you are traveling in. You can find this book at pretty much any retailer in town.
Take the train from Anchorage to Denali and stay a few nights to explore the park. If you're only in town for a short stay, a day trip from Anchorage to Seward is just as beautiful and you can even coordinate a wildlife cruise in the Kenai Fjords! You can check out all the options available with the Alaska Railroad. If you want to take the US Park Service bus in to the park, pre-purchase your tickets ONLINE. This is the easiest way to ensure you get the travel time slot you want.
Enjoy an easy day trip down to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. I could write a whole post on this place. The focus is conservation, education, and caring for our local animals so you will see the range of species present in Alaska. You can learn about their efforts to reintroduce the wood bison and sign up to give snacks to Arnold the Moose.
Take a drive up to Hatcher's Pass if you enjoy beautiful scenery. This route heads north of Anchorage through the Mat-Su valley and then up in to the Talkeetna Mountains. There's a large parking area where you can get out and walk the trails around the abandoned Independence Mine. If you're more adventures you can continue driving up and take the Pass through to the other side. However, I would not recommend for low sitting vehicles or those who dislike potholes. Check road reports before heading out - often the road past Independence Mine isn't open until mid July due to snow levels.
Plan a 2 day trip down to Seward - there is so much to do there and it's a favorite weekend getaway for locals. The SeaLife Center, Exit Glacier, and Resurrection Bay will keep you busy!
Don't be afraid to ask us questions! The majority of locals I know love having visitors up here and are more than happy to share their favorite spots to eat, fun places to take your family, and maybe even a secret hiking spot.
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