Alaska Plan
Alaska Plan
| Day | Date | Activity Overview |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Friday, Aug 30 | Morning: Flight arrives at 12:39 pm. Pick up rental car, lunch at Snow City Cafe. Afternoon: Experience the Anchorage Museum. Evening: Walk along Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and dinner at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria. |
| 2 | Saturday, Aug 31 | Morning: Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Afternoon: Glacier Cruise in Whittier. Evening: Return to Anchorage, dinner at Middle Way Cafe. |
| 3 | Sunday, Sep 1 | Morning and Afternoon: Drive to Denali National Park for hiking and exploring. Pack healthy snacks and a lunch. Evening: Dinner at Ginger. |
| 4 | Monday, Sep 2 | Morning: Breakfast at Kaladi Brothers Coffee. Flight: At 11:18am. Departure by 9am to airport for the flight back to Seattle. |
Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage (Friday, Aug 30)
- Morning: Flight arrives at 9:47 am. Pick up any rental equipment you may need, grab a light breakfast at Snow City Cafe, known for their healthy options like Kodiak Benedict with salmon.
- Afternoon: Visit the Anchorage Museum to get a cultural and historical overview of Alaska. It’s a great starting point to understand the rich tapestry of Alaska’s heritage and the unique landscapes you’ll be exploring.
- Evening: Take a stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to enjoy stunning views of the Cook Inlet and possibly see some wildlife. For dinner, head over to Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria for an Alaskan twist on some classic dishes; they also offer a variety of salads for a lighter option.
Day 2: Wildlife and Glaciers (Saturday, Aug 31)
- Morning: Head to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Opening at 9 am, it’s about an hour’s drive south of Anchorage. Here, you can see bears, moose, bison, and more. Pack a healthy breakfast or enjoy something from their cafeteria.
- Afternoon: Continue south to Whittier (about a 20-minute drive from the Conservation Center) to catch a Glacier Cruise which will give you breathtaking views of glaciers and an array of sea life including whales, sea otters, and seals. Bring snacks or lunch from Anchorage.
- Evening: Return to Anchorage. Dinner at Middle Way Cafe, offering plenty of healthy, organic, and vegetarian options.
Day 3: Hiking and Scenery (Sunday, Sep 1)
- Morning and Afternoon: Drive to Chugach State Park for a day of hiking. You can choose a trail that matches your level of experience and desired challenge. The Flattop Mountain Trail is a popular choice for its panoramic views of Anchorage. Pack healthy snacks and a lunch to enjoy along the way.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ginger, known for its Pacific Rim cuisine and fresh, local ingredients. Their menu features a variety of seafood dishes and vegetarian options.
Day 4: Explore Anchorage and Departure (Monday, Sep 2)
- Morning: Breakfast at Kaladi Brothers Coffee, a local chain with great coffee and light, healthy breakfast options.
- Morning/Late Morning: Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Learn more about Alaska’s indigenous people’s culture and traditions through stories, dance, and art.
- By 12:30 pm: Make your way to the airport for your flight back to Seattle at 12:30 pm.
To Dos
Book:
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Check if they offer advance ticket purchase, which might expedite entry.
- Anchorage Museum: Purchasing tickets in advance might help you avoid lines and could potentially offer discounts or reservation times.
- Alaska Native Heritage Center: Advance purchase of tickets may save time upon arrival, and it ensures you’re accounted for in the daily visitor count.
Reserve:
- Middle Way Cafe and Ginger: Depending on the size of your party and the time of year, you may want to consider reservations for dinner, especially for Ginger, which might be a finer dining experience.
- Kaladi Brothers Coffee: Likely no booking needed here as it’s a coffee shop, but check if there is a mobile order option for your convenience.