Our Alaska Itinerary
Day 1 -
Day 2 -
After a great breakfast, we were excited to start exploring Alaska. Unfortunately, Sheep Mountain was socked in with weather, so visibility was limited. We had the entire day to sightsee on our way to Denali Highway Cabins & Tours (formerly Paxson Alpine Tours).
The drive from Sheep Mountain to Paxson is about four hours, giving us plenty of time to stop for photos and even do a little fishing. We met some very friendly people in Glennallen, grabbed a quick lunch, and continued on toward Paxson.
Once again, we highly recommend the Denali Highway Cabins. If you go, tell Audie and Jenny that John and Teresa sent you. Denali Highway Cabins & Tours – 907-822-5972
Day 3 -
Exploring Paxson
We spent the entire day exploring the Paxson area, taking in everything it had to offer. We visited the Alaska Pipeline, stopped by a salmon hatchery, explored the very beginning of the Denali Highway, and even fished a few local streams for Arctic Grayling. It was one of those slow, peaceful days where you really get to feel Alaska.
Day 4 -
Denali Highway → Denali River Cabins
After a good night’s sleep, we woke up excited for a day we had been looking forward to for a long time: driving the Denali Highway. We had all day to make our way to our next destination, Denali River Cabins & Cedars Lodge Hotel, just outside Denali National Park.
What a day. You have never felt so small in your life. The Denali Highway is 135 miles of gravel road cutting through some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. Make sure to stop at Maclaren River Lodge at mile 42—grab something to eat and double‑check that you have everything you need, because it’s the last sign of civilization for the next 90 miles.
It took us 14 hours to drive the 135 miles, but only because we wanted to enjoy every moment, including catching a few more Arctic Grayling along the way. We arrived late at Denali River Cabins & Cedars Lodge Hotel, grabbed a quick bite, and headed straight to bed. We had an early bus to catch the next morning into Denali National Park—booked through the lodge. Denali River Cabins & Cedars Lodge Hotel – 800‑230‑7275
Day 5 -
Into Denali National Park
We were up early, and once we had all our camera gear and snacks packed, we grabbed the quick breakfast provided by the lodge and boarded the Kantishna bus for the 90‑mile ride into Denali National Park. The day was incredible. Our bus driver was part historian, part naturalist—full of knowledge and stories that made the entire trip even more memorable.
We stopped whenever anyone spotted wildlife, giving us plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet moments to take in the landscape. By midday, we reached the Kantishna Roadhouse, just in time for lunch and a dog‑sled demonstration, which was a real highlight.
After lunch, we headed back out for more exploring before making the long return ride. We arrived back at the lodge in time for a late dinner and then headed straight to bed at our cabin—tired, happy, and ready for whatever Alaska had in store next.
Day 6 -
Denali → Wasilla (Overnight Stop on the Way to Seward)
Our next destination was Seward, but making the full drive in one day wouldn’t leave much time for exploring. So, we decided to split the trip into two days with an overnight stop in Wasilla.
We headed back into Denali National Park in the morning and spent time hiking and exploring—your vehicle is allowed on the first 25 miles of the park road, which gave us plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. Along the way south, we made a few stops to try our luck fishing for salmon before continuing on toward Wasilla.
We arrived late that night and checked into the Alaskan View Motel around 11:30 PM. We weren’t there long—checked out by 7:30 AM the next morning—but it was clean, inexpensive, and perfect for a quick overnight stay. It was a bit noisy early in the morning, but that’s to be expected on opening day of moose season, with hunters heading out before sunrise. Alaskan View Motel.
Day 7 -
Wasilla → Seward (Hotel Seward)
We were back on the road by 8:00 AM with the entire day to make our way to our next destination, Hotel Seward in Seward, Alaska. The drive itself was incredible, and we made plenty of stops along the way to explore different viewpoints and attractions—including the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which was well worth the visit.
The scenery throughout the drive was stunning, and by the time we arrived in Seward around dinnertime, we were already impressed. Checking into the recently renovated Hotel Seward only added to it—what an awesome place. We stayed in the historic wing, and it was absolutely beautiful. After settling in, we did a little sightseeing around town and then enjoyed a fantastic dinner at one of Seward’s great restaurants.
We highly recommend Hotel Seward. – 800‑440‑2444
Day 8 -
Wildlife Tour → Alaska Sealife Center → Homer
We had an early wake‑up call so we could be down at the dock in time to meet Matt Cline of Aquetec LLC for a wildlife tour on his incredible water taxi. The trip did not disappoint. We saw a wide variety of birds—Puffins, Eagles, and Pelagic Cormorants—and plenty of marine wildlife, including Steller sea lions, mountain goats, sea otters, and even river otters. If you’re planning a trip, give Heidi Cline a call to set up a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience with Aquetec LLC
After returning to shore, we grabbed a bite to eat and then visited the Alaska Sealife Center. Definitely take the time to stop here if you’re in Seward—you won’t be disappointed.
Once we wrapped up our day in Seward, we headed south toward Ocean Shores Seaside Lodging in Homer, AK. As usual, we arrived pretty late, but still had time to grab an awesome meal at Fat Olive’s Restaurant just down the road. After that, it was straight to bed to rest up for our kayak trip in the morning.Ocean Shores Seaside Lodging – 907‑235‑7775
Day 9 -
Kayaking in Homer → Final Night in Alaska
We woke up early and headed down to the Homer Spit to meet Alison from True North Kayaking for our kayak trip. What a fantastic experience—beautiful scenery, calm water, and great company. We would absolutely book with True North Kayaking again.
After a long day on the water, we returned to the hotel, cleaned up, and headed back out to the Spit for dinner at Captain Pattie’s Fish House. Hands down, it was the best halibut we’ve ever had. After dinner, we walked around the area for a bit—make sure you stop by the Seafarers Memorial on the Spit. It’s a meaningful and beautifully done tribute.
Once we finished exploring, we headed back to the hotel for our final night in Alaska, tired but grateful for an unforgettable trip.
Day 10 -
Homer → Anchorage → Home
We woke up and packed everything for our flight home. With about a four‑hour drive back to Anchorage, we took our time, soaking in the last views of Alaska before reluctantly heading to the airport for our long trip home
Final Thoughts -
Yes, it was a pretty crazy schedule—but it was an absolute blast. Honestly, we could have spent the entire trip in any one of the places we visited. If we were to do it again, we’d add an extra day in Seward and another near Denali. Everywhere we went, the people were incredibly friendly, and the food was fantastic.
I’ve never wanted to return to a place more than I want to return to Alaska. And the truth is, we only scratched the surface of what there is to do and see. If you’re planning your own trip, we highly recommend picking up The Milepost—an annual guide that walks you through Alaska mile by mile and is worth every penny.
Thanks for checking out our journey. We would recommend every place we stayed and every tour we took without hesitation. If you have any questions, send us an email through the Contact Us page—we’re always happy to help.