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The Best Places to See Wildlife From Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula

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Many people come to Alaska to see wildlife. Seeing moose, bears, sheep, goats, and an extensive list of other Alaskan wildlife are on everyone’s bucket list. The question is, where can you find these amazing animals? Don’t worry, I’ve got the scoop on the best places to see wildlife from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula. And, if you’ll be be traveling to other areas of Alaska, you can check out my Alaskan Wildlife Bucket List here to get more information about wildlife across our beautiful state.

Moose Denali National Park Alaska in the fall
A bull moose in Denali during fall.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

What animals will I be able to see from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula?

Obviously, I can’t guarantee that you’ll see all or any of these animals on your way from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula, but I would say you’ll have a good chance of seeing at least a few. Some of the wildlife you might see will be moose, eagles, bears, and swans. You may even see sheep, goats, puffins, and whales! A lot of this is right place right time, and knowing where to look, which I’ll walk you through below.

An eagle spotted along the Sterling Highway.

When can I see wildlife on my travels to the Kenai Peninsula?

Great question! This will depend a lot on the time of year you visit. You’re very likely to see moose and eagles any time of the year. Sheep and goat sightings will likely be more sparse during winter months, and bears will be hibernating from late fall until spring. Belugas may be seen during parts of July and August along the Turnagain Arm.

A group of Dall sheep just outside of Cooper Landing.

Where are the best places to see wildlife from Anchorage through the Kenai Peninsula?

Alright, let’s get to it, shall we? Below, we’ll make the trek from Anchorage down to Homer, and over to Seward as well, so we’ll cover a lot of territory and wildlife on our journey. Grab your binoculars and buckle up!

A Google Maps itinerary of the places mentioned below. A. Potter Marsh B. Beluga Point C. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center D. Bridge in Cooper Landing E. Cooper Landing F. Russian River Falls G. Sterling H. Homer I. Seward

Anchorage

The start of our journey, Anchorage. As you drive around town, you’ll likely see eagles perched on trees around the city. They are fairly common to see, along with one larger animal, the moose.

There are moose scattered all around Anchorage. I know it’s surprising that you could find such a big critter right in Alaska’s largest city, but they’re there! Along sidewalks, highways, and in parks, moose make themselves at home wherever they please. Which brings me to another point. You’ll need to watch out for moose when walking about and on the road when driving, along with other wildlife. And, as I’m sure you know, all of the wildlife is wild. Sadly, they do not want to be your friends, so keep your distance.

Another animal you may see while in Anchorage is the black bear. Check out Kincaid Park, where you might get a glimpse at these amazing critters, along with more eagles and moose.

Potter Marsh

Next up on our adventure, Potter Marsh. Located on the outskirts of Anchorage, this little oasis is an ideal spot for birdwatchers. You can also see salmon during certain times of the year, and if you’re lucky moose can be spotted at Potter Marsh as well.

Beluga Point

Beluga Point, the name says it all! During July and August, belugas are cruising along this area of the Turnagain Arm, not too far down from Potter Marsh. I’ve seen them there during mid August, and it was so exciting!

Turnagain Arm

As you continue down the Seward Highway, you’ll be right along the waters of the Turnagain Arm, as mentioned above. In the areas where you’re seeing more jagged cliffs on the other side of the road, be on the lookout for Dall sheep. Sometimes they’ll venture down the mountain right to the road, and other times you’ll likely see them best from a pullout using binoculars.

Dall sheep on cliffs above Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway.
Dall sheep on the cliffs above the Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

I know I said there’s no guaranteed animal sightings, but this is quite close to a guarantee. I know this isn’t the “in the wild” viewing many people want to do, but the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is such an amazing stop that I had to add it in here. Learn more about it here!

Cooper Landing

You’ll see some turnouts as you head into and through Cooper Landing. These are worthwhile places to pull off at and glass for sheep and goats. They are always amazing to watch, as their agility and balance is unmatched in the rugged terrain. Just last weekend we saw both sheep and goats in the area, so it’s worth taking the time to try spot some on the mountains.

Collard cow moose with one of her twin calves.
A collared cow moose with one of her twin calves in the Swan Lake burn area near Cooper Landing.

Kenai Lake

You’ll cross over a bridge in Cooper Landing shortly after passing Wildman’s convenience store. Check around this area for swans, as there are a group of them that stay in the waters of Kenai Lake even during the winter.

Swans in Kenai Lake.

Russian River Falls

This is one spot I haven’t been to, but it’s on my bucket list! Russian River Falls, just outside of Cooper Landing, is a well know spot to see bears. When the salmon are running in the Russian River, the bears head there for a feast, so you may get a chance to see them. But, well before you head out, view these bear safety tips!

Roadside Moose

There’s a chance you’ll see moose along your whole drive, but once you get to straighter stretches of road after Cooper Landing, your chances of seeing them really go up! Sighting of moose on and along the highway from Sterling down to Homer are quite frequent, so keep an eye out for them and drive safe.

A moose near Soldotna, Alaska along the Sterling highway in April.
A moose near Soldotna along the Sterling Highway.

The Homer Spit

Head on down to the famous Homer Spit to view sea otters in the harbor, and also get great opportunities to view eagles as well. We just saw sea otters in the harbor last weekend, and boy are they fun to watch! If you head out on a boat from Homer, chances are you’ll see other marine wildlife, and speaking of marine life, let’s head to Seward!

Alaska SeaLife Center

The Alaska SeaLife Center is the marine life equivalent to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It’s a must-stop place in Seward. Once again, I know it’s not animals in the wild, but it’s such an informative, interesting, and interactive place to visit that I couldn’t skip it on our list of adventures. Learn more about it here!

Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

Ahoy, matey! Our last stop is in the beautiful waters outside of Seward. Hop aboard a glacier and wildlife cruise to see a plethora of marine wildlife. A variety of whales, seals, sea lions, puffins, and more are just some of the things you might see on one of these awesome adventures on the water.

A couple of whales spotted on a glacier and wildlife cruise out of Seward.

Okay, ladies and gents, our tour has wrapped up! Time to head on back and visit any wildlife viewing areas you may have missed along the way down the Peninsula. But, with all this being said, wildlife is unpredictable. There are chances you’ll see black bears in Cooper Landing, no sheep on the mountains near the Turnagain Arm, have no eagle sightings, and see a huge pod of belugas at Beluga Point. You really never know, but what I’m hoping is that this Alaska wildlife guide will give you a better chance at seeing wildlife from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula.

Do you have any questions about Alaska travel? Feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!

17 Amazing Day Trips from Anchorage, Alaska

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There is such an amazing array of day trips you can venture out on from Anchorage, Alaska. If you’re an animal lover, adventure seeker, avid fisherman, or just wanting to explore, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re vacationing in Alaska or a long-time resident, you’re sure to enjoy these amazing day trips from Anchorage.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

How long do “day trips” in Alaska really take?

Being the largest state in the U.S.A., with over 650,000 square miles of breathtaking terrain, you could say there’s a bit of ground to cover. So, is there really such thing as a day trip from Anchorage, or is everything else too far away? Surprisingly, there are many day trips from Anchorage, Alaska. Just be prepared that some may take all day, while others can be done in an afternoon.

Of course, this varies on distance, but a lot of it also depends on traffic, weather, road conditions, daylight hours, and construction. A great way to see how long it will take you during the season you’ll be visiting is by checking your maps and looking on local Facebook road condition groups. One of my favorite resources is Alaska 511, which has road cameras, construction notices, weather reports, and more. All of these will give you a very good idea of how long to expect drives to be at specific times, since there are many factors that may add a bit of time onto your day trip.

What are the best day trips from Anchorage, Alaska?

Anchorage is a great central location for many day trips. Check out the variety of options below!

Talkeetna Flighseeing Tour

Head north for a once in a lifetime flight over glaciers and around the famous Denali. Then, take a little stroll through the unique community of Talkeetna, learn about its history, grab a bite to eat, and head back to the city. This will be an experience you won’t forget!

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Take the short drive down to Girdwood and experience Alaska’s wildlife up close. You can even take a tour and feed the animals! I think this is a must-stop for all visitors and locals alike. Check it out here!

Brown bears AWCC Alaska
You’ll have a beary great time viewing wildlife at AWCC.

The Alyeska Tram

Speaking of Girdwood, why not pop on over to The Hotel Alyeska and Alyeska Resort for a tram ride? The tram will give you magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, and you can end your day trip with a meal in the unique town of Girdwood.

The Alyeska Resort tram in Girdwood, Alaska.
The Alyeska Resort tram on it’s way up to the mountain.

Thunderbird Falls

A close distance to the big city of Anchorage is the scenic trail to Thunderbird Falls. This easy hike will lead you to the serene falls that you wound’t expect to be just outside of the city.

Thunderbird Falls will give you many beautiful views.

The Musk Ox Farm

About an hour away from Anchorage is a farm full of animals you likely haven’t seen before. Head to Palmer to visit the Musk Ox Farm and learn all about these unique, shaggy mammals. While you’re there check out the qiviut (musk ox wool) items at the gift shop; they’re beautiful, warm, and incredibly soft!

Seward Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

Head south out of Anchorage to Seward for this excursion. Hop aboard a glacier and wildlife cruise, and spend the day on the water. Not only will you get to see glaciers, but if you’re lucky you’ll see a myriad of animals from otters to puffins and orcas to seals. It’s such a fun experience!

Alaska glacier and wildlife cruise landscape
Some of the beautiful landscape you’ll view on your cruise out of Seward.

Alaska SeaLife Center

Another great reason to day trip to Seward is the SeaLife Center. This is a really fun and educational spot to visit. You can see a variety of marine wildlife, do behind the scenes tours, and check out the touch pool. Wanting more information about the Alaska SeaLife Center experience? Read more here!

Salmon identification and cycle display.
Learn all about the varieties of salmon in Alaska.

Jet Skiing

Head to Whittier for an epic jet ski adventure into Prince William Sound. See glacier, waterfalls, and icebergs in a unique and exhilarating way that you’ll remember for years to come. Just keep in mind that there is a tunnel to get into Whittier, so check the schedule to time it right.

Talk about an adventure! You don’t see views like these everyday.

Fish the Kenai River

Take a little journey down to Soldotna to fish for salmon from the bank or a boat. Fishing on the Kenai River is on the bucket list of many anglers, so grab your fishing license and head on down to experience it for yourself!

Cast a line on the Kenai.

Independence Mine State Historical Park

As I’m sure you know, mining has played a big part in the history of Alaska. See a bit of that history for yourself at the Independence Mine, and explore Alaska’s history first hand. Learn more about it here.

Reindeer Farm

Get an up close experience with reindeer, moose, alpacas, and more at this farm in Palmer. This quick day trip from Anchorage will leave you with life long memories as you enjoy this unique opportunity. There are a variety of tours you can choose from that you can view here.

Cooper Landing Sheep and Goat Spotting

Take a scenic cruise on down to the beautiful community of Cooper Landing. Grab your binoculars and scan the surrounding area for Dall sheep and mountain goats. Grab some ice cream at Wildman’s and stop at Cooper Landing Brewing for a delicious burger on your way back to Anchorage.

Dall sheep on the mountains near Cooper Landing.

Portage Glacier

A quick drive south down to Portage Glacier will lead you through and to some beautiful views. Take a cruise over to the glacier or take a kayak out to enjoy the views. Looking for all the ways you can view glaciers in Alaska? Check out our list here!

ATV Glacier Tour

Take a short drive to Palmer and spend the day on an ATV glacier tour! This real Alaskan experience will have you riding trails to some breathtaking views. P.S. There are winter snowmachine tours, too!

Zipline Alaska

Time to add this to your list, adrenaline junkies! See glaciers, mountains, and rivers as never before on this high-flying zipline adventure out of Glacier View. Book your zipline adventure now!

Visit Homer

If you want to have a very full day trip from Anchorage, you can make the trek down to Homer. While you’d likely have to spend the night to get a chance to go fishing, there are many other things to do in Homer during the summer such as visiting the famous Homer Spit, checking out the little shops, eating delicious halibut, and exploring this colorful little town.

Shops along the Homer Spit.

Matanuska Glacier

Make the scenic drive to Matanuska Glacier. There are a variety of ways to view the glacier depending on how adventurous you’d like to be. You can view it from turnouts along the road, or from a helicopter, and you can even take a tour to walk on it. Yes, walking on the glacier! Talk about an exciting day trip!

Matanuska Glacier in fall.
Matanuska Glacier during fall.

Now that you’ve got some ideas for day trips from Anchorage, it’s time to start traveling! I’m sure you may have questions, though, so feel free to ask them in the comments, or join the Everyday Alaska Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice and/or New to Alaska Tips, Information and Advice groups to ask any of your questions and learn more about Everday Life in The Last Frontier. Happy travels, friends!

The Alaska Summer Bucket List

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Are you wondering what to do during summertime in Alaska? Lucky for you, the options are endless and so is the daylight! Below, you’ll find the perfect Alaska Summer Bucket List to get your fun packed summer plans started.

For the sake of keeping it simple, I’m just calling June, July, and August “summer” here. As I said in my winter bucket list, there are an endless amount of things to do during each season in Alaska. You might want to do them all this year, but pacing yourself and spreading them out over time is best. Or, if you’re just visiting Alaska, it’s good to pick a few activities and spread them out over your stay in our beautiful state. On that note, lets grab that sunblock and bug spray and get to enjoying the midnight sun!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Kayaking and Canoeing

One of the most fun things that we’ve started doing recently is kayaking. I wish I would have started long ago, but better now than never! There are many places to rent kayaks or canoes if your visiting, or purchase one yourself if you’re local; they’re well worth getting!

Kayaking in Alaska along the Moose River
Moseying along the Kenai Peninsula’s Moose River.

Zip Lining

There are zip lining adventures in many parts of Alaska. Glacier View, Denali, Juneau, and Seward are just a few of the spots you can visit for these high flying Alaskan experiences.

Flightseeing Tour

Speaking of high flying adventures, flightseeing tours are popular all across Alaska. You can take flights to see Denali, glaciers, wildlife, and more. They will likely be one of the more expensive tours available to you, and very weather dependent, but from what I’ve seen they look pretty impressive. I have yet to check this off my bucket list, but it sure looks exciting!

Events and Festivals

Summer in Alaska is always jam packed with activities, including festivals, fairs, and more! Some of them you may want to check out are Gold Rush Days in Valdez, the Kenny Lake Fair, Bear Paw Festival in Eagle River, Palmer’s Colony Days and the Alaska State Fair, Progress Days in Soldotna, and the Little Norway Festival in Petersburg. Looking for more local events? Sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter!

Glacier and Wildlife Cruises

There are so many perks to living in Alaska, one being that whenever visitors come you get to tour them around and play tourist a bit. This is the reason I’ve been on probably a dozen glacier and wildlife cruises. I never get tired of them because the things you get to see are so miraculous and amazing! Puffins, orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, otters, porpoise, seals, mountains, glaciers and more; oh my! While there is no guarantee you’ll see all these animals, you are guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime.

Waterfalls

Time to go chase those waterfalls! My favorite place to view them is Keystone Canyon right outside of Valdez, but there are many other places to see them as well, such as Thunderbird Falls outside of Anchorage. There is a great list of waterfall and how to access them here.

A beautiful waterfall seen on a jet ski tour out of Whittier.

Rafting

While were on the subject of water, why not do some rafting?! Take a guided ride along the rapids for a one of a kind Alaskan experience.

Whale Watching

If you’re lucky, you can see a variety of whales all summer long in the waters of Alaska. Orcas, humpbacks, and grays make their summer home in Alaska’s waters, and can best be viewed on a glacier and wildlife cruise. You can also see belugas, one of the best ways of seeing them being in the waters of the Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway.

Explore Old Mines

It’s well known that back in the day people rushed up to Alaska in search of gold. Mining is still popular around Alaska, but there are also many mines that have long been out of commission that you can explore. Some of the more visited mines are Kennicott Copper Mine near McCarthy and Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks. Take a visit and learn a bit about Alaska’s mining history.

The Alaska Railroad

All aboard! Taking a scenic trip on the famous Alaska Railroad is one of my top Alaska summer buck list items. There are many packages and tours you can do with this experience, including touring some of Alaska’s National Parks.

Visit Our National Parks

Speaking of National Parks, why not visit some of the eight National Parks around Alaska. There are a few you can visit on the road system, or expand your adventure with fly out trips to the more remote parks.

Jet Skiing

Hop on for an exciting and unique way to experience Alaska! Explore glaciers, waterfalls, and the beauty of Alaska while cruising on a jet ski. My husband and his friends did this for a bachelor party and had a great experience.

Tour the waters of the 49th State with Glacier Jet Ski Adventures.

Check Out Local Farmer’s Markets

Alaska is known for growing some extraordinarily large veggies. You may not guess that with such a short growing season that many things would grow, but that wonderful midnight sun puts growing season into overdrive! Check out local veggies, jams, jellies, and other delicious treats at local farmer’s markets, and if you’re local check into starting a garden of your own!

Fishing

Whether it’s lake fishing, drift boat fishing, casting on the river, or trolling in the ocean, fishing is a very popular summer activity in Alaska. Rainbow trout, varieties of salmon, halibut, and rockfish are just a few of the fish you may come across during summers in Alaska.

Drift the rivers for some great salmon fishing.

Camping

One of my favorite Alaska summer bucket list activities, camping! Tent it, RV, fifth wheel, whatever way you do it, camping is one of the best ways to experience Alaska. View our camping checklist here!

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

To view a vast amount of Alaskan wildlife in one location, check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It’s well worth adding to your list!

Make the trip to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see a variety of Alaskan animals.

Hiking

There are a plethora of hiking trails all around Alaska. This is a great way to get some fresh air, see lesser known and visited places, and some spectacular views. Just be bear aware if you plan on hiking!

Wildflowers

There are so many wildflowers that pop up everywhere around our beautiful state. Take some time to “smell the roses” and check out the local flora and fauna. They make for great photos and photo backdrops as well!

The beauty of fireweed in bloom is unmatched.

See, I told you there were so many amazing things to do during summer in Alaska, and this is only part of them! If you have specific questions about Alaska travel or life in Alaska please sign up for Everyday Alaska emails here, and feel free to send me an email with any questions. Also, join the Everyday Alaska Travel Facebook group for travel tips, advice, and answers to your specific travel questions. Happy travels, friends!

What to Pack for a Summer Vacation in Alaska

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Alaska gets millions of visitors a year, and most of those visitors come during the summer. I’m guessing many of those people, including you, are wondering what to pack for summer vacation in Alaska. Check out the packing list below to find out!

What should I wear in Alaska during the summer?

Whether you’re coming to Alaska on your dream vacation, visiting relatives, or coming up for a summer job, one of the main things you’ll need to figure out is what to wear. A lot of this will depend on what activities you’ll be doing, what area of the state you’ll be visiting, and what temperatures you are acclimated to. But, there are a few main things everyone should pack that you’ll see on the checklist below.

Layers

No matter what area you plan on visiting, you’ll need layers. The weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly, even in the summer. You can make some general guesses about weather depending on what area you’re going to (Fairbanks will get hotter than most of Alaska during summer, Southeast Alaska will likely have rain, etc), but layering up will get you through a variety of weather changes. Along with jeans, t-shirts, and everyday clothes, I’d suggest bringing the following items.

  • Rain jacket-Purchase a rain jacket that is waterproof, not just water resistant, to throw on over your clothes when the rain starts pouring. This will be helpful for the wind as well, especially if you’re on a glacier and wildlife cruise.
  • Sweatshirt-A hooded sweatshirt or pullover is a great layer to go on top of a t-shirt or other everyday clothes. The Midnight Sun does keep it warm out for much of the day when it’s sunny, but when the sun goes down the temperature really drops.
  • Shorts-Yes, you can wear shorts in Alaska! It does get hot enough to wear short. Depending on the temperature you’re used to, it might be worth your while to pack some summery clothes like shorts and tank tops to stay cool on your vacation. Just check the packing tips below, and this post about mosquitos, before you venture out with your shorts on.
Summer glacier and wildlife cruise in Seward, Alaska.
A wind/rainproof jacket will come in handy, especially on glacier and wildlife cruises.

Accessories

There are a few smaller things you’ll need to add to your Alaska summer vacation packing list.

  • Hats-You’ll definitely want to bring a baseball hat with you to shade your eyes from the sun. And, on the opposite end, if you tend to run cold or are from a very warm climate, bring a beanie to wear if you plan on being on or near glaciers as it will be ice, ice cold!
  • Sunglasses-The Midnight Sun is no joke, so bring a good pair of shades with you!
  • Eye Mask-This is something I wouldn’t normally think about since you get somewhat used to the 24/7 summer sun living here. But, bringing an eye mask to get some shut eye, and following these tips, will help you get a restful nights sleep on your vacation.
Always pack a hat when packing for summer in Alaska.
Hats are a must-have in the summer sun.

Footwear

What footwear you bring will obviously depend on what activities you plan on doing, but there’s a good chance you’ll be putting on some miles during your trip no matter what adventures you have.

  • Sneakers-Bringing along the shoes you would normally wear to go for a walk is a good plan. Make sure they’re broken in so you don’t get sore feet while you’re out and about.
  • Camp Shoes/Flip Flops/Crocs-If you’re going to spend time camping or just want some comfy shoes to lounge around in at the end of the day, I’d suggest bringing some camp shoes. You’ll want flip flops if you need to use campground showers, and Crocs are my daily go-tos for comfort.
  • Hiking Boots-If you’ll be stepping off the beaten path (and chances are you will be), I recommend bringing some hiking boots that you’ve already broken in. Make sure you have good ankle support and that they fit you comfortably.
A beach on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.
Crocs come in handy when walking on the beaches.

What additional items should I add to my Alaska packing list?

There are a few other necessities that you’ll want to have on your trip to Alaska. Some of these you can just buy here, but others you may want to pack with.

  • Bug Spray-Avoid the constant fight with Alaska’s state bird, the mosquito, and purchase some bug spray. Following these tips will help you as well.
  • Bug Net-Are they attractive? Nope. Do they work amazingly well? Yes! This one works great and will be the best few dollars you’ve ever spent!
  • Sunscreen-Even on the colder summer days it’s always good to use sunscreen (and don’t forget to reapply!). If you plan on being on the water fishing or on a glacier and wildlife cruise it’s especially important to wear sunscreen due to the reflection from the water. The last thing you want to do is ruin your vacation with a sunburn! (Plus, no one will believe you really got a sunburn in Alaska!)
  • Water Bottle-Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Bring a bottle and fill it up whenever you have the opportunity. Check out this American Made bottle here!
  • Wet Ones-Wondering why you’ll need to carry wipes around with you? Check out my post on “Things You Shouldn’t Do When Visiting Alaska” to find out!
  • Binoculars-There are so many thing to see in Alaska, and you’ll likely get to see a variety of them up close. But, for those ones that are just too far away or to see wildlife at a safe distance, I highly recommend bringing binoculars.
  • Charger-Bring a portable charger/power bank to charge your phone, camera, or other devices when your away from outlets or your vehicle.

Do I need to pack any speciality gear for my trip to Alaska?

Nope, you shouldn’t have to! But, just to be sure, I’d check with any guide services you might have booked with incase you need to bring some extra adventure gear with you. If you’ve booked a fishing charter, glacier jet ski cruise, four wheeling tour, or other activity, chances are they will provide the gear you need for your excursion. To be on the safe side, though, I’d confirm with the company beforehand just to make sure.

I hope this list has helped you figure out what to pack for a summer vacation in Alaska, and has you more excited than ever to prepare for your trip! If you have any question about Alaska feel free to ask them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Heading to the Kenai River to fish.
Check to see if you need to bring waders/wading shoes for any fishing trips you have booked.

14 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Visiting Alaska

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I bet you’re a little curious about the title of this article. What would you not want to do when visiting Alaska? Don’t you want to do everything? Well, not quite. There are some things that you shouldn’t do when visiting Alaska, and I’ll tell you about them below.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Don’t Tell Anyone Where You’re Going

I had this towards the middle of the post but decided to move it to the top because this is super important. Tell at least a couple people where you’ll be going when you’re exploring Alaska and when you expect to be back. If you have a medical emergency, accident, or get lost or weathered in, it’s a tremendous advantage for rescue teams to have a solid point to start searching at.

Likely, if you’re vacationing here, you probably haven’t been on the trail you plan to hike before, you may not anticipate bad weather coming in, and/or you’re not as prepared as you thought you were. It happens to all of us, but in a worst case scenario it can be deadly, and many places won’t have cell service for you to call for help. So, tell friends and family where you’ll be, how long you’ll be there, and buy or rent a device like the Garmin inReach to have incase of an emergency.

Fall colors on a side road in Alaska.
Let someone know when you’re taking the road less traveled.

Have Dead Batteries

I know there are outlets, charging stations, and all that jazz basically everywhere now, but have you tried to plug your phone/camera battery/etc into a mountain, berry bush, or ocean? I didn’t think so. Chances are, the batteries on your emergency device, phone, and camera will die at the worst time. Breaching whale? Dead camera. Bogged down in the fog on a trail? Dead inReach. FaceTiming mom on a day you can see Denali? Dead phone. Charging your electronics whenever possible and bringing a portable charger/power bank with you is very important. Honestly, it’s more of a safety issue than anything, but being able to capture miraculous moments on your Alaskan adventure is pretty awesome, too.

Plan a Short Trip

Chances are you’ve traveled a long distance to get to Alaska, so why not stay awhile and enjoy it! There are so many things to do and see. If at all possible, try stay at least a week. I know it’s not a cheap trip, but check out some money saving ideas here that might help you save money so you can stay longer and enjoy our beautiful state!

Forget to Bring Layers

Layers, layer, layers. You’ve probably read many posts by now regarding how to dress in Alaska. I’m guessing they’ve all mentioned needing layers? If so, they’re absolutely correct. No matter what season you visit Alaska, layers are always necessary. Weather is ever changing, and it’s always better to have more layers than too little. But, if you don’t want to pack so much or don’t own proper layers for your trip, you can always shop locally once you’re here at the start of your trip to be prepared.

Sometimes you need every layer!

Skip Sunscreen and Bug Spray

Boy, oh boy. Don’t make this mistake. Trust me. That Midnight Sun and even the bright sun in winter can burn you fast, especially if you’re out on the water or adventuring. Wear sunscreen, and don’t forget to reapply.

You’ll need sunscreen year round, but thankfully you don’t need bug spray for all seasons. But when you need it, you really need it. Mosquitos, no-see-ums, and horseflies are huge bummers during spring, summer, and fall. But, with some help from this handy dandy article I put together, they should be less of a problem for you.

Overplan

I know it’s hard not to do this when you’re going on a dream vacation, but don’t overplan. There are more activities and sights to see here than anyone could in a lifetime, so don’t expect to cram them all into a week’s vacation.

Get Cozy with the Wildlife

Don’t be that person. The wildlife is wild, no matter how adorable or pettable it looks. Don’t pet it, don’t feed it, don’t crowd it. But, if you do want some safe encounters with animals, check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Brown bears AWCC Alaska
Bears view from above on the viewing bridge at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Be Inflexible

As I’ve already mentioned, weather is an ever changing factor here. Chances are, some of your planned activities, tours, and excursions may be delayed or cancelled due to weather. It’s hard to not be disappointed, but try to pivot and find something else. Maybe you have a float plane or helicopter ride planned, but get fogged out? Why not try a train ride or maybe a glacier cruise? There’s always something amazing to do and see in Alaska, so don’t let the weather ruin your trip!

Miss Out on Local Food

Don’t hit up all the same chain restaurants you have at home while you’re here. We have so many great local places, and a variety of tasty foods here. You’d miss out if you didn’t try it! Check out this list of delicious Alaskan food to try on your vacation here, and the best resturants in Soldotna and Kenai!

Bluebird Café in Sterling, Alaska. Blueberry and lemon stuffed French toast.
Stuffed French toast with delicious blueberries and a bacon jam burger, yum!

Rush

Alaska isn’t the place to be in a hurry. In the summer, there are many visitors and places can get crowded and busy. You may have to wait to get seated and try some delicious deep fried halibut. There will likely be long checkout lines a gift shop registers. You may have to wait your turn for a bit to get that photo in front of a beautifully carved totem pole. It’s all totally worth the wait.

Pass Up Bathrooms, Fuel, or Food Stops

Depending on where you’re traveling to, rest stops, fuel, and snacks can be few and far between. Take advantage of them when you see them. Check out maps to plan your next stop, but don’t assume the stop is still open unless you’ve called to confirm as some places are seasonal or closed and information can be outdated.

Outhouse in remote Alaska.
A room with a view! You’ll probably use your fair share of outhouses on your Alaskan adventures.

Forget Toilet Paper, Wet Wipes, and Sanitizer

This kind of goes with the above tip. One thing you shouldn’t do when visiting Alaska is travel without toilet paper, wet wipes, and sanitizer. If you run into a situation where you passed up a bathroom pit stop and really regret it, you may have to use the great outdoors as your own personal restroom, or use an outhouse that might not have tp or anything to wash your hands with, so be prepared.

Use the Turnouts as Your Restroom

Okay, I know just said you’ll probably have to pee outside at some point if you’ll be roadtripping, but there is some roadside bathroom etiquette to abide by. 1. Make sure you’re out of view from the highway. Shockingly, not everyone does this. 2. You’ll probably have to do your thang at a turnout, but just step out of the area of traffic and foot traffic a bit. People stop there to take photos, let their dogs out, and stretch their legs. The last thing we want to see is anyone’s business. BUT, also be aware and on the lookout for wildlife before you step off the side of the pavement. Not trying to scare you, but wildlife is everywhere and it’s best to be safe. (Also, don’t lower your tushy into any devil’s club!) 3. Don’t toss your hand wipes and whatnot all over. It takes longer than you’d think for that to disintegrate and is just disgusting. Having little trash bags (or even doggie trash bags) with can be handy for that, and for vehicle trash as well.

A beautiful stop at the rest area in Turnagain Pass.

Trash Alaska

I’m sorry we don’t have enough trash cans in frequently visited places, and the ones we do have are always full. Trust me, I know it’s annoying. But, we’d all really appreciate it you’d use the above mentioned bags and take your trash with you until you find a public dumpster. Since you’re reading this, I’m guessing you must be a pretty awesome, considerate, and intelligent person, so I really don’t need to include this or the above rule anyway, but it’s not a bad reminder.

There you have it, a list of some easy peasy things you shouldn’t do when visiting Alaska. This list will help you enjoy your visit more, plan better, and hopefully have the Alaska vacation of your dreams! Happy traveling, friends!

Do you have questions about traveling to Alaska? Leave a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

5 Reasons to Skip Anchorage on Your Alaska Vacation

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Some of you may look at this title and think I’m crazy. ”I love Anchorage!” ”Anchorage is a must-see part of Alaska.” ”Anchorage was my favorite stop on our last Alaskan vacation.” ”I live in Anchorage, and I love it!” Okay, well I’ll save you some time and say clearly this post isn’t for you. But, if you’re thinking about visiting Alaska, and Anchorage in particular, read on.

When you think of Alaska, you think of traffic, views of multistory buildings, big box stores….. Wait, you don’t? Well, that’s what you get when you visit Anchorage. First of all, I’d like to say not everything about Anchorage is negative, though. There are many great people, restaurants, shops, and activities to do in Anchorage. But, if you only experience Anchorage, you’re not experiencing real Alaska, and these are some of the reasons why.

It’s Crowded

If you’re coming to Alaska, chances are you want to get away from it all and experience the quiet and solitude of The Last Frontier. Anchorage is not the place to do that. It’s population of less than 300,000 may not be large in comparison to where you’re from, but in Alaska that’s pretty crowded. People call it Los Anchorage for a reason. If you’re looking for a peaceful, wilderness experience, why come to the biggest city in the state?

Traffic

As I just said, Anchorage may not be a metropolis to you, but there still is traffic. Why spend your vacation stuck in the hustle and bustle of the city life when you can be out enjoying our great state? Skip Anchorage traffic and explore other areas of Alaska without the hassle of stoplights.

Heading out of Anchorage in the big city traffic.

The View

Unless you enjoy looking at big box stores, you should set your sights on a different area. Don’t get me wrong, there are even beautiful views in Anchorage such as Point Woronzof and Flattop, but you’ll see much more without the obstructions of the city.

Touristy

I guess the fact that the more visited areas of Anchorage are more ”touristy” makes sense, but you’re not coming to Alaska to buy gimmicky souvenirs. Like any other tourist destination, Anchorage has a host of places that cater to visitors. But, if you end up in Anchorage and are looking for real, authentic, made in Alaska gifts, check out the Native Arts Market and other markets, small businesses, and even Safeway and Three Bears for Alaska made goods and food. Also, look for the ”Made in Alaska” bear logo on products as well.

If you’re looking for more genuine, fun, and educational experiences in Anchorage, check out Fur Rondy and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. If you do end up spending time in Anchorage, those are two great places to do it.

The Anchorage Iditarod start. Check out both the Anchorage and Willow restart for different views.

Big City Similarities

I never noticed this until I got to travel more, but all bigger cities tend to look the same no matter what state you’re in. The same chain restaurants, the same box stores, the same big roads, with the same slew of stoplights. If you enjoy that, then that’s awesome. But, if you’re coming to Alaska that might not be your cup of tea during your vacation here.

That isn’t to say there’s not a great number of local restaurants, small business shops, and local activities to do in Anchorage, though. If you do spend time in the big city, please take the time to look up local businesses while you’re there. Skip the chain restaurants and box stores, and shop, eat, and support local Alaskan places.

Chances are if you’re visiting Alaska you’ll be in Anchorage at some point. It’s hard to miss if you’re flying in and not going to Fairbanks or driving up through Canada. If you do find yourself in Los Anchorage on your Alaskan vacation, take time to shop local, avoid the gimmicky tourist traps, and visit educational and fun places while you’re there, but don’t spend your whole vacation in Anchorage. Get out of the city and experience the scenic beauty, local hangouts, and amazing adventures that you’re coming here to see.