Things to do
Explore Alaska: Itineraries & Places to See
Anchorage is often the starting point for many travelers visiting Alaska.
Over the years we have found that guests stay 2 to 3 nights at our hostel when first arriving. Many “things to do” and places to see can be several hours away by car and require staying overnight in other parts of Alaska. Guests often return to stay with us in between their trips to recuperate or restock for the next leg of their journey. Every time we enjoy hearing about your trip and if any of our recommendations were helpful.
Below, Base Camp Anchorage Hostel has created a list of resources and sample itineraries of places to see and things to do while in Alaska. We hope it makes planning your Alaska trip a little easier. We are always updating this page with new gems travelers find.
Happy Trails!!!
Explore AK: Itinerary Suggestions
3 days in Alaska
Spend your first night in Anchorage. Rent a bicycle at our hostel and explore the famous Tony Knowles coastal trail (5 minutes away). If you arrive early you can also go for a hike in our local Chugach mountains. Flat Top mountain is a popular trail and just a 25 min drive away from our hostel. In the summer of 2023 we will be providing transportation to local trailheads. Other options include exploring the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The following day head south to Seward by car, bus, or train. In Seward take a half day boat cruise with Kenai Fjords Tours to see glaciers coming down to the ocean or sightseeing for Orca whales. Spend the night in Seward then return to Base Camp Anchorage Hostel the following day. If time permits make sure to hike the famous Exit Glacier trail in Seward.
1 week in Alaska
(2 nights in Anchorage) Spend your first day exploring the city coastal trail by bicycle. The following day go on a hike in our local Chugach State Park (See above). On your third day head down to Seward early in the morning to make it in time for a boat tour with Kenai Fjords Tours to see Orca whales and glaciers. Spend the night in Seward at Moby Dick Hostel and hike the Exit Glacier trail the following day. Instead of hiking you can also visit the Sea Life Center to learn more about marine life in Alaska.
There are many other options in Seward including kayaking or hiking the lost lake trail. Before heading north, return to spend a night with us at Base Camp Anchorage Hostel. We would love to hear about your trip.
The following day head north to Denali National Park (4.5 hrs) to see it’s majestic mountains and wildlife. Along the way stop for lunch in Talkeetna (2 hours from Anchorage) to explore this artsy eclectic town. If you prefer to stay in Talkeetna for a night, activities include rafting the Talkeetna river or arrange a flight tour with Talkeetna Air Taxi or K2 Aviation to see Mt. Denali up close at 21,000 ft and land on one of it’s glaciers.
From Talkeetna, continue driving north to Denali National Park another 2 hours away. Do some overnight camping and hiking or take day tours on one of the parks wildlife buses to see bears, wolves, moose, and Denali (the tallest mountain in North America). If you are not camping overnight in Denali, you can stay at Denali Hostel and Cabins before returning to Anchorage. Spend a night at Base Camp Anchorage Hostel and tell us all about your trip.
2 weeks in Alaska
Anchorage (3 nights): Fly into Anchorage and spend a few days exploring Anchorage (bicycle rentals, museums, night life) and hiking in our local Chugach State Park Mountains (see itineraries above). Chugach State Park could easily be considered a National Park of it’s own and one of Anchorage’s treasures. In the summer of 2023, we will be providing transportation to local trailheads.
Hope (1 night): Drive south to explore the Kenai Peninsula. Spend a night camping in Hope to hike and see this charming little town along the coast. Hiking hope point is a highlight for travelers as well as listening to music at the Seaview Cafe and Bar. Along your drive to Hope you can stop to visit the town of Girdwood for sightseeing and hiking or visit the town of Whittier and the Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears, moose, and bison.
Seward (1-2 nights) Continue south to Seward for 1-2 nights. See itineraries above for 1 week. Boat tours with Kenai Fjords Tours to see whales and glaciers or hiking the exit glacier trail. Spend the night camping or stay at the Moby Dick Hostel.
Homer (2 nights): South of Seward lies the artsy fishing town of Homer. From Seward drive 2 hours south. Explore the coast and take a water taxi across the bay to Halibut Cove as a day trip. For the more adventurous traveler, take Makos water taxi to the Grewingk glacier for a day trip or overnight hike. They will come pick you up the same or following day.
Anchorage (1 night): After exploring Homer drive back to Anchorage ( 5 hours) and spend the night at Base Camp Anchorage Hostel before continuing North. Many guests enjoy relaxing in our sauna or our Sensory Deprivation Float Tank before continuing north to Denali National Park the following day.
Talkeetna (1 night): The following day head north to Denali National Park (4.5 hrs) to see it’s majestic mountains and wildlife. Along the way stop for lunch in Talkeetna (2 hours from Anchorage) to explore this artsy eclectic town. On your way there take the scenic drive through Hatcher pass through the Talkeetna mountains. This will add 2-3 hours of driving to your trip but well worth views. Spend the night in Talkeetna and consider a rafting trip or flight tour with Talkeetna Air Taxi or K2 Aviation to see Mt. Denali up close at 21,000 ft and land on one of it’s glaciers. Talkeetna is where mountaineers take flights to begin their mountaineering expeditions from Denali’s glaciers.
Denali National Park (3 nights): From Talkeetna, continue driving north to Denali National Park (2 hours away). Do some day or overnight hiking or take a day tour on one of the parks wildlife buses to see bears, wolves, moose, and Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Spend your nights either at Denali Hostel and Cabins or obtain a backcountry permit and spend a few nights in the backcountry of Denali National Park.
Fairbanks (1 night): If you have time, drive up to Fairbanks (2-3 hours) to explore Chena Hot Springs. Spend the night at Billies Backpackers Hostel or Svens Basecamp Hostel.
Anchorage (+/- 1 night): Return to Anchorage for your flight home or stay a night at Base Camp Anchorage Hostel. We look forward to hearing all about your trip.
3 Weeks in Alaska
Same as our 2 week itinerary above but after visiting Fairbanks continue north or south.
From Fairbanks, more adventurous guests take a road trip north along the Dalton Highway (dirt road). This road takes you to the Arctic ocean to the town of Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay. Making this 2-3 day trip requires your own vehicle as well as good planning and preparations as there are minimal resources along this dirt road.
An alternate to the Dalton highway is to return south to Anchorage via a loop along the Richardson Highway (scenic route) to the small town of Tok, then take the Glenn Highway back to Anchorage. Stop and camp along the way. Our favorite places include a day hike up sheep mountain with it’s amazing red and purple colors from gypsum and other minerals found there. Matanuska glacier is also a favorite for a day hike with overnight camping in the area. Guides are now required on Matanuska glacier. If you enjoyed Hatchers Pass on your way up to Denali National Park, return there on your drive for more hiking and camping. Take a tandem paragliding flight from Hatchers pass with Midnight Sun Paragliding.
Stop in Anchorage on your last night and stay at Base Camp Anchorage Hostel to tell us all about your trip.
4 Weeks in Alaska
Same as 3 weeks in Alaska above but include:
McCarthy (3 nights): Drive to Wrangell St. Elias National Park (7 to 8 hours) for 3 hiking and exploring in the small town of McCarthy. These majestic mountains and glaciers are often favorites for travelers who like to venture off the beaten path. Keep in mind the road to McCarthy is a dirt road and a 2 hr drive from the main highway.
Valdez (1-2 nights): From McCarthy drive down to Valdez for 1-2 nights for more hiking, fishing, or kayaking to the Columbia glacier. From Valdez you have the option to return to Anchorage by road and camp along the way or take your vehicle on the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry back to Whittier. Spend one night in Whittier or drive back to Achorage.
Anchorage (1 night): Drive back to Anchorage to catch your flight or spend a night at Base Camp Anchorage Hostel. We would love to hear all about your trip and adventures.
Transportation Throughout Alaska
For many of our hostel guests on a budget, getting around Alaska can be expensive. If you are under 25 years of age, a rental car may not be available for you. At Base Camp Anchorage Hostel, we try to facilitate guests networking with each other for ride sharing options to help with the cost of transportation.
We have created a what’s app group at our hostel. On arrival you will be given access to our networking group and can coordinate with other guests staying at our hostel. Often, a few guests have already rented a car and are happy to offer a space to you. Other times, some guests decide to hitch hike to their destination and are happy to have other guests join them on this adventure.
Although hitch hiking always involves risks, it can be safer to hitch hike in Alaska than in other states and you can meet some amazing people along the way. If you do decide to hitch hike, we recommend hitch hiking with other guests to increase safety.
Anchorage: North to Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks
Go Purple Shuttle: Popular with mountaineers climbing Denali; picks up directly from our hostel and drops you off in Talkeetna.
Alaska Shuttle: Bus shuttle from Fairbanks to Denali and Dawson City in Canada.
Alaska Coach: Bus line operates between Anchorage, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Whittier and Seward.
Alaska Railroad: Online reservations for the Railroad, scenic train ride north from Anchorage to Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks.
Interior Bus Line: Transport to Tok from Anchorage and Fairbanks with stops along the way.
Alaska Direct Bus Line: Bus from Anchorage to Fairbanks and Whitehorse Canada going through Tok.
Soaring Eagle Transit: Transportation to Valdez and Copper River.
Anchorage: South to Whittier, Seward, and Homer
Seward Bus Lines: Anchorage to Whittier and Seward. Picks up directly from Base Camp Anchorage hostel.
Turn Again Arm Shuttle: From Anchorage to Girdwood and Portage Day Lodge (glacier just before Whittier).
Alaska Coach: Bus routes from Anchorage to Seward, Whittier, Talkeetna and Denali.
Alaska Bus Company: Transport from Anchorage to Homer with stops along the way.
Alaska Cruise Transfers: Bus to Whittier and Seward, includes Wildlife Conservation Center.
Alaska Railroad: Also arranges tour packages including bus transfers to Whittier and Seward.
Alaska Marine Highway: 3,500 miles of scenic coastal waterways. Some travelers enjoy taking the boat from Homer to Kodiak Island and Seldovia.
Non-Airport Car Rentals
Happy Tours USA: Discounted car rentals for International Travelers.
Turo: A new rental car app where you ca rent directly from locals in Anchorage, often at a cheaper rate than rental car companies.
Midnight Sun Car and Van Rental: Local car rental in Anchorage.
Car Rental Tip: Some travelers rent a car in nearby Wasilla (40 min) for a cheaper rate. You can take a bus from Anchorage to Wasilla.
Transportation in Anchorage
People Mover Local bus system time tables and destinations.
Resources in Anchorage
Visit Anchorage: A comprehensive list of activities and things to do while visiting Anchorage and Alaska.
Tour Operators in Alaska
Get Up and Go ! Tours: Guided tours around Alaska.
Greatland Adventures: Popular tours for bear viewing, hiking, and northern lights.
Salmon Berry Tours: Another great option for tours around Anchorage and Alaska
Flat Top Mountain Shuttle: Although we will also be providing transportation to local trailheads this summer, here is another option for those wanting to specifically hike Flat Top Mountain.
Popular Travel Destinations North of Anchorage
Explore AK: Talkeetna
A two hour drive north of Anchorage from our hostel lies the artistic town of Talkeetna, which embodies a unique flavor of Alaska.
Initially a gold mining town in the early 20th century, this quaint artsy town is well worth a visit. Cafe’s and restaurants line it’s a main street as well as live music at the Fairview Inn. Talkeetna is also known to mountaineers as the staging area for ascents of Denali, Mount Foraker, and surrounding peaks.
The Talkeetna Historical Society Museum showcases the history of Denali as well as the climbers who made its first ascents. When visiting Talkeetna be sure to check out the Section House that displays a model of Denali with climbing routes taken and famous photos of the mountain.
Visitors not climbing the mountain but desire to see majestic Denali up close can take flight-seeing tours from the local airstrip. In addition to the highest peak in North America, enchanting views of the Alaska Range and glacier landings can be arranged.
Find out more information on Talkeetna here.
Recommended Hikes: Kesugi Ridge Trail. A 2-3 day overnight hike with amazing views of Denali and the Alaskan Range.
Flight Seeing Tours:
K2 Aviation: http://www.flyk2.com/
Talkeetna Air Taxi: http://www.talkeetnaair.com/
Explore AK: Denali
A five hour drive north of Anchorage along George Parks Highway resides Denali National Park and Preserve, one of the most visited national parks. Home to the tallest mountain in North America, Denali towers at 20,320 feet. Thousands of visitors from around the world migrate here each year to catch a glimpse of the mountain or spend days hiking and camping in the surrounding wilderness.
A reminder to guests staying at our hostel: Overnight camping requires a permit from the back country office, which can be arranged at the time of arrival. Those who know the precise region of the park where they would like to hike and camp should arrange permits in advance as slots fill up quickly.
From the visitors center, wildlife tour buses take travelers 92 miles into the park along a winding dirt road. Stunning scenery is abundant with opportunities to see bears, wolves, moose, and dall sheep. Most guests who stay at Base Camp Anchorage generally spend at least 2 to 3 nights in Denali exploring the park.
Recommended Camping in Denali: Wonder Lake: slots fill up fast but camping here offers breathtaking views of Denali on a clear day.
Find out more information on visiting Denali here.
Explore AK: Fairbanks
Seven hours north of Anchorage by car is Fairbanks, a popular tourist destination during to winter to witness the solar flairs of the infamous Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
For visitors to Fairbanks during the warmer summer months, you will be welcomed by up to twenty two hours of sunlight during solstice in June. Check out the nearby Chena Hot Springs; a favorite among weary hikers returning from their hikes.
Other interesting activities in Fairbanks include the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, the Morris Thompson Cultural Visitors Center, and the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum.
In the city lies a popular local brewery (Hoodoo) and for many of our hostel guests, Fairbanks is considered the launching point for the long drive north to the Arctic to visit Prudhoe Bay, 499 miles from Fairbanks. The Dalton Highway or “Hall Road” takes you through scenic Brooks range mountain passes before you take in the sights of this coastal Arctic town. The journey should clock you 14+ hours of road time. For those embarking on this journey be prepared for limited resources, extra fuel and food is a must.
Find out more information on visiting Fairbanks here.
Popular Travel Destinations South of Anchorage
Explore AK: Girdwood
A beautiful and scenic town just 40 minutes south of Anchorage, this short drive from our hostel is filled with breathtaking scenery along Turnagain Pass. Girdwood is home to the famed Alyeska Resort, where many skiers spend a good portion of their time in winter. In the summertime, numerous outdoor activities entertain including hiking trails, mountain biking, tandem paragliding, and sightseeing in the gorgeous surroundings.
The scenic views along the way are spectacular. Take your time to appreciate the view. Depending on the time of year, not only will you see whales at Beluga Point, but also the powerful show of nature that is the Bore Tide.
Girdwood is also home to a microbrewery and delicious restaurants. Jack Sprat is a favorite, as well as the Bakehouse, famous for its sourdough pancakes.
Learn more about Girdwood here.
Explore AK: Whittier
Just an hour and 15 minutes from Base Camp Anchorage hostel down the famous Seward highway lies the tiny, yet compelling town of Whittier.
For history buffs or World War II aficionados, Whittier is a worthwhile stopping point. During the war, the United States Army constructed a military facility, complete with a port and railroad terminus. To provide access to Anchorage from the port, the Army blasted a supply tunnel out of solid granite. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is considered an amazing engineering feat, and is the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America.. You can drive the 11 miles through the tunnel and be greeted by majestic 3,500 foot mountains and the delightfully aqua blue waters of Prince William Sound.
Cruise ships arrive here and offer visitors day trips to see idyllic glaciers in the area like Blackstone Bay. Kayaking trips are also available to nearby glaciers, floating icebergs, and the wildlife-rich waters.
More information on visiting Whittier, Alaska can be found here.
Explore AK: Seward
Two and a half hours by car along a memorable scenic highway is Seward, one of Alaska’s gems. Many of the guests staying at our hostel make it a point to check off Seward from their list. Rugged mountains to one side and pristine Resurrection Bay on the other.
There is fantastic hiking at nearby Exit Glacier and day cruises along the coast to watch glaciers calve into the sea and spot sea lions and whales. The Alaska SeaLife Center is also a great way to learn about local marine wildlife.
Visitors will be thoroughly charmed by the offerings of downtown Seward, where cafes, specialty shops, delicious seafood restaurants, and tasty beer options abound. Warm up at the Resurrect Art Coffee House, a re-purposed old church that sells local art.
Recommended Hikes: The Lost Lake Trail: beautiful and scenic trail that begins just outside of Seward.
Exit Glacier Trail: Easy level hike to the glacier or a steep moderate to strenuous hike up along the glacier with amazing views.
Learn more about traveling to Seward here.
Explore AK: Homer
A four hour drive from Anchorage is the picturesque and dreamy town of Homer. A panorama of mountains, white peaks, and glaciers. Homer hosts an abundance of art galleries and superb restaurants, as well as local live folk music at the famous Down East Saloon.
On the other side of the bay from Homer is Kachemak Bay State Park; a paradise of glaciers, mountains, and protected coves.
Many guests staying at Base Camp Anchorage hostel enjoy hopping on water taxis across the bay to explore Halibut Cove and take advantage of the scenic hiking trails towards Grewingk Glacier.
Other highlights from guests include daily charter boats to catch record-breaking halibut or taking walks along the coast and marveling at bald eagles in the area. Daily charter planes are also available for bear watching.
Visitors to Homer are encouraged to have a drink at their famous bar, a 1897 cabin dubbed the Salty Dawg Saloon. Here, you’ll find dollar bills left by guests from yesteryear covering the walls.
Click here to begin planning your trip to beautiful Homer.
Explore AK: Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve
For travelers with more time in Alaska, we strongly recommend taking the nine hour drive east from Anchorage to McCarthy, an old copper mining town. It is the gateway to the less visited but equally awe inspiring Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the United States.
Several mountain ranges converge here and it is a favorite amongst travelers staying at Base Camp Anchorage hostel. Popular treks for hikers include the Liberty Creek Trail, the Root Glacier Trail, and Wagon Road Trail.
The park includes a large portion of the Saint Elias Mountains, which include most of the highest peaks in the United States and Canada. The park’s extreme high point is Mount St. Elias at 18,008 feet (5,489 m), the second tallest mountain in North America.
Another fun stop in the neighborhood is the abandoned mining town of Kennicott. This once affluent copper town is now considered a ghost town, and those who visit are rewarded for their bravery!
Kennicott McCarthy bound travelers, start your research here.
Explore AK: Valdez
South of McCarthy lies the town of Valdez (a six hour drive from Anchorage). Deep in Prince William Sound, it is an outdoor paradise surrounded by enchanting coastal mountains.
Day cruises offer visitors the opportunity to see Colombia Glacier and stunning mountain scenery.
Other activities include fishing for halibut and salmon as well as kayaking to one of the five nearby glaciers. River rafting is another popular option if you want to plan Alaska float trips, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the beautiful hikes with trailheads near Valdez (Bridal Veil Falls Trail and Solomon Gulch Trail come to mind!).
One highlight from Base Camp Anchorage hostel travelers arriving to Valdez by car is to jump aboard the Alaska Marine Highway ship with their vehicle back west to Whittier and return to Anchorage. This cuts hours from a return drive and is a perfect round trip back to Anchorage !
Learn more about visiting Valdez during your vacation in Alaska here