Welcome to Alaska!

Pick-up your rental car and prepare to hit the open road. An SUV has been reserved in your name. Please speak with your Destination Expert if you are interested in an upgrade option.

Exploring Alaska by car from Anchorage offers the freedom to experience stunning landscapes, from the coastal beauty of the Kenai Peninsula to the rugged wilderness of Talkeetna, Denali National Park, and onward to Fairbanks. Roads are generally well-maintained, particularly along the Seward and Parks Highways, but distances between towns are long and services can be limited in remote areas, so it’s wise to keep your fuel tank topped up. Wildlife such as moose, bears, caribou, and smaller animals may cross roadways, especially at dawn and dusk, so remain alert.

Cell service is reliable near towns but can be intermittent in remote or mountainous stretches. Roads through Denali and along the Kenai Peninsula feature steep grades, sharp curves, and limited lighting in rural areas, and traffic line-ups can occur at popular viewpoints, trailheads, or park entrances during peak season. Construction during summer months is common and may result in delays. Daylight hours vary dramatically with the seasons, with nearly 22 hours of daylight in summer and very short winter days with sunset as early as 3:30 pm in interior Alaska. Always check for road closures, construction, or park advisories before setting out.

Downtown Anchorage offers a vibrant mix of dining, drinking, and cafÉ culture that reflects the city’s lively spirit. For an elevated dinner, the Crow’s Nest provides refined cuisine with panoramic views, while Simon & Seafort’s serves classic Alaskan seafood in a welcoming setting. Glacier Brewhouse combines hearty meals with house-brewed beers in a relaxed atmosphere, and Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria offers creative pizzas and craft brews just outside the core downtown area. For a midday pause or a casual coffee, Kaladi Brothers Coffee is a local favorite, and for a sweet summer treat, Wild Scoops serves up homemade ice cream in unique Alaskan flavors. Together, these spots create a well-rounded taste of Anchorage, blending fine dining, casual favorites, and seasonal delights.

Take a scenic flight into Katmai National Park for a self-guided bear-viewing experience at Brooks Falls. Three viewing platforms connected by elevated boardwalks offer clear views of brown bears fishing for spawning salmon along the Brooks River. In July, as many as 50 bears can be seen at once along the 1.5-mile river. Park rangers provide an arrival briefing and remain available throughout the park to answer questions.

Experience the beauty of the Chugach Mountains in a full-day exploration with your private guide. Recognized as the country's third largest state park, Chugach offers over 500,000 acres of rugged land and as well as some of the most accessible hiking, wildlife viewing, and wildflower areas in all of Alaska. Take to the trails with your naturalist guide, traversing the varied trails that have been chosen and customized to your interest. Take home memories of high alpine wildflowers, browsing moose, and soaring eagles. Drink in true Alaskan beauty depicted by roaring glacier-fed rivers, unrivaled mountainous vistas, clearwater streams, and maybe even a glimpse of a grizzly bear. Learn about the park's rich geologic natural history and identify local flora and fauna with your expert host.

Make your way from Anchorage to Seward along the spectacular Seward Highway, one of Alaska’s most scenic drives. Today’s journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, following the shoreline of Turnagain Arm with dramatic views of tide-swept waters and towering mountains. Early on, pause at Beluga Point to scan for Dall sheep on the cliffs or beluga whales in the inlet during high tide. Continue south through the Chugach National Forest, where optional stops include the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears, bison, and moose up close, and the picturesque boardwalk trails of Portage Valley. As the road climbs over Turnagain Pass, enjoy sweeping alpine vistas before descending toward the Kenai Peninsula. Nearing Seward, consider a short detour to Exit Glacier for a glimpse of this accessible icefield. Upon arrival, the coastal charm of Seward awaits; framed by Resurrection Bay and backed by rugged peaks, it’s the perfect gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and marine adventures beyond.

Spend time at leisure exploring the picturesque port city of Seward. Recognized as one of the state's oldest and most scenic communities, Seward boasts bustling seaside charm. Explore the town's photogenic harbor, quaint shops, and and one-of-a-kind galleries. Take an unforgettable glacier and wildlife cruise from Seward to Resurrection Bay or Kenai Fjords National Park. Head out onto the waters for world-class salmon and halibut fishing. Zip through the skies in a canopy tour or enjoy a casual stroll along the waterfront for awe-inspiring views.

Experience Alaska’s legendary wildlife and sublime glacier beauty aboard a shared cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park. Gaze in awe at your surrounds as the cruise glides past seals, whales and puffins to explore coastal rainforests, tidewater glaciers and remote Alaskan islands. Learn from your engaging captain, who provides narration and insight into the park and all of its splendor. Fuel up for unforgettable sightseeing courtesy of a complimentary lunch. Enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind journey from Seward, delivering abundant wildlife, mountains and tidewater glaciers. Rich in Alaskan splendor, this incredible tour is the very first to enter Kenai Fjords National Park each day, inviting you to observe the magic of an awakening wilderness.

Make your way from Seward to Girdwood along Alaska’s Turnagain Arm, offering stunning coastal views, rugged mountains, and glimpses of wildlife along the way. Winding through the Chugach National Forest, the route passes charming small towns and roadside pullouts perfect for photos or a short hike. Today's drive is typically less than 2 hours direct.

Alyeska Resort in Girdwood offers a diverse dining scene with eight distinct outlets, ranging from elevated restaurants to casual cafÉs. Seven Glaciers stands out for its fine dining experience, featuring fresh seafood and regional dishes paired with panoramic mountain views, perfect for a special evening. For more relaxed options, The Sitzmark provides hearty fare and a cozy atmosphere, while other resort outlets offer everything from casual bites to coffee and snacks throughout the day. Beyond the resort, Girdwood’s local cafÉs and pubs, such as Bake Shop & Cafe and Double Musky Inn, provide charming spots for a laid-back lunch or a seasonal Alaskan treat, making the area a delight for every taste and occasion. Please speak to your Destination Expert for additional recommendations, or to secure a reservation.

Spend time at leisure exploring the wealth of activities on offer at Alyeska Resort. Unwind with a plunge in the indoor saltwater pool, treat yourself to expert pampering at The Spa at Alyeska, or embark on one of the resort's many summer adventures. Experience exhilarating adventure at Alyeska's bike park, where a variety of roads, single-track and man-made features will thrill all rider levels. For a more relaxing pursuit, participate in a restorative or flow yoga class. Please note: Some activities may incur an additional cost. Speak with your Destination Expert to curate your perfect day at leisure.

Optional: For a truly relaxing evening at Alyeska Resort, guests can unwind with a spa experience that perfectly complements the alpine setting. Begin with the Twilight Soak at the resort’s Nordic Spa, where warm, hot & cold pools, saunas and steam rooms surrounded by snow-capped peaks offer a serene escape as the sun sets over the mountains. For added indulgence, an optional massage provides expert rejuvenation before ending the evening with light bites or curated cocktails at Two Trees Bistro, where locally inspired flavors and a welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect finish to a day of relaxation and mountain views. Please speak to your Destination Expert to secure a reservation.

Make your way from Girdwood to Anchorage, a drive of approximately 1 hour.

Your self-drive journey concludes as you make your way to the rental car drop-off center and return your vehicle.

Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, Alaska’s historic Hotel Captain Cook is a perfect departure point for adventure, offering the best cultural and scenic highlights just steps from your door. Indulge in one of the hotel's four distinctive restaurants, shop for gifts or unique souvenirs in the 12 in-site shops, or take in the views of neighboring Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains from any one of the 546 guestrooms and suites. Since 1965, the Hotel Captain Cook has offered an unparalleled level of elegance and comfort. The legendary sea captain and the hotel that bears his name share two great qualities: a love of nature and the indomitable Alaskan spirit.

Set alongside the Resurrection River on the edge of Chugach National Forest near the Exit Glacier, the Windsong Lodge is a tranquil retreat designed to showcase Alaska’s wild beauty. The towering mountains, fragrant spruce trees and the rush of the Resurrection River to awaken all senses upon arrival. The lodge offers an on-site restaurant, a bar and grill, a complimentary shuttle to downtown Seward and wifi internet access. Windsong’s peaceful setting and unique dining experiences offer a quiet and cozy escape after an exhilarating day of exploration.

Located just 40 miles from Anchorage and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alyeska Resort is your premier year-round destination. Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountain peaks, hanging glaciers and spectacular ocean views, the hotel offers convenient access to the magnificent Alaskan wilderness. With a charming chateau-style design, the property features eight floors with 301 spacious guest rooms. The Alyeska Resort sits tucked amid the Chugach Mountains on Alaska's south-central coast, with a backdrop of glaciers, bald eagles, and towering spruce trees. Featured amenities include a 60-passenger aerial scenic train, signature spa, a AAA Four Diamond award-winning mountain-top dining. During your stay, you’ll experience supreme comfort with modern touches and rich Native influences, bringing the natural beauty of Alaska’s great outdoors inside.