Enjoy the many diverse and inexpensive activities in and around Anchorage. From Anchorage, visitors can take a free motor coach ride to Seward by purchasing a boat trip to Kenai Fjords where they will see glaciers and diverse wildlife. A trip to Denali National Park to see wildlife and the majestic Mt. McKinley completes the suggested itinerary. The best way to get the most for the money is to pick a single destination and travel from there using several different modes of transportation.
When to Go to Alaska
The best time to go to Alaska is between mid-May and mid-September. The tours will be operating, the days are long, and the weather is best for sightseeing. The weather will be cool even in summer, so dress in layers to be comfortable.
Take advantage of the long days to enjoy some of the free or inexpensive activities outdoors, viewing wildlife, fishing, hiking, and birding. Be sure to look for the historical and cultural sites.
What to Do in Anchorage
The first stop should be the Anchorage Convention and Visitors' Center where friendly guides offer brochures, maps, and information. Walk around the downtown area and visit the city's historic City Hall, museum, and other attractions. Hike to Flattop Mountain. Rent a bike in downtown Anchorage and take a coastal tour. Fish for salmon at Ship Creek and see Native Alaskan dancers perform free at Ship Creek Center. Admission to the Alaskan Native Heritage Center is inexpensive, and visitors will learn about Alaska's diverse cultures.
The Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a free motorcoach trip to Seward for the purchase of a six-hour boat trip from Seward into the Kenai Fjords National Park. Visitors are likely to see Dall porpoises, calving glaciers, sea lions, puffins, humpback and killer whales, and more during the boat trip. This is a don't miss trip. Lunch is included in the price of the ticket.
Anchorage to Denali
Plan a trip to Denali National Park from Anchorage by train, plane, car, or motorcoach. Allow two days to travel, one day to see the park, and one night's lodging. Visitors who travel in a recreational vehicle will save a bundle. Find Internet sites that offer specials on tours. Sometimes these offers last only a short time, so be persistent and keep looking. Reserve any suitable special offer immediately.
Only the first 15 miles of the Denali park road are open to private vehicles, according to information provided by Denali National Park. The remainder of the road is gravel, and only buses are allowed. Be smart and take one of the shuttles offered by the park. The shuttles stop for wildlife viewing and bathroom breaks, and visitors can get off the bus. The cost for tickets for the shuttle bus begin at $24. for adults, $12. for young adults 15 to 17, and free for children 14 and under. Rates vary according to the length of the trip chosen. If the day is sunny the view of Mt. McKinley is breathtaking.
Most people who visit Denali stay overnight in one of the nearby towns. Healy is 11 miles, Cantwell is 30. Many hotels and motels are available near the park. Healy is a historical coal mining town whose economy is now bolstered by tourists. Enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants and walk around the town to take in some of its history.
Getting the Most Out of Alaska Travel
Remember to be persistent in checking the Internet for specials. Compare prices for hotels, motels, and other lodging. Consider renting a recreational vehicle to save big bucks. Take advantage of the great free opportunities in and around Anchorage, and save enough to take trips to Kenai Fjords and Denali National Park.
Make Anchorage a first destination, and from there explore more of Alaska by train, boat, car, plane, or RV. Start planning a second trip to Alaska upon returning from home.
DeLene Sholes - DeLene Sholes is a former teacher, principal, and curriculum coordinator who writes from her home in Grayton Beach, Florida.
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