This is your guide to a 7-day winter trip in the beautiful state of Alaska. Traveling here during this time of year is so underrated. Not only can you witness the incredible Northern Lights, but you can take the train, attend the holiday festivals and even take a helicopter ride over the glaciers.
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Alaska
The first and most important part of any Alaska road trip is picking up a car rental from Hertz.
LUXURY STAY: Amazing rentals in Anchorage. "Upper Bluff Unit · 4 Bedroom Luxury Downtown Casa" is my favorite stay with the pefect location.
MID-RANGE: Another great option for where to stay in Anchorage with some of the best dining options.
MID-RANGE: Beautiful hotel with more of a nature setting and great restaurant/bar.
Such a fun way to start your visit to Alaska with a full-day of exploring the epic Matanuska Glacier.
Fun and casual place to eat, with great pizza and GF options too. (Tip: It is very busy in the evening so call ahead to reserve or order to go)
Stop in and visit this wonderful nature center on the way to Denali to learn about the local wildlife, visit the gift shop hike the trails and see stunning views of glacially-carved mountains.
Outside of Anchorage, on the way back from Fairbanks, worth stopping for the views. Be careful in winter as the roads are icy and can be dangerous. Make sure to leave time to drive down the mountain before dark.
A must visit while in Alaska to learn and explore traditional and contemporary ways of Alaska's Indigenous cultures. Open season May 14 - Sept 15 from 9AM to 5PM daily
Incredible dining experience and skyline views above the Captain Cook hotel.
Visit Denali National Park on the way to Fairbanks. Denali is one of the top highlights when traveling to Alaska with some of the best nature and wildlife in the country.
LUXURY STAY: Ultra-modern spacious living areas, family rooms and even private balconies this is defiinitly the most luxuorous stay in Fairbanks.
MID-RANGE: If you decide to fly to Fairbanks, its close to the international airport and has dining on-site. Rooms are great with living room, kitchen and balcony options and there are views of the Northern Lights.
Arriving in Fairbanks for the night, outside the artic circle, you can view the Aurora.
Fun chance to meet and learn about the reindeer. You can walk in the woods and pet them too!
Just a drive outside of Fairbanks, near Chena Hot Springs, is the largest year-round ice environment in the world. A great place for photos and there are also several tours available.
Relax and unwind after all the cold weather in these peaceful hotsprings right next to the Ice Museum.
Best dinner spot in Girdwood. The burgers and salads are really good and they have many seafood options. It has an outdoor patio area with a fireplace.
LUXURY STAY: Beautiful place to stay in Girdwood which is located right on the slopes for the best skiing and mountain views with Alaska's very first Nordic Spa.
Delicious breakfast and lunch spot with great coffee! Ask for the caveman coffee for a healthy keto option.
One of the most incredible things to do in Alaska. The views and landing on the glacier are experiences unlike anything else in the world.
The best and only Nordic spa in Alaska. - really beautiful setting with many treatments and pools/saunas to try.