Sushmitha Rao's Alaska Itinerary

We touched down in Anchorage, picked up our rental car from Avis, and quickly realized Alaska rental policies are different. Note: Some roads are off-limits for standard rentals. Always ask what’s allowed!

First stop? Costco, stocking up on groceries for our Airbnbs. Pro tip: Eating in saves serious money, especially when you're in remote towns.

Also: We stumbled upon the juiciest Alaskan blueberries. If you’re traveling July to August, don’t skip local berry stands. These were chef’s kiss.

We then hit the Seward Highway, easily one of the most stunning drives in the country, and reached Kenai Fjords National Park by evening.

We booked a Kenai Fjords wildlife & glacier cruise(Major Marine 7.5 hour), and… wow. From watching Aialik Glacier calve to spotting whales, puffins, and seals, it was an unforgettable experience.

🎒 Tip: Dress warm. Even summer feels like fall on the water.

After the cruise, we began the drive north toward Talkeetna, stopping overnight en route.

In Talkeetna, we took a breathtaking Denali flightseeing tour, soaring over snow-covered ridges, glacier valleys, and the mighty Denali itself.

We spent the rest of the day exploring Denali view points, visited a Birch Syrup Factory (yes, it's a thing, and it's delicious), and made a memorable visit to the "Into the Wild" bus replica. An emotional moment for film and book lovers.

We ended the night camping near Denali National Park.

We boarded the Denali shuttle bus(East Fork Transit), the only way to truly explore the park’s core. We did a few mini hikes, spotted wildlife, and soaked in that untouched, vast beauty Denali is known for.

From there, we drove toward Fairbanks, where the next chapter began.

Fairbanks surprised us with warm hospitality and cool experiences.

Highlights:

• Dinner at the northernmost Indian restaurant - amazing thali.

• Santa Claus House 🎅 in North Pole, Alaska (yes, it’s real). Took a selfie with the OG Santa and sent ourselves a postcard from the North Pole.

• The ethereal Aurora Ice Museum. Mindblown!

• Soaked in Chena Hot Springs, loved it.

• Chased the Northern Lights late into the night 🌌

• Stayed in an authentic dry cabin - no running water, no electricity, total Alaskan experience.

On the way back south, we stopped at the Alaska State Fair, a festival of music, rides, and the most unforgettable spinach bread ever (we’re still dreaming about it). You can find the Spinach Bread foodtruck in Talkeetna, when the State Fair is not happening.

We stayed near the Matanuska River, with a view that looked like it was straight out of a postcard.

Morning hike: the Matanuska Glacier, a surreal, icy landscape where we walked directly on creaking glacial ice. Guided tours are only allowed. We booked through MICA guides.

Later, we explored Hatcher Pass

• Wandered the Independence Mine ruins

• Foraged wild crowberries

• Drank hot chocolate while gazing at iconic red cabins

• Tried gold panning and actually found tiny flakes of gold ✨

Next stop: Alyeska Resort. We took the cable car up the mountain and hiked to breathtaking vistas.

Then we detoured to the quirky town of Whittier, where nearly all the town's residents live in one giant building. It’s a slice of Alaskan weirdness that’s totally worth the visit.

We wrapped up where we began - back in Anchorage, with full memory cards, heavier hearts, and lifelong memories.

Some Tips for Your Alaska Road Trip:

• Rental cars: Book early, double-check road restrictions

• Groceries: Stock up in Anchorage to save money and stay remote-ready

• Weather: Layers. Always.

• Apps to download: AllTrails, Aurora Forecast, Alaska 511 (for road conditions)

• Alaska = wild. Be flexible. The best moments are often unplanned

Whether you're a photographer chasing light, a hiker craving glaciers, or a couple seeking cozy cabins and wild nights under the aurora, this trip has it all.

Want a downloadable version of this itinerary or a printable Google Maps route? DM me on Instagram @the_winged_rhymester - happy to share!