I will be honest. I grew up in Alaska, so I am a little partial to my home state. But, I can promise you that it will be one of the most beautiful places you’ve ever visited. For most travelers to Alaska, a cruise ship is their method of transportation…but don’t be afraid to fly into Anchorage and experience Alaska on land (and maybe some water too).
Although I could probably give you a million reasons to visit my home state, I have dwindled the long list down to some of my favorites:
Fishing
Alaska has a lot of fish and lots of places to catch them, including 3 million lakes and 33,000 miles of coastline. My childhood home is located on the Kenai Peninsula, which is home of the Kenai River and some of the world’s best salmon fishing. Another option is to go deep sea fishing out of Homer (also located on the Kenai Peninsula) for halibut. These bottom dwellers are FUN to catch and they can weigh up to 500 pounds! There are many wonderful fishing guides available to take you out that know all the great spots to catch fish.
Watch for Wildlife
If you love seeing wildlife, Alaska is like being in a zoo…with no barriers. Last time my family and I were in Alaska, my 3 year old son thought we were actually at a zoo when we saw three brown bears standing on the side of the road watching the people watching them! Bears, bald eagles, lynx, killer whales, puffins, mountain sheep, caribou, moose, seals, etc. are just a few of the amazing animals you may cross paths with.
Chat with the Locals
Alaskans are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. We never meet a stranger and are always willing to help others. If you get lost or have a question, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Whoever you ask may give you some “insider” information on the best local restaurants or tell you some Alaskan folklore.
Visit Local
Believe it or not, Alaska has a ton of local breweries. If you are over 21, take the opportunity to visit and sample some of the beers. Oh! Don’t forget to pick up a brewery shirt while you are there. They make great souvenirs or gifts!
Kenai Fjords Sightseeing Trip
This is one of my favorite trips to take when I fly home to visit. Kenai Fjords offer many different tours by boat out of Seward. Trips range from 1-2 hours all the way up to full day tours. The captains will do their best to make sure you see all sorts of wildlife and even a glacier or two. The company also has a private island where you can opt to have an Alaskan lunch or dinner. I highly recommend these tours; it is the best way to see whales in their own habitat (my favorites)!
Check Out Alyeska Resort
If you brave the cold and decide to visit Alaska during the winter, Alyeska Resort is the best place to ski and/or snowboard. The Hotel Alyeska is a beautiful lodge at the base of the mountain with all the luxuries you’ll ever need. They have a 60-passenger aerial scenic tram, saltwater pool, fitness center, a spa, dining, and shops. This is a must do if you visit during the summer too. The views from the top of the mountain are amazing! I recommend Seven Glaciers restaurant at the top of the mountain. It has won the AAA Four Diamond award and is surrounded by mountains and Turnigan Arm.
Experience a Glacier
Just outside of Seward, Exit Glacier is easy to access from the main highway and offers trails leading right up to the glacier. You can actually touch the ice and as you walk up the trail, there are markers indicating how much the glacier has receded in the last 30-40 years.
If you and your family would love to visit Alaska, now is the time to book your vacation for next summer. As your personal vacation planner, I will make sure every detail of your trip is magical. As always, my services are FREE! E-mail me at: Sarah@travelwiththemagic.com or call me at (800) 670-4312 ext. 154 to get started planning today!
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