Go deep into the dramatic fjords, and find extraordinary places to discover in our 3 Day Itinerary Alaska.
You may think a 3 day itinerary to Alaska is impossible, or instead, we’re nuts even to suggest a schedule so short. But, let us prove you wrong – as we’re about to present a sample 3 days in Alaska tour for your next vacation.
Alaska is a natural gem. It’s a state filled with glorious attractions, sightseeing tours, and plenty of excursions. Its rugged mountains, snowy landscapes, Glacier blue waters, and dense rainforests make it worthwhile to plan your next trip to the U.S.
But is 3 days in Alaska worth it?
Not many would like to go to a place where they could only spend a short duration enjoying their vacation. Most of us (including me) love traveling – where we could spend a week or so. We have longer Alaska itineraries covering the best sightseeing trips, cruises, and tours. Moreover, you could also plan an Alaskan road trip with the help of this schedule.
When suggesting a 3-day Alaska trip, we wouldn’t recommend going for it if you were to explore only Alaska. This is mainly for tourists who have already booked their U.S. or Canada trips. Travelers who love venturing to other parts of the North American segments often fulfill their bucket-list adventures by extending their vacation. Tourists who often end their trip to Seattle, Vancouver, or British Columbia usually book/extend their itinerary to Alaska for a couple of days.
In such scenarios, a 3 day itinerary in Alaska makes sense!
Likewise, there are multi-options for you to choose how to spend your 3 days in Alaska. You could either explore Girdwood & Spencer Glacier or take a more profound exploration tour to cities like Seward, Anchorage, Kenai, and Fairbanks.
No matter how you spend your days in Alaska, the opportunities presented by its vibrant tourism are endless.
Overview of the 3 Day Itinerary Alaska
During these 3 days in Alaska, the trip is curated explicitly for travelers looking to extend their North American tour. While the duration doesn’t seem feasible to explore all of Alaska in 3 days, it still gives you ample opportunities to discover the state’s highlights and landmarks.
In this Alaska itinerary, you’ll be spending 3 days in Anchorage – including a day trip to Seward – to experience the magical Kenai Fjords National Park. Moreover, expect to tour Anchorage’s unique locations, museums, restaurants, and waterfront areas. Additionally, you can add pre-or post-cruise tours in Anchorage and club it with other day trips.
Day 1 of Alaska Itinerary: Anchorage City Exploration
Day 2 of Alaska Itinerary: Day Trip to Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park
Day 3 of Alaska Itinerary: Experiential Tours in Anchorage
Essential Planning Tips for 3 Day Itinerary Alaska
Best Time to Visit Alaska
The best time to visit Alaska is between May and September (summer). While this isn’t the peak period, you’ll still find many tourists hoping to tour the state. Try to avoid June and July, as they tend to pull in many crowds in Alaska. Furthermore, the hotel rates, airfares, attraction fees, and travel expenses all hike up to cater to the peak season of Alaska.
While we recommend traveling between May and September, we would also recommend experiencing the different seasons of Alaska (winter, spring, fall, and summer). Each season offers a distinct uniqueness & charm in exploring Alaska, with varying temperatures and daylight hours.
Health & Safety Guidelines
It’s essential to follow COVID-19 guidelines (if any) while traveling within Alaska. At the current time of writing, the state is open for tourists to explore. However, this is uncertain, and the updates can change depending on the time you travel. Its best recommended staying updated with their policies here.
Lonely Planet for Alaska
Lonely Planet is one of the most influential travel books of all time. Being a leading pioneer in the industry, the company has curated some great destination guide books, travel tips, maps, and useful resources. I personally use them during my own travels and its the best thing I carry out of all essentials.
How Much Does a 3 Day Alaska Itinerary Cost
On average, a 3 day Alaska Itinerary costs around $1800-$2100. This is an indicative price considering mid-range hotels, day-to-day travel expenses, and other miscellaneous. The tour cost will also depend on the season you travel to (peak vs. shoulder). Plus, any other cruise tours, hiking excursions, and off-beaten ventures will add to your cost.
Moreover, the entire trip cost will come down to selecting your activity choices and accommodation. Through our partnership programs with various travel companies, we make it easy for you to book preferred activities & entry-ticket fees at much cheaper costs.
Detailed 3 Day Alaska Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage | Explore the City
Discover the top highlights of Anchorage on your day one exploration, from sparkling glaciers and incredible wildlife to lush-green parks and trails.
The vibrant city of Anchorage proudly boasts a mix of outdoor and urban adventures. It’s one of Alaska’s prime tourist destinations, attractions millions of visitors every year to come & explore its inner discoveries. Anchorage serves as a perfect touring base for undertaking day trips and excursions. Many people who come to Alaska start their itineraries from Anchorage – as it gives them great accessibility to other Alaskan landmarks.
Below are some of the top recommended activities to do in Anchorage –
Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center
One of the best ways to get introduced to Alaska’s priceless history is to visit the famous Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Here you can learn all about Alaska’s varied communities and the culture represented by each tribe. The center is spread across an area of 26-acre – known to promote all of Alaska’s tribal art, customs, and language,
Moreover, with the help of occasional events and traditional exhibits, you’ll learn more about the survival of indigenous tribes in the modern age of hustles. Many of these events are interactive to entice families to travel with kids, and the purpose is to make you understand how Alaska formed its shape in today’s world.
There are additional in-house tours & audio guides available at an extra charge.
Anchorage Trolley Tour
There’s nothing quite like touring Anchorage as a local. Experience the city’s wonders on a Hop-On Hop-Off City Trolley Tour and delve into Alaska’s natural beauty.
The trolley tour is similar to popular hop-on hop-off bus tours across major cities. It helps you cover different stop-points instantly while giving the maximum fun to enjoy the city’s outdoor. This specific trolley which journeys through downtown Anchorage, covers 5+ attractions. These include Point Wornzoff, Ship Creek, Earthquake Park, and Lake Hood small airplane airport. You’ll stop by and get a few minutes to wander off at each of these places.
Anchorage Botanical Garden Tour
The botanical garden in Anchorage is its hidden gem. Not many ventures out to this place, but it remains an unspoiled attraction to experience lush-green parks, paved loop trails, and its local-nourished flowers and trees.
Take a guided walking tour of the botanical gardens in Anchorage to learn & understand Alaska’s wildlife and nature. With the help of an expert, you’ll find it easy to learn about the state’s local flowers, animals, and birds. As you embark on the paved trail, expect surprises to spot bears and moose – who are known to wander the surrounds of the garden.
Other attractions inside the botanical garden include visiting perennial gardens, plaza area, greenhouse space, and research plots.
Indulge in Alaskan Cuisine
Experiencing the culinary essence of any state/country is enriching, and it gives you the pleasures of being in a place and indulging in the cuisines they offer. And as we speak about the gastronomies of a destination, Alaska leaves no stone unturned. It’s one of the most happening places in the United States to come and try out delicious cuisines.
Likewise, exploring local food in Anchorage is an unbelievable experience. While you’re here, do not forget to try out its famous seafood delicacy – salmon. Other local foods include Reindeer Sausage, Berry Cobbler, King Crab Legs, and Fish & Chips.
You could find the food mentioned above in restaurants, pubs, local stalls, and even a food truck.
Recommended: Got a week? Experience a blend of natural wonders and rustic wildlife in this 7 Day Alaska Itinerary.
Day 2: Day Trip to Seward | Kenai Fjords Tour
Experience the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park.
The journey from Anchorage to Seward via the Seward Highway is one of the country’s most scenic highways. The breathtaking scenes of Chugach National Forest and the views of Turnagain Arm Inlet make it a memorable driving experience on the Alaskan roads.
Seward is a paradisal place featuring towering mountains, glaciers, crystal clear waters, and abundant wildlife. Its prime attraction – the Kenai Fjords National Park – is a sight hard to miss.
The Kenai Fjords remain an unbeatable excursion out of all the things you do in Seward. The dramatic glaciers and their spanning views across the Pacific make it worthwhile to marvel at its surroundings. And not only it’s a beautiful sight to explore, but also the most accessible Alaskan day trip from Anchorage.
Cruise the Kenai Fjords National Park
Start your Kenai journey by boarding the largest catamaran in the region, and spend full-day flabbergasting at the dense forests, mountains, and glaciers. Spot whales, puffins, and sea otters near Resurrection Bay and learn regional history with the help of a National park ranger.
The cruise will also stop at one tidewater glacier to make you watch the glacier calving events. It doesn’t happen frequently, but if lucky – you’ll be able to see the breakdown of the ice chunks. Furthermore, enjoy stops at the Gulf of Alaska past Bear Glacier to capture amazing photos of the park’s dense nature.
Add an extra day to explore the below activities in Seward
Hike the Exit Glacier – Interested in hiking trails? Explore the beautiful path of Exit Glacier, leading straight into the heart of the Kenai Fjords.
Visit the SeaLife Centre – Learn about Alaska’s marine world at the SeaLife Centre located in Seward city. This 115,000 sqft facility features aquatic species in their most natural habitat.
Find Murals in Seward – Discover murals handcrafted by local artists based on prominent themes. Most of these murals have been spread across the city.
Day 3: Anchorage | Experiential Activities
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
A 45-minute drive from Anchorage will take you to the famous Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre. The space has been specifically designed to protect the local species of Alaska and preserve their longevity. It’s an excellent attraction for families to come and discover over 200-acres of animal enclosures and incredible nature.
With the help of this admission ticket, you’ll gain access to view animals in their natural habitats and an option to self-drive the scenic 1.5-mile loop. You can either drive, ski, or bike-ride the circuit to encounter animals spread across this vast conservation center. During winter, the experience of touring the 1.5-mile loop is even more fun, as it presents limitless winter-driven sports & activities.
The other highlight of touring the AWCC is its prime location. Surrounded by the shades of the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range, the site itself is an admirable spot to spend some time and relax.
Coastal Trail of Anchorage
Need some thrill in Anchorage? Hop onto this adventurous bike trail course to explore the fantastic locations of Kincaid Park, Earthquake Park, and Westchester Lagoon.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a popular coastal trail in Anchorage. You can start your tour at the Visitor Centre and then bike through the Kincaid Park to view the amazing Alaskan landscape flow in motion. Stop by Earthquake Park, and marvel at the mountain ranges surrounding the entire coast. You can easily spot the Alaskan and the Denali Range from the park.
Also, do watch out for any wildlife along your journey. They are most likely to be spotted on the Tony Knowles Trail.
Note: This particular bike ride is open for all age groups. It doesn’t require any fitness level, as you’d be casually exploring places from time to time. For more info, you can check the details here.
Accommodation for 3 Days in Alaska
Alaska is home to many hotels, lodges, and cabin/house rentals. With the variety of options to choose from, selecting the right hotel may become overwhelming for visitors to book their stay.
Also, pre-planning hotels in Alaska is one of the most vital stages of your trip. It’s crucial because your tour price will eventually increase if you don’t plan it well, costing you more than an average night’s stay.
We’ve researched some unique hotel stays for your 3 days in Alaska to reduce your work. We’ve further drilled these suggestions into the budget, mid-range, and luxury to give you the best accommodation guide. Use the links below to redirect them to these specific categories –
Budget/Cheap Hotels in Alaska – There’s no shortage of rental home options, B&B, and hostels in Alaska. Explore this category in detail and filter out your preference based on style.
Mid-range Hotels in Alaska – Got some extra bucks to spend? These mid-range hotel options in Alaska will guide you the right way.
Luxury Hotels in Alaska – Luxury is quite synonymous with what Alaska offers. The state proudly boasts forest lodges, eco-resorts, and cabins featuring excellent amenities & gorgeous room views. Check this category to find high-end stays in Alaska.
Best Alaska Day Trips & Excursions
Want to explore more of Alaska? Read our 10-day Alaska itinerary to book a perfect Alaskan road trip for your next vacation. Alternatively, this 7-day Alaska itinerary is a shorter version traversing across cities like Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan.
You can also explore these popular day trips & excursions of Alaska –
Talkeetna: Flight Experience of Denali – Soar high above the mountains of the Tokositna glacier and discover famous peaks – Moose’s Tooth and Broken Tooth. Click here.
Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier – Combine two Alaskan experiences and venture out to explore the serene beauty of the rustic Alaskan landscape. View this page to find more details.
Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour – Nothing can beat the enthralling experience of taking the Alaskan Helicopter Ride. Fly high up the Knik River Valley to spot glaciers and famous peaks. View this page to find more details.
Talkeetna: Glacier Landing Tour – Level up your adventure game by landing on the Alaskan Range. Uncover Denali’s majestic beauty, and discover massive mountains. Explore this page.
Further Readings & Resources
Alaska – 7 Day Alaska Itinerary: How To Spend A Week in Alaska
California – 10 Day California Road Trip: One Epic California Itinerary
Sedona – Phoenix to Sedona: Top Things to Do + Sedona Itinerary
Yellowstone – Yellowstone Itinerary: How to Spend an Ideal Time in Yellowstone
Other popular reads –
London Paris Amsterdam – London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe
London Paris Barcelona – London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe
Experiential Europe – 10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland
