Ultimate Alaska Itinerary: Anchorage to Kenai in 10 Epic Days

An Epic Road Trip Adventure from Anchorage to Seward, Homer, and Soldotna

By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Alaska Trip Itinerary

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Looking for the perfect Alaska road trip? You’re in the right place.

This 10-day itinerary explores some of the best places to visit in Alaska—Seward, Homer, Soldotna and the Kenai River. In addition, you’ll experience glacier tours, salmon fishing, coastal towns, and scenic byways, with stunning views no matter the season, especially between May and September.

Moreover, this guide is ideal for travel between late May and early September—including the peak summer and early fall seasons—and I’ll update it post-trip with fresh photos and reviews.

Whether you’re planning your own Alaskan road trip or just dreaming of one, follow along as we explore Anchorage, Seward, Homer, Soldotna and the Kenai Peninsula!

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Why You’ll Love This Itinerary

• Visit Alaska’s most scenic coastal towns
• Experience glaciers, fjords, and wildlife
• See Kenai Fjords National Park via cruise boat
• Go salmon or halibut fishing with local guides
• Enjoy fresh, local food
• Easy loop starting and ending in Anchorage

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Jump to:

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Alaska Trip Itinerary: Travel Dates & Flight Info

Trip Format: 10-day loop from Anchorage with stops in Seward, Homer, Soldotna, and the Kenai Peninsula. Adjust the dates to fit your travel season and preferences.

Pro Tip: Fly in a day early to adjust to the time zone, grab your rental car, and relax.

Once you’ve landed and had a moment to settled in, the next step is to think about transportation.

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Alaska Trip Itinerary: Rental Car + Road Trip Setup

After landing at ANC Airport, we’ll grab a compact SUV or AWD vehicle—ideal for mountain roads and wildlife turnouts. In addition, picking up the car rental right at ANC Airport makes the start of your trip smoother.

Next, with our wheels ready, let’s dive into day one.

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Anchorage, Alaska (Day 1 of Our Alaska Trip Itinerary)

Stay: Hotel near ANC (TBA)

After touching down in ANC, Anchorage is our jumping-off point. After the flight, we’ll grab dinner, stock up on road trip snacks, drinks, and outdoor gear, and rest up for the drive to Seward.

To-Do List in Anchorage:

• Pick up your rental car
• Visit a local brewery or restaurant
• Shop for snacks and gear
• Overnight stay near the airport

Well-rested and ready for the road, we kick off our Kenai Peninsula Road Trip with one of the most breathtaking drives in North America.

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Seward, Alaska (Days 2–4 of the Itinerary)

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Drive Time from Anchorage: ~2.5 hours via the scenic Seward Highway

Stay: Spruce Lodge (Available on Booking.com or Expedia)

Later, with a good night’s rest, we’ll take the Seward Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., with stunning views of mountains, waterfalls, and coastal inlets.

What’s Planned:

• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
  A fantastic place to view moose, bears, musk ox, and bison up close in a safe and educational setting. You can also book general admission tickets in advance on GetYourGuide.
• Exit Glacier Hike
  Next on the list, we’ll take a hike for amazing glacier views. Depending on the weather and how we’re feeling; it’s a flexible option for either the day we arrive in Seward or the morning we depart.
• Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
  Of course, no visit to Seward is complete without booking the Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Seward, which also includes glaciers, puffins, whales, and sea otters. Check availability and book through Viator
• Alaska SeaLife Center
  To cap off our time in Seward, we visit the Sealife Center for marine exhibits with touch tanks, playful puffins, seals, and interactive displays that highlight Alaska’s ocean ecosystems.

Next, after our Kenai Fjord National Park Cruise and Glacier hikes, it’s time to continue south to one of Alaska’s most artistic communities, Homer.

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Homer, Alaska (Days 4–7 in Our Alaska Adventure)

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Drive Time from Seward: ~3.5 hours via the Sterling Highway

Stay: Homer Inn & Spa (Available on Booking.com or Expedia)

Continuing the adventure, we’ll take the scenic drive along the Sterling Highway to Homer—known as “The Halibut Capital of the World.” As a result, anglers from around the world come here for legendary halibut fishing in the rich waters of Kachemak Bay.

What’s Planned:

• Stay at Homer Inn & Spa – oceanfront views and a hot tub
• Start by exploring Homer Spit, shops, bars
• Sip local brews at Homer Brewing Co.
• Sample wine at Bear Creek Winery
• Stop by the iconic Salty Dawg Saloon

After soaking up Homer’s salty charm, our next stop is the salmon fishing capital of the Kenai Peninsula: Soldotna.

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Soldotna & Kenai, Alaska (Days 7–10 of the Trip Itinerary)

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Drive Time from Homer: ~1.5 hours via the Sterling Highway

Stay: Cozy Cabin in Soldotna with hot tub

Leaving Homer behind, the journey continues north to Soldotna, a town famed for world-class salmon fishing on the Kenai River.

What’s Planned:

• Cabin near Soldotna.
• Guided Salmon fishing on the Kenai River.
• Hiking in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
• Relax in the hot tub.
• Dining at restaurants or food trucks.

Lastly, with our cooler full of salmon, it’s time to circle back to Anchorage.

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Return to Anchorage (Day 10 – Wrapping Up the Itinerary)

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Drive Time from Homer: ~2.5-3 hours via the Sterling Highway & Seward Highway

As our trip winds down, we’ll drive back to Anchorage, return the rental car, and fly out late.

Optional Final Stops:

• Visit downtown Anchorage shops and/or breweries
• Grab a final bite before the airport

While the road trip ends, the memories will last forever.

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What I Packed for This Alaska Trip Itinerary

In Alaska, weather can shift fast, so come prepared.

Essentials to Bring:

• Waterproof boots
• Layered clothing (fleece, thermals, rain jacket)
• Mosquito repellent – Check out my 👉 6 Best Insect Repellents Guide
• Camera or GoPro Hero
• Power banks & offline maps
• Binoculars
• Reusable water bottle
• Microfiber towel

🧳 Need help packing for Alaska? Check out my Travel Essentials Guide — it covers all the gear I actually use and love.

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Alaska Trip Itinerary: Helpful Travel Resources & Booking Tools

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As We Wrap Up This Alaska Journey…

Looking ahead, this Alaskan road trip is shaping up to be one of the most scenic adventures I’ve ever planned—From epic national park cruise and wildlife sightings to cozy cabins and salmon fishing, this route has something for every traveler.

I can’t wait to share more as I go!

Furthermore, if you’re dreaming of a similar trip, use this itinerary as your jumping-off point. Check back soon for updates, photos, and post-trip reviews.