Cheap Alaska Trip Planning Guide: Anchorage, Cooper Landing, Seward, Whittier

 


  Planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska is exciting, but can also be overwhelming due to the vast options available. From the rugged beauty of glaciers to the serene charm of small towns, Alaska offers experiences that range from outdoor adventures to relaxing getaways. Based on your initial plans, 

I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to make your journey easy, memorable, and seamless. We'll cover the key locations you want to visit, the best hotels, recommended activities, and how to get from one place to the next.

 

Itinerary Overview

Day 1-2: Anchorage
Day 3: Cooper Landing (Overnight)
Day 4-6: Seward
Day 7: Whittier (Overnight)
Day 8-9: Cruise departure from Whittier

 

Day 1-2: Anchorage - Start of the Adventure

Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, is a great starting point for your journey. It offers a blend of urban amenities and close proximity to natural beauty, making it the perfect spot for exploring the Alaskan wilderness and wildlife.

 

Must-Do Activities in Anchorage:

  1. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
    Just outside of Anchorage, this is a must-see for animal lovers. The center provides a chance to get up close with native wildlife, such as bears, moose, bison, and musk oxen. It's educational, ethical, and beautiful.

    Location: Mile 79 Seward Highway, Portage, AK
    Best Time to Visit: Open year-round, with summer being the peak season.
    Cost: Entry fee is typically around $15 per adult.

  2. Girdwood Tram
    A short drive from Anchorage, Girdwood is a mountain town with spectacular views. The Alyeska Resort Tram takes you up Mount Alyeska for panoramic views and access to hiking trails.

    Location: Girdwood, AK (40 miles south of Anchorage)
    Best Time to Visit: Summer for hiking, winter for skiing.
    Cost: $35 for a round-trip ticket on the tram.

  3. Downtown Anchorage & Anchorage Museum
    Spend some time exploring the downtown area. The Anchorage Museum provides fascinating insights into the region’s history, culture, and art. Visit local shops and cafes too, for a taste of Alaskan cuisine.

    Location: 625 C St, Anchorage, AK
    Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with special exhibits during summer.
    Cost: Museum entry is about $15 for adults.


Where to Stay in Anchorage:

  1. Cheaper Option:
    Econo Inn
    An affordable and comfortable choice located near downtown Anchorage. It’s basic but offers good value for money, especially for short stays.
    Cost: Around $100 per night.

  2. Mid-Range Option:
    Hotel Captain Cook
    A locally owned, upscale hotel with great service, and excellent views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.
    Cost: Around $250 per night.

  3. Luxury Option:
    The Lakefront Anchorage
    Set against the backdrop of beautiful scenery and a lake, this hotel offers a range of amenities and great proximity to the airport and the city.
    Cost: Around $350 per night.

     

    Day 3: Cooper Landing - A Peaceful Overnight Escape

    After spending a couple of days in Anchorage, head south towards Cooper Landing for a peaceful overnight stop. Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Cooper Landing is a haven for outdoor activities, surrounded by pristine rivers, lakes, and mountains.

     

    Must-Do Activities in Cooper Landing:

  4. Kenai River Rafting
    Cooper Landing is famous for its rafting on the Kenai River. Whether you want an easy scenic float or something more adventurous, this is a great way to experience the landscape.

    Location: Kenai River, Cooper Landing, AK
    Best Time to Visit: Summer for rafting and fishing.
    Cost: Around $100 per person for a guided rafting trip.

  5. Easy Hikes Around Cooper Landing
    For a tranquil experience, consider one of the short hikes around the area, such as the Russian River Falls Trail or the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Trails.

    Location: Russian River Falls Trail, Cooper Landing, AK
    Best Time to Visit: June to September
    Cost: Free!


Where to Stay in Cooper Landing:

  1. Cheaper Option:
    Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
    A fantastic lodge offering budget-friendly options with stunning views of the mountains and river.

    Cost: Around $150 per night.

  2. Mid-Range Option:
    Cooper Landing Hotel
    A cozy, no-frills option in the heart of Cooper Landing, providing easy access to local attractions.
    Cost: Around $200 per night.



    Day 4-6: Seward - Scenic Beauty and Wildlife

    Seward is a small town known for its stunning fjords, wildlife, and proximity to Kenai Fjords National Park. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and offers a combination of outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and great food.

     

     

    Must-Do Activities in Seward:

  3. Kenai Fjords National Park - Day Trip
    This is the highlight of Seward. Take a day cruise to explore the breathtaking fjords, glaciers, and wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and puffins.

    Location: Departure from Seward Harbor
    Best Time to Visit: Summer (May to September)
    Cost: Day cruise starts at $120 per person.

  4. Dog Sledding on a Glacier
    This is an iconic Alaskan experience. Seward offers glacier dog sledding adventures, typically by helicopter to the glacier and then onto sleds. It’s a unique, unforgettable experience.

    Location: Exit Glacier (for the land-based option)
    Best Time to Visit: Summer
    Cost: Approximately $500 per person.

  5. Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield
    For those interested in hiking, the Harding Icefield Trail is a rewarding yet challenging option. Exit Glacier is also easy to access for a quick stroll.

    Location: 9 miles from Seward
    Best Time to Visit: June to September
    Cost: Free!

     

     

Where to Stay in Seward:

  1. Cheaper Option:
    Aloha Beach Resort
    An affordable choice with great access to the ocean and the town. It offers basic amenities but has a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
    Cost: Around $120 per night.

  2. Mid-Range Option:
    Harbor 360 Hotel
    Offering excellent views of the waterfront and easy access to downtown Seward, this hotel is a great base for your Seward adventure.
    Cost: Around $250 per night.

  3. Luxury Option:
    Seward Windsong Lodge
    A beautiful lodge set amidst nature, providing an upscale experience, including great dining and guided tours.
    Cost: Around $300 per night.

     

    Day 7: Whittier - Gateway to the Cruise

    Whittier is a charming town and the port where you'll embark on your Alaskan cruise. While small, it offers a fascinating glimpse of the wild beauty of the region.

     

    Must-Do Activities in Whittier:

  4. Portage Glacier Visitor Center
    The visitor center offers educational exhibits and great views of Portage Glacier, just a short drive from Whittier. The Portage Glacier Cruise is also a popular option for visitors.

    Location: Portage Glacier, AK
    Best Time to Visit: Summer months
    Cost: Free entry to the Visitor Center, glacier cruise about $60.

  5. Easy Hikes & Wildlife Viewing
    Whittier offers easy hikes such as the Begich Boggs Visitor Center trail or the Whittier Creek trail. Perfect for an afternoon out before your cruise.

    Location: Whittier, AK
    Best Time to Visit: June to September
    Cost: Free

    Where to Stay in Whittier:

  6. Cheaper Option:
    Inn at Whittier
    A budget-friendly option offering a great location by the water, perfect for cruise-goers.
    Cost: Around $125 per night.

  7. Mid-Range Option:
    Whittier Hotel
    The main hotel in Whittier, offering basic amenities and great proximity to the harbor.
    Cost: Around $150 per night.

     

    Cruise from Whittier:

    From Whittier, your cruise will take you to some of the most picturesque destinations in Alaska. Depending on your choice of cruise, you’ll likely visit places like Glacier Bay, Juneau, and Ketchikan, providing an unforgettable way to end your Alaskan adventure.