Springtime in Alaska: A 7-Day Road Trip from Anchorage to Denali
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Fun fact: I actually grew up in Alaska and still consider it home, even though it’s been 30 years since I left for good. Do you realize HOW BIG Alaska truly is? Even with a healthy appreciation for its size, I may have underestimated two things: how far it is from the East Coast, and how absolutely spacious the mainland of the state is.
My daughter, my son-in-law, and I had planned an epic trip to Jordan to see Petra last spring, but when the war with Iran unsettled the region, we canceled and made a mad dash to find somewhere else. We decided Alaska in April would be fitting, since my daughter Denali is the namesake of Alaska’s tallest and most famous mountain.
So this trip was a homecoming for me and a pilgrimage of sorts for her. Here’s our 7-day road trip from Anchorage to Seward, Homer, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park, plus everything I’d want you to know about visiting Alaska in spring.
Alaska Road Trip Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Route | Drive | Where we stayed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly Dulles to Anchorage; explore downtown | Flight day | Four Points by Sheraton |
| 2 | Anchorage to Seward via Turnagain Arm and Alyeska | 2.5 to 3 hrs | Harbor 360 Hotel |
| 3 | Kenai Fjords cruise from Seward | Harbor 360 Hotel | |
| 4 | Seward to Homer, via Portage Lake and Whittier | 4 hrs plus detour | Best Western Bidarka Inn |
| 5 | Explore Homer and the Homer Spit | Best Western Bidarka Inn | |
| 6 | Homer to Talkeetna, lunch in Anchorage | 7 hrs | Talkeetna Roadhouse |
| 7 | Day trip to Denali National Park | 3 hrs each way | Talkeetna Roadhouse |
| 8 | Talkeetna to Anchorage; Native Heritage Center | 2.5 hrs | Residence Inn Midtown |
| 9 | Early flight home | Flight day |
Why Visit Alaska in April
April is a beautiful time to visit Alaska. There might still be snow, but there are far fewer crowds and pristine wilderness at every turn. Snow-capped peaks rising straight out of the ocean and bays are a remarkable sight.
- The days are already long. By late April, Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula get around 16 hours of daylight, with the sun setting close to 10 PM.
- Fewer crowds. Before cruise season starts, you’ll often have trails, viewpoints, and even historic inns nearly to yourself.
- Towns are still lived in. Some parks and seasonal businesses have limited access, but most cities and towns have year-round residents and services.
- Lower prices. Alaska tends to cost noticeably less outside the busy summer season, especially for hotels and tours.
Day 1: Anchorage
We flew from Washington Dulles to Anchorage and spent our first day walking around downtown, seeing the main tourist area, enjoying 49th State Brewing Company, and breathing in the crisp spring air.
Check rates and availability for the Four Points by Sheraton Anchorage Downtown
Day 2: The Seward Highway, Turnagain Arm, Girdwood and Alyeska
Our route took us out of Anchorage along the Seward Highway and the breathtaking Turnagain Arm. In April, the water was still dotted with ice floes, and the mountains were wrapped in snow and clouds.
Girdwood and the Alyeska Aerial Tram
We made a brief stop in Girdwood before riding the aerial tram up to see the incredible views from Alyeska Resort, looking out over Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains.
Day 2 (continued): Arriving in Seward
Leaving Alyeska, we continued on to Seward and its lovely waterfront. We enjoyed a wonderful halibut dinner at Ray’s Waterfront and drifted off to sleep at the Harbor 360 Hotel, right on the harbor at the edge of the misty Kenai Fjords.
Check rates and availability for the Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward
Want more options near the harbor? Use the map below to compare stays in Seward.
Day 3: Seward and a Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise
The next morning started with coffee at Resurrect Art Coffee House (in a repurposed old church!). Then came our highlight: a truly wonderful day cruise out of Seward into Resurrection Bay with Kenai Fjords Tours. The captain and crew were informative and so helpful.
Despite the misty, rainy day, we saw seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and the beautiful sea stacks and spires that make up this impressive landscape. We even saw a young humpback whale that lives in the harbor, and it gave us quite the show as we pulled back into the marina.
Book a Kenai Fjords National Park glacier and wildlife cruise from Seward with Kenai Fjords Tours
Dinner that night was another glorious halibut meal, this time at The Highliner Restaurant.
Day 4: Whittier Detour and the Drive to Homer
The following day we set out for the long drive to Homer and the Homer Spit. Homer is only about 80 miles from Seward as the crow flies, but the road winds around the Kenai Mountains, so it’s an actual 4-hour drive.
Portage Lake and the Whittier Tunnel
We also made a detour back up the highway, which added a few hours to the day but was worth it. We stopped at Portage Lake, still frozen solid, and drove through the famous Whittier tunnel (the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a one-lane tunnel shared by cars and trains) to the tiny town of Whittier, where nearly all residents live in a single building, Begich Towers. Since the season hadn’t started yet, we didn’t find any open shops or restaurants, so we turned around, went back through the tunnel, and continued on to Homer.
First Views of Homer
The first views of Homer are stunning: Kachemak Bay, the pristine mountains of the Kenai Peninsula, and the volcanoes to the west. On a clear day you can see Mount Redoubt, Mount Iliamna, Mount Spurr, and Mount Augustine.
We checked into the Best Western Bidarka Inn and headed straight for the historic Homer Spit. Homer calls itself the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” so of course we had halibut for dinner, at the incredible Harbor Grill. It was our absolute favorite meal in all of Alaska.
Check rates and availability for the Best Western Bidarka Inn in Homer
Day 5: Exploring Homer
The next morning we explored Homer, starting with coffee at the cute ZenDen Cafe. Then we noticed there was a minus tide, so we went beachcombing and hunted for sand dollars and seashells.
We headed back to the Homer Spit for lunch, but found most restaurants and shops still closed for the season.
Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center
We stopped in at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center, the visitor center for the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. The guide and exhibits helped us appreciate the fragile ecosystem of not just this region, but all of Alaska.
Day 6: Moose’s Tooth in Anchorage and On to Talkeetna
After a second night in Homer, we woke early for the long, 7-hour drive to Talkeetna. We stopped back in Anchorage for lunch at the famous Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria, and it lived up to the hype. It has been called the highest-grossing independent pizzeria in the country, and we could see why. With over 40 pizzas and a big menu to choose from, everything we sampled was delicious and the service was friendly and fast. And it was packed for lunch on a random day.
Historic Talkeetna
After our great lunch, we continued on to the historic community of Talkeetna. Like a step back in time, Talkeetna has kept its rustic charm. Its spot on the Susitna River and its rich trading history brought visitors and settlers for generations. Today it’s mainly a staging area for climbers and for flightseeing adventures over Denali National Park and the mountain itself.
We didn’t fly this time, but if the weather is clear, a flightseeing trip is the best way to see the mountain up close. Book a Denali flightseeing tour from Talkeetna, with an optional glacier landing.
Our Stay at the Talkeetna Roadhouse
We spent both of our Talkeetna nights at the historic Talkeetna Roadhouse and had the entire place to ourselves. It was like stepping back in time, and it pays homage to the climbers who have been lost on Denali over the years. We had the two-bedroom “suite,” which meant the whole upstairs was ours, and the beds were so comfy.
Check rates and availability for the Talkeetna Roadhouse
Heading to Denali? Talkeetna makes an easy base. Compare stays nearby on the map below.
We spent the evening wandering past the historic buildings in the slush, then had dinner at Denali Brewpub, where Denali herself (my daughter!) enjoyed a beer and shopped for some branded swag.
Day 7: Denali National Park in Spring
The next morning we headed out for the 3-hour drive to Denali National Park, with some of the most beautiful vistas and scenery in the entire world along the way. Sadly, the mountain Denali was hiding behind the clouds most of the day, but we enjoyed the views all around us.
When we arrived at the park, the main Denali Visitor Center was still closed for the season, but the Winter Visitor Center (inside the Murie Science and Learning Center) was open. The ranger there was super helpful, sharing some fun facts and letting us know the road was clear, even though there was still a lot of snow on the ground. Of course we had to stop for a photo shoot at the entrance sign for my girl, and buy all the things in the gift shop.
After the gift shop, we drove the park road as far as it was open, then headed up to Healy for a hot cup of coffee. On the way we passed the small, very touristy area near the park entrance that wasn’t open yet. It feels geared to tour operators and cruise lines, and I can only imagine the crowds once May rolls around.
Sunset at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
We drove back to Talkeetna and up to the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, a beautiful, modern full-service lodge. We weren’t staying there, but its deck is worth the trip on its own. It sits high on a bluff overlooking the sprawling Susitna River valley, and its deck faces directly toward Denali with the most incredible views. We were finally able to see her poking through the clouds! We took about 1,000 pictures and joined the famous “30% Club” of visitors lucky enough to see the mountain.
Since it was the last evening of our trip into the interior, we stayed out long into the twilight, enjoying the scenery and the crisp air, before heading back to the Roadhouse for one more night.
Day 8: Back to Anchorage and the Alaska Native Heritage Center
The next day we drove back to Anchorage, with one more stop before our last night.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a living cultural center in Anchorage that shares the traditions, languages, and arts of Alaska’s Native peoples. Inside, the Hall of Cultures introduces Alaska’s major cultural groups, and outside, a trail around Lake Tiulana leads to six life-sized traditional village sites.
My favorite part was the displays of cold-weather parkas and the beautiful beadwork and baskets, along with the ivory scrimshaw. I also deeply appreciated learning the history of Alaska’s boarding schools and the lasting effect they’ve had on Alaska Native communities over the years. The resurgence of Native culture and language is fantastic, and I’m proud of what they’ve created and the awareness they’re bringing to future generations.
We spent our final night at the Residence Inn Anchorage Midtown before an early flight and the long journey back to the East Coast.
Check rates and availability for the Residence Inn Anchorage Midtown
Good to Know for Visiting Alaska in Spring
- Expect slush, mist, and snow. We had rain on our cruise day and slush in Talkeetna, and Portage Lake was still frozen. Waterproof boots and a good rain jacket make a big difference.
- Many seasonal businesses are still closed. In Whittier and on the Homer Spit, most shops and restaurants hadn’t opened yet. Plan meals in bigger towns, and check hours before you go.
- Day cruises do run from Seward in April. Ours was one of the highlights of the trip.
- Denali’s main visitor center opens later. In April, the Winter Visitor Center at the Murie Science and Learning Center is the place to go, and how far you can drive the park road depends on snow. Check the park’s current road conditions before you go.
- The drives are long. Seward to Homer took us about 4 hours, and Homer to Talkeetna about 7. Alaska is BIG.
- Bring patience for the mountain. Denali hides in clouds much of the time. Keep looking up, and try again from Talkeetna.
What I Pack for Alaska in Spring
Spring in Alaska means rain, slush, and mud, so staying dry is everything. These are the pieces I rely on:
- XtraTuf boots. You’ll see these on just about everyone in Alaska, and for good reason. They’re 100% waterproof, easy to pack, and have a great slip-resistant sole for icy docks and slushy trails. I wear the XtraTuf Women’s 6″ Ankle Deck Boot.
- A good rain jacket. My favorite is the Helly Hansen Women’s Seven J Rain Jacket. It’s waterproof and windproof, and it kept me dry through our rainy cruise day.
- Rain pants. My Columbia Women’s Storm Surge II Rain Pants kept me dry in the rain too, and they’re lightweight and easy to pack.
- Seasickness patches. I wore MQ Motion Sickness Patches on our Kenai Fjords cruise, and I was so glad I did. Put one on before you board, because once the boat heads out of the harbor, it’s too late to wish you had.
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For more cold-weather packing ideas, see my Travel Gear page.
Another road trip I loved: Tromsø to Lofoten by Campervan: A 5-Day Midnight Sun Road Trip
Alaska in Spring FAQ
Is April a good time to visit Alaska?
Yes, if you don’t mind a little snow and slush. You’ll find far fewer crowds, long days, and lower prices than in summer. Some seasonal businesses and park facilities are still closed, but most towns have year-round services.
Can you visit Denali National Park in April?
Yes. The Winter Visitor Center at the Murie Science and Learning Center is open, and you can drive the park road as far as snow conditions allow, typically to Savage River (Mile 15) and sometimes farther by late April. Park buses don’t start running until May 20.
How long is the drive from Seward to Homer?
About 4 hours. Homer is only about 80 miles from Seward as the crow flies, but the road winds around the Kenai Mountains, so it’s roughly 170 miles of driving.
Do Seward wildlife cruises run in April?
Yes. Several Seward operators run spring wildlife cruises in Resurrection Bay starting in March. We went in April and saw seals, bald eagles, sea stacks, and a humpback whale.
Is the Alaska Native Heritage Center worth visiting at the end of a trip?
It makes a great last stop in Anchorage, since it’s in the city and easy to fit in before a flight home. It shares the traditions, languages, and arts of Alaska’s Native peoples through indoor exhibits and six life-sized village sites around Lake Tiulana.
Will I see Denali, the mountain?
Maybe. The mountain is often hidden by clouds. We missed it inside the park but finally saw it from the deck at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, so give yourself more than one chance.
Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Season
Alaska in spring is a little slushy, chilly, and misty, but it’s uncrowded, unbothered, and absolutely not to be missed. If Alaska has been on your someday list, this is your nudge. Go see it.