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A Cool Girls Guide to a Solo Road Trip Through Alaska
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items This is specifically geared towards south central and into internal - as thats quite literally the trip I just came home from. But I ;oved my (spontaneous) solo road trip SO much that I am already making plans for my return. Here's my favorite spots ...
Sections
5
Where You'll Stay
What You'll Need
Can't Miss Locations
What You'll Do
Where You'll Indulge
Where You'll Stay
If you are leaving for a cruise from Seward OR you're taking a day Kenai Fjords boat trip- this is a great hotel. It's quite literally on the harbor and where many of the boats leave from!
Where I Stayed in Seward: Harbor 360 Hotel Seward
do NOT miss Talkeetna. I expected to stay there for a few hours max….and then I spent the whole day there- I wish I stayed overnight!
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge Reviews & Photos 2026
I stayed with a friend in Anchorage but if I were to choose a hotel, this is where I'd stay
The Wildbirch Hotel - JdV by Hyatt, Anchorage (updated prices 2026)
Apparently the luxest hotel in the Denali Region, a bit too rich for my bones but hey it may be your thing!
Grande Denali Lodge Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026
When I was in Denali, I noticed a lot of the cruise lines had grand hotels (genuinely the nicest of the bunch)- you DONT need to be on a cruise to stay!
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026
Talkeetna is a ridiculously charming town- so why not a ridiculously charming stay to match?
Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
IF you break up your drive on the Seward Highway- this is the spot to stay. Plus you can take the Gondola up the mountain from here!
Alyeska Resort, Girdwood (updated prices 2026)
Another great hotel in town- just a few short minutes from the shore, and in the Seward Downtown
Hotel Seward by Aspen Hotels, Seward (updated prices 2026)
Where I stayed in Denali! It is absolutely a budget stay so don't expect anything flash but hey, youre there for the park anyways right?!?
Denali Park Hotel - Check Reviews 2026
What You'll Need
Even though I road tripped this time- a cruise is 100% what I'll be doing next time- (and I met a TON of people who combined both the cruise and roadtrip!)
Alaska Cruises | Book 2026-2028 now
First thing you'll probably need is a flight! Alaska Airlines (obviously) serves Alaska. They have HOURLY connections via Seattle!
Alaska Airlines - Flight Deals and Cheap Airline Tickets - Book Today
If you love Seafood, Alaska is a fantastic spot for you- you'll be spoilt for choice. But maybe you want to take some home?
Alaskan Seafood
One of the FIRST things I do after booking a trip is checking if Guide Along has an audio tour for it- I LOVE this app
Alaska GuideAlong Audio Tours App
Layers! I'm gonna say it one more time- LAYERS. No matter what time of year you visit, you should be prepared for sun, cold, wind, rain, heat- anything!
Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover - Women's | REI Co-op
If you're going the roadtrip route (instead of, or in addition to the cruise route) you'll need, well, a car!
Avis Alaska Car Rental
Alaska is pretty famous for its mosquitos. I even bought a hat from Denali with the stsate bird on it (the mosquito)
OFF! Deep Woods Dry Insect & Mosquito Spray 2.5oz
If you plan on taking a Kenai Fjords Boat OR a rafting trip- you'll want a dry bag- just trust me on that
Lightweight Dry Bag - 5 L | REI Co-op
Absolutely get a Waterproof Rain Shell. Not water resistant. Make sure to get waterproof!
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket - Women's | REI Co-op
These are the hiking shoes I use! (Except mine is just in neutral green/beige- wish I had these colors)
Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoes - Women's | REI Co-op
DO NOT skimp out on bear spray. Just be aware, you will have to buy once in Alaska- you can't bring on the plane, even in checked
Carry Bear Spray - Know How to Use It - Grand Teton National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Can't Miss Locations
DONT skip Talkeetna if you're given the option (while driving through!)
Talkeetna, Alaska | Plan Your Visit
Seward truly blew me away and I wish stayed there more than one night. If you have the time, don't make the same mistake as I did (it is expensive there I won't lie)
Seward Visitor Guide • Visit Seward Alaska
Now keep in mind, my trip was more central and less coastal (aside from Seward) but if you ARE going to the coast, don't miss Ketchikan
Visit Ketchikan Alaska Free Ketchikan Travel Guide
The NPS site to plan your Denali Trip. In summary? Its beautiful. Book a bus. Dress warm.
Denali National Park
I would recommend not spending toooo much time in Anchorage. It is a lovely ciy for sure, but youre in AK for the nature right? So get into the nature!
Anchorage, AK | Things to do, Recreation, & Travel Information
Another stop if you're doing the cruise route! I can't lie, I don't know much about this stop- well anything- I've never been!
Sitka, AK | Things to Do, Recreation, & Travel Information
What You'll Do
If you're driving down the Seward Highway- do not skip this stop! I spent about 2 hours here on my road trip- fed moose, loved bears (from a distance) and other various rescued Alaskan natives
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Flightseeing is no doubt a ‘luxury’ activity. And I originally wasn't planning on doing it but I am SO glad I did. One of my favorite experiences by far
Talkeetna: Southside Explorer with Optional Glacier Landing
One of the only hikes you can do in Kenai Fjords National Park- but I did it in about an hour- and it was well worth it
Exit Glacier View and Overlook Loop, Alaska - 4,620 Reviews, Map
This is absolutely a MUST DO for Kenai Fjords. If you have the time- also try the Exit Glacier Hike but if youhave time for only one- let it be this!
Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier Cruise w/ Lunch
If you'd rather kick your feet up and not worry about the NPS reservations, timing etc- this is the tour for you
Denali in a Day – Full-Day Sightseeing Package
A must if you have the time. Pro tip: if you book for the end of August- you'll catch the color changes of the leaves!
Matanuska Glacier Tour
Don't underestimate these rapids! If you fall in- it will be COLD. But beautiful
Denali Alaska: Wilderness Rafting Class II-III Trip
So while in Denali, you can't take your car past mile 15- you will need to either walk, bike OR book a bus trip through the national parks reservation system
Non-Narrated Transit Buses - Denali National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)
One of my biggest regrets is not fishing while I was in Alaska. I will 100% be doing that next time!
Anchorage: Full-day guided fly-fishing with Hotel Pickup
If you have any spare time in Anchorage- this is a great museum. Genuinely really great and I wish I had spent more time there
Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket
Meet some of the adorable Alaska Huskies- you can even get a ride (even in summer!)
Iditarof Headquarters
Great option for families- but honestly, I went even by myself! Feed Moose, Reindeer, pet Highland Cows- it was just a cute stop honestly! And family run!
REINDEER FARM
When in AK you MUST at least try for the northern lights rihgt?!?
Northern Lights Tour with FREE Photos - Arctic Night Tours
Where You'll Indulge
The beer is good. The food is alright. But honestly I really liked the Into the Wild bus replica!
Denali - 49th State Brewing
Get the crab sandwich. Or the fish and chips. Or any of the seafood really
F St Station
Surprisingly good Tacos in the interior of Alaska. Who'da thunk it??
Home - tAKo
My first stop off the plane when I arrived, and genuinely one of my favorites
Sushi Ya
I sadly missed out on this because they were at the State Fair when I was in town but I'm told its great!
Talkeetna Spinach Bread