There’s something magical about finally crossing a destination off your family’s bucket list—and for us, that dream trip was Alaska. In summer 2023, we packed up our sense of adventure (and lots of layers!) and headed north for a journey filled with glaciers, wildlife, winding mountain roads, and unforgettable moments.

Whether you're a nature lover, wildlife photography enthusiast, or just someone craving wide-open spaces and jaw-dropping scenery, I hope this post inspires you—and a few helpful links—to plan your own Alaska family adventure.

Why Alaska Should Be on Your Bucket List

Alaska is more than just a destination—it’s an experience. A place where nature feels untouched, the silence is humbling, and the landscapes shift from glaciers to mountains to coastal fjords, all within a few hours. With a population under 750,000 in the largest U.S. state, it offers rare moments of solitude and raw beauty that you just don’t find elsewhere.

If you're a nature lover (like us), wildlife enthusiast, or photography buff, Alaska checks every box and many more.

The Best Way to Explore Alaska: Why We Chose a Pre Cruisetour

After tons of research (and let's be honest, a little travel advisor help!), we chose a cruisetour, which combines an ocean cruise with a land tour. It was the perfect way to see both Alaska’s rugged interior and its glacier-studded coast, all while keeping logistics simple. I can’t recommend this format enough if you’re traveling as a family and want an immersive yet stress-free experience.

Anchorage: The Perfect Base Camp

We started in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city and a great jumping-off point. Renting an AWD SUV gave us the freedom to explore the surrounding wilderness at our own pace. It allowed us to hit the road early, pull over for wildlife sightings, and venture off the beaten path—something organized tours can’t always offer.

Day 1: Matanuska Glacier – Our Family’s First “WOW” Moment

Just a two-hour drive from Anchorage, Matanuska Glacier was our first real taste of Alaska’s icy wonder. This 27-mile-long glacier is the largest in the U.S. accessible by car, and let me tell you—it’s massive. The drive itself, along the scenic Glenn Highway, was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever taken.

Pro Tip: The terrain is slippery and cold, so waterproof hiking boots are a must! 

We definitely recommend these women’s waterproof boots and men’s boots.
Also, don’t forget rain jackets or ponchos, as the Alaskan weather is very unpredictable. We found these ponchos very useful to have.

Bring a great pair of binoculars—we used these high-powered binoculars, and loved them.

If you're interested in a tour and want tickets, we suggest this Matanuska Glacier tour.

Day 2: Soaring Above Denali on a Flightseeing Tour

Instead of driving to Denali National Park, we took a scenic flightseeing tour from Talkeetna — a charming little town known for its artsy vibe and as a basecamp for Denali climbers, and this ended up being one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.  Floating above North America’s tallest peak, surrounded by glaciers and snow-covered ridges, was pure magic. Our small plane flew over the Alaskan Range, with surreal views of Denali and surrounding glaciers. The moment we landed on a glacier inside Denali National Park felt straight out of a documentary.

If you're headed to Denali, I highly recommend this Denali Flightseeing Tour we took for a once-in-a-lifetime perspective, and it was the highlight of our trip.

Day 3: Seward, Exit Glacier & Wildlife Encounters

Today we hit the Seward Highway, considered one of the most beautiful drives in North America. We passed through the Chugach Mountains, hugged the coast of the Turnagain Arm, and stopped at Beluga Point (no whales this time, but gorgeous views) 

Once we arrived in Seward, we hiked the family-friendly trail to Exit Glacier Trailhead inside Kenai Fjords National Park. It's an incredible hike and incredibly moving—especially seeing how much the glacier has retreated over time.

Pro Tip: Seward also has a beautiful Waterfront Playground for kids and jaw-dropping mountain views for parents—don’t miss it. The younger kids loved it!!

Walking on the glacier is very popular, as many take a Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure.

Next Stop: Our Southbound Alaska Cruise Adventure

After exploring Alaska by land, we transferred to Whittier, making a must-do stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where we saw rescued moose, bison, and bears up close. It was a favorite with the kids and deeply moving for us adults.

Then it was time to board the Majestic Princess for a 7-night Southbound cruise that took us through Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, and iconic Alaskan ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Icy Strait Point.

Waking up to glacier views from our balcony, spotting whales right from the deck, and joining naturalist talks made this part of the trip both relaxing and educational. I’ll be sharing a full post soon, just on the cruise experience—so stay tuned!

Vegetarian Food in Alaska? Yes, It Exists!

We were pleasantly surprised by the number of veg-friendly spots along our route. Our favorites:

• Moose’s Tooth, Anchorage – Very well known for pizza and beer!

• Taste of India, Anchorage – Delicious curries and naan.

• Apollo Restaurant, Seward – Casual, welcoming, and great pizzas!

• Conscious Coffee, Talkeetna – Great for coffee and quick bites!

Final Thoughts

Alaska has a way of making you feel small—in the best, most humbling way. If you’re thinking about going, I hope our family’s experience gives you the encouragement (and tools!) to turn the dream into reality.

Whether you're looking to hike glaciers, see wildlife, or just disconnect for a while, this wild, wonderful state delivers on every front.

Save this post for your trip planning, or share it with someone who’s always wanted to explore Alaska. If you’ve already been—what was your favorite memory? I’d love to hear it.

Happy Trails,

Kajal Patel