8 days in Alaska Itinerary

Home to nearly half of Alaska's population, the port city of Anchorage covers a staggering area of over 4,900 sq km (1,900 sq mi) surrounded by mountains.

Step out of the city life by going to Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and Kincaid Park. Family-friendly places like Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center and Helicopter Tours will thrill your kids. There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Alaska Native Heritage Center, look for all kinds of wild species at Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, and learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Alaska Zoo.

To find other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Anchorage trip planner.

Des Moines to Anchorage is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time (CST) to Alaska Standard Time (AKST), which is usually a -3 hour difference. Traveling from Des Moines in August, expect Anchorage to be a bit cooler, temps between 66°F and 53°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Fri) so you can drive to Seward.

For most visitors to this part of the world, the wild part of Alaska starts at Seward, a small port city that takes advantage of the region's natural beauty.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Sat): get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Alaska SeaLife Center, then add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour, and then take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour.

For reviews, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Seward trip builder site.

Traveling by car from Anchorage to Seward takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. August in Seward sees daily highs of 62°F and lows of 51°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Juneau.

Juneau is an unusual state capital in many respects.

Escape the urban bustle at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Boat Tours & Water Sports. Kids will appreciate attractions like Zipline and Mendenhall Glacier. And it doesn't end there: take in the dramatic scenery at Nugget Falls, observe the fascinating underwater world at DIPAC's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour, and enjoy the sand and surf at Eagle Beach.

To find ratings, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read Juneau route builder site.

You can do a combination of bus and flight from Seward to Juneau in 6.5 hours. Another option is to do a combination of bus and ferry. In August, daily temperatures in Juneau can reach 64°F, while at night they dip to 51°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Wed) early enough to catch the flight back home.