What to Do in Alaska - Camping, Hiking, and Where to Eat
I wanted to come up with a fun way to share our Alaska travel adventures while also sharing practical tips on what to do in Alaska so I figured that creating a blog post that I could update with more and more information on what to do in Alaska for families, where to camp in Alaska, where to Hike in Alaska, and so much more would be a great way to do that!
I’ll be updating this post regularly as we experience more of what life in Alaska is like so make sure you bookmark or Pin it for later!
Anchorage, Alaska
Thunder Bird Falls Trail
We tackled the Thunder Bird Falls trail in Chugiak, Alaska. Idk why but we did it with two dogs AND a toddler. Luckily, it’s an easy hike.
The trail is muddy after rain so make sure you’re prepared for that. It’s a one-mile hike up to the overlook for the falls, so two miles round trip if you just do that route.
There’s a second trail that goes along the falls as well but we didn’t think we’d be able to handle that one with all of the animals in tow.
Bring a lock with you! The overlook of the falls is an area where many have started leaving locks 🔒 like the famous lock bridge! It’s so cute and was a pleasant surprise for us at the end of the hike but I wish we had known so we could bring one, maybe next time.
It costs $5 dollars to park at the trailhead but they do take a card. It took around an hour for us to do and was a great way to break up an otherwise uneventful day!
A post shared by Darrian Chamblee ☀️ (@darrianchamblee) on Aug 13, 2020 at 9:04am PDT
Moose’s Tooth Pizza
By far the best pizza I’ve ever had (even after living in New York for 4 years) and 100% worth the drive to Anchorage just to grab a bite to eat. Our personal favorites are the Santa’s Little Helper and the Spicy Thai Chicken pizzas, the cheese bread with Diablo sauce, and Broken Tooth Brewing Company’s Apple Ale.
Westchester Lagoon
A really adorable little park and walking trail. This park is a great place to let kiddos run around if you’re doing a day trip in Anchorage.
Denali National Park
On our most recent camping trip to Denali National Park in 2020 we stayed at the Riley Creek Campgrounds. Not only are these campgrounds affordable but they are great if you’re looking for camper/RV parking and tent space. Each spot comes with a ten area, a picnic table, and a fire pit.
Homer, Alaska
Land’s End Resort
Land’s End Resort is just what you would expect for a nice hotel in a place like Homer. Cozy atmosphere, rooms with amazing views, and great dining on-site. We loved our stay in the Staterooms. The double queen beds, beautiful bay window, and huge soaker tub were perfect for our little family getaway.
Unplugged at Land’s End Resort. #travelalaska #alaskanadventures
A post shared by Darrian Chamblee ☀️ (@darrianchamblee) on Aug 20, 2020 at 9:21am PDT
Palmer, Alaska
Hiking the Butte in Palmer, Alaska
We did what is probably my hardest hike (everything is more challenging when you have to carry a toddler 🤪). We conquered the Butte! I can’t believe it’s taken us this long to hike it.
The Butte is steep but we saw lots of families and dogs (both of all sizes and ages) hiking yesterday.
The Butte gives you a phenomenal 360-degree view of the Matanuska Valley and is so worth the trek. The trail is well kept and stairs make the height doable for families. Justin and I switched carrying him halfway each time, 3 miles round trip. The trail is narrow though and social distancing when passing others was pretty tough.
Bring lots of water with you for this one and some sort of treat for snacking at the top.
Swipe to the end for me back carrying Jasper for the first time!
A post shared by Darrian Chamblee ☀️ (@darrianchamblee) on Aug 14, 2020 at 11:35am PDT
Friday Fling Farmer’s Market
Friday Fling the best farmer’s market in the Matanuska Valley! This Fling lasts all summer long and has everything from locally-grown produce to handmade goods and food trucks.
I Dough Know Donuts
Have you ever waited in line for donuts that sell out in like an hour? If you haven’t, this donut truck in Palmer needs to be on your bucket list. Not only are their donuts amazing but they’re completely made from scratch and baked fresh each morning. Our box was still warm when we got home! A new batch of flavors rotates in each week so there’s always something yummy and new to try!
Seward Highway
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Seward, Alaska
The Alaska SeaLife Center is a must do and probably one of my favorite things to do in Alaska that we’ve found yet. The Alaska SeaLife Center is at a dangerous risk of having to close due to COVID-19. The Alaska SeaLife Center combines a public aquarium with marine research, education, and wildlife response. The nonprofit is currently the only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center in Alaska. They do so much good for the wildlife in Seward and across the state so definitely make sure the Alaska SeaLife Center is on your list. General public tickets for Adults are $29 and $24 for kids ages 3-12.
The best way to see Alaska’s wildlife in the wild and to see some pretty incredible views and scenery. You’ll hopefully see tons of whales as well which I am still in awe of even years later. Tour prices start at $80 and there are so many great options to fit your budget.
We love the Seward Brewing Company for the food, atmosphere, and beer, of course! A must stop if you’re in Seward. You can grab a growler or crowler (a large can of beer) to go for your next adventure!
Join our mailing list for exclusive content, events, and more!
Email Address
Join the list!
Thank you!
Let’s Connect on Social!
Recent Podcast Episodes
Recent Blog Posts
Featured
Dec 19, 2021
Realistic Self-Care Tips for Military Spouses
Dec 19, 2021
Military spouses face burdens that most people can’t imagine experiencing in their daily lives. If two days of your week look the same, you’re having a lucky week! Not to mention the constant changes, regularly uprooting your entire lives, etc. military spouses are often the ones in need of the most self-care. In order to be a military spouse, one must be selfless because of the level of sacrifice military life brings. That makes establishing a great self care system so important for military spouses. That’s why I put together this list of self care tips for military spouses that are actually realistic!
Read More → Dec 19, 2021
Dec 7, 2021
The Best Cookie Recipes for Your Holiday Cookie Exchange
Dec 7, 2021
I asked on Instagram and boy, did you all deliver! I was in panic mode over how I was going to make 4 dozen different types of cookies for a holiday cookie swap (that I’m no longer attending because military life) so I asked you all on Instagram for your favorite cookies recipes! I also got a few family recipes that I left out but seriously, so sweet of you for sharing.
I got a request to round up the recipe suggestions so I figured I’d plop them into this super simple post for ya. Let me know if you end up trying any of these recipes! The Hot Cocoa Cookies are definitely calling my name.
Read More → Dec 7, 2021
Sep 28, 2021
I'm Done Using Motherhood as an Excuse
Sep 28, 2021
There are three things that are always on my goal list.
Wake up earlier
Journal every day
Do more creative writing
These are the three things that every year, without fail, I tell myself I’m going to do. When the kids were born waking up earlier became a way to survive, to wake up before them in order to get anything on my personal to do list done.
Read More → Sep 28, 2021
Featured
Aug 6, 2020
S1E7: Intimate Weddings and Ditching Wedding Traditions with Melissa of The Photobrief
Aug 6, 2020
Read More → Aug 6, 2020
Jul 29, 2020
S1E6: 6 Things to Do When You're Stuck in the Waiting
Jul 29, 2020
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck? When we’re stuck in a period of waiting, time can feel endless and like it’s moving so slow. With a global pandemic and quarantines happening regularly, 2020 has seemed like one big period of waiting. Between our recent extended deployment and COVID-19, I’ve let myself get wrapped up in the feeling of being stuck. Can you relate? Grab a seat on my virtual couch as we chat about the actionable steps you can take to turn things around when you’re stuck in the waiting. I hope you leave this episode feeling empowered to take on the feeling of being stuck into the second half of 2020. Are you ready? Let’s dive in.
Read More → Jul 29, 2020
Jul 22, 2020
S1E5: Facing Deployments and a Global Pandemic as a Military Family with Justin Chamblee
Jul 22, 2020
Read More → Jul 22, 2020