4 Days in Cooper Landing & Kenai Fjords

Pick up your rental car in Anchorage and begin the drive to Cooper Landing. The spectacularly scenic route takes you along Turnagain Arm, with sea and mountains filling the view. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife like beluga whales and Dall sheep. Once you're in Cooper Landing, stretch your legs along one of the amazing hiking trails, which may take you past alpine lakes and wildflower-filled valleys.

Spend the morning experiencing a relaxing rafting trip out on the turquoise Kenai River. Surrounded by lush forests with mountains climbing high in the distance, you'll float down the river, learning about the history of the area and looking out for wildlife. Then make the one-hour drive to the quaint seaside town of Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Jaw-droppingly beautiful, Kenai Fjords National Park plays host to some of the state's most spectacular fjords and glaciers. And several great tour operators offer half- or full-day cruises that take you out to witness their majesty and experience the thrill of a calving glacier. You'll also be on the lookout for wildlife like whales and sea otters. Interested in fishing? Book a charter and head out angling for halibut, salmon, lingcod, and rockfish.

It's your final day, so make the most of it. Start by visiting Exit Glacier, which is just a 10- to 15-minute drive from town; a 20-minute walk brings you right up to the mountain of blue ice, where you can listen to it crackle. Another option is to take a morning hike or head out on the water with a sea kayak. Then it's time to drive back to Anchorage. If you have time, drop by the 200-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you'll get an up-close view of some of the state's unique creatures