6 Day Arctic Getaway from Anchorage

From Anchorage, catch a quick, one-hour flight to Fairbanks. If you have time once you arrive the largest city in Alaska's interior, start exploring. Take a walk along the stunning Chena River and visit the the University of Alaska Museum of the North; here, you'll get a fascinating glimpse of the cultures and wildlife that call this part of Alaska home, as well as a deep dive into contemporary Native Alaska art. Fairbanks also plays host to a number of fun festivals throughout the summer, so check and see if you'll be there for one of them, like Golden Days or the Midnight Sun Festival.

Use your first full day in Fairbanks for an exciting excursion—this city has a lot of options on offer. Get a taste for the surrounding nature and wildlife on a riverboat tour. Or see what dog sledding is all about—yes, even in summer—as you meet champion dogs and ride on a sled with wheels. You can also drive over to see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and witness this feat of engineering.

Take another day to explore the fascinating town of Fairbanks, or try something very special: a tour beyond the Arctic Circle to see the northern lights! Fly, drive, or do a combo trip north, where you'll get a real sense for not only this rugged landscape, but also for the people and culture in this unique area.

Take another day to explore the fascinating town of Fairbanks, or try something very special: travel beyond the Arctic Circle. Fly, drive, or do a combo trip north, where you'll get a real sense for not only this rugged landscape, but also for the people and culture in this unique area. Between August 21 and about September 15, you'll have a chance to see the northern lights before the snow falls.

Today, you'll drive over to Chena Hot Springs, about 90 minutes away. It's a beautiful area with a fascinating history, as the springs were discovered in 1905 by gold prospectors; just seven years later, a resort built there had become the premier resort of Interior Alaska—and still is! Visit the resort and enjoy an activity: This area offers some amazing hiking and fishing, so take advantage!

Today you have a choice: Spend another day in Fairbanks and enjoy more activities, or make the one-hour flight back to Anchorage. If you fly back, go exploring in Alaska's largest city. Walk or bike the dramatic, 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. And go on a city tour via trolley or bike to get an overview, or join a brewery tour and sample some of the innovative suds being brewed here.

It's your final day in Alaska, so enjoy it! If you've stayed in Fairbanks, you'll fly back to Anchorage today. If you're already in Anchorage, spend some more time exploring. Get an in-depth picture of the city and state at the Anchorage Museum, or visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center for a dose of history and culture. Don't forget to pick up some souvenirs before you depart!