7 Day Anchorage, Seward, & Homer for Families with Teenagers
Season
May - September
Transportation
Why This Trip?
This 7-day journey takes you through Anchorage’s top attractions, including the Anchorage Museum and the scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Explore Seward with visits to the Alaska SeaLife Center, Exit Glacier, and kayak tours in Resurrection Bay. Then stop in Homer for halibut fishing, bear viewing tours, and hikes in Kachemak Bay State Park. Finally, enjoy scenic drives and stops in picturesque towns like Cooper Landing and Girdwood.
Itinerary
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Welcome to Anchorage! Start your Alaskan adventure with a visit to the Anchorage Museum. This interactive museum offers exhibits on Alaskan history, art, and science, providing a great introduction to the state. Afterward, head to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a scenic walk or bike ride. This 11-mile trail offers stunning views of the coastline and is perfect for some light exercise and fresh air. In the evening, consider an Escape Room experience for some family bonding and mental challenges. It's a fun way to end your first day in Anchorage.
Photo: Coastal Trail
Wake up early and begin the 2- to 3-hour drive south to Seward, on the Kenai Peninsula. Here are some ideas when you arrive:
Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, where interactive exhibits and touch tanks allow you to get up close with marine life like sea stars, anemones, and puffins. It's both educational and entertaining.
Take a kayak tour around Resurrection Bay.
Go dogsledding! Canine athletes will pull you along fun trails, and you’ll get the chance to play with puppies.
Take a day cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park.
Here are some ideas for your full day in Seward:
Visit Exit Glacier. This is the one part of Kenai Fjords National Park that’s accessible by road. There’s an accessible, paved loop trail that leads to a view of the glacier and an optional short spur that gets you even closer. If you’re in for a challenge, hike all or a portion of the Harding Icefield Trail which leads to an overview of the glacier and the Harding Icefield Itself.
Take a water taxi to access hikes and beaches that are more remote, such as Caine’s Head or Tonsina Beach.
Go on a full or half-day fishing charter for salmon or halibut.
Spend the night in Seward.
Photo: Harding Icefield
Depart Seward and drive to Homer, a journey that takes about 3.5 hours. Break up the drive with a stop in Cooper Landing. Hike a local trail like the Russian River Falls trail, or go rafting on the Kenai River. When you arrive in Homer, explore the Homer Spit, a narrow strip of land extends into Kachemak Bay. Teens can explore the shoreline, collect interesting rocks and shells, and enjoy the scenic views. It's a great way to wind down after a day of travel and exploration.
Photo: Homer Spit
There are lots of options for your full day in Homer. Here are a few suggestions:
Homer is known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World," and teens can enjoy the thrill of catching halibut, salmon, and other fish.
Go on a bear viewing tour to nearby Lake Clark or Katmai National Park to watch bears in their natural environment.
Take a Kayaking or paddleboarding tour in Kachemak Bay. This offers a chance to see wildlife such as sea otters, seals, and various bird species.
For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the Pratt Museum and the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center provides fascinating insights into the local environment and history.
Golfers will enjoy a round of golf at the Homer Golf Course, which offers stunning views of Kachemak Bay.
Take a water taxi across Kachemak Bay for hikes in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Visit our Things to Do in Homer page for even more ideas. Spend the night in Homer.
Photo: Halibut Fishing
Drive back to Anchorage, a journey that takes 4.5 to 5 hours. You can make a day out of it with stops in Soldotna to walk the various fishing access platforms along the river, or in Cooper Landing or Portage for a Hike. You could also stop in Girdwood, just 45 minutes south of Anchorage, for a hike or scenic tram ride up to the top of Mt. Alyeska, a local ski mountain. You could spend the night in Girdwood or continue onto Anchorage.
Photo: Alyeska Tramway
On your final day, take a hike up Flattop. This popular hiking spot offers stunning views of Anchorage and the surrounding area. It's challenging but not strenuous, making it suitable for teenagers. In the afternoon, try your hand at Fishing in Ship Creek, which runs through downtown Anchorage. It's a fun and relaxing way to spend your last day.
Photo: Flattop Mountain