13 days in Alaska Itinerary

Anchor Point is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Kenai Peninsula Borough, in the U.S. state of Alaska. Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sun): catch all the local highlights with Alaska Draft Horse and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church. On your second day here, cast your line with a fishing tour, catch all the local highlights with Alaska Draft Horse, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Anchor River.

To see maps, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Anchor Point online trip builder.

Detroit to Anchor Point is an approximately 14.5-hour combination of flight and car. You can also drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Detroit to Anchor Point is minus 4 hours. In December in Anchor Point, expect temperatures between 35°F during the day and 25°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Anchorage.

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.

Anchorage is known for wildlife, historic sites, and nature. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Alaska Zoo, take in the dramatic natural features at Portage Glacier, get engrossed in the history at Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, and explore the landscape on two wheels at Hillside Park.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Anchorage travel planner.

You can drive from Anchor Point to Anchorage in 4 hours. In December, Anchorage is a bit cooler than Anchor Point - with highs of 25°F and lows of 14°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) so you can catch the shuttle to Palmer.

Palmer is the borough seat of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. Start off your visit on the 25th (Sun): relax in the rural setting at Reindeer Farm, trot along with Alaska Horse Adventures, head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, then admire the sheer force of Pioneer Falls, then immerse yourself in nature at Independence Mine State Historical Park, and finally indulge your thirst for a good beer at Bearpaw River Brewing Company. On your second day here, experience rural life at Reindeer Farm, then trot along with a tour on horseback, and then relax in the rural setting at Musk Ox Farm.

For other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Palmer trip maker tool.

You can take a shuttle from Anchorage to Palmer in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 25°F, and evening lows to 14°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Mon) so you can go by car 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.

Change things up with a short trip to Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park (about 32 minutes away). Spend the 29th (Thu) exploring nature at Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center. There's much more to do: add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Resurrection Lutheran Church, take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour, and explore the activities along Seward Boat Harbor.

To see photos, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Seward holiday planning tool.

Drive from Palmer to Seward in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Palmer in December: high temperatures in Seward hover around 34°F and lows are around 25°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) so you can travel back home.