Alaska rewards the curious: coastal fjords carved by ice, mountains shouldering the sky, and wildlife that still roams on its own terms. Indigenous peoples have lived here for millennia, Russian fur traders left their mark, and the 1867 U.S. purchase set the stage for today’s mix of tradition and frontier. You’ll taste it in the salmon, see it in the totems, and feel it on a breezy dock at sunset.

Anchorage is your gateway to the Chugach Mountains and the famed Seward Highway, one of America’s great drives. Seward opens the door to Kenai Fjords National Park—tidewater glaciers, puffins, and (if fortune smiles) breaching humpbacks. Southeast in Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier and Auke Bay whales turn sightseeing into lifelong memories for kids and adults alike.

Expect variable weather—layers and waterproofs are essential. Spring to early fall is best for long days and marine wildlife; late fall to early spring brings aurora farther north but short daylight. With a mid-range budget, you’ll find family suites, hearty local food, and exceptional nature tours that deliver maximum wow per dollar.

Anchorage

Anchorage balances small-city comforts with big-wilderness access. Snow-dusted peaks frame the skyline; moose sometimes wander greenbelts; and the coastal trail strings together parks perfect for a stroll with hot chocolate in hand. Downtown museums and kid-friendly eateries make this an easy first stop.

• Top sights: Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Anchorage Museum, Alaska Native Heritage Center (culture and dance demos), Potter Marsh Boardwalk for birding.
• Family eats: Snow City Cafe (brunch classics), Moose’s Tooth (creative pizzas), 49th State Brewing (views, burgers), Wild Scoops (small-batch ice cream).
• Good to know: Ride-sharing works well; most attractions are a short drive. Layers and a light beanie are useful even in summer evenings.

Stay: Browse family suites and apartments on VRBO Anchorage or mid-range hotels on Hotels.com Anchorage. Areas near downtown or Midtown keep drives short.

Getting there / around: Compare flights on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Anchorage (ANC) is the primary hub. A rental car keeps family logistics easy.

Seward

Seward sits where mountains fall into Resurrection Bay. The harbor hums with fishing boats, kayaks, and wildlife cruises, while downtown’s murals tell stories of the sea. It’s the launchpad to Kenai Fjords National Park—tidewater ice, puffins, sea otters, and orcas in season.

• Top sights: Alaska SeaLife Center (touch tanks), Exit Glacier trails, waterfront playgrounds, and harbor boardwalk for evening strolls.
• Dining: The Cookery (Alaska oysters and seasonal plates), Apollo (pizza and pasta), Mermaid Grotto (casual breakfast/lunch), Resurrect Art Coffee House (local coffee in a converted church).
• Fun fact: The 1964 Good Friday earthquake reshaped parts of the coastline—ask locals about the high-water markers.

Stay: Look for walkable harbor condos and cabins on VRBO Seward or family-friendly hotels on Hotels.com Seward.

Getting there: From Anchorage, drive the Seward Highway (125 mi; 2.5–3 hours plus stops). Gas ~$25–35 each way for a midsize car. In summer, the Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic is a scenic 4-hour option (check schedules). For flexible families, a rental car is best.

Juneau

Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is tucked between mountains and the Inside Passage—no roads in or out, just boats and planes. The Mendenhall Glacier anchors the landscape; humpbacks feed in Auke Bay from late spring into fall. Downtown’s historic storefronts and a lively food scene round it out.

• Top sights: Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls, Mount Roberts Tramway (views, raptor encounters), Glacier Gardens Rainforest, DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery (seasonal salmon runs).
• Dining: Sandpiper Cafe (breakfast), Heritage Coffee Roasting Co. (latte and snacks), Deckhand Dave’s (fish tacos), Tracy’s King Crab Shack (crab legs and bisque), SALT (Alaska seafood with a polished vibe), In Bocca Al Lupo (wood-fired pizza).
• Wildlife: Peak whale season generally May–September; eagles are year-round icons.

Stay: Choose walkable downtown hotels or Auke Bay condos via VRBO Juneau or compare rates on Hotels.com Juneau.

Getting there: Fly ANC–JNU (~1h45 nonstop; typical one-way $150–250 per person). Search on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Local taxis and shuttles work well; rental cars offer flexibility for Mendenhall and Auke Bay.

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage

Morning: Travel day. Pack layers (waterproof jacket, fleece, hat), binoculars, and refillable bottles. Download offline maps.

Afternoon: Land at ANC and check in. Stretch your legs on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail near Elderberry Park; kids love spotting floatplanes and gulls.

Evening: Dinner at 49th State Brewing (pretzel with beer cheese, kids’ mac and cheese, rooftop views) or Moose’s Tooth for inventive pies. Treats at Wild Scoops—try spruce tip caramel.

Day 2: Anchorage Wildlife & Glacier Day

Morning: Fuel up at Snow City Cafe (stuffed French toast, reindeer sausage) or Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop (ham & gruyère croissants). Dress in layers for a day outdoors.

Afternoon: Join a small-group wilderness and glacier outing that showcases Turnagain Arm, possible Portage Glacier perspectives, and wildlife viewing. It’s paced for families with photo stops and short walks.

Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage

Evening: Casual dinner at Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse (halibut tacos, kids’ baskets) or Glacier Brewhouse (cedar-plank salmon). Early night—tomorrow’s a road-trip classic.

Day 3: Scenic Drive to Seward

Morning: Pick up your rental car after a quick Kaladi Brothers Coffee. Drive the Seward Highway (2.5–3 hours). Stop at Beluga Point for Turnagain Arm views; if tides align, watch for the bore tide and surfers.

Afternoon: Arrive in Seward and stroll the harbor. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center—kids can meet puffins, sea lions, and touch anemones. Check in to your harbor hotel or condo.

Evening: Dinner at The Cookery (oysters, chowder) or Apollo (family-friendly Italian). Sunset walk along the Waterfront Park boardwalk.

Day 4: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

All day: Today’s the headliner—a 6-hour trip into Kenai Fjords National Park. Watch for sea otters, puffins, Dall’s porpoises, and calving at a tidewater glacier. Dress warm; outdoor decks are the best seats in the house.

Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

Evening: Warm up with hot cocoa and dinner at Mermaid Grotto (burgers, salads) or grab takeout to enjoy in your suite. Early bedtime after sea air and adventures.

Day 5: Exit Glacier Walk & Return to Anchorage

Morning: Light breakfast at Resurrect Art Coffee House (banana bread, lattes). Drive to Exit Glacier for the Glacier Overlook Trail (family-friendly, check conditions). The wayside exhibits show how the ice has receded through the decades—great teachable moment.

Afternoon: Drive back to Anchorage (2.5–3 hours). Optional stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bison, bears, and musk oxen in large natural habitats.

Evening: Overnight near the airport or downtown. Dinner at Bear Tooth Theatrepub (pizza, burritos; check family movie times) or re-visit a favorite. Prep for tomorrow’s flight.

Day 6: Fly to Juneau + Mendenhall Glacier

Morning: Fly ANC → JNU (~1h45). Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Taxi or shuttle to your hotel.

Afternoon: Head to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Walk the flat Nugget Falls Trail (~2 miles round trip) for mist and glacier views. Inside, rangers’ displays explain ice formation and local wildlife.

Evening: Dinner downtown at SALT (salmon, seasonal veg) or In Bocca Al Lupo (wood-fired pizza). Gelato or a hot cocoa nightcap at Heritage Coffee.

Day 7: Juneau Whale Watching

Morning: Breakfast at Sandpiper Cafe (blueberry pancakes). Dress warmly; bring hats and gloves for the boat.

Afternoon: Join a family-friendly whale-watching cruise out of Auke Bay. Naturalists help kids spot flukes and identify individuals by tail patterns; eagles often perch on channel markers.

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

Evening: Fish tacos at Deckhand Dave’s or crab bisque and legs at Tracy’s King Crab Shack (seasonal hours). Stroll the docks for sea lion and harbor seal cameos.

Day 8: Downtown Juneau, Tram & Rainforest

Morning: Heritage Coffee for pastries, then explore downtown shops and historic facades. Pop into the Juneau-Douglas City Museum if the weather turns.

Afternoon: Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway for alpine boardwalks and sweeping views when skies are clear. On cloudy days, head to Glacier Gardens Rainforest for upside-down tree planters and guided cart tours through temperate rainforest.

Evening: Family dinner at The Hangar on the Wharf (halibut and chips, big windows for plane-watching) or return to SALT for a final Alaska seafood feast.

Day 9: Extra Wildlife or Mendenhall Combo

Morning: Leisurely breakfast; pick up souvenirs from local makers downtown.

Afternoon: If the kids want more whale time or you missed good conditions earlier, double down with a combo including a photo stop back at Mendenhall. Different departures often find different whales and behaviors.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Ultimate Whale Watch Combo

Evening: Casual bites at Pizzeria Roma or Deckhand Dave’s reprise. Pack up and confirm airport transfer times for tomorrow.

Day 10: Juneau Send-Off

Morning: Last walk along the waterfront; look for bald eagles on lamp posts. Coffee and breakfast sandwiches at The Grind or Heritage Coffee.

Afternoon: Fly out of JNU. Check fares and schedules on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Keep binoculars handy—views from the window seat can be spectacular.

Logistics & Budget Tips

• Car rental: One rental in Anchorage covers days 2–5. Returning it before flying to Juneau keeps costs down.
• Seasonality: Kenai Fjords cruises and some eateries are seasonal (spring–early fall). In shoulder seasons, verify hours a few days prior.
• Packing: Waterproof outer layer, insulating mid-layer, hat/gloves, and non-slip shoes. Bring motion-sickness bands or ginger candies for boat days.
• Food strategy: Mix sit-down dinners with deli picnics on big-activity days to save time/money. Many hotels include breakfast—confirm when booking.

Alternative or Add-On Ideas (if you extend): If traveling in winter, consider swapping Juneau for Fairbanks to chase aurora and try dogsledding. For Inside Passage variety, add a day trip to nearby Hoonah/Icy Strait Point during cruise season.

With mountains, fjords, and breaching whales, this 10-day Alaska trip balances headline sights and family-friendly pacing. You’ll leave with glacier-blue memories, a camera full of eagle photos, and kids who can tell a puffin from a murre. Alaska has a way of pulling you back—keep a little space in your heart for a return visit.