Alaska 7-Day 6-Night Self-Driving Tour Guide

If you have the means, I highly recommend a self-driving tour for a richer and more flexible experience! ❄️Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage – Rent a Car Fly into Anchorage🛬 and rent a car🚗. Must-have: A 4WD vehicle with snow tires! Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so safety first! ❄️Day 2: Matanuska Glacier Adventure Drive from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier (about 2 hours🚗). Tour ticket: 🎫150🔪 per person (includes a guide and ice claws). The tour lasts about 2 hours with a group of around 10+ people. Pro tip: Wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy boots! Sunset spot recommendation: After returning to Anchorage, head to 420 B ST—a parking garage. Drive up to the 6th-floor rooftop for a breathtaking sunset🌄. You’ll see the distant snow-capped mountains slowly turning pink and orange—absolutely magical! ❄️Day 3: Anchorage → Fairbanks Scenic Drive Drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks (approximately 6.5 hours🚗🚗). Though there are no major attractions along the way, you’ll pass countless stunning snow-capped mountains🏔️. There are plenty of pull-over spots for photos and enjoying the view! ❄️Day 4: Chena Hot Springs♨️ Don’t believe the negative reviews! Chena Hot Springs is actually quite charming.Soaking in an outdoor hot spring while surrounded by snow and mist is a fairy-tale experience✨. Important: Bring your own towels and slippers! Buying them on-site is expensive and the options are limited. Entrance fee: 20🔪 per person. Lockers in the changing room require coins, but the front desk has a change machine—super convenient! ❄️Day 5: Dog Sledding & Arctic Museum Dog Sledding Tour🛷: Booked with Firewalkers Alaskan Malamute (highly recommended!). The owner has 70 Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies—each with a unique personality! The 20-minute sled ride is followed by plenty of time to pet the dogs and take photos. The staff are friendly and will help you capture memorable videos and group photos. Two people per sled, pulled by 6 dogs. The dogs work in shifts, so they’re well-rested and energetic—adorable! Museum of the North: Located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, this Arctic-themed museum is small but packed with unique exhibits. ❄️Day 6: Fairbanks → Anchorage Drive back from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Use this day to relax, explore local cafes, or revisit any spots you missed! ❄️Day 7: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center This place is AMAZING!!!! 🐻 Unlike a zoo, all the animals here are freely roaming at the foot of snow-capped mountains. You can drive through the center at your own pace and stop whenever you want (as long as you don’t block traffic). Spot unique Alaskan wildlife up close! The drive from Anchorage takes about 1 hour, and the along scenery is stunning—snowy landscapes everywhere! We visited after a night of heavy snowfall❄️, and the views the next day were absolutely jaw-dropping! 🧳Packing Tips: Thermal layers, waterproof jackets, and boots Camera for capturing Northern Lights (if you’re lucky!) Mosquito repellent (summer months) Cash for small purchases and tips ✨Alaska’s natural beauty is unforgettable—whether you’re chasing glaciers, soaking in hot springs, or cuddling with sled dogs, this trip will be one for the books! #US #Alaska #Anchorage