Alaska - Nov 2024
An unforgettable journey through Alaska.
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Alaska Itinerary
Day 1: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Plan for the Day
- Take 4:45 PM flight out of SFO (meals before boarding at SFO or after landing in Seattle).
- Arrive in Fairbanks at 12:10 AM (11/27).
- Pick up rental car(s) from national brands (Avis, Hertz, Budget, National, Thrifty).
- Rental desks are open until 1-2 AM.
- Drive to Airbnb (30-minute drive).
- Estimated arrival: 2:30 AM.
Stay for the Night
Juniper Cabin (Airbnb) – Address: Guessing .
Day 2: Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Plan for the Day
- Morning:
- Start around 9:00-9:30 AM and visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Center (20-minute drive). Spend ~2 hours there.
- Optional: Visit Fountainhead Antique Museum (10-minute drive).
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Museum of the North (15-minute drive) and spend ~2 hours.
- Have lunch by 2:30 PM (downtown or near museums).
- Drive to North Pole (20-minute drive) and visit Santa Claus House (~1 hour).
- Evening:
- Drive to the Fairbanks Ice Museum for a museum tour or the Aurora Film Show at 6:00 PM.
- Buy groceries and return to Airbnb for dinner (20-minute drive).
- Optional: Aurora chasing tour (or Murphy Dome tour, which is cheaper) starts at 10:00 PM and lasts until 2:00 AM.
Activities
- Aurora Film Show.
- (Optional) Murphy Dome Aurora Viewing Tour.
- (Optional) Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum.
Stay for the Night
Day 3: Thursday, November 28, 2024 (Thanksgiving)
Plan for the Day
- Morning: Relax at Airbnb and cook breakfast.
- Afternoon to Night:
- Arctic Circle Tour (1:00 PM to 2:00 AM).
- Includes Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Yukon River Bridge, Arctic Circle, and aurora chasing.
- Return home by 2:30 AM.
- Arctic Circle Tour (1:00 PM to 2:00 AM).
Activities
- Arctic Circle Tour :
Stay for the Night
Day 4: Friday, November 29, 2024
Plan for the Day
- Morning:
- Check out Airbnb by 10:00 AM.
- Drive ~1 hour to Chena Hot Springs (Directions).
- Check-in at reception and prepare for dog sled activity (11:40 AM - 12:40 PM).
- Have lunch at the café.
- Afternoon:
- Report for ice fishing tour at 1:00 PM (ends at 4:00 PM).
- Place luggage in cabin and visit the pool.
- Evening:
- Pool is open until 11:45 PM (plan to leave by 9:00 PM for aurora tour).
- Aurora tour starts at 10:00 PM and ends at 2:00 AM.
Activities
- Chena Hot Springs :
- Dog Sled.
- Ice Fishing.
- Swimming Pass.
- Aurora Viewing Tour.
Stay for the Night
Bear Family Suites .
Day 5: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Plan for the Day
- Morning:
- Pool opens at 7:00 AM. Swim until 10:00 AM.
- Checkout by 11:00 AM.
- Visit Aurora Ice Museum at 11:00 AM.
- Afternoon:
- Have lunch and explore the greenhouse.
- Optional: Snowmobile tour at 3:00 or 4:00 PM.
- Evening:
- Drive back to Fairbanks (1 hr 15 min drive).
- Optional: Visit Pioneer Park and return rental car(s).
Activities
- Chena Hot Springs :
- Aurora Ice Museum.
- Greenhouse.
- Swimming Hot Tub/Pool.
Stay for the Night
Fairbanks Hotel or Hostel .
Day 6: Sunday, December 1, 2024
Plan for the Day
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Start by 8:00 AM for the railway station.
- Take the Aurora Winter Train to Anchorage (arrive ~8:00 PM).
- Evening:
- Walk or shuttle to the hotel.
- Part of the group goes to the airport for flights.
Activities
- Aurora Winter Train : Alaska Railroad Schedule.
Stay for the Night
- Wingate by Wyndham Anchorage Downtown.
- Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Anchorage (Options).
Day 7: Monday, December 2, 2024
Plan for the Day
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit Byron Glacier and Portage Glacier (~1-2 hour hikes).
- Afternoon:
- Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
- Visit Anchorage museums if time permits (close ~5-6 PM).
- Evening:
- Explore Anchorage attractions (Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Alaska Zoo, Flattop Blueberry Loop Trail).
- Flight back home at 12:40 AM.
Activities
- Outdoor: Byron Glacier Trail, Portage Glacier, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
- Indoor: Anchorage Museum, Alaska Native Heritage Museum.
Stay for the Night
Flight back home (12:40 AM).