lmc07

Hi! We are two active couples in our early 40's looking to explore Alaska in early July. We're not 100% against cruising but think we'll see more on our own.
Where would the best place to fly into from New York to start? Anchorage?
Any advice on must-sees? Not sure what early July would bring us as far as whale watching, seeing salmon, weather. We really want to get the most out of Alaska in approx.8 days. Not against roughing it but would rather spend the days exploring and the nights drinking wine in very nice hotels if possible. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

dfrostnh

First, you should see if flights are available for early July. Anchorage is the most popular airport with a large choice of activities to the north (Denali) or to the south (Kenai Peninsula). It's possible you would prefer a cruise since outside of Anchorage there's not a lot of wine and great dinner places. With only 8 days I don't think you have enough time to go both north and south unless you don't mind racking up miles. Denali takes several days between travel and at least one day alotted to the bus ride into the park. Seward to the south is a popular destination but you'll probably want to see if there's hotel space in the new hotel, otherwise hotel and B&B accomodations are in older buildings without too many amenities. Day cruise to Kenai Fjords is highly recommended. Ray's is a recommended restaurant. Salmon run starts in late June in certain places. Ought to be running in the Russian River by early July (not too far from Seward). I think one of the problems in looking for very nice hotels is there might be one really great one in some places like Talkeetna.

BudgetQueen

A cruise can be an excellent choice, they do a great job at visiting interesting varied ports, glacier sailing. Bonus of meals, transportation and lodging all in one.

With your timeframe you can also consider round trip Anchorage, and then spiliting your time at Denali Park - at least 2 nights, and Seward 1-2 nights. You can add perhaps Homer? for 2 nights.

rm_mn

If you'd really want to spend your nights drinking wine in a nice hotel, stay in New York. Alaska is the last frontier, the place to go to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city and see nature and the wildlife. There are some pretty comfortable places to stay, but that isn't the real point to going to Alaska in my opinion.

steviegene

these answers seem a bit harsh.
If you are looking for 5star luxury - Alaska is not neccesarily your place.
But if you are hoping to see the rustic sights during the day and then find a nice place to stay at night to relax with good hearty food, I think you would enjoy Alaska. There are many B&Bs in Alaska - and if you do a search on this board you will find a lot of references

lmc07

Thanks to everyone for their insights.....That about sums it up in the last comment. Seeing the rustic sights by day and having a nice comfortable place to stay with good food. Maybe we'll look into a cruise..thanks again

wannabe3

Don't give up so quickly on a fly/drive trip. We found several good if not great restaurants with good wine in Homer, Anchorage, Seward, Fairbanks and in the Denali area. Likewise, motels and B&B's were good if not great. The Homestead Restaurant in Homer was one of our favorites as was the restaurant in Healy at the Black Diamond golf course. The scenery is unbelievable and the chance to move around at your own pace makes it special. Last July we found it much easier to find expensive hotels that had rooms/suites than it was to find more modest accommodations. Just make sure that you have a view where ever you stay.

repete

While cruising is an option, the scene that's so telling to me occurred when friends of ours were cruising through some gorgeous passage with whales spouting -- and the bingo players were complaining they needed the shades to be closed for better playing ...

YSure, you can have fun on a cruise too. And yes, you'll probably get more consistent food and drink on a cruise where the highs and lows are carefully measured.

There are nice places to stay -- although not in all areas -- but just not "very nice" hotels with bars and restaurants.

You could base yourself in the Hotel Captain Cook, which has an array of restaurants and rooftop bars and dining -- and do day trips.

http://www.captaincook.com/

The Corsair, with the best wine list for thousands of miles, is right across the street as well.

From there, you could run up to Talkeetna for flight seeing or down to Whittier for a glacier cruise.

Pick up a bottle or two in Anchorage and spend a night at Fox Island Lodge. Not a hotel but new, clean and comfortable.

http://www.kenaifjordslodge.com/

Or stay a night or two at the Alyeska -- and make sure to dine at the Double Musky and perhaps Seven Glaciers.

http://www.alyeskaresort.com/

http://www.doublemuskyinn.com/framed.html