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Alaska, as beautiful as it is, can be a tricky place to road trip. Despite being a part of the United States, Alaska is separated from the rest of the country by Canada and can only be accessed by driving through British Columbia, flying, or by ferry from cities like Bellingham in Washington. A good portion of the state is also only accessible by boat, snowmobile, or vehicles equipped for the trek, but that doesn't mean there aren't fantastic trips to be had. Major cities like Fairbanks and Anchorage offer a starting point for road trips that take you to fabulous hot springs, the Kenai Fjords, oceanfront paradises along the Gulf of Alaska, and so much more. And if you're willing to travel by ferry, your options drastically increase.

Homer to Whittier

Homer is a seaside town along Kachemak Bay. It is connected to the mainland by the Sterling Highway, which will take you to Anchorage and the waterside town of Whittier. This road trip takes about three and a half hours, journeying along the Cook Inlet, then inland into the mountains.

As you leave from Homer, you'll come across Anchor Point, which has expansive views of the ocean. It's a great place to make sure you have a full tank of gas and that your maps are in order. From there, you can plan to stop in Soldotna on the Kenai River. The visitor center has a place to use the restrooms, walk along the river, or browse the gift shop and the artifacts displayed inside and outside.

If you're running low on gas, Sunrise Gas in Cooper Landing is next to Kenai Lake. Between Cooper Landing and the ghost town of Portage, you will find Seward Highway Falls, a great place to stretch your legs and snap some photos before turning down Portage Glacier Road. This last stretch takes you to Whittier, passing by the Moose Flats Wetland, Portage Valley, and Portage Lake.

Arriving in Whittier, you have the option to stay at the Inn, or at a campground. Savor the beauty of the area, with trails like Portage Pass, or a ferry ride to Valdez.

Anchorage to Talkeetna

This two-hour road trip takes you to the charming, pretty town of Talkeetna along the Susitna River.

Leaving from Anchorage, you'll take the Glenn Highway toward Palmer, eventually turning down Parks Highway toward Wasilla. The Three Bears Convenience Store in Houston is your one-stop shop for restrooms, snacks, and gas. About an hour and a half into the drive is the town of Willow, and in Willow is Burnt Toast, a cute takeout spot right along Willow Creek. The Willow Creek State Recreation Area is also right nearby, offering you a chance to take a stroll and enjoy the amazing views.

As you get to the entrance to Talkeetna, you'll take a turn up Talkeetna Spur Rd, where you will see the Alaska Birch Syrup and Wild Harvest Shop. This beautiful little spot has gardens you can admire, ice cream, and shelves full of handmade goodies. It's the perfect place for some gifts and souvenirs before you make your way to the center of Talkeetna.

The town offers plenty of rental cabins, lodges, and campgrounds for your comfort, and the Denali Brewpub is one of the top-rated restaurants in the area.

Anchorage to Seward

The journey from Anchorage to Seward follows the Seward Highway and takes about two and a half hours.

Just outside Anchorage is Beluga Point, a stunning viewpoint that looks out onto the Turnagain Arm. Further down the road is Bird Point, another spot for panoramic views of the ocean, but with marvelous mountain backdrops as well. From there, you'll head inland, passing by Portage, which is home to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This unique stop lets you get close to wood bison, wolves, black and brown bears, moose, and reindeer.

Moose Pass is just under an hour away and features the Estes Brother's Grocery Store, where you can stock up on snacks and get out of the car for a bit. It is on Upper Trail Lake, with trails running alongside the water. More waterfront adventures can be had at Kenai Lake and the Snow River, one of the last major points of interest before arriving in Seward.

Fairbanks to Tok

The trip from Fairbanks to Tok takes around three and a half hours. Right from the get-go, you'll find yourself passing through North Pole, a quirky, Christmas-themed town that celebrates the season year-round. After hanging with reindeer and chowing on some delicious crepes, the next major stop is Delta Junction.

A prime spot to fill up on gas, Delta Junction lets you decide between heading towards Glennallen or continuing on to Tok. The road between here and Tok takes you past snow-covered peaks, with rest areas like Dry Creek and Dot Lake. Eventually, you'll cross the Robertson River, drive alongside the Tanana River, and arrive at the Moon Lake State Recreation Site. The spot features areas for picnicking, accessing the lake, and camping.

Tok is now only twenty minutes away, and as you arrive in this small Alaskan town, you'll be greeted with quaint accommodations like the Golden Bear Motel, delicious eateries such as Sourdough Cafe, and fun attractions like Mukluk Land.

Fairbanks to Manley Hot Springs

The drive to Manley Hot Springs from Fairbanks takes around four hours and is quite the expedition. A trip for experienced drivers, this rewarding adventure involves traversing to the end of the Elliot Highway.

You'll want to make sure your tank is full, and your supplies are stocked, as amenities along the way are sparse. About half an hour into the drive is the Chatanika River and the Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area. There are trails and outhouse facilities, as well as prime chances for wildlife viewing.

The White Mountains National Recreation Area is one of the last points of interest before Livengood. Travelers can enjoy expansive views of the foothills and snowy mountains in the distance. Livengood is an hour away and will be the intersection where drivers can choose to continue along the Elliot Highway or the Dalton Highway up north. Manley Hot Springs is another two hours away, and as you reach the end of the highway, you'll come upon your destination, which lies on the banks of the Tanana River.

The area was first established in 1902, and the resort was built soon after. It burned to the ground but was replaced by the Manley Roadhouse. The area is home to a restaurant and bar, hostel-style accommodations, private rooms, and rental cabins. It is a popular spot for dog-sledding, fishing, boating, and exploring the vast Alaskan wilderness. And, of course, there are the hot springs, which feed into the bathhouse surrounded by the year-round greenhouse.

Palmer to Glennallen

The trip from Palmer to Glennallen takes about two and a half hours. The road from Palmer follows alongside the Matanuska River, and about forty minutes into the trip is the King Mountain State Recreation Area. Her,e you'll find restrooms, as well as stunning views of the river and nearby mountains. Long Lake is a few minutes up the road and offers fantastic photo opportunities right alongside the highway.

Eventually, you'll come upon the Matanuska Glacier, which can be viewed from the pullout just past the Caribou Creek Bridge. If you're running low on gas or need some snacks, Eureka Lodge is twenty minutes away. Another twenty-five minutes up the road is the Mendeltna Creek Lodge, which offers a rest area if you need another break.

Glennallen is now only half an hour away, and as you pull into town, you have the option of staying at the beautiful Glennallen Rustic Resort, Antler's Rest Bed and Breakfast, or the Caribou Hotel.

Fairbanks to Circle

The drive to Circle from Fairbanks takes just under four hours as you travel along the Steese Highway. This route is a popular road, as it takes the citizens and tourists of Fairbanks to the Ski Land Sku and Snowboard Area in the winter, as well as the Aurora Viewing Area.

Another unique spot along the way is the Chatanika Gold Dredge, a historical artifact with decades of history behind it. The Chatanika Lodge is right nearby, featuring a restaurant and bar so you can take a moment to refuel before continuing the journey to Circle.

The road often runs alongside the Chatanika River, offering stellar views as you wind your way through the Alaskan wilderness. A small area called Central will eventually come into view, home to the Central District Museum, the spot once being a thriving mining area. Further up the road is the Eagle Summit Parking Area, where travelers can pull over and walk to the Pinnell Mountain Trailhead.

As you arrive in Circle, you'll be greeted by the beauty of the Yukon River, a popular canoe route for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Once an old gold town, there isn't much left of Circle, but for those who want to truly experience the peace and quiet of being in the middle of nowhere, Circle is a great place for camping, hiking, fishing, and more, with Sonyas Bed and Breakfast being one of the only businesses still operating.

Fairbanks to Denali National Park

Fairbanks to Denali National Park takes just under two and a half hours as you make your way down the Parks Highway.

If you didn't fill up on gas in Fairbanks, or are just craving some sites and some snacks, Nenana is the first stop along the way with a gas station, as well as the historic Alaska Railroad Depot. Further up the road is the Fireweed Roadhouse, featuring a quirky restaurant.

Tatlanika Gift Shop and Campground is right on the Nenana River, with restrooms, and a unique shop with dozens of craft items, antiques, and knickknacks for sale. There is also a greenhouse, garden, and ice cream.

Eventually, drivers will come across Healey, a town that is home to the Three Bears Grocery Store, so you can find something to eat or purchase some things you forgot. Just past Healey, you'll cross the Nenana River Bridge, a massive engineering marvel that brings you right into Denali. The National Park is home to sights like the Denali Bluffs and offers activities such as rafting, mountain biking, dog sledding, and hiking with resorts including the Holland America Denali Lodge.

Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs

The drive from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs takes approximately an hour and 11 minutes if travelers were to go without stopping. But there's no fun in that. Taking Chena Hot Springs Road, the first point of interest is Laraes Breads, Pies, and Espressos. This delicious pit stop is a great place to pick up some baked goods, hot coffee, and maybe even some lunch items for a picnic.

About forty minutes into the drive is Pleasant Valley, home to Pleasant Acres Reindeer Farm as well as Wagners Pizza Bus. There are plenty of spots to set up for a picnic and enjoy a meal before continuing on the rest of the way to Chena.

Chena River State Recreation Area and Angel Rocks Trail are both roadside areas with absolutely stunning views of the surrounding mountains, hills, and valleys. Surrounded by lush forest and access to the Chena River, its the perfect place to snap some unforgettable photos, stretch your legs, or indulge in some light hiking.

The road ends at Chena Hot Springs Resort, which features a lodge, rental cabins, camping areas, and even yurts for that truly one-of-a-kind experience. There are dining options as well, a year-round ice museum, and of course, the hot springs pool.

Alaska Awaits: Scenic Adventures on Every Road

So whether you're hoping to embrace the vast wilderness of this isolated state or visit one of the stunning National Parks, Alaska has plenty of road trip options to choose from. From highways that wind along the shores of the ocean to single-lane roads that pass by towering mountains and cliffs to journeys that make a person feel like they're the only ones left in the 麻豆AV, Alaska has much to offer despite its often challenging terrain. Just make sure you have lots of gas, lots of snacks, and a perfectly curated playlist to keep the vibes going strong as you explore the areas surrounding Fairbanks and Anchorage.