Two Alaskas, One Trip: From Black Sand Beaches to Calving Glaciers
If Alaska isn’t on your travel radar yet… bump it to the top. We just got back from an unforgettable land-and-sea adventure that packed in road trips, float planes, salmon fishing, bear sightings, glacier flyovers, and King Crab legs as long as your forearm. Here’s how it all unfolded:
Anchorage to Homer: Alaska’s Most Scenic Road Trip
We landed in Anchorage, picked up the rental car, and headed straight for Homer—a 4-hour drive that honestly didn’t feel like 4 hours. It was all towering peaks, winding coastal views, and rivers that seemed to sparkle with every bend.
Once in Homer, we checked into the peaceful, beachside Ocean Shores Resort. The owner greeted us with insider tips that you’d never get from a guidebook (we’re talking where to find the best tidepools and which brewery pours the freshest pints). Just steps from our room was a path to Bishop’s Beach—a black sand beach that looked like something out of Iceland.
Exploring Homer: Halibut, Brews, and the Spit
We wandered downtown Homer, chatting with shop owners and admiring the local art vibe. Lunch was at Mike’s Alaskan Eatery—a small spot with bold flavors (the salmon tacos are a must). That evening, we hit up Homer Brewing Company and felt right at home swapping stories with locals and travelers alike.
Dinner? The legendary Captain Pattie’s Fish House on the Homer Spit. The King Crab legs were practically prehistoric, and worth every buttery, lemony bite.
Float Planes & Sockeye Dreams
Day two took us on a 90-minute drive to Soldotna, where we boarded a float plane with Talon Air for the most surreal fishing experience of our lives. Picture this: landing on a pristine lake, casting your line, reeling in your limit of sockeye salmon, and watching eagles soar overhead—and grizzlies casually fishing alongside you (no fences, no drama, just wild Alaska being wild).
Don’t skip Jolly Wally’s for fish processing in Soldotna—they vacuum pack, flash freeze, and even ship your salmon home for you.
If you do one thing in Alaska: do this Talon Air fishing and bear-viewing trip. It’s that life-changing.
Back in Homer, we wrapped the day with dinner at The Kannery Grill—solid seafood, warm vibes, and perfect after a big adventure.
More Homer & The Best Halibut Ever
We soaked in more Homer the next day—coffee, slow strolls, and a visit to Grace Ridge Brewing for craft beers that rival any mainland taproom. That night, we had what might be the best halibut we’ve ever tasted at Fresh Catch Café on the Spit. Don’t skip dessert—the view and vibe alone are worth it.
Talkeetna: Cabins, Denali, and a Whole Lotta Charm
On day four, we drove 6 hours to Talkeetna, breaking up the trip with a stop at the Denali Brewing Co. taproom—elevated bar food, solid beers.
We checked into the Talkeetna Cabins, which might win the “most Alaska” award. No check-in desk, just a note: “Your key’s inside. Cabin’s unlocked.” And sure enough, it was. Clean, cozy, and surprisingly spacious (each cabin has two stories and a kitchen!).
Lunch was at Kahiltna Bistro (get the reindeer sausage), and then we walked down to the riverside park where Denali herself was out in full glory. Not a cloud in the sky—total bucket-list moment.
Dinner was Mountain High Pizza Pie (trust us, just go), and we ended the evening with fun staff and great brews at Denali Brewpub.
Cruising into the Wild
The next day, we headed back to Anchorage and flew to Seattle, just in time to board the Celebrity Edge for a 7-day Alaskan cruise. Before we set sail, we squeezed in a sunrise visit to the Space Needle. Pro tip: Go early for fewer crowds and epic views.
Our itinerary? Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and a quick jaunt to Victoria, BC.
Cruise Highlights
- Ketchikan: The Salmon Capital of the World. We walked the historic Salmon Walk and caught the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show—fun, fast-paced, and totally unique.
- Dawes Glacier: The ship pulled closer than any Celebrity vessel had before. Ice cracked, calves splashed—it was awe-inspiring.
- Juneau: Helicoptered to Norris Glacier for dog sledding. Yup—real sled dogs on the glacier, including Iditarod competitors. Wild, thrilling, and surprisingly emotional.
- Skagway: Cute town, but the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway stole the show. Glacier views, waterfalls, and steep cliffs—bring a camera and sit on the left side of the train for the best views.
- Victoria, BC: Charming and oh-so-walkable. Don’t miss the Empress Hotel for an Empress Gin & Tonic (made with butterfly pea flower gin!). And if you’re short on time, grab a cab at the terminal—ours gave us a full tour for $80.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Do Both
Land and cruise offer completely different versions of Alaska. Driving through tiny towns, fishing with locals, and seeing Denali is a very different experience from pulling up to glaciers on a floating luxury hotel. And we loved both.
Would we go again? In a heartbeat. Especially for another round with Talon Air and those sockeye salmon.
Ready to plan your trip? You might just fall in love with Alaska twice—once by land, and again by sea. 💙🐻❄️🐟
