Drive To 7 Incredible Summer Spots Throughout Alaska On This Scenic Weekend Road Trip

Alaska is absolutely filled to the brim with beautiful places to visit. We’ve put together seven scenic spots in Alaska that could make an epic weekend road trip if you’re ready to drive all over the state. These are some of the very best sites you’ll see if you drive from Homer all the way over to Valdez, hitting breathtaking vistas all along the way.

Make sure you follow along with the directions on Google Maps.

Google Maps

Melissa Kopka / iStock / Getty Images Plus

This 4.5 mile long piece of land juts out from Homer into the stunning Kachemak Bay. You can explore all the way down this beautiful piece of land to the very end, where you may see a pod of orcas swim by. Hit up one of the amazing restaurants along the way, dig your toes into the sand, or browse through one of the many fabulous gift shops. If you want to explore further into the bay, book a water taxi, the state ferry, or even a kayak and guide on this great spit!

Advertisement

Cavan Images via Cavan / Getty Images

Kenai Lake is a fisherman’s dream! These turquoise blue glacier waters are teeming with all of your favorite fish. And it’s not half bad to look at, either. Hop on a kayak or stand up paddle if you want to get close and personal with this giant lake in Cooper Landing on the Kenai Peninsula. There’s plenty of nearby campgrounds on the banks of this lake where you can spend the night if you want to make a longer stop.

Advertisement

dhughes9 via iStock / Getty Images Plus

Portage Lake is home to Portage Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. Plenty of sightseeing boats head out each summer to take you up close and personal with this giant tidewater glacier. There’s also a great trail, the Trail of Blue Ice, that parallels Portage Road if you’d like to stretch your legs or bike around the area. If you want to hike, there’s also plenty of stunning trails nearby.

Related Stories

The Stunning Alaska Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America

The Scenic Drive In Alaska That Runs Straight Through The Charming Small Town Of Cooper Landing

7 Stops To Make Along Alaska's Parks Highway That Are Drive-Worthy Destinations

Sunny Awazuhara- Reed / Design Pics / Getty Images

Eklutna Lake is a recreational getaway popular with Alaskans from all over. The deep turquoise lake is another glacier fed masterpiece, although this one is man made. It’s one mile wide and seven miles long, and feeds the Anchorage municipality with their water supply. There are lots of trails, campgrounds, and even public service cabins for your use nearby.

DCrane08 via iStock / Getty Images Plus

Matanuska Glacier is one of the only glaciers in the United States that’s accessible by car, and it’s also the largest! It’s right off the Glenn Highway, and visible from the road so you can take a photo without ever leaving your car. If you can spare the time, book a tour to get on top of this glacier with a guided hike.

Alan Vernon via Moment Collection / Getty Images

Located on the Richardson Highway and also visible from your car is the massive Worthington Glacier. This state recreation site has plenty of traffic, and the 5,774-acre valley glacier is right next to the famous Thompson Pass. Pull over and enjoy the hike up to the ice, and take a moment for a picnic before heading on your way.

Enn Li Photography via Moment Open / Getty Images

As you’re nearing Valdez, you’ll descend off of Thompson Pass and into the valley below. Continue on and you’ll enter Keystone Canyon, home of the waterfalls. The gorge has nearly perpendicular walls that host hundreds of waterfalls. The most impressive are the Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls, both falling hundreds of feet to the floor below. When you’re finished here, finish your road trip at Valdez, one of the most beautiful towns in Alaska.

Have you ever been to these scenic spots in Alaska? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for another fun road trip to do this summer, check out the The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Alaska Like Never Before.