If you are planning your first visit to the incredibly scenic state of Alaska, then it's time to prepare yourself for views that you've simply never seen before. While many think of the northern U.S. state as nothing more than a vast frozen tundra, the opportunities to experience nature in new lights are practically infinite. Hopping in your Alaska rental car to cruise from national parks to stunning shorelines will create an enlightening road trip you'll never forget. Here are the best driving excursions you can embark on in the immaculate state of Alaska. It's no secret that in the largest state in the country, the bigger the spectacle, the better the experience.
A typical journey down the famous Seward Highway is practically guaranteed to deliver you some of the most memorable views you've ever witnessed. From Seward to Anchorage, this stretch of road reaches more than 125 miles, ideal for a full-day road trip that will lead you to a variety of breathtaking pit stops. Along the way, be sure to visit Chugach State Park, where you'll be treated with plenty of hiking trails that feature the gorgeous Kenai Mountains towering in the background. Fishermen will definitely need to stop by Bird Creek Campgrounds, where the streams and channels are always hopping with fresh salmon. Finally, breathe in the mountain valley air near Mount Alyeska, where the scent of wildflowers in the spring will forever linger in your nostrils.
Alaska is home to some of the most majestic creatures in the world, and there are plenty of routes to take your Alaska rental car out to catch a glimpse at the stoic beauty of these animals. If embarking on a bear viewing tour sounds intriguing, then driving out to Brooks River Falls is the place to safely admire entire packs of wild grizzly bears from afar. Of course, Alaska remains one of the premier locations in the world for whale watching, and there are a variety of cruises and boat tours in Anchorage that will take you out onto the waters to spot the biggest creatures of the sea in their natural habitat.