Summer getaways north and south: California & Alaska

Summer is made for exploring and here on the West Coast, must-visit destinations wait in every direction! This week we embark on Leg 2 of our virtual West Coast journey, leaving Oregon and heading into California.

And for intrepid travellers captivated by northern climes, we finish with a trip north to Alaska!

(To check out Leg 1 of our virtual trip: Essential summer weekend getaways on the US West Coast) 

California

1. Redwood National and State Parks Famed for their ancient coastal redwoods – the tallest trees in the world – these parks offer an escape into nature, with a vast region of wilderness along the northern coast of California. The parks combine federal and state-managed lands, including Redwood National Park, Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks.

Weekend activities in Redwood National and State parks

Hiking: Numerous trails weave through the region, ranging from easy strolls to rigorous hikes. Popular trails include the Tall Trees Grove, where some of the tallest trees can be found, and Fern Canyon, famous for its high, fern-covered canyon walls seen in several movies.

Scenic drives: The parks feature several scenic drives that offer spectacular views of the redwoods without leaving your car. The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and the Avenue of the Giants are two notable routes that provide easy access to numerous trailheads and picnic spots.

Wildlife watching: The parks are home to a rich variety of wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, often seen in the Prairie Creek area. Birdwatching is also a popular activity, with many species thriving in the diverse habitats.

Camping: Several campgrounds within the parks., including both developed and backcountry camping options.

Environmental education: The parks offer educational programs that include guided walks and talks about the redwoods and their ecosystems, providing insights into the importance of conservation and the natural history of the area.

Cycling: Biking is allowed on designated trails and roads within the parks. This can be a great way to cover more ground and enjoy the scenic beauty of the redwoods.

Photography: The towering trees and lush undergrowth provide ample opportunities for photographers to capture the unique beauty and grandeur of the redwood forests.

Visitor centres: The Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, located on Highway 101, provides exhibits, maps, and books. Rangers are available to help plan your visit and suggest activities tailored to your interests.

Distance from nearby cities:

• From San Francisco: Approximately 320 miles north, with a driving time of about 5 to 6 hours.
• From Sacramento: Around 300 miles, typically taking about 5 hours’ drive.
• From Portland, Ore.: About 360 miles south, about 6 to 7 hours by car.

2. Sonoma and Napa Valleys Beyond a chance to sip and sample your favourite vintages, a trip through California’s wine country also delivers charming towns and gourmet food experiences.

Weekend activities in Sonoma and Napa Valleys

Wine tastings: With hundreds of wineries to choose from, visitors can enjoy guided tours and tastings at world-class vineyards.

Culinary experiences: Both valleys are famous for their gourmet food offerings, with a focus on farm-to-table dining. Many wineries pair their tastings with exquisite culinary treats, and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants are found here.

Hot air balloon rides: For aerial views of the rolling hills and beautiful vineyards, take a hot air balloon ride at dawn, offers a spectacular and unique perspective.

Biking tours: Rent a bike or join a guided bike tour to explore the picturesque landscapes, vineyards and backroads of Sonoma and Napa Valleys at a leisurely pace.

Spa and wellness: Many resorts and spas in the area offer treatments that incorporate local products like grape seed extracts, providing a perfect way to relax after a day of wine tasting.

Arts and culture: Explore the vibrant local arts scene, which includes galleries, theatres and musical performances. The Napa Valley Opera House and various annual music festivals add a cultural flair to the wine country experience.

Shopping and farmers markets: In addition to wine, the regions are known for artisan cheeses, handmade crafts and other local products, and farmers markets and boutique shops provide a delightful shopping experience.

Hiking and nature walks: Several state parks and nature reserves offer hiking trails and picnic areas, where you can enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and Jack London State Historic Park in Sonoma are popular options.

Distance from nearby cities:

• From San Francisco: Both valleys are about 45 to 60 miles north of San Francisco, making them easily accessible for a weekend getaway. The drive usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and your specific destination.
• From Sacramento: Approximately 60 miles to Napa Valley and 70 miles to Sonoma Valley, with driving times around 1 to 1.5 hours.

Alaska

1. The Seward Highway in Alaska offers one of the most scenic drives in the United States, stretching approximately 127 miles from Anchorage to Seward. This route winds through mountains, along fjords, past glaciers, and across coastal landscapes, with countless opportunities for outdoor adventures and wildlife viewing.

Activities along the Seward Highway:

Soaking in the scenery: The entire route offers dramatic views that are perfect for scenic drives and photography. Key points of interest include Beluga Point, where you can often spot beluga whales, and Bird Point, which offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and waters.

Hiking: Numerous hiking trails are accessible from the highway, including those in Chugach State Park. Popular hikes like the hike to Byron Glacier or up to Flattop Mountain provide rewarding views and encounters with nature.

Wildlife viewing: The region is known for its wildlife. You might see mountain goats, moose and eagles. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, near Girdwood, is a great stop to safely view and learn about local wildlife.

Fishing and water activities: The route offers access to many rivers and lakes, ideal for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Fishing for salmon in the streams along the highway is a popular activity.

Glacier tours and cruises: Once in Seward, you can join a cruise that explores the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park, where glaciers meet the ocean and abundant marine life can be observed.

Camping and picnicking: Several campgrounds and picnic areas along the highway provide lovely spots to stay overnight or just enjoy a meal with a view.

Visit Seward: The town of Seward itself is rich in history and culture, with attractions like the Alaska SeaLife Center, where visitors can learn about marine conservation. Seward is also a gateway for adventures in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Railroad option: For a different perspective, take the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward, which follows a route parallel to much of the Seward Highway.

Distance from nearby cities:

• From Anchorage: The highway begins in Anchorage which makes it a convenient starting point for anyone living in the city.
• From Fairbanks: About 360 miles, or an approximately a 6-hour drive to the start of the Seward Highway in Anchorage.

2. Denali National Park Road Drive into the heart of one of America’s largest national parks. The park road contains stunning views of Denali (Mount McKinley) and plentiful wildlife. Note that vehicle access may be restricted in summer, so check shuttle bus options.

Also known as Denali Park Road, this is the only road traversing Denali National Park in Alaska, extending 92 miles from the park entrance to Kantishna. This road offers one of the most spectacular drives in the world, providing unparalleled views of wild landscapes and the chance to see Denali, the highest peak in North America, formerly known as Mount McKinley.

Activities on Denali Park Road:

Wildlife viewing: . The park road offers some of the best opportunities to see these animals in their natural habitat.

Bus tours: Private vehicles can only drive the first 15 miles of the park road to Savage River. Beyond this point, access is limited to bus tours, which are an excellent way to see the park and learn about its geology and wildlife. Various types of tours are available, including narrated tour buses and non-narrated transit buses.

Hiking and backpacking: Find numerous trails near the park entrance, such as the Horseshoe Lake Trail and the Savage River Loop. For a more remote experience, take a bus into the park and hike in the backcountry. Denali is unique in that it offers mostly trail-less wilderness, allowing for true adventure and exploration.

Photography: The dramatic landscapes, wildlife and the sheer scale of Denali itself provide fantastic opportunities for photographers of all levels. The lighting and cloud formations can create dramatic scenes, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Visitor centers: The Denali Visitor Center and the Eielson Visitor Center offer exhibits, films and educational programs about the park. They are excellent starting points for any visit.

Cycling: Bicycles are allowed on the park road, offering a quiet and personal way to enjoy the stunning scenery. Note that biking in Denali can be challenging due to the unpaved surfaces and weather conditions.

Camping: Several campgrounds in the park range from those with amenities near the park entrance to primitive backcountry sites. Camping in Denali offers a full immersion into the wilderness.

Flightseeing tours: For a different perspective, consider a flightseeing tour from nearby towns like Talkeetna. These tours offer breathtaking aerial views of Denali and the Alaska Range.

Distance from nearby cities:

• From Anchorage: Approximately 240 miles north of Anchorage, or 4 to 5 hours by car.

• From Fairbanks: About 120 miles south of Fairbanks, with a driving time of roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.

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