Best city for first visit to Alaska? (Anchorage, Fairbanks: car rental, rent)

[trinity7774]

Those of you who live there, or have in the past.. What is the best city for a first time visit to Alaska? Also, how long do you suggest the trip be? I would imagine 1 week is no where close to enough. 2 weeks good?

I would love to see the mountains. Big city is no big deal to me, however, would have to fly there of course. Would love to do some great fishing! Gosh, I don't know what else to ask to see. I'm very boring for my trips. I just love scenery. Example. I've been to Ireland. Dublin was a waste. But absolutely loved the west coast. Which was just all hills and winding roads and greenery, etc. Oh and I'm big on small town life!

Thanks in Advance!

[Tressa]

I would start at Anchorage since you will be flying, rent a car and head down to the Kenai Peninsula, visit Seward and then head over to visit Homer will see quite a bit of scenry and possible wildlife as well as fish. Heading north after that if you have time, only because the Kenai Peninsula offers fishing out in the ocean and heading north you go inland. Some beautiful country though, you will travel through some quaint little towns such as Willow, Talkeetna some just big enough to be a small dot on the map.

[Out of Alaska]

Tressa's got the right idea. An alternative/variant would be to do fishing in Valdez, then head north - you can drive to Denali if you are interested in that. Also can drive to Denali from Anchorage (or the glass-top train which is fantastic!).

You will be surprised how much the coast looks like Ireland! We just have these incredible peaks that complement greenery!

[Tressa]

Oh the glass-top view car of Alaska Railroad is wonderful, we did that one year actually spotted an eagles nest at eye level quite impressive. Going to Denali is a great trip too but don't be surprised if you don't see the mountain from up there, we have a better view of Mt McKinley from my office in Anchorage but if you catch it on a good day which is about 25% of year nothing will beat the view. But then I'm pregidest when it comes to Alaska

[Rance]

You basically have two choices for city. Anchorage and Fairbanks. Land in either one and you'll see mountains. Definately drive south out of Anchorage. You'll be right in the mountains and the scenery is awesome.
I've never ridden the train north. That sounds like it might be nice.

[warptman]

The drive to Valdez is one of my favorite ones, a lot of scenery

[Raven and Bear]

Those are beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing them. For someone wanting a vacation to AK, who is looking for pretty scenery but not much interested in urban life, urban culture, etc., I agree with what has already been posted, but would add that driving north along the Parks Highway is very nice for scenery. If going to down towards Kenai, Hope is a really nice little town to stop off at, and the ride into Hope is nice as well.

[alaskaanne]

Im new and say they are nice pics. Would love to live there!

[JavaPhil]

I like the next to last pic, looks like the entrance to the Keystone Canyon. I can't even fit Bridal Veil falls in one frame, I can only do it in 2frames at best. Three Sisters Falls are pretty too.

[DannyL]

1st time visit? Try a cruise. Honestly.
Compare the cost of plane tickets, car rental, motels, etc. with a cruise ticket.
You'll hit at least 6 differnet places on a cruise. Then afterwards pick a fav.
Look at the off season also. Save a ton and see Alaska at it's best.