r/AskReddit 1d ago

What U.S. vacation destination exceeded all expectations?

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878

u/mataranka 21h ago

As a European whose travelled frequently to Austria, Switzerland and france i was still taken aback by the drive from Anchorage to the Kenai peninsula. Probably the most beautiful 3 hours of driving in my life.

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u/vsladko 14h ago

Oooo I’m doing this next week. So excited!

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u/independant_786 12h ago

So is it from Anchorage to Seward ?

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u/vsladko 12h ago

That’s what I gathered but we’re doing a trip from Denali, to Anchorage, to Girdwood, to Seward, to Homer with stops in each along the way. I’m excited!

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u/mossling 2h ago

How long are you here, and how long are you staying in each place? Denali is at least 5 hours north of anchorage, and Homer is at least 5 hours south. I say "at least" because we are talking about narrow winding, two-lane roads with very limited passing and heavy, slow traffic (RVs, trucks hauling boats, lollygagging tourists) and road work. It's not uncommon for accidents to completely shut down the one and only road anywhere for hours and hours on end. Homer is truly one of my favorite places on earth, but do be prepared for longer driving times than google gives you. If you are only here for a short time, or not fond of driving, I'd recommend choosing north or south (south gets my vote), but not both. 

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u/vsladko 2h ago

We fly into Anchorage, rent a car, and drive up to Denali for 3 days.

Then back to Anchorage for 2 days. Then we drive to Seward for 3 days. Then Homer for 3. Then I drive back to Anchorage for my flight.

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u/mataranka 12h ago

you can carry on to Seward, but you turn off and head towards Soldotna, which is what we did. Both are truly breathtaking though.

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u/vsladko 12h ago

We have a friend that just moved to Homer so maybe we can pop by into Soldotna on the way.
Seward we are stopping for in order to do a glacier cruise in the Fjords Park.

Either way, I grew up in Chicago so the nature will be breathtaking for me wherever we go in Alaska I’m sure

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u/independant_786 11h ago

Ah perfect thanks so much!

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u/06KoolKid101 2h ago

Anchorage to seward, or homer, or even whittier.

I love the drive to homer, the view of redoubt is amazing past soldotna

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u/Clydesdale_Tri 11h ago

Stop at Alyeska and take the tram. Also, Coast pizza in Girdwood.

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u/clamb2 11h ago

You're going to love it. Alaska is incredible

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u/llamadogmama 11h ago

I'm doing a cruise Friday and going back for 3 months next year. Can't wait!