The Easy Way to Combine Los Angeles and Alaska With Kids
Palm trees and Alaska mountains in the same vacation? We paired Los Angeles with Anchorage and Denali while traveling with our three kids. The part worth copying is the sequence of overnight stops, with room to slow down between travel days.
A bear beside the water, photographed during our Alaska trip. Family photo.
Start with six nights in the Los Angeles area, fly to Anchorage, spend two nights near Denali, then return to Anchorage before flying home through Los Angeles. Our trip ran Friday, August 11, through Wednesday, August 23, 2023. For grandparents joining a similar route, keep one main outing per day and protect the rest time.
The Flight and Drive Itinerary
Our flight and driving route. Illustration, not a navigation map; flight lines may include connections.
|
Dates in 2023 |
Overnight base |
Flight or driving plan |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug 11–17 |
Los Angeles area |
Fly BWI to LAX. Stay at Courtyard in Hacienda Heights; use a rental car for local outings. |
|
Aug 17–18 |
Anchorage |
Fly LAX to ANC. Stay near Lake Hood. Arrange the arrival-night transfer; the Alaska rental starts Aug 18. |
|
Aug 18–20 |
Denali area |
Drive north and stay at Grande Denali Lodge. Give the transfer day room for meals and breaks. |
|
Aug 20–22 |
Anchorage |
Drive back to Anchorage and stay at Hilton Anchorage. Leave time for an outing and packing. |
|
Aug 22–23 |
Journey home |
Fly overnight ANC to LAX, arriving Aug 23 at 6:03 a.m., then continue home. |
One Easy Outing at a Time
Our activity list included a pre-tour and game, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, an Alaska tour, a wildlife visit, and a cruise. Build these around the overnight stops, allowing space for meals and downtime. Confirm each departure point before pairing a cruise or tour with a long drive.
At the Reagan Library, the museum and grounds are wheelchair accessible, but the interior of Air Force One has limitations. Review the museum’s access information before choosing that outing.
What Most Families Miss
The drive is part of the day. Denali’s entrance is about 240 miles north of Anchorage. Plan breaks and a gentle arrival evening. In summer, private vehicles generally stop at Mile 15 of Denali Park Road; buses serve destinations farther along the road. Wheelchair-accessible buses are available, so arrange specific needs in advance and check the current route.
Book for everyone. Our family was two adults and three children. Confirm the room’s permitted occupancy, beds, and any extra-bed arrangements. Ask directly about step-free access, bathroom layout, and shuttle boarding if someone needs them.
Protect the final connection. An early-morning arrival at LAX follows an overnight flight. Check whether bags need collecting and rechecking, and allow enough time for the onward journey. Keep medications, snacks, and a change of clothes in the carry-on.
Goldie’s Table
Five useful packing choices for a similar trip. The full family checklist follows the article; choose what fits your household.
|
Product |
Why it may help |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
AirTag and holder |
Locate luggage or keys, not people. |
|
|
UPPAbaby G-LUXE |
A rest option for a young child; check fit and age limits. |
|
|
LÍLLÉbaby carrier |
An option when a stroller is inconvenient; check fit. |
|
|
Diapers and wipes |
Keep familiar supplies within reach during transfers. |
|
|
USB-A to USB-C cable |
Match the cable to the car port and your phone. |
Goldie’s Full Family Packing Table
Optional checklist for future travel. These are product categories to compare, not a record of what we used in 2023. Check current models, fit, labels, and provider terms. Shopping links are standard search links.
|
Product |
How to choose or use it |
Where to look |
|---|---|---|
|
First Alert smoke and CO alarm |
Optional portable alarm; follow the model’s placement instructions. |
|
|
Apple AirTag and protective holder |
For belongings. Check phone compatibility and the holder’s fit. |
|
|
UPPAbaby G-LUXE single stroller |
Choose if it fits your child and your transport plans. |
|
|
UPPAbaby side by side double stroller |
Compare the current model’s width, folded size, and child limits. |
|
|
LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons carrier |
Check the child’s size and the wearer’s fit before travel. |
|
|
Vilebrequin adult rashguard |
Optional swim layer; check the specific garment’s UPF label. |
|
|
Vilebrequin children’s rashguard |
Choose the child’s size and check the garment’s label. |
|
|
Insect Shield clothing |
Optional outdoor clothing; follow the care and use label. |
|
|
Hawaiian Tropic SPF 70 sunscreen |
Check the exact formula and reapply as its label directs. |
|
|
Babyganics SPF 50 sunscreen |
Check age directions and the current product label. |
|
|
Infant digital thermometer |
Pack only a suitable model you know how to use. |
Goldie’s Full Family Packing Table Continued
Baby supplies and water activities
|
Product |
How to choose or use it |
Where to look |
|---|---|---|
|
Nasal aspirator |
Pack a familiar model and clean it according to its instructions. |
|
|
Nasal aspirator refill filters |
Match refills to the exact aspirator model. |
|
|
Folding toddler toilet seat |
Check fit; supervise use and clean before repacking. |
|
|
Diapers and Pull-Ups |
Bring the child’s usual size and extras for delays. |
|
|
Baby wipes |
Useful for diaper changes and everyday cleanups. |
|
|
Swim diapers |
Bring if swimming is planned; follow pool rules. |
|
|
Child life jacket |
For boating, choose an appropriate USCG-approved model. A swim trainer is not a substitute. |
|
|
Nursing cover |
Optional privacy layer; keep the baby visible and comfortable. |
|
|
U.S. electrical outlet covers |
Check suitability for the outlets; supervise children. |
|
|
Blue painter’s tape |
Useful for labels and organization; not a substitute for childproofing. |
|
|
BAND-AID flexible bandages |
Include familiar dressings in the family’s first-aid kit. |
Goldie’s Full Family Packing Table Continued
Outdoor supplies and travel technology
|
Product |
How to choose or use it |
Where to look |
|---|---|---|
|
Rolled gauze |
Choose packaged dressings appropriate for your first-aid kit. |
|
|
Mosquito net |
Optional for a suitable setting; check installation and age guidance. |
|
|
OFF Deep Woods repellent |
Check ingredients, age directions, and the product label. |
|
|
Waterproof phone pouch |
Check the model’s limits and test it before use. |
|
|
Maui Jim polarized sunglasses |
Choose comfortable fit and the lens protection you need. |
|
|
D-Link water sensor |
Optional; check power, network needs, and hotel permission. |
|
|
EPICKA universal adapter |
Usually unnecessary on this domestic route; check device voltage on overseas trips. |
|
|
USB-A to USB-C cable |
Match the cable to your device and the available car port. |
|
|
Apple EarPods with USB-C |
Check the phone’s connector; aircraft audio may need a different connection. |
Bottom Line
Memories are priceless. Choose a pace that lets children, parents, and grandparents enjoy being together. You worked hard for this time; leave room to enjoy it.
GoldieCircle Disclaimer
GoldieCircle may recommend third-party products and services based on internal evaluation. Such recommendations do not constitute a warranty or guarantee of performance, suitability, or lifespan. All products and services are subject to their respective providers’ terms and conditions. GoldieCircle assumes no liability for any claims or damages arising from the use of any recommended product or service.
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