Palmer Holidays

Photo by State of Alaska/Matt Hage
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Things to do in and around Palmer

Palmer offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as camping, hiking along scenic trails, and exploring recreational areas. For those seeking organised experiences, there is a diverse selection of coach holidays, engaging tours, and audio guides available through local tour companies, ensuring a fun and memorable visit to this charming Alaskan town.

Shopping

In Palmer, you can explore local shops like the Musk Ox Farm Gift Shop for unique souvenirs and handcrafted items. If you're up for a drive, head to Wasilla’s Carrs-Safeway for a larger selection of gifts and local delicacies.

Recreation

At Palmer Golf Course, immerse yourself in the serene outdoor atmosphere while enjoying a round of golf amidst stunning Alaskan scenery. This venue combines sport with relaxation, allowing you to unwind and connect with nature, making it an ideal spot for both recreation and wellness.

Adventure

Experience the serene beauty of Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area for family camping adventures, hike the scenic trails of Bodenburg Butte for breathtaking views, and embrace thrilling winter sports at Arctic Valley Ski Area, located 45.1km from Palmer, perfect for skiing enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Palmer's nightlife offers a warm, friendly atmosphere with local breweries and pubs. Visit the 49th State Brewing Co. for craft beers and hearty food. For live music, check out the Alaska State Fairgrounds, where you can enjoy performances under the stars, making for a memorable evening in this charming town.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Palmer

Palmer, Alaska, is an idyllic destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can explore stunning national parks, serene lakes, and historic mines that offer a glimpse into the area's rich heritage. With a variety of attractions catering to outdoor enthusiasts and couples in search of romance, Palmer promises an unforgettable experience for every type of traveller.

  • Independence Mine State Historical Park: Discover the rich history of gold mining in Alaska at this impressive historic site. Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, you can explore old mining structures and learn about the miners' lives, immersing yourself in the culture of the era.
  • Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site: Experience breathtaking views and thrilling outdoor activities at this magnificent glacier. Perfect for hiking and photography, the site offers opportunities for ice climbing and guided glacier tours, making it an adventure lover's paradise.
  • Palmer Research Center and Matanuska Experiment Farm: Enjoy a tranquil atmosphere at this unique farm, where you can explore agricultural research, partake in recreational activities, and appreciate the serene surroundings, ideal for a peaceful day out.

Best time to go to Palmer

The best time to visit Palmer can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Palmer falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Palmer falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January12.6°F (-10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February15.8°F (-9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March19.4°F (-7.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April30.7°F (-0.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May43.0°F (6.1°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October30.9°F (-0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November17.4°F (-8.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December14.0°F (-10.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Palmer

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Palmer.
  • Consider traveling to Palmer during the low season (November to January) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Palmer

The Pioneer Motel

The Pioneer Motel

124 W Arctic Ave Palmer AK
€134
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (832 reviews)
"What we liked that our room was very clean and there was no smell of any kind in the air, and the price was right. What we didn’t like was there no information about what time on the wall of what time was check out time. We enjoyed the room, for this was not our first time."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2026

The Pioneer Motel
Stay Alaska - Modern Stays in the Wild

Stay Alaska - Modern Stays in the Wild

11245 S Nystrom Wy Palmer AK
€203
24 Sept - 25 Sept
includes taxes & fees
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Beautiful place! Loved the bright rooms looking out into Alaska nature. Very clean. Our host was great with communicating and getting us settled in. My son and I loved staying here on our way to Denali. Private hot tub was also great."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2026

Stay Alaska - Modern Stays in the Wild
Eagle Hotel

Eagle Hotel

918 S Colony Way Palmer AK
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
€147
11 Sept - 12 Sept
includes taxes & fees
7.2/10 Good! (318 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2026

Eagle Hotel
See all 535 properties in Palmer
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Palmer attractions

A mountainous landscape with a winding road and a small settlement.

Independence Mine State Historical Park

9.4/10 (31 reviews)
Explore Alaska's gold rush history at this preserved hard-rock mine nestled in the Talkeetna Mountains. Join summer guided tours to discover miners' stories while surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.
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Two reindeer grazing in a muddy enclosure with a mountain in the background.
Photo by Patti Johnson

Reindeer Farm

9.4/10 (42 reviews)
This family-run farm lets you hand-feed and pet reindeer while learning about Alaska's unique wildlife. Enhance your visit with guided horseback rides up Bodenburg Butte for spectacular mountain views.
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A glacier with icebergs and a calm lake.

Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site

9.8/10 (24 reviews)
Witness Alaska's largest car-accessible glacier from scenic viewing platforms along the Edge Nature Trail. Enjoy a picnic amid panoramic Chugach Mountain views in this 300-acre wilderness retreat.
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A close-up of a horse's face with a cloudy sky in the background.

Musk Ox Farm

9.4/10 (39 reviews)
This Alaska farm preserves ancient musk oxen, offering guided tours to observe these Arctic mammals up close. Browse luxurious garments made from their ultra-soft undercoat, qiviut.
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Palmer Research Center and Matanuska Experiment Farm

8.8/10 (6 reviews)
This working research farm showcases Alaska's agricultural innovations. Explore free guided tours through experimental plots and greenhouses while learning about sustainable farming techniques in the Far North.
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Palmer Golf Course

8.0/10 (4 reviews)
Enjoy a round of golf in Palmer at Palmer Golf Course. Wander the forests or discover the area's mountain views.
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Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area

10.0/10 (2 reviews)
Explore interconnected lakes and 30+ miles of trails at this premier Alaskan outdoor destination. Anglers can catch stocked trout and grayling while hikers enjoy glacially formed landscapes.
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Palmer Visitor Information Center

9.0/10 (7 reviews)
This rustic log cabin museum showcases Palmer's agricultural heritage and the 1930s Matanuska Colony Project. Explore local artefacts and the midnight sun garden while staff share Alaska adventure recommendations.
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What to do in Palmer

Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour

Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour

€319
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour
Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting

Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting

€273
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting
Matanuska Glacier Guided Hike from Anchorage with Gear Included

Matanuska Glacier Guided Hike from Anchorage with Gear Included

€284
per adult
Matanuska Glacier Guided Hike from Anchorage with Gear Included
See all activities in Palmer

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Palmer holiday package cost?
You can pick up a holiday package to this destination on Expedia. But how much your holiday to Palmer costs will depend on your hotel choice, season and length of stay.
What are the cheapest months to go to Palmer?
If you're hoping to snag a cheap Palmer holiday package, consider visiting in January, October and December. You'll usually find better prices on hotels and flights during these months — ideal for a budget-friendly break.
How many days is enough for Palmer?
Usually, a handful of days is enough to go to the main attractions during your Palmer holiday. However, if you want to have time to unwind or go on day trips, think about extending your trip.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Palmer?
Whether you'd like to visit top sights like Musk Ox Farm and Mat-Su Visitors Centre on your Palmer holiday, or coming for its excellent views, culture and nature, there's something for everyone here. With so many things to see and do, you'll soon discover why so many people think Palmer is a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Palmer package deals?
Bagging a cheap Palmer package deal is easy with Expedia. After you've entered your preferred dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your budget, add a couple of filters and see what's available. You can fine-tune your search by "Amenities," "Property type," "Traveller experience" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to view the most pocket-friendly Palmer package deals. Want a simple trick to get even more savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Palmer holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your Palmer escape by booking a personalised holiday package. Check the "Package" heading, then enter your destination and travel dates to browse some great airfares and hotel prices. Bundle everything into a great-value package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may score a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Palmer?
If you're considering an impromptu Palmer holiday, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you take off. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can find incredible deals on your flights and hotels by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Palmer?
  1. Pick the right time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you like can all impact your decision on when to travel to Palmer.
  2. Work out your budget: Make sure you have enough money to pay for everything from transportation and meals to flights and activities. Your accommodation will likely be the biggest expense during your trip to Palmer.
  3. Decide how long to go for: Now that you know more about Palmer, you can work out the perfect length of your break. Create a rough itinerary and give yourself enough time to get through everything on your must-do list.
  4. Combine your airfare and accommodation: After you've nailed down your trip dates and duration, lock in the right Palmer holiday package for you.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.