There are plenty of options for late-season getaways, both in Alaska and out of state

Fall is in the air, but can’t you hear it? It’s summer’s last gasp.

Last week, on a drive from Anchorage to Seward, the temperature gauge in the car showed a chilly 40 degrees. That’s a great indicator to bring your gloves, your hat and an extra layer on your next adventure.

Seward stands out as a perfect late-season getaway. Both Major Marine Tours and Kenai Fjords Tours offer a 20% discount to Alaska residents for sightseeing cruises into Kenai Fjords National Park. The longer six-hour cruises into the park operate through Sept. 29 (Major Marine stops after Sept. 22). Cruises leave Seward’s small boat harbor around 11:30 a.m.

If you don’t want to drive, take the Alaska Railroad. The schedule lines up nicely with the departures in Seward — and the train station is less than a five-minute walk from the harbor.

Starting Sept. 4, lower “value season” pricing applies for train fares. Between Anchorage and Seward, the rate drops to $108 one-way, or $220 one-way for Gold Star service. Gold Star travelers get dinner on board, plus a couple of adult beverages. Also, there’s an outdoor viewing platform and glass-dome ceilings.

Don’t go to Seward without visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center. It’s always a treat to see the animals they’re caring for: sea lions, seals, seabirds ... even an octopus. Recently, the center’s team began caring for a Pacific walrus calf. The center offers visitors an up-close look at the diverse ecosystem of Resurrection Bay, including halibut, crab, salmon and seabirds. Kids who are visiting love to check out the “touch tanks” with sea anemones and other tidepool critters.

[Rescued walrus calf is alert and ‘sassy’ after seemingly being left by her herd in Utqiagvik]

Farther down the Kenai Peninsula in Homer, Land’s End Resort sits at the end of the Homer Spit. Beginning Sept. 13, Land’s End offers a “Getaway” special for $179 per couple. The price includes overnight accommodations, one entree for each guest at the Chart House restaurant, plus one glass of wine or beer.

You don’t have to drive all the way to Homer for an adventure, although the leaves are turning. In Girdwood, Alyeska Resort offers a 30% discount for Alaska residents. Alyeska’s Nordic Spa is available for either an all-day hydrotherapy package or a discounted evening access plan.

The all-day spa option starts at $109 per person and the “Twilight Soak” plan starts at $89 per person. Spa-goers have access to the outdoor pools, saunas and steam rooms. Massages are extra, but there’s a 20% discount available on select early-morning or evening times.

Another popular option at Alyeska is to ride the tram up the mountain. A stand-alone ticket on the tram is $43 for adults. But if you want to ride for free on Sept. 30, just bring two cans of food. Alyeska Resort hosts a one-day end-of-season food drive.

“Last year we hosted more than 600 people,” said Abbey Brau, the resort’s marketing manager.

If you want a perfect view of Turnagain Arm while enjoying lunch, check out the “Ride and Dine” package. For $68 per adult, the package includes a tram ride and a $30 credit at the Bore Tide Deli.

Are you heading to Seattle? The Emerald City is often Alaskans’ first stop, especially for sports fans. The big Apple Cup football game between the University of Washington Huskies and the Cougars from Washington State University is slated for Sept. 14 at Lumen Field. The Seattle Mariners are playing the San Diego Padres Sept. 9-11. And the Seattle Seahawks are facing off against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 22.

There are plenty of other sporting events in Seattle, including women’s basketball, hockey and soccer.

Live music performances are also a big draw for travelers to Seattle. One of my favorite artists, Kacey Musgraves, is playing at Climate Pledge Arena on Sept. 20.

Do you just need to fly south of the border for a taste of Mexico before the snow flies?

Make sure your passport is in order. Then take a look at these three Mexican destinations: Santiago de Queretaro, Aguascalientes and Leon.

These three cities are not on the coast. Rather, they’re in central Mexico along old colonial trading routes. Aguascalientes is known for its hot springs but also has lots of colonial architecture in the center of town.

The town of Santiago de Queretaro, founded in the 16th century, is a commercial center. But the center of town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in part because of the geometric street plan.

Leon is the most populous city in the Mexican state of Guanajuato.

Although I have not been to any of these destinations, the flights are really cheap between Sept. 5 and 28: $404-$414 round-trip on United Airlines. Add an $80 upcharge to main economy to pick your seats in advance. The cities are close to a couple of more popular Mexican destinations: Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende.

Flights from Anchorage to Guadalajara are not much more, from $458 round-trip, starting Sept. 20.

Whether you set your sights on Seward, Seattle or the far reaches of Mexico, you’d better be quick. Because winter is coming.