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The Top 15 Destinations in Alaska

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Alaska is a vast and rugged land, home to 17 of America’s highest peaks, with thousands of rivers (including the Yukon River), more than 3 million lakes, and more active ice fields and glaciers than anywhere else in the world. Travelers venture to The Last Frontier to see wildlife, set foot in eight different national parks, gaze up at star-filled skies, marvel at the aurora borealis, learn about local cultural groups and native history, and experience adventure-filled activities like dog mushing, hiking, flightseeing, and kayaking. Keep reading to discover the top 15 destinations in the U.S.’s 49th state.

Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks

Dark skies, deep in an Alaskan winter, can last 16-18 hours per day, which is conducive to seeing dancing bars of light caused by electrically charged particles from the sun that strike the gases in our atmosphere. See the Aurora Borealis, on a clear night, in Fairbanks and brace for the cold temperatures, which can drop to well below freezing. The northern light-viewing season is between mid-September and late April, with March being the peak, though there are no guarantees. A good resource for Aurora hunters is the Space Weather Prediction Center .

Mendenhall Glacier

Apexphotos / Getty Images

Near Juneau, the state capital, Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most remarkable sights to see in Alaska. This 13-mile long glacier ends at Mendenhall lake and is easily seen from the Mendenhall Visitor Center . Bring your camera and take the short walk down Photo Point Trail, continue on to Nugget Falls, and hike the Trail of Time. You can also see the glacier from a kayak or on a canoe tour.

The Alaska Highway

Kevin Smith / Design Pics / Getty Images

The scenery on the Alaska Highway, also known as Alaska-Canadian Highway, is something straight out of Jon Krakauer’s "Into the Wild." From Dawson Creek in British Columbia, through the Yukon Territory, to Delta Junction, this stretch of road was built during WWII to connect the lower 48 states to Alaska via Canada and is now a favorite experience for road trippers.

Artie Photography (Artie Ng) / Getty Images

The southern tip of the Inside Passage is the ideal location for views of Deer Mountain and Tongass Narrows, where you’ll hear float planes, fishing boats, ferries, and barges. On Tongass Avenue, you’ll see pastel-colored homes built on stilts, hanging over the water. Wander along Creek Street, a boardwalk in Ketchikan, for shopping and to take photographs of historic buildings. Day fishing trips, flight tours, kayaking, and hiking are all fun to do as well.

Prince William Sound

Naphat Photography / Getty Images

Prince William Sound is an inlet of the Gulf of Alaska. You'll be able to see towering tidewater glaciers as you venture into Blackstone Bay, home to Blackstone and Beloit Glaciers, which reach 200 feet high. Cruise into Harriman Fjord to get a look at Surprise Glacier and listen as chunks of ice fall—or calve—into the water, making a loud booming sound. Waterfalls, bird rookeries, rafts of sea otters, and floating harbor seals all can be spotted.

Denali National Park

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali is the highest peak in North America, stretching 20,310 feet above sea level to the summit. Visit Denali National Park , in the northern Alaskan Range, to get a peek at this wonder as you travel down the only road in the park. You’ll likely see moose drinking water out of braided rivers, grizzly bears wandering the tundra, and Dall sheep clinging to hilltops dotted with spruce trees. Pursuit , an experiential tour company, can arrange for a custom tour of Alaska’s interior as well as Denali National Park.  

Anchorage is the state's largest city, housing 236,000 people and as such, there's an abundance of things to do. One highlight is the Anchorage Museum , which tells the tales of Alaska’s native peoples. See a Tlingit war helmet, an  Iñupiaq feast bowl , and artifacts from the Yup’ik and Cup’ik Eskimo peoples. Or take some time to learn about Inuit tattooing, a practice that is still done today, by women for women, to signify cultural belonging and a rite of passage. You can also see art created by Alaskan artists, thousands of photographs, and explore space at the Thomas Planetarium.

The Alaska Railroad

A delightful way to see Alaska is via train and the Alaska Railroad has five great routes for varying interests: Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery, Denali Star, Hurricane Turn, and Aurora Winter. The main line travels 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks, linking several communities along the way. Take the option for GoldStar Service for an upper-level seat under a large glass-domed ceiling, access to a full-service dining car, and an Alaskan tour guide who will narrate throughout the trip.

Talkeetna is small but entirely indelible. Taste fireweed ice cream; learn about Stubbs, the cat that had mayoral duties; take a flightseeing tour; go on a guided river rafting trip; visit the art galleries; or shop around the town for Alaskan goods. There are a number of year-round events to take part in as well like the Talkeetna Winterfest, Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival, and Talkeetna Trio. Beer lovers should pop in the brewery taproom to sample one of 20 Denali Brewing Co. brews on tap.

Inside Passage

Betty Wiley / Getty Images

Massive glaciers carved out the Inside Passage millions of years ago, which is now home to bald eagle habitats, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating whales. You’ll see Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian totem poles, domed Russian churches, and large forests. The area is marked by three distinct sub-locations: the Northern Region, where Haines, Juneau, Sitka, and Skagway are located; Glacier Bay Area, home to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve ; and the Southern Region, where Tongass National Forest and Totem Bight State Historical Park sit. 

Katmai National Park and Preserve

Grant Ordelheide / Aurora Photos / Getty Images

Located in the northern Alaska Peninsula, Katmai National Park and Preserve isn’t easy to get to—you must arrive by plane or boat—but it is definitely worth it. Especially if you want to increase your chances of seeing a grizzly bear in the wild. In the park, there are three viewing platforms, located in Brooks Camp, on the south side of Brooks River. Around 2,200 brown bears inhabit the park, which means that there are more bears on the Alaska Peninsula than there are people.

Tracy Arm Fjord

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Forty-five miles south of Juneau sits the 27-mile-long Tracy Arm Fjord, a narrow waterway surrounded by craggy cliffs. Part of the Tongass National Forest, this icy natural wonder is worth venturing out to see. Bring binoculars and look for bears, eagles, and whales on a full-day boat tour. 

Seward and the Kenai Peninsula

The small town of Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park , Mount Marathon, Resurrection Bay, and Bear Glacier. Visit Alaska SeaLife Center to learn about marine mammal rehabilitation, take photos of the Seward boat harbor, and visit Miller’s Landing for wildlife viewing. The Seward Community Library and Museum is worth visiting to learn about the town’s history and culture.

John Elk / Getty Images

Wooden sidewalks lead to old saloons and historic buildings in Skagway, making it feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the Klondike gold rush. Tourists descend on the town via cruise ships in the summer making it the most crowded time of year. You can take a history tour of the Skagway historic district, hike on one of the many trails that lead to lakes and waterfalls, see Davidson Glacier, wander through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, and visit Skagway Museum and Archives .

The Iditarod Race in Nome

 Jeffrey Walters / Getty Images

Downtown Anchorage is the start of the Iditarod on the first Saturday of March, with festivities lasting for a week prior to the race, including the Fur Rendevous . Many viewers, who come into town to see the action, also decide to tour other remote checkpoints along the 1,000-mile route. The race ends in Nome, and it’s a sight to see the mushers fly across the finish line. Visit a kennel before the race and try out dog sledding for yourself, indulge in a flightseeing adventure during the race, or volunteer to help with the dogs. You can also watch the results via a live stream.

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7 unmissable experiences in Alaska

Mar 27, 2024 • 7 min read

To minimize your environmental footprint consider a small-ship cruise © Mint Images / Getty Images 

With vast swaths of wilderness, communities that are only accessible by boat or plane, and plenty of untamed characters who’ve chosen to live in one of the most rural and dramatic landscapes in the United States, it’s no surprise that Alaska is called the Last Frontier.

The hardest part of planning a trip to Alaska is knowing what to do and how many great places to put on your itinerary. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures in Alaska's amazing national parks , to spot wildlife, or to admire the northern lights, you will find memorable and fascinating experiences at every turn.

These are the top things to do in Alaska.

1. Take to the water on a cruise in Alaska

Alaska cruising is big business and one of the most popular ways to see the state. Every summer, dozens of mega-ships make their way through the waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage, visiting communities only accessible by boat (and plane), such as Sitka , Ketchikan  and Juneau , the state capital. Let us help you choose which cruise is right for you. 

Excursions vary across ports, including flightseeing tours that take you over vast ice fields, fishing excursions that troll the deep waterways of the region, and cultural tours that bring the vibrant communities of Alaska’s Native people to life. Many people make their first trip to Alaska on a cruise because it’s an easy way to experience the state without diving into trickier travel logistics.

Planning tip:  There are numerous options when picking an Alaska cruise, and your primary constraints are your travel style and budget . To minimize your environmental footprint and better support local economies, consider a small-ship cruise. Several operators, including Alaskan Dream Cruises , UnCruise Adventures  and John Hall’s Alaska , offer similar itineraries to the big ships but can venture deeper into southeastern Alaska’s waterways and visit smaller communities that also need tourism support. 

2. Immerse yourself in the wilderness of Denali National Park

What makes  Denali National Park special is both what you’ll find there and what you won’t. As one of the nation’s largest national parks, Denali is a huge space of wilderness, perhaps the largest undeveloped space you’ll ever experience. It's also one of the best places to see wildlife in Alaska, and you might spot moose, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and wolves, as well as smaller mammals and many species of birds. But the national park’s highlight is Denali itself, the tallest mountain in North America. Covered in snow year-round, the “High One” stands head and shoulders above the rest of the Alaska Range.

The best way to visit Denali National Park is by booking one of the official bus tours. You can’t drive private vehicles past mile marker 15 of the 92-mile dirt road. But the buses go farther into the park and help limit the environmental impact of tourism in one of the last truly wild and undeveloped places in the United States. Check out our first timer's guide to plan the ultimate trip. 

Planning tip: Denali National Park is generally only open during the summer season , but you can also visit in the shoulder months of May and September to try and avoid some of the crowds. At present, work is ongoing on Park Road due to a landslide, meaning buses can only go as far as Mile 43 . Authorities say this will remain the case until summer 2026.

Start crafting your budget with these tips.

3. Spot Alaska’s "Big Five" and other major mammals

Alaska has plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, but most visitors focus on trying to see the “Big Five”: moose, grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and gray wolves. Similar in concept to southern Africa’s Big Five, these five large mammals live throughout Alaska, and seeing all of them on a single visit is considered a lucky and successful trip.

All five animals can be seen in Denali National Park, but you can spot them in other parts of the state, too. If you want to guarantee success, take a trip to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center south of Anchorage. Along the way, you can look for Dall sheep on the Seward Highway’s rocky cliffside and spot the other four animals at the rehabilitation center. Many travelers to Alaska also visit to see whales. Alaska’s waterways are home to several whale species. Humpback whales migrate north to Alaska during the summer and always delight the people on ships in their vicinity. It’s also common to see orcas (killer whales) and small white belugas in the waterways of coastal Alaska.

4. Be mesmerized by the northern lights

If you are planning to visit Alaska in the winter, you’re likely doing so for one reason: to see the aurora borealis (northern lights). Watching the phenomenon – caused by solar particles interacting with atoms in the atmosphere – is mesmerizing because the panels of light seem to dance across the dark winter sky.

As the top destination in the US for viewing the aurora borealis, there are several spots throughout Alaska where the dancing lights regularly appear. The best place to base yourself is in Fairbanks , in Alaska’s central interior. Here you’ll be right under the Auroral Oval, a part of Earth’s atmosphere where aurora can appear directly overhead.

Fairbanks experiences the aurora more than 200 nights per year, but it is only visible during the dark winter months; the best time to visit Alaska for peak aurora activity is around the equinoxes in September and March.

Planning tip: Plan ahead, wear lots of layers (temperatures regularly drop far below freezing), and give yourself at least three nights on your itinerary to maximize your chances of clear skies and aurora activity.

Heading to the Alaska with your family? Here are the best things to do with kids.

5. Ride the Alaska Railroad

One aspect of Alaska that surprises many first-time visitors is how little travel infrastructure there is: the Alaska highway system has just four routes, and there’s only one railway line in the whole state. It pays to plan ahead.

The Alaska Railroad was built in the early 20th century and was one of few federally funded railroad lines in the US. Today, it is operated by the state of Alaska, and it shuttles visitors between a handful of stops along the 400-mile route. Seward , Anchorage , Talkeetna , Denali and Fairbanks are the most common stops visited. Copy this itinerary from Lonely Planet editor Sarah Stocking and you won't be disappointed. 

Planning tip:  The best way to experience the Alaska Railroad is by tying it into other travel plans. Wherever possible, splurge for the upper-class seats that often include a glass-domed train car where you can watch the splendor of Alaska pass by unobstructed. You can take the train to and from Denali National Park or ride it down to Seward to explore Kenai Fjords National Park.

6. Spot sealife and glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park

While many visitors focus on Denali National Park, there’s another national park that’s easy to visit – well, easy by Alaska standards, which is to say that you can drive there. Kenai Fjords National Park covers a swath of water, mountain, and shoreline in south-central Alaska. The gateway city to visit this park is Seward , a 2.5-hour drive south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway.

The only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that’s accessible by car is Exit Glacier near Seward. A short, easy hike educates visitors about glaciology and shows the markers that demonstrate this glacier’s rapid recession. The Kenai River Trail is also one of the best hikes in Alaska . But don’t let that be your only experience of Kenai Fjords National Park! From Seward, you can book any number of day cruises that will take you out into the waterways that comprise the majority of the park. There you’ll spot sea birds, otters, sea lions, orcas, and – if you’re lucky – humpback whales that migrate from Hawaii to this part of Alaska during the summer.

Planning tip: Cruise companies don't operate in Kenai Fjords during the winter.  

Save this transportation guide to get around in Alaska.

7. Soak in the Chena Hot Springs

An hour outside Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs draws visitors year-round, especially in the winter after a night out admiring the northern lights. This is one of the few developed and easily accessible hot springs in Alaska, though there are many natural and undeveloped springs that are known mainly to locals. At Chena Hot Springs, you can dip in one of two hot spring pools; the outdoor one is a real treat during the frigid winter months when condensation from the hot water will cause ice crystals to form on your hair and eyelashes.

Planning tip:  Chena Hot Springs Resort also offers other experiences on its property, including tours of an Ice Museum, hiking or snowshoeing depending on the season, and late-night aurora-viewing excursions.

This article was first published Oct 20, 2021 and updated Mar 27, 2024.

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25+ of the Best Places to Visit in Alaska (2024)

Awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Charming coastal towns. Stunning National parks.

These are 25 of the best places to visit in Alaska, ranging from the biggest cities to the most gorgeous nature preserves and tiny towns in one of the five Alaskan region that have a story to tell.

As the largest state in the US and one of the most sparsely populated, planning the best places to go in Alaska can feel daunting.

It’s not so easy to just hop from place to place, and sometimes you need a combination of plane and snowmobile to get there!

And, of course, you should make sure you are aware of the varying sunlight hours in Alaska, with the winter months having almost none in some areas and the summer months having a seriously impressive amount (up to 24 hours in some places on some days!)

Here are the best places to visit in Alaska, from Fairbanks to Sitka to Denali to the Yukon Delta.

What to Pack for Alaska

If you’re coming to Alaska in the summer, then you’ll be good with layers (shorts and shirts during the day, longer layers for in the evening), but if you’re coming in the winter, you need to make sure you’re prepped for a truly Alaska winter wardrobe (read: ALLLLL kinds of bundled up because you’re about to be freezing!)

• Sturdy pair of winter boots – your feet are one of the most important places to keep dry and warm in a Duluth winter, and they’re going to be exposed to a lot between the salt, the slush, and the bitter cold. Make sure to invest in a quality pair of winter boots like these for women and these for men.
• Warm beanie – beanies are all the rage in Alaska when the cold comes, and you can get them in so many different colors. Get a fun pattern like this one , or go plain with ones like these .
• Warm socks – did you know that you also need to think about your socks? Yeah, leave your short summer ones at home. Invest in a pair of warm socks like these to give you an extra layer of protection.
• Wool or fleece leggings – for the girls who are wanting to keep extra warm underneath your jeans or are going bare-legged in your dress for a night out on the town, invest in fleece leggings like these to keep your legs extra warm.
• Gloves with touchscreen technology – there’s nothing worse than having to constantly take your gloves off to text or dial phone numbers or look up directions, so invest in a warm pair of gloves with touchscreen technology like these .
• Warm coat – you want a super warm, down coat or sturdy coat through a brand like North Face to get you through the Alaska winters. Your thin hoodie isn’t going to cut it!
• Turtleneck – turtlenecks are totally in fashion in a Alaska winter, especially layered underneath all of your other clothes. The key is to bundle up from bottom to top, so don’t leave your neck out and try a fashionable turtleneck like this.
• Thick scarf – no matter who you are or what kind of fashion you’re into, you’re sure to find a thick scarf that makes sense for your wardrobe, and this is a fantastic way to add another layer of warmth and act as a shield against the biting winds.

1. Anchorage

The largest city in Alaska, Anchorage is one of Alaska’s main hubs for culture, outdoor adventure, and wildlife viewing.

Check out this amazing Anchorage tour to see the city and beyond, or check out my guide to the best Anchorage tours if you want more options.

Spend your day at the Alaska Zoo , where you can check out both native and Alaskan animals, or go walking in Kincaid Park for some fresh air and great water views.

You can also go to the Alaska Native Heritage Center for an introduction to indigenous life and appreciate native dwellings.

Flight gurus will fall in love with the Alaska Aviation Museum , filled with replicas of historic planes and a flight simulator so you can take to the skies in your own way.

There are also breweries, coffee shops, restaurants, and stores that you would expect from city life like Costco, Target, and Walmart, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything!

Anchorage is home to the University of Alaska Anchorage, as well as Alaska Pacific University, and has a sizeable student population.

Many people use Anchorage as a base for exploring the surrounding wilderness, including Chugah State Park, the Knik River, and more.

How to Get There: Fly into the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, or drive.

Where to Stay: The Lakefront Anchorage ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

2. Fairbanks

Located in the Interior of Alaska, Fairbanks is known for its incredible aurora borealis viewing opportunities, and many people come here to “chase the aurora.”

The second most populated city in Alaska, Fairbanks has a thriving cultural scene that includes the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor’s Center , as well as the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum .

If you need to stretch your legs, Pioneer Park offers some space to run around, and sports fans will find hockey games at the nearby Carlson Center.

Like Anchorage, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and stores so you’re very much in a thriving area with plenty of resources in case you don’t want to cook or need to go buy some warmer clothes!

From Fairbanks, visitors go in search of the Alaskan wilderness by following the Tanana River or checking out the Chena River State Recreation Area.

If you’ve come for aurora season specifically, you can go on a guided tour of the Northern Lights from Fairbanks that helps you find the best places to see the lights, or you can do it yourself by bookmarking places like Creamer’s Field, a bird sanctuary with often excellent views, as well as pullovers on the Steese Highway or the Murphy Dome.

How to Get There: Fly into Fairbanks International Airport, or drive.

Where to Stay: Pike’s Waterfront Lodge ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

Known as one of the most wild places in Alaska where you can still get modern amenities, Nome is a mining town that was incredibly popular back in the days of the Gold Rush.

Today, the population is estimated at just under 4,000 and locals enjoy its beautiful location on the Bering Sea.

If you visit in the summer, you can take part in activities like bird-watching, gold panning, and self-guided walking tours that take you past Nome’s historic buildings.

In the winter, chase the Northern Lights, take part in cross-country skiing, or visit in March to see the end of the famous Iditarod race that ends in Nome.

While you’re out and about on the trails, it isn’t unusual to see a reindeer or a moose!

Nome also offers great shopping if you’re looking for Native art.

History buffs will love the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum , which contains lots of information on the Gold Rush history as well as the history of indigenous people.

And of course, you can take your pictures with the world’s largest gold pan, because why not?

How to Get There: Nome is not connected to the Alaska Highway System, which means that the only easy way for visitors to arrive is by plane into Nome Airport via Alaska airlines.

Where to Stay: Pike Suite ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

Located in the south of Alaska, south of Anchorage, Seward is a popular tourist destination as it’s on the port list for many cruise lines.

It also has great road links to Anchorage and awesome dog sledding tours like this one .

For this reason, the summer season is much more active in Seward, but there are plenty of things to do year round.

Located on Resurrection Bay, Seward is a fantastic place to view marine wildlife.

From humpback whales to sea otters to harbor seals, there are so many gorgeous creatures to spot.

If you want to get active, try renting a bike or doing a dog sledding tour.

Fishing lovers will enjoy guided freshwater or saltwater trips by experienced skippers.

Staying on land?

The Alaska Sealife Aquarium is a public aquarium, perfect for families, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a fascinating culture center.

You’ll also find art galleries, coffee shops, family-owned restaurants and live music venues.

Don’t forget to check out Seward’s murals, done by local artists all over Seward to give it a colorful and friendly vibe.

How to Get There: Most visitors either come by cruise line, fly into Ted Stevens Airport in Anchorage and then drive down (2 to 4 hours depending on traffic), or you can take a train during the summer months.

Where to Stay: Summit View Lodge ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

5. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve

When you consider a visit to the Gates of the Arctic National Park , you should know that this is truly untouched wilderness.

There are no roads, no trails, no service stations – nothing but millions of acres of preserved and unfiltered Alaskan land, shaped only by Mother Earth.

Only experienced backcountry survivalists should visit on their own. If that isn’t you, don’t worry.

There are plenty of guided tours that offer the chance to backpack, canoe, and hike your way through this national park with experienced guides who can show you the ropes when it comes to outdoor living.

You might spot a caribou, a grizzly bear, or other wildlife who call this area home, and you’ll definitely be able to enjoy the absolutely stunning views that include mountains, lakes, and forest.

The park is largely visited in the warmer months, as the freezing temperatures in the winter make it unhabitable for most.

The closest major area is Fairbanks, where many tours start, and from there you may hop on a smaller plane to one of the small settlements closer to the park.

This is Alaska the way it was intended to be explored. Leave no trace, and take nothing but photos.

How to Get There: Head to Fairbanks and take a guided tour, like these by Arctic Wild .

6. Denali National Park

Perhaps the most famous National Park in Alaska, Denali is visited by over 400,000 visitors each year.

There is one road through the park, with most of it being untouched and ready for exploration.

Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears, hares, and other Alaskan wildlife.

This is one of the best tours of Denali .

There are a few popular ways to see Denali, one of which is a bus tour through the park, which are usually narrated and includes stops for lunch.

If you want to get up close to Denali, the actual mountain and summit of the park, there are airplane tours to give you a close-up even if you’re not a mountaineer.

Even in the winter months, while some of the road is closed to visitors, you can visit the first few miles and explore the area with snowshoeing or telemark skiing.

The park recommends two full days of exploration, which gives you time to take guided tours, go hiking and visit the visitor center.

How to Get There: Most visitors in the summer come by car, via the Alaska Railroad, or via a sightseeing bus tour from Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Where to Stay: Denali Park Hotel ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

While Juneau is Alaska’s capital, many are surprised to find that it’s not connected to the rest of Alaska by road (check out more Alaska fun facts like this in our epic list!).

The surrounding terrain is too rugged, which means that anyone or anything coming to or from Juneau goes by plane if you’re coming from the mainland.

It’s also a huge stop for cruise ships in the summer, providing a thriving summer economy.

Check out the Mendenhall Glacier , one of the most beautiful glacier experiences in the world which you can get close to by foot, kayak, or plane.

There’s also fantastic orca whale watching, as well as salmon fishing and a trip to Admiralty Island to see the bears and nesting bald eagles.

And of course, don’t miss the downtown streets of Juneau, where you’ll find the Alaska State Capitol, plenty of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and historic shops on Franklin Street.

How to Get There: Fly into Juneau International Airport.

Where to Stay: Four Points by Sheraton ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

On the outer coast of Alaska’s Inside Passage is Sitka , a place many rom-com fans may have heard of as it was where the characters played by Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock went to visit his parents!

For residents, though, Sitka is simply a place of natural wonder and beauty, essentially an island community because it can only be visited by land or sea.

In Sitka, you can do everything from fly fishing to ATV riding to traditional dancing to hiking to cultural visitors to the St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral .

Spend a day at Baranof Castle , or enjoy some golfing or yoga surrounded by stunning views.

In the summer months, Sitka is visited by cruise ships, while in the winter, it’s filled with people searching for the northern lights or going snowshoeing or backcountry skiing.

Sitka doesn’t experience the same intense light cycles as in Northern Alaska, which means the winter days aren’t quite as short and the summer days aren’t quite as long.

How to Get There: Take a cruise or fly into Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport.

Where to Stay: Sitka Hotel ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

9. Wrangell St-Elias National Park and Preserve

It’s probably no surprise that you can visit the largest national park in all of the United States when you visit Alaska.

With two roads leading into the park, multiple visitor’s center, and plenty of natural experiences, this is one of the best places to visit in Alaska if you want to check out volcanoes, glaciers, as well as wildlife spot to see if you can sneak a peek at the bison, Dall sheep, black and brown bears and mountain goats.

You can also take part in hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding, kayaking, and so much more.

Plan to visit during the summer months, when the park is accessible.

While the roads are open year-round, they are not maintained in the winter months and visitors from around the world are welcomed from around May to September.

How to Get There: Drive from nearby Chitina or take a guided tour.

Where to Stay: Kennicott Glacier Lodge ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

10. North Pole

Yes, you can visit the North Pole ..in Alaska!

Known for its year-round Christmas decorations, this small town near Fairbanks has adorable street names like Mistletoe Lane and plenty of candy cane striped street lights.

Visit Santa Claus House, a Santa Claus themed gift shop, as well as nearby shops Christmas in Ice and a reindeer experience at Antler Academy!

North Pole has an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school, as well as a library.

How to Get There: Drive from Fairbanks

Where to Stay: Hotel North Pole ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

11. Bering Land Bridge National Preserve

One of the most remote national parks, Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is the place to go in Alaska for anyone who wants to journey to the end of the Earth.

Quite literally, too, as this used to (10,000+ years ago) be part of the land bridge that connected Asia to America!

It’s located on the Seward Peninsula in Northwest Alaska and here you’ll find the opportunity to get lost (not for real) in a world of caribou, forest, hot springs, and more.

Visitors to this national park love the Serpentine Hot Springs, which are hot springs that you can use, like a natural hot tub!

There’s also plenty of wildlife spotting.

There are no roads in the park, so access is by small plane or snowmobile.

How to Get There: Take a tour with Arctic Wild

Where to Stay: Stay in Kotzebue overnight before your tour.

12. Alaska Highway

At over 1300 miles across Alaska, the Alaska Highway is one of the best scenic drives in the entire world.

You could plan a whole trip just cruising this highway and stopping off at points along the way, as it goes all the way from near Fairbanks to British Columbia, Canada.

Established in World War II, millions of visitors have rented a car and taken off on an adventure over the years and it’s definitely something to add to your bucketlist.

Because of the remoteness of Alaska, you do want to make sure that you’re prepared for the weather, know where your next stop is, and aren’t traveling without proper equipment through the more dangerous winter months.

13. College

Unsurprisingly, “ College, Alaska ” is just outside of downtown Fairbanks and is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

With surrounding trails, public modern art on campus, and an ice skating rink, it’s worth stopping by to have a look.

Many people are fascinated by the campuses of universities across the country, so don’t miss the chance to see an Alaskan one on your visit to Fairbanks!

How to Get There: Drive or fly into the Fairbanks International Airport.

Where to Stay: Downtown Fairbanks

14. Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve

It’s time to embrace the beauty of the Yukon and Charley rivers at this Alaska national park.

One of the most popular activities here are, of course, floating down the Yukon river or Charley river.

You can experience canoeing, whitewater rafting, hiking, wildlife watching, and plenty of outdoor adventure.

With public cabins that can be used for free along the river banks (first-come, first served), many like to float down the river and stop off each night in a cabin.

Of course, remember that the climate in Alaska means that May through September are the ideal months for experiencing this part of the state, and always remember to come prepared with all of the gear recommended by Alaska’s National Park service, including bearproof belongings!

How to Get There: Drive to one of the towns along the river, like Circle or Beaver.

Where to Stay: Beaver Lodge Tour and B&B.

15. Chugach National Forest

Just one hour from Anchorage, the Chugach National Forest is a treasure trove of wetlands, rain forest, coastal woods and more.

Unlike some of the more remote national parks and forest in Alaska, Chugach is easily accessible without any backcountry knowledge, and has two visitor centers, 500 miles of maintained trails, cabins, and campgrounds.

You can do everything from hiking to guided glacier walking to fishing to kayaking.

You won’t see it all, of course, as the entire area is larger than the state of New Hampshire!

First time visitors are recommended to spend about 2 days exploring the forest to get a taste for the natural wonder and beauty.

How to Get There: Drive from Anchorage (about 1 hour).

Where to Stay: The Spencer Glacier Public Use Cabin .

16. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Most visitors visit Glacier Bay National Park via cruise ships, as this is the easiest way to see the beauty of this magical place.

Not only is it a preserved area and hub for scientific research on our planet, but the actual beauty of the sparkling glaciers, whales jumping in the water, and endless blue is out of this world.

While the cruise ships do not dock in Glacier Bay, they spend time sailing through it and getting as close as possible without spoiling the environment.

You’ll hear the cracking and shifting of the glaciers, try and spot otters on the shore, and so much more.

You can also go on a backcountry sea kayaking experience.

For the native people of the area, the Tlingit, stories about Glacier Bay are part of their history and culture, and it’s not hard to see why.

How to Get There: Taking a cruise that sails through here is the easiest way.

17. Iditarod

Today, a ghost town, Iditarod is in fact the town that shares a name with the Iditarod dog race.

Back in the day, during the gold boom, it was a thriving community with shops, a few hotels, and a liveliness to it.

Now, it is run down buildings frozen in time, but every year it is a stop used as a checkpoint for the Iditarod race!

You can still see some of the historic site, no longer in use, and it’s a fascinating piece of Alaskan history that still has a connection to the race.

18. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

About 100 miles southwest of Anchorage is Lake Clark National Park , a rugged and stunning place to go in Alaska that welcomes visitors to explore the lake and surrounding vistas.

One of the most notable things you’ll find here is lots and lots of bears!

This is their natural habitat, and you may see them eating, foraging, pawing the water, and more.

The lake itself is milky blue, sparkling in the sun in the summer, and the backcountry hiking is some of the best in Alaska.

Salmon return from the sea to Lake Clark to spawn every year, and there are some magnificent views of the teeming salmon during the season.

How to Get There: You have to arrive by seaplane or boat, usually on a guided tour as there are no roads to the park.

Where to Stay: Check out Alaska’s Back Country Inn in Port Alsworth, the most built up area in the park.

19. Wasilla

The sixth-largest city in Alaska, Wasilla has big city amenities like grocery stores, clothing stores, and bars and restaurants, but it is still very much a small town feel.

Experience the city where the Iditarod is headquartered, spend some time at the Wasilla Museum & Visitor Center, enjoy the vintage planes and trains at the Museum of Alaska Transportation, or explore the city parks like Lake Lucile Park with gorgeous views of the mountains beyond.

Many people use Wasilla as a gateway to further adventures in Alaska’s wilderness, including lakes and rivers.

If you’re really into the history of the Iditarod, you can actually visit the Headquarters and see the museum of this famous and race and how it all got started.

If you want to experience the local flavor (literally), try out the family-owned restaurants and coffee shops and dig into the cultural scene of the city’s residents.

How to Get There: Fly into Wasilla Airport or drive

Where to Stay: Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed and Breakfast ( Check here to see rooms and prices ).

20. Yukon Delta

The Yukon Delta is one of the largest river deltas in the world, and unlike other parts of Alaska with towering mountains, it is mostly comprised of tundra and flat stretches intermixed with streams, rivers, and ponds.

Here, you’ll find water birds, plenty of brown and black bears, and caribou, moose, and wolves.

There’s not just one place to visit here, as the expansive nature of the delta means that people are scattered everywhere.

And that’s right, it’s important to mention that this is an inhabited delta!

About 85% of the 85,000 residents are native Alaskan people, and there are about 35 villages.

Come here to go rafting, take wildlife photos, hiking, or kayaking.

And if you’re wondering where the most populated area is, it’s in Bethel, which has gift shops, a movie theater, banks, and other amenities that you might want to be around and use as a base for exploration.

How to Get There: Fly into Bethel airport

Where to Stay: Long House Hotel

21. Katmai National Park and Preserve

Did you know that Alaska has volcanoes?

One of them is known as Novarupta and erupted in 1912, creating the landscape that is now known as Katmai National Park.

It’s also one of the most inhabited areas of the world by…brown bears!

Over 2,000 of them live here, and there are dedicated bear watching tours you can go on that depart from neighboring towns and cities.

Katmai itself isn’t accessible by road, and visitors need to come by boat or float plane.

One of the most popular places to watch bears here is known as Brooks camp, where you can see the bears pawing at the salmon they’re planning on eating as a snack.

A viewing platform lets you get an up close, safe, view of the activities.

There are over 4 million acres in the park, and you can camp in the backcountry, kayak in the rivers, or hike through the more remote areas on a guided ranger tour.

How to Get There: Floatplane or boat

22. Meadow Lakes

Meadow Lakes has made the list if you’re looking for somewhere to go in Alaska to give you an idea of what local life is like.

About an hour drive from Anchorage, this is a town of about 7,000 that is surrounded by dirt roads, gorgeous tree-lined pathways, and of course the fresh Alaskan air.

The main store in town, Three Bears Alaska, sells food and drinks, and there are a few restaurants and other shopping options around, as well as a Baptist Church.

You won’t necessarily want to stay in Meadow Lakes, but having a meal here to explore and meet some local residents is a great idea if you’re near Wasilla.

23. Kobuk Valley National Park

From thousands of caribou to unexpected sand dunes, Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the best wild national parks for visitors to explore who just want to get away from it all.

The sand dunes were a product of the Ice Age, and a natural process that meant melting glaciers ground the rocks around them into sand.

They are stunning and towering, making it look more like an alien landscape than something in the Arctic.

Then you’ve got the mass caribou migration, a true sight to behold twice a year.

The rest of the time, you can spot the caribou footprints left from their stampedes.

In the winter, come to chase the Northern Lights to take advantage of the location in the Arctic circle. In the summer, hiking and camping are popular options.

Keep in mind that that is truly the backcountry.

There are no roads that lead into the national park, and it must be accessed by small planes from surrounding areas.

You should be versed in outdoor survival techniques and really be ready to become one with nature, respecting what you find and leaving nothing behind.

How to Get There: Plane from Bettles or Kotzebue.

24. Kodiak Island

Sharing a name with the bear of the same name, Kodiak Island is most definitely a picture-perfect adventure.

Here, you’ll find a small town fishing community that has some gorgeous scenery, a huge bear population in the wildlife preserves, amazing fishing opportunities and the chance to really explore what is known as the “Emerald Isle.”

Unlike some other northern Alaskan places, the weather here is much more mild in both the winter and summer, and summers are not overcrowded with tourists.

You’ve got all of the amenities you need including grocery stores, but unparalleled access to nature on your doorstep.

The main village is Kodiak itself, but there are a couple of others dotted around the island that are inhabited.

How to get here: By boat or plane from the Alaskan mainland

Where to Stay: Kodiak Russian River Lodge ( check here for prices and rooms ).

25. Steese National Conservation Area

Just north of Fairbanks, about a half day drive, is the Steese National Conservation Area .

The area itself has a small town nearby, Circle, but is mostly remote and for visitors who are self-sufficient and want to explore without running into other people.

Hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, and picking berries are all allowed within the area, and the northern location means that especially in the summer, visitors can experience the thrill of the “midnight sun” which means daylight hours go on, and on, and on.

The Pinnell Mountain Trail is a primitive trail that has been maintained, offering stunning views of the white Mountains and the Alaska Range.

This trail is in the north of the conservation area, which is more suitable to hikers and backpackers.

The southern part of the conservation area is best for those accessing via watercraft from the Birch Creek River.

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15 Incredible & Best Places to Visit in Alaska

Alaska is the largest state in the USA, a vast landmass in the northwest of the country that’s separated from the rest of the states by Canada, and icy waterways. 

Alaska is remote, it’s isolated and it’s utterly stunning. While the cities, such as Anchorage and Juneau, have a lot to offer visitors, the best places to visit in Alaska are found in the wilderness. 

You can hike through spectacular national parks in summer, fly over epic mountain peaks such as Denali and land on dramatic glaciers.

You can learn about the indigenous people of Alaska, or get seriously remote with a trip to the Aleutian Islands. 

There’s so much to do, and to inspire your adventure, here are the best places to visit in Alaska! 

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Alaska (Regional Guide)

15 Best Places to Visit in Alaska

Table of Contents

Juneau is the understated state capital, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Alaska. 

This might be the state capital but it’s really just a small town, and having no road connections, it’s also one of the most isolated places in the USA. 

But Juneau has a lot to offer, including some excellent museums and cultural centers delving into both the indigenous and the European history of Alaska.

Like anywhere in the state though, the best sights are found in the outdoors. Visit the beautiful Mendenhall Glacier on the edge of the city, take boat tours through the Fjords in search of wildlife, whales, and dolphins, and ride the Aerial Tramway to the summit of Mount Roberts for the beat vistas in Juneau. 

Whale watching and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier are two of the most popular activities around Juneau.

Check them both off your list on this half-day combo tour that includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway.

2. Anchorage

It might not be the capital, but Anchorage is easily Alaska’s best-known city.  Anchorage is the largest city in the state and it’s much better connected than Juneau, the capital.

You can explore the city’s best museums, restaurants, cafes, and bars in Downtown, but save plenty of time to travel into the wilderness. 

From Anchorage, you’re a short flightseeing trip away from epic mountains and glaciers, while along the coast you can enjoy hiking and cycling trails, or take a boat along the Fjords. 

Anchorage is where the city meets the wilds, and there are few other places in the USA where you’ll find moose and bears casually strolling through the streets! 

Get to know Anchorage on this 3-hour guided tour that takes you around the city’s top sites , including the port, Earthquake Park, Lake Hood, and Bootleggers Cove.

Gain further insight into Alaska’s indigenous cultures with an upgrade to visit the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center.

3. Fairbanks 

Fairbanks is one of the most remote places in the USA. The small city is found in the wild interior of the state, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Alaska. 

Fairbanks is a long way from anywhere, but it’s the largest city away from the coast, and the second-largest city in Alaska after Anchorage. 

This is the hub for the region and if you’re looking to explore the real wilds of Alaska then Fairbanks makes the perfect base.

In winter, you can spot the Northern Lights from the city, or marvel at ice sculptures across the city.

In summer you can hike and search for wildlife, and all year round you can visit the excellent Fairbanks Museum of the North.

Get to know Alaska’s past and present on this 5.5-hour tour in Fairbanks led by an informative guide .

Enjoy the Museum of the North’s story of Alaska’s natural and cultural heritage, and admire the art installations at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center.

4. Denali National Park 

One of the best places to visit in Alaska is the legendary Denali National Park. 

Named for Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America , this is the most famous national Park in Alaska. 

While you might not be climbing the mountain, which rises to almost 7000 meters in height, you can enjoy hiking in summer and snow sports in winter. 

You can reach Denali in 5 hours by car from Anchorage, but the best way to travel here is to take the train or to join a flightseeing tour that flies over the park and around the mountain. You might even be able to land on a glacier. 

Let someone else take care of planning and driving on this Denali backcountry excursion .

A driver and guide take you sightseeing along the full 92.5 miles (150 kilometers) of the Denali National Park Road to the Backcountry Lodge.

After lunch there, choose between gold panning, a naturalist-guided hike, or a botany walk. For convenience, you’re picked up directly from major hotels near Denali.

5. Chugach State Park

Even closer to Anchorage, you can find one of the best places to visit in Alaska. Chugach State Park quite literally begins where the boundaries of the city end. 

This beautiful state park is home to a huge variety of wildlife, and you’ll quickly spot the likes of bears and moose, classic Alaskan animals, in their natural habitat. 

Get out of the city and deeper into the Alaskan wilderness than is typical, on this great sightseeing tour .

This small-group tour takes you to Chugach National Forest, Beluga Point, Portage Glacier, and more to spot brown bears, wolves, bison, and belugas.

6. Lake Clark National Park 

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Alaska is Lake Clark National Park . 

Located just 100 miles away from Anchorage it’s also incredibly accessible. Lake Clark is a huge, jaw-dropping lake that glistens in glorious shades of blue and turquoise in the sunshine. 

As well as lakes and rivers though, the national park is well known for its steaming volcanic peaks, and wildlife.

The waterways are home to huge populations of salmon, and the salmon attract plenty of bears in the spring and summer. 

7. Gates of the Arctic National Park  

Head to the far north of the state to explore one of the most remote, yet one of the best places to visit in Alaska. 

This is the place to travel to if you want to see the Arctic Circle because this national park is found entirely within the Arctic Circle.

In fact, this is the most northerly national park in the United States, and even getting here will be a challenge in itself. 

Make the long journey to the Gates of the Arctic National Park, and you’ll be able to explore this icy realm and delve deep into the local communities that have adapted to thrive in this cold part of the world. 

Discover the Alaskan wilderness on this 3 or 4-day guided trip from Fairbanks that includes overnight accommodation . Soak up spectacular scenery at the Arctic National Park, perhaps spotting wildlife like grizzlies and sheep.

Enjoy plenty of hikes, including one on the high plateau of Finger Mountain, check out an Alaskan oil field, and learn about the region’s gold-mining history and more.

8. Coldfoot and Wiseman 

Coldfoot and Wiseman are two unique villages found in the Arctic. These are two famous pit stops on the road north, home to just a few residents and a couple of bed and breakfasts and camping areas. 

They primarily supply and rest stops, but they are much more than this too.

Spend the night on your way north in a truly authentic Arctic community that’s often cut off from the world for many of the long winter months. 

9. Chena Hot Springs 

The Chena Hot Springs is one of the best places to visit in Alaska, especially if you’re looking to escape the cold. 

Take a trip to the Chena Hot Springs, just a quick 50-mile detour from Fairbanks, and you’ll be able to soak up the natural mineral water, warm up in the arctic climate and enjoy some beautiful surroundings. 

You can stay at the Chena Hot Springs Resort if you’re looking for a slice of luxury in the wilderness. 

Discover Alaska’s natural hot springs and amazing ice sculptures on a full-day tour to Chena Hot Springs .

Enjoy a scenic 60-mile (95-km) drive from your hotel to Chena Hot Springs, where you can soak in the large outdoor pool of this legendary resort.

Tour how Chena Hot Springs makes use of geothermal energy to power the resort, and check out the sculptures in the Aurora Ice Museum.

10. Glacier Bay National Park 

Close to the city of Juneau, you can find one of the best places to visit in Alaska. 

Glacier Bay National Park , as the name would suggest, is home to some of Alaska’s most impressive glacial landscapes.

Many of the glaciers drop straight into the bay itself, and the best way to see them is to take a boat ride or to kayak in the shadow of these icy behemoths. 

11. Kenai Fjords

Kenai Fjords are one of the best places to visit in Alaska. This beautiful, protected national park is located off the Kenai Peninsula where you can find the largest icefield in the USA. 

The best way to explore the waterways and glaciers, if of course by taking a boat cruise. 

Watch the Alaskan wilderness awaken on this 6-hour morning cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward . Cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers among the fjords and take in a bounty of wildlife.

Enjoy a delicious lunch on board, and visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge for great views of seabird rookeries.

12. Katmai National Park

Alaska is home to a huge number of national parks, but one not to miss will always be the Katmai National Park. 

The huge national park is centered around an enormous volcano, and this is the best place in the country to see large numbers of brown bears in the wild. 

13. Skagway 

If you’re looking for a destination that’s not just about the landscapes and wildlife then take a trip to the town of Skagway. 

Located along the Inside Passage, Skagway was an important hub during the Klondike Gold Rush era and much of the town has been preserved into a historic relic from these boom days. 

You can visit Klondike inspired museums and heritage buildings and even ride the old gold rush era steam engines along the railroad. 

This is not a run-of-the-mill sled excursion, it packs in several fun activities and concludes with a treat that’s hard not to love.

Follow your guide on a short tour of downtown Skagway , hop on a Unimog for a ride up a mountain, and then take a sled ride with Alaskan huskies through Tongass National Park.

Afterward, get a chance to spend time with husky puppies.

14. Aleutian Islands

The Aleutian Islands are one of the best places to visit in Alaska, but getting there isn’t exactly easy. 

These distant islands spread from the mainland, west into the Bering Sea, and they are comprised of a large number of volcanic Islands and atolls, only a few of which are inhabited.

The islands have a unique history and were, in fact, the scene of a fierce battle between invading Japanese forces and defending Allied troops.

A few of the islands were occupied, making this the only part of the USA to be occupied during World War II by the Japanese. 

Today you can not only explore unknown battlefields, but you can marvel at the isolation and Remote beauty of the volcanoes and peaks on these dramatic Alaskan islands. 

15. Inside Passage 

The Inside Passage is one of the most spectacular travel routes in North America and one of the best places to visit in Alaska. 

The Inside Passage is the route that’s often taken by cruise ships , and a route that was taken by pioneering colonists and explorers on their way north in the 19th century. 

The sheltered and relatively calm Inside Passage takes ships along the Canadian coastline and into Alaska, reaching Juneau.

Along the way the views and the scenery are mesmerizing, and this really is the best way to arrive in the state! 

More on Alaska:

• Best Time to Visit Alaska: Month by Month Breakdown
• 13 UNREAL Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
• 15 Cannot Miss Things to do in Anchorage
• 21 Alluring Things to do in Alaska
• 13 Epic Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska (Besides Northern Lights)
• 5 Best Alaska Road Trip Routes (Ultimate Planning Guide!)
• Alaska National Parks: The Fabulous 8
• Is Spring the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?

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I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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10 best things to do in Alaska

From shopping for Indigenous-made goods to forest bathing in a key ecosystem, here are the top things to do in the 49th state.

Alaska’s more than 663,000 square miles of land and 66,000 miles of shoreline offer an almost embarrassing abundance of idyllic landscapes and bucket list experiences. From spotting whales and bears to discovering Indigenous-made art, here are the best ways to delve into the northernmost state in the U.S.

Go off-grid in a rustic cabin

Somewhere between tent camping and glamping sits one of Alaska’s lesser known ways to overnight in the great outdoors— public use cabins , available on Recreation.gov . A good option is Priest Rock , located on a slough on the shores of Lake Clark, a stop for migratory birds. From Anchorage, take a charter flight to Port Alsworth, where guide services provide the last leg by boat. (You can also rent kayaks to take along.)

“The cabin is so calming [with] beautiful views of Lake Clark and up into Currant Creek Valley,” says Beth Hill, co-owner of Tulchina Adventures , a Port Alsworth-based guide service. She adds that early morning and late evening are when “bear, lynx, and otters tend to be more active.”

Catch the northern lights

Summer may be peak season for traveling to Alaska, but September through March is when aurora borealis typically swirls across clear, dark skies. Photographing them is a science all its own. Tour companies like Fairbanks Aurora Tours lead photo-focused trips just outside the Interior city. Take a deep dive into the science behind auroras at the Geophysical Institute in Fairbanks, which runs the Aurora Forecast website . For detailed forecasts, visit the NOAA site or keep tabs with the My Aurora Forecast app .

In Fairbanks, locals head to Creamer’s Field   for aurora viewing. South of Fairbanks near Denali National Park , the town of Healy has good viewing chances. Year-round lodgings are limited near the park but EarthSong Lodge in Healy remains open and, for an extra thrill, offers dog sledding tours.

( Here’s how to photograph northern lights .)

Explore the intertidal zone

Alaska offers plenty of intertidal zones for exploring a wealth of marine life. Purple and red sea stars cling to rocks as sandpipers hunt for insect larvae and clams along the water’s edge. In tide pools, look for the patterned plated shells of chitons (a group of oval mollusks) and anemones whose elegant tentacles stretch to catch prey. Don a wetsuit and dive with Snorkel Alaska to spot sea cucumbers and swim through a bull kelp forest in the cold, clear waters off Mountain Point, five miles outside Ketchikan.

Shop Indigenous-made for a good cause

Bracelets engraved with the flowing designs of a Tlingit silversmith. A basket handwoven from local grasses. Beaver mittens decorated with colorful beads depicting salmonberries. With so many cultures, the variety of art created around the state seems endless. You can find beautifully treasures at the Craft Shop at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. The artists receive the bulk of the profits from sales—a rarity—with the balance used to support patient services and scholarships.

See bears without the crowds

Thanks to daily permit and guide service limits, there’s no waiting for space on the viewing deck at Anan Wildlife Observatory Site , a U.S. Forest Service site 30 miles southeast of Wrangell in the Tongass National Forest . Black and brown bears fish here for one of the largest runs of humpback salmon (a.k.a. “humpys” or “pinks”) in the region. After arriving via small boat or floatplane, take a half-mile hike through an old-growth forest to the viewing platform. It’s not unusual to see bears along the way. Sign on for a guided tour out of Wrangell with Alaska Charters and Adventures or Alaska Waters .

( These are the 10 best U.S. national parks to see wildlife .)

Dine on global cuisine in Anchorage

Trying local dishes like muktuk (small pieces of whale blubber and skin) or akutaq (a mix of fats, sugar, berries, and/or region-specific meat) requires an invitation to a private home, since the ingredients in many Indigenous foods cannot be legally sold or served in restaurants. But Alaska is global, especially in Anchorage’s Mountain View neighborhood, which has one of the most diverse census tracts in the country. Try doro tibs , a spicy Ethiopian chicken dish, at Queen of Sheba ,   crispy Filipino   lumpia at AJ’s Ohana ,   or buttery egg tarts at Hong Kong Spirit Food .

Stroll one of America’s moodiest beaches

With three volcanoes—Augustine, Iliamna, and Redoubt—70 miles across the bay, Homer’s Bishops Beach has one of the best views in Alaska. Don a sweater and rubber boots to stroll this atmospheric shoreline, where wind and thick clouds can swirl in quickly, kicking up whitecaps on the water. Look for eagles swooping down to catch a meal and flocks of western sandpipers zipping along the waterline.

After, warm up with coffee and a sweet treat at Two Sisters Bakery before walking a few blocks over to Bunnell Street Arts Center ,   known for its innovative programming and shows.

Go beyond forest bathing in a key ecosystem

Thick with spruce trees, bogs, and spongy tundra, boreal forests stretch across more than 60 percent of Alaska. At Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks, naturalist Jane Atkinson leads walks in the forest with her herd of reindeer. Along the way, she offers deep insight into this key ecosystem, from the soil to the treetops. Visitors also learn about the forest through the reindeers’ perspective, as they interact with the environment.

( You’ve heard of forest bathing. Now try forest therapy .)

Drive to Alaska’s easternmost town—through Canada

Located in Southeast, or the Panhandle, Hyder is a signature Alaskan geographical oddity—it’s both the state’s easternmost and southernmost town. Get there by driving through Canada, a spectacular journey that includes a swath of Glacier Highway, where the ice sheets seem to tumble from mountains on either side of the road. In Hyder, you can watch bears fish the local waters, then head to The Bus for your own seafood meal, including some of the tastiest fried halibut and chips in the state.

Get up close to glaciers

It’s hard to understand how massive tidewater glaciers are until you’re facing one from the deck of a boat. Watching these massive frozen cliffs calve ice into the sea can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Due to climate change, Alaska’s famed glaciers are retreating at an accelerated rate. See them with responsible local operators, like Major Marine Tours out of Seward and Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises in Valdez. Both are known for providing excellent nature narration and committing to the local community and the environment.

( For more tips on what to do in Alaska, see our Explorer’s Guide .)

Related Topics

• BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
• MARINE BIODIVERSITY

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10 Best Places to Visit in Alaska

By Vanessa Holmes · Last updated on June 17, 2024

Although it is physically separate from the rest of the United States , Alaska is one of the most scenic and fascinating parts of the country. Its seclusion only adds to the beauty and mystery of the 49th state, making it an appealing getaway spot for intrepid travelers and nature lovers.

Along with the major cities like Anchorage , it is important to get out and experience the natural landmarks and attractions that make Alaska so beloved. As you plan your next trip’s itinerary, be sure to include as many of the following best places to visit in Alaska as possible.

10. Wrangell St. Elias National Park [SEE MAP]

Three mountain ranges called the Chugach, the Wrangell and the St. Elias converge in an area that is known as the Mountain Kingdom of North America. In the heart of this kingdom, you’ll come across the vast Wrangell St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the U.S.

The park is home to a number of informative visitor centers and ranger stations, but you can also get off the beaten track with ease and explore glacier hiking trails or overnight camping adventures. Hunting, fishing, mountain biking and kayaking are other popular pastimes in in the Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

9. Anchorage [SEE MAP]

Although it isn’t the capital, Anchorage is the largest city in the state of Alaska. Almost half the state’s residents live in or around the city, as Anchorage serves as the economic heart of Alaska. It offers the comforts of a large US city but is only a 30-minute drive from the Alaskan wilderness.

You may want to start your time in Anchorage by visiting the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Then, drive along the Seward Highway to Potter’s Marsh for incredible bird watching or set off on a hike along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

8. Ketchikan [SEE MAP]

The southernmost city in Alaska is Ketchikan, a scenic destination known for being the first stop for many cruise ships that head north along the coast. Located at the foot of Deer Mountain, Ketchikan is home to a wide range of attractions.

Visitors may want to stop in at the Totem Heritage Center, the Tongass Historical Museum or the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. The most scenic downtown stretch is historic Creek Street, which is only a short distance away from the cruise ship docks. Once a rowdy red-light district, these days Creek Street is home to a quieter class of establishment but still retains its delightful historic charm.

Ketchikan is a hub for outdoor adventures, and there is no shortage of guided day tours to do things like salmon fishing, hiking through the Tongass National Forest or ziplining through the tree canopy.

7. Glacier Bay National Park [SEE MAP]

In what is known as the Panhandle of Alaska is the Glacier Bay National Park, a world-renowned spot to admire glaciers, get active outdoors and see wildlife. Kayaking is an amazing way to get around the park and see a lot at the same time, and kayaks are available for rent or through guided tours.

In Bartlett Cove, hiking trails wind in and around glaciers. Two of the most visited and most photographed spots in the park are Muir Inlet, which is off limits to motorized boats, and the John Hopkins Glacier.

6. Homer [SEE MAP]

If you’re interested in exploring nature or doing some fishing, then Homer should absolutely be on your Alaskan itinerary. Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is known as the fishing capital of Alaska, and it serves as a gateway to a number of national parks.

While you’re in Homer, you can walk along the beach to the iconic Homer Spit, drive up Skyline Drive for fantastic views or spot wildlife in Kachemak Bay State Park, where you’ll find mountain goats, bald eagles, sea lions, humpback whales and black bears.

Day-long halibut fishing trips are incredibly popular, and you’re all but guaranteed an impressive haul that local restaurants will happily cook up for your dinner.

5. Juneau [SEE MAP]

The capital city of Alaska is Juneau, which serves as a major port for cruise ships through the area. It is also home to major attractions such as the Alaska State Museum, the Alaska State Capitol and the incredibly serene Shrine of St Therese.

For excellent views over Juneau, ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway, and from the top set off on one of the many hiking trails overlooking the city. Juneau is also home to a number of breweries, and there are multiple companies offering brewery tours to warm you up on a cold day.

Head to Front Street for plenty of excellent souvenir shops and local restaurants where you can sample regional cuisine.

4. Mendenhall Glacier [SEE MAP]

Just a short drive from the city of Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier, an enormous glacier that is calving, or separating, into its own adjacent lake. There are a number of different ways to experience the glacier, ranging from a simple shuttle ride to see it up close or a helicopter ride to truly appreciate the sheer size of the glacier.

The fittest visitors may want to try out the Mendenhall Glacier West Glacier Trail, which is very challenging but provides incredible opportunities for photography. Also worth a visit is the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, which includes exhibits about the glacier as well as several viewing platforms.

3. Kenai Fjords National Park [SEE MAP]

Visiting the Kenai Fjords National Park is like stepping back in time to the ice age. Glaciers and ice caps still exist and touch the edge of the ocean, creating dramatic and unforgettable views.

Half of the park is covered in ice year-round, and there are deep fjords that have resulted where the water valleys are formed. These fjords are the ideal home to a lot of aquatic wildlife, and you’ll easily spot migrating whales as well as birds swooping down to feed on the fish in the water.

Because of the icy conditions, many visitors choose to visit the Kenai Fjords National Park on a guided day tour, although there are limited accommodation choices in the park itself.

2. Katmai National Park [SEE MAP]

In Southwestern Alaska is the Katmai National Park, a scenic retreat close to both Homer and Kodiak Island . At the heart of the park is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an enormous ash flow that remained after the 1912 eruption of the Novarupta Volcano.

Also in the Katmai National Park are incredible opportunities to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. In particular, you can spot brown bears who feed on the local salmon. Fishing is also a popular pastime thanks to the abundance of rainbow trout and salmon.

1. Denali National Park [SEE MAP]

One of the famous and most popular places to visit in Alaska is the Denali National Park. Home to the iconic and towering peak of Denali (also known as Mount McKinley), which is the country’s highest mountain, Denali National Park is a protected wilderness area where all kind of wildlife can be seen. Spot bears, moose, wolves and more while walking along the Savage River, admiring the stillness of Wonder Lake or hiking through Polychrome Pass.

Hiking, whitewater rafting and back-country camping are popular ways to explore the national park, but there are also bus tours for a climate-controlled and safer way to get around. Short, ranger-led trail walks are available from the Denali Visitor Center, where you’ll also find informative and educational exhibits.

Map of Alaska

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Reader interactions.

September 12, 2019 at 11:51 am

I have been to Alaska and it is great

January 18, 2018 at 2:37 pm

Hi I’m Sam, 24 years old, and Ive lived up here since i was born. Alaska has so much to offer. The Northern Lights arent out every night but you can catch them in the middle of the night closer to midnight or the early morning.

June 20, 2017 at 8:41 pm

I am thinking of coming to Alaska next year. I would like to stay in a big city or town with lots to do. I would also like to see the northern lights. Also I’m interested. In 24 hour days and nights. I’m a country girl living the city life and I like both. Joe my husband is a city mouse. We also love zip lines. What all could we get to do there in Alaska.

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Alaska Bucket List: 50 Best Things to Do & See

Are you looking for the best things to add to your Alaska bucket list? Look no further, because I have got you covered. In this list, I am sharing all the spots not to miss!

With massive glaciers, vast mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse flora and fauna, the state provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. With so much to see and do, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are some of the best places to visit in Alaska.

The state’s remote capital, Juneau, will make you feel the authentic Alaskan experience with its mountainous and glacier-studded terrain (accessible only by boat or plane). Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park are also fantastic options, the former being home to North America’s tallest peak (Denali/Mt. McKinley) and the latter boasting massive glaciers. All three provide their own unique experiences, like dog sledding, whitewater rafting, and whale watching (to name a few).

A List of the Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Alaska

1. visit the smallest national forest (adak).

Near the furthest tip of the Aleutian Island chain is Alaska’s tiniest ‘national forest’, Adak National Forest . It is so small that the signage says it all: “You are now entering and leaving the Adak National Forest.”

During WWII, a (Christmas) tree planting program was initiated between 1943 to 1945 to boost the troops’ morale on the site. Due to the harsh weather conditions, however, the program failed, and the signage was put up as a joke. Miraculously, around 33 pine trees survived to this day, clumped together like a large bush due to the climate.

Although it is not officially recognized as a national forest, it is a unique sight in Alaska definitely worth visiting. The local Aleuts decorate the whole forest each Christmas as a nod to its origins.

2. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center (Anchorage)

Opened in 1999, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and strengthening the cultural heritage of Alaska’s native groups. It is located a couple of miles northeast of Anchorage.

The Heritage Center houses several exhibits on the history, art, and traditions of the native groups of Alaska. The center also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including dances, concerts, and workshops.

3. See the Burial Spirit Houses (Anchorage)

The native village of Eklutna in Anchorage is home to the colorful spirit houses, a combination of Russian Orthodox and Native Alaskan Athabascan tradition. It is located in the graveyard outside the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

These tiny houses are painted by families in different colors and were said to provide a temporary dwelling place for the souls during the 40 days they are believed to linger in the world. A wooden three-bar Russian Orthodox cross is also placed in most of the spirit houses.

4. Hike Chugach State Park (Anchorage)

Chugach State Park is one of the best places to go hiking in Anchorage. The park has a variety of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. And with nearly 500,000 acres of land, there’s plenty of room to explore. 

Here are some of the best hikes in Chugach State Park:

• Eagle and Symphony Lakes Trail: This moderate hike offers stunning views of both Eagle and Symphony Lakes. The trail is about 12 miles long and should take around 4 to 5 hours to complete.
• Powerline Pass Trail: This challenging trail is only for experienced hikers. It runs along a powerline, so there are no views. However, it’s a great workout and the perfect way to get away from the crowds. The trail is about 11 miles long and can take up to 6 hours to finish.
• Bird Ridge Trail: Bird Ridge is one of the most popular trails in Chugach State Park. It’s known for its incredible views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains. The trail is about 5 miles long and takes around 4 hours to complete.

5. Take in the Street Art (Anchorage)

You might not expect to find much street art in Anchorage, Alaska, but if you take a walk around downtown, you’ll be proven otherwise. The city is actually full of colorful murals, graffiti, and sculptures, all of which are made by local artists and depict the city’s history and culture. How many of them will you find?

6. See the World’s Largest Chocolate Waterfall (Anchorage)

Yes, you’ve read that right. Seemingly coming straight out of a sweet tooth’s dream, the Alaska Wild Berry Products factory in Anchorage is home to the world’s largest chocolate waterfall.

Made in 1994, this 20-foot waterfall churns out 3000 pounds of real chocolate cascading down authentic copper candy kettles and settling in a swirling chocolate pool at the bottom. As tempting as it may seem, however, you aren’t allowed to eat/drink from it. Fortunately, you can get yourself some delicious chocolate at the nearby candy counter. You can also watch the staff making delectable goodies in action by visiting one of their four kitchens.

9. See the Barrow Whale Bone Arch (Utqiagvik)

The Barrow Whale Bone Arch is a unique arch made from the jawbone of a bowhead whale in Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska. Believed to have been built during the late 19th century, it serves as a constant reminder of the town’s whaling history and tradition. As Utqiagvik is quite remote, you can only reach it by plane.

10. Check Out Igloo City (Cantwell)

Igloo City is one of the most popular attractions in Cantwell, Alaska, located along the George Parks Highway. Constructed during the 1970s by builder Leon Smith, it was supposed to be a four-story hotel shaped into a massive igloo. Unfortunately, the hotel was never fully finished and remains closed to this day. Still, this giant igloo has continued to fascinate and attract visitors worldwide.

11. Visit the Quirky Town of Chicken

Chicken is a small town 200 miles east of Fairbanks in Alaska best known for its gold mining history and is one of the last surviving gold rush towns. It was supposed to be called “Ptarmigan,” after the birds in the area of the same name. However, due to conflicts with the spelling, they finally agreed to name the town “Chicken” instead.

The town has an official population of 7, with the numbers going up to 100 or more during the summer due to miners and tourists. They also have four shops: a lively saloon, a general store, a cafe, and a liquor store. Due to the town’s remote location, there is no electricity and plumbing (the locals do have generators though). For answering nature’s call, they have a three-door outhouse named ‘Chicken Poop.’

12. Explore Kennicott Ghost Town (Chitina)

Kennicott Ghost Town is a fascinating place to explore. Once a thriving copper mining town, Kennicott was abandoned in 1938 when the last of the mines closed. The ghost town was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Today, only a handful of buildings remain, offering a glimpse into the town’s past. The most iconic structure is the large red mill building standing a couple of storeys above the Kennicot glacier. Visitors can also explore the remains of the different mines in the area, such as the Bonanza, Jumbo, and Erie mines (all strenuous hikes).

13. Cross the Kuskulana River Bridge (Chitina)

The Kuskulana River Bridge is a historic steel truss bridge above the Kuskulana River in Chitina, Alaska. The bridge was created in 1910, sitting 238 feet above a deep rocky gorge and spanning 525 feet (160 m) in length.

With the addition of guard rails and new wooden planks on the bridge, it may not be as thrilling to cross as back then. Still, it offers a picturesque view of the surrounding area and the river below.

14. Tour the Husky Homestead (Denali)

Husky Homestead is a tour operation located in Denali National Park. Visitors to Husky Homestead can tour the kennels, meet the dogs, and learn about their lives as working animals. The tour also includes a short sled ride, weather permitting. Husky Homestead is a great place to learn about life in the Arctic and to get up close and personal with some of its furry residents.

15. Spot Wildlife at Denali National Park (Denali)

Denali National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alaska. Located in the heart of the Alaska Range, the national park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. The park also contains Denali (Mount McKinley), the tallest mountain in North America.

Visitors can explore the park by foot, bicycle, or car (albeit only a short portion during the summer, as there is only one road). There are many hiking trails and camping sites available, as well as a variety of ranger-led programs. Whether you’re looking for wildlife viewing opportunities or a chance to challenge yourself with some difficult hikes, Denali National Park has something to offer everyone.

16. See the Lady of the Lake (Eielson AFB)

While it might sound like a supernatural entity or Alaskan legend, the Lady of the Lake is actually the remains of a WWII B-29 Bomber plane on a lake inside the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. It once flew between Alaska and Japan, serving as a recon aircraft for finding evidence of Soviet nuclear testing.

Although no one knows exactly how the aircraft ended up in the lake, it was believed to have been put there for water rescue training. Visitors can enter the base by providing a Military ID or a Visitor’s Pass (which you can get at the Visitor Control Center).

17. Check Out Cars at Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum (Fairbanks)

The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks is a must-see especially for anyone who loves cars. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 95 automobiles from the early 1900s, including a Model T and a 1906 Cadillac Model K. Most of these are operable, so you’ll get to see the vehicles in action as well.

In addition to the cars on display, they also have a collection of vintage clothing worn by people back in the day. The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon, and it’s sure to please any car enthusiast.

18. Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve (Fairbanks)

Nestled deep in the heart of Alaska, the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is one of the most remote and untouched corners of the world. There are no roads or trails in the park, and visitors must travel by foot, canoe, or small plane. This wild setting provides an incredible opportunity to experience true wilderness and see firsthand the beauty of the natural world.

The park is home to an amazing array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and wolverines. It is also a birder’s paradise, with nearly 150 species of birds having been observed in the park. For those looking for a true adventure, the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is an unforgettable destination.

19. Visit the Museum of the North (Fairbanks)

If you’re looking to learn more about Alaska’s culture and history, then a trip to the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North is a must. It boasts a whopping 2.5 million artifacts in its collection, organized into ten research disciplines like archaeology, fine arts, ethnology, and more.

Some of the museum’s highlights include the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery , which showcases native (and non-native) Alaskan art; The Place Where You Go To Listen , an audio-visual exhibit featuring the sounds and movement of the sun, moon, earthquakes, and auroras; and two auditorium shows during summer called Dynamic Aurora and Winter . They also have a Museum Store where they sell Alaska-made products such as art, books, and jewelry, perfect for finding your souvenir.

20. Tour the Running Reindeer Ranch (Fairbanks)

The Running Reindeer Ranch is a family-owned business located north of  Fairbanks, Alaska, providing visitors with an up-close and personal look at Alaskan reindeer for over 15 years. They offer a variety of interactive experiences that allow guests to get to know these amazing animals.

These include walking alongside reindeer through the surrounding birch forest, doing yoga with reindeer, enjoying the local music with reindeer, and even having a unique Alaska-style wedding with, you’ve guessed it, reindeer!

21. Soak In Natural Hot Springs At Chena Resort (Fairbanks)

Chena Hot Springs Resort is a world-famous hot springs destination located 61.3 miles northeast of Fairbanks. The resort features an open-air naturally-heated rock lake (adults only) and an indoor hot tub and pool, making it a popular spot for visitors to soak and relax in its mineral-rich waters. It is also one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, which is always a plus.

In addition to the hot springs, the resort also offers cabins, RV sites, and a variety of other amenities like relaxing massages and delicious dining.

22. Chill-ax at The Aurora Ice Museum (Fairbanks)

Located at Chena Resort, the Aurora Ice Museum is home to a collection of intricate ice sculptures created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow by husband-and-wife duo Steve and Heather Brice, who are both accomplished ice sculptors as well.

The ice sculptures range from giant chess sets to igloos to entire rooms built entirely out of ice and so much more. Even the ice bar (including the glasses and stuff) are all made of ice. Adding to the museum’s charm are the glimmering lights resembling the colors of the Aurora Borealis.

23. See the Northern Lights (Fairbanks)

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is one of the most beautiful natural light displays in the world, with different color shades dancing around the sky. While the aurora is technically present all year round, it can be seen clearly during the Aurora Season (late August to early April) when the skies are dark enough.

Some of the best spots in Fairbanks include the Chena Hot Springs, Cleary Summit, and Murphy Dome.

24. See the Animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Girdwood)

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a non-profit animal sanctuary dedicated to the conservation, education, and care of Alaska’s wildlife. They primarily take in orphaned and injured animals, the majority of which call the center their permanent home due to lacking the necessary skills needed to survive in the wild.

With over 310 acres of land (110 acres of which are dedicated solely to wood bison), the center has plenty of space which allows the animals to live in large, natural environments. Some of the animals include lynx, brown bears, moose, wolves, and more.

25. Be in Awe of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Gustavus)

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alaska. The park is best known for its glaciers, which can be seen up close on a cruise (I visited while on a Holland America Alaskan cruise !)or from the air. The glaciers are a major draw for visitors, but the park also offers opportunities to see wildlife, explore inlets and coves, and experience the Alaskan wilderness.

The park is located a couple of miles west of Gustavus, Alaska, and covers an area of 3.3 million acres. It was established as a national monument in 1925 and was upgraded to a national park in 1980. Glacier Bay National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in glaciers or Alaska’s natural beauty.

26. Visit the World’s First Hammer Museum (Haines)

The city of Haines is home to the world’s first hammer museum, aptly called The Hammer Museum . Founded in 2002, they have a massive collection of hammers amounting to over 2000 and coming from different time periods and trades. They also have a giant hammer standing at around two stories tall just outside the museum!

27. See the Rescues at Kroschel Wildlife Center (Haines)

The Kroschel Wildlife C enter is a 60-acre wildlife refuge located 28 miles north of Haines, Alaska. They feature rescued animals from over 15 different Alaskan wildlife species, such as grizzlies, wolves, moose, snowy owls, and more.

Aside from the animals, they also have a 600-yard groomed trail where you can enjoy an easy hike while taking pictures of the scenery and animals. There’s also a gift shop where you can get some handmade Alaskan souvenirs.

P.S. Reservations are required before you can visit the center.

28. Drive One of the Famous Highways

Drive the Alaska Highway

The Alaska Highway is one of the most iconic roads in North America. Spanning almost 1,400 miles, it traverses some of the most rugged and beautiful terrains in the world. The highway was originally built during World War II as a way to connect Alaska to the continental United States.

Today, it is a popular route for road trippers and adventure seekers from all over the globe. While the journey can be challenging, it is also incredibly fulfilling. Those who make the journey are rewarded with stunning views, unique experiences, and a sense of accomplishment from conquering one of the most challenging roads on the planet.

Dalton Highway

The Dalton Highway is a 414-mile long road that runs through the heart of Alaska. It was originally built as a supply route for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, but has been open to the public since 1994. Despite its remote location, the Dalton Highway has become a popular destination for adventure seekers worldwide. The road winds its way through stunning mountain scenery, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. In addition, the Dalton Highway is one of the only roads in North America that crosses the Arctic Circle.

For many visitors, driving the Dalton Highway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Due to its extreme weather conditions and remote location, the highway can be a challenging drive. However, with a little preparation and caution, anyone can enjoy a safe and unforgettable journey on one of North America’s most scenic roads.

Denali Highway

The Denali Highway is one of Alaska’s most scenic drives. The road winds its way through the Alaskan mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Wildlife is commonly seen along the highway, including caribou, moose, and bears. The drive can be challenging at times (watch out for potholes!), but it is well worth the effort. The Denali Highway is a great way to experience the beauty of Alaska.

Seward Scenic Highway

The Scenic Highway is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. The winding road takes visitors through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area, including towering mountains, rushing waterfalls, and pristine lakes. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the view or explore the many hiking trails.

The Scenic Highway is also a popular destination for bicyclists and motorcyclists who enjoy the challenges of the winding road. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a lengthy vacation, the Scenic Highway is sure to provide an enjoyable experience.

29. Leave a Dollar Bill at the Salty Dawg Saloon (Homer)

One of the most iconic landmarks on Homer Spit, the Salty Dawg Saloon is one of the first cabins ever built in the city of Homer. What makes the place a popular destination are the thousands upon thousands of dollar bills signed and tacked to its walls by visitors (which you should too!), a beloved tradition of the saloon.

Although there is no food, you can enjoy their wide selection of drinks and beers while socializing with the locals. They also have other items for sale, such as shirts, mugs, and more.

30. Ride the World’s Largest Zip Rider at Icy Strait Point (Hoonah)

Alaska is renowned for its natural beauty, and the ZipRider at Icy Strait Point is one of the best ways to experience it. With a height of over 1,300 feet and a length of 5,495 feet, soar through the air at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour as you descend down the mountain. Of course, being high up lets you have the chance to take in the surrounding landscape… while screaming at the top of your lungs!

31. Walk on Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau)

You probably already knew that you could see A LOT of glaciers in Alaska, but did you know that you could actually walk on one? Yep, that’s true! Enter Mendenhall Glacier , one of its most popular tourist destinations. Covering an area of 95.27 km² and reaching elevations of up to almost 5,200 feet, it has attracted thousands of people each year to see and walk on its surface.

The glacier can only be reached by helicopter or guided walk. Fortunately, you’ll find a few Alaskan cruise excursions that take you from downtown Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier via helicopter.

(We did the Holland America standard guided walk, where we flew around the glacier for a bird’s eye view before landing and walking on the glacier. I even drank glacier water, which is also an option! 

As the weather can be unpredictable, make sure to dress appropriately, and of course, always follow the park service’s rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

32. Go Whale Watch in Juneau

If you find yourself in Juneau during whale watching season, you’re in for a treat! Humpback whales can be seen in the waters around Alaska from May through September, and Juneau is one of the best spots to see them.

There are several tour companies that offer whale watching excursions, and most of them depart from the downtown area. While on tour, you’ll have a chance to see humpback whales up close as they feed, play, and breach. You might even see a whale tail or two!

So whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a unique activity, be sure to add whale watching to your Juneau itinerary.

33. Take a Glacier Trail at Tongass National Forest (Juneau)

If you’re looking for a breathtaking outdoor adventure, check out the Glacier Trails at Tongass National Forest in Juneau! Some of these include East Glacier Trail, West Glacier Trail, Herbert Glacier Trail, and Laughton Glacier Trail.

The trails wind through some of the most beautiful scenery in Alaska, including glaciers, mountains, and forests. There are trails for all skill levels, so everyone can enjoy the views. In addition, the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, eagles, and salmon.

The Glacier Trails are a great way to experience the beauty of Alaska and get some fresh air at the same time. So whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking to take a leisurely walk, be sure to check out the Glacier Trails at Tongass National Forest in Juneau.

34. Explore the Mendenhall Ice Caves (Juneau)

The Mendenhall Ice Caves are one of the most enchanting tourist destinations near Juneau, Alaska. These are formed when the ice inside the glacier melts, transforming its insides into ever-changing ‘ice caves.’ And because the ice reflects blue light from the sun, it gives the caves an otherworldly feeling you should experience at least once.

As the caves are only formed because of the melting ice, their appearance and location inside the glacier can vary. Sometimes there are no caves at all. Be sure to check with the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center first if you’re planning to go inside the ice caves. You can also check out this FAQ for more information.

35. Explore Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park is one of Alaska’s most popular tourist destinations. And it’s no wonder, because the park offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are just a few of the best things to do at Kenai Fjords National Park:

• Take a cruise: A cruise is the perfect way to see the stunning scenery of Kenai Fjords National Park up close. There are a number of different cruise options available, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests and schedule.
• Hike: There are plenty of trails to explore in Kenai Fjords National Park, ranging from easy walking paths like the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail to challenging hikes such as the Harding Icefield Trail. No matter what your fitness level, you’ll be able to find a trail that’s right for you.
• Wildlife watching: Kenai Fjords is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including whales, dolphins, harbor seals, sea otters, and birds. A wildlife tour is the perfect way to see these fascinating animals in their natural habitat.
• Camping : The park has a 12-site, tent-only campground at Exit Glacier on a first-come, first-serve basis. Backcountry camping is also an option. As for RV camping, the closest ones would be around the city of Seward, which is east of the park.

36. Visit the Totem Bight State Historical Park (Ketchikan)

Totem Bight State Historical Park is a state park located ten miles northwest of Ketchikan, Alaska. The park features a replica of a traditional chieftain house and 14-15 totem poles, all of which were restored by skilled Tlingit and Haida carvers. Visitors can learn about the culture and history of the Native peoples of Alaska through totem poles, artwork, and exhibits. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

37. See Misty Fjords (Ketchikan)

The Misty Fjords is one of the must-see (and should-see) places in Alaska. It is part of the Tongass National Forest, comprising the largest wilderness area in the forest (2.3 million acres of the forest’s 16.7 million acres.) It is known for its breathtaking mountain views, deep fjords, rainforests, and wildlife. The Misty Fjords is also only accessible by boat or floatplane due to the area’s remoteness.

Visitors can take advantage of the many hiking and camping opportunities in the area, with plenty of activities to enjoy like kayaking/canoeing, flightseeing, wildlife viewing, and visiting attractions like the New Eddystone Rock (a 237-foot basalt pillar covered in trees.)

38. Go Bear Watching at Katmai National Park (King Salmon)

Located near King Salmon, Alaska, Katmai National Park is known for its abundance of different bear species and sockeye salmon (which the bears love to eat). Moose, caribou, wolves, sea otters, and the occasional humpback whale are just some of the other animals you will find in this bear country.

Visitors to the park can enjoy different activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and of course, bear-watching. One of the best spots for bear-watching is Brooks Camp, which has four viewing platforms. One other highlight of the park is a hike to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an ash-filled valley. 

39. See the Eldred Rock Lighthouse (Lynn Canal)

The Eldred Rock Lighthouse is the oldest and the last of ten other lighthouses built in Alaska still standing today. It sits upon Eldred Rock island in Lynn Canal, around 55 miles northwest of Juneau.

The lighthouse stands at 17 meters (56 feet), with an octagonal-shaped base, and once has a unique lens that allows flashing of red and white lights alternately. The lighthouse can only be viewed from cruise ships or ferries passing through the canal, as there are no tours or docks in the island.

40. Go to Santa Claus’s House in the North Pole

Would you believe me if I told you Santa Claus is real? And it’s not just him, by the way. Even his helpers and house in the North Pole pretty much exists!

That’s right, in the city of North Pole, Alaska, stands the Christmas store called Santa Claus House , where every day is Christmas Day. They have a wide assortment of products ranging from pastries to Christmas ornaments to color-changing mugs and so much more. And in keeping with the Christmas tradition, you can even write Santa a letter or meet his reindeers next door. Of course, you wouldn’t want to miss good ol’ Santa Claus and his wife for some picture taking!

41. Walk the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes at the National Park (Arctic Borough)

Sands and sweltering temperatures. These two are probably the last things that will cross your mind (or if it will even cross your mind) when in Alaska.

Enter the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes , one of Kobuk Valley National Park’s most iconic sights. These sand dunes reach up to 100 feet in height and cover an area of about 30 square miles. Due to the wind, the landscape’s appearance changes ever so often. Temperature-wise, it reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer.

Of course, it is not all sand. The surrounding woods and tundra is home to different animals like bears, wolves, and moose. During spring and fall, you might even see a massive caribou migration.

42. Get Your Photo at the Arctic Circle Monument Sign

While it may not seem as much at first glance, you can think of the Arctic Circle Monument Sign as a ‘save point’ of sorts for travelers, serving as the entrance to the Arctic Circle and a rest stop before continuing your journey. Before you cross over to the Arctic side, be sure to commemorate it by having your photo taken!

As a bonus, the back of the sign features stickers placed by visitors indicating where they came from. Be sure to bring one of your own :)

43. See Hubbard Glacier (Wrangell-St. Elias National Park)

The Hubbard Glacier is one of the most active glaciers in the world, where it grows and advances at a rate of around 80 feet per year towards the Gulf of Alaska. With a total height of 600 feet (where 350 feet is above water) and stretching out 76 miles long and 7 miles wide, it is also one of the largest glaciers in North America.

One of the glacier’s most thrilling sights is its calving. Visitors can go on a  cruise that takes them close to the glacier’s face, where they can see icebergs calving off into the sea. Adding to the experience are the thunderous sounds it makes as the ice separates from the main glacier.

44. Cruise the Inside Passage

For many people, an Alaskan cruise is the trip of a lifetime. And one of the highlights of an Alaskan cruise is the Inside Passage (I did mine with Holland America !). The Inside Passage is a network of waterways that runs along the coast of Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington. It is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, including towering mountains, pristine glaciers, and lively wildlife. Cruising through the Inside Passage is a truly unforgettable experience. And it’s no wonder so many people choose to take an Alaskan cruise each year!

45. See the Tracy Arm Fjord

There is no shortage of stunning places to visit in Alaska, and Tracy Arm Fjord is just one of them. The fjord is located about 45 miles south of Juneau and is known for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Visitors to Tracy Arm Fjord can see glaciers (don’t miss the twin Sawyer Glaciers!), waterfalls, and mountains, as well as whales, seals, and other marine life. There are also numerous hiking and camping opportunities in the surrounding area.

46. Pan for Gold at Independence Mine (Palmer)

The Independence Mines was once the site of a gold mining operation in Palmer, Alaska during the 1950s. It became a part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and a state historic park was established on the site in 1980.

Tourists can learn more about the mines’ history through the visitor center and their interactive exhibits. You will also find restored buildings around the mining complex, which include a timber shed, warehouse, and mess halls. As the place is a gold mine, visitors can also experience panning for gold from a stream below the mines. And did I mention you can also take it home with you?

47. Take a Farm Tour at Musk Ox Farm (Palmer)

Founded in 1954, Musk Ox Farm is a unique non-profit organization dedicated to the domestication of the musk ox, a mammal that has existed since the Ice Age (how cool is that?!). This 75-acre farm is located in the Matanuska Valley just north of Palmer, Alaska.

The 45-minute walking tour will take you around the farm, where you’ll get up close and personal with these friendly oxen. They also have a lovely gift shop where they sell products made from musk ox wool called qiviut.

48. See the Salmon Run at Lake Clark National Park (Port Alsworth)

Lake Clark National Park in Port Alsworth is one of the best salmon fishing spots in the state. The park offers a variety of salmon fishing opportunities, especially during salmon runs (around May to September), where the fish come in droves to spawn. They can be found in both the Kenai and Copper Rivers, and Lake Clark is home to several species of salmon, including sockeye, pink, and chinook salmon.

In addition to salmon fishing, the park also offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

49. Take a Train Trough the Alaskan Wilderness

McKinley Explorer

The McKinley Explorer is an Alaska Railroad train that offers daily service between Denali and Anchorage. The train’s upper level features comfortable seating, large windows, and plenty of legroom, making it a great way to relax and take in the stunning scenery of Alaska.

In addition to gorgeous views of mountains, forests, and wildlife, the McKinley Explorer also offers an onboard dining car on the lower level, where passengers can enjoy Alaska-inspired cuisine while traveling.

Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad is a Class II railroad that runs from Seward to Fairbanks, traversing some of the most scenic and remote territories in the United States. It is owned by the state of Alaska and operated by a non-profit corporation.

The railroad’s main line is over 470 miles long, making it one of the longest railroads in North America. Several branch lines also exist, including one at the city of Whittier.

There are many different ways to experience the Alaska Railroad, from short scenic rides to multi-day excursions. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just a way to relax and take in the scenery, the Alaska Railroad has something to offer everyone.

50. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center (Seward)

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a world-class marine research facility and aquarium in Seward, Alaska. Visitors can learn about the center’s research programs, see diverse marine life up close, and join in on educational programs. Different public exhibits such as touch tanks, pools, and aviaries also exist within the center.

One of the center’s key roles is the rehabilitation of sick and injured marine animals. Depending on the circumstance, the marine animals are returned to their natural habitat once they’ve been nursed back to full health.

With its commitment to scientific research and public education, the Alaska SeaLife Center provides an inspiring and informative experience for all who visit.

51. Take the Totem Pole Trail at Sitka National Historic Park

Totem Pole Trail in Sitka National Historical Park is probably one of the most unique trails one can experience in Alaska. The trail winds through a dense forest of spruce and hemlock, and offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby mountains.

It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, eagles, and salmon. Totem poles line the trail, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich culture of the Tlingit and Haida people.

52. Visit the Most Popular Park in Alaska: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (Skagway)

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park commemorates the stampede to the Klondike gold fields and the achievements of those who succeeded in reaching the gold fields. It consists of four units: the Skagway Historic District, Chilkoot Trail/Dyea Townsite, White Pass Trail, and Seattle Unit (which is in Seattle). Each unit preserves and interprets different aspects of the story of the Klondike Gold Rush.

53. Get a Drink at the Red Onion Saloon (Skagway)

The Red Onion Saloon is a popular bar and restaurant in Skagway, Alaska. The Saloon is located in an old mining town and is known for its historical significance. The bar was originally established in 1897 and was a popular hangout for miners during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, the Saloon is still a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

The bar features a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as a menu of American comfort food. The Saloon also has a stage for live music and events, making it a great place to enjoy a night out. Whether you’re looking for a place to have a drink or to experience Skagway’s rich history, the Red Onion Saloon is definitely worth a visit.

54. See the Tiny Church of Soldotna

As the name implies, the Tiny Church of Soldotna is a church located in the small village of Soldotna, Alaska. Beside it is a larger domed church, both of them being owned and managed by the Trinity Christian Center.

What’s peculiar about the church (aside from its size) is that it is left open throughout the day. The idea behind it is that it allows anyone a quiet and private spot for prayer/access to God, whatever time of day they might need it. Inside the tiny church are three pews, songbooks, and Bibles.

55. See Proenneke’s Cabin (Sterling)

Proenneke’s Cabin is a historic site in Sterling, Alaska, built by hand by Dick Proenneke, a man of many trades who lived alone in the cabin for nearly 30 years. Construction began in 1968 and it took Proenneke around two years to complete. It features a log cabin with a beach stone fireplace, a raised storage shed, and a woodshed that doubles as an outhouse.

Today, the cabin is a popular tourist destination and an inspiring reminder of Proenneke’s incredible self-sufficiency. Visitors can explore the area around the cabin at any time, however entering it is only allowed during the summer months.

56. Get a Peek at the Dr. Seuss House (Talkeetna)

If you ever catch a glimpse of this quirky house in the woods outside Talkeetna, Alaska, you’ll agree that it looks like something out of a Dr. Seuss book.

Officially called the Goose Creek Tower, this 14-17 story house was originally planned to be a two-story log cabin. That is until owner Phillip Weidner decided to add more and more floors throughout the years (and still ongoing!.)

As the house is on a private, heavily-monitored property, seeing it up close is out of the picture (let alone its exact location). Luckily, its 185 feet frame stands out from the surrounding trees, making it easier to spot during a flightseeing trip in Talkeetna. It is also possible to see from Parks Highway or while riding through the Alaskan Railroad.

57. Visit the Quirky Mukluk Land (Tok)

Located 3 miles west of Tok, Alaska, Mukluk Land is a theme park built by husband and wife George and Beth Jacobs. Throughout the years, they have collected lots of Alaskan memorabilia, from busted machinery to doll collections to mini-golf and so much more. They also own the world’s largest mukluk (reindeer/sealskin soft boots). Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, Mukluk Land will surely be an unforgettable Alaskan experience.

58. Witness the Alaska Bore Tide 

If you love surfing, this one’s for you! We know that Alaska is a hotbed for new adventures and experiences, and it just so happens that it is also one of the few places on Earth to see (or even surf) a tidal phenomenon called bore tides.

Simply put, bore tides are typically formed following a low tide when strong waves from the ocean’s rising water push inland against a river or a long, narrow inlet. One of the best spots to see this in action is Cook Inlet’s Turnagain Arm in Anchorage.

59. Go Through the Longest Highway Tunnel in North America – Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in North America, stretching up to 2.5 miles in length and connecting the cities of Porter and Whittier. It is built beneath Maynard Mountain and shared by cars and trains coming from both directions.

As the tunnel is one-lane only, an advanced computer system handles the traffic’s flow at regular intervals (usually switching directions every 30 mins). Vehicle turnout areas are also present along the tunnel, complete with safehouses, PA systems, and telephones, in case of emergencies.

60. See the Rock Carvings at Petroglyph Beach (Wrangall)

Petroglyph Beach is a beach near Wrangell, Alaska, famous for its rock carvings that date back 8000 years ago and are only fully revealed during low tide.

The petroglyphs were believed to be made by the Tlingit people who once called the area their home. The etchings range from what seems to be animals to geometric patterns to faces and more. Although the history and meaning behind the petroglyphs remain a mystery, it is still one of the most fascinating sights to see in Alaska.

And that’s a wrap on our Alaska Bucket List! We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about all the best places to visit and things to do in Alaska. We’ll definitely be back to check off a few more items on the list, and we hope you’ll join us! If you have any suggestions for other must-do Alaska experiences, be sure to let us know in the comments. In the meantime, happy travels!

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1 thought on “alaska bucket list: 50 best things to do & see”.

Wow there is so much to see and do in Alaska!! It has been on my list to visit for a while but as it is quite difficult to access I haven’t made it yet. I think I would probably spend most of my time at the National Parks, I would love to go to Glacier Bay, Gates of the Arctic and Denali. I would also like to experience hiking on Mendenhall Glacier and I would have to do the whale watching too. I think I need months to see everything I want to see!!

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Alaska Destinations

So much to see! You can't go wrong starting with a visit to Kenai Fjords and Denali National Park.

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Let Alaska Tour & Travel be your one-stop source for Alaska travel information and reservations. We specialize in Alaska's top travel destinations such as Seward , Anchorage , Talkeetna , and Fairbanks , as well as Alaska's most popular national parks including Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park . These destinations are all along Alaska's "railbelt," so travel is easy: Go in comfort and style aboard a luxury dome train , deluxe motorcoach , or even drive yourself in a premium 4x4 car or van rental .

Be sure to check out our trip finder , sample itineraries , and best places to visit in Alaska page for great trip ideas, and don't hesitate to contact us if we can be of any assistance.

If you like to take the road less traveled, consider one of our Off the Beaten Path destinations. Travel above the Arctic Circle and experience 24 hours of daylight, stay at a true wilderness lodge , or leave the crowds behind and explore Wrangell-St. Elias National Park . Try one of our self-drive tour packages and drive to the "end of the road" in Homer , or explore other unique Alaska small towns such as Valdez and Girdwood .

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25 Best Places to Visit in Alaska In 2024

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: June 11, 2024

Alaska, the final frontier of adventure travel is at the top of many bucket lists. The largest state in the United States is a destination that offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the natural beauty and rugged wilderness of the Arctic. Alaska is a place that captures the imagination and the spirit of adventure . From the bustling city of Anchorage to the remote wilderness of Denali National Park, there is no shortage of places to visit in Alaska. And we’ve seen most of them.

Table of Contents

Top Places to Visit in Alaska

Alaska’s landscape is diverse, ranging from snow-capped mountains to glaciers, fjords, and an expanse of forests. We fell in love with Alaska the first time we visited in 2011 and when taking my parents on a Holland American Cruise last summer, we were thrilled to be able to share its beauty and introduce them.

Right Now, Hurtigruten Cruises is offering up to 50% off on select cruises worldwide. Find the  Expedition Cruise that suits your needs and save now!

When choosing your cruise or land tour through Alaska, it can be difficult to decide where to stop or what to see, so we’re rounding up some of the best places to visit in Alaska that we’ve been to help you plan your trip.

1. Denali National Park and Preserve

There are 17 national parks in Alaska, and Denali National Park and Preserve is certainly the most popular of them all. It cannot be seen from a cruise and needs to be added as a land tour or you can travel to it independently. This vast wilderness area is located in central Alaska and is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (Mount McKinley) which stands at 6190 meters (20,310 feet),

One of the first things visitors usually do at this national park is to hop aboard converted school buses to enjoy a guided scenic tour in search of grizzly bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep.

We took this ATV adventure which was a hoot riding along trails. The adventure includes 360° overlook views of the Alaska Range, Otto Lake, and the Healy Valley.

One of the most popular activities in Denali National Park is hiking. The park has a network of hiking trails that range from short walks to multi-day backpacking trips. It has 6 campgrounds which do get busy in the summer months so it is a good idea to make a reservation. Be sure to check in with the Denali Visitor Center before venturing out into the park.

McKinley Chalet Resort

We stayed at McKinley Chalet Resort which was awesome. Located less than 2 miles from the national park entrance, we felt right in the middle of the wilderness. The newly renovated suites in our wing were chic and modern with that rustic mountain lodge feel.

Our balcony looked over the mountains. The property is large with different areas detached from the main lodge. We enjoyed a fun evening here watching The Music of Denali as we our servers performed on stage while feeding us fresh Alaskan salmon, ribs, and mashed potatoes, family style.

2. Denali – Mt. McKinely

If you are lucky while visiting the park, you may be able to spy the majestic mountain, Denali. It is usually overcast, but we’ve been lucky enough to see it from our land tour and by a scenic flight.

A scenic flight was an absolutely gorgeous way to experience North America’s tallest peak. Seeing the glaciers and ice fields from above was an intimidating sight. At times it felt as if we could reach out and touch it. Book this scenic flight over Denali where you will fly close to the summit of Denali, enjoy views of the Alaska Range and witness the Tokositna and Ruth Glaciers. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Avid climbers can attempt to conquer Denali. But unlike Mount Kilimanjaro, it requires serious climbing experience and winter camping. If you are new to mountaineering, it is better to stick to taking in scenic views.

3. Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most unique places in the world. It is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightly so with history packed in every single molecule of its ancient glacier history. 

The Grand Pacific Glacier was more than 4000 feet thick just two centuries ago but has shrunk significantly. Today the glacier has been divided into many small ones and many of them are calving to this day. That means at any moment a giant block of ice could fall off of them, which also means many of the glaciers have to be enjoyed from a distance.

The park is made up of more than 3 million acres and can only be reached by ship or float plane. Alaska’s inside passage in Glacier Bay takes you from forest to ice and is breathtaking to experience as you float the fjord. When you’re in the inside passage it is almost as though nothing else exists.

During our Holland America Cruise, we circled the bay enjoying panoramic views of the glaciers from the front deck. By having a balcony suite, we then retired to our room to enjoy the views with a glass of champagne as we relaxed in privacy taking in this wonder of the world.

4. Ketchikan

One of our favorite places to visit in Alaska is Ketchikan. The Salmon Capital of the world and Alaska’s first city, this is a town where most cruises stop either first or last. Located on the Inside Passage in southern Alaska, this frontier town was once a thriving settlement for the gold rush and as you walk along the boardwalks of historic Creek Street, you can see historic buildings from the red light district dating back to the 1800s.

Ketchikan is also one of the best places to see whales in Alaska and there are plenty of boat tours that will take you onto the water. We took a zodiac tour in Ketchikan where we explored the coast, spied bald eagles and whales from our self-drive boats.

Ketchikan also has the world’s largest collection of standing Native American totem poles. Make sure to look up to see them all. If you want to delve into Indigenous culture, visit the Totem Heritage Center and learn about the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Peoples.

You can also see more Totem poles at the Saxam Village in Ketchikan and we saw Totem Bight State Historic Park on another cruise in Alaska. Located just outside of Ketchikan, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

5. Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

Ketchikan is also home to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. It covers 40 acres of protected land and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and salmon.

We took a float plane out to Neets Bay to watch bears feast on spawning salmon as they fattened up for winter hibernation. This was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. Make sure to book it early as these excursions fill up quickly. If you want to see brown bears feeding on salmon instead, the place to do that is at Katmai National Park and Preserve.

6. Misty Fjords National Monument

One of the star attractions is Misty Fjords National Monument which is located just 22 miles east of Ketchikan. It is made up of sheer rock walls that reach 3000 feet straight out of the ocean. Take a scenic flight here where you’ll witness steep sea cliffs, steep fjords, and rainforests.

Where to Stay in Ketchikan

If you are staying in Ketchikan, check out the Inn at Creek Street – These restored historic buildings offer unique accommodation in the heart of downtown. Most rooms have kitchenettes and refrigerators. Details here.

The Landing – The Landing Hotel is located in downtown Ketchikan. It has The Landing Restaurant & Jeremiah’s Pub on site.

7. Juneau – Mendenhall Glacier

Many cruise ships also start and finish their journeys in Juneau, Alaska. I know we have! Named after Joe Juneau, a French-Canadian miner, and prospector Juneau is one of the more happening towns in Alaska. One of its main tourist attractions is the enormous Mendenhall Glacier located on the Juneau Ice field.

Juneau is a place in Alaska that requires at least a couple of days to explore. The town itself has a fun old-west vibe complete with saloons, boardwalks, and plenty of attractions. It’s also one of the premier places in the world to spot bald eagles with them being so plentiful there is a beach actually called Bald Eagle Beach. Read more about all the 28 Amazing Things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Where to Stay in Juneau

Four Points by Sheraton  – Located on the waterfront we found this to be a very convenient hotel. It was within walking distance to downtown plus it has easy access to the Seadrome Marina.

Ramada Inn by Wyndham  – Another great location in Juneau just a little farther away from the historic downtown than the Sheraton. But still within walking distance and we loved their restaurant and bar.

8. Mendenhall Ice Caves

The Mendenhall ice caves are one of the coolest things to see in Juneau. This natural attraction will make you feel as though you have been transported to a planet of ice and glass. The Mendenhall ice caves are usually accessible between July and September.

You can take a tour to see the Mendenhall Glacier and enjoy the hiking trails around the lake to see its different viewpoint.

• Book this highly-rated  Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves Tour.  For the adventure of a lifetime, paddle the Mendenhall Lake to the Glacier where you’ll get to explore the glacier up close and personal.
• Or you can join a  canoe trip to the glacier  where you’ll search for wildlife, paddle around ice flows and finally step foot on the glacier.

9. Tongass National Forest

It’s hard to believe that Alaska has a rainforest but Tongass National Forest is the largest functioning temperate rainforest on Earth. The size of Tongass is mind-blowing at more than 16 million acres of land. From both Ketchikan and Juneau, you can visit Tongass National Forest.

In the forest, you can enjoy its hiking trails and if you’re in Juneau, you can take a mere 15-minute drive to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center which is located within the forest. We took a beautiful guided hike to the glacier where we watched salmon spawn and learned about its flora and fauna. Besides Mendenhall, there are numerous other glaciers and hiking trails spread across the park. 

The park is home to all sorts of wildlife like wolves, black bears, and deer. You can even spot humpback whales and sea lions in the nearby waters. Tongass National Park has the comforts of the city within it as well as the comforts of the wild throughout.  

10. Fairbanks

The very first place we ever visited in Alaska was Fairbanks, Alaska and this town is awesome. When visiting Alaska in the summer it is truly the land of the Midnight Sun. There are so many things to do in Fairbanks from learning about Native American Culture and exploring the Chena River to relaxing in the Chena Hot Springs.

One of the more interesting places to visit is the Yukon Quest Alaska Headquarters. This is the start of the Yukon Quest dog sled race where you can learn about the famous dog mushers and teams who have taken part over the years. Including our friend Hank McCready who ran the prettiest team in Alaska. Another stop is the fountainhead antique auto museum where vintage cars are on display. It is consistently ranked as one of the best auto museums in the world.

Where to Stay in Fairbanks

For Aurora viewing check out Aurora Villa . This modern retreat is a boutique hotel offering views of the northern lights nestled in the mountains above Fairbanks.

11. Anchorage

A visit to Alaska wouldn’t be complete without seeing Anchorage. It is the largest city in Alaska and an international hub with access to Alaska’s interior and coast. It is here that you can hop on the Alaska Railroad to explore the great frontier.

Anchorage was the start of our cruise. After disembarking from the railway, we enjoyed two nights in downtown Anchorage. With cafés and restaurants, it has all the amenities of a big city. A highlight to visit is the ultra-modern Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center and The Alaska Native Heritage Center exploring the life and culture of Alaska’s indigenous people.

12. Skagway

Skagway is a bustling town where nearly every ship stops. It can be overwhelming spending just a day in Skagway. This old wild west town is filled with energy. In town, you can visit the Klondike Visitor’s Center to learn all about the Gold Rush that attracted people to this part of the world.

Take a step back in time and visit the Skagway National Historic District. It is located in the town of Skagway and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park has managed to ensure that ancient buildings from the Gold Rush days are still intact. Just walking through Skagway downtown will make you feel like you yourself have traveled back in time to when searching for gold and grabbing a pint after was all in a day’s work.   

13. White Pass Railway and Yukon Route Railroad

The vintage locomotive takes you along the Chilcoot Trail where prospectors risked their lives in search of gold. If you are walking around town, make your way to Pullen Creek Stream Walk to see the salmon run.

We took the best of all of Skagway by taking a helicopter flight over the glaciers out to the national forest in search of wildlife before hopping on the historic White Pass and Yukon Railroad. We have done the railroad tour on its own, but highly recommend the flight, hike, and railway tour instead. You only need to ride the railway one way and this gave us the best of all worlds.

14. Dalton Highway

If you want to go even more remote, continue on from Fairbanks to Deadhorse along the Dalton Highway near the Prudhoe Bay Oil fields and the Arctic Ocean. We haven’t done this drive, but we have been up to the Arctic Ocean in the neighboring Northwest Territories in Canada and the scenery here is truly magnificent.

The Dalton Highway is considered one of the most isolated roads in the United States. It crossed the Arctic Circle and we did this on the similar Dempster Highway. it is the coolest thing to drive right across the Arctic Circle. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy reading our 15 Great Road Trips in America

Seward is a small town located on the Kenai Peninsula and offers many activities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of things you can do in Seward including boat tours to Kenai Fjords National Park, or the Alaska SeaLife Center which is a great place to learn about marine life in Alaska and see sea lions, puffins, and other animals up close.

The surrounding mountains have plenty of hiking trails including the Harding Icefield Trail and the Exit Glacier Trail.

16. Alaska Highway

If you want to try a truly authentic experience, make sure to drive the Alaska Highway from Dawson’s Creek in British Columbia . This epic road trip crosses through southeast Alaska letting you see a different side of the sate. We made a similar journey along the Dempster Highway in the Yukon and let me tell you, there is nothing like it on Earth.

The Alaska Highway is a 1400-mile trip that ends in Fairbanks, Alaska. Along the drive, you’ll encounter glaciers and mountains and grizzly bears, and more and it will definitely be a trip you won’t forget. Of course, you don’t have to take the highway, you can simply take a plane and land yourself in one of Alaska’s big cities.

17. Kenai Fjords National Park

The Kenai Fjords National Park in the Kenai Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Alaska with glaciers, an icefield, and bears and seals lolling about. The best way to see this remote destination is to get out on a cruise where you can get out on kayaks to explore the fjords.

Make sure to visit the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Centre in Seward before you head out to learn about trail conditions and the Kenai Peninsula before you head into the park. And don’t miss seeing Exit Glacier located just 10 minutes from Seward, it is one of Alaska’s most accessible roadside glaciers.

Kenai Fjords National Park was a national monument and then became a National park designed to protect the misty fjords, rainforest, and wildlife that make up the area. Today, the Kenai Peninsula is a beloved part of the local Anchorage community as it’s just a two-hour drive outside of the city. 

18. Wrangell Elias National Park

It’s larger than Yellowstone National Park , in fact, it’s larger than all North American national parks, Wrangell St. Elias National Park is America’s largest national park at a whopping 13.2 million acres. It’s a national treasure that few people get to see. Check out America’s first national park : Best things to do in Yellowstone NP.

The park is full of volcanoes and glaciers and the unique landscape attracts all sorts of wildlife like mountain goats and brown bears (same as grizzly bears) Wrangell St Elias National Park is part tundra and temperate rainforest. It is also home to moose, Dall sheep, bison, goats, and caribou.

One of the most interesting things you might see is ice worms. From the name, you’d think they should be see-through or white, but ice worms are actually black and you can see them through frozen surfaces. If you’re a bird watcher, you’ll love the Copper River Basin Area which is part of the migratory route of numerous bird species. Additionally, you’ll likely see bald eagles, swans, ravens, and owls too. 

19. Northern Lights

While summertime in Alaska gives visitors the chance to experience the midnight sun with nearly 24 hours of daylight, when the cooler temperatures arrive you can make a trip to Alaska to see the Northern Lights.

The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is in winter or late autumn and early spring. Light pollution will be your enemy so if you want to get the real Aurora experience, the best places to visit will be outside of Alaska’s big cities. You can ask the hotel that you’re staying at to wake you when the lights are out as quite a number of hotels in Alaska offer this service.

To view the Aurora Borealis stay at the Northern Sky Lodge in Fairbanks. The lodge is nestled among 21 acres, only 30 minutes from Fairbanks International Airport and 90 minutes from Denali National Park. It makes for a great base to explore the interior of Alaska.

20. Alaska Native Heritage Center

To truly appreciate the Alaskan climate and lifestyle it is definitely a good idea to learn about the indigenous history of the state. Your visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center will give you a glimpse into the lives of 11 Alaska cultures including the Haida and Tsimshian First Nations whose territory goes right into Canada and down into British Columbia .

You will get to watch traditional dancing, meet Indigenous artists, and even visit dwellings that give you a chance to experience how the Indigenous people lived in the winter in Alaska before there was electricity.

21. Iditarod National Historic Trail

The historic Iditarod Trail is best known these days for the Iditarod Dog Sledding Race but prior to the race, it was a route used by Native Americans prior to the introduction of other vehicles.

This trail took folks 50 miles north of Seward all the way to Nome. They weren’t just going for a leisurely mush however, these folks carried heavy supplies to remote communities. Dog sleds played an important part in Native transportation and Europeans that came after also adopted this efficient transportation method in the harsh northern climate.

These days you can make your own memories on the trail by walking it or using a tour operator that will take you on a traditional dog sled on the trail. The Iditarod Dog Sledd Race takes place in March and attracts a lot of attention. If you happen to be there during that time it is definitely something you shouldn’t miss.

22. Alaska Railroad

If you’re a bit of a romantic then the idea of taking a railroad across the wilderness will get you excited. The Alaska Railroad was established in 1903 and still runs today. It traverses almost 500 miles from Seward up to Fairbanks with stops along the way.

If you want a comfortable visit while checking out the Alaskan wilderness, you should book a seat on the Alaska Railroad. The ticket price will vary based on how far you travel and which cabin you decide to book. Additionally, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees on your trip while enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, Alaska glaciers, rivers and mountains.

23. Prince William Sound

It is truly a stunning sight to see so many salmon all in one place. If you’re looking for a fun day trip then look no further than Prince William Sound.

The Sound is located on the south end of Alaska with incredible scenery and is one of the prettiest places you’ll visit. You can take a boat tour out to visit the sound and also enjoy a delicious meal on the water. The Sound is surrounded by glaciers and the biggest tidewater glacier is the Columbia Glacier.

You’ll feel what a goldfish feels like as the surroundings seem bigger than life. There is also a lot of wildlife in the area so keep your camera handy for epic pics you can look at over and over again. This might not be one of the most well-known Alaska destinations, but you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring scene if you decide to be one of the few that visit.

24. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

If you want to guarantee to view Alaska’s wildlife then you should check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The center aims to protect and preserve the wildlife of Alaska through education and research.

The center is located off the Seward Highway near the Portage Valley Glacier on Turnagain Arm. It is 200 acres of pure wonder as you get a chance to see bison, coyotes, bears, and other wildlife up close. The conservation center is sectioned off into areas for different wildlife. You can drive through, park your car and then take a walkthrough.

25. Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge

First established to protect the great brown bears that live on Kodiak Island, today the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge protects a whole lot more. Sitting close to 2,000,000 acres the refuge encompasses Ben Island and parts of Kodiak Island, Uganik Island, the Red Peaks, and Afognak Island. 

It is full of rivers and streams and is a nesting ground for several hundred species of birds including the Bald Eagle. Today the mission of the refuge is not only just protect the brown bears, but also to conserve all wildlife, sea lions, and fish populations in the area.

It is a big breeding ground for five species of salmon that also feed the hundreds of birds that live on the island. This is hands down one of the best places to visit in Alaska. The area is only accessible by floatplane or boat so if you want to visit, you definitely should plan ahead. 

Bonus Alaska Adventure

If you are looking to go off the beaten path, you may want to book a trip to the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. It is located in northern Alaska, high above the Arctic Circle. It is one of the most remote and least visited national parks in the United States.

The park covers 8.4 million acres and includes both the Brooks Range mountains and the Arctic tundra. There are no roads or trails in the park, and visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for the challenging conditions of the Arctic wilderness.

Access to the park is limited to small planes and helicopters, and visitors must obtain permits before entering the park. Despite its remoteness, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a popular destination for backpackers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who are drawn to the pristine wilderness and stunning landscapes of the Arctic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prettiest places in Alaska?

If you visit any of the national parks in Alaska, you will be assured of finding a pretty place. Nothing really beats Glacier Bay National Park but Katmai National Park is one of the prettiest places around. Katmai National Park and Preserve is also one of the best places to see brown bears in the wild. Many people book this excursion at Brooks Camp.

What should you avoid in Alaska?

If you are not a seasoned hiker or climber, it’s best to stay away from the glaciers and just view them from afar or hire a guide or tour to see them with a professional. Additionally, it is best to stay off unmarked trails unless you are very experienced, and don’t venture to the backcountry unless you have experience.

What is the best way to see Alaska in 10 days?

The best way to see Alaska in 10 days is to take a cruise ship down or head to the capital city of Juneau and make your way up from there.

And these are the best places to visit in Alaska. Have you been to Alaska? Alaska is one of our favourite travel destinations on Earth and we look forward to going back soon. What did we miss and where should we go next?

Plan Your Alaska Vacation With These Resources

• Juneau: 28 Amazing Things To Do In Juneau, Alaska
• What to do in Alaska: Things To Do In Alaska
• Cruising Alaska: Uncruise Alaska – The Best Alaskan Cruise
• Packing Tips: What To Pack For An Alaskan Cruise

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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3 thoughts on “25 Best Places to Visit in Alaska In 2024”

Definitely need to spend some good time in the Matsu Valley! Probably one of the places in Alaska that has the most variety of great things to do not just seasonally, but year round!

Anchorage is my fav city in the Alaska and special Outskirts of anchorage

Thanks for your comprehensive overview about Alaska! It’s such a great summer travel destination, the last frontier 😀

14 Must-See Places In Alaska For First Time Visitors

I t's no wonder why Alaska's nickname is "America's Last Frontier." Spanning over 400 million acres from tip to tip, many sections of this rugged state are only accessible by ferry or plane while others are traveled to on dirt roads. Covering the same length as the Lower 48 and as big as Texas, California, and Montana combined, the number of national parks in Alaska (eight) is a testament to its outstanding natural beauty. It is also brimming with history, from Russian occupation to the Gold Rush, and a tapestry of First Peoples heritage. Towering totem poles, sweeping scenery, and wildlife encounters like grizzly bears and wolves are just a glimpse of what you can expect on a first-time trip.

It's important for new Alaska visitors to keep in mind that much of the state is still remote, rugged, and untouched. While this certainly means there will be plenty of pristine wilderness to see, it also means that it can be inherently more dangerous. Wild animals, unpredictable weather conditions, and desolate roads are all factors that you might come face to face with. But if you're someone who likes the largest, biggest, or any other travel superlative, Alaska is the perfect destination. Using a mixture of information from Travel Alaska and Alaska's National Park Service, we've gathered together the perfect itinerary for those planning their very first trip to Alaska, whether you're a wildlife lover, history buff, bonafide adventurer, or have simply always wanted to see the 49th state.

Read more: 50 Of The Most Mesmerizing Places On Earth

Inside Passage

If you're looking for an easy way to see some of southern Alaska's most beautiful sights, look no further than a cruise along the Inside Passage. Stretching over 1,000 miles from Olympia, Washington, to Skagway, Alaska, the Inside Passage is a protected channel of water that follows a series of inlets and weaves past islands through the southern islands of the state. This is one of the most popular Alaskan cruise destinations as it avoids often rough seas and features truly stunning landscapes. Those who decide to set sail will witness craggy fjords, brilliant blue bays, and remote stretches of pristine coastline -- along with frequent wildlife sightings like humpback whales, seals, and bald eagles soaring above.

From Glacier Bay National Park to the Tongass National Forest, these geographic accessories are just as beautiful as the gem of the Inside Passage itself. Pair this with the fact that the Inside Passage is dotted with some of Alaska's most interesting cities, like Ketchikan, and you have the perfect choice for a first-time trip.

Ketchikan is a colorful town that's steeped in Alaskan history. If you decide to hop aboard an Alaskan cruise, chances are you'll make a pit stop here. The town's unique nickname, "Salmon Capital of the World," tells you most of why Ketchikan came to be in the first place, although the Gold Rush also had a huge effect. Nicknamed the "First City" because it was, well, the first city most people came across in Alaska, Ketchikan was also the largest city in the state in the early 1930s because of its plethora of salmon. 

No visit to Ketchikan is complete without strolling down Creek Street. Once a hotbed of prostitution, now its historic buildings line the very salmon-spawning stream that brought the city to life. Dolly's is the oldest brothel in town, and you can't miss its iconic neon green paint. Aside from a history lesson or two, there are many fun things to do around town in the warmer months. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show features brawny men performing incredible feats like log rolling and sawing massive tree trunks, while the Misty Fjords National Monument's majestic waterfalls are just a seaplane ride away.

Ketchikan is known for its Tlingit heritage and is a great spot to seek out intricately carved totem poles. You can do so at the Totem Heritage Center or the Totem Bight Historical Park. One important factor to remember is that most of Ketchikan's main attractions close after mid-October.

Tongass National Forest

The Tongass National Forest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world. Once stretching all the way to Northern California, this is also the largest national forest in America. There's no end to the stunning views and wildlife encounters visitors will experience here, including bald eagles, salmon, and plentiful views of glaciers. Its proximity to Juneau and the cruises along the Inside Passage make it easy to visit and a marvelous addition to any Alaska itinerary for hikes along forest trails overrun by lush vegetation and carpets of peat bog.

The Mendenhall Glacier is located within the National Forest and is one of the most well-known glaciers in the state. You can see it from easy-access hiking trails, flightseeing tours, and cruises that approach it at a safe distance on Mendenhall Lake. Several trails afford the best views of this 12-mile-long glacier, including the Photo Point Trail and Nugget Falls Trail. Misty Fjords National Monument is also within the Tongass National Forest and is best explored on a day cruise. Visitors can see the dramatic waterfalls and abundant wildlife, all from the comfort of a heated boat. If you're feeling tired from your hiking adventures, seek out one of the Tongass' nearby hot springs on Chichagof Island, like the Tenakee Bath House.

Situated on an island along the Pacific side of the Alexander Archipelago, Sitka is an important player in Alaskan history and a wildlife lover's paradise. In a way, Sitka is a tale of two cultures. Russia and the Tlingit peoples vied for control of the area for decades in the 18th and 19th centuries, long before Alaska became a U.S. territory and later a state in 1959. Tlingit and Russian influence can be seen all over town, from the Russian Blockhouse and Orthodox Church to the intricately carved totem poles.

Sitka is a great place to stop for first-timers because of its historic ties. 13% of the city's population is First Nations, and the heritage is beautifully represented across town. Dive into Tlingit culture while standing in the towering shadows of Sitka National Historical Park's 20 different totem poles. If you want to continue exploring the local culture through your tastebuds, stop by Pel'Meni for a steaming hot plate of potato dumplings.

Both the Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear are wonderful places to see wildlife up close in Sitka. A safe and controlled atmosphere to see bears, the Fortress of the Bear is a local sanctuary for orphaned bears, while eagles, owls, falcons, and hawks are all rehabilitated at the Alaska Raptor Center, which takes in almost 200 injured birds a year.

First-time visitors to Alaska shouldn't miss the chance to see the state capital, sitting along the edge of both the Inside Passage and the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Embrace one of Juneau's 250 hiking trails by day, discovering mountain vistas fringed with sprawling ocean views, and explore downtown by night through craft breweries and delicious seafood on the waterfront. Juneau's location makes it one of the best spots in Alaska for watching marine mammals, and humpbacks and orcas can be seen swimming off the city's shores from April to November.

Visitors can get the low down on Alaska's history at the Alaska State Museum, featuring exhibits and collections of local artifacts and Alaskan artists. The Goldbelt Tram takes visitors 1,800 feet above the city, and both the Timberline Bar & Grill and the Chilkat Center for the Arts sit at the top of the mountain. The sweeping views over the Gastineau Channel are spectacular.

Although there are many glaciers in Alaska, perhaps none capture the imagination quite like the Mendenhall Glacier with its turquoise coloring. The Mendenhall Glacier is located within the Tongass National Forest and is just a short drive away from Juneau by car. 

Glacier Bay National Park

From snow-capped peaks to brilliant blue ocean, Glacier Bay National Park encompasses the varying terrain that you can only find in America's "Last Frontier." Glacier Bay is both a World Heritage site and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, which tells you a little something about its importance. Over 10,000 years of human history collide with millions of years of intricate geography.  Even better, visiting Glacier Bay National Park is completely free!  

Day tour boats and independent cruises are gorgeous ways to cruise Bartlett Cove and see glaciers up close. Visitors should carve out time to visit the park's totem poles and the Huna Tribal House to learn about Glacier Bay's Tlingit heritage. You can find the Healing Totem Pole at the Bartlett Cove dock while two others stand stoically at the Huna House itself.

As its name might suggest, there are over 1,000 different glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park. Tucked along the Inside Passage, just one of the dozens of reasons to cruise here, this area is best explored by boat, giving passengers an up close and personal view of the glaciers reflected in the sea. Kayaking is another way to connect with nature in Glacier Bay, gliding past giant slabs of ice, playful seals, and exploring the tidewaters. It's incredibly important for first-timers to join a guided tour, as the tides can be difficult to read for newcomers.

Nicknamed the "Adventure Capital of Alaska," Haines is one of those quirky little cities that feels like it's at the edge of the world. This is often one of the last stops along the Inside Passage and where many visitors hop off to explore more of the state's interior. Sandwiched between the Chilkoot and Chilkat Inlets, Haines is also one of the last cities as southern Alaska slowly bleeds into the Interior and Arctic in the far north.

True to Haines' nickname, there's an endless array of fun activities to take part in. You can easily join a river rafting expedition on the Alsek River, get a birds-eye view of the nearby fjords by flightseeing, or go rock climbing. One of the quirkiest things to do in town is visit the Hammer Museum. This was the first of its kind and features over 2,500 hammers, everything from primitive rocks to modern-day inventions. If you're itching to see the Gold Rush mecca of Skagway, hop on the Haines Skagway Fast Ferry for beautiful scenery and a fun way to get back and forth.

Katmai National Park

There's one big reason why most visitors make the trek out to Katmai National Park -- brilliant, beautiful bears.

Katmai has one of the densest bear populations on Earth, a perfect storm of its remote terrain and the Brooks Stream becoming a bountiful sockeye salmon run in summer. Most of these ursine are grizzly bears who flock to the famous Brooks Falls to feast in preparation for their impending hibernation. July and September are the best times to witness this epic dining scene, and visitors can see the bears easily at Brooks Falls. You'll need to sign in at the Visitor Center and go through a quick "Bear School" beforehand.

Sitting on the precipice of the Aleutian Islands at the start of the Alaska Peninsula, Katmai National Park is utterly remote. This is one of the wildest places in Alaska, with unpredictable weather, dense wildlife, and sweeping mountain vistas, but its rugged beauty only adds to its magical qualities. The park was designated after a cataclysmic eruption known as the Novarupta in the early 1900s. This volcanic eruption was larger than both Vesuvius and Krakatau and led to an uptick in scientific research. Destinations in the park, like the inspiring Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, were created in the event. A visit to this park is reserved for true adventurers but makes for an unforgettable trip, especially if this is your first time in Alaska.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park showcases Alaska's cherished -- and truly jaw-dropping -- fjords. Thousands of years in the making, their beautiful and unique geography was carved by glaciers and is something you can't find anywhere else in America. Visitors can explore by land, driving right up to the park's famous Exit Glacier, but kayaking and boat tours are some of the best ways to see the park's seaside scenery and marine wildlife. Kayaking these waters will transport you back to when human-powered travel was the only option.

For visitors looking to explore by land, head to the Harding Icefield Trail. This 8.2-mile hike is challenging, with thousands of miles of elevation gain, but ends with striking views of the Exit Glacier's ice field. Consider staying in the park's Coastal Public Use Cabins, an incredible accommodation option within the park perfect for the adventurous.

It's no secret that Kenai Fjords is difficult to access, and first-timers should utilize the park's facilities and tours from nearby towns to get around. The quaint town of Seward is on the doorstep of Kenai Fjords National Park and is one of the best bases for adventuring in this stunning natural space. Boat tours of the park also leave daily from Seward in the summer months. Hot tip: Make sure to bundle up, even in Alaska's summer season , as these cruises can be surprisingly chilly!

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska yet still retains the state's rugged spirit. Ringed by snow-capped peaks, visitors can experience the great outdoors by trekking across glaciers, snowmobiling, or witnessing breaching humpbacks. Anchorage is also one of the best places to uncover Alaskan history through the city's many museums, such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center. There's no shortage of things to do here, which makes it one of the best places to visit for a first trip.

Like Fairbanks, Anchorage also experiences the Midnight Sun, and sometimes the aurora borealis makes an appearance, although both of these phenomena are less exaggerated. Anchorage is the start of the Iditarod, a legendary sled dog race that ends in Nome, up to 1,000 miles away. Being in town for the kick-off in March is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you can even try your hand at dog sledding any time of year! If you want to partake in more truly Alaskan adventure, sign up for gold panning at the historic Crow Creek Gold Mine.

Cheers to your time in Anchorage with the city's claim to fame -- the Duck Fart. While the name certainly doesn't sound appetizing, this one-of-a-kind cocktail is unique to Alaska and made from a combination of Kahlua, Baileys, and whiskey -- the perfect medley to warm you up from the inside. Yum!

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in the United States, sweeping across 13.2 million Alaskan acres. The park spans from the Canadian border to the remote Richardson Highway in the west and is an exciting addition to a first-time trip. If you want to get a slice of off-the-beaten-path Alaska, this is one of the best ways to do it! Your first stop should be at one of several Visitor Centers scattered throughout the park. These are your headquarters for information about this remote area and great places to pick the park ranger's brains about their recommendations.

While Wrangell-St. Elias reveals a tremendous amount of Alaska's trademark natural scenery, it has few services, roads can become treacherous, and visitors should prepare for its isolation. The park is broken up into several regions based on road access. Kennecott is one of the best sections with bonafide Gold Rush towns, mines, and beautiful glacier hikes. The Kennecott Mines National Landmark is located within the park and includes an interpretive village and exhibits. You can even tour the mine itself with St. Elias Alpine Guides. Visitors should also consider a flightseeing tour, one of the best ways to see the sheer size of Wrangell-St. Elias National Parl.

Talkeetna is an artsy community of just 1,200 people tucked away north of Anchorage. This little city was once a Gold Rush boomtown but is now a popular staging area for ascents of Denali. You might even see the "Great One" (Denali's nickname) from town on a clear day. You'll probably spend your first moments in Talkeetna strolling down the historic main street, so pop into Nagley's Store to fuel up with a cappuccino and check out the National Historic Register-listed property yourself.

Visitors can participate in activities paying homage to Talkeetna's many historic phases by gold panning, riding the Alaskan Railroad, or hiking in the nearby Denali National Park. Although many Alaskan towns offer flightseeing, a tour from Talkeetna, with views of Denali, is arguably the best in the entire state.

If seeing the climbers and trekkers preparing for their ascent of Denali has piqued your interest, head to the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum. The nearby memorial at Talkeetna Cemetery dedicated to the climbers who never made it off the mountain is another solemn sight. End your swing through town at the Denali Brewing Company, sipping on a Mother Ale. They also own the Alaska Cider Works and Alaska Meadery if you favor the sweet stuff.

Denali National Park

If ever there was a place to visit in Alaska deserving the nickname "America's Last Frontier," Denali is it. The tallest peak in North America sits at the center of Denali National Park. Once called Mount McKinley, its Athabascan name of Denali was resurrected in 1980. The mountain draws 600,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most popular national parks in Alaska.

If you hope to see wildlife on your trip to Alaska, you've come to the right place. Denali is home to "The Big Five," namely grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves, and Dall sheep. With over 6 million acres of wilderness to explore, it can be difficult to know where to start. One main road cuts through the heart of the park, and it can only be driven with private vehicles to Mile 15, another great reason to hop on a park bus. Denali's bus system is extensive, and you'll want to try and ride it as far as possible for your best chances of seeing animals and magnificent mountain views. The bus stops for restroom breaks, wildlife encounters, and, of course, the incredible scenery.

Although it's possible to visit Denali no matter the time of year, winter can be desolate, and most park services are limited or closed. This can also be a magical time to visit as dangerous wildlife encounters are minimized, and the park is blanketed with snow.

Aptly nicknamed the "Golden Heart City," Fairbanks was at the very heart of Alaska's Gold Rush. Sitting just below the Arctic Circle in Interior Alaska, Fairbanks experiences both the swirling Northern Lights and summer's Midnight Sun, giving visitors from the Lower 48 a special treat. If it's your first trip to Alaska, this is one city you can't miss. First-timers hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis without venturing too far off the beaten path, this is your golden ticket.

Fairbanks' Museum of the North deserves a dedicated visit if not for its iconic antler arch alone. The famous Magic Bus from "Into the Wild" was once near Denali National Park but has been displayed at the Museum of the North since 2020. The Morris Thompson Cultural Center is another excellent stop if you are interested in Alaskan history and features interesting exhibits on Athabascan culture and Interior Alaska.

You can't leave Fairbanks without trying some of the local specialties like reindeer and Yukon potatoes, of course! The Pump House is the best place in town to grab a bite to eat, with a nostalgic interior and delightful terrace for when the weather is good.

Read the original article on Explore .

16 of the Cutest and Best Towns in Alaska

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: April 5, 2022

Categories North America

Welcome to the last frontier…Alaska! A place where you can routinely expect the unexpected from many of the best towns in Alaska.

Because this state? Well, it’s a beyond magical place where you can discover abandoned Russian cemeteries, behold the wonder of airports that are actually staffed by friendly people, and step inside local watering holes where people look like they just walked off the set of Sixteen Candles .

And just in case you’re wondering, I mean that in the BEST possible way.

Because Alaska is a wild place (in more ways than one) that is filled with an eclectic variety of people who have come here to wander, escape the 9 to 5 grind, fight the power, and basically enjoy the majesty that is the great outdoors.

So, if you want to get off the beaten path, or stay on the well-trodden tourist trail, and explore all of the absolute best towns in Alaska, then THIS is the post for you.

It’s absolutely overflowing with expert advice on what to see, do, and eat in all of the best towns in Alaska – making this the perfect resource for planning the ideal, Alaska itinerary.

Therefore, stop dreaming and start living the Alaska trip of a lifetime with this amazing resource on all of the best towns in Alaska – places that you should 110% visit right now!

Dear wonderful, beautiful, and oh-so-amazing reader (Yup, I lay it on thick for my dozens of fans). Since I am incapable of making it rain money, there’s a high probability (like 99.999%) that this post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Best Towns in Alaska in the North

1. anchorage.

If you only go to one of the best towns in Alaska then Anchorage will probably be it (Spoiler Alert: You should definitely visit other towns in Alaska besides Anchorage #justayin’).

And that makes sense since most flights to this beyond epic state will drop you off, boop, right in Anchorage.

But, thankfully, Anchorage has WAY more to offer than epic accessibility.

Because this super snazzy city sits smack dab in the middle of two 5,000 foot tall mountains and is nestled along Cook Inlet – a lovely body of water that is filled with salmon (they creep me out and I think they are the ugliest fish ever) and whales aplenty (including fin, minke, humpback, gray, and orcas…oh my!).

This also happens to be Alaska’s largest city with a whopping 300,000 awesome residents who are only too happy to introduce you to awesome cultural sites like the Anchorage Museum (check out the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, which has 600+ Alaska native artifacts), the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Ship Creek Viewing Platform, the historic Oscar Anderson house, and more!

Yup, it’s an awesome place that is brimming over with exhibits that feature traditional crafts, replicas of indigenous homes, and even dance stages where you can see live performances.

So yeah, don’t let the large swaths of strip malls and urban sprawl prevent you from falling in love with this great city during a lovely, one-hour trolley tour of the area.

Especially since Anchorage makes a great home base from which you can explore vast natural areas (yes Chugach, Kenai and Talkeetna, I’m looking at you) that are semi-nearby (Fairbanks is like a 6-hour drive away and you could do an epic day trip to Matanuska Glacier).

There are also a ton of great restaurants here that serve nothing but the freshest seafood and organic produce, including Orso. it’s a stunning, local eatery where you can enjoy, duh, Alaskan crusted halibut, fresh calamari, and Glacier Brewhouse beers (brunch here is pretty rad too).

And if you need a great place to stay, try The Voyager Inn! It’s nothing super fancy but is well priced at under $100 per night, is centrally located, super safe, has great staff, and is a 3-star hotel where you can enjoy a comfy, cozy stay!

2. Kodiak Island

If you’re looking to get back into nature then Kodiak Island is one of the best towns in Alaska for you.

Okay, “town” is kind of a loose term since it’s the second-largest island in the US (after the big island in Hawaii) and part of the larger Kodiak Archipeligo.

However, it’s a great place to visit if you want to understand what “real” Alaska is like and if you want to see brown bears, brown bears, and, oh yeah, more brown bears.

Because this natural, green mountain oasis is filled with salmon – a tasty treat for these next-level enormous bears love – and has a tiny northeastern corner that is basically the only settlement in the area that is aptly named Kodiak.

Whatever you do though, do not miss out on Fossil Beach, the Kodiak Military History Museum (if you’re into that sort of thing), North End Park, Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, Baranov Museum, and Holy Resurrection Chruch (FYI, it’s the oldest Russian Orthodox Church in North America and dates back to 1794) before exploring the vast tracts of wilderness that surrounds you.

You can also pop into Old River Inn for a more formal dining experience (get the seafood alfredo or bacon-wrapped halibut) or simply grab a quick sammie at the ever adorable, Java Flats – which is known for their delicious countryside sandwich (it’s filled with turkey, apples, and brie).

Afterward, recover from your beyond glorious food coma at Kodiak Compass Suites. Because during off-season, rooms at this 2.5-star hotel start at under $150 per night and include snazzy things like free breakfast (it’s limited though), free WIFI, gorgeous views, and warm, hospitable service.

I’m not gonna lie to you here. Homer is one of the best towns in Alaska that is a) not a hidden gem and that b) will be packing with fanny pack totin’ tourists.

So yeah, be prepared to do battle with the masses as you explore the Homer Spit, a narrow piece of land that reaches out into Kachemak Bay.

It’s also a not-so-low-key place filled with souvenir shops, restaurants selling fish and chips, and fishermen who swear that they can help you catch a 200-pound halibut.

It’s a place that some people love and that some people love to hate since it’s packed to the gills with tourists all throughout the summer.

Although, if you can get past the inherent touristy-ness of this place, you’ll enjoy the sweeping panoramas and a community of uber-radical locals who have had it with traditional society.

Yeah, they’re pretty awesome people who will make you feel like you’re about to become the lead character in a dystopian novel (just minus the death, madness, and mayhem).

You can also visit The Pratt Museum (a mix of native American art and mesmerizing interactive displays on local wildlife), The Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center (I like the reconstructed seabird colony), the Norman Lowell Studio (a cool art gallery but there are a ton of them here), and the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (they run a neat  “Yurt on the Spit” tour at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm daily that talks about all of the cool creatures that live at the dock).

Also, don’t forget to grab fresh bread/bagels from Two Sisters Bakery before chowing down on a wood-fired pizza from Fat Olives Restaurant.

Or, just chillax at the ever-casual, AJ’s Oldtown Steakhouse and Tavern, which serves some of the best steaks and freshest seafood in town.

Finally, enjoy a fantastic night in one of the well-appointed and reasonably priced (under $100 per night in the off-season) rooms at the Pioneer Inn Downtown.

It’s not an incredibly luxurious place to stay but it’s a comfortable, family-run spot where the owners are friendly and only too happy to help you with all of your travel needs.

It’s also a short, 9-minute walk from the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center, and has rooms that feature wood paneling, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and minifridges.

Charming AF is probably the best way to describe Seward, which is easily one of the best towns in Alaska.

It’s tucked away along the edge of Resurrection Bay, is home to a ton of super cute stilted houses (see above), and features sweeping, panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape.

Also, because it’s a historic railroad town, it’s easily accessible via car, boat, and train from many other places in Alaska – making it an ideal stop addition to any Alaska itinerary you may be planning.

There’s also a ton to do here since you can book an awesome 6-hour wildlife cruise to nearby Kenai Fjords National Park, go sea kayaking, do a bit of whale-watching, or go for an epic hike to the Harding Ice Field.

Although, if you want to stay a bit closer to home then you’ll adore this vibrant town, which is divided into two distinct districts that are overflowing with fantastic restaurants and great nightlife – the slightly more touristy harbor area and the historic downtown area.

So, check out the Alaska Sealife Center (aka a local aquarium), enjoy the small Seward Community Library and Museum (it’s super quirky and has a great exhibit with awesome artifacts from the Iditarod), explore Small Boat Harbor (tons of boat-related tours depart from here), and see the Benny Benson Memorial (he was the 13-year-old boy who designed the state flag).

You can also eat all the feels at The Cookery (easily one of the best restaurants in Alaska) by devouring a giant order of fried chicken, or fish of the day, at this new age, modern American restaurant with impeccable service and beyond delicious food.

And once you’ve eaten until you can eat no more, spend a quiet evening at the aptly named, Hotel Seward. It’s located a mere 5 miles away from Kenai Fjords National Park and is a historic building that dates all the way back to 1905.

Rooms here are also traditionally elegant, well priced at around $100 per night, and come with modern amenities like free wifi and flat-screen TVs.

Heck, there’s even a casual, Victorian-style seafood restaurant onsite that serves classic American food that everyone will love.

5. Girdwood

The cool thing about Girdwood is that it’s only about 37 miles away from Anchorage.

Therefore, you could easily hop on the Alyeska Highway, take it to mile 90, and then hop on the Seaward Highway, eventually exiting at Girdwood after about a 45-minute drive.

Upon arrival, take in all that this tiny town has to offer, including giant mountains, expansive glaciers, and a laid-back vibe that may leave you feeling like you want to spend the night at the next-level swank, Alyeska Resort.

You could also go hiking, take a ride on the Alyeska Resort tram up to the ski resort (they have a nice ride and dine option that includes a tram ticket and a meal at the Bore Tide Deli for $39), explore historic Crow Creek Mine (learn how to pan for gold or camp here overnight),  or admire some local art at Girdwood Center for Visual Arts.

Whatever you do though, make time to eat at Spoonline Bistro (The Double Musky Inn is also great and serves a nice Filet Combo with steak, prawns, and a baked potato).

It’s an awesome local restaurant with a rotating menu of international cuisine that is super delish (the Thai-style prawns were exceptional).

And if you don’t want to spend the night at the swank Alyeska Resort (rooms are $200+ per night but awesome), you can always stay at the Highland Glen Lodge Bed and Breakfast.

It’s a nice, 4-star hotel in the area with friendly staff and rooms that start at $144 per night, including a full English breakfast! Because you know me, I’m all about the free food. Nom, nom, nom.

Pro Tip: If you happen to be in Alaska for the first weekend in July, then check out the Girdwood Forest Fair! It features a ton of local art, has an outdoor beer garden that overlooks a glacial stream, and includes live musical performances in a gorgeous forest setting.

6. Talkeetna

If you’re looking to explore the iconic, Denali State Park then Talkeetna is one of the best towns in Alaska for you!

Meaning “riverside food cache” in English,  Talkeetna is a mecca of sorts for mountain climbers, tourists, and crunchy Alaskans who want to get out there and enjoy all that nearby Denali has to offer.

FYI, if you’re lazy like me then you can always get sweet aerial views of Denali during this epic, 1.5-hour flight experience.

Not only will you get an awesome window seat, but you’ll be able to admire natural wonders like Tokositna Glacier, Moose’s Tooth/Broken Tooth peaks, Ruth Glacier, the Great Gorge, and more!

So, expect to find a ton of gift shops, climbing outfitters, laid-back restaurants, and historic saloons in this funky little mountain town.

However, other than exploring nearby Denali, you can also check out Talkeetna Riverside Park, embrace the macabre at Talkeetna Cemetery, visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum, and have a drink at the historic Fairview Inn.

It’s actually a really neat place that was first built in 1923 to cater to travelers who were going from Seward to Fairbanks via the Alaska Railroad.

Although, if drinking is not your thing, you could always stop for a bit of grub at Talkeetna Spinach Bread (get the spinach bread or the Indian Dal) or have a more formal meal at the Denali Brewpub, which serves epic fish and chips and cauliflower dip.

Finally, spend the night in the heart of town at the Talkeetna Inn. It’s a relaxed, affordable hotel (around $150 per night) with unassuming, clean rooms that include all the comforts of home.

The owners are also super friendly, have a ton of expert knowledge to help you plan your trip, and have made a ton of improvements to the hotel, making this an exceptional place to stay in the area.

Random Fact of the Day: This town is so wild and crazy that in 1997, they elected a cat named Stubbs as the local mayor. Yup, crazy but 110% true.

Not to be confused with the man, the myth, the coffee…Juan Valdez, Valdez is one of the best towns in Alaska that was first founded by prospectors looking for gold way back in ye olde 1897.

Since then though, the tiny town of Valdez hasn’t had an easy time of it. Because not only did the second strongest earthquake in recorded history decimate the area in 1964 but the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989 systematically annihilated the area’s entire natural ecosystem.

Luckily for you though, nothing keeps Valdez down for long. As a result, it was reconstructed into this uber-chill, modern town that reminds me a bit of Bend, Oregon.

So, if your idea of a hopping good time is going fishing in beyond frigid waters or heli-skiing it up in the surrounding mountains, then definitely add Valdez to your Alaska bucket list.

Although, if you’re not feeling quite that adventurous, you could always:

• Take a day trip to Columbia Glacier
• Learn about this town’s tragic past at the Valdez Museum
• Pay your respects to the area’s earthquake victims in Old Valdez (remnants from where the town stood before the earthquake)
• Stroll along the boardwalk at Small Boat Harbor
• Visit the Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum (a cool place with tons of native Alaska art and artifacts)
• Marvel at the Trail of the Whispering Giants (a 25-foot tall sculpture of an Alaska Native near Prince William Sound College)
• Enjoy some pancakes (or fries and the Hawaiian Burger) at the Old Town Diner or order a giant pizza with a side of drizzle sticks at The Stampmill

Afterward, spend a night or two in the House on the Rock B & B . It’s easily the best place to stay in town and has four Alaska-inspired rooms that come with cable TV, wifi, and a comfy queen bed.

And while it’s not the cheapest place to stay, you will enjoy a delicious, complimentary continental breakfast as we all as access to an awesome massage chair in the living room.

Looking for one of the best towns in Alaska that has totally sold itself out to the tourism industry?

If so then say hello to your new best friend, Cordova – a place that’s authentically Alaskan since it’s detached from major road networks and isn’t exactly a cruise ship hot spot (thank God).

As a result, Cordova is this quirky little fishing village that is surrounded by the Chuguch Mountains and the Copper River Delta on the other.

However, if you want to visit, you can really only fly or hop aboard a ferry.

Once here though, feel free to embrace the gritty weirdness of a place that is known for dingy bars, a working-class harbor, a vast network of hiking trails, ample bird watching areas, and a festival honoring ice worms (wtf?).

Other area highlights include:

• Small-boat Harbor – You’ll be able to see real salmon fishermen at work here and can visit the Cordova Fishermen’s Memorial)
• The Cordova Museum – It’s inside the Cordova Center and has a ton of local artwork and info about the area’s history
• Salmon Canneries  – Tour a local salmon cannery tour or stand in awe as Northern Fish Alaska packs and ships whatever you catch back home for you.
• Ilanka Cultural Center – It’s small but there are some cool totem poles here and other Alaska native art
• Baja Taco – Cute interior and great fish tacos/milkshakes
• Harborside Pizza – Great wood-fired pizza and beer and giant portions (Powder House is another good place to stop for burgers and fries)

Pro Tip: There aren’t a ton of places to stay here but you can always try The Reluctant Fisherman Inn . It’s right in the center of town and rooms here are comfortable with great harbor views, free breakfast, and awesome service.

Best Towns in Alaska in the South

9. wrangell.

With a rough exterior that is a bit off-putting to many, Wrangell is one of the best towns in Alaska from which you can visit the Ananbear-watching observatory and explore the Stikine River delta.

However, do give this place a chance since it’s a unique fishing village on the southeast coast that has been shaped by a unique mix of Russian and British residents.

There are also a ton of great hiking trails for you to check out, in addition to the Wrangell Museum (a great museum with an audio commentary that discusses the town’s fascinating past), Chief Shakes Island  (a local park with totems and a re-creation of a traditional Tlingit tribal house), Petroglyph Beach (see ancient rock carvings that date back thousands of years), and Totem Park.

You can also stop into Zaks Cafe for a burger and potato salad before spending the night at Stikine Inn & Restaurant . it sits right on the water, has friendly staff, features comfy rooms, and serves up a delicious crispy chicken chop that all the cool kids love.

10. Petersburg

Founded by a Norwegian immigrant by the name of Peter Buschmann in 1897, Petersburg is tucked away in Southeastern Alaska and is a quiet place with a distinctly Scandinavian vibe about it.

It’s also a fairly upscale town where you’ll find Norwegian flags aplenty as you explore the shallow, North Boat Harbor with more working fishing boats than pleasure cruise ships.

Also, throughout your stay in one of the best towns in Alaska, be sure to visit Sing Lee Alley (A row of historic buildings from the early 1900s that are built atop pilings, including the Sons of Norway Hall), Bojet Wikan Fishermen’s Memorial Park (there’s a Viking ship replica, a fishermen statue, and a deck made of pilings over Hammer Slough), and Clausen Memorial Museum (a local museum with artifacts that tell the tale of the local fishing industry).

Sure, there isn’t a ton to do here, but it’s a charming place to stay for a night or two, especially if you book a room at the Nordic House – a local, super clean, centrally located bed and breakfast with well-appointed rooms (think free wifi, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped communal kitchen) and exceptional service.

You can also savor some of the local culinary flavors of awesome at Inga’s Galley, which is a little seafood restaurant that serves up delicious sweet and sour chicken and shrimp and feta tacos.

Get off the well-trodden tourist trail and explore beautiful Stika – one of the best towns in Alaska where you’ll quickly remember that Alaska was actually part of the Russian empire (for a solid 135 years) long before it was a state in the good old US of A.

It’s one of those truly stunning places that overlooks the Pacific Ocean from the western shores of Baranof Island and that was actually the state capital back when the Russians were here and when Alaska was known as New Archangel.

Today though, this tiny town has all the best parts of Skagway, just minus all the tourists.

So, enjoy marvelous views of Mt. Edgecumbe off in the distance before you swan dive into remnants from this town’s Russian past at places like the Russian Bishop’s House (It’s the oldest, historic, Russian building here from1843 and you can visit a museum on the ground floor and fully restored rooms on the second floor), St. Micheal’s Cathedral (a gorgeous, Russian orthodox church from the 1840s with a well-adorned interior), and Castle Hill (this where Russia signed Alaska over to the US and some Russian cannons still remain at this lookout point).

Also, leave time to visit the Stka National Historical Park (walk past 18 totems on the Totem Trail and see an authentic, Tlingit fort), explore the Sheldon Jackson Museum (a small amalgamation of indigenous artifacts housed in a concrete building from 1895), see the recovering birds at the Alaska Raptor Center (it’s a 17-acre animal hospital of sorts for birds of prey), and see all the marine life at the Sitka Science Center (it houses five aquariums and several touch tanks for kids).

And if you’re hungry, stop for a bite to eat at Sitka Pel’Meni, a traditional Russian restaurant that is known for its delicious dumplings.

Otherwise, you could always pop into Beak Restaurant and get a giant order of mac and cheese with reindeer meat or cedar plank salmon (the weekend donuts are good too) before calling it a night at Eagle Bay Inn.

It’s not an uber-posh hotel but it’s one of the more affordable places in the area since it offers comfortable but modern, unassuming rooms. Plus, your stay comes with complimentary shuttle services from the ferry and continental breakfast, for a nominal fee.

Juneau is one of the best towns in Alaska because it’s not only the capital but it also has a ton of amazing things to offer visitors of every variety.

So, take some time to admire a crazy city where the roads go nowhere and where the river never freezes – an urban area that actually lies beneath an ice field that will never melt and that has epic hiking trails just 10-minutes away from the center of town.

If you want, you could even go on an epic canoe tour of Mendenhall Lake and see Mendenhall Glacier (book ASAP since a limited number of permits to this national park are available), try your hand at ziplining, go whale watching, or even do a bit of bear spotting from the interior of a local seaplane.

What? Is that not enough Juneau awesomeness for you?

Well, then you could swing by the Alaska State Museum, take a cable car up Mt. Roberts Tramway (FYI, it’s $35 for a 5-minute ride so you may want to hike up instead and take the free tram down), explore Last Chance Mining Museum (you can also hike on Perseverance Trail here), marvel at the Shrine of St. Therese (it’s a tranquil, natural stone Catholic church that is also a great salmon fishing spot), and stand in awe of Nugget Falls (it’s right near Mendenhall Glacier).

Afterward, try some authentic Alaskan King Crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack (a casual, waterfront restaurant with great King Crab Legs and bisque) or stop for a delicious cheddar burger at the always lovely, Zerelda’s Bistro.

And if you’re looking for a nice place to stay, try the Juneau Hotel. Not only is it well-priced, but it’s centrally located, includes access to a free airport shuttle, has an onsite gym, and even features kitchens/washers and dryers for guests to use.

Rooms here are also fairly informal but include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, living rooms, and start at just under $120 per night.

13. Skagway

Brimming over with historic, gold rush town grandeur (thanks to all the vintage, false-fronted buildings in the area), Skagway is a premier destination for more than one million cruise ship passengers who walk along these iconic boardwalks every, single year.

A statistic that is slightly off-putting to someone like me one absolutely hates crowds.

However, if you can get past the almost amusement-park-like facade of one of the best towns in Alaska, you’ll discover a uniquely wonderful place that was first established after the 1898 gold rush, when more than 40,000 people flocked here in an attempt to, “strike it rich”.

Now, fast forward over a hundred years, and you’ll discover a wealth of actors in period piece clothing and story-telling park rangers wo are all trying to bring the amazing history of this magical place back to life.

So, if you plan to visit, be sure to check out:

• Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – There’s a visitor’s center with national park guides and a small museum that explains the Klondike-erific history of this epic town.
• Red Onion Saloon  – You can order the best pizza in town here and can even enjoy live music amidst an over-the-top, gold-rush era saloon that comes complete with mannequins who look like working girls from the late 1800s.
• Dyea – You’ll find the start of the famous Chilkoot Trail which will take you all the way to Lake Benett.
• Moore Homestead Museum – This homestead, complete with a little museum, explains the establishment of the town to visitors and discusses the life of the founder, Captain William Moore.
• Jewell Gardens – This is a quiet place to go if you want to see flower gardens and escape from the overwhelming hordes of tourists that inundate the area. There are also some glass blowing studios here where you can see live demonstrations.
• Stop by Skagway Fish Company for some Jumbo King Crab legs (or fish and chips) or Skagway Brewing Company for a Spruce Tip Ale, blackened chicken alfredo, spinach artichoke dip, and carrot cake (so good).
• Haines Alaska – I’t another great little town in Alaska that is only about an hour and a half away from Skagway by car.

And if you need an awesome place to stay, try At the White House. It’s an awesome little guest house in a quiet part of Skagway that is still within talking distance of all the area’s major attractions.

It’s also reasonably priced and has a down-home feel to it that makes it seem as though you’re staying with family – only better since the staff is super nice, the rooms are exceptionally clean, and there’s even a cookie jar with fresh cookies every single day.

14. Ketchikan

Way down there in Southern Alaska, just a hoot and holler away from British Columbia, is Ketchikan – a rainy little town that sits on picturesque, Revillagigedo Island.

On second thought though, Ketchikan really isn’t THAT little since it’s actually the fourth largest city in Alaska. It’s also known for its salmon fishing industry and its rich Haida and Tlingit history.

Therefore, expect to find a ton of vibrant totem poles here – something that kind of makes up for the fact that this place is routinely inundated with one million tourists between May and September of every year.

However, if you can handle the tourists (or can manage to travel here in the off-season), then you’ll love the hodgepodge of colorful buildings on Creek Street and can even do an awesome day trip (via seaplane) to nearby Misty Fjords National Monument.

Other fun things to do in one of the best towns in Alaska include:

• Totem Heritage Canter – Ancient totem poles (Translation? 100+ years old) have been brought into this center from long fogotten Tlingit and Haida communities. Once here, these stunning masterpieces are protected from deterioration and can be enjoyed iamidst beautiful, natural surroundings.
• Deer Mountain – Embark on a 2.5 mile, 3,000-foot ascent up Deer Mountain on one of the town’s most popular hiking trails. There are also various overlooks along the way where you can stop for epic panoramas.
• Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour – Hop aboard one of the boats featured in the show, Deadliest Catch, and go on a truly authentic crabbing trip in Alaska.
• Dolly’s House – A slightly over-the-top museum on Creek Street where you can see exactly what Brothel life was like during the time of the Gold Rush.
• Waterfront Promenade – Take a stroll along this brand new boardwalk and enjoy scenic views of Harbor View Park (park is a loose term since it’s a giant wooden deck) and Thomas Basin Harbor.
• Stop by Annabelle’s for an order of delicious fish and chips that is perfectly paired with a pint of local craft beer. Otherwise, head to Bar Harbor for some Dungeness Crab and delicious banana bread pudding (FYI, Arctic Bar has a nice selection of local beer too).

Finally, after you’ve sight-seed until you can sightsee no more, call it a night at the Inn at Creek Street. It’s definitely one of the more affordable hotels in the area and sits along the waterfront, in a historic, clapboard house from 1924.

Therefore, it’s an extremely well-located property with rustic feeling rooms that include wifi, cable, coffeemakers, and harbor views. Heck, you can even enjoy access to free shuttles and tours throughout your stay, and all for less than $120 per night.

Best Towns in Alaska in the Interior

15. north pole.

If you want to embrace the true spirit of Christmas all day, every day, then this one of the best towns in Alaska for you!

Because this tiny town just outside of Fairbanks (it’s a short 15-minute drive away) is absolutely overflowing with vibrant Christmas decorations that are always on display – even in the summer!

So, if you’re imagining candy cane striped street lamps, huge Santa statues, and a full on Santa Clause house that doubles as a Christmas store (with walls plastered with children’s letters to Santa), then you already know just how awesome the North Pole really is.

While you’re here, you can also shop for Christmas inspired souvenirs at Santa Claus House, check out the annual Ice Carving Contest here in December, stop by the North Pole Post Office (400,000 letters addressed to Santa arrive here every year), and inhale a delicious crepe (the pesto chicken and Nutella banana are both good) from the North Pole Creperie.

.And, added bonus? Many of the roads here have uber-Christmasy names like Kris Kringle Drive and Mistletoe Lane.

However, if you need a break from all this holiday-inspired mayhem, then visit the Chena Lake Recreation Area, which is home to several beaches, scenic nature trails, and a few different picnic areas.

Pro Tip : Not into crepes? Then mosey on over to Little Richard’s Famil Diner for some delicious cheeseburgers, Reubens, milkshakes, and all-day breakfast specials.

16. Fairbanks

What can I say? Fairbanks is probably one of the most iconic towns in Alaska and one of the most romantic getaways in the USA .

I mean, not only is it basically the only major city in the state’s vast interior, but it’s an amazing place to see the Northern Lights (like during this late-night, authentic, Alaskan dinner in a yurt with Northern Lights tour) – at least any time between late August and late April since Fairbanks sits along the Tanana River, and is just 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

Although truth be told, Aurora Borealis spotting isn’t the only thing you can you do in this vibrant little community.

Because while you’re in one of the best towns in Alaska, you can go for a dip in the Chena Hot Springs, join an ATV tour, visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North (You’ll learn all about the history of every region in the state and can see amazing artwork in the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery), go bird watching at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, and experience all that the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center has to offer.

No really, this is easily one of the best visitor centers I’ve ever been in since it hosts live cultural performances, has hands-on craft-making demonstrations, and features various exhibits on Alaskan history and native culture.

If you have the time, you can also take a day trip to Arctic Circle from Fairbanks (it’s about a three-hour drive but be very careful if you drive yourself) or just visit some of the musk ox, reindeer, and caribou that call the Large Animal Ranger Station home, during a 45-minute guided tour of the facility.

Other fun things to do in Fairbanks include:

• Running Reindeer Ranch – You can go on an hour-long walk through a Boreal Forest and marvel at the herd of reindeer that live here.
• Chena Riverwalk – Mosey on down this paved, 3.5 mile-long path that takes you along the Chena River.
• Alaskan Tails of the Trail –  Learn what it’s like to race sled dogs in the Iditarod and get a glimpse into the life of a pro-musher during this two-hour tour with Mary Shields (aka the first woman to ever complete the Iditarod).
• Try some authentic Moldovan food (like Borscht and split pea soup) at Soba or order a Shawarma Bowl from Aurora Mediterranean Restauran t.

And when you’re finally all tuckered out, spend the night at The Alaska Heritage House Bed and Breakfast. It’s a lovely, early 20th-century bungalow that is tucked away in a quiet, residential part of the city.

Rooms here are also well-priced (under $130 per night), contain beautiful antique furniture, and feature cable TV, wifi, coffeemakers, clawfoot tubs (if you’re lucky), and a sumptuous breakfast spread.

Additional Alaska Resources You’ll Love

• Alaska Packing List

A Map of the Best Towns in Alaska

There you have it, my Alaska-loving pals! Because that just about wraps up this wicked awesome post about all of the best towns in Alaska!

Tell me, what did you think did your favorite place make the list if not then let me know in the comments below because i definitely want to check it out, and if you found this post helpful, then definitely pin it now so that you can come back to it later .

Vickie Handy

Sunday 17th of April 2022

My husband & I flew into Anchorage in Sept. If 2021. We stayed approx. 10 days. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We had hoped to see whales while we were there, but unfortunately we didn't. Absolutely beautiful & breathtaking scenery though!

girlwiththepassport

Wednesday 20th of April 2022

Absolutely and so sorry you didn't see any whales! What a bummer.

Wednesday 13th of April 2022

I agree with your choices. Cordova and Valdez are under appreciated. Cordova has a migratory bird festival every May. The best thing about Homer is that it's a jumping off point for Seldovia, a 45 min ferry ride away. Al in Anchorage

Thursday 14th of April 2022

Thanks so much for reading. I'm so glad you found this post useful.

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The Best Places To See In Alaska For Nature Lovers

Setting off from Vancouver on our Alaskan adventure, I had no idea that the next week would be filled with humpback whales, striking glaciers, history-filled gold rush towns, the most scenic railway in the world, husky puppies and a chance late-night experience of the aurora borealis (northern lights).

The untouched beauty of Alaska put on a magnificent show from onboard the Holland America ship, Koningsdam , looking out to Glacier Bay. After making my way through the northern-most US state, these are my official must-see destinations in Alaska.

Top 5 Places To Visit In Alaska

Learn from my experience…

The Capital, Juneau

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After leaving port in Vancouver, my sister and I had a full day at sea before our adventure began in Juneau, the capital of Alaska. The city is so remote it’s only accessible by boat or plane. Nestled between mountains and the sea, Juneau is a gateway to incredible natural wonders and has a rich history.

We visited the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls before taking a whale-watching cruise where we spotted humpbacks and their calves frolicking in the waters. After birthing in Hawaii, the mammals were migrating back to feast on salmon.

We also saw plenty of sea lions and America’s national bird – the bald eagle – soaring across the sky.

The Gold Rush Town Of Skagway

Next, we ventured to Skagway, a town straight out of a gold rush movie set.

It abounds with stories of the fortune seekers who flocked here in the 1800s, and its historic buildings are still painted in distinctive, identifying colours (originally to help gold prospectors who couldn’t read signs).

Traversing the rugged terrain between Skagway, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Canada, is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, dubbed “the scenic railway of the world” and a marvel of engineering. Built during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, this narrow-gauge railroad climbs nearly 1000 metres in 32 kilometres, with breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, gorges and waterfalls. We were transported back in time as we passed through tunnels and over trestle bridges while hearing tales of the intrepid gold rush stampeders.

Historic Ketchikan

Home to the second-largest temperate rainforest in the world, Ketchikan sees rain more often than not, contributing to the lush landscape. Here, brown bears outnumber humans three to one, especially during salmon season when the bears emerge from hibernation.

We explored the rich Tlingit indigenous culture, visiting traditional cedar houses where the main clans – Eagles and Ravens – gather together. We met local artisans making totem poles, and dancers in traditional costume. The architecture and customs all offer glimpses into the lives of the people who have called this land home for thousands of years.

Incredible Glacier Bay

The day spent viewing Glacier Bay National Park from the bow of our ship was simply spectacular. It’s impossible not to be in awe of the deep fjords and massive glaciers that slowly carve down the mountains into the sea. The stillness of the bay mirrored the stunning scenery. We were fortunate enough to witness three instances of glaciers “calving” (where huge chunks of ice break off and plunge into the water) with a thunderous roar.

See The Aurora Borealis

After a day at sea taking in everything Glacier Bay had to offer, we were woken around midnight by the crew telling us the northern lights were putting on a show. We rugged up and rushed out to see the beautiful dancing ribbons of blue and green light.

Our seven-day Inside Passage adventure was just the tip of the iceberg – an experience so incredible it left us awestruck. Alaska is a destination like no other.

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Anchorage   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Blue Poppy | Getty Images

17 Best Things to Do in Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage's proximity to the great outdoors is the most obvious reason to stay and play in the city. Budget-conscious travelers will be pleased to find Anchorage hosts numerous fascinating and family-friendly attractions that don't cost a

• All Things To Do

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Tony Knowles Coastal Trail free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Looking for a less urban ride or walk? Start your trail experience at Kincaid Park like most Anchorage residents. Keep an eye out for eagles, moose and bears along the way. – Erin Kirkland

Named for former Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles, who spearheaded the project, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an 11-mile out-and-back paved trail winding its way from downtown Anchorage south to Kincaid Park.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk the property during your visit, and be sure to stop by the gazebo overlooking the end of Turnagain Arm to capture the full essence of the center. You may even see beluga whales during the tide changes. – Erin Kirkland

Located about 50 miles south of Anchorage at the end of scenic Turnagain Arm, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a 200-acre facility housing animals and birds no longer able to survive in the wild. Open all year, visitors can be assured of seeing Alaska's most popular wild critters; black and brown bears, wolves, moose, musk ox, lynx, foxes and a herd of wood bison.

Alaska Native Heritage Center Alaska Native Heritage Center

U.S. News Insider Tip: Be sure to allow plenty of time for visiting each of the village sites surrounding the center's Lake Tiulana, and stop to talk with the Alaska Native youth at each. – Erin Kirkland

What makes Alaska truly unique are the traditional cultures that have thrived there for centuries. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a unique indoor and outdoor facility offering hands-on information and experiences that showcase both the modern and historical ways of life among the state's First People.

Popular Tours

11 am Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage

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Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour

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Potter Marsh Potter Marsh free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit the boardwalk early in the morning or in the evening hours, when wildlife are most active. Remember to be bear and moose aware at all times. – Erin Kirkland

At the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is Potter Marsh, a wooden boardwalk that winds through a half-mile of rich, productive marshlands and offers stunning views of the Chugach Mountains. This is a popular destination for birders, as Arctic terns, northern pintails, trumpeter swans, canvasback ducks, red-necked phalaropes, horned and red-necked grebes, and bald eagles come to this wetland to feed and nest between mid-April to mid-October. Keep an eye out for eagles and their nests, usually located high in the cottonwood trees near the base of the eastern edge of the marsh.

Alaska Railroad Alaska Railroad

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visiting in the fall? The Hurricane Turn Train (daytrip) travels through the colorful forests of Alaska's Interior for amazing photographs. It's also a great way to meet Alaskans traveling to and from their remote homestead cabins. – Erin Kirkland

In a city raised with the birth of its railroad system, it should come as no surprise that Anchorage's historic train depot marks the gateway to further Alaska adventures. The Alaska Railroad Corporation hauls freight and passengers, and is considered one of the best Alaska tours by travelers and critics alike. Utilizing a north-south rail line stretching almost 600 miles between Seward and Fairbanks , the Alaska Railroad offers several itineraries that take passengers through some of the most scenic landscapes in the state. Whether passing through mountains, along coastline or through the meadows of Alaska, visitors will hear narration from local guides and helpful tips to spot wildlife.

Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stop by the museum's "Lunch on the Lawn" events on Tuesday afternoons June through August for music and food trucks. – Erin Kirkland

Alaska's largest museum provides a thorough introduction to the people, industries and vivid history of this fascinating land. Spanning four floors of temporary and permanent exhibitions, hands-on learning and beautiful art, the museum is fully-accessible and open every day during the summer months.

Chugach State Park Chugach State Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip : Eklutna Lake makes an excellent full-day adventure in Chugach State Park. You can also rent mountain bikes and kayaks from a third-party vendor right on the lakeshore. –  Erin Kirkland

Chugach State Park is the third-largest state park in the nation (the first, Wood-Tikchik, is also located in Alaska), clocking in at nearly half a million acres of hiking trails, skiing terrain, rock-climbing spots and wildlife habitat. Chugach is the perfect place to experience untouched Alaska without a long drive – the park's breathtaking scenery is within a 20-minute drive of downtown Anchorage.

Matanuska Glacier Matanuska Glacier free

The mighty Matanuska Glacier is located about 95 miles northeast of Anchorage along the scenic Glenn Highway, and is the largest glacier in Alaska accessible by car. It's also one of the oldest glaciers, spanning 4 miles across and 13,000 feet high, and is easily seen from the highway, making it a popular stop.

Visitors may stop and view the glacier from the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, where picnic tables and a short trail are offered for day use. Parking is free for up to 30 minutes at the recreation site; after that there is a $5 charge. To actually walk upon the glacier, however, one must go to Glacier Park, a private-use site that charges admission to access the ice. It's worth it though, to be able to trek upon the frozen surface and see the ice caves and deep blue pools. Only certified vendors are allowed to guide hikes upon the glacier due to safety reasons, and several will transport visitors from Anchorage, year-round. Salmon Berry Travel & Tours is a well-reviewed company that offers guided glacier hikes. Guided hike or climbing fees vary depending upon the experience, but range from $40 per person to $300 per person. Previous visitors to the glacier have enjoyed the guided treks upon the glacier and the "Glaciology 101" information provided by the knowledgeable guides.

Valley of Glaciers Experience with Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Tour

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Portage Glacier Portage Glacier

Many years ago, Portage Glacier stretched all the way to where the Seward Highway sits today. Today, the glacier's remnant is beautiful Portage Valley, a 14-mile isthmus connecting the Kenai Peninsula to mainland Southcentral Alaska.

The Chugach National Forest manages the land of Portage Valley and Glacier, and visitors traveling between Seward, Whittier and Anchorage can be treated to outdoor recreation and information about this unique and wild landscape just 55 miles southeast of Anchorage.

Spencer Glacier Spencer Glacier

If retreating into Alaska's backcountry appeals to you, but you don't have a lot of time, gear or experience to make it happen, the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop trip aboard the Alaska Railroad may be for you.

Departing from the Anchorage, Girdwood or Portage depots, travelers who board the Glacier Discovery train will be transported into the Chugach National Forest and beautiful, icy Spencer Lake, its namesake glacier looming in the background.

Alaska Botanical Garden Alaska Botanical Garden

U.S. News Insider Tip: Guided tours of the garden are a great way to become familiar with Alaska’s native plants, and it’s worth the cost to have a personal guide for your visit. – Erin Kirkland

Nestled in 110 acres of boreal forest, the Alaska Botanical Garden features 150 native plant species and more than 1,100 perennials. There is an herb garden, a wildflower trail, two perennial gardens and the Anchorage Heritage Garden, which was completed in the summer of 2015 and is filled with native plants that were grown from local seeds.

Alaska Aviation Museum Alaska Aviation Museum

Of all industries, aviation has played the largest role in Alaska's development; before there were roads, there were airstrips upon beaches, gravel and even meadows. At the Alaska Aviation Museum, visitors can garner an up-close look at the importance of aircraft in both civilian and military uses, in all areas of the state. Travelers will also learn about bush flying, famous Alaska pilots and Alaska's role in World War II.

Four hangars and an outdoor yard make up the bulk of the museum space, and a restoration hangar is well worth a stop to observe volunteers who spend their time restoring the aircraft back into the shape they once were. Don't miss the tower cab along the shores of Lake Hood as well, where you can go upstairs to hear live air traffic controller traffic as planes navigate the Lake Hood Seaplane Base all day long.

Kincaid Park Kincaid Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stop by the Kincaid Chalet, where helpful Anchorage Parks and Recreation staff can provide tips on accessing favorite trails suitable for your area of interest, time frame and abilities. – Erin Kirkland

Kincaid Park is an ideal destination for those looking to escape to the wilderness without leaving Anchorage. Overlooking Cook Inlet from the city's southwest corner, this 1,400-acre park is home to dozens of hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails, gardens and wildlife like moose, black and brown bears, foxes and porcupines. Trails are kept in shape thanks to year-round use, and a disc golf course can be played through the western side of the park.

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Glacier View & Wildlife Anchorage Adventure Tour

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Lake Hood Lake Hood free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Do what locals do and finish up your walk or bike ride at the Lakefront Anchorage's outdoor deck for a meal and drinks. – Erin Kirkland

As Anchorage grew in the 1940s, air travel in and out of Anchorage was starting to ramp up, with both commercial and private aircraft taking up airspace in the skies around the city. Recognizing the need for separate landing areas, the state of Alaska joined two local lakes near the Anchorage airport, Spenard and Hood, by a single channel, thus enabling small aircraft to utilize water access for summertime float use. By the 1950s, work crews had built a seaplane complex, new gravel airstrip and installed an air control tower, and the buzz of aircraft coming and going became one of Anchorage's most notable features.

The Alaska Zoo The Alaska Zoo

If the thought of running into some of Alaska's wild creatures in their natural habitat makes you nervous, visit them (safely) at The Alaska Zoo. The facility, located in Anchorage's Hillside neighborhood, features animals and birds of the circumpolar north, and participates in the rescue of injured or abandoned creatures around the state that need a place to heal. The zoo itself is small, but the woodsy trails are perfectly aligned with the natural theme of the property, and the animals – including moose, bears, seals, mountain goats, Amur tigers and Bactrian camels, among others – are easily viewed by any age or ability. 

Previous visitors described the zoo as small, but said a stop here is a great way to see animals you have missed in the wild. Reviewers reported spending about an hour here.

Anchorage Market Anchorage Market free

A local favorite since it first opened in 1992, the Anchorage Market and Festival started out as a Saturday-only market with just two dozen vendors, but it quickly grew to host up to 100 vendors and now operates Saturdays and Sundays mid-May to mid-September. Formerly located downtown, the market shifted its base of operations to south Anchorage after the COVID-19 pandemic. Popular with residents and visitors alike, it is the place to shop for clothes, food, crafts and more while enjoying live entertainment and snacking on locally-grown eats. There's also a kids market suitable for ages 8 to 17 that sells goods crafted by other youngsters.

Recent travelers reported finding unique items to buy and praised the delicious food, but others said it's not worth going out of your way to visit. 

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

A staple in the Anchorage arts scene since 1998, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (or the PAC, as it is locally known) is the place to go in Anchorage when you want to catch a play, show, musical or concert. Conveniently located adjacent to Town Square Park and featuring three theaters of varying sizes, the center hosts performances that range from local favorite storytelling event "Arctic Entries" to Broadway shows like "Hamilton" and "Six The Musical."

Past visitors praised the variety of performances here and the acoustics of the venues.

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11 Places in Alaska that Are So Beautiful They Don’t Seem Real

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you and it helps support our future adventures.

Alaska is known as the last frontier for its vast expanses of rugged beauty. With more than a dozen mountain ranges, thousands of miles of coastline, and glaciers as far as the eye can see, it is no surprise that this incredible land will take your breath away at every turn.

Getting to some of these locations is as easy as driving to the end of town, while others require trips by boat, by air, or even traversing through one of the most dense populations of grizzly bears in the world.

So, let’s pack our bags and hit the trail to see some of Alaska’s most stunning places.

Denali National Park

There is no way that North America’s tallest mountain won’t be first on any list of scenic places to visit in Alaska. Getting to Denali isn’t difficult as there are trains, roads, and trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints.

The real challenge is guessing the weather as the mountain is often shrouded by clouds. Some estimates put the chances of seeing Denali on any given day at only 20%! It is worth sticking around at the viewpoints, as the conditions can change from socked-in to clear in the blink of an eye.

Kenai Fjords National Park

While Denali is the most well-known natural sight in Alaska, it is often Kenai Fjords National Park that leaves visitors breathless with its natural beauty.

This area truly has it all, with towering cliffs, abundant wildlife , up-close views of glaciers, and stunningly turquoise waters.

The best way to see all the park has to offer is on a boat tour, but if that is out of your budget, then you can still hike to Exit Glacier to get an up-close look at this massive river of ice.

Glacier Bay National Park

For most visitors to Glacier Bay National Park, the trip is made aboard cruise ships, which navigate to tidewater glaciers, around icebergs, and past the wildlife that call this incredible natural landscape home.

Here, even aboard massive cruise ships, you’ll feel dwarfed by the sheer scale of the ice-covered mountains that tower overhead.

Watch the faces of the glaciers as you may catch huge chunks of ice calving into the icy waters below.

Hubbard Glacier

Imagine standing in front of a wall of ice that towers 40 stories overhead and stretches for six miles. That is what it is like to visit Hubbard Glacier, which sits near the remote town of Yakutat, Alaska.

This massive glacier (we can’t understate just how truly large this glacier is) is another favorite among cruise line passengers, as the boats will take them to within half a mile of the face.

Calving icebergs and shifting sands on the seafloor make approaching any closer a dangerous proposition!

Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier is one of the easiest sights to visit in Alaska, as it sits at the edge of town in Juneau. While the glacier isn’t as visible as it once was from the visitor center, there are trails that will take you to better overlooks and the impressive Nugget Falls.

Those looking for a little adventure can take longer trails that lead to overlooks where you can take in the full 13-mile length of this mighty icefield.

Seward Highway

During the summer season, the Seward Highway comes alive with locals and visitors alike making the trek between Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, and, ultimately, Seward.

Along the way, the road will take you along Turnagain Arm, through mountain passes, and past massive lakes. With numerous turnouts, there are plenty of places to stop to stretch your legs and take in the incredible views that punctuate this corner of the state.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest park in the national park system yet also one of the least visited. And most of the visitors who do make their way here don’t venture any further than the abandoned mines past McCarthy.

Adventurers who want to see all the park has to offer will have to do so by plane or with some very rugged backpacking, as there are virtually no roads or trails once you’re inside the park’s boundaries.

Those who do make the trek will be treated to a truly Alaskan experience of wild rivers and rugged mountain ranges.

Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park is one of the most remote national parks in the country. The only access to it is by boat or plane. Once there, visitors are treated to one of the most amazing natural sights in the world.

Here, Alaskan Brown Bears gather by the dozens to feast on salmon as they make their way upriver to spawn. The bears are so singularly focused on the salmon that they will frequently walk directly past park guests without so much as looking at them.

With elevated viewing platforms you’ll be able to watch the bears in action as they catch salmon out of midair as they try to jump the falls.

Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass is a playground for locals and visitors alike, with miles of hiking trails, scenic cabins, abundant berry picking, skiing, and more.

The area is also home to abandoned mines, the wreckage of a military plane, and multi-day hut-to-hut backpacking routes.

No matter which activity you choose, you’ll be blown away by the sheer beauty of this rugged yet accessible region.

Skagway and White Pass

Get an up-close look at one of the consequential events in Alaska’s history with a train trip that leads visitors up and over White Pass out of Skagway. It was here that folks looking to strike it rich during the gold rush lugged hundreds and even thousands of pounds of gear up and over the mountains.

Today, you’ll be able to take an easier route over the same mountains and enjoy the views of this beautiful region.

Northern Lights

During the cold winter months in Alaska, the skies over the interior frequently come to life as the aurora borealis dances overhead. Photographers will make the trek out into the cold to brave subzero temperatures in hopes of capturing these magical sights.

While the northern lights can occur all across Alaska, one of the best places to view them is around Fairbanks in the dead of winter when the nights are long and dark.

Derek Carlson

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7 Best National Parks To See Wolves

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• One particular national park in Wyoming is the best to observe wolves, with 10 packs totaling at least 124 wolves.
• A national park in Minnesota offers frequent wolf sightings along the lakeshores and in the winter.
• One of the most underrated national parks in the Midwest has a growing wolf population, making sightings more common than before.

Wolves, like bears and wild cats, are among the most fascinating animals in the world, and it's an incredible experience to watch them roaming in their natural habitats. Although wild gray wolves used to wander much of the United States in the past, they are now only found in a few states.

Similar to how some of the most beautiful national parks in the US serve as a refuge for bison, bears, and other endangered wildlife, many of them now host gray wolves as well.

From Yellowstone to Katmai, these are some of the best US national parks for incredible wildlife-watching opportunities and are among the top places to see wolves in America. There is no guarantee that visitors will get to see wolves on their trip, but with a competent guide or ranger-led program, the likelihood of seeing gray wolves in their habitat is comparatively high.

Remember to follow NPS tips to safely watch wildlife !

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7 Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, & Idaho

Excellent opportunities to see wolves roaming in the wild.

Yellowstone was the first national park to reintroduce wolves in the mid-1990s. According to the National Park Service, as of January 2024, at least 124 wolves in 10 packs reside in the park .

Today, Yellowstone is perhaps the best US national park to see wolves in the wild. Although wolves can be spotted throughout Yellowstone National Park , the northern range is considered the best location to see them.

Lamar Valley, which is called “America’s Serengeti,” because it is home to a wide array of wildlife, is also among the best places to see wolves in Yellowstone.

Winter is an ideal season to observe wolves with fewer crowds. However, visitors need to be able to withstand the cold, but the dark wolves are especially noticeable against the snow.

6 Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

A healthy wolf population means frequent sightings.

Voyageurs National Park , one of the most trending national parks in 2024 , is Minnesota's hidden gem. Voyageurs is unique in that it's best explored by boat . Not only that, but it's also one of the top places for viewing wolves in the United States.

Wolves are the park's primary predators, feeding primarily on beavers, moose, and deer. The park's webcam has also captured them eating blueberries and fishing in the area.

While Voyageurs has a healthy wolf population (between 30 and 50), the best chances of seeing them are in the winter along the shorelines of the big lakes and the park entrance roads.

The remote Kabetogama Peninsula area is also a fantastic place to see these amazing creatures.

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5 Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Remote island with frequent sightings.

Located on a remote island in Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is widely recognized for its unique wolf-moose predator-prey ecosystem. In fact, researchers have been studying Isle Royale's unique predator-prey relationship for more than 50 years.

The population of wolves declined to just two in 2018. But after their relocation in 2018, the wolf population has grown, turning wolf sightings from rare to frequent incidents.

So, those lucky ones who get the chance to see a wolf in Isle Royale National Park, the ultimate hidden gem in the Midwest , are rewarded with a memorable experience.

4 Denali National Park, Alaska

Pristine alaskan wilderness and frequent wolf sightings.

Denali National Park and Preserve is regarded as one of the best spots in the world to witness wolves in their natural habitat.

Every year, thousands of visitors see wolves in Denali, which is home to America's deadliest yet incredibly beautiful mountain , particularly while traveling along the Denali Park Road. This is the only road in the park, and only the first 15 miles are open to private vehicles during the summer.

The remaining distance is only accessible via park shuttles or tour buses. Since three packs of wolves dwell close to the park road , this is the area where wolves are most frequently sighted in the park.

7 National Parks Where You'll Find Mountain Lions

There are plenty of big animals in US national parks to be aware of. Mountain lions live in 16 states, and are common in many of America's parks.

3 Glacier National Park, Montana

Several packs of wolves live within the park's limits.

Glacier National Park is a haven for nature lovers, offering plenty to see to keep them busy for days on end. Indeed, watching wildlife is one of the Glacier National Park's top activities .

It is estimated that six to eight packs of wolves reside within the limits of the park . The park was devoid of wolves for nearly 50 years until the 1980s when their reintroduction contributed to their thriving population.

The North Fork area is noted for having the largest wolf population. Moreover, sightings of wolves have also been reported along the Oxbow Trail, the Camas Road, and the Lower McDonald Creek region.

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As wonderful as Glacier National Park is, these parks offer the same epic views and activities without Glacier's crowds or timed entry requirements.

2 Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Proximity to yellowstone and a thriving population of wolves.

After the reintroduction of gray wolves into Yellowstone National Park, they spread to Grand Teton National Park and the neighboring areas.

Now, a minimum of 43 wolves (as of 2021) live in Grand Teton, which is often considered an underrated alternative to Yellowstone , as well as in neighboring areas, making it a great spot to watch wolves in the United States.

The Willow Flats region is said to be the best place to spot wolves in Grand Teton National Park because it has an abundance of moose and elk, which attract wolves, especially around dawn and twilight when they are out hunting.

Also, the Lower Gros Ventre and Wildcat Ridge areas have wolf packs where they den and raise pups, but these areas are closed for visitors to help the animals raise their young peacefully.

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1 Katmai National Park, Alaska

Untouched alaska wilderness and a healthy population of wolves.

Katmai National Park and Preserve , a true wilderness gem in Alaska, is one of the world's top destinations to see bears safely (particularly brown bears).

Named after Mount Katmai, its centerpiece stratovolcano, the park is famed for the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and its over 1,000 population of brown bears, which are often seen fishing for salmon at the famous Brooks Falls . However, opportunities to see wolves should not be overlooked.

Wolves have been spotted roaming and hunting throughout Katmai National Park.

According to the NPS , they were often seen hunting sea otters and harbor seals along the coast, as well as fishing alongside bears in Brooks Camp, which are considered unique behaviors of Katmai coastal wolves captured by the park's camera.