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18 Top Things to Do in Alaska

Visit the 49th state for unforgettable scenery and adventure.

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Experience the otherworldly beauty of Alaska on your next getaway.

The vast wilderness, spectacular landscapes and spirit of adventure make Alaska a once-in-a-lifetime destination for many travelers. As the largest state in the U.S., spanning more than half a million square miles and home to around half of the entire country's coastline, Alaska has a lot of territory to cover, but much of it is remote – and only accessible by boat or plane.

If you're ready to plan a visit to one of the most beautiful and pristine places on Earth, check out the top things to do and places to see during your trip to the Great Land, and let Alaska capture your heart forever.

Alaska boasts the only state capital in the U.S. with no road access, since Juneau is reachable only by airplane or boat. Regarded as one of the state's most beautiful cities, Juneau is a top destination for cruise ships in Alaska during the warmer months from late spring to early fall. You'll also find many fishing boats and floatplanes along the city's bustling waterfront. The compact downtown area sits nestled between Mount Roberts, Mount Juneau and the Gastineau Channel. Admire an eclectic mix of architecture as you walk the narrow streets: Just a block from the waterfront, some of the buildings lining historic South Franklin Street date back to the early 1900s and Juneau's gold-mining days. This lively street is home to bars, restaurants and gift shops. Visitors can also take time to explore the Alaska State Museum while in this part of Juneau to learn about natural history and Alaska Native cultures.

After exploring downtown, head out on a whale-watching excursion to glimpse humpback whales – many tour operators guarantee a sighting – and potentially also orcas, sea lions, seals, bald eagles or black bears. You can also go hiking on one of the town's many trails, which can take you to the face of a glacier, above tree level or to the top of the Mount Roberts Tramway . Once at the summit, travelers can enjoy lunch with a view at Timberline Bar & Grill before riding the tramway back into town.

Juneau has several other museums and nearby attractions, including the Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau Douglas City Museum, the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and the Eaglecrest Ski Area in the winter months. The city sits around 10 miles from the massive Mendenhall Glacier , making it one of the most accessible glaciers in the state. You can explore on your own by foot or opt for a guided tour to try kayaking, glacier trekking or experiencing the area by helicopter. Visitors say the glacier is easy to reach and the views are breathtaking.

See more of Juneau: Things to Do | Hotels

Denali National Park and Preserve

Established in 1917 as a national park, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to 6 million acres of pristine wilderness – as well as the highest peak in North America, Mount Denali. The park is open year-round, but the summer season provides the easiest access and the most visitor services.

Tourists can take a narrated or non-narrated bus tour from mid-May to mid-September, boarding from either the park entrance or outside a nearby hotel such as the McKinley Chalet Resort. One scenic road runs almost 100 miles into the park, but buses will only be able to travel as far as mile 43 through at least the 2024 season because of construction. Private cars are permitted to drive just 15 miles into Denali in summer or up to 30 miles at other times of year if weather allows. For unrivaled access to the Denali wilderness and wildlife even amid the road closure, reserve a cabin stay at one of the remote lodges in the park: The Denali Backcountry Lodge collects guests by helicopter, while Camp Denali, located at the end of Denali Park Road, is accessible via a small plane.

At the entrance to the park, visitors will find the Riley Creek Campground, the Murie Science and Learning Center, and the 14,000-square-foot Denali Visitor Center. Exhibits and a movie at the visitor center offer a glimpse into Denali's vast and spectacular scenery as well as the types of animals you'll see in the park. There's an estimated 37 species of mammals and 130 bird species in Denali, and you may see one or all of the "Big Five" animals: caribou, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and grizzly bears, which wander the open tundra. The more adventurous traveler can venture out into the wilderness for a true Alaska backcountry experience.

See: The Best Tourist Attraction in Every U.S. State.

Husky Homestead: Denali National Park

Located just outside of Denali National Park, Husky Homestead is owned and operated by the man who's recognized as the "Winningest Musher in the World." Jeff King has traveled more than 150,000 miles on a dog sled in the past 35 years; he's earned four championship titles for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and many first-place titles in other races across Alaska and North America. He was also inducted into the Iditarod Hall of Fame in 1999.

The summer Husky Homestead tour offers a glimpse into the rural Alaska lifestyle based on more than 40 years of outdoor adventure, traversing more than 1,100 miles of rugged terrain many times and living in Alaska's Interior. Visitors will also meet champion sled dogs and watch husky puppies in training. Tour-takers say this is a can't-miss experience – second only to visiting the national park. Travelers love being able to see and hold the husky puppies and say that King is passionate, entertaining and informative. In the winter months (January to March), you can learn the art of dog mushing and even book an eight-day personalized Iditarod experience curated by a true expert.

Kenai Peninsula

Known as "Alaska's Playground," the Kenai Peninsula extends 150 miles southwest from the Chugach Mountains south of Anchorage. This area, separated from the mainland by the Cook Inlet on the west and Prince William Sound on the east, abounds with opportunities for outdoor adventure spanning world-class fishing and river rafting to hiking, mountain biking, camping, wildlife viewing and photography, and more. The peninsula has 14 cities and towns, including better-known destinations such as Homer, Kenai and Seward. Most visitors arrive here via the Alaska Railroad or Seward Highway.

Top activities on the Kenai Peninsula include hiking the Exit Glacier area in the Kenai Fjords near Seward or kayaking through the coves of Kachemak Bay near Homer. Visitors to the Alaska SeaLife Center, one of the country's best zoos , can learn about the region's marine ecosystems, see puffins, harbor seals and octopus up close, and discover conservation efforts at the state's only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility. Anglers won't want to miss an opportunity to catch salmon on the Kenai River. If you're into sport fishing, you can launch off the beach in Anchor Point headed for Cook's Inlet from May to September in search of big halibut, salmon and other species of sport fish. While at Anchor Point, excursions are available for bear viewing, flightseeing, dog-sledding and more. You can also go whale watching and look for other marine life at Kenai Fjords National Park – and don't miss a visit to the 2 million-acre Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, where you may also catch a glimpse of the local wildlife.

Read: The Best Alaska Tours

Fairbanks is known as the "Golden Heart of Alaska" and one of the top places in the world to view the northern lights : Aurora chasers may want to visit the city during the aurora borealis season between Aug. 21 and April 21. But there's much more to do in and around town beyond chasing the dancing lights at night in the winter. Fairbanks is centrally located in Alaska's interior, making it the perfect year-round basecamp to explore the Arctic Circle to the north and Denali National Park to the south. The park is a little more than 100 miles away; you can drive, book a ride in a van or hop aboard Alaska Railroad's Denali Star Train every morning during the summer to reach Denali from Fairbanks.

"Midnight sun season" (from mid-April to mid-August) brings endless sunshine to the city and opportunities to explore round-the-clock activities such as hiking, running and golfing. During regular daylight hours, visitors can take a three-hour guided sightseeing cruise with Riverboat Discovery along the Chena River or take a trip back in time by panning for gold in the Tanana Valley at Gold Dredge 8. You also won't want to miss the University of Alaska Museum of the North , featuring exhibits on Alaska's diverse cultures, wildlife and natural wonders; the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is another top-rated attraction in town. Fairbanks is also a winter wonderland with dog-sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, curling, ice hockey, ice fishing and more. If you're visiting in February or March, bundle up to attend the World Ice Art Championships, where competitors from around the world display impressive ice sculptures.

See more of Fairbanks:  Things to Do  |  Hotels

See the northern lights

Alaska is regarded as one of the best places on Earth to see the aurora borealis, so it's no surprise that people come from all over the world to witness this natural phenomenon during the aurora season between August and April. Fairbanks is one of the top locales in the state to view the show because of its location; accessibility; and options for lodging, dining and other attractions. In addition, many northern lights tours depart from town. While you can see the lights almost anywhere in the state, experts advise that the best viewing opportunities are away from light pollution on a clear night – and preferably in the interior or Arctic regions of the state.

A wide array of guided tours offer just one evening of aurora chasing, or you can opt for multiday adventures that include winter activities like dog-sledding and snowmobiling. Travelers can also fly into remote areas above the Arctic Circle via bush plane and spend several evenings in towns like Coldfoot or Wiseman. One top-notch lodging option for aurora chasers is Borealis Basecamp, a glamping destination about 30 miles north of Fairbanks that boasts glass-domed igloos – perfect for viewing the vibrant night sky from the comforts of your warm, cozy bed.

Read: How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Situated approximately 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs Resort is renowned for its natural hot springs, outdoor rock lake, year-round Aurora Ice Museum and excellent aurora-viewing opportunities. Powered by renewable geothermal energy, the facility is also the most accessible – and most developed – hot springs resort in the state's interior. The property offers an array of packages and activities for daytrips, overnight stays and adventure activities. Guests can tour the Chena kennel, a working dog-mushing kennel with more than 50 huskies. You can also book an aurora-viewing tour, go on a dog-training excursion or venture out on the property by horseback, depending on the season you visit. For the more adventurous traveler, book an excursion by all-terrain vehicle, dog sled or snowmobile – and, for an overnight stay, you can even sleep in a yurt.

Address: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, AK 99712

Aurora Ice Museum: Chena Hot Springs Resort

Located at Chena Hot Springs Resort – and created from more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow sourced from the property – Aurora Ice Museum boasts the world's largest year-round ice environment. The museum, completed in 2015, keeps temperatures at a chilly 25 degrees Fahrenheit even in the summer months, thanks to a unique patented absorption chiller. Pick up a parka and join in a 45-minute tour where you'll get a brief history of the building and learn the story behind the ice sculptures. There's also free time to snap a few Instagram shots and sip an appletini in an ice glass at the ice bar. Visitors to the museum say it's an interesting and fun experience, and that they enjoy seeing all the sculptures.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

One of the highlights of an Inside Passage cruise to Alaska is visiting Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The park's 3.3 million acres are part of a 25 million-acre World Heritage Site, one of the largest protected areas in the world. This boundless landscape includes rugged coastlines, deep fjords, majestic snowcapped mountains, icy blue glaciers and a verdant rainforest. With almost 20% of the park made up of water, it's also a marine sanctuary, home to an abundance of humpback whales, orcas, harbor seals, Steller sea lions and porpoises.

If you're visiting by cruise ship – as 90% of the visitors to the park do – you may also see brown or black bears, moose, wolves, Sitka black-tail deer, mountain goats or bald eagles soaring overhead. Be sure to step outside on your veranda or the ship's bow to take in the park's stillness, with occasional sounds from wildlife in the distance or eerily blue ice calving as the chunks break off into the glacial waters.

If you're traveling alone, you can access the park via the nearby village of Gustavus, which offers several options for lodging. Gustavus is reachable by air taxi from Juneau – or you can take the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry to reach the village. Tours to Glacier Bay are available out of Gustavus; excursions also start at the park headquarters at Bartlett Cove. Here you'll find 10 miles of maintained hiking trails and a lodge and restaurant. Venture out on a guided kayak tour or travel 130 miles into the park on a full-day boat tour to view the tidewater glaciers, wildlife and extraordinary beauty of Glacier Bay. Visitors enjoy the park ranger's narrative while on board their ship and say the park is unbelievably breathtaking.

Embark on an Alaska cruise

Taking an Alaska cruise is a bucket list trip for many people – and it's easy to understand why. Cruising is a convenient way to see multiple destinations and travel to remote places like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. More adventures await than you can imagine, from taking a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad to helicopter and dog-sledding tours. You can also go fishing, crabbing or kayaking; hike in the Tongass National Forest; venture out on a wilderness safari; chase the northern lights; and much more.

Most mainstream and luxury cruise lines offer several itineraries in Alaska. Smaller and expedition-style ships also sail Alaska's waterways, such as Lindblad Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures and Alaskan-owned Alaska Dream Cruises. To make the most of your time – and to see as much as you can while visiting the Far North – combine a land and sea tour. Cruise lines like Princess Cruises , Holland America Line , Norwegian Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International offer cruisetours that extend your time in Alaska. These add-on options feature multiday land, bus and rail tours to destinations not reachable by ship.

Read: Alaska Cruise Packing List

Arctic Circle

Many visitors to Fairbanks want to take a self-guided road trip along the 198-mile stretch of the Dalton Highway to cross over the Arctic Circle. However, this journey is only recommended if you are an experienced driver and have a vehicle equipped for the rugged terrain, remote wilderness, and the gravel and dirt road, especially in the winter. Most car rental companies do not allow their cars on the Dalton Highway. Still, you can rent from specific companies such as Arctic Outfitters, Alaska 4x4 Rentals, Alaska Overlander or Alaska Auto Rental. Travelers should also know that there's no cellphone coverage or Wi-Fi and only limited vehicle services on the Dalton Highway, so it may be best to leave the driving – or the flying – to a professional tour operator.

Multiple tour operators fly and drive to the Arctic, which is an unforgettable experience any time of the year. The Northern Alaska Tour Company offers a variety of air and land adventures. These trips include two- to five-night excursions to see the northern lights in Coldfoot, one of the best aurora-viewing locales in the world. During your extended stay in the Brooks Range and Coldfoot you may also see bears, and you can try your hand at dog mushing. You'll even receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. Travelers say the tours, guides and pilots with Northern Alaska Tour Company are excellent, providing an incredible experience in this beautiful and wild part of Alaska.

Situated between the peaks of the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet, Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and its most urban destination. Yet it's still not far from the wilderness areas and outdoor adventure the state is known for. The city is home to a great deal of outdoor recreation, including road and mountain biking, hiking, running, water sports and more. The city also boasts more than 200 municipal parks and 120-plus miles of paved trails. On a clear day, from the 1,400 forested acres of Kincaid Park you may be able to catch a glimpse of Mount Susitna over the inlet and see spectacular sunsets in the evening. The 495,000-acre Chugach State Park – the fourth-largest state park in the U.S. – is a wilderness area adjacent to much of Anchorage. From here, you can head out on many trailheads, including one of the most popular hikes to Flattop Mountain. At the summit, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views overlooking the Chugach and the Alaska mountain ranges, Cook Inlet, and the city.

Anchorage also boasts many cultural attractions, including the state's largest museum, the newly renovated Anchorage Museum . You also won't want to miss the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Alaska Aviation Museum , which sits along the south shore of the world's busiest floatplane lake, Lake Hood. This museum pays homage to Alaska's bush plane pilots and covers the early history of Alaska Airlines. The Alaska Zoo is another top attraction: This facility is the only zoo in North America that focuses on animals from the northern and Arctic regions and native Alaska species such as moose, wolves, wolverines, caribou and Dall sheep. You'll also find a thriving culinary scene in Anchorage featuring fresh local seafood and produce – and a burgeoning brewery industry with local beer, spirits, cider and mead.

See more of Anchorage: Things to Do | Hotels

Anchorage Museum

Chuck Choi | Courtesy of Anchorage Museum

As one of Alaska's most popular attractions, this four-story museum tells the story of the region through its history, art, culture, science, and diverse political and social background. Impressive exhibits on Alaska Native cultures include more than 600 artifacts from the collections at the Smithsonian. In the Thomas Planetarium, you can even experience the northern lights as they dance across the clear night sky. Alongside permanent exhibits like the Smithsonian collection, the Anchorage Museum features traveling exhibits, special programs, live performances in music and dance, classes and workshops, and other special events throughout the year. Visitors call the museum carefully curated and the exhibits educational and informative. Some people take as many as five hours to view all four floors, so plan for a half-day to visit the museum. You can grab a snack at the Atrium Café if your visit extends past lunchtime.

Address: 625 C St., Anchorage, AK 99501

Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a living cultural center in Anchorage that educates visitors and promotes the observance of Alaska's Indigenous traditions and culture. It's the only statewide education and cultural institution in Alaska focused on celebrating all the Indigenous peoples and their heritage, including the Iñupiaq, St. Lawrence Island Yupik, Athabascan, Eyak, Haida, Tsimshian, Tlingit, Unangax̂, Alutiiq (or Sugpiaq), Yup'ik and Cup'ik peoples. Visitors to ANHC can walk through life-size villages and view the permanent collections. You'll also have an immersive educational experience learning about 10,000 years of Alaska Native history through art, dance performances, demonstrations, exhibits, films, storytelling and more. Travelers say this is a must-see while in Anchorage: They comment that the visit is fascinating, and you'll get the most out of it if you can catch a performance or presentation, as they offer even more insight into the cultures of Alaska's Natives.

Address: 8800 Heritage Center Drive, Anchorage, AK 99504

Flightseeing

Flightseeing by bush plane or helicopter is one of the best ways to see and travel to many parts of the state. The least-visited national parks – and even the most popular ones – have remote destinations reachable only by plane or by boat. With a flightseeing tour, you can book excursions to fly over (or even onto) a glacier, view wildlife from above, follow the trail of the Iditarod or arrive at a remote destination like Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. These excursions can be as short as an hour or extend into a full day with kayaking, bear-viewing opportunities, dog-sledding and more. While the planes typically carry between two to eight people, helicopters only take a maximum of four passengers. Popular companies for these tours include Talkeetna Air Taxi, Rust's Flying Service & K2 Aviation, Temsco Helicopters, Wings Airways, NorthStar Helicopters, Alpine Air Alaska, Alaska Helicopter Tours, Smokey Bay Air and Emerald Air Service.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Doug Lindstrand | Courtesy of Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

While most people would prefer to see animals in the wild – and in their natural habitat – wildlife conservation centers are essential in rescuing injured and orphaned animals, conducting research, and providing awareness to the public. Situated on 200 acres, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Girdwood is home to black and brown bears, moose, caribou, coyotes, wolves, musk ox and other Alaska animals. The center has also partnered with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game over the last 20 years on one of the world's most important conservation projects: returning the once-extinct wood bison to their native range in central Alaska. The herd of 130 was released into the wild in 2015 after a century-long absence.

Visitors can take the guided 90-minute "Walk on the Wild Side Tour" at the center, which is offered year-round and limited to 10 guests. You can also book a bear or moose encounter (in the summer season) to get up close and personal with the animals. Visitors appreciate the option to drive through the facility or take the walking tour, and say they enjoy seeing many of Alaska's native animals in one place.

Address: Mile 79, Seward Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587

Take a ride on the Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad offers passengers almost 500 miles of scenery and landscapes and an iconic way to travel through south-central and interior Alaska. The line's summer train schedules pair with other activities in Alaska, such as a coastal glacier and wildlife-viewing cruise from Seward when you take the round-trip train from Anchorage. At the backcountry Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop – only accessible by train – passengers can go ice climbing, hiking or take a rafting trip on a glacial river.

Depending on the train and itinerary, other stops include Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Girdwood, Seward, Whittier, Portage and Grandview. For an upscale onboard experience, passengers can choose GoldStar-level service on select trains and routes. This category of service includes glass-dome ceilings, full-service dining, a private bar, forward-facing seats, an outdoor viewing platform and narration during the ride. On weekends in the winter season, between mid-September and mid-May, the Aurora Winter Train travels northbound on a 12-hour rail journey, departing Saturday and returning Sunday. Passengers enjoy the snow-covered landscapes and views during the winter itinerary, with most calling the food and service excellent.

Hop on an escorted bus tour

Escorted bus tours are an attractive option to consider when visiting south-central and interior Alaska. The drivers are familiar with the road system, so you can sit back and relax without the stress of navigating long stretches of wilderness highways. The tour operators are also experts at coordinating your lodging, excursions, meals and much more. Some tours even combine bus and rail transportation – through an area known as the railbelt – offering the best of both methods of transportation since one may reach destinations the other can't access. Companies offering tour packages in the region include Alaska Tour & Travel, John Hall's Alaska and Gray Line Alaska. Tourgoers traveling with Alaska Tour & Travel say their journey was seamless and they had a wonderful adventure.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Alaska Shore Excursions
• The Best National Parks in the World
• Scenic Train Rides to Add to Your Bucket List
• The Top Travel Backpacks
• The Top Travel Packing Cubes

Tags: Travel , Alaska Vacations , Pacific Northwest Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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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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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

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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The 8 best places to visit in Alaska with beautiful scenery at every turn

Mar 19, 2024 • 5 min read

Make the most of your time in Alaska with this guide to the best places to visit © Bread and Butter Productions / Getty Images

Alaska: the name is a symbol of wild, untamed, natural beauty and expansive, seemingly never-ending landscapes yearning to be explored.

"The last frontier" isn’t simply a license plate motto, it's a way of life in North America’s crown jewel of wilderness. For those seeking to reconnect with nature through  epic hikes and outdoorsy fun , there are few comparisons. Even the campfires are going to be big – and go late under the midnight sun, one of the best times to visit . 

Given the scope of how big Alaska  is, a few journeys by land and sea are part of the experience in this most mighty of wild places. With so much ground to you can cover, here are 8 must-visit places in Alaska.

Best for epic scenery and hikes

The High One is North America’s highest peak, grandest of grand and tallest of tall. The name  Denali refers to the peak itself, the region and one of the grandest set of parks in the world. There's good reason the peak itself is the stuff of legend, most notably its height. At 20,310ft (6194 m), starting at almost sea level, Denali  is the tallest mountain in the world, measured from its base to summit. On a clear day – or even a foggy one – the backdrop of this peak, and the surrounding wildlife-filled Taiga northern boreal forest through the Alaska Range, makes for an explorer’s paradise.

There are countless hikes and journeys awaiting the well-equipped traveler here. The park’s  bus system is a great option especially for families – making for an interpretive wildlife safari in the shadow of the park’s namesake mountain. Give yourself multiple days to ensure mountain views; the peak can be elusive due to the weather. For backpackers, check out the backcountry office and plan well for a memorable trip in the national park. Our first-timer's guide to Denali will help you plan the best trip for you.

Local tip : Another less crowded option is to utilize the trail system of  Denali State Park next door, which has more easy-access campgrounds for those using vehicles.

2. Wrangell St Elias National Park

Best for a wilderness experience

Grand and expansive,  Wrangell St Elias is the continent’s second-highest peak and largest wilderness preserve. Far less developed or visited than other iconic wilderness parks, it's home to the mountain folk town of  McCarthy . Remnants of the bygone century’s homesteading and copper mining history, this wild park provides countless opportunities for exploration.

Local tip: Bring a tire kit and pay attention to your rental car policy. If it says you cannot drive here it's because the road is littered with nails from its days as a railroad track.

3. Glacier Bay National Park

Best for big ice views

Accessible on land by small expedition ships and independent boats,  Glacier Bay provides mysterious and wondrous views of the frosty forested world of ice. Explorer and writer John Muir said it best in his 1915 book  Travels in Alaska : "To the lover of pure wildness Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world... it seems as if surely we must at length reach the very paradise of the poets, the abode of the blessed."

4. Gates of the Arctic National Park

Best for treks above the Arctic Circle

Arguably the most difficult national park to reach in the US,  Gates of the Arctic is the home of masses of migrating caribou. For the ultimate off-grid destination for those with time to face the elements to explore after a relatively short flight in a bush plane. Typically, not for first-time Alaska travelers, the difficulty in reaching it is half the reward for the experience of being so far above the Arctic Circle.

5. Katmai National Park

Best for bear viewing opportunities

Alaska's most iconic species is the  coastal brown bear .  Katmai is home to the famed  Brooks Camp , host of  Fat Bear Week , when the world votes on their favorite bear as they prepare for the harsh winter ahead. Many bars around Alaska show livestreams of the bears feasting in the late summer, but what's even better is getting up close on a ranger-guided hike just above the bears on the boardwalks – it rates as a fondest memory among many a photographer and wildlife lover.

6. Talkeetna

Best for mountain scenery

Famed, frigid in winter and warm in every way in summer, Alaska’s coolest little village of Talkeetna doesn’t disappoint, serving as a basecamp of  scenic flights up around Denali and the logistics-ville for expedition climbers.  Denali Brewing Company , one of the most popular breweries in the state, is the place to go after a day hiking, biking, or enjoying the mellow convergence of several rivers that give  scenic float trips a whole new meaning under the shadow of the mighty interior mountain range.

7. Ketchikan

Best for kayaking and boating in the fjords 

Ketchikan , the southernmost entrance for the Inside Passage, might be one the wettest towns in North America, but it doesn’t disappoint. A stone’s throw away from  Misty Fjords National Monument , this seaside town is surprisingly mild. Surrounded by lush coastal temperate rainforests, striking granite cliffs and mystic journeys deep into winding, rocky fjords with skyscrapers of stone above, this is a perfect place to start a kayaking, climbing, or small-boat trip into the surrounding wilderness.

Local tip : Totem poles dominate throughout the town and make a great walkable tour to see a classic example of indigenous Tlingit culture .

8. Petersburg

Best coastal town off the beaten path

A Viking longboat in the middle of this quaint fishing port says it all.  Petersburg is ideally placed by several straits to see migrating humpback whales up close and personal. Accessible by sea via the Alaskan Marine Highway or as a stop on a small ship expedition-style cruise, this town boasts fishing possibilities that rival more well-known or road-accessible places. Getting there can be tricky check out our guide to the Alaska Marine Highway  and if a cruise is more your speed, we can help you decide which cruise is right for you .

Keep planning your trip to Alaska:

Discover these  14 things you need to know before you go .  Find out when is the best time to visit . Add these top experiences to your itinerary. Save this transportation guide on how to get around Alaska.  And check out these budget-friendly tips before you book. 

This article was first published Jul 7, 2021 and updated Mar 19, 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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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Alaska

Written by Becca Blond and Brad Lane Updated Mar 18, 2024

It is hard to write about Alaska without sounding cliché. The state is simply that magnificent. A place where the landscapes and wildlife, climate, and seasonal shifts, are larger, and at times more extreme, than anywhere else in the U.S. A largely roadless, uninhabited and still very wild section of the planet, Alaska's nickname of The Last Frontier rings oh so true.

Where else can you find a state capital (Juneau) with no road access? Or a town, Barrow (its northernmost) where the sun won't rise for 67 days in winter, but during summer, doesn't set for more than 80 days? Even Alaska's largest city, Anchorage, exudes a small-town charm and is the kind of place where moose often wander downtown streets.

Alaska is home to North America's highest peak, 20,320-foot-high Denali, as well as the four largest national parks in the country. As such, it serves as a grandiose outdoor playground. Hiking, paddling, fishing, and whale spotting are a few of the many ways to enjoy these wilderness treasures. Other everyday adventures include bear watching, rainforest exploring, and taking a boat ride through the Inside Passage.

Cities and towns in Alaska offer unique cultural appeal. These basecamps for adventure have museums and other tourist attractions. And with places like the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, they also offer insight into the communities that have called Alaska home for thousands of years.

Discover the best places to visit in this ruggedly beautiful state with our list of the top attractions in Alaska.

Denali National Park

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From big bears and moose to towering mountains and so much open space, Denali National Park is spectacularly beautiful and blissfully wild. If you enjoy leaving the beep of cell phone notifications behind and just getting lost in nature for a little while, this is the park to visit.

Drive to Savage River, where the 15 miles of pavement open to passenger vehicles in Denali National Park ends, and you'll really feel you are indeed in the Last Frontier. While most U.S. national parks are relatively developed, Denali, like much of Alaska itself, remains a roadless wilderness. Only one road runs through the entire park , and after Savage River, you'll need to hop into a park shuttle bus to go further on anything other than your own two feet.

The third largest national park in the U.S., located about halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Denali is mostly a trail-less wilderness . Except for marked trails around the Denali Visitor Center at the entrance, hiking the park's six million acres means using a GPS device to head out in one direction and see what you encounter.

You'll need to be prepared for a backcountry experience and will want to check in at the visitor's center and leave your planned route and length of stay with a ranger then check in again when you return.

The park, which is easily accessible via the Alaska Railroad , is home North America's highest mountain , the 20,320-foot Denali. If you remember the peak by another name, it was officially referred to as Mount McKinley until 2015, when its traditional name replaced the one that modern explorers dubbed it.

The park is extremely photogenic, and the landscape here runs the gamut from wide river valleys to high alpine lakes, low-elevation taiga forest, and craggy, glacier-draped peaks.

Wild creatures abound in Denali, and it is not uncommon to see moose and even grizzly bears near the visitor center or on the side of the road. Always carry bear spray when hiking. Other animals that call this park home include wolves, reindeer, elk, and more than 167 species of bird. Another favorite among the park's many things to do is the Sled Dog Kennels , which offer demonstrations and are home to dozens of energetic huskies.

If you plan on driving here, have a read through my article Alaska Road Trip: Driving from Anchorage to Denali National Park .

Address: Milepost 240, George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park, Alaska

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm

Tracy Arm is a fjord edged with glaciers, located south of Juneau. Waterfalls tumble down the sharp rock walls, and glaciers calve, creating small icebergs. It's a popular destination for cruise ships and boat tours.

The fjord lies within the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness of Tongass National Forest . At the head of the fjord sit the twin Sawyer Glaciers . Wildlife sightings are common on tours, whether it's a brown bear or moose on land, or the whales and seals that inhabit these waters.

Tracy Arm offers just a small slice of glacier viewing in Alaska. Other tourist favorites include Glacier Bay National Park, northwest of Juneau, and Prince William Sound, near Anchorage. Several guiding companies in Juneau, like Adventure Bound Alaska , offer affordable day trips and unobstructed views of the beauty.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Juneau

Protecting much of the fjord-riddled coastline of the Kenai Peninsula (south of Anchorage), this national park offers some of the best sightseeing in Alaska. Panoramic landscapes in the park take in the many glaciers of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield and an uninhabited coastline. And the national park is home to monstrously large brown bears that feed on the fat-rich salmon.

Many tourist options converge in the surrounding areas, including the end of Highway 1 in Homer. A popular means for entry into the park is the Alaska Railroad and the Seward Highway, both ending in Seward, near the park's northern boundary. The only area in the park accessible by vehicle is Exit Glacier , where several trails offer closer views at the end of the icefield.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/kefj/index.htm

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage may be Alaska's biggest city, with a population of around 300,000 residents, but it feels a lot like a small town. The compact downtown is very walkable and feels like it hasn't changed much in the last 50 years.

It's a quirky little place, completely void of skyscrapers, that's still home to mom-and-pop shops and downhome restaurants. The kind of city where moose, and even bears, are known to wander down central streets. Anchorage summers are wonderful. Temperatures are mild and the sun doesn't set until close to midnight, and even then, it never really gets dark.

Most travelers arrive and depart Alaska via Anchorage International Airport, before heading on to other parts of the state. But the city makes a great base for day trip adventures. The outstanding Chugach State Park , encompassing nearly a half-million acres, is within easy reach of this city. For further adventures, a popular way to travel from Anchorage into the wild landscapes is via the 470-mile Alaska Railroad , which is headquartered in Anchorage.

And it's not even required to leave the city's core for adventure. A few popular city attractions include the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum. And for outdoor exploration without traveling far, head to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a stunning 11-mile bike ride. Bicycle rentals are available throughout town.

Also known as the Alaska-Canada Highway, or Alcan Highway, The Alaska Highway runs from Dawson Creek in British Columbia (Canada) through the Yukon Territory to Delta Junction near Fairbanks . It was built for military purposes in 1942, during WWII, in the record time of only eight months.

Since the end of the war, the route has been the most important means of access by land to the Yukon Territory and southern Alaska. It's also a favorite with recreational vehicle travelers. The highway passes through Whitehorse, Canada before crossing the international border into Alaska and ending in Delta Junction.

Motels, shops, and gas stations lie at intervals of 30 to 50 miles. Traveling along the Alcan Highway is generally straightforward, though commuters need to pack accordingly, as much of the route traverses through remote landscapes.

With some of the best views of Mount Denali from vistas around it, Talkeetna is a charming, eccentric little town. It is well worth a visit if you are driving or taking the train between Anchorage and Denali National Park.

If you want to have a meeting with Talkeetna's mayor, you'll need to head to Nagley's General Store and ask for Aurora. She can be quite moody, although she's always open to food bribes. Just don't bring a dog along when you visit, she snarled and hissed and threw this writer's Chihuahua right out of her domain. If you are getting lost with the plot at this point, we'll fill you in: Aurora is a cat.

Talkeetna doesn't have a human mayor but is on its third feline leader. The town's original, and most famous, kitty mayor was Stubbs, who ruled with an iron paw from 1997 to 2017 when he passed away.

Rumor also has it that Talkeetna was the inspiration behind the 90s TV show, Northern Exposure , although the series itself was filmed in Washington. It is a mostly seasonal destination with most of the dozens of restaurants and shops lining its two-street downtown open only between mid-May and mid-September.

Talkeetna is also a popular place to book flight-seeing tours . These take place in small planes that fly you around or over the summit of Denali, depending on the weather. Some tours even land on a glacier. Check out K2 Aviation Talkeetna or Talkeetna Air Taxi, both in town, to arrange a trip.

Located in Fairbanks, the University of Alaska Museum of the North offers more than one million historical artifacts and natural history pieces. The permanent collection includes ethnological items made and used by indigenous groups and a fine arts collection that focuses mainly on Alaskan art .

The collection also features archaeological finds from prehistoric cultures, an assemblage of birds, and several paleontology specimens. The building that houses the museum is also noteworthy. It was designed by Joan Soranno, and the white structure has interesting lines and curves intended to resemble the Alaskan landscape.

The museum is free for students and faculty of the university, and the public is welcome with paid admission. Visitors are encouraged to explore the museum at their own pace, and larger groups can call ahead to book a customizable tour experience.

Address: 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska

Official site: http://www.uaf.edu/museum/

The Inside Passage is a collection of sheltered channels and straits in Southeast Alaska. The most popular way to visit is to cruise through the fjords on large ships, charter boats, and private yachts. Another option is to stop off the highway at Haines , Skagway , or Hyder .

Along the coastal passage, the Tongass National Forest covers 17 million acres and includes islands, mountains, glaciers, ice fields, fjords, and waterfalls. Included in the forest is Prince of Wales Island , one of the largest islands in the US. The area is also inhabited by the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.

Major towns along the route include Skagway , with its Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park ; the once-chief town of Russian America Sitka ; and Ketchikan , where stoic totems are on display at both Totem Bight State Historic Park and the Totem Heritage Center .

Official site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/tongass/

Noted as the "Backbone of the Last Frontier," the Alaska Railroad is a prominent part of Alaska's history and still a vital transportation option. Extending from Seward to Fairbanks , this railroad helped develop Anchorage from a tent town into what it is today, and the line played an important shipping role in World War II.

Today, the Alaska Railroad is owned by the state and shuttles more than 500,000 passengers each year. Popular destinations along the route include the Chugach National Forest, Anchorage, and Denali National Park & Preserve . The Alaska Railroad offers a variety of routes, services, and special event rides including backcountry ski packages and a kids' Halloween Train.

Official site: https://www.alaskarailroad.com/

The Dalton Highway stretches over 400 miles into Alaska's Far North region, eventually reaching the outpost of Prudhoe Bay . It's accessible from Fairbanks and Anchorage and built adjacent and in conjunction with the Trans-Alaska Pipeline . The road is extremely remote, rugged, and not well-traveled outside of oil-field workers.

Well-prepared sightseers have an incentive to navigate the lonely highway, though, with both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lining the roadside.

At the northern end of the route, the Dalton Highway crosses into the Arctic Circle , where the summer solstice brings 24 hours of daylight and the winter means 24 hours of darkness. Driving a personal vehicle isn't the only choice to experience the Arctic Circle, and frequent bus and plane tours depart from Fairbanks and Anchorage.

A popular reason to visit this northern latitude is the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights , which appear on many nights from September to Mid-April. Joining an aurora tour can help keep sightseers warm in this frigid season.

Offering more than just a look into the lives and values of Alaska's 11 major cultural groups, the Alaska Native Heritage Center provides hands-on interaction with music, people, and art. Alongside interpretive information, the Heritage Center is a place to visit to connect with the community and participate in programs and events.

The Heritage Center is just outside Anchorage. It includes The Gathering Place for Alaska Native dancing and storytelling and the Hall of Cultures , filled with exhibits and local vendors displaying handmade crafts and works of art.

The scenic Lake Tiulana is also on the grounds, surrounded by traditional dwellings of Alaska Natives. Though this sightseeing attraction is located out of downtown, there is a summer-season shuttle from the modern Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center.

Address: 8800 Heritage Center Drive, Anchorage

Official site: http://www.alaskanative.net/

Twelve miles northwest of the state capital and accessible by road, the Mendenhall Glacier snakes down from the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield to touch the shores of a small lake. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center looks out over both the glacier and the iceberg-dotted waters, while trails venture along the shore to roaring Nugget Falls , as well as the impressive ice mass.

Rafting and kayaking trips allow visitors to float among the bergs. Wildlife such as black bears, porcupines, and beavers are commonly spotted while exploring this dazzling blue landscape. Arguably the best season to visit is between May and October, where sunshine is more likely to be on the forecast. However, the glacier is also fun to visit on rainy days, as the ice takes on a different hue of blue.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest and most magnificent of Alaska's sprawling national parks -- it is also the largest national park in the U.S. This grandiose mountain region has nine of the 16 highest peaks in the United States. Other defining features of this park bordering Canada include glaciers, lakes, mountain streams, and a rich variety of wildlife.

Wrangell-St. Elias is a superb country for climbers, walkers, and water sports enthusiasts. And the park's Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark gives insight into the one-time mill town with barely preserved heritage buildings and abandoned mines.

Other points of interest include a selection of 14 backcountry cabins, many of which are only accessible by flying into remote airstrips.

Address: Mile 106.8 Old Richardson Highway, Copper Center, Alaska

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/wrst/index.htm

The Iditarod National Historic Trail is Alaska's only National Scenic Trail. It consists of a network of trails totaling more than 2,300 miles between Nome, on the Bering Strait, and Seward, near Anchorage. Originally used by ancient hunters and later by gold prospectors, the trail is now used, and best known, for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race .

Extensive landscapes surround the entire route, offering beautiful views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Although it is primarily a winter trail, hikers do use sections during the summer months including the popular Crow Pass Trail within Chugach State Park.

Official site: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/national-scenic-and-historic-trails/iditarod

Brooks Falls, in Katmai National Park, is synonymous with brown bears. That's because starting in June and peaking in July, spawning salmon travel the Brooks River and attract the park's largest mammals in droves. Today, elevated platforms around the falls enable some of the best wildlife viewings in the country.

Brooks Falls and Katmai National Park are on the Alaskan Peninsula, which extends from the southwest mainland. The only two feasible ways to reach the park are by plane or by boat. Often, visitors book an all-in-one vacation package to experience the falls, but it's not required. Several aviation companies also offer simple shuttle services to the park.

The journey to Seward is equally as alluring as the small town itself. To reach the community from Anchorage, visitors travel by way of the Seward Highway . This All-American Road spans 127 miles through pristine Alaska landscapes. The first 50 miles from Anchorage traverse along Turnagain Arm and the southern boundary of Chugach State Park . Here, roadside views include mountains, glaciers, and the occasional beluga whale surfacing.

Tourists can also take the scenic Alaska Railroad, which follows the same route from Anchorage to Seward. The Alaska Railroad also continues much farther north than Anchorage, ending its line in Fairbanks.

Besides a beautiful commute, Seward also has several appealing cultural attractions like the Alaska Sealife Center . The city is also a home base for exploring the Kenai Peninsula, including nearby landscapes like Exit Glacier . Departing from Kenai Peninsula, avid wildlife watchers head to the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge , established to protect the Kodiak bear and other rare animals.

Official site: http://www.seward.com/

In 1938, the US Forest Services began a project to salvage, reconstruct, and create totem poles - a tradition that was dying out. Funds were used to hire carvers from among the older generations and abandoned totem poles were restored or recreated by these craftsmen. In the process of this work, they were able to pass on their skills to younger community members.

Fifteen poles were erected in Ketchikan's Totem Bight State Historic Park, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places . Also on the site is a recreated clan house from the early 19th century. There are more heritage totem poles and local details available at the town's Totem Heritage Center .

Address: Ketchikan Ranger Station, 9883 North Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, Alaska

Official site: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/totembgh.htm

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park maintains lovely, restored buildings in the Skagway historic district to commemorate the 1897-98 Gold Rush. Visitors can attempt to hike the 33-mile-long Chilkoot Trail , which begins at Taiya River Bridge and pays homage to the path and struggles of past gold seekers. Visitors can also spend time exploring the on-site museum and visitor center.

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway leaves from Skagway, climbing up to White Pass at a 2,865-foot elevation. The depot, one of Alaska's oldest, houses the visitor center.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/klgo/index.htm

Ketchikan is a wild city bordering Tongass National Forest and facing the famous Inside Passage. The city is perhaps best known for its many Native American totem poles throughout the town and at places like Totem Bight State Historical Park . But it's also a city surrounded by dense, unaltered Alaska landscapes.

A lush temperate rainforest defines much of the natural landscape around Ketchikan. This includes rushing waterways, miles of verdant mountainsides, and an array of weather conditions that often require boots. One of the easiest ways to experience this dense environment is with a guided tour at the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary.

Kawanti Adventures oversees the 40 acres of this forest sanctuary just outside of town and offers guided tours. These approximately three-hour tours go beyond the usual hiking experience and include a narrative guide with interesting tidbits about the local history and culture. These tours also include stops at interpretive exhibits, like a historic sawmill and totem park.

From the snowy winter months to the more temperate summer months, each one of Alaska's unique seasons has its own particular draw. But the best time to visit Alaska is between mid-June and mid-August . If you wanted to push it a bit on either end of that span, most tourist resorts, tours, and cruises begin operations mid-May and end mid-September, so you'll find some good weather then as well - it just won't be as reliable.

The high tourist season, which runs from June to August , is when most attractions and parks open up to the public. If you have an Alaskan bucket list - such as wildlife viewing in Denali National Park or witnessing the salmon runs - this is the best time to visit Alaska.

Tip: Even if you visit during the summer months, weather systems can blow in on a moment's notice, so be prepared to dress in layers and have a raincoat handy. With that said, summer temperatures can also reach highs of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to pack hot-weather clothing as well.

More on Alaska

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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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53 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Alaska

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Last updated: May 23, 2024

People tend to think of Alaska as a cold, remote place, but the truth is that it’s teeming with life and buzzing with activity.

For every snow-covered mountain, there are dozens of beaches, fjords, glaciers, geysers and caves.

For every icy rock in the middle of nowhere, there are also bars, restaurants, malls, museums and movie theaters.

To be fair, Alaska’s wilderness is a sight to behold.

Whether you’re interested in chasing the northern lights or ice-climbing up cliffs and canyons, the wide open spaces will call to your sense of adventure.

It’s just important to know that Alaska isn’t only a place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

You can go drinking and dancing; you can hit up world-class art museums and music festivals; you can learn more about the indigenous tribes that carved petroglyphs into the foundations of modern society.

Alaska isn’t just a winter destination, either.

Summertime offers everything from parasailing on the lakes to hiking across mountain passes filled with wildflowers!

Long story short, there’s more to “The Land of the Midnight Sun” than what meets the eye.

Let’s talk about some amazing things to do in Alaska!

Table of Contents

1. Museum of the North

Museum of the North

If you don’t know where to start with your trip to Alaska, start with the Museum of the North .

It’s located on the Fairbanks campus of the University of Alaska, and it showcases more than 2,000 years of art, culture, history, flora and fauna from the region.

Exhibits include nature photography, full-size bison mummies, and gold and mineral collections from the days of the Klondike Gold Rush.

The artwork ranges from old Eskimo carvings to contemporary paintings and portraits from the indigenous people of Alaska.

There’s even a light and sound display that mimics the aurora borealis of the night sky!

There’s something for everyone at the Museum of the North, especially those who are genuinely interested in learning more about Alaska.

It’ll be a great way to start your journey into this vast, beautiful and mysterious terrain.

Address: 1962 Yukon Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775, United States

2. White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

One of the most fun things to do in Alaska is a train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad .

Not only will it take you past stunning natural scenery in the form of gorges, glaciers, waterfalls, mountains and forests, but it also has historic significance as a piece of infrastructure from the days of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Originally built in 1898, this railroad was designed to take gold miners from Alaska to Canada.

It reaches heights of more than 3,000 feet along its curving tracks that are built right into the mountainside.

Another charming feature of the train is its vintage design that remains unchanged from the days of the Gold Rush.

With its wide windows and ornate, old-fashioned details, your parlor car will look just like it did back in the day.

If you’re looking for cool stuff to do in Alaska, it doesn’t get more memorable than a train ride through the mountains with the spirit of a gold miner.

Address: 201 2nd Ave, Skagway, AK 99840, United States

3. Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park and Preserve

Covering more than six million acres, Denali National Park and Preserve is one of the top destinations of Alaska.

It stretches across an enormous range of forests, lakes, rivers, mountains, glaciers and sand dunes, and it offers a staggering amount of activities for everyone from young kids to experienced outdoorsmen.

Are you eager to experience nature?

Go hiking, biking, camping or climbing among the tall trees and rushing rivers.

Do you prefer your fun to be a little more air-conditioned?

Take a scenic drive through the landscapes or sign up for a “flightseeing” trip where you’ll soar over the mountains from a helicopter.

Other options include everything from going on a scavenger hunt with the kids to visiting a sled dog kennel and watching a musher demonstration.

There’s no lack of things to see and do in Denali National Park and Preserve.

You could spend your entire vacation here and still want to come back for more!

Address: Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, United States

4. Juneau Whale Watch

Juneau Whale Watch

Juneau is one of the most famous places in Alaska, but its best destinations aren’t the bars and clubs of downtown.

That honor belongs to the remote and rugged landscapes of the outlying ocean where you can experience a Juneau Whale Watch .

The tours take between 3 – 5 hours and involve climbing aboard a ship and heading out so far on the water that you can’t even see the city anymore.

Once whales are spotted, the captain will usually cut the engine so that the creatures will get curious and swim right up to the starboard.

You can enjoy the experience either on deck or from the comfort of a heated cabin.

You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a humpback whale slowly emerging from the depths of the ocean to come and greet you.

It’s one of the most amazing things that you can experience in Alaska, so book a tour with Juneau Whale Watch and get ready to make some crazy memories during your trip.

Address: 492 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States

5. Hubbard Glacier

Hubbard Glacier

Located in the Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the Hubbard Glacier is more than seven miles long, and it regularly sloughs off icebergs that are as tall as 10-story buildings.

It’s an absolutely massive landmark that juts out of the water like something equally beautiful and terrifying.

Visitors to the glacier are only allowed to get semi-close; its choppy waters prevent boats from being able to safely navigate close proximity.

It’s so big, however, that you’ll see it looming for ages before you actually reach it.

Your pictures will also turn out wonderfully since its white snow and turquoise ice are framed by an open expanse of bright blue sky.

The Hubbard Glacier is one of the most well-known of Alaska’s attractions.

Literally, it’s so large that you can’t miss it.

Book a tour to see its majesty for yourself!

Address: Alaska, United States

6. Anchorage Market

Anchorage Market

Straddling the line between “flea market” and “farmer’s market,” the Anchorage Market is a labyrinth of food, florals, arts, crafts and clothes.

Its vendors change daily, so you might see 80 stalls one morning and 200 stalls the next.

It’s very easy to get lost, and you never know what will be around the next corner.

You might stumble across a pyramid of fresh produce; you might find yourself shimmying past racks of jewelry or following your nose to ice cream trucks or sandwich stands.

Doesn’t that sound like a blast?

Running from May to September, the Anchorage Market is a staple of its city, and it’s also one of the most vibrant places to visit in Alaska.

If you’ll be in the state at the right time of year, it’s definitely worth a look!

Address: 225 E St, Anchorage, AK 99501, United States

7. Dr. Seuss House

If you’re looking for quirky places to go, check out the Dr. Seuss House.

You can’t miss it: Its tallest tower reaches 185 feet, and each of its floors is stacked on the next in an odd, disjointed and tumble-style stack.

An interesting fact about the Dr. Seuss House is that it has nothing to do with Dr. Seuss at all.

Its official name is the Goose Creek Tower, and it was built by a local man just for fun.

However, it’s easy to see why locals think of The Cat in the Hat whenever they gaze at its colorful and whimsical architecture.

The Dr. Seuss House is a landmark like none other, and it’ll serve as a cool and unique vacation destination for anyone who likes going off the beaten path and discovering new things.

Address: 46370 S Caston Way, Talkeetna, AK 99676, United States

8. Moose’s Tooth

Moose’s Tooth

For great eats in Alaska, it doesn’t get more local than the Moose’s Tooth .

This warm little restaurant is a chance to escape winter’s chill while also enjoying stick-to-your-ribs fare that you can only find in the arctic north.

For example, have you ever had moose meat?

Have you ever tried reindeer as a pizza topping?

You might also be interested in bull steaks, moose ranch salads or sockeye salmon spreads on bread.

For dessert, ask for Eskimo ice cream or aqutak, which is an Alaskan specialty whipped up with snow, fat, wild berries and seal oil.

Wash it all down with a dark handcrafted beer.

Moose’s Tooth is an iconic destination in the Arctic Circle.

Its menu is unique; its atmosphere is fun and inviting.

If you’ll be in the area, it’s worth loosening your belt, grabbing a seat and trying something new.

Address: 3300 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99503, United States

9. Kenai Beach

Kenai Beach ( Amy Meredith / flickr )

Alaska might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about tropical getaways, but the land isn’t covered in snow all of the time.

It has summers just like anywhere else, and during those summers, you’ll want a nice sandy beach to help you cool off.

Kenai Beach is located in Kenai, Alaska, and it’s a popular destination for swimming, fishing, camping, kiting and more.

Fishing is especially popular during the month of July when the salmon are out; it’s quite common to see crowds of people with dip nets.

There are plenty of amenities at the beach to keep you comfortable, and it also isn’t far from other conveniences in the greater city of Kenai.

If you’re wondering what to do during an Alaskan summer, consider a trip to Kenai Beach.

You’ll be able to engage in all sorts of fun, sun-soaked activities, and you’ll also get to confuse people when you tell them about your tropical beach vacation in Alaska.

Address: 1112 Kenai Ave, Kenai, AK 99611, United States

10. Kennicott Ghost Town

Kennicott Ghost Town

There’s at least one place in Alaska where you won’t have to fight crowds of tourists.

In fact, you might not see anyone at all.

It’s Kennicott Ghost Town , and it’s been long abandoned by those who used to live and work there.

The heyday of the town was in the early 1900s when people flocked to the nearby copper mines in search of wealth and fortune.

A bustling community grew around the mines, one that included shops, saloons, schools, post offices and even brothels.

Over time, the mines dried up, and the people moved on.

Kennicott Ghost Town is now a relic of turn-of-the-century living.

Visitors can explore it at their leisure or even talk to the handful of residents who still live in the surrounding areas, but don’t expect any fireworks here.

It’s a calm, quiet and slightly eerie destination, and as such, it’s one of the most memorable of Alaska’s attractions.

Address: McCarthy Rd, Chitina, AK, United States

11. Tongass National Forest

Tongass National Forest

With its lush forests, shimmering glaciers and crystalline lakes, Alaska is one of the most beautiful places to travel in the US .

Nowhere is this more apparent than Tongass National Forest .

Tongass National Forest is the largest forest in the entire country; it spans a staggering 16.7 million acres and covers a large swath of southeastern Alaska.

While most of it’s rain forest, you can also find dry mountainous regions as well as water-dominated areas with lots of glaciers and fjords.

Visitors can go hiking, fishing, kayaking, mountaineering and more.

Wildlife observation will cough up everything from brown bears to white mountain goats.

There are a number of cabins dotting the lakes and rivers if you want rustic-style accommodations; otherwise, camping is common.

Unique features of the forest include waterfalls, old mining sites and a special “upside-down garden” where flower towers have their roots on top.

Maybe you’re a family looking to disconnect from phones and video games for awhile.

Maybe you love nature photography and are always on a quest for the next amazing shot.

Whatever your reasons for seeking outdoor wonders, you can find them at Tongass National Forest.

Address: Juneau, AK 99801, United States

12. Great Kobuk Sand Dunes

Great Kobuk Sand Dunes ( Western Arctic National Parklands / flickr )

The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are another one of those vacation spots that you wouldn’t expect to see in Alaska.

They look like they’re straight out of the Sahara Desert, but they’re surrounded by the alpine forests and snow-covered mountains of the Arctic Circle.

They were formed because of a natural phenomenon millions of years ago.

When their glaciers started to shift, the massive pressure of the ice acted as a grinding agent for the rocks below, eventually turning them into nothing more than a sandy dust.

Today, you can explore the dunes as part of Kobuk Valley National Park.

You’ll need to take an air taxi since there are no roads or trails leading into the wild.

Because of its inaccessibility, this park is one of the least-visited national parks in the entire country, but it’s worth making the trip for the story alone.

The desert in the middle of a winter wonderland is just a bonus!

13. Chickenstock Festival

Chickenstock Festival

Known as a “cluckin’ good time,” the Chickenstock Festival is one of Alaska’s funniest and most irreverent events.

It’s officially advertised as a musical festival, but music is only part of its appeal.

Those who make the pilgrimage to the Chickenstock Festival can enjoy an entire weekend of food, music, games, competitions and general revelry.

There are outdoor concerts; there are food trucks and craft stalls; there are 5K “chicken leg” marathons.

The crowning glory of the event is when a helicopter flies overhead and drops 1,500 marshmallow Peeps onto the cheering crowds below!

Forget Woodstock.

In Alaska, it’s all about Chickenstock.

If you’ll be visiting during the summertime, you won’t want to miss this incredible festival and all of the fun that it brings!

14. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

One of Alaska’s nicknames is “The Last Frontier,” and when you’re standing on the edge of a 15,000-foot cliff and gazing at the massive, ice-covered glaciers below, you’ll realize why the explorers of the past felt so strongly that they had reached the end of the world.

It isn’t easy to climb the mountains of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve .

Their terrain is difficult, and their weather is unpredictable.

Some mountaineering expeditions can take a month or more.

If you have the time, however, or if you’re just interested in views unlike any other, the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve will provide an incredible experience for those who are adventurous enough to take it on.

15. Jewell Gardens

Jewell Gardens

Located in Skagway, the Jewell Gardens enjoy a perpetual summer even when everything around them is cold and remote.

Their beauty is all the more impressive since they’re bright, cheerful and brimming with life despite the harshness of their surrounding landscape.

Their secret lies in both their location and their architecture.

Nestled in the foothills of the mountains, they also make use of many glass features to trap heat and moisture.

Visitors can tour the gardens, sign up for glassblowing demonstrations and more.

Tea ceremonies are arranged daily, and luncheons are guaranteed to have fresh ingredients straight from the source.

If you’re wondering where to visit in Alaska that isn’t perpetually covered in snow, consider a trip to the Jewell Gardens.

They definitely live up to their name as a shining gem in the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Address: Mile 1.5, Klondike Hwy, Skagway, AK 99840, United States

16. Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour

Made famous by the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch, this vessel stunned viewers when it was rocked and rolled onto its side thanks to a rogue wave crashing into its belly.

Thankfully, it was righted again, and it’s now enjoying a second life as one of Alaska’s top tourist attractions.

Visitors can climb aboard the same ship that they saw on TV and enjoy a live fishing and crabbing experience with the crew.

It isn’t quite the deadly adventure that was depicted on the show, but it isn’t a leisurely cruise, either.

You’ll get a real and authentic taste of what it’s like to be a fisherman in the frigid waters of the north.

Of the many things to do in Alaska, it’s hard to top something that left viewers all around the world gasping in shock.

If you’re looking for awesome vacation experiences, book a tour with the Bering Sea Crab .

Address: 316 Icehouse Ln, Ketchikan, AK 99901, United States

17. Aurora Express Bed and Breakfast

Aurora Express Bed and Breakfast

Are you looking for unique accommodation in Alaska?

If so, you’ve just found some of the most curiously compelling lodgings in the entire state: the Aurora Express Bed and Breakfast .

Housed in a ragtag assortment of train cars, this B&B offers you the chance to sleep inside of a real but stationary locomotive.

It all started with one woman’s dream to own a train; she began collecting cabooses, sleeper cars and dining compartments in her backyard, and eventually, she had the idea to repurpose them as lodging for adventurous travelers.

The end result is that the Aurora Express Bed and Breakfast is one of the most unusual tourist spots in Alaska.

If you’re looking for something a little more exciting than your usual hotel, how about sleeping in a train going nowhere?

Address: 1550 Chena Ridge Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States

18. World’s Largest Chocolate Waterfall

World’s Largest Chocolate Waterfall

Chocoholics, this one is for you.

The World’s Largest Chocolate Waterfall is a 20-foot cascade of pure chocolately goodness, and to make it even better, it’s housed in a chocolate shop where you can buy your fill of truffles, bites, bars, fudges and caramels.

The “waterfall” is actually a series of copper tins and kettles that create a cascade of chocolate.

It gushes from the fountain head, floods through the tins and eventually settles in a swirling pool at the bottom.

It moves more than 3,000 pounds of chocolate per day!

When you’re done marveling at the sheer decadence of the falls, you can explore the chocolate shop and its collection of odds and ends, including a five-pound chocolate bar marketed as Alaska’s biggest.

The World’s Largest Chocolate Waterfall is a must see for gourmands, chocoholics, dessert lovers and anyone else with a sweet tooth.

It’ll also be a fun experience for folks who like weird or bizarre roadside attractions that are unique to their vacation destinations.

How many times in your life will you get the chance to see a chocolate waterfall?

Take advantage of the opportunity while you can!

Address: 5225 Juneau Street, Anchorage, AK 99518, United States

19. Burial Spirit Houses

Burial Spirit Houses

Located in the tiny town of Eklutna, the Burial Spirit Houses represent something far greater than themselves.

It all started with Russian Orthodox missionaries who came to the area in the early 1800s.

They formed a bond with the local Athabascan and Danaina people of the Native American tribes, and over time, their cultures started to mingle.

One of these mergings resulted in burial spirit boxes.

Whenever someone died, their loved ones would create a colorful, dollhouse-style burial box to place over the grave, and they’d leave it there to slowly decay as part of the natural processes of the world.

If you’re exploring Alaska and wondering what to do that isn’t listed in a glossy travel brochure, consider a trip to see the Burial Spirit Houses.

They’re the result of an utterly unique community with equally unique cultural practices in one of the least-traveled regions of the world.

It doesn’t get more offbeat than that!

Address: 26339 Eklutna Village Rd, Anchorage, AK 99567, United States

20. Petroglyph Beach

Petroglyph Beach

The world is filled with petrogylphs carved into cave walls, but in a little town called Wrangell, Alaska, their location is more unique.

They’re etched on sea stones that are only visible during the low tide.

Dating back more than 8,000 years, it’s believed that Petroglyph Beach was originally the site of a human settlement, and that’s when the stones were given their markings.

Over time, the land eroded and the sea rose, so the stones were shifted into their current position as a craggy collection along the coast.

Today, you can walk the beach and see the petrogylphs for yourself.

Look closely enough and you might even be able to make out the primitive shapes of salmon, snakes, whales and other animals.

Even if you aren’t into history, Petrogylph Beach is one of the niftiest places to go in Alaska, so make time for it on your vacation itinerary.

You don’t want to miss a landmark that was 8,000 years in the making.

Address: Grave St, Wrangell, AK 99929, United States

21. Husky Homestead

Husky Homestead

You can’t visit the frozen tundras of the north without seeing sled dogs in action.

It’s a long-standing tradition of the region, and it’s a big draw in terms of Alaska attractions.

Fortunately, you don’t have to brave an icy tundra to see sled dogs.

The Husky Homestead lives up to its name by being the breeding and training grounds of dozens of huge, furry and hard-working huskies.

The homestead is run by Jeff King, four-time winner of the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, and he welcomes visitors who want to learn more about the unique roles of huskies in Alaskan culture and history.

You can also play with the pups and marvel at the fully-grown working dogs who take their jobs just as seriously as any human.

Hop on the back of a sled and see what it’s like to yell “mush.”

It’s an attainable dream when you visit the Husky Homestead in Alaska and partake in its many things to see and do.

Address: Milepost 229 Parks Hwy, Hickory, Denali Park, AK 99755, United States

22. Red Onion Saloon

Red Onion Saloon

Back in the day, the Red Onion Saloon was one of the most scandalous places to visit in Alaska.

While the first floor was a regular saloon for drinking, talking and shaking off the dust of the nearby mines, the second floor operated as a bordello.

According to legend, the working girls were represented by dolls at the bar.

Men would choose the doll that they wanted, and when they went upstairs, that girl would be waiting for them.

Today, the Red Onion Saloon functions as both a restaurant and a museum.

Visitors can grab a bite to eat on the first floor before heading upstairs for a tour.

Many of the original furnishings have been preserved or replicated, including the dolls, and there are also a number of racy paintings done in an old-fashioned style to evoke the mood of days gone by.

The Red Onion Saloon has been making visitors happy for more than a century.

It can make you happy as well, so give it a shot!

Address: 201 Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840, United States

23. Sealaska Heritage Institute

Sealaska Heritage Institute

Dedicated to the indigenous tribes of Alaska, the Sealaska Heritage Institute plays an important role in preserving the art, history, folklore and culture of the first groups to settle in the state.

Calling itself “a steward of our past and a catalyst for our future,” the Institute is home to numerous relics and artifacts from long-ago ways of life.

You can see tools from hundreds of years ago, for example, and furs and hunting weapons that are still in use today.

Another feature of note is the extensive collection of Native artwork from both past and present creators.

If that wasn’t reason enough to visit, a portion of your admission will go to projects within the Native community, including language revitalization and cultural awareness campaigns.

Sealaska Heritage Institute is one of the major places of interest for folks who are interested in the indigenous tribes of the U.S. and Canada.

If you want to know more about the people who worked the land before any Europeans did, you won’t want to miss a trip to the Institute.

Address: 105 S Seward St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States

24. Pasagshak River

Pasagshak River ( James Brooks / flickr )

With its shimmering waters that are undisturbed and unpolluted by man, the Pasagshak River is a top 10 destination in Alaska.

It stretches for more than three miles through the rugged beauty of the Kodiak region and contains a number of natural landmarks.

There isn’t a lot of infrastructure at the river.

There are designated areas for camping, including both tent and RV camping, but the amenities are scarce.

For example, there are a limited number of latrines and only a single hand-pump well for fresh water.

Its rustic living, however, is part of its charm.

It’s a pristine piece of wilderness that has yet to be spoiled by humans.

As such, the Pasagshak River is one of the best vacation spots for people who truly want to “get away from it all.”

Whether you’re interested in camping, fishing, hiking, trekking or wildlife observing, this river is a must do.

25. Kuskulana River Bridge

Kuskulana River Bridge

The Kuskulana River Bridge used to be one of the most hair-raising bridges in the world.

It stretched over a deep, jagged and rock-lined gorge more than 230 feet below, and its extremely narrow pathway didn’t have guard rails or any other modern safety features, so people took their covered wagons and walked as slowly as possible to the other side.

When the bridge was snowy or slippery, it was even more treacherous.

The bridge still stands today, but it’s been outfitted with wooden planks to make it wider, and a metal rail has been erected on other side to prevent falls.

It isn’t quite as dangerous, so it isn’t quite as thrilling.

That said, it’s still fun to cross the Kuskulana River Bridge.

The views of the gorge are amazing, and even though it’s safer now than it used to be, there’s still an element of peril in its old-fashioned construction.

If you’re thinking about what to do in Alaska to get the adrenaline flowing, this could be a good way to test yourself and your nerve.

Address: McCarthy Rd, Chitina, AK 99566, United States

26. Kannery Grill

Kannery Grill

Though it has exotic delicacies like reindeer sausage and seal oil berries, Alaska is most famous for its seafood.

Wild salmon is abundant, and it’s also easy to find crab, cod, halibut and more.

So where are the best seafood restaurants in Alaska?

While every town has its favorite local dives, one particularly famous name is the Kannery Grill .

It prides itself on serving fresh, locally-sourced seafood, and it offers everything from fancy oyster plates to pop-em-and-eat-em shrimp and prawn skewers.

It also prepares its fish in fun and creative ways, so if you’ve never tried barbecue salmon or Hawaiian-style tuna poke, you’re in for a treat!

Another nice thing about the restaurant is the amazing view that you can enjoy from its outdoor patio.

The shimmering waters of Kachemak Bay will highlight the distant, misty mountains, so it’s like getting dinner and a sightseeing show.

The Kannery Grill is far from the only seafood restaurant in Alaska, but it’s one of the best.

If your stomach starts rumbling during your vacation, see how far you are from this excellent dining destination.

Address: 451 Sterling Hwy, Homer, AK 99603, United States

27. The Aurora Ice Museum

The Aurora Ice Museum

The Aurora Ice Museum is one of the coolest places to visit in Alaska, and we mean that literally.

Since it’s carved from snow and ice, it’s kept at a perpetual 25°F, and visitors are given parkas to stay warm.

If you don’t mind the chill, however, the museum is a dazzling place.

Not only is it a remarkable piece of architecture all by itself, but it’s also filled with things like elaborate ice sculptures and color-changing lights that are designed to mimic the aurora borealis.

There’s even an ice outhouse if you’re interested in truly one-of-a-kind sites!

The Aurora Ice Museum is part of the Chena Hot Springs Resort, but you don’t have to be a guest to take a tour.

It’s also open 365 days per year, so no matter when you’re visiting Alaska, you can experience its colorful creativity and whimsical wonder.

Address: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States

28. Seward Scenic Highway

Seward Scenic Highway

Are you traveling to Alaska on a budget?

Don’t worry; you don’t have to spend big bucks to have a good time.

In fact, there are many free things to do that won’t cost a dime, including a drive down the Seward Scenic Highway .

Covering more than 125 miles in total, the Seward Scenic Highway runs from Seward to Anchorage , and it passes all kinds of astounding sights.

You’ll be able to marvel at towering cliffs, rushing rivers, snow-topped trees, saltwater bays and more.

Additionally, since it’s a self-guided drive, you can take your time and explore the area without being rushed.

You can even stop and pull over whenever you see something worthy of further exploration!

These side trips will be the only thing with a potential cost since the highway itself is toll- and admission-free.

When money is tight, it’s a good idea to find budget-friendly places to go in Alaska.

Hit the road with the Seward Scenic Highway for an amazing travel experience that won’t break the bank!

29. Aurora Borealis Lodge

Aurora Borealis Lodge

Many people have “see the northern lights” on their bucket list, but few take the time to actually do it.

If you want to be the exception, you’ll need to travel to a place like the Aurora Borealis Lodge .

Located just outside of Fairbanks, which is widely regarded as one of the best destinations for seeing the lights, the Aurora Borealis Lodge offers accommodation as well as guided evening tours.

The guides will lead you to observational points far from electricity and pollution where the lights are at their dramatic.

An important thing to note about the lights is that seeing them is never guaranteed!

Even if they don’t appear, however, you’ll still get to enjoy stunning night skies filled with stars.

The aurora borealis is one of the greatest wonders of the world, and seeing them is one of the greatest things to do in Alaska.

If you’re ready to gaze into the heart of the universe, book a room at the Aurora Borealis Lodge.

Address: 1906 Ridge Run Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States

30. Kodiak Lab Aquarium

NOAA Fisheries

Another great destination for animal lovers, the Kodiak Lab Aquarium will let you get up close and personal with everything from shrimp to starfish.

It houses an incredible 3,500-gallon tank filled with dozens of different species of marine life, and many of them can be petted and stroked to fulfill your lifelong curiosity about a sea urchin’s spines or a mollusk’s shell.

That’s right: At this aquarium, you don’t have to stand around and just watch the fish swim.

You can actually touch amazing sea specimens that will bloom to life under your fingertips.

The staff will facilitate the handling while the tour guides will answer your questions and point out any cool creatures darting through the waters of the gigantic, glass-walled tank.

There are many Alaska attractions dedicated to its abundant natural wildlife, but if you want a more intimate experience than peering through binoculars at a distant wolverine, you’ll need to visit somewhere like the Kodiak Lab Aquarium.

It’ll let you get hands-on with the critters and creatures of the sea for an unforgettable vacation memory.

Address: 301 Research Ct, Kodiak, AK 99615, United States

31. Alaskan Bore Tide

Alaskan Bore Tide

A bore tide is a special kind of tide that can result in amazing altitudes and trajectories.

There are several hot spots around the world where bore tides are particularly impressive, and Alaska has one of them.

Known as simply the “Alaskan Bore Tide,” this stretch of coastline in the Turnagain Arm of Anchorage has jaw-dropping tidal waves.

They can reach between 6 – 10 feet tall, and it isn’t uncommon for their speed to surpass 10 – 15 miles per hour.

Viewing these tides is just a matter of finding good places to see among the observational points of the area.

There isn’t an official site, so feel free to hike, bike or drive wherever the locals point you.

At the end of the day, when you’re witnessing these amazing bore tides crash into sands, cliffs and dunes, you’ll realize why Alaska holds such power as a nature destination.

32. Kroschel Wildlife Center

Kroschel Wildlife Center

Animal lovers, are you wondering where to go in Alaska to get the best and most unobtrusive views of local wildlife?

The answer is the Kroschel Wildlife Center .

Functioning as a sort of “anti-zoo,” the Kroschel Wildlife Center is a sanctuary for abused and neglected animals where they’re allowed to roam freely through natural, wide-spanning habitats.

The visitors are the ones who walk through an enclosed path to observe whatever bears, wolves, foxes, lynxes, moose or reindeer might be visible beyond it.

There are chances to get close to certain critters through interactive feeding and grooming sessions, but you’ll need to arrange for those in advance.

Ultimately, the Kroschel Wildlife Center is a chance to support a good cause while also enjoying an unfiltered look at Alaska’s native flora and fauna.

It’s a must do for animal lovers but an enjoyable experience for anyone with an open mind.

Address: 18 Mosquito Lake Rd, Haines, AK 99827, United States

33. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

Did you know that the first automobile in Alaska was a 1898 Hay Motor Vehicle?

It’s a sight to behold, and it’s available for viewing at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum .

Housing one of the state’s largest collections of cars, the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum tells a story of transportation throughout time.

Its earliest vehicles are horse-drawn carriages, and it progresses from speedsters to midget racers to cycle cars as it eventually makes its way to more modern models.

It’s amazing to see the journey of cars from stuffy Victorian carriages to the bright and dazzling electric engines of recent years.

If you’re all interested in cars, you’ll want to make time for the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum.

Address: 212 Wedgewood Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States

34. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve

Located even further north than the Arctic Circle, the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is one of the prettiest places in the US.

Part of its beauty comes from its scenery.

Like many destinations in Alaska, it’s dominated by tall mountains, icy rivers and boreal forests of pines, spruces and larches.

A unique feature of the park, however, is its careful preservation by the state.

There are no roads and minimal trails; once you hit the remote, rugged terrain, you’re on your own.

To top things off, the cold and arid tundra is sometimes referred to as an “arctic desert,” so you’ll be challenged by the climate as well as the landscape.

If you can hack it, however, the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a stunning example of what nature can look like without the interference of man.

Address: Airport Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States

35. Girdwood Forest Fair

With homemade art, hand-crafted beer and folk musicians fluting and fiddling on outdoor stages, the Girdwood Forest Fair will take you right back to the days of Robin Hood and his merry men.

It isn’t actually a renaissance festival.

It’s just an old-fashioned kind of event that prioritizes good, clean fun among families and other members of the community.

It also has a focus on supporting local creatives; in fact, it was originally started by artists who wanted to bring people together in celebration of food, music, theater and crafts.

Today, the Girdwood Forest Fair is magicked into existence every summer by volunteers from all around the state.

Admission is free, and the festivities last an entire weekend.

If you’ll be in Girdwood during the warmer months, venture into the forest and follow the sounds of music to reach a lively and lovely event!

Address: 250 Egloff Dr, Girdwood, AK 99587, United States

36. Little Diomede Island

Unites States Coast Guard, Petty Officer Richard Brahm , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

With a small population located on a remote, self-sufficient island, Little Diomede Island might just be one of the most unusual destinations in the world.

For starters, it’s inhabited by Native Americans who have lived in the same place for thousands of years, and most of them still have a traditional hunting-and-gathering lifestyle.

They’re self-sufficient, needing only the occasional supply drop via helicopter to make it through the harsher winters.

That’s the other thing: the island is only accessible by boat or air, so while visitors aren’t forbidden, it’s rare for people to care enough to make the trip.

Last but not least, the island is only a stone’s throw away from the slightly larger Big Diomede Island, but that land is claimed by Russia and marked by a different time zone.

Since it’s 21 hours behind its bigger cousin, Little Diomede Island is sometimes known as “Yesterday Island.”

If you’re intrigued by Little Diomede Island, feel free to arrange a visit or even just a site seeing trip to the border of the nearby town.

It isn’t much, but it has an awesome story, and it’ll be a unique pit stop on your greater Alaskan journey.

37. Sullivan Arena

Sullivan Arena

Alaska might be a hard place to reach compared to the continental United States, but many actors, athletes and musicians make the trip.

When they do, their final destination is usually Sullivan Arena .

Located in Anchorage , the Sullivan Arena can seat more than 6,000, so it’s the go-to venue for everything from concerts to sporting events.

It’s played host to basketball, football and ice hockey championships; it’s welcomed musical acts ranging from Elton John to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

It’s even been the stage of choice for large-scale theater productions!

Check the schedule to see what’s happening at the Sullivan Arena.

There might be something exciting going on during the dates of your Alaskan getaway.

Address: 1600 Gambell St, Anchorage, AK 99501, United States

38. Dimond Center Mall

Dimond Center Mall

You’ve climbed the tallest mountains of Alaska.

You’ve seen the largest whales and scaled the largest glaciers.

How about shopping at the biggest mall, too?

Covering more than 728,000 square feet, the Dimond Center Mall offers much more than just shops and kiosks.

There’s a bowling alley; there’s an ice skating rink; there’s a health club.

There’s a food court for trying moose burgers and a nine-screen movie theater for catching all of the latest blockbusters.

There’s even an office tower that houses the radio infrastructure for iHeartMedia!

Stepping into the Dimond Center Mall is like stepping into a brightly-lit beehive with people scurrying to and fro across multiple stories.

As long as you don’t mind parting with a little cash, it’s one of the most amazing places to visit in the area.

Address: 800 E Dimond Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99515, United States

39. Alaska Raptor Center

Alaska Raptor Center

Alaska might be known for its abundant wildlife, but it still suffers from the deforestation and other environmental problems of the rest of the world, so its animals can require a helping hand to survive.

This is what motivated two women to start the Alaska Raptor Center in 1980.

Originally just a backyard project with a single bald eagle, it’s grown to a sprawling, multi-acre complex staffed by numerous volunteers and filled with twice as many birds.

The goal is to rehabilitate sick and injured birds and release them back into the wild.

Some of them, however, wouldn’t make it on the outside, so they’re used as feathered friends to teach visitors about conservationism.

The birds of the facility include owls, eagles, falcons, hawks and more.

You can walk through their habitats; you can observe their training; you can even “adopt a raptor” by funding the expenses of their sanctuary.

There’s a lot to love about the Alaska Raptor Center.

Not only will it be a fun experience, but it will also be a good cause to support.

How many tourist attractions can say that?

Address: 1000 Raptor Way, Sitka, AK 99835, United States

40. Poker Flat Research Range

Poker Flat Research Range

Built beneath an “auroral ring” where the northern lights are prone to occur, the Poker Flat Research Range is one of the largest astronomical research centers in the Arctic Circle, and it’s an amazing destination for those who are interested in the night sky.

Most of their work is dedicated to launching rockets across the frozen tundras of Alaska.

They have special permission from federal governments and indigenous landowners to do so.

Another part of their work revolves around the aurora borealis.

They study it; they document it; they run experiments on it and with it.

Visitors to the range can take tours, see rocket launches, join stargazing parties and participate in a number of astronomy-related events and activities.

There’s always something new on the calendar, so check it out and figure out what will be happening during your vacation time.

Of all the places to see in Alaska, there’s nowhere quite like the Poker Flat Research Range.

With its combination of science, tourism and good old-fashioned fun, it’s a unique research site as well as a killer tourist destination.

Address: 30 Mile Steese Hwy, Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States

41. Hammer Museum

Hammer Museum

If you’re the type of person who loves to stop at weird, quirky attractions like “the world’s largest ball of twine” or “the country’s only alligator petting zoo,” you might like the Hammer Museum .

True to its name, the Hammer Museum is completely devoted to hammers.

It has more than 1,400 on display, and many come with cool stories, gruesome histories, interesting factoids or just old-as-dirt origins.

The most ancient of the hammers dates back to the Roman Empire.

Additionally, the museum is the only one of its kind in the world, and it’s been recognized by the Smithsonian Institution for its unique service.

It isn’t just an oddity; it’s a genuine collection of historical objects and artifacts.

If you’re wondering what to see in Alaska that’s thoroughly off the beaten path, swing by the Hammer Museum.

You can’t miss the towering, larger-than-life hammer statue outside, and the inside will be just as fun and unusual as the rest.

Address: 108 Main St, Haines, AK 99827, United States

42. Running Reindeer Ranch

Running Reindeer Ranch

Some of the best tourist attractions in Alaska are ones that are off the beaten path, and this includes the Running Reindeer Ranch .

It’s a small, family-owned farm just outside of Fairbanks, so you won’t find it listed in official travel guides, but it can provide a wonderful experience for you and the kids.

Activities include everything from educational “reindeer walks” to fun and silly things like “reindeer yoga.”

The docile reindeer of the farm will let you pet them, feed them and engage them in various reindeer games.

You can also book cabin-style lodgings right on the property if you want to stay close to the critters!

The Running Reindeer Ranch is one of the most fun places to visit for families in Alaska.

It gets rave reviews from locals and tourists alike, and it’s an utterly unique destination that’s sure to create lifelong memories.

Hop on your sleigh and come say hello to Santa’s helpers!

Address: 1470 Ivans Alley, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States

43. Mendenhall Ice Caves

Mendenhall Ice Caves

If “running around inside a glacier” isn’t on your bucket list of things to do in Alaska, it’s time to correct this oversight.

The Mendenhall Ice Caves will provide an eerie and out-of-this-world experience for anyone brave enough to explore them, and what’s more, there’s only a limited time to see them.

What are the ice caves?

Simply put, they’re part of the greater Mendenhall Glacier, but they’ve formed in a way that allows people to climb inside of them.

They have strikingly blue walls that are part ice, part snow and part water; it’s said that they’re one of the rare places in nature where you can see every stage of the water cycle.

The only downside of the caves is that they won’t be around forever.

Even now, they’re melting, shifting and eroding; it’s only a matter of time before they’re gone for good.

If you’re interested in the Mendenhall Ice Caves, you’ll need to get there sooner rather than later.

This incredible experience has an expiration date.

Address: 6000 Glacier Spur Rd, Juneau, AK 99801, United States

44. Eagle River Nature Center

Eagle River Nature Center

Many vacation spots in Alaska are dedicated to the outdoors, but the Eagle River Nature Center adds education to its entertainment by also serving as a portal for things like environmental awareness and wildlife conservation.

Visitors to the center can learn all about plants, animals and assorted nature topics.

There are kid-friendly exhibits as well as more advanced and specialized ones for adults.

While the little ones are enjoying story time, you can listen to a lecture or take a workshop from a naturalist.

When you’re done with all of the center’s indoor activities, lace up your hiking boots and hit the nature trails.

Some are easy walks around flower-filled prairies while others are more strenuous treks to hidden cliffs and waterfalls.

All things considered, the Eagle River Nature Center is a fun way to spend an afternoon in Alaska, and it’s educational to boot.

Kids and adults can both learn a thing or two.

If you’re looking for tourist attractions with substance, this is the place to go!

Address: 32750 Eagle River Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577, United States

45. Shuyak Island State Park

Shuyak Island State Park

Another great place for people who are interested in exploring the rugged and untouched terrain of Alaska, Shuyak Island State Park is located in the Kodiak Archipelago, and it offers stunning sights as well as unique activities and opportunities.

Places to visit include beaches, forests, campgrounds, nature trails and fishing holes.

You can go trekking through the trees; you can go canoeing or kayaking in the water.

Most sites can only be reached by sea or air, which adds to the undisturbed nature of their landscapes; people only go to the trouble of reaching them when they’re serious about experiencing the true outdoors.

One thing to note about the park is that it’s quite remote, so beginner outdoorsmen might want to skip it.

If you get into trouble, assistance could be hours away.

If you’re willing to take the risk, however, or if you just love the thought of disconnecting from modern life and reconnecting with nature, Shuyak Island State Park is easily one of the top destinations of Alaska.

46. Totem Bight State Historical Park

Totem Bight State Historical Park

When talking about Alaska, it’s important to honor the spirit and sacrifice of its first inhabitants.

They lived all across the state in a number of tribes, and they deserve to be remembered, celebrated and supported in modern times.

One of the ways to show your support is with a trip to Totem Bight State Historical Park .

It boasts more than a dozen full-size and full-color totem poles, and it also centers itself around a replica of an 1800s indigenous village.

Many of the artistic elements of the landscape, including the totem poles, tell an ongoing story that can only be understood by visiting them all.

Other activities include learning how to carve your own totem poles and taking long, leisurely walks around the nature paths.

If you’re interested in the Native American way of life, Totem Bight State Historical Park is a must see.

It’ll provide a rich visual experience as well as an unforgettable emotional journey into the heart and soul of Alaska’s indigenous people.

It’s a truly one-of-a-kind destination.

Address: 9883 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, AK 99901, United States

47. Tiny Church

Tiny Church

Have you ever been inside of a church the size of a broom closet?

Such is the case with Tiny Church, a minuscule house of worship located in the similarly small village of Soldotna, Alaska.

The church was created in response to the community’s wish for a praying space that was never closed.

Unlike bigger churches with fixed hours of admission, they wanted somewhere that was always open to those in need of divine guidance.

The result was Tiny Church.

It’s open 24/7, 365 days per year, and the doors are never locked.

You can come and go as you please.

There are three pews inside and a small assortment of Bibles.

If you’re a religious person wondering what to do on vacation that can broaden your spiritual horizons, you might enjoy a trip to Tiny Church.

Its surprisingly wholesome origins go hand-in-hand with its quiet, peaceful atmosphere and its perpetually welcoming presence.

Address: 37710 Kenai Spur Highway, Soldotna, AK 99669, United States

48. Eldred Rock Lighthouse

Eldred Rock Lighthouse

Looming in the misty fog of its canal, the Eldred Rock Lighthouse is the oldest original lighthouse still standing in the state of Alaska.

It was constructed in the early 1900s after a series of shipwrecks.

One of the most notorious wrecks resulted in both a major loss of life and the mysterious disappearance of a large cache of gold, so state officials decided that it was high time for something to change.

The Eldred Rock Lighthouse was just one of almost a dozen lighthouses built along the canal, but the others fell into decay and disrepair, so it’s the only one that remains today.

If you’re looking for cool things to see and do in Alaska, its oldest lighthouse should do the trick!

By the way, the gold from that shipwreck was never recovered.

Maybe you’ll get lucky and discover more than just a lighthouse during your vacation, eh?

49. Alaska State Fair

Alaska State Fair

Held every summer, the Alaska State Fair welcomes thousands of visitors each year for clean, all-ages fun.

Many people come for the food, of course, and it’s true that you’ll find everything from deep-fried candy bars to larger-than-life burrito bowls and seafood skewers.

But fair food isn’t the only draw of the event.

There are also rides, carnival games, musical performances, souvenir stalls and seasonal curiosities such as record-breaking gigantic vegetables.

If you’ll be in town during the dog days of summer, you’ll want to make time for the Alaska State Fair.

It’s the last hurrah for a place that knows a long and brutal winter is ahead.

They go all out with their celebrations, and you can reap the benefits!

ddress: 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645, United States

50. Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park

Hailed as the place where “mountains, ice and oceans meet,” Kenai Fjords National Park is a top tier sightseeing destination in Alaska.

Not only does it offer some of the largest ice fields in the country, but it’s also teeming with glaciers, fjords and other incredible land and water features.

The best way to see the sights is with a ferry tour; it’ll take you along a picturesque path while also opening the door for whale watching and other wildlife observation.

If you’re lucky, you might see all kinds of orcas, puffins, porpoises, sea lions and arctic birds.

Another option is to go by foot.

Hiking paths are open even in the winter for those who want to test their mettle against the howling wind and snow.

In the summer, there are also opportunities for camping, kayaking, sportfishing and taking sled dog tours.

Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the best places to visit for nature lovers in Alaska.

The things that you see here will stay in your memory for a lifetime.

51. Whittier Tunnel

Whittier Tunnel

Driving through Whittier Tunnel is one of the coolest things to do in Alaska.

Sure, it isn’t an amusement park or a grizzly-filled wilderness preserve, but it has a kind of fun, everyday entertainment value that’s worth the cost of admission.

Also known as Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, Whittier Tunnel is the longest bimodal highway tunnel in North America, and it’s a one-way passage into the city that’s shared by cars and trains.

To get there, you’ll drive to its mountain and pass both through and underneath it, your view turning dark and eerie as you enter the underground cavern and drive for several miles before reaching the other side.

There’s a schedule for moving through the tunnel since the cars need to avoid the trains, so make sure to call ahead and plan your trip accordingly.

Whittier Tunnel might not be the craziest of Alaska’s attractions, but it can add a little excitement to your road trip, and it can become a fun memory to share with others if you snap some creepy selfies along the way.

If you’re aiming for outside-of-the-box tourist destinations, this one is a bullseye.

Address: Portage Glacier Rd, Chugach National Forest, Whittier, AK 99693, United States

52. Santa Claus House

Santa Claus House

Do you love the holiday season?

Do you dream of visiting a place where it’s Christmas all year long?

Located in North Pole, Alaska, the Santa Claus House makes dreams come true.

This isn’t an exaggeration; it’s staffed by volunteers who answer children’s letters from all across the country.

In terms of visiting, you can shop ’til you drop in a store absolutely stuffed with holiday-themed goodies, or you can munch on some milk and cookies in the cafe.

You can also snap a selfie with a 42-foot-tall Santa or visit the stables to see Mr. Kringle’s reindeer team in action.

You don’t have to wait for December to get into the holiday spirit.

Visit the Santa Claus House to bring a little “ho ho ho” to your vacation at any time of year!

Address: 101 St Nicholas Dr, North Pole, AK 99705, United States

53. Kingfisher Aviation

Kingfisher Aviation

Last but not least, if you want to end your trip with a bang, consider a flight with Kingfisher Aviation .

They offer tours around the beautiful, uncharted wilderness of both Kodiak Island and the Katmai Coast by means of sea-skimming floatplanes, so you’ll be able to say goodbye to Alaska in style.

It starts with stunning aerial views of lakes, forests, fjords and snow-topped cliffs.

During bear season, you’ll get to touch down for awhile and observe them; during other times of year, you’ll detour to the local volcano and sour around it with the eagles.

Other services offered by the airline include charter trips to hunting lodges and fishing camps that are inaccessible by land, so they’re also a useful source of transport in addition to a great portal for sightseeing.

There’s nothing like a 360° view of Alaska from high in the clouds.

Say farewell to the stunning majesty of the state with a flight that you’ll never forget!

Address: 1829 Mill Bay Rd, Kodiak, AK 99615, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Alaska

These are just a few of the best things to do in Alaska.

Whether you’re backpacking, vacationing, honeymooning or simply traveling for the fun of it, put some of these destinations on your to-do list.

You won’t want to miss any of the opportunities presented by the Land of the Midnight Sun!

Happy travels.

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

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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15 of the most beautiful places in Alaska

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written by Sarah Reid

updated 31.08.2022

With mountains to climb, rivers to raft, glaciers to coo over, and a bevvy of bears to photograph, Alaska offers beautiful views and the ultimate wilderness. From the moment you arrive, the raw, unspoiled beauty of the USA' s 49th state is almost overwhelming. So, where should you start to explore the most beautiful places in Alaska?

1. One of the most beautiful places in Alaska: Denali National Park and Preserve

2. witness awe-inspiring icebergs at glacier bay national park, 3. take a road trip along the alaska highway, 4. catch once-in-a-lifetime views at katmai national park and preserve, 5. encounter the tundra of the arctic coast, 6. take a stroll on the suspended walkways of ketchikan, 7. spot rare scenery at the kodiak national wildlife refuge, 8. find glacial views at kenai fjords national park, 9. experience the beauty of the northern lights of coldfoot, 10. adventure through the secluded gates of the arctic national park and preserve, 11. take in the breathtaking views of wrangell-st elias national park and preserve, 12. visit the volcanoes of the eastern aleutians, 13. hike through the easily accessible chugach mountains, 14. visit the historical sites of the chilkoot trail, 15. find views of eagles and more in haines.

Try one of these 15 idyllic spots, taken from the chapter on Alaska in the Rough Guide to the USA :

Encompassing six million acres of pure Alaskan interior wilderness topped by North America’s highest peak (Denali, 20,310ft), the Denali National Park and Preserve is Alaska’s ultimate scenic showstopper. Bisected by one solitary ribbon of road, this pristine ecosystem plays home to a menagerie of wildlife. Wolves, bears, caribou, and even Dall sheep – one can easily spot a plethora of fauna from a bus ride through the park, or on a ranger-led programme.

Denali National Park is some of the finest scenery in Alaska, USA © Lukas Bischoff Photograph/Shutterstock

Alaska is famed for its Inside Passage cruises, and for many visitors passing through the UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay National Park en route is the highlight of their trip. Here, you can watch in awe from a boat (or kayak) as the majestic Margerie Glacier calves 100-tonne icebergs into the tidewater while orcas, sea lions, seals and other marine animals frolic in the crystal-clear waters surrounding it. Bring your binoculars to spot bears on the shore, and mountain goats on the cliffs above.

Glacier Bay National Park is surely one of the most beautiful places in Alaska © Ramunas Bruzas/Shutterstock

Stretching 1387 miles from Delta Junction, southeast of Fairbanks, all the way to Dawson Creek in British Colombia , Canada , the Alaska Highway (also known as the ALCAN) is considered one of the world’s top scenic drives.

Constructed during World War II, this well-maintained road winds through some truly spectacular terrain. Considered one of the most beautiful places in Alaska, this drive offers excellent views of wildlife and countless other photo opportunities along the way.

View along Dalton Highway toward brooks range in northern Alaska in winter © FloridaStock/Shutterstock

If you’ve seen one of those photographs of a brown (grizzly) bear perched on the edge of a waterfall snagging salmon in mid-air, there’s a good chance it was taken in Katmai National Park. Brooks Falls, to be exact – Alaska’s most famous bear-viewing area.

Unconnected to any town by road, the park – also famed for its fishing, hiking, rafting and kayaking possibilities – is most commonly accessed by floatplane, and is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska.

Wanting to explore more beautiful places? Check out our guide to the most beautiful state parks in the United States.

Grizzly Bears, a typical view found in Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska © Shutterstock

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Alaska is known as the Last Frontier, and nowhere does this seem more fitting than on its Arctic Coast. Here, along this starkly beautiful stretch of rugged tundra, Alaska Native communities live side by side with one of the world’s greatest predators: the polar bear. The Inupiaq village of Kaktovik, located on Barter Island just off the mainland, is one of the best places for these vulnerable mammals. In the summer, these animals congregate here in large numbers while they wait for the Beaufort Sea to freeze.

Wildlife scenery of the Alaskan Arctic Coast © Shutterstock

It’s known as the salmon capital of the world, but Alaska’s southernmost city Ketchikan is also an attraction in itself. The city faces the buzzing Tongass Narrows waterway and is backed by the scenery of the lush, forested slopes of Deer Mountain.

The picturesque Ketchikan hugs the shoreline of Revillagigedo Island for 30 miles, with many businesses located in pastel-hued overwater bungalows accessed via suspended walkways- offering beautiful and unique Alaska scenery.

Native Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian arts are visible everywhere throughout the city – from museums to totem parks – adding to its cultural appeal.

One of the most beautiful places in Alaska - Ketchikan. Creek Street © Izabela23/Shutterstock

The lush, green hills and mountaintop vistas that give Kodiak its 'Emerald Isle' nickname are pretty enough, but the island’s key draw is a brown bear subspecies that live nowhere else. Spanning parts of the Kodiak, Uganik, Ban, and Afognak islands, the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge offers unparalleled wildlife-watching opportunities. This area offers views of brown bears, puffins, red foxes, sea lions and more- as well as some of the best salmon fishing in Alaska.

The Rough Guides to USA and related travel guides

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For more wild travel ideas, check out our suggested animal and wildlife trips .

View of the 'Emeral Isle'- also known as Kodiak Island, Alaska © CSNafzger/Shutterstock

The idyllic Kenai Peninsula is considered ‘Alaska’s Playground’ and its main attraction – Kenai Fjords National Park – is a glacial wonderland popular with hikers, kayakers and wildlife watchers. The magnificent Exit Glacier, just a 10-minute drive north from Seward, is the park’s most popular and accessible highlight. From the visitors centre, keen hikers can tackle the Harding Icefield Trail for breathtaking views of the largest ice field contained within the USA.

Kenai Fjords National Park, one of Alaska's most beautiful places © Shutterstock

While the town of Coldfoot itself is little more than a Dalton Highway truck stop – the world’s northernmost, in fact - its strategic position under the Aurora belt in Alaska’s ruggedly beautiful Arctic Circle makes it one of the best places on Earth to view the northern lights. Rather than drive around looking for the lights as is typical of many Aurora-viewing destinations, Coldfoot Camp runs a brilliant night tour to an original miner’s hut in nearby Wiseman where you can view the spectacle at its finest.

Dreaming of gazing upon the Aurora? Don’t miss the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland .

View of the Aurora Belt in Alaska's Coldfoot © Shutterstock

Punctuated by wild, icy rivers and glacier-carved valleys, this remote Arctic Circle national park offers a raw, untouched wilderness area the size of Switzerland. A sanctuary for many animals, including 145 bird species, the park was named for the two dramatic mountains that frame the Koyukuk River.

The mountains form something of a gateway for visitors to enter. With no road access, services or campgrounds (visitors fly in on air taxis, or hike in from the Dalton Highway with all their supplies), it’s an adventure just to get here.

Landscape view of Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska © BlueBarronPhoto/Shutterstock

Wrangell-St Elias is big. Not only is it the largest national park in the USA, but it’s one of the largest protected areas of wilderness in the world. Hugging the Canadian border, the park contains nine of the tallest 16 mountains on the continent (including Mount Wrangell, a 14,163ft stratovolcano).

Some of its glaciers are larger than half a dozen South Pacific island nations combined. Whichever way you visit it (a scenic flight is a great option), the awe factor when experiencing this beautiful and iconic Alaskan scenery is guaranteed to be high.

Stunning view of Mount Wrangell, Alaska © Gail Johnson/Shutterstock

Sweeping west of the Alaska Peninsula like a jagged line of braille towards Russia, the barren, windswept Aleutian Islands – home to 27 of the 46 most active volcanoes in America – are as dramatic as they are remote. The jewel of the archipelago is its East Borough, where intrepid travellers will be rewarded with miles of raw, untamed Alaskan scenery, smoking volcanic craters, ancient Aleut village sites, and an array of birds and marine life.

Aerial photography view of Augustine Volcano in Alaska's Cook Inlet © melissamn/Shutterstock

Rising up on the eastern fringes of Anchorage, the stunning Chugach Mountains is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Alaska- but also act as Alaska’s most accessible wilderness area. Plenty of walking and biking trails within the State Park and National Forest boundaries preserve this mountain range; take the 1.5-mile hiking trail to the football field-sized summit of Flattop Mountain for views from Denali to the Aleutian Islands.

Planning your trip to Alaska? We recommend booking Alaska accommodations here.

The Chugach Mountains- one of Alaska's most beautiful places © Shutterstock

A major transportation route during the Klondike Gold Rush, this 33-mile hiking trail connects the village of Dyea, near the pretty southeastern cruise port of Skagway, with Bennet in British Colombia, Canada. But the Chilkoot Trail isn’t just famous for its historical relics (look out for the tramway boiler); the scenery, from coastal rainforest to alpine views, glaciers to suspended river crossings – is just superb.

Bennett Lake, in the Yukon Territory, Canada is the terminus of the Chilkoot Trail © Pam Joy/Shutterstock

One of the most scenic – and sunniest – villages in Alaska’s Inside Passage, this quaint, artsy town isn’t just popular with humans. Thousands of bald eagles congregate each autumn in Haines to feast on a late run of salmon. So many of them in fact, that they inspired the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival held here each November. The salmon also lure brown bears, which can be viewed in large numbers on the Chilkoot River. Come winter, heli-skiers arrive in search of the lightest powder on Earth.

View of Alaskan Bald Eagles, Haines, Alaska © Richard Seeley/Shutterstock

Ready for a trip to one of the most beautiful places in Alaska? Check out the Rough Guide to the USA for more tips about the Alaskan Wilderness, or the Rough Guide to Canada for more places to visit in Northern North America. If you travel further the United States, read more about the best time to go and the best outdoor activities in the United States .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Alaska without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

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25 Best Things to Do in Alaska

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Whether you visit Alaska by land or by sea, you can see all sorts of fascinating sights even before you arrive in the state. Once you're in Alaska, though, you'll find plenty of things to do for all ages and interests, from taking a cruise to see glaciers and whales to hiking through the pristine wilderness of the state's many parks and nature preserves. While you may want to arrive in a city like Anchorage, Juneau, or Fairbanks, don't miss the chance to explore more remote locations like Whittier, Talkeetna, or Sitka to explore more of the culture of this remarkable state.

Visit Denali National Park

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

The highest peak in North America is the top of Denali, which towers over the national park of the same name at 20,310 feet. Previously known as Mount McKinley to many Americans, Alaskans have always referred to this great peak by its native name which means "tall" or "high." In 2015, the federal government under President Obama officially changed the name back to Denali. It's a great sight to see on its own, but you can also take a bus tour of the park to see wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. Meanwhile, the varied colors of the park's lakes and rivers, geologic formations, and tundra landscape provide a gorgeous backdrop to your journey.

Before your adventure, spend some time at the Denali Visitor Center, located at the park's northeast entrance, to learn about the seasons and the natural history of Denali and to get information about available park tours, activities, and recreation opportunities.

Cruise Through Kenai Fjords National Park

To see the marine life of Alaska, take a day cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park near the small town of Seward, just 120 miles from Anchorage on Alaska's south-central coast. Established in 1980, Kenai Fjords National Park covers approximately 670,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, puffins, harbor seals, bald eagles, sea stars, orcas, Minke whales, and Dall's porpoises. The park is also home to one of the largest ice fields in the United States, Harding Icefield, and a plethora of stunning mountain scenery as well as hanging and tidewater glaciers.

Cruises operated by Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean all depart from the Seward port almost daily from March through September each year. Day cruises travel through the park via Resurrection Bay and typically last between four and nine hours.

Tour the Museum of the North in Fairbanks

Located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, the Museum of the North is a world-class museum stuffed with fascinating exhibits covering Alaska's history, art, and culture. The Gallery of Alaska covers each region of the state, addressing both human and natural history with highlights including mammoths, mastodons, gold, and gold nuggets. Also, the Alaska Classics art gallery features historical paintings while the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery upstairs focuses on contemporary Alaskan art. While you're there, don't miss the movies at the Museum of the North's theater, particularly "Arctic Currents: A Year in the Life of the Bowhead Whale," an animated film detailing the migratory patterns of these magnificent aquatic creatures.

The Museum of the North is open Monday through Saturday during the winter season (September 1 through May 31) and daily during the summer (June 1 to August 31) but is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day , and New Year's Day.

Relive History at Sitka National Historical Park

Courtesy of Sitka National Historical Park 

Sitka National Historical Park, Alaska's oldest national park, is located on the east side of Sitka , a popular port of call for Inside Passage cruises . Dedicated to the preservation of the history of native Tlingit and Russian experiences in Alaska, this historical park commemorates the site of the Battle of 1804 between local Tlingit Indians and Russian colonists. Begin at the park's visitor center, where you'll explore exhibits on historic and modern totem poles, Russian and Native artifacts, and temperate ​rainforest and beaches, but make sure to stick around for ranger-guided tours through history. Follow that with a walking tour of the Russian Bishop's House and a hike along the Totem Trail.

Sitka National Park is open daily throughout the year from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the Visitor's Center is only open from May through September. Additionally, tours are only available to the general public from May through September and by appointment only during the "winter" season from October through April.

Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Reywas92 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 

The 1898 Klondike Gold Rush was a colorful yet somber episode in North American history when thousands came to the west coast hoping to strike it rich mining for gold. With units scattered throughout Alaska, and even one in Seattle, Washington, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is dedicated to this period of North American History, and the main visitor's center for this park is located in the town of Skagway, Alaska. The visitor center offers a gripping film covering the terrible hardships and rare triumphs of the men and women who were part of the great rush, with a focus on those who passed through Skagway on their way over the Chilkoot Pass. After checking out the film, exhibits, and bookshop at the visitor center, you can hook up with a ranger-led tour of downtown Skagway and its many historic Gold-Rush-era buildings.

Although limited services are available from October 1 through April 15 in Skagway, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is open year-round, offering daily activities Monday through Friday every week. Intrepid travelers can also embark on a snowshoe trek or cross-country ski trip through the park on their own.

Check Out the Anchorage Museum

The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center combines several museums in one location, covering Alaska's art, history, ethnography, ecology, and science all at once. Visitors can view contemporary and traditional art, learn about the state's history and native peoples, view amazing presentations at the Thomas Planetarium, and participate in hands-on activities throughout the museum. The Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, a collection on loan from the Smithsonian, is a particularly fascinating display of artifacts from Native Alaskan and other Arctic cultures. Kids will love the Imaginarium Discovery Center, which moved into the Anchorage Museum in 2010. Anchorage Museum services include a cafe, gift shop, and guided tours.

The Anchorage Museum is open daily from May 1 through September 30 but is closed on Mondays from October 1 through April 30 each year. While free for museum members, admission to the museum ranges in price for Alaskan residents as well as visiting adults, children aged 3 to 12, students, military, and seniors. Additionally, the museum offers free admission on the first Friday of each month.

Learn History at the Alaska State Museum

Richard Cummins / Getty Images

Located in the capital city of Juneau , the Alaska State Museum is the official museum of history and culture for the state. While particularly well-known for its presentation of Native Alaskan traditions associated with the Aleut, Athabaskan, Eskimo, and Northwest Coast people, the museum also explores early Russian, European, and American settlement as well as gold rush and mining history through its permanent collection. Rebuilt from scratch between 2014 and 2016, the museum building, known as the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff (APK) Building, also houses the Alaska State Archives and the Alaska State Library.

The Alaska State Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the fall through spring seasons and open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the summer. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Take a Boat to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Michael Nolan / Getty Images

There are a number of ways to experience Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, which is located off the southern Alaskan coast near Juneau, but the only ways to access it are by plane or boat. Many people visit Glacier Bay as part of an Alaska Inside Passage cruise, and day-long boat tours of the park are also available from Juneau and other southern Alaskan communities near the 3.3-million-acre park. As you make the chill and quiet journey through the fingers and inlets of Glacier Bay, you'll have the chance to see several major tidewater glaciers as well as a variety of wildlife. The area around the town of Gustavus, at the southern end of Glacier Bay National Park, offers most of the amenities for land-based adventure, including the park headquarters, visitor center, accommodations , and a small airport offering 30-minute flights to Juneau.

While Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is open year-round, services in the winter are extremely limited, and the Visitor's Center and Visitor's Information Station for Boaters and Campers are only open from May through early September. Boat tour and cruise availability also vary by season.

Take a Tour on the Riverboat Discovery

Departing out of Fairbanks, the grand Riverboat Discovery will take you on a scenic tour of the Chena and Tanana Rivers, and along the way, you'll learn about the contemporary and traditional ways of life in Alaska. You'll stop in front of the home and kennels of the late Susan Butcher to find out about the sled dogs, and an Athabaskan fish camp is another stop, where you'll learn about the harvest, preparation, smoking, and storage of salmon. The highlight of the trip is the Chena Indian Village , where you can get off the Riverboat Discovery and explore an Athabaskan village to get an up-close look at the gear, dwellings, and animals that are a part of their culture. The cruise takes about three and a half hours and starts and ends at a large gift shop in the port of Fairbanks.

Riverboat Discovery tours operate from May through September each year with services departing daily at 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reservations are required to embark on the journey, and spots sometimes fill up during the busy season.

Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau

Grant Kaye / Getty Images

Located just 12 miles outside of Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier fills Mendenhall Valley before terminating into and forming Mendenhall Lake. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center overlooks the glacier, providing warm and sheltered views of this natural wonder, and offers exhibits and films about the science and history of glaciation in the region. A number of trails, most of which start near the visitor center, allow you to view the 13-mile length of the glacier as well as the surrounding deglaciated landscape and wildlife.

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center is open daily from May 1 through September 25, including on holidays, but is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from October through April. However, the Tongass National Forest, which manages the trails around the glacier itself, is open to visitors year-round.

Enjoy Outdoor Recreation Near Valdez

Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon / Getty Images

The small, picturesque city of Valdez on Alaska's southern coast is a great place to enjoy outdoor adventures no matter what time of year you visit. Offering everything from rafting and backcountry hiking to ice climbing and helicopter tours, the surrounding wilderness outside of Valdez also includes several glaciers and waterfalls in Chugach National Forest and the Prince William Sound. While you're in Valdez, explore Keystone Canyon and the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site or take part in one of the town's famous fishing derbies, which rewards the biggest halibut and silver salmon catches with cash prizes.

Island Hop in Ketchikan

Royce Bair / Getty Images

Located near British Columbia at the southern tip of Alaska, the city of Ketchikan was built among a series of islands and inlets right along the waterfront of Alaska's Inside Passage. Known for its many Native American totem poles on display throughout the town and in the Totem Heritage Center, the largest display of totem poles in the world, the city of Ketchikan is also close to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in Misty Fiords National Monument , a glacier-carved mountain featuring a variety of waterfalls and salmon-spawning streams.

See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks or Barrow

Thanks to its location in northern Alaska, just 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks is one of the best places in the state to view the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Tours are available in Fairbanks to viewing areas like Chena Lake or the Murphy Dome, but you can also take a four-wheel-drive into the surrounding countryside to see the lights yourself.

Meanwhile, the remote northern town of Barrow , located 330 miles north of the Arctic Circle, offers a slightly different experience for your trip to see the Aurora Borealis. Home to the native Inupiat culture, which is known for its traditional use of dogsledding, Barrow's views of the Aurora show are unparalleled in the state. However, you'll have to endure negative temperatures almost year-round to see them here.

Celebrate the Iditarod Dog Sled Race in Nome

mdcooper / Getty Images

Found on the central west coast of Alaska on Norton Sound of the Bering Sea, the small city of Nome is best-known as the end for the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which travels over 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome in early March each year. However, the city also boasts a rich history of gold mining thanks to the Klondike Gold Rush and offers a variety of outdoor adventures in the surrounding wilderness year-round, so even if you're not in town for the dogsled race, there's still plenty to do in Nome any time you visit.

Drive to Canada on the Alaskan Highway

dhughes9 / Getty Images

Stretching all the way from Delta Junction (near Fairbanks) to Dawson Creek in British Columbia, Canada, the Alaska-Canada Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, is a great way to see the wilderness of the region up close. However, the Alaska Highway only includes 200 miles of roadway in Alaska; most of the 1,520 miles of highway are located in the Yukon Territory and British Columbia, so you won't get too far unless you have a valid passport or passport card for crossing the border into Canada.

Celebrate Culture at the Alaska Native Heritage Center

Leo Boudreau / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Just outside the city of Anchorage, the Alaska Native Heritage Center provides hands-on educational interaction with music, art, and people of the 11 major cultural groups of Alaska. While you're there, see Alaska Native dancing, singing, storytelling, and game demonstrations at the Gathering Place; explore exhibits and demonstrating Alaska Native artists at the Hall of Cultures, and watch a variety of movies about the different cultural groups at the Theatre.

The highlight of the Heritage Center, though, are the six life-sized Native dwellings located alongside Lake Tiulana in a wooded area outside the center itself, where guests can see the way the Athabascan, Inupiaq/St. Lawrence Island Yupik, Yup’ik/Cup’ik, Aleut, Alutiiq, and the Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people live.

Ride on the Alaska Railroad

Extending from Seward to Fairbanks, the Alaska Railroad was a vital part of Alaska's history and the development of the city of Anchorage from a small tent town into a major urban hub, and it still serves as a vital transportation option for over 550,000 travelers a year. Popular stops along the route include the Denali National Park, the Chugach National Forest, the city of Anchorage, and a variety of smaller towns and native villages. Alaska Railroad also offers a variety of special event rides throughout the year, including the kid's Halloween Train and backcountry ski packages in the winter.

See the Animals at the Kroschel Wildlife Center

Courtesy of Kroschel Wildlife Center

Owned and operated by independent filmmaker Steve Kroschel, the Kroschel Wildlife Center is a nature preserve 28 miles outside the city of Haines , which is located in the northern part of the Alaska Panhandle. Kroschel and a dedicated staff personally take care of abandoned or orphaned wild animals in the center, allowing these creatures to roam loose on the property in their natural environment. Visitors can wander down 600 yards of curated trails through the center to encounter 15 native Alaskan species including moose, wolves, lynx, grizzly bears, reindeer, owls.

Touch the Sea Life at the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center

Courtesy of Kodiak Fisheries Research Center

Located on Kodiak Island off the southern coast of Alaska, the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center is a 45,937-square-foot multi-agency laboratory and office building that offers visitors a chance to touch the aquatic life from the Kodiak Island waterways . Featuring a 3,500-gallon touch-tank in its Interpretive Center that houses crabs, shrimp, snails, starfish, and various fish species, the research center allows guests to get a hands-on education about marine life. You can also tour the facility to learn from marine scientists firsthand.

Stay Cool at the Aurora Ice Museum

Created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, the Aurora Ice Museum is a year-round destination for winter fun that's located inside the Chena Hot Springs Resort in Fairbanks . Take a tour of the museum to see unique ice sculptures, including three entire rooms, carved out of ice, made by world-famous champion carvers Steve and Heather Brice. Tours of the museum are offered every day of the year at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m, 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.

Go Whale Watching in Juneau

Christian Alexander Bovians / EyeEm / Getty Images

The city of Juneau isn't just the capital of Alaska, it's also one of the best places in the state to embark on a whale-watching tour. Start your journey on a 25-mile bus trip from the Mount Roberts Tram parking lot to the Auke Bay Harbor , and then board a ferry boat that will take you on a three-hour trip around the bay. During your journey, you'll see a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, seals, sea lions, orcas, and, the star of the tour, humpback whales.

Visit the Santa Claus House in North Pole

Known for its year-round Christmas decorations and the famous Santa Claus House Christmas store, the small Alaskan city of North Pole is located just 14 miles outside of Fairbanks. No matter what time of year you visit, you can get into the holiday spirit at this unique shop, which is home to the world's largest Santa Claus statue and a variety of unique holiday-themed gifts, decorations, and treats.

Explore Whittier

Established as a military supply post during World War II, the small town of Whittier is a unique destination because most of the city's residents live in just one building: Begich Towers. Located about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, Whittier is accessible by train or car through the longest tunnel in North America, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel , which runes 13,000 feet under an entire mountain; however, you can also take a boat into the seaport. Along with visiting the Prince William Sound Museum in town, you can explore the Portage Pass Trail or Emerald Cove Trail outside of town to hike through glaciers and over the pristine landscape of Alaska.

Discover the Ghost Town of Kennicott

David Crane / Getty Images

Once home to a thriving copper mine, the town of Kennicott is almost completely deserted, with a population of just a couple dozen people who work at the local lodges, restaurants, and bars that still serve guests year-round. Located in southwestern Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve , Kennicott is only accessible on foot by taking a four-mile hike along a gravel road. However, there are numerous adventure services available that also take you nearby, including flight-seeing around the Wrangell Mountain Range, rafting and mountaineering treks, and guided historic and wilderness tours.

Ride the Talkeetna Air Taxi

zhuo_wang / Getty Images

One of the best ways to see the most of Alaska's wilderness is to take a charter flight aboard a small plane or helicopter. The Talkeetna Air Taxi provides this service on its 10 safe and modern aircraft. Departing from the small town of Talkeetna , which was established during Alaska's Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s and offers a number of historic attractions and locally-owned shops, the Air Taxi trip takes visitors on a low-altitude flight over Denali National Park. Halfway through your flight, you'll also land on a glacier, which is usually only accessible via a long and arduous hike up Denali.

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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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