For many travelers, Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience because of its immense wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, and spirit of adventure. Alaska is the largest state in the union, covering more than 500,000 square miles and having half of the nation's coastline. Despite its vastness, a large portion of Alaska is inaccessible by land or sea and can only be reached by boat or aircraft.
When you're ready to arrange a trip to one of the most stunning and unspoiled locations on the planet, take a look at the best activities and sights to see in the Great Land, and allow Alaska to win your heart for all time.
Go on a whale-watching excursion after exploring downtown to catch a glimpse of humpback whales (many tour operators guarantee a sighting) and possibly orcas, sea lions, seals, bald eagles, or black bears. Hiking is another option available to you on the town's numerous trails. These can lead you above tree line, onto a glacier's face, or even to the summit of Mount Roberts Tramway. After reaching the summit, visitors can ride the tramway back into town after enjoying lunch at Timberline Bar & Grill while taking in the view.
The Sealaska Heritage Institute, the Juneau Douglas City Museum, the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, and, in the winter, the Eaglecrest Ski Area are just a few of the additional museums and neighboring attractions in Juneau. The enormous Mendenhall Glacier, which is one of the state's most accessible glaciers, is located about ten miles from the city. You can take a guided tour to try kayaking, glacier trekking, or a helicopter tour, or you can explore on your own on foot. The views are amazing and the glacier is easy to access, according to visitors.
From mid-May to mid-September, visitors can board a guided or unguided bus tour from the park's entrance or from outside a nearby hotel like the McKinley Chalet Resort. There is a scenic road that extends nearly 100 miles into the park, but due to construction, buses will only be able to go as far as mile 43 until at least the 2024 season. In the summer, private vehicles are only allowed to travel 15 miles into Denali; in other seasons, if conditions permit, they may travel up to 30 miles. Book a cabin stay at one of the park's isolated lodges for the best access to the Denali wilderness and wildlife—even with the road closed. Camp Denali is reached by small plane from the end of Denali Park Road, while the Denali Backcountry Lodge receives visitors by helicopter.
The Murie Science and Learning Center, the 14,000-square-foot Denali Visitor Center, and Riley Creek Campground are all located at the park's entrance. The visitor center features a movie and exhibits that give you an idea of the kinds of animals you can expect to see in Denali as well as the vast and breathtaking scenery of the park. Denali is home to an estimated 130 bird species, 37 mammal species, and the "Big Five" animals that roam the open tundra are grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves, and Dall sheep. For a genuine Alaskan backcountry experience, the more daring traveler can head into the wilderness.
Based on more than 40 years of outdoor adventure, including numerous trips over more than 1,100 miles of difficult terrain and living in Alaska's Interior, the summer Husky Homestead tour provides a window into the rural Alaska way of life. In addition, visitors can observe husky puppies in training and interact with champion sled dogs. Tour guides claim that seeing the national park is the must-do experience. Visitors remark that King is enthusiastic, engaging, and educational and that they adore being able to see and handle the husky puppies. You can take classes on dog mushing during the winter (January through March) and even reserve an eight-day customized Iditarod experience that is hand-picked by a real pro.
The best things to do on the Kenai Peninsula are kayaking through the coves of Kachemak Bay near Homer or hiking the Exit Glacier area in the Kenai Fjords near Seward. One of the best zoos in the nation, the Alaska SeaLife Center allows visitors to see puffins, harbor seals, and octopuses up close, learn about the region's marine ecosystems, and learn about conservation efforts at the state's only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility. Salmon fishing on the Kenai River is an opportunity that anglers won't want to pass up. If you enjoy sport fishing, you can launch from Anchor Point's beach toward Cook's Inlet from May through September to find large halibut, salmon, and other sport fish species. There are bear viewing, flightseeing, dog sledding, and other activities available while visiting Anchor Point. In addition, Kenai Fjords National Park offers whale watching and opportunities to spot other marine life. Don't forget to stop by the 2 million-acre Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, where you might also be able to see some of the local fauna.
"Midnight sun season" (mid-April to mid-August) offers the city unending sunshine and the chance to experience year-round sports like golfing, jogging, and hiking. When the sun is shining regularly, guests can go on a three-hour guided sightseeing cruise on the Chena River with Riverboat Discovery or go back in time by gold panning at Gold Dredge 8. The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is another highly recommended attraction in town. You also won't want to miss the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which has exhibits on Alaska's diverse cultures, wildlife, and natural wonders. Along with dog sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, curling, ice hockey, ice fishing, and other winter sports, Fairbanks is a winter paradise. Pack warmly and head to the World Ice Art Championships in February or March, where international competitors showcase their amazing ice sculptures.
One night of aurora chasing is available on a variety of guided tours, or you can choose multiday excursions that include winter sports like dog sledding and snowmobiling. Additionally, visitors can take a bush plane into isolated regions above the Arctic Circle and spend a few nights in communities like Wiseman or Coldfoot. Borealis Basecamp, a glamping destination about 30 miles north of Fairbanks, offers excellent lodging options for those who want to see the aurora. Its glass-domed igloos are ideal for viewing the vivid night sky from the comfort of your warm, cozy bed.
Resort Chena Hot Springs: Aurora Ice Museum
Located at Chena Hot Springs Resort, the world's largest year-round ice environment is found at the Aurora Ice Museum, which was built using more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow from the resort. The museum was finished in 2015, and even in the summer, the cool 25 degrees Fahrenheit temperature is maintained by a special patented absorption chiller. Take a 45-minute tour, grab a parka, and discover the tale behind the ice sculptures in addition to a brief history of the structure. Free time is also available for taking a few Instagram pictures and enjoying an appletini at the ice bar in an ice glass. The museum's visitors say they find it to be an engaging and enjoyable experience, and they love looking at all the sculptures.
Ninety percent of park visitors arrive by cruise ship. In addition, you might spot wolves, brown or black bears, moose, Sitka black-tail deer, mountain goats, or bald eagles soaring overhead. Take time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the park by walking outside on your veranda or the bow of the ship. You may hear the sound of distant wildlife or the unsettling sound of blue ice calving as the chunks break off into the glacial waters.
If you are traveling alone, the nearby village of Gustavus provides access to the park and some lodging options. You can take an air taxi from Juneau to Gustavus, or you can travel to the village via the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry. You can take tours to Glacier Bay from Gustavus; some trips depart from the park headquarters in Bartlett Cove. Ten miles of well-maintained hiking trails, a lodge, and a restaurant can all be found here. Take a guided kayak tour or take a full-day boat tour 130 miles into the park to see the tidewater glaciers, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery of Glacier Bay. When on board their ship, visitors take in the park ranger's story and comment on how breathtaking it is.
The majority of upscale and mainstream cruise lines provide a variety of Alaskan itineraries. Alaska's waterways are also frequented by smaller, expedition-style ships, like Alaska Dream Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, and UnCruise Adventures. Combining a land and sea tour will help you make the most of your time and see as much as possible while in the Far North. Cruise lines that prolong your stay in Alaska include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. These add-on choices include multi-day bus, rail, and land tours to locations not accessible by ship.
When you're ready to arrange a trip to one of the most stunning and unspoiled locations on the planet, take a look at the best activities and sights to see in the Great Land, and allow Alaska to win your heart for all time.
Things to Do in Alaska In 2024
Juneau
Since Juneau can only be reached by boat or airplane, Alaska has the distinction of having the only state capital in the union without a road. Known as one of Alaska's most picturesque cities, Juneau is a popular cruise ship destination in the state during the warmer months of late spring through early fall. A lot of floatplanes and fishing boats can be seen along the busy waterfront in the city. Nestled between Mount Roberts, Mount Juneau, and the Gastineau Channel is the small downtown area. Take in the unique blend of buildings while meandering through the small streets: Situated just a block from the waterfront, a few of the structures lining historic South Franklin Street are remnants of Juneau's gold-mining heyday from the early 1900s. There are eateries, gift shops, and bars along this bustling street. While in this area of Juneau, visitors can also spend some time learning about Alaska Native cultures and natural history by exploring the Alaska State Museum.Go on a whale-watching excursion after exploring downtown to catch a glimpse of humpback whales (many tour operators guarantee a sighting) and possibly orcas, sea lions, seals, bald eagles, or black bears. Hiking is another option available to you on the town's numerous trails. These can lead you above tree line, onto a glacier's face, or even to the summit of Mount Roberts Tramway. After reaching the summit, visitors can ride the tramway back into town after enjoying lunch at Timberline Bar & Grill while taking in the view.
The Sealaska Heritage Institute, the Juneau Douglas City Museum, the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, and, in the winter, the Eaglecrest Ski Area are just a few of the additional museums and neighboring attractions in Juneau. The enormous Mendenhall Glacier, which is one of the state's most accessible glaciers, is located about ten miles from the city. You can take a guided tour to try kayaking, glacier trekking, or a helicopter tour, or you can explore on your own on foot. The views are amazing and the glacier is easy to access, according to visitors.
National Park and Preserve of Denali
Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America, and six million acres of pristine wilderness are found within Denali National Park and Preserve, which was established as a national park in 1917. Although the park is open all year round, the summer months offer the most visitor services and the easiest access.From mid-May to mid-September, visitors can board a guided or unguided bus tour from the park's entrance or from outside a nearby hotel like the McKinley Chalet Resort. There is a scenic road that extends nearly 100 miles into the park, but due to construction, buses will only be able to go as far as mile 43 until at least the 2024 season. In the summer, private vehicles are only allowed to travel 15 miles into Denali; in other seasons, if conditions permit, they may travel up to 30 miles. Book a cabin stay at one of the park's isolated lodges for the best access to the Denali wilderness and wildlife—even with the road closed. Camp Denali is reached by small plane from the end of Denali Park Road, while the Denali Backcountry Lodge receives visitors by helicopter.
The Murie Science and Learning Center, the 14,000-square-foot Denali Visitor Center, and Riley Creek Campground are all located at the park's entrance. The visitor center features a movie and exhibits that give you an idea of the kinds of animals you can expect to see in Denali as well as the vast and breathtaking scenery of the park. Denali is home to an estimated 130 bird species, 37 mammal species, and the "Big Five" animals that roam the open tundra are grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves, and Dall sheep. For a genuine Alaskan backcountry experience, the more daring traveler can head into the wilderness.
Homestead of the Husky: Denali National Park
Husky Homestead, which lies just outside of Denali National Park, is owned and run by the man who is known as the "Winningest Musher in the World." In the last 35 years, Jeff King has driven more than 150,000 miles on a dog sled. He has won numerous first-place races throughout Alaska and North America in addition to four championship titles in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. In 1999, he was also admitted to the Iditarod Hall of Fame.Based on more than 40 years of outdoor adventure, including numerous trips over more than 1,100 miles of difficult terrain and living in Alaska's Interior, the summer Husky Homestead tour provides a window into the rural Alaska way of life. In addition, visitors can observe husky puppies in training and interact with champion sled dogs. Tour guides claim that seeing the national park is the must-do experience. Visitors remark that King is enthusiastic, engaging, and educational and that they adore being able to see and handle the husky puppies. You can take classes on dog mushing during the winter (January through March) and even reserve an eight-day customized Iditarod experience that is hand-picked by a real pro.
Peninsula Kenai
The Kenai Peninsula, sometimes referred to as "Alaska's Playground," stretches 150 miles southwest of the Chugach Mountains south of Anchorage. This region, which is divided from the mainland by Prince William Sound on the east and Cook Inlet on the west, offers an abundance of outdoor adventure opportunities, including world-class fishing, river rafting, hiking, mountain biking, camping, wildlife viewing, and photography. There are fourteen cities and towns on the peninsula, including well-known locations like Homer, Kenai, and Seward. Most tourists travel the Alaska Railroad or Seward Highway to get here.The best things to do on the Kenai Peninsula are kayaking through the coves of Kachemak Bay near Homer or hiking the Exit Glacier area in the Kenai Fjords near Seward. One of the best zoos in the nation, the Alaska SeaLife Center allows visitors to see puffins, harbor seals, and octopuses up close, learn about the region's marine ecosystems, and learn about conservation efforts at the state's only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility. Salmon fishing on the Kenai River is an opportunity that anglers won't want to pass up. If you enjoy sport fishing, you can launch from Anchor Point's beach toward Cook's Inlet from May through September to find large halibut, salmon, and other sport fish species. There are bear viewing, flightseeing, dog sledding, and other activities available while visiting Anchor Point. In addition, Kenai Fjords National Park offers whale watching and opportunities to spot other marine life. Don't forget to stop by the 2 million-acre Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, where you might also be able to see some of the local fauna.
Equibanks
En route to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is dubbed the "Golden Heart of Alaska"; those who want to see the aurora borealis should plan to visit the city between August 21 and April 21. But there's much more to do in and around the town than just follow the lights as they dance at night during the winter. Due to its strategic location in the interior of Alaska, Fairbanks is an ideal basecamp for year-round exploration of Denali National Park to the south and the Arctic Circle to the north. The park is about 100 miles away; to get there, you can drive, rent a van, or take the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star Train, which leaves Fairbanks every morning during the summer, to reach Denali."Midnight sun season" (mid-April to mid-August) offers the city unending sunshine and the chance to experience year-round sports like golfing, jogging, and hiking. When the sun is shining regularly, guests can go on a three-hour guided sightseeing cruise on the Chena River with Riverboat Discovery or go back in time by gold panning at Gold Dredge 8. The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is another highly recommended attraction in town. You also won't want to miss the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which has exhibits on Alaska's diverse cultures, wildlife, and natural wonders. Along with dog sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, curling, ice hockey, ice fishing, and other winter sports, Fairbanks is a winter paradise. Pack warmly and head to the World Ice Art Championships in February or March, where international competitors showcase their amazing ice sculptures.
Observe the northern lights
It's not surprising that people travel from all over the world to Alaska to see the aurora borealis during the aurora season, which runs from August to April, as it's one of the best places on Earth to see this natural phenomenon. Because of its convenient location, ease of access, and variety of hotel, dining, and entertainment options, Fairbanks is among the best places in the state to watch the show. Furthermore, a lot of northern lights tours leave from the town. Although it is possible to see the lights practically anywhere in the state, experts recommend that the best places to see them on a clear night are those that are away from light pollution, ideally in the interior or Arctic regions of the state.One night of aurora chasing is available on a variety of guided tours, or you can choose multiday excursions that include winter sports like dog sledding and snowmobiling. Additionally, visitors can take a bush plane into isolated regions above the Arctic Circle and spend a few nights in communities like Wiseman or Coldfoot. Borealis Basecamp, a glamping destination about 30 miles north of Fairbanks, offers excellent lodging options for those who want to see the aurora. Its glass-domed igloos are ideal for viewing the vivid night sky from the comfort of your warm, cozy bed.
Resort at Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs Resort, which is located about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, is well-known for its outdoor rock lake, natural hot springs, year-round Aurora Ice Museum, and fantastic chances to see aurora borealis. The facility, which runs on renewable geothermal energy, is also the most developed and easily accessible hot springs resort in the interior of the state. For day trips, overnight stays, and adventure activities, the property provides a variety of packages and activities. Over fifty working huskies are housed at the Chena Kennel, which is open for tours by visitors. Depending on the season, you can also schedule a dog-training adventure, an aurora viewing tour, or a horseback ride around the property. For those with a greater sense of adventure, consider scheduling an all-terrain vehicle, dog sled, or snowmobile excursion. You can even spend the night in a yurt.Resort Chena Hot Springs: Aurora Ice Museum
Located at Chena Hot Springs Resort, the world's largest year-round ice environment is found at the Aurora Ice Museum, which was built using more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow from the resort. The museum was finished in 2015, and even in the summer, the cool 25 degrees Fahrenheit temperature is maintained by a special patented absorption chiller. Take a 45-minute tour, grab a parka, and discover the tale behind the ice sculptures in addition to a brief history of the structure. Free time is also available for taking a few Instagram pictures and enjoying an appletini at the ice bar in an ice glass. The museum's visitors say they find it to be an engaging and enjoyable experience, and they love looking at all the sculptures.
The National Park and Preserve of Glacier Bay
Visiting Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is one of the highlights of an Inside Passage cruise to Alaska. One of the world's largest protected areas, the 3.3 million acres of the park are a part of a 25 million-acre World Heritage Site. Rugged coastlines, profound fjords, majestic snow-capped mountains, icy blue glaciers, and lush rainforests are all part of this endless landscape. Almost twenty percent of the park is submerged in water, making it a marine sanctuary and a haven for humpback whales, orcas, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and porpoises.Ninety percent of park visitors arrive by cruise ship. In addition, you might spot wolves, brown or black bears, moose, Sitka black-tail deer, mountain goats, or bald eagles soaring overhead. Take time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the park by walking outside on your veranda or the bow of the ship. You may hear the sound of distant wildlife or the unsettling sound of blue ice calving as the chunks break off into the glacial waters.
If you are traveling alone, the nearby village of Gustavus provides access to the park and some lodging options. You can take an air taxi from Juneau to Gustavus, or you can travel to the village via the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry. You can take tours to Glacier Bay from Gustavus; some trips depart from the park headquarters in Bartlett Cove. Ten miles of well-maintained hiking trails, a lodge, and a restaurant can all be found here. Take a guided kayak tour or take a full-day boat tour 130 miles into the park to see the tidewater glaciers, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery of Glacier Bay. When on board their ship, visitors take in the park ranger's story and comment on how breathtaking it is.
Take a cruise around Alaska.
Many people consider taking an Alaskan cruise to be a trip of a lifetime, and it makes sense. Cruising is an easy way to visit far-off locations such as Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and see a variety of destinations. There are more adventures than you could ever dream of, like dog sledding and helicopter tours as well as train rides on the White Pass & Yukon Route. In addition, there are plenty of other activities available, like hiking in the Tongass National Forest, going on a wilderness safari, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, and seeing the northern lights.The majority of upscale and mainstream cruise lines provide a variety of Alaskan itineraries. Alaska's waterways are also frequented by smaller, expedition-style ships, like Alaska Dream Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, and UnCruise Adventures. Combining a land and sea tour will help you make the most of your time and see as much as possible while in the Far North. Cruise lines that prolong your stay in Alaska include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. These add-on choices include multi-day bus, rail, and land tours to locations not accessible by ship.