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Bucket List: Top 12 Best things to see and do in Alaska
Known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, where the sun doesn’t set for two months every year, the State of Alaska is a famous tourist destination for anyone who enjoys challenging adventures and exploration. Alaska is one of the most beautiful states, blessed with breathtaking natural wonders such as mountains, lakes, glaciers, riverways, and fjords. It even has 17 out of the 20 tallest mountains in the entire United States of America!
Denali National Park and Preserve via Pixabay
It’s like Alaska was genuinely built for adventurers! Despite being the largest state in the US, it currently ranks 48th in its total population. Imagine enjoying all the wonders of nature all by yourself in this spectacular paradise. So, are you ready? Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Alaska!
Discover Denali National Park and Preserve
If you want to catch a glimpse of Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness, then visiting Denali National Park and Preserve should be at the top of your list! This national landmark features North America’s highest mountain, Mt. Denali, and a massive 6 million acres of natural wonders, including lakes, rivers, forests, and grasslands. Denali National Park and Preserve also serves as a natural habitat for several animals, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and deer.
Some of the popular activities here year-round include hiking, backpacking, fishing, and mountaineering. It is indeed a perfect place to relax, unwind, and be closer to nature.
Meet the Lovely Animals of Anan Wildlife Observatory
The Anan Wildlife Observatory is widely known as an extraordinary bear viewing facility. Located about 30 miles southeast of Wrangell, this popular tourist destination attracts all kinds of visitors to meet lovely animals and enjoy breathtaking scenery. The sanctuary’s top attraction is the Anan Bears Tour, which gives visitors a chance to meet Alaska’s friendly black and brown bears.
The Anan Wildlife Observatory is home to Alaska’s largest salmon runs; therefore, it also attracts other animals, such as eagles, seals, river otters, and more! A day trip to this beautiful sanctuary is totally worth it if you’re a nature lover, so be sure not to miss it!
Experience Ultimate Nostalgia on the Alaska Highway
One of the best things about road trips is the breathtakingly beautiful scenery along the way. Seeing the seemingly endless country roads leading to the feet of majestic snow-coated mountains is definitely one of the most fantastic and addictive feelings travelers could ever ask for. Well, all of those things and more are waiting for you here at the famous Alaska Highway.
Be sure to prepare your best poses because it’s not every day that you’ll get a chance to enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular creations!
Cruise Along the Inside Passage
Next up, the Inside Passage is one of the most scenic coastal routes in Alaska and the whole world! The passage is a popular cruise ship route between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound known for its calm waters, rich history, and breathtaking scenery.
The Inside Passage Cruise spans 500 miles, where guests are guaranteed to explore and discover everything that Alaska has to offer at its finest. From abundant wildlife, dramatic scenery, and the rich culture of Native Alaskan villages.
Fall in Love with the Northern Lights
The mesmerizing Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, is one of Earth’s most beautiful natural phenomena. And the best way to witness them is none other than at the Land of the Midnight Sun! Nothing beats the spectacular sight of these dynamic patterns of lights that seemingly cover the majestic mountain ranges of Alaska, and it is truly worth seeing.
The best time to witness the Northern Lights in Alaska is between August and April, when daylight is shorter and night skies are darker. Oh, and there are also several inns and lodges available that are specifically built for those who want to enjoy viewing the Northern Lights, so you might as well check them out!
Visit the Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Another popular tourist attraction in Alaska where visitors can witness its raw, untouched beauty is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. This unbelievably massive natural park is the same size as six (6) Yellowstone National Parks combined. Yup, that’s massive! This is basically the largest national park in the entire United States.
Wrangell-St. Elias features extraordinary features such as historic mining sites, sparkling rivers, glaciers, waterfalls, and stunning scenery. Oh, and it is also where four (4) major mountain ranges of the US meet! Including sixteen (16) of the highest peaks in the entire country. Amazing, right? I’ll bet you’ll fall in love with this fantastic attraction over and over again.
Explore the Totem Heritage Centre
Another of the best things to do in Alaska is to explore the famous Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan. This museum houses one of the largest and most extensive collections of 19th-century Totem Poles. These are monuments created by the pioneers and ancient nations of the Pacific Northwest. Totem Poles are made of red cedar, which is a malleable wood with exquisite designs representing the people, history, and events of the past.
It’s best to spend an hour or two here at the Totem Heritage Center to learn more about Alaska’s rich cultural heritage.
Spend a Day at Kenai Fjords National Park
Known as the place where Ice Age events still linger, Kenai Fjords National Park is a popular attraction for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural wonders. The park is where the mountains, ocean, and ice meet. And it is indeed a spectacular scene! The park is also home to thriving animal and plant species that are truly worth seeing.
Moreover, there are endless activities to do here at the Kenai Fjords National Park! From hiking the famous Harding Ice Trail, kayaking, joining a Ranger-Led Program, and exploring the fjords by boat, I’m sure that you’ll never run out of things to do in this park.
Visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North
UAMN is one of the most important academic institutions in the entire US. Not only that, but it is also a thriving tourist destination thanks to its massive research collection of more than 2.5 million historical artifacts and specimens. These are all vital to the world’s history because the collection represents millions of years of biological diversity.
From Archaeology, Earth Sciences, Ethnology, and more, the University of Alaska Museum of the North is definitely one of the must-visit destinations in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Not only will you be able to enjoy it, but you’re also guaranteed to learn more about the history of the world.
Drive Along the Scenic Dalton Highway
I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it. Nothing beats the unique feeling of driving down a remote country road with mesmerizing scenery around. It’s just the best! Well, if you agree with me, then driving along the Dalton Highway should definitely be on your list.
This 500-mile country road has the highest pass in Alaska, where you’ll also be able to cross the Arctic Circle! It is also the only highway to cross the famous Yukon River. So buckle up your seats because this is indeed the best road trip in Alaska!
Drop by the Iditarod National Historic Trail
The Iditarod National Historic Trail is a network of Alaska’s 2,300-meter winter trails that connect the Alaskan Native Villages. Back in the day, these trails were used by Native peoples for hunting and travel. It was also primarily used as a route to supply the miners in Iditarod during the Alaska Gold Rush. This was when dog teams became significant in US history.
Nowadays, the town of Iditarod is already a ghost town. However, it still attracts thousands of tourists because of the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Visit the Beautiful Community of Seward, Alaska
Finally, the wonderful town of Seward, Alaska, is probably the perfect place for travelers to discover Alaska. Known as the starting point of the historic Iditarod Trail, Seward is a classic Alaskan town where tourists can enjoy beautiful views of glaciers, mountains, and forests.
There are tons of fun and exciting activities to look forward to in Seward, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and mountaineering!
Our Top Hotel Picks for Alaska, USA
- Hyatt Place Fairbanks [check rates and availability] – Situated off Route 4, this contemporary hotel is a 1.4-mile drive from the Creamers Field State Migratory Waterfowl Refuge and a 7.3-mile drive from Fairbanks International Airport.
- Aurora Villa [check rates and availability] – Located in Fairbanks, 18 mi from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Aurora Villa offers mountain views, free WiFi, and free private parking. The aparthotel offers a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, and a shower.
- Alyeska Resort & Hotel Alyeska [check rates and availability] – Set in a modern, chateau-style property surrounded by mountain peaks, this upscale ski resort is 2 miles from Girdwood Forest Fair Park.
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, tour packages, and affordable flights in Alaska, the USA, and nearby cities? Check out our list of cheap Alaska hotels and resorts via Agoda and Booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Things to Do in Alaska
1. What are the best things to do in Alaska?
Alaska offers an incredible mix of outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. Some of the most popular activities include cruising through Glacier Bay, watching bears catch salmon in Katmai National Park, exploring Denali National Park, taking a scenic flight over towering mountains, witnessing the Northern Lights, kayaking among glaciers, whale watching, fishing for salmon and halibut, riding the Alaska Railroad, and visiting charming coastal towns like Seward, Homer, and Skagway. During the summer, visitors enjoy nearly endless daylight, making it possible to pack multiple adventures into a single day.
2. When is the best time to visit Alaska?
The ideal time depends on what you want to experience. Summer (June through August) is the most popular season, offering pleasant temperatures, abundant wildlife, long daylight hours, and access to most attractions. May and September are excellent shoulder months with fewer crowds and lower prices. If your goal is to see the Northern Lights, visit between late September and early April when the nights are dark enough for aurora viewing. Winter is also perfect for dog sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and experiencing Alaska’s snowy landscapes.
3. Is Alaska worth visiting even if I don’t enjoy extreme outdoor adventures?
Absolutely. While Alaska is famous for hiking and wilderness adventures, there are plenty of relaxing activities for all travelers. Scenic cruises, luxury train rides, wildlife tours, museum visits, Native cultural centers, hot springs, photography tours, glacier-sightseeing flights, and coastal drives offer unforgettable experiences without strenuous physical activity. Many visitors enjoy simply soaking in Alaska’s breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
4. Can I see glaciers without taking a cruise?
Yes. Although cruises offer some of the best glacier viewing, several glaciers are accessible by road or on short hikes. Matanuska Glacier allows guided glacier walks, while Exit Glacier near Seward offers well-maintained hiking trails leading to spectacular viewpoints. You can also take day cruises from Whittier or Seward to see tidewater glaciers up close without booking a week-long cruise.
5. Where can I see wildlife in Alaska?
Alaska is one of the world’s premier wildlife destinations. Visitors commonly encounter grizzly bears, black bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bald eagles, puffins, whales, sea lions, sea otters, wolves, and mountain goats. Denali National Park is famous for its diverse wildlife, while Katmai National Park is renowned for bear viewing. Kenai Fjords National Park offers excellent whale-watching, seabird-colony, and marine wildlife tours.
6. What are the best national parks to visit in Alaska?
Alaska is home to eight national parks, each offering unique experiences. Denali National Park is known for North America’s tallest peak and incredible wildlife viewing. Glacier Bay National Park features massive tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife. Kenai Fjords National Park combines glaciers with whale watching opportunities, while Katmai National Park attracts photographers eager to capture iconic images of brown bears fishing for salmon. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the United States and offers remote wilderness adventures.
7. Is it possible to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
Yes. Alaska is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Aurora Borealis. Fairbanks is considered one of the world’s top Northern Lights destinations because of its location beneath the auroral oval and relatively clear winter skies. The best viewing season runs from late September through early April, especially on clear, dark nights away from city lights.
8. What outdoor adventures should first-time visitors try?
First-time visitors often enjoy glacier hiking, kayaking through fjords, whale watching, dog sledding on glaciers, scenic helicopter flights, fishing excursions, river rafting, wildlife safaris, and riding the Alaska Railroad. These activities provide an excellent introduction to Alaska’s stunning landscapes while accommodating a range of fitness levels and adventure preferences.
9. Is Alaska a good destination for families?
Yes. Alaska offers numerous family-friendly activities suitable for children and adults alike. Families can enjoy wildlife cruises, aquarium visits, educational ranger programs, easy hiking trails, gold-panning experiences, sled-dog kennels, interactive museums, scenic train rides, and boat tours. Many attractions are designed to be educational, making Alaska an exciting destination for travelers of all ages.
10. How many days should I spend in Alaska?
A 7- to 10-day trip allows visitors to explore several regions while enjoying a variety of experiences. Two weeks provides enough time to combine a cruise with inland adventures such as visiting Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Anchorage, Seward, and the Kenai Peninsula. Travelers interested in photography, wildlife, or remote destinations may want even more time to fully appreciate Alaska’s vast wilderness.
11. Do I need to book tours and excursions in advance?
Yes. Popular experiences such as bear-viewing tours, glacier landings, whale-watching cruises, Denali bus tours, and Northern Lights excursions often sell out months in advance, especially during peak summer travel. Booking early helps secure preferred dates, better prices, and a wider selection of tour options.
12. What should I pack for an Alaska vacation?
Layered clothing is essential because Alaska’s weather can change quickly throughout the day. Pack a waterproof jacket, warm fleece, insulated outerwear for colder months, comfortable hiking shoes, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent during summer, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and a camera with extra batteries. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, especially near glaciers and on the water.
13. Is Alaska expensive to visit?
Alaska can be more expensive than many U.S. destinations due to transportation costs and seasonal demand. Flights, cruises, guided tours, and accommodations often command premium prices during the summer. However, travelers can save money by visiting during the shoulder seasons, booking early, choosing self-drive itineraries, and staying in locally owned lodges or vacation rentals.
14. Do I need a car to explore Alaska?
Not necessarily. Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward, and several other destinations can be explored by train, shuttle, bus, cruise, and guided tour. However, renting a car offers greater flexibility to explore scenic highways, stop at viewpoints, and visit smaller communities at your own pace. Many travelers combine self-driving with train travel for the best overall experience.
15. What makes Alaska different from other travel destinations?
Alaska stands apart because of its immense wilderness, untouched landscapes, abundant wildlife, towering glaciers, and dramatic mountain scenery. Visitors can experience genuine solitude, witness natural phenomena like the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun, and explore one of the last truly wild places on Earth. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, photography, or unforgettable wildlife encounters, Alaska offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Alaska Travel and Tour Packages
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