10 Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Alaska’s allure lies in its vast, untouched wilderness and the sense of adventure it invokes. As the 49th state, Alaska offers landscapes filled with awe, from towering mountains to expansive glaciers, enticing those who love nature and exploration. Its isolation from the contiguous United States enhances its enigmatic charm, beckoning travelers to partake in its unique offerings.
To fully embrace the quintessential Alaskan experience, venturing beyond urban centers such as Anchorage is crucial. Immersing yourself in the natural splendors of the state is key, and a carefully curated list of destinations can help ensure your Alaskan journey is as comprehensive as it is memorable.
Alaska’s best places await your discovery, from the echoing calving of glaciers to the quiet majesty of the northern lights.
1. Exploring the Giant of Alaska: Wrangell St. Elias National Park
- Location: Intersection of the Chugach, Wrangell, and St. Elias Ranges
- Size: Largest US national park
Discover the enormity of Wrangell St. Elias National Park, a behemoth amongst natural reserves in America. Straddling the junction of three major mountain ranges, this park is a testament to nature’s grandeur.
Your adventure might begin at one of the park’s visitor centers, rich with educational displays, or you may plunge directly into the wilderness. Tackle glacier trails, opting for a guided tour for safety and insights, or camp under star-studded skies.
Engage in fishing or mountain biking, or paddle the waters by kayak. Here, the wild expanses invite you and offer a multitude of paths to commune with the vast Alaskan outdoors.
2. Anchorage: A Gateway to the Last Frontier
In Anchorage, Alaska’s largest urban center, you’re nestled amidst economic vibrancy and wilderness proximity. Nearly half of Alaskans call this city their home, yet it’s a mere half-hour journey to the state’s rugged landscapes from here.
Begin explorations at the Anchorage Museum to immerse yourself in local culture and history, or encounter Alaskan wildlife up close at the conservation center. If indigenous history piques your interest, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is not to be missed.
Venture out on the Seward Highway to Potter’s Marsh, a haven for bird enthusiasts. Alternatively, lace up for a trek on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, where scenic vistas and fresh air are abundant.
| Notable Spots | Activities |
|---|---|
| Anchorage Museum | Cultural Immersion |
| Potter’s Marsh | Bird Watching |
| Coastal Trail | Hiking, Scenic Exploration |
3. Ketchikan
Nestled at Deer Mountain’s base, Ketchikan greets Alaskan voyagers as a first port of call for northern-bound cruise ships. The city boasts a treasure trove of attractions.
- Totem Heritage Center: Immerse in vibrant Alaskan Native art.
- Tongass Historical Museum: Uncover Ketchikan’s past.
- Southeast Alaska Discovery Center: Learn about the local environment.
Stroll along the scenic Creek Street, once the bustling heart of Ketchikan’s historic red-light district, now a tranquil historic thoroughfare dotted with charming shops, mere moments from the cruise dock.
Outdoor pursuits abound:
- Salmon fishing: Join guided excursions.
- Hiking: Explore trails in the Tongass National Forest.
- Ziplining: Soar above the lush tree canopy.
Ketchikan presents an inviting entry to the untamed Alaskan wilderness, ripe for exploration and rich with cultural allure.
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4. Discovering the Splendor of Glacier Bay
Alaska’s southeastern strip, known as the Panhandle, cradles a treasure: Glacier Bay National Park. Glaciers glisten under the expansive sky, and wilderness beckons adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Embrace the serenity of paddling through icy waters; rent a kayak or join a guided tour and be awed by the park’s formidable glaciers up close.
Venture into Bartlett Cove, where trails meander around ancient ice flows. And for photographers, sought-after vistas await at Muir Inlet—silent to motorized craft—and the storied John Hopkins Glacier.
5. Unveiling Homer’s Charms
Cast your line in Homer, the heralded angling mecca of Alaska resting on the Kenai Peninsula. Step on the iconic Homer Spit, where the land stretches into the sea, beckoning beachcombers and fishers alike.
Navigate Skyline Drive, ascending for panoramas that sweep across the landscape, or spot the rich wildlife tableau of Kachemak Bay State Park—mountain goats perched aloft, bald eagles in soaring flight, sea lions in repose, whales breaching the surface, and black bears hidden among the foliage.
Embark on a quest for halibut with day-long excursions on the waves. Your catch is more than a prize; it’s a soon-to-be-savored dinner as local eateries turn the day’s triumphs into delectable feasts.
6. Juneau
As the heart of Alaska’s political scene, Juneau unveils a tapestry of cultural and natural wonders. Embark on a marine gateway adventure, where your vessel docks at the vibrant heart of this capital city.
The stately Alaska State Capitol is a testament to the region’s rich political history, while the Alaska State Museum beckons with a treasure trove of local lore.
Should the landscapes call, ascend via the Mount Roberts Tramway, unveiling panoramic vistas over Juneau—a prelude to the myriad trails that dare you to explore further.
On colder days, the local breweries emerge as a haven, offering tours to savor the bold flavors brewed from glacial waters.
For souvenirs of Alaskan adventures, Front Street is your go-to, coupled with eateries serving a slice of the region on a plate. In the quietude, find solace at the Shrine of St. Therese, a sanctuary carved by faith and nature’s hand, silently overseeing the tranquil waters.
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7. Exploring the Majestic Mendenhall Glacier
Nestled just a brief drive from Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier is a spectacle that unfolds as it calves into Mendenhall Lake. You’re presented with various vantage points to witness this natural splendor.
Opt for a nearby shuttle to encounter the glacier’s grandeur or soar above via helicopter to grasp its expanse.
For avid hikers, the West Glacier Trail offers a rigorous but rewarding journey with picture-perfect moments. Enhancing your visit, the glacier’s interpretive center boasts insightful exhibits and platforms for panoramic views. Here, serenity and adventure coalesce, providing a one-of-a-kind Alaskan experience.
8. Journey through Glacial Majesty in Alaska’s Kenai Fjords
Step into where ancient glaciers kiss the sea, forging dramatic vistas along Kenai Fjords National Park. Half the land clings to the Ice Age, with ice enduringly shrouding the terrain.
Navigate the deep fjords carved by time—nurtured homes to marine life. Whale migrations and avian acrobatics over the fish-rich waters are sights you might witness.
Embrace the chill and voyage through ice-draped landscapes on a guided day excursion; the park’s wild heart is not lined with lodgings, making day trips a favored choice.
Witness a world where icy wonders meet oceanic depths and carry the essence of the Alaskan wilderness with you.
9. Exploring Katmai National Park
Location: Southwest Alaska, reachable from Kodiak Island or Homer
Landscape: Dominated by the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
Wildlife Viewing: Prime spot for observing brown bears
Activities:
- Bear Watching: Witness brown bears in their natural habitat
- Fishing: Abundant salmon and rainbow trout
Historical Significance: Home to the 1912 Novarupta Volcanic Eruption site
10. Exploring the Heart of the Wilderness
Visual Guide to Alaska’s Geographic Jewel
Venture into the untamed expanse of Denali National Park, a sanctuary encompassing North America’s pinnacle, the majestic Denali.
Beyond just a mountaineer’s paradise, this vast realm is a mosaic of wildlife encounters on trails like those by Savage River and sights of serene Wonder Lake.
Polychrome Pass unfurls a panorama of kaleidoscopic landscapes—each turn on your journey reveals a chapter of natural grandeur.
While the wilderness beckons the audacious spirit with hiking and rafting, take the chance on bus tours for an encompassing gaze of the park’s splendors from the comfort of your seat.
To taste the park’s offerings, engage in ranger-led explorations set forth by the Denali Visitor Center, an educational treasure that enriches your adventure.