Alaska, the largest state in the U.S., is an unparalleled destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known for its vast wilderness, dramatic landscapes, and unique wildlife, Alaska is home to some of the most beautiful and remote places on Earth. Whether you're interested in experiencing glaciers, exploring national parks, or witnessing the magic of the northern lights, Alaska has something to offer for every traveler. Below is a comprehensive guide to the best places to visit in Alaska, from its vibrant cities to its stunning natural wonders.
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1. Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park is one of the crown jewels of Alaska. Located in the heart of the state, it is home to Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), the tallest mountain in North America, standing at 20,310 feet. The park covers over six million acres of wilderness, offering a variety of activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and camping. Visitors can spot animals like grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and Dall sheep.
The scenic Denali Park Road runs through the park and offers stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes. The best time to visit Denali is during the summer months (June to August), when the park is fully accessible, and the wildlife is most active. For those seeking a truly immersive experience, backcountry camping and multi-day hikes allow you to explore Denali's untamed wilderness.
2. Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, is often the starting point for visitors. Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains and the waters of Cook Inlet, Anchorage provides a perfect blend of urban amenities and access to the great outdoors. The city is known for its vibrant culture, which is a mix of Native Alaskan traditions and modern life.
Top attractions in Anchorage include the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which offers insights into the indigenous cultures of Alaska, and the Anchorage Museum, which showcases the state's history, art, and science. Visitors can also enjoy the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a scenic 11-mile path that offers spectacular views of the inlet and nearby wildlife.
3. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Located in southeast Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the state’s most iconic natural attractions. The park is renowned for its tidewater glaciers, which are glaciers that flow into the sea, creating stunning ice formations and frequent calving events. This is also a prime spot for whale watching, as humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life are commonly seen in the waters of the bay.
Visitors can take boat tours to get up close to the massive glaciers or hike one of the many trails to experience the park's rugged beauty. The park is also a haven for kayaking, with opportunities to paddle through calm, iceberg-dotted waters. Bartlett Cove serves as the starting point for most visitors, offering amenities such as camping areas and ranger-led programs.
4. Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the gateway to the Arctic Circle and is one of the best places in Alaska to experience the northern lights. Located in the interior of the state, Fairbanks offers a unique blend of frontier spirit and modern comfort. The city is also a great base for those looking to explore the remote Alaskan wilderness.
Fairbanks is known for its gold mining history, and visitors can tour sites like Gold Dredge 8 or visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which showcases the cultural and natural history of the region. Winter travelers can enjoy dog sledding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling, while summer visitors can take advantage of the midnight sun, with nearly 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice.
5. Kenai Fjords National Park
Located near the coastal town of Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Alaska’s stunning fjords and marine life. The park is home to the Harding Icefield, one of the largest icefields in the United States, which feeds over 40 glaciers.
One of the most popular ways to experience the park is through a boat tour, which takes visitors through the fjords where they can see glaciers, whales, sea otters, and sea lions. The Exit Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, and visitors can hike right up to its face or take the challenging Harding Icefield Trail for spectacular views.
6. Juneau
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is only accessible by boat or plane, giving it a secluded, small-town charm despite being the capital. Surrounded by towering mountains and the waters of the Gastineau Channel, Juneau offers a range of activities for visitors. One of the top attractions is the Mendenhall Glacier, which is located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the glacier or hike the nearby trails for panoramic views.
Juneau is also a hub for whale watching tours, particularly for humpback and orca sightings. Additionally, the city’s vibrant downtown area is filled with shops, restaurants, and museums, including the Alaska State Museum, which highlights the state’s history and culture.
7. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
As the largest national park in the U.S., Wrangell-St. Elias National Park covers an impressive 13.2 million acres, making it larger than the country of Switzerland. This park is a true wilderness destination, with rugged mountain ranges, massive glaciers, and some of the most remote landscapes in North America. The park’s mountain peaks include nine of the 16 highest in the U.S., including Mount Wrangell and Mount St. Elias.
Visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias can enjoy backcountry hiking, mountaineering, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to the historic Kennecott Mines, a well-preserved former copper mining town, where visitors can take guided tours to learn about the area's rich mining history.
8. Ketchikan
Located in the southeastern part of the state, Ketchikan is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World." This charming coastal town is surrounded by the lush forests of the Tongass National Forest and is famous for its Native Alaskan culture, particularly the impressive collection of totem poles. Visitors can explore the Totem Heritage Center, which houses one of the largest collections of totem poles in the world, or take a scenic flight over the Misty Fjords National Monument for breathtaking views of the landscape.
Ketchikan is also a popular stop for cruise ships and offers visitors the chance to experience authentic Alaskan fishing, hiking, and wildlife tours. The town’s historic Creek Street is another highlight, where visitors can stroll along wooden boardwalks that hover above the waters of Ketchikan Creek.
9. Sitka
Nestled on the Pacific coast, Sitka is one of Alaska’s most picturesque towns, with a rich blend of Russian and Tlingit Native heritage. Sitka was once the capital of Russian America, and visitors can still explore historic sites like the Russian Bishop's House and St. Michael's Cathedral. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with views of Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, and the surrounding islands.
Sitka is also known for its abundant wildlife, including bald eagles, sea otters, and whales. Sitka National Historical Park is a must-visit for its totem poles and hiking trails through lush rainforest. The Alaska Raptor Center, which rehabilitates injured birds of prey, is another popular attraction in Sitka.
10.Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park
Seward is a small coastal town that serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where the Harding Icefield spawns over 40 glaciers. Visitors can take a boat tour or kayak through the fjords to witness massive glaciers, see marine life like sea lions and seals, and spot bald eagles soaring overhead. The Exit Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the park, with hiking trails that lead to the glacier’s edge. For more adventurous visitors, the Harding Icefield Trail offers incredible views of the park’s icy expanse.
