Alaska, the ultimate frontier of journey journey is on the high of many bucket lists. The largest state in the United States is a vacation spot that gives guests an unparalleled alternative to expertise the pure magnificence and rugged wilderness of the Arctic. Alaska is a spot that captures the creativeness and the spirit of journey. From the bustling metropolis of Anchorage to the distant wilderness of Denali National Park, there isn’t a scarcity of locations to go to in Alaska. And we’ve seen most of them.
Top Places to Visit in Alaska
Alaska’s panorama is numerous, starting from snow-capped mountains to glaciers, fjords, and an expanse of forests. We fell in love with Alaska the primary time we visited in 2011 and when taking my mother and father on a Holland American Cruise final summer season, we have been thrilled to have the option to share its magnificence and introduce them.
When selecting your cruise or land tour by way of Alaska, it may be tough to determine the place to cease or what to see, so we’re rounding up a number of the finest locations to go to in Alaska that we’ve been to aid you plan your journey.
Denali National Park and Preserve
There are 17 nationwide parks in Alaska, and Denali National Park and Preserve is actually the preferred of all of them. It can’t be seen from a cruise and desires to be added as a land tour or you possibly can journey to it independently. This huge wilderness space is positioned in central Alaska and is residence to North America’s highest peak, Denali (Mount McKinley) which stands at 6190 meters (20,310 toes),
One of the primary issues guests often do at this nationwide park is to hop aboard transformed faculty buses to get pleasure from a guided scenic tour in search of grizzly bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep.
We took this ATV journey which was a hoot driving alongside trails. The journey contains 360° overlook views of the Alaska Range, Otto Lake, and the Healy Valley.
One of the preferred actions in Denali National Park is climbing. The park has a community of climbing trails that vary from quick walks to multi-day backpacking journeys. It has 6 campgrounds which do get busy in the summer season months so it’s a good suggestion to make a reservation. Be positive to examine in with the Denali Visitor Center earlier than venturing out into the park.
McKinley Chalet Resort
We stayed at McKinley Chalet Resort which was superior. Located lower than 2 miles from the nationwide park entrance, we felt proper in the center of the wilderness. The newly renovated suites in our wing have been stylish and fashionable with that rustic mountain lodge really feel.
Our balcony seemed over the mountains. The property is massive with completely different areas indifferent from the primary lodge. We loved a enjoyable night right here watching The Music of Denali as we our servers carried out on stage whereas feeding us recent Alaskan salmon, ribs, and mashed potatoes, household type.
Denali – Mt. McKinely
If you’re fortunate whereas visiting the park, you might have the option to spy the majestic mountain, Denali. It is often overcast, however we’ve been fortunate sufficient to see it from our land tour and by a scenic flight.
A scenic flight was a completely attractive approach to expertise North America’s tallest peak. Seeing the glaciers and ice fields from above was an intimidating sight. At instances it felt as if we may attain out and contact it. Book this scenic flight over Denali the place you’ll fly shut to the summit of Denali, get pleasure from views of the Alaska Range and witness the Tokositna and Ruth Glaciers. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
Avid climbers can try to conquer Denali. But in contrast to Mount Kilimanjaro, it requires critical climbing expertise and winter tenting. If you’re new to mountaineering, it’s higher to stick to taking in scenic views.
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is likely one of the most original locations in the world. It is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightly so with historical past packed in each single molecule of its historical glacier historical past.
The Grand Pacific Glacier was greater than 4000 toes thick simply two centuries in the past however has shrunk considerably. Today the glacier has been divided into many small ones and plenty of of them are calving to today. That means at any second a large block of ice may fall off of them, which additionally means lots of the glaciers have to be loved from a distance.
The park is made up of greater than 3 million acres and might solely be reached by ship or float airplane. Alaska’s inside passage in Glacier Bay takes you from forest to ice and is breathtaking to expertise as you float the fjord. When you’re in the within passage it’s virtually as if nothing else exists.
During our Holland America Cruise, we circled the bay having fun with panoramic views of the glaciers from the entrance deck. By having a balcony suite, we then retired to our room to benefit from the views with a glass of champagne as we relaxed in privateness taking in this surprise of the world.
Ketchikan
One of our favourite locations to go to in Alaska is Ketchikan. The Salmon Capital of the world and Alaska’s first metropolis, this can be a city the place most cruises cease both first or final. Located on the Inside Passage in southern Alaska, this frontier city was as soon as a thriving settlement for the gold rush and as you stroll alongside the boardwalks of historic Creek Street, you possibly can see historic buildings from the pink mild district relationship again to the 1800s.
Ketchikan can also be probably the greatest locations to see whales in Alaska and there are many boat excursions that may take you onto the water. We took a zodiac tour in Ketchikan the place we explored the coast, spied bald eagles and whales from our self-drive boats.
Ketchikan additionally has the world’s largest assortment of standing Native American totem poles. Make positive to lookup to see all of them. If you need to delve into Indigenous tradition, go to the Totem Heritage Center and study concerning the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Peoples.
You can even see extra Totem poles on the Saxam Village in Ketchikan and we noticed Totem Bight State Historic Park on one other cruise in Alaska. Located simply exterior of Ketchikan, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
Ketchikan can also be residence to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. It covers 40 acres of protected land and is residence to a various vary of wildlife, together with black bears, bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and salmon.
We took a float airplane out to Neets Bay to watch bears feast on spawning salmon as they fattened up for winter hibernation. This was probably the greatest experiences we’ve ever had. Make positive to guide it early as these excursions replenish rapidly. If you need to see brown bears feeding on salmon as a substitute, the place to do that’s at Katmai National Park and Preserve.
Misty Fjords National Monument
One of the star points of interest is Misty Fjords National Monument which is positioned simply 22 miles east of Ketchikan. It is made up of sheer rock partitions that attain 3000 toes straight out of the ocean. Take a scenic flight right here the place you’ll witness steep sea cliffs, steep fjords, and rainforests.
Where to Stay in Ketchikan
If you’re staying in Ketchikan, try the Inn at Creek Street – These restored historic buildings provide distinctive lodging in the center of downtown. Most rooms have kitchenettes and fridges. Details right here.
The Landing – The Landing Hotel is positioned in downtown Ketchikan. It has The Landing Restaurant & Jeremiah’s Pub on website.
Juneau – Mendenhall Glacier
Many cruise ships additionally begin and end their journeys in Juneau, Alaska. I do know now we have! Named after Joe Juneau, a French-Canadian miner, and prospector Juneau is likely one of the extra occurring cities in Alaska. One of its principal vacationer points of interest is the big Mendenhall Glacier positioned on the Juneau Ice area.
Juneau is a spot in Alaska that requires not less than a few days to discover. The city itself has a enjoyable old-west vibe full with saloons, boardwalks, and loads of points of interest. It’s additionally one of many premier locations in the world to spot bald eagles with them being so plentiful there’s a seaside really referred to as Bald Eagle Beach. Read extra about all of the 28 Amazing Things to do in Juneau, Alaska
Where to Stay in Juneau
Four Points by Sheraton – Located on the waterfront we discovered this to be a really handy resort. It was inside strolling distance to downtown plus it has quick access to the Seadrome Marina.
Ramada Inn by Wyndham – Another nice location in Juneau just a bit farther away from the historic downtown than the Sheraton. But nonetheless inside strolling distance and we liked their restaurant and bar.
Mendenhall Ice Caves
The Mendenhall ice caves are one of many coolest issues to see in Juneau. This pure attraction will make you’re feeling as if you have got been transported to a planet of ice and glass. The Mendenhall ice caves are often accessible between July and September.
You can take a tour to see the Mendenhall Glacier and benefit from the climbing trails across the lake to see its completely different viewpoint.
Book this highly-rated Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves Tour. For the journey of a lifetime, paddle the Mendenhall Lake to the Glacier the place you’ll get to discover the glacier up shut and private. Or you possibly can be part of a canoe journey to the glacier the place you’ll seek for wildlife, paddle round ice flows and eventually step foot on the glacier.
Tongass National Forest
It’s onerous to consider that Alaska has a rainforest however Tongass National Forest is the biggest functioning temperate rainforest on Earth. The dimension of Tongass is mind-blowing at greater than 16 million acres of land. From each Ketchikan and Juneau, you possibly can go to Tongass National Forest.
In the forest, you possibly can get pleasure from its climbing trails and if you happen to’re in Juneau, you possibly can take a mere 15-minute drive to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center which is positioned inside the forest. We took a fantastic guided hike to the glacier the place we watched salmon spawn and realized about its wildlife. Besides Mendenhall, there are quite a few different glaciers and climbing trails unfold throughout the park.
The park is residence to all types of wildlife like wolves, black bears, and deer. You may even spot humpback whales and sea lions in the close by waters. Tongass National Park has the comforts of town inside it in addition to the comforts of the wild all through.
Fairbanks
The very first place we ever visited in Alaska was Fairbanks, Alaska and this city is superior. When visiting Alaska in the summer season it’s actually the land of the Midnight Sun. There are so many issues to do in Fairbanks from studying about Native American Culture and exploring the Chena River to enjoyable in the Chena Hot Springs.
One of the extra attention-grabbing locations to go to is the Yukon Quest Alaska Headquarters. This is the beginning of the Yukon Quest canine sled race the place you possibly can study concerning the well-known canine mushers and groups who’ve taken half over time. Including our pal Hank McCready who ran the prettiest group in Alaska. Another cease is the fountainhead vintage auto museum the place classic vehicles are on show. It is persistently ranked as probably the greatest auto museums in the world.
Where to Stay in Fairbanks
For Aurora viewing try Aurora Villa. This fashionable retreat is a boutique resort providing views of the northern lights nestled in the mountains above Fairbanks.
Anchorage
A go to to Alaska wouldn’t be full with out seeing Anchorage. It is the biggest metropolis in Alaska and a global hub with entry to Alaska’s inside and coast. It is right here that you could hop on the Alaska Railroad to discover the good frontier.
Anchorage was the beginning of our cruise. After disembarking from the railway, we loved two nights in downtown Anchorage. With cafés and eating places, it has all of the facilities of a giant metropolis. A spotlight to go to is the ultra-modern Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center and The Alaska Native Heritage Center exploring the life and tradition of Alaska’s indigenous folks.
Skagway
Skagway is a bustling city the place practically each ship stops. It might be overwhelming spending only a day in Skagway. This outdated wild west city is crammed with power. In city, you possibly can go to the Klondike Visitor’s Center to study all concerning the Gold Rush that attracted folks to this a part of the world.
Take a step again in time and go to the Skagway National Historic District. It is positioned in the city of Skagway and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park has managed to be sure that historical buildings from the Gold Rush days are nonetheless intact. Just strolling by way of Skagway downtown will make you’re feeling such as you your self have traveled again in time to when looking for gold and grabbing a pint after was all in a day’s work.
White Pass Railway and Yukon Route Railroad
The classic locomotive takes you alongside the Chilcoot Trail the place prospectors risked their lives in search of gold. If you’re strolling round city, make your approach to Pullen Creek Stream Walk to see the salmon run.
We took the very best of all of Skagway by taking a helicopter flight over the glaciers out to the nationwide forest in search of wildlife earlier than hopping on the historic White Pass and Yukon Railroad. We have executed the railroad tour by itself, however extremely suggest the flight, hike and railway tour as a substitute. You solely want to trip the railway a technique and this gave us the very best of all worlds.
Dalton Highway
If you need to go much more distant, proceed on from Fairbanks to Deadhorse alongside the Dalton Highway close to the Prudhoe Bay Oil fields and the Arctic Ocean. We haven’t executed this drive, however now we have been up to the Arctic Ocean in the neighboring Northwest Territories in Canada and the surroundings right here is actually magnificent.
The Dalton Highway is taken into account one of the remoted roads in the United States. It crossed the Arctic Circle and we did this on the same Dempster Highway. it’s the coolest factor to drive proper throughout the Arctic Circle. It’s actually a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. Enjoy studying our 15 Great Road Trips in America
Seward
Seward is a small city positioned on the Kenai Peninsula and gives many actions for out of doors lovers. There are loads of issues you are able to do in Seward together with boat excursions to Kenai Fjords National Park, or the Alaska SeaLife Center which is a good place to find out about marine life in Alaska and see sea lions, puffins, and different animals up shut.
The surrounding mountains have loads of climbing trails together with the Harding Icefield Trail and the Exit Glacier Trail.
Alaska Highway
If you need to attempt a very genuine expertise, make certain to drive the Alaska Highway from Dawson’s Creek in British Columbia. This epic highway journey crosses by way of southeast Alaska letting you see a distinct facet of the sate. We made an analogous journey alongside the Dempster Highway in the Yukon and let me inform you, there may be nothing prefer it on Earth.
The Alaska Highway is a 1400-mile journey that ends in Fairbanks, Alaska. Along the drive, you’ll encounter glaciers and mountains and grizzly bears, and extra and it’ll positively be a visit you gained’t neglect. Of course, you don’t have to take the freeway, you possibly can merely take a airplane and land your self in one in every of Alaska’s massive cities.
Kenai Fjords National Park
The Kenai Fjords National Park in the Kenai Peninsula is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Alaska with glaciers, an icefield, and bears and seals lolling about. The finest approach to see this distant vacation spot is to get out on a cruise the place you will get out on kayaks to discover the fjords.
Make positive to go to the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Centre in Seward earlier than you head out to find out about path situations and the Kenai Peninsula earlier than you head into the park. And don’t miss seeing Exit Glacier positioned simply 10 minutes from Seward, it’s one in every of Alaska’s most accessible roadside glaciers.
Kenai Fjords National Park was a nationwide monument after which grew to become a National park designed to shield the misty fjords, rainforest, and wildlife that make up the world. Today, the Kenai Peninsula is a beloved a part of the native Anchorage group because it’s only a two-hour drive exterior of town.
Wrangell Elias National Park
It’s bigger than Yellowstone National Park, in truth, it’s bigger than all North American nationwide parks, Wrangell St. Elias National Park is America’s largest nationwide park at a whopping 13.2 million acres. It’s a nationwide treasure that few folks get to see. Check out America’s first nationwide park: Best issues to do in Yellowstone NP.
The park is stuffed with volcanoes and glaciers and the distinctive panorama attracts all types of wildlife like mountain goats and brown bears (identical as grizzly bears) Wrangell St Elias National Park is an element tundra and temperate rainforest. It can also be residence to moose, Dall sheep, bison, goats, and caribou.
One of probably the most attention-grabbing belongings you would possibly see is ice worms. From the identify, you’d suppose they need to be see-through or white, however ice worms are literally black and you’ll see them by way of frozen surfaces. If you’re a chook watcher, you’ll love the Copper River Basin Area which is a part of the migratory route of quite a few chook species. Additionally, you’ll probably see bald eagles, swans, ravens, and owls too.
Northern Lights
While summertime in Alaska provides guests the prospect to expertise the midnight solar with practically 24 hours of daylight, when the cooler temperatures arrive you may make a visit to Alaska to see the Northern Lights.
The finest time to see the northern lights in Alaska is in winter or late autumn and early spring. Light air pollution can be your enemy so if you’d like to get the actual Aurora expertise, the very best locations to go to can be exterior of Alaska’s massive cities. You can ask the resort that you simply’re staying at to wake you when the lights are out as fairly numerous inns in Alaska provide this service.
To view the Aurora Borealis keep on the Northern Sky Lodge in Fairbanks. The lodge is nestled amongst 21 acres, solely half-hour from Fairbanks International Airport and 90 minutes from Denali National Park. It makes for an awesome base to discover the inside of Alaska.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
To actually recognize the Alaskan local weather and life-style it’s positively a good suggestion to study concerning the indigenous historical past of the state. Your go to to the Alaska Native Heritage Center offers you a glimpse into the lives of 11 Alaska cultures together with the Haida and Tsimshian First Nations whose territory goes proper into Canada and down into British Columbia.
You will get to watch conventional dancing, meet Indigenous artists, and even go to dwellings that provide you with an opportunity to expertise how the Indigenous folks lived in the winter in Alaska earlier than there was electrical energy.
Iditarod National Historic Trail
The historic Iditarod Trail is finest identified as of late for the Iditarod Dog Sledding Race however prior to the race, it was a route utilized by Native Americans prior to the introduction of different automobiles.
This path took people 50 miles north of Seward all the best way to Nome. They weren’t simply going for a leisurely mush nonetheless, these people carried heavy provides to distant communities. Dog sleds performed an necessary half in Native transportation and Europeans that got here after additionally adopted this environment friendly transportation methodology in the tough northern local weather.
These days you may make your individual reminiscences on the path by strolling it or utilizing a tour operator that may take you on a standard canine sled on the path. The Iditarod Dog Sledd Race takes place in March and attracts numerous consideration. If you occur to be there throughout that point it’s positively one thing you shouldn’t miss.
Alaska Railroad
If you’re a little bit of a romantic then the thought of taking a railroad throughout the wilderness will get you excited. The Alaska Railroad was established in 1903 and nonetheless runs at this time. It traverses virtually 500 miles from Seward up to Fairbanks with stops alongside the best way.
If you desire a comfy go to whereas trying out the Alaskan wilderness, it is best to guide a seat on the Alaska Railroad. The ticket worth will range based mostly on how far you journey and which cabin you determine to guide. Additionally, you possibly can get pleasure from breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees in your journey whereas having fun with the fantastic thing about the Pacific Ocean, Alaska glaciers, rivers and mountains.
Prince William Sound
It is actually a surprising sight to see so many salmon all in one place. If you’re in search of a enjoyable day journey then look no additional than Prince William Sound.
The Sound is positioned on the south finish of Alaska with unbelievable surroundings and is likely one of the prettiest locations you’ll go to. You can take a ship tour out to go to the sound and in addition get pleasure from a scrumptious meal on the water. The Sound is surrounded by glaciers and the most important tidewater glacier is the Columbia Glacier.
You’ll really feel what a goldfish seems like as the environment appear larger than life. There can also be numerous wildlife in the world so maintain your digicam useful for epic pics you possibly can take a look at time and again. This won’t be one of the well-known Alaska locations, however you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring scene if you happen to determine to be one of many few that go to.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
If you need to assure to view Alaska’s wildlife then it is best to try the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The middle goals to shield and protect the wildlife of Alaska by way of training and analysis.
The middle is positioned off the Seward Highway close to the Portage Valley Glacier on Turnagain Arm. It is 200-acres of pure surprise as you get an opportunity to see bison, coyotes, bears, and different wildlife up shut. The conservation middle is sectioned off into areas for various wildlife. You can drive by way of, park your automobile after which take a walkthrough.
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
First established to shield the good brown bears that reside on Kodiak Island, at this time the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge protects a complete lot extra. Sitting shut to 2,000,000 acres the refuge encompasses Ben Island and elements of Kodiak Island, Uganik Island, the Red Peaks, and Afognak Island.
It is stuffed with rivers and streams and is a nesting floor for a number of hundred species of birds together with the Bald Eagle. Today the mission of the refuge isn’t solely simply shield the brown bears, but additionally to preserve all wildlife, sea lions, and fish populations in the world.
It is a giant breeding floor for 5 species of salmon that additionally feed the a whole lot of birds that reside on the island. This is fingers down probably the greatest locations to go to in Alaska. The space is just accessible by floatplane or boat so if you’d like to go to, you positively ought to plan forward.
Bonus Alaska Adventure
If you’re looking to go off the overwhelmed path, it’s your decision to guide a visit to the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. It is positioned in northern Alaska, excessive above the Arctic Circle. It is likely one of the most distant and least visited nationwide parks in the United States.
The park covers 8.4 million acres and contains each the Brooks Range mountains and the Arctic tundra. There are not any roads or trails in the park, and guests should be self-sufficient and ready for the difficult situations of the Arctic wilderness.
Access to the park is restricted to small planes and helicopters, and guests should get hold of permits earlier than getting into the park. Despite its remoteness, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a well-liked vacation spot for backpackers, hikers, and out of doors lovers who’re drawn to the pristine wilderness and beautiful landscapes of the Arctic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prettiest locations in Alaska?
If you go to any of the nationwide parks in Alaska, you’ll be assured of discovering a reasonably place. Nothing actually beats Glacier Bay National Park however Katmai National Park is likely one of the prettiest locations round. Katmai National Park and Preserve can also be probably the greatest locations to see brown bears in the wild. Many folks guide this tour at Brooks Camp.
What must you keep away from in Alaska?
If you aren’t a seasoned hiker or climber, it’s finest to avoid the glaciers and simply view them from afar or rent a information or tour to see them with knowledgeable. Additionally, it’s best to keep off unmarked trails except you’re very skilled, and don’t enterprise to the backcountry except you have got expertise.
What is the easiest way to see Alaska in 10 days?
The finest approach to see Alaska in 10 days is to take a cruise ship down or head to the capital metropolis of Juneau and make your approach up from there.
And these are the very best locations to go to in Alaska. Have you been to Alaska? Alaska is one in every of our favorite journey locations on Earth and we glance ahead to going again quickly. What did we miss and the place ought to we go subsequent?