best remote places to visit in alaska

11 Places in Alaska that Are So Beautiful They Don’t Seem Real

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Alaska is known as the last frontier for its vast expanses of rugged beauty. With more than a dozen mountain ranges, thousands of miles of coastline, and glaciers as far as the eye can see, it is no surprise that this incredible land will take your breath away at every turn.

Getting to some of these locations is as easy as driving to the end of town, while others require trips by boat, by air, or even traversing through one of the most dense populations of grizzly bears in the world.

So, let’s pack our bags and hit the trail to see some of Alaska’s most stunning places.

Denali National Park

There is no way that North America’s tallest mountain won’t be first on any list of scenic places to visit in Alaska. Getting to Denali isn’t difficult as there are trains, roads, and trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints.

The real challenge is guessing the weather as the mountain is often shrouded by clouds. Some estimates put the chances of seeing Denali on any given day at only 20%! It is worth sticking around at the viewpoints, as the conditions can change from socked-in to clear in the blink of an eye.

Kenai Fjords National Park

While Denali is the most well-known natural sight in Alaska, it is often Kenai Fjords National Park that leaves visitors breathless with its natural beauty.

This area truly has it all, with towering cliffs, abundant wildlife , up-close views of glaciers, and stunningly turquoise waters.

The best way to see all the park has to offer is on a boat tour, but if that is out of your budget, then you can still hike to Exit Glacier to get an up-close look at this massive river of ice.

Glacier Bay National Park

For most visitors to Glacier Bay National Park, the trip is made aboard cruise ships, which navigate to tidewater glaciers, around icebergs, and past the wildlife that call this incredible natural landscape home.

Here, even aboard massive cruise ships, you’ll feel dwarfed by the sheer scale of the ice-covered mountains that tower overhead.

Watch the faces of the glaciers as you may catch huge chunks of ice calving into the icy waters below.

Hubbard Glacier

Imagine standing in front of a wall of ice that towers 40 stories overhead and stretches for six miles. That is what it is like to visit Hubbard Glacier, which sits near the remote town of Yakutat, Alaska.

This massive glacier (we can’t understate just how truly large this glacier is) is another favorite among cruise line passengers, as the boats will take them to within half a mile of the face.

Calving icebergs and shifting sands on the seafloor make approaching any closer a dangerous proposition!

Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier is one of the easiest sights to visit in Alaska, as it sits at the edge of town in Juneau. While the glacier isn’t as visible as it once was from the visitor center, there are trails that will take you to better overlooks and the impressive Nugget Falls.

Those looking for a little adventure can take longer trails that lead to overlooks where you can take in the full 13-mile length of this mighty icefield.

Seward Highway

During the summer season, the Seward Highway comes alive with locals and visitors alike making the trek between Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, and, ultimately, Seward.

Along the way, the road will take you along Turnagain Arm, through mountain passes, and past massive lakes. With numerous turnouts, there are plenty of places to stop to stretch your legs and take in the incredible views that punctuate this corner of the state.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest park in the national park system yet also one of the least visited. And most of the visitors who do make their way here don’t venture any further than the abandoned mines past McCarthy.

Adventurers who want to see all the park has to offer will have to do so by plane or with some very rugged backpacking, as there are virtually no roads or trails once you’re inside the park’s boundaries.

Those who do make the trek will be treated to a truly Alaskan experience of wild rivers and rugged mountain ranges.

Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park is one of the most remote national parks in the country. The only access to it is by boat or plane. Once there, visitors are treated to one of the most amazing natural sights in the world.

Here, Alaskan Brown Bears gather by the dozens to feast on salmon as they make their way upriver to spawn. The bears are so singularly focused on the salmon that they will frequently walk directly past park guests without so much as looking at them.

With elevated viewing platforms you’ll be able to watch the bears in action as they catch salmon out of midair as they try to jump the falls.

Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass is a playground for locals and visitors alike, with miles of hiking trails, scenic cabins, abundant berry picking, skiing, and more.

The area is also home to abandoned mines, the wreckage of a military plane, and multi-day hut-to-hut backpacking routes.

No matter which activity you choose, you’ll be blown away by the sheer beauty of this rugged yet accessible region.

Skagway and White Pass

Get an up-close look at one of the consequential events in Alaska’s history with a train trip that leads visitors up and over White Pass out of Skagway. It was here that folks looking to strike it rich during the gold rush lugged hundreds and even thousands of pounds of gear up and over the mountains.

Today, you’ll be able to take an easier route over the same mountains and enjoy the views of this beautiful region.

Northern Lights

During the cold winter months in Alaska, the skies over the interior frequently come to life as the aurora borealis dances overhead. Photographers will make the trek out into the cold to brave subzero temperatures in hopes of capturing these magical sights.

While the northern lights can occur all across Alaska, one of the best places to view them is around Fairbanks in the dead of winter when the nights are long and dark.

Derek Carlson

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The Best Places To See In Alaska For Nature Lovers

Setting off from Vancouver on our Alaskan adventure, I had no idea that the next week would be filled with humpback whales, striking glaciers, history-filled gold rush towns, the most scenic railway in the world, husky puppies and a chance late-night experience of the aurora borealis (northern lights).

The untouched beauty of Alaska put on a magnificent show from onboard the Holland America ship, Koningsdam , looking out to Glacier Bay. After making my way through the northern-most US state, these are my official must-see destinations in Alaska.

Top 5 Places To Visit In Alaska

Learn from my experience…

The Capital, Juneau

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After leaving port in Vancouver, my sister and I had a full day at sea before our adventure began in Juneau, the capital of Alaska. The city is so remote it’s only accessible by boat or plane. Nestled between mountains and the sea, Juneau is a gateway to incredible natural wonders and has a rich history.

We visited the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls before taking a whale-watching cruise where we spotted humpbacks and their calves frolicking in the waters. After birthing in Hawaii, the mammals were migrating back to feast on salmon.

We also saw plenty of sea lions and America’s national bird – the bald eagle – soaring across the sky.

The Gold Rush Town Of Skagway

Next, we ventured to Skagway, a town straight out of a gold rush movie set.

It abounds with stories of the fortune seekers who flocked here in the 1800s, and its historic buildings are still painted in distinctive, identifying colours (originally to help gold prospectors who couldn’t read signs).

Traversing the rugged terrain between Skagway, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Canada, is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, dubbed “the scenic railway of the world” and a marvel of engineering. Built during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, this narrow-gauge railroad climbs nearly 1000 metres in 32 kilometres, with breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, gorges and waterfalls. We were transported back in time as we passed through tunnels and over trestle bridges while hearing tales of the intrepid gold rush stampeders.

Historic Ketchikan

Home to the second-largest temperate rainforest in the world, Ketchikan sees rain more often than not, contributing to the lush landscape. Here, brown bears outnumber humans three to one, especially during salmon season when the bears emerge from hibernation.

We explored the rich Tlingit indigenous culture, visiting traditional cedar houses where the main clans – Eagles and Ravens – gather together. We met local artisans making totem poles, and dancers in traditional costume. The architecture and customs all offer glimpses into the lives of the people who have called this land home for thousands of years.

Incredible Glacier Bay

The day spent viewing Glacier Bay National Park from the bow of our ship was simply spectacular. It’s impossible not to be in awe of the deep fjords and massive glaciers that slowly carve down the mountains into the sea. The stillness of the bay mirrored the stunning scenery. We were fortunate enough to witness three instances of glaciers “calving” (where huge chunks of ice break off and plunge into the water) with a thunderous roar.

See The Aurora Borealis

After a day at sea taking in everything Glacier Bay had to offer, we were woken around midnight by the crew telling us the northern lights were putting on a show. We rugged up and rushed out to see the beautiful dancing ribbons of blue and green light.

Our seven-day Inside Passage adventure was just the tip of the iceberg – an experience so incredible it left us awestruck. Alaska is a destination like no other.

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The Most Remote Destinations on Earth That You Can Actually Visit

Cell phone service not guaranteed.

If you’re tired of dealing with crowds at popular vacation hotspots , perhaps you should seek adventure in some of the most remote destinations on Earth. You won’t find a direct flight to these places—but they promise a retreat into untouched landscapes that will leave you completely satisfied. Whether you want to unplug from work or reconnect with a loved one, these remote destinations each offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you refreshed.

From the frozen expanses of Antarctica, where icebergs reign supreme, to the isolated beauty of the Galapagos Islands, each remote destination holds a unique allure. This wide range of remote exploration offers not only a break from the ordinary but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely new place and culture.

Antarctica stands as one of the most remote and inhospitable places on Earth, offering a unique and challenging destination for adventurous travelers. Located at the southernmost tip of the planet, its extreme conditions—characterized by frigid temperatures, fierce winds, and vast ice sheets—make it an isolated and pristine environment. Antarctica has no permanent residents, infrastructure is minimal, and access is primarily limited to scientific researchers and expedition groups.

For those craving adventure with all of the luxury accommodations of a five-star hotel, Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot is a top-notch cruising option. As the only passenger ship able to navigate through ice-covered waters, you'll be able to explore unexplored (and otherwise inaccessible) landscapes. Whether you're taking in the beauty of cathedral-sized icebergs or spotting unique wildlife, immersing yourself in the polar world has never been more fabulous.

Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands, located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity and isolation, making them one of the most fascinating destinations on the planet. This archipelago consists of volcanic islands and its unique geological features and diverse ecosystems have given rise to a multitude of species found nowhere else in the world. The remote location and strict conservation measures contribute to the islands' beautiful environment.

Although there are hotels on some of the islands, the best way to experience the Galapagos is by boat. Ecoventura is an Ecuadorian luxury yacht expedition company where guests will travel for a week with a local guide. The small group won't exceed 20 guests and will get to see sea lions, turtles, tortoises, and the joyfully bizarre blue footed booby birds. The yacht will travel to remote islands to give their travelers the most authentic experience.

Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands , a North Atlantic archipelago situated between Iceland and Norway, are renowned for dramatic cliffs and remote charm. Made of 18 rugged islands, the Faroes are characterized by steep mountains, green valleys, and picturesque fjords. The archipelago's remote, ocean-surrounded location contributes to its unique atmosphere and sense of isolation.

Visiting the Faroe Islands requires a journey across the North Atlantic, often involving flights or ferry rides from neighboring countries. The Faroes' small population and traditional way of life add to their allure. Travelers are drawn to the Faroes for their raw natural beauty, including iconic sights like the Mulafossur Waterfall and the towering sea stacks of Drangarnir. The unpredictable weather, with frequent fog, rain, and wind, adds an element of adventure, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking untouched landscapes.

If you want to stay on the island, we recommend booking a room or cottage at Hotel Hafnia . For a more rugged experience, set up camp in the great outdoors (you can look into different sites here ).

Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the largest National Park in the United States and one of the most remote and awe-inspiring destinations. Encompassing over 13 million acres of rugged wilderness, the park is a vast expanse of towering mountains, massive glaciers, and pristine valleys.

Visiting Wrangell-St. Elias is an adventure into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, with limited road access and vast expanses that are often accessible only by bush plane or on foot. The park is home to some of the highest peaks in North America, including Mount St. Elias, and features diverse ecosystems supporting a variety of wildlife.

Visitors can explore ancient glaciers, hike through alpine meadows, and witness the rugged beauty of the Wrangell and Chugach mountain ranges. Even though it’s no easy feat to get there, the views are worth it! Stay at the Ultima Thule Lodge , which offers fly-out adventure experiences daily as well as farm-to-table cuisine (including locally caught salmon, fresh vegetables, and wild game).

It’s no surprise that the fan-favorite competition show Survivor is filmed on a remote island in Fiji . With over 300 islands, this country is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal clear water. This screensaver photo-worthy destination tops many bucket lists—and rightfully so.

It’s not uncommon to stay on a private island such as Kokomo Private Island Resort . Many SCUBA divers enjoy visiting Kokomo, as it’s close to the Great Astrolabe Reef. While Kokomo is known for its luxury, it also has one of the best dive centers in Fiji. Visiting requires taking a sea plane which has some of the best aerial views of the turquoise waters.

Iceland is known for its otherworldly landscapes, geothermal wonders, and little to no crowds. The island nation, often referred to as the "Land of Fire and Ice," builds for an adventurous itinerary, including hiking and visiting glaciers, hot springs, volcanoes, and even vast lava fields. Iceland's unique geological formations and its position near the Arctic Circle contribute to its captivating environment that you won't forget any time soon.

Visitors to Iceland can experience the country's remote beauty by exploring its various regions, from the iconic Golden Circle with landmarks like Geysir and Gullfoss Falls to the rugged landscapes of the East Fjords and the volcanic wonders of the Southern Coast.

Hotel Rangá , located in Hella, is the ideal home base for days of exploring. The family-owned hotel has hosted notable celebrities from Justin Bieber to Kim Kardashian. During the winter months, the concierge coordinates wake-up calls for the most optimal viewing of the Northern Lights.

The Kimberley, Western Australia

Encompassing an ancient expanse that spans hundreds of thousands of square miles, the Kimberley, Australia stands as one of the world's most precious and unspoiled wilderness regions. Covering an area three times larger than England yet inhabited by less than 40,000 people, the Kimberley, situated in Australia's entire north-western corner, remains one of the last frontiers of untouched wilderness globally. This region boasts abundant wildlife, majestic canyons, and hosts one of Australia's most spectacular 4WD road trips.

Another marvel not to be missed is the beehive-like domes of the 360-million-year-old Bungle Bungles . Despite its remote location, the Kimberley surprises with excellent culinary offerings, luxurious accommodations, welcoming locals, and the presence of one of the most romantic beach towns on the planet. Former cattle station turned luxury lodge El Questro features hot springs, freshwater pools fed by pounding waterfalls, and soaring escarpments.

Umphang, Thailand

Umphang, located within the verdant jungles of western Thailand is one of the nation's most secluded and enchanting destinations. Situated discreetly in the province of Tak, Umphang offers travelers a chance to embark off the beaten path while surrounded by surreal natural beauty and a wealth of cultural heritage.

The trek to Umphang is an adventure in itself, with serpentine mountain roads guiding explorers to the heart of the jungle. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with panoramic views of tumbling waterfalls, verdant forests, and rugged landscapes. Many make the pilgrimage to Umphang to witness the grandeur of Thi Lo Su Waterfall, Thailand's largest and most spectacular waterfall.

Beyond its natural wonders, Umphang provides opportunities for cultural immersion, inviting guests to explore local Karen Hill tribe villages and gain insights into their traditional customs and way of life. Since hotels are quite limited in this area, we recommend taking a day trip to Umphang or looking into Airbnb for overnight stays.

Southwest National Park, Tasmania

As Tasmania's largest National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage area, the Southwest National Park is a sanctuary of remote and untouched wilderness. Encompassing nearly 10 percent of the state, this region boasts untarnished landscapes, rugged mountain ranges, button grass moorlands, and ancient rainforests.

Some of Tasmania’s most dramatic and challenging mountains are here, but there are just as many accessible pockets that offer a glimpse of the great outdoors. Camping options are plentiful throughout the park, or you could opt for Pedder Wilderness Lodge which sits on Lake Pedder. The lodge caters to the adventurous backpacker with all the modern amenities of a luxurious, private ge taway. Live music, Australian fare, local Tasmanian wine and spirits, and guided tours for bushwalking, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and more abound.

Boundary Waters, Minnesota

Found in Minnesota's northernmost reaches, the Boundary Waters area boasts 1,300 lakes and over 1 million acres of wilderness. Accessible via the 55-mile Gunflint Trail, entry is primarily by canoe and there is no cell phone service available. Boundary Waters is a true paddler's paradise, featuring expansive bodies of water that allow hours of canoeing without ever setting foot on land. Sea Gull Lake, for instance, conceals a hidden waterfall on its southern shore. Adventurous travelers can also partake in the ritual of portaging—carrying their boat from one waterway to another for a change of scenery.

With a lack of hotels, the Boundary Waters wilderness has over 2,000 designated campsites. Tall pine trees, rocky shorelines, an abundance of glassy lakes, and crystal-clear streams ensure that each campsite has an unbelievable view to wake up to.

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15 Incredible & Best Places to Visit in Alaska

Alaska is the largest state in the USA, a vast landmass in the northwest of the country that’s separated from the rest of the states by Canada, and icy waterways. 

Alaska is remote, it’s isolated and it’s utterly stunning. While the cities, such as Anchorage and Juneau, have a lot to offer visitors, the best places to visit in Alaska are found in the wilderness. 

You can hike through spectacular national parks in summer, fly over epic mountain peaks such as Denali and land on dramatic glaciers.

You can learn about the indigenous people of Alaska, or get seriously remote with a trip to the Aleutian Islands. 

There’s so much to do, and to inspire your adventure, here are the best places to visit in Alaska! 

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Alaska (Regional Guide)

15 Best Places to Visit in Alaska

Table of Contents

Juneau is the understated state capital, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Alaska. 

This might be the state capital but it’s really just a small town, and having no road connections, it’s also one of the most isolated places in the USA. 

But Juneau has a lot to offer, including some excellent museums and cultural centers delving into both the indigenous and the European history of Alaska.

Like anywhere in the state though, the best sights are found in the outdoors. Visit the beautiful Mendenhall Glacier on the edge of the city, take boat tours through the Fjords in search of wildlife, whales, and dolphins, and ride the Aerial Tramway to the summit of Mount Roberts for the beat vistas in Juneau. 

Whale watching and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier are two of the most popular activities around Juneau.

Check them both off your list on this half-day combo tour that includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway.

2. Anchorage

It might not be the capital, but Anchorage is easily Alaska’s best-known city.  Anchorage is the largest city in the state and it’s much better connected than Juneau, the capital.

You can explore the city’s best museums, restaurants, cafes, and bars in Downtown, but save plenty of time to travel into the wilderness. 

From Anchorage, you’re a short flightseeing trip away from epic mountains and glaciers, while along the coast you can enjoy hiking and cycling trails, or take a boat along the Fjords. 

Anchorage is where the city meets the wilds, and there are few other places in the USA where you’ll find moose and bears casually strolling through the streets! 

Get to know Anchorage on this 3-hour guided tour that takes you around the city’s top sites , including the port, Earthquake Park, Lake Hood, and Bootleggers Cove.

Gain further insight into Alaska’s indigenous cultures with an upgrade to visit the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center.

3. Fairbanks 

Fairbanks is one of the most remote places in the USA. The small city is found in the wild interior of the state, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Alaska. 

Fairbanks is a long way from anywhere, but it’s the largest city away from the coast, and the second-largest city in Alaska after Anchorage. 

This is the hub for the region and if you’re looking to explore the real wilds of Alaska then Fairbanks makes the perfect base.

In winter, you can spot the Northern Lights from the city, or marvel at ice sculptures across the city.

In summer you can hike and search for wildlife, and all year round you can visit the excellent Fairbanks Museum of the North.

Get to know Alaska’s past and present on this 5.5-hour tour in Fairbanks led by an informative guide .

Enjoy the Museum of the North’s story of Alaska’s natural and cultural heritage, and admire the art installations at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center.

4. Denali National Park 

One of the best places to visit in Alaska is the legendary Denali National Park. 

Named for Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America , this is the most famous national Park in Alaska. 

While you might not be climbing the mountain, which rises to almost 7000 meters in height, you can enjoy hiking in summer and snow sports in winter. 

You can reach Denali in 5 hours by car from Anchorage, but the best way to travel here is to take the train or to join a flightseeing tour that flies over the park and around the mountain. You might even be able to land on a glacier. 

Let someone else take care of planning and driving on this Denali backcountry excursion .

A driver and guide take you sightseeing along the full 92.5 miles (150 kilometers) of the Denali National Park Road to the Backcountry Lodge.

After lunch there, choose between gold panning, a naturalist-guided hike, or a botany walk. For convenience, you’re picked up directly from major hotels near Denali.

5. Chugach State Park

Even closer to Anchorage, you can find one of the best places to visit in Alaska. Chugach State Park quite literally begins where the boundaries of the city end. 

This beautiful state park is home to a huge variety of wildlife, and you’ll quickly spot the likes of bears and moose, classic Alaskan animals, in their natural habitat. 

Get out of the city and deeper into the Alaskan wilderness than is typical, on this great sightseeing tour .

This small-group tour takes you to Chugach National Forest, Beluga Point, Portage Glacier, and more to spot brown bears, wolves, bison, and belugas.

6. Lake Clark National Park 

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Alaska is Lake Clark National Park . 

Located just 100 miles away from Anchorage it’s also incredibly accessible. Lake Clark is a huge, jaw-dropping lake that glistens in glorious shades of blue and turquoise in the sunshine. 

As well as lakes and rivers though, the national park is well known for its steaming volcanic peaks, and wildlife.

The waterways are home to huge populations of salmon, and the salmon attract plenty of bears in the spring and summer. 

7. Gates of the Arctic National Park  

Head to the far north of the state to explore one of the most remote, yet one of the best places to visit in Alaska. 

This is the place to travel to if you want to see the Arctic Circle because this national park is found entirely within the Arctic Circle.

In fact, this is the most northerly national park in the United States, and even getting here will be a challenge in itself. 

Make the long journey to the Gates of the Arctic National Park, and you’ll be able to explore this icy realm and delve deep into the local communities that have adapted to thrive in this cold part of the world. 

Discover the Alaskan wilderness on this 3 or 4-day guided trip from Fairbanks that includes overnight accommodation . Soak up spectacular scenery at the Arctic National Park, perhaps spotting wildlife like grizzlies and sheep.

Enjoy plenty of hikes, including one on the high plateau of Finger Mountain, check out an Alaskan oil field, and learn about the region’s gold-mining history and more.

8. Coldfoot and Wiseman 

Coldfoot and Wiseman are two unique villages found in the Arctic. These are two famous pit stops on the road north, home to just a few residents and a couple of bed and breakfasts and camping areas. 

They primarily supply and rest stops, but they are much more than this too.

Spend the night on your way north in a truly authentic Arctic community that’s often cut off from the world for many of the long winter months. 

9. Chena Hot Springs 

The Chena Hot Springs is one of the best places to visit in Alaska, especially if you’re looking to escape the cold. 

Take a trip to the Chena Hot Springs, just a quick 50-mile detour from Fairbanks, and you’ll be able to soak up the natural mineral water, warm up in the arctic climate and enjoy some beautiful surroundings. 

You can stay at the Chena Hot Springs Resort if you’re looking for a slice of luxury in the wilderness. 

Discover Alaska’s natural hot springs and amazing ice sculptures on a full-day tour to Chena Hot Springs .

Enjoy a scenic 60-mile (95-km) drive from your hotel to Chena Hot Springs, where you can soak in the large outdoor pool of this legendary resort.

Tour how Chena Hot Springs makes use of geothermal energy to power the resort, and check out the sculptures in the Aurora Ice Museum.

10. Glacier Bay National Park 

Close to the city of Juneau, you can find one of the best places to visit in Alaska. 

Glacier Bay National Park , as the name would suggest, is home to some of Alaska’s most impressive glacial landscapes.

Many of the glaciers drop straight into the bay itself, and the best way to see them is to take a boat ride or to kayak in the shadow of these icy behemoths. 

11. Kenai Fjords

Kenai Fjords are one of the best places to visit in Alaska. This beautiful, protected national park is located off the Kenai Peninsula where you can find the largest icefield in the USA. 

The best way to explore the waterways and glaciers, if of course by taking a boat cruise. 

Watch the Alaskan wilderness awaken on this 6-hour morning cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward . Cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers among the fjords and take in a bounty of wildlife.

Enjoy a delicious lunch on board, and visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge for great views of seabird rookeries.

12. Katmai National Park

Alaska is home to a huge number of national parks, but one not to miss will always be the Katmai National Park. 

The huge national park is centered around an enormous volcano, and this is the best place in the country to see large numbers of brown bears in the wild. 

13. Skagway 

If you’re looking for a destination that’s not just about the landscapes and wildlife then take a trip to the town of Skagway. 

Located along the Inside Passage, Skagway was an important hub during the Klondike Gold Rush era and much of the town has been preserved into a historic relic from these boom days. 

You can visit Klondike inspired museums and heritage buildings and even ride the old gold rush era steam engines along the railroad. 

This is not a run-of-the-mill sled excursion, it packs in several fun activities and concludes with a treat that’s hard not to love.

Follow your guide on a short tour of downtown Skagway , hop on a Unimog for a ride up a mountain, and then take a sled ride with Alaskan huskies through Tongass National Park.

Afterward, get a chance to spend time with husky puppies.

14. Aleutian Islands

The Aleutian Islands are one of the best places to visit in Alaska, but getting there isn’t exactly easy. 

These distant islands spread from the mainland, west into the Bering Sea, and they are comprised of a large number of volcanic Islands and atolls, only a few of which are inhabited.

The islands have a unique history and were, in fact, the scene of a fierce battle between invading Japanese forces and defending Allied troops.

A few of the islands were occupied, making this the only part of the USA to be occupied during World War II by the Japanese. 

Today you can not only explore unknown battlefields, but you can marvel at the isolation and Remote beauty of the volcanoes and peaks on these dramatic Alaskan islands. 

15. Inside Passage 

The Inside Passage is one of the most spectacular travel routes in North America and one of the best places to visit in Alaska. 

The Inside Passage is the route that’s often taken by cruise ships , and a route that was taken by pioneering colonists and explorers on their way north in the 19th century. 

The sheltered and relatively calm Inside Passage takes ships along the Canadian coastline and into Alaska, reaching Juneau.

Along the way the views and the scenery are mesmerizing, and this really is the best way to arrive in the state! 

More on Alaska:

• Best Time to Visit Alaska: Month by Month Breakdown
• 13 UNREAL Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
• 15 Cannot Miss Things to do in Anchorage
• 21 Alluring Things to do in Alaska
• 13 Epic Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska (Besides Northern Lights)
• 5 Best Alaska Road Trip Routes (Ultimate Planning Guide!)
• Alaska National Parks: The Fabulous 8
• Is Spring the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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Most remote areas of Alaska

McKay’s buntings, like this male, nest only on St. Matthew Island, one of the most remote areas of Alaska. Photo by Rachel Richardson, USGS, Alaska Science Center.

Sometimes the urge arises to just truly get away from it all. When that time comes, there’s literally no better place than St. Matthew Island. 

In 2003, science writer Ned Rozell and geographer Dorte Dissing set out to find the most remote areas of Alaska. Dissing used GIS technology to identify the most remote area on mainland Alaska as an upper branch of the Coleen River in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge that is 85 miles from any town or established trail. St. Matthew, she found, takes the overall crown. Buffered by the Bering Sea, the island is 209 miles away from the nearest village of Mekoryuk on Nunivak Island. 

A tiny cohort of soldiers operated a radar station on the island during World War II, but St. Matthew has been unhabituated since the station was closed. Now the island’s most frequent human visitors are biologists studying wildlife that live and breed there. 

St. Matthew is the only place on the planet where McKay’s buntings nest. Cornell ornithologists have called the bunting the least-studied endemic bird in North America. St. Matthew is also home to a subspecies of rock sandpiper that breeds only on St. Matthew and the Pribilof Islands to the south. 

As part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge , St. Matthew is protected for conservation. It’s also open for the public to visit. Of course, it takes some formidable planning to get there. But once on St. Matthew, rest assured you’re in one of the most remote places in the United States. 

Alexander Deedy formerly worked as the assistant editor and digital content manager for Alaska magazine.

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Mar 27, 2024 • 7 min read

To minimize your environmental footprint consider a small-ship cruise © Mint Images / Getty Images 

With vast swaths of wilderness, communities that are only accessible by boat or plane, and plenty of untamed characters who’ve chosen to live in one of the most rural and dramatic landscapes in the United States, it’s no surprise that Alaska is called the Last Frontier.

The hardest part of planning a trip to Alaska is knowing what to do and how many great places to put on your itinerary. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures in Alaska's amazing national parks , to spot wildlife, or to admire the northern lights, you will find memorable and fascinating experiences at every turn.

These are the top things to do in Alaska.

1. Take to the water on a cruise in Alaska

Alaska cruising is big business and one of the most popular ways to see the state. Every summer, dozens of mega-ships make their way through the waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage, visiting communities only accessible by boat (and plane), such as Sitka , Ketchikan  and Juneau , the state capital. Let us help you choose which cruise is right for you. 

Excursions vary across ports, including flightseeing tours that take you over vast ice fields, fishing excursions that troll the deep waterways of the region, and cultural tours that bring the vibrant communities of Alaska’s Native people to life. Many people make their first trip to Alaska on a cruise because it’s an easy way to experience the state without diving into trickier travel logistics.

Planning tip:  There are numerous options when picking an Alaska cruise, and your primary constraints are your travel style and budget . To minimize your environmental footprint and better support local economies, consider a small-ship cruise. Several operators, including Alaskan Dream Cruises , UnCruise Adventures  and John Hall’s Alaska , offer similar itineraries to the big ships but can venture deeper into southeastern Alaska’s waterways and visit smaller communities that also need tourism support. 

2. Immerse yourself in the wilderness of Denali National Park

What makes  Denali National Park special is both what you’ll find there and what you won’t. As one of the nation’s largest national parks, Denali is a huge space of wilderness, perhaps the largest undeveloped space you’ll ever experience. It's also one of the best places to see wildlife in Alaska, and you might spot moose, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and wolves, as well as smaller mammals and many species of birds. But the national park’s highlight is Denali itself, the tallest mountain in North America. Covered in snow year-round, the “High One” stands head and shoulders above the rest of the Alaska Range.

The best way to visit Denali National Park is by booking one of the official bus tours. You can’t drive private vehicles past mile marker 15 of the 92-mile dirt road. But the buses go farther into the park and help limit the environmental impact of tourism in one of the last truly wild and undeveloped places in the United States. Check out our first timer's guide to plan the ultimate trip. 

Planning tip: Denali National Park is generally only open during the summer season , but you can also visit in the shoulder months of May and September to try and avoid some of the crowds. At present, work is ongoing on Park Road due to a landslide, meaning buses can only go as far as Mile 43 . Authorities say this will remain the case until summer 2026.

Start crafting your budget with these tips.

3. Spot Alaska’s "Big Five" and other major mammals

Alaska has plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, but most visitors focus on trying to see the “Big Five”: moose, grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and gray wolves. Similar in concept to southern Africa’s Big Five, these five large mammals live throughout Alaska, and seeing all of them on a single visit is considered a lucky and successful trip.

All five animals can be seen in Denali National Park, but you can spot them in other parts of the state, too. If you want to guarantee success, take a trip to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center south of Anchorage. Along the way, you can look for Dall sheep on the Seward Highway’s rocky cliffside and spot the other four animals at the rehabilitation center. Many travelers to Alaska also visit to see whales. Alaska’s waterways are home to several whale species. Humpback whales migrate north to Alaska during the summer and always delight the people on ships in their vicinity. It’s also common to see orcas (killer whales) and small white belugas in the waterways of coastal Alaska.

4. Be mesmerized by the northern lights

If you are planning to visit Alaska in the winter, you’re likely doing so for one reason: to see the aurora borealis (northern lights). Watching the phenomenon – caused by solar particles interacting with atoms in the atmosphere – is mesmerizing because the panels of light seem to dance across the dark winter sky.

As the top destination in the US for viewing the aurora borealis, there are several spots throughout Alaska where the dancing lights regularly appear. The best place to base yourself is in Fairbanks , in Alaska’s central interior. Here you’ll be right under the Auroral Oval, a part of Earth’s atmosphere where aurora can appear directly overhead.

Fairbanks experiences the aurora more than 200 nights per year, but it is only visible during the dark winter months; the best time to visit Alaska for peak aurora activity is around the equinoxes in September and March.

Planning tip: Plan ahead, wear lots of layers (temperatures regularly drop far below freezing), and give yourself at least three nights on your itinerary to maximize your chances of clear skies and aurora activity.

Heading to the Alaska with your family? Here are the best things to do with kids.

5. Ride the Alaska Railroad

One aspect of Alaska that surprises many first-time visitors is how little travel infrastructure there is: the Alaska highway system has just four routes, and there’s only one railway line in the whole state. It pays to plan ahead.

The Alaska Railroad was built in the early 20th century and was one of few federally funded railroad lines in the US. Today, it is operated by the state of Alaska, and it shuttles visitors between a handful of stops along the 400-mile route. Seward , Anchorage , Talkeetna , Denali and Fairbanks are the most common stops visited. Copy this itinerary from Lonely Planet editor Sarah Stocking and you won't be disappointed. 

Planning tip:  The best way to experience the Alaska Railroad is by tying it into other travel plans. Wherever possible, splurge for the upper-class seats that often include a glass-domed train car where you can watch the splendor of Alaska pass by unobstructed. You can take the train to and from Denali National Park or ride it down to Seward to explore Kenai Fjords National Park.

6. Spot sealife and glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park

While many visitors focus on Denali National Park, there’s another national park that’s easy to visit – well, easy by Alaska standards, which is to say that you can drive there. Kenai Fjords National Park covers a swath of water, mountain, and shoreline in south-central Alaska. The gateway city to visit this park is Seward , a 2.5-hour drive south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway.

The only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that’s accessible by car is Exit Glacier near Seward. A short, easy hike educates visitors about glaciology and shows the markers that demonstrate this glacier’s rapid recession. The Kenai River Trail is also one of the best hikes in Alaska . But don’t let that be your only experience of Kenai Fjords National Park! From Seward, you can book any number of day cruises that will take you out into the waterways that comprise the majority of the park. There you’ll spot sea birds, otters, sea lions, orcas, and – if you’re lucky – humpback whales that migrate from Hawaii to this part of Alaska during the summer.

Planning tip: Cruise companies don't operate in Kenai Fjords during the winter.  

Save this transportation guide to get around in Alaska.

7. Soak in the Chena Hot Springs

An hour outside Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs draws visitors year-round, especially in the winter after a night out admiring the northern lights. This is one of the few developed and easily accessible hot springs in Alaska, though there are many natural and undeveloped springs that are known mainly to locals. At Chena Hot Springs, you can dip in one of two hot spring pools; the outdoor one is a real treat during the frigid winter months when condensation from the hot water will cause ice crystals to form on your hair and eyelashes.

Planning tip:  Chena Hot Springs Resort also offers other experiences on its property, including tours of an Ice Museum, hiking or snowshoeing depending on the season, and late-night aurora-viewing excursions.

This article was first published Oct 20, 2021 and updated Mar 27, 2024.

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Here Is The Most Remote, Isolated Spot In Alaska And It’s Positively Breathtaking

St. Matthew Island in Alaska is the most remote place in the state, offering unparalleled peace and quiet.

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Finding the most remote, isolated spot in Alaska is truly like searching for a needle in a haystack. As a whole, the last frontier is one big, burly wonderland that is largely uninhabited and filled with hundreds of millions of acres of nothing but raw land. The rugged terrain, extreme temps and limited road system in Alaska keep the crowds to a minimal and the year-round population much lower than anywhere else in the U.S. If you ask the locals, they will all tell you that they love it that way.

We will take peace and quiet over hustle and bustle any day of the week. After searching far and wide, we discovered that out of all of Alaska's 2,670 named islands and the 663,268 square miles that make up the state, St. Matthew Island in the Bering Sea takes the cake when it comes to being the most remote place in the state.

Located far, far away in the middle of the nowhere is a place called St. Matthew Island. Okay, so it's not actually in the middle of nowhere. It's actually in the middle of the Bering Sea.

On the map, this tiny remote island is located in Southwest Alaska. It is north of the Aleutian Islands and west of Bethel.

The island is said to have been originally inhabited by members of the Aleut tribe. However the first recorded attempt at settlement on the island was in 1809 by a group of Russians. During the 1940s the US Coast Guard manned a radio navigation station on the island, but since then there has been little action in the way of human life.

The island itself is tiny (just under 138 square miles) and today it is completely uninhabited and undeveloped. You will not find any industry here or any access to any of your beloved creature comforts like running water and electricity.

Well, when we said uninhabited, we meant by humans. There are some pretty cute critters roaming around the island though.

Arctic foxes and insular voles are two types of mammals that can be found on St. Matthew Island. Occasionally you might find polar bears roaming on the ice packs in the Bering Sea. Interestingly enough, St. Matthew Island actually represents the southern limit of the range of polar bears in the Bering Sea. So spotting the massive white bears here might be a rare occurrence.

Cape Upright is at the southernmost end of the island and has large, towering cliff faces that stand over 1,000 feet tall.

The large rocky and sandy beaches on the island are seemingly endless. Visitors can go beach-combing and check out all the driftwood scattered throughout the shore. If you like long walks on the beach without any crowds in sight, dare to make the long journey out to this incredibly remote area.

This remote island actually does get a little bit of all the four seasons. The fall foliage as the tundra turns bright red is a spectacular sight to behold. If you blink, you just might miss it though - the seasons are truly THAT short.

There are two lakes on the island (North Lake and South Lake) which are said to be filled with fish. The exact species of fish in the lakes is not specifically determined yet it is said that there are over five different kinds on the island, which is more than many other remote islands in Alaska.

The weather conditions on the island are varied but are said to be generally cool, cloudy, humid and windy. In the wintertime the temps can drop pretty low and well below the freezing mark. The average annual temperature is around 38 degrees with roughly 15 inches of precipitation.

In true 'island life' fashion, even the most remote places in all of Alaska offer some of the most glorious sunsets in the world. St. Matthew Island is no exception to that rule. When you're here, you are guaranteed to be rewarded with breathtaking vistas, incredible wildlife and the most raw, rugged displays of the mighty last frontier.

If you love remote areas, you've got to check out these 12 small towns in Alaska that offer nothing but peace and quiet . Also, these 20 photos prove that rural Alaska is the best place to live . Do you agree or do you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city life?

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The View From This Overlook In Alaska Is Almost Too Beautiful For Words

Thompson Pass in Alaska offers breathtaking views and is a must-stop for travelers heading to Valdez.

Many people have heard of Thompson Pass, but plenty continue on their drive after passing through it to reach the valley below and the small seaside town of Valdez. But this overlook in Alaska is worth stopping for; with views for miles in every direction, there’s something breathtaking to be seen, no matter where you look.

Many people are familiar with the famous Thompson Pass.

Rising all the way to 2,678 feet, this high mountain pass resides in the Chugach Mountain range between Valdez and Glenallen. 82.5 miles long, it finishes with a view of the valley below that will absolutely blow you away.

The pass is one of the snowiest places in Alaska, but it’s open all year long.

The pass is home to waterfalls, glaciers, and plenty of things to see and do. But the overlook, once you emerge, is something truly special.

If you’re driving the Richardson Highway towards Valdez, when you make it through the last couple of curves through the pass, the view opens up to a stunning scene.

A vast valley below you divides the next mountain range across the way. Depending on the time of year, you might see snow-capped mountain tops or rolling green landscapes. It’s one of the most beautiful overlooks in Alaska.

There are a couple of unofficial places to pull over once the view appears.

Pull over into any of the dirt or sandy pull-outs to sit and enjoy the view. After a long drive this is a great place to take a break.

There’s a hidden campground nearby, too.

The Blueberry Lake State Recreation Area has a stunning lake and a couple of campsites. And it offers the same views that you get from the overlook right above you.

Many people choose to spend the day here exploring.

There’s a couple of trails, and plenty of room to wander around. Because you’re up above the tree line, you won’t need to worry about getting lost.

Make time in your trip to stop and soak in the views.

Pack a picnic, stretch your legs, and be prepared to be wowed. This is one special spot you’ll want to soak in for awhile.

After you make your way down the pass, you’ll be greeted with the infamous Keystone Canyon.

Every time I come here with my family I make sure to stop.

The waterfalls of Keystone Canyon, most notably Bridal Veils and Horsetail Falls, are some of the most impressive in Alaska.

There is a great place to pull over in the parking lot and walk in a bit to see them up close. The pass and the waterfalls below make the drive into Valdez absolutely magical!

Have you ever stopped at this overlook in Alaska? What did you think? Was it absolutely breathtaking? Let us know in the comments below!

After you cruise down into the valley and the famous Keystone Canyon, don’t forget that  You Can Practically Drive Right Up To The Beautiful Horsetail Falls In Alaska. Need some food? We love these road trip snack ideas! 

The One Place In Alaska That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth

Tongass National Forest in Alaska offers a Middle Earth-like experience with lush landscapes, unique bridges, and hidden caves.

When you think of Middle Earth, we would be willing to bet that the first place that comes to your mind is New Zealand. That stunning destination served as the main setting for the movie versions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. But Alaska is giving everywhere else on Earth a run for their money with this one special spot that epitomizes the Tolkien's own descriptions of Middle Earth. With lush landscapes , towering trees, unique bridges, ample hiking opportunities, remote boardwalks, and hidden caves, you're sure to be transported directly into a Middle Earth paradise when you visit the Tongass National Forest, one of the most beautiful places in Alaska!

The strikingly beautiful Tongass National Forest spans much of Southeast Alaska.

At 17 million acres in size, this is the largest national forest in the United States of America.

Surrounding the famous Inside Passage, the Tongass National Forest is home to a diverse mix of geographic features.

The temperate rainforest gives way to a lush blend of towering western red cedar, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock trees.

In fact, the Tongass is actually the largest remaining temperate rainforest on planet earth.

Beneath the surface the underlying terrain is made up of a mix of karst (limestone rock) and granite.

While much of the Tongass is accessible throughout the different towns in Southeast Alaska, it is also remote enough to be home to a variety of different species of rare flora and fauna.

There are even muskeg trees in the boreal (taiga) regions of the Tongass. These unique areas have trees that can be found stunted or twisted as they try to gain greater sunlight exposure.

The trails through the trees are reminiscent of the lush landscapes Tolkien described.

Filled with tons of lakes, rivers, creeks, streams and even nearby ocean access - it's impossible to deny that the Tongass feels like something straight out of middle earth.

And while the Tongass itself could be considered a natural wonder, the waterfall views in this are seemingly endless. Consider this forest a hotspot that's hiding some of the most overlooked natural wonders in Alaska!

From small to large, waterfalls are plentiful in this incredibly wet and rainy region of the state.

The ample hiking opportunities in the Tongass are sure to blow you away.

Wooded boardwalks and stairways give way to hiking destinations that will transport you straight into a Middle Earth wonderland.

Don't be fooled by the guidebooks, this magical place is DEFINITELY a year-round adventurer destination.

To take the LOTR vibes up a notch, you will be pleasantly surprised by all the cool hidden bridges throughout the Tongass. As you wind through the woods, rustic bridges will lead you into areas that are rarely traveled to.

It's not a Tolkien setting without cool caves to explore such as El Capitan Cave near Prince of Wales Island.

The Tongass National Forest in Alaska is one of Alaska's two massive national forests, Tongass and Chugach, which combine to cover an incredible 20 million acres. That's a whole lot of beauty to explore !

If you think this forest is pretty amazing, know that it's just the start of everything that makes Alaska so special! Learn more about how hiking to this above-ground cave in Alaska will give you a surreal experience. Also, this wildly unique ice cave in Alaska is truly extraordinary, and you'll definitely want to visit .

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25+ of the Best Places to Visit in Alaska (2024)

Awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Charming coastal towns. Stunning National parks.

These are 25 of the best places to visit in Alaska, ranging from the biggest cities to the most gorgeous nature preserves and tiny towns in one of the five Alaskan region that have a story to tell.

As the largest state in the US and one of the most sparsely populated, planning the best places to go in Alaska can feel daunting.

It’s not so easy to just hop from place to place, and sometimes you need a combination of plane and snowmobile to get there!

And, of course, you should make sure you are aware of the varying sunlight hours in Alaska, with the winter months having almost none in some areas and the summer months having a seriously impressive amount (up to 24 hours in some places on some days!)

Here are the best places to visit in Alaska, from Fairbanks to Sitka to Denali to the Yukon Delta.

What to Pack for Alaska

If you’re coming to Alaska in the summer, then you’ll be good with layers (shorts and shirts during the day, longer layers for in the evening), but if you’re coming in the winter, you need to make sure you’re prepped for a truly Alaska winter wardrobe (read: ALLLLL kinds of bundled up because you’re about to be freezing!)

• Sturdy pair of winter boots – your feet are one of the most important places to keep dry and warm in a Duluth winter, and they’re going to be exposed to a lot between the salt, the slush, and the bitter cold. Make sure to invest in a quality pair of winter boots like these for women and these for men.
• Warm beanie – beanies are all the rage in Alaska when the cold comes, and you can get them in so many different colors. Get a fun pattern like this one , or go plain with ones like these .
• Warm socks – did you know that you also need to think about your socks? Yeah, leave your short summer ones at home. Invest in a pair of warm socks like these to give you an extra layer of protection.
• Wool or fleece leggings – for the girls who are wanting to keep extra warm underneath your jeans or are going bare-legged in your dress for a night out on the town, invest in fleece leggings like these to keep your legs extra warm.
• Gloves with touchscreen technology – there’s nothing worse than having to constantly take your gloves off to text or dial phone numbers or look up directions, so invest in a warm pair of gloves with touchscreen technology like these .
• Warm coat – you want a super warm, down coat or sturdy coat through a brand like North Face to get you through the Alaska winters. Your thin hoodie isn’t going to cut it!
• Turtleneck – turtlenecks are totally in fashion in a Alaska winter, especially layered underneath all of your other clothes. The key is to bundle up from bottom to top, so don’t leave your neck out and try a fashionable turtleneck like this.
• Thick scarf – no matter who you are or what kind of fashion you’re into, you’re sure to find a thick scarf that makes sense for your wardrobe, and this is a fantastic way to add another layer of warmth and act as a shield against the biting winds.

1. Anchorage

The largest city in Alaska, Anchorage is one of Alaska’s main hubs for culture, outdoor adventure, and wildlife viewing.

Check out this amazing Anchorage tour to see the city and beyond, or check out my guide to the best Anchorage tours if you want more options.

Spend your day at the Alaska Zoo , where you can check out both native and Alaskan animals, or go walking in Kincaid Park for some fresh air and great water views.

You can also go to the Alaska Native Heritage Center for an introduction to indigenous life and appreciate native dwellings.

Flight gurus will fall in love with the Alaska Aviation Museum , filled with replicas of historic planes and a flight simulator so you can take to the skies in your own way.

There are also breweries, coffee shops, restaurants, and stores that you would expect from city life like Costco, Target, and Walmart, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything!

Anchorage is home to the University of Alaska Anchorage, as well as Alaska Pacific University, and has a sizeable student population.

Many people use Anchorage as a base for exploring the surrounding wilderness, including Chugah State Park, the Knik River, and more.

How to Get There: Fly into the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, or drive.

Where to Stay: The Lakefront Anchorage ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

2. Fairbanks

Located in the Interior of Alaska, Fairbanks is known for its incredible aurora borealis viewing opportunities, and many people come here to “chase the aurora.”

The second most populated city in Alaska, Fairbanks has a thriving cultural scene that includes the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor’s Center , as well as the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum .

If you need to stretch your legs, Pioneer Park offers some space to run around, and sports fans will find hockey games at the nearby Carlson Center.

Like Anchorage, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and stores so you’re very much in a thriving area with plenty of resources in case you don’t want to cook or need to go buy some warmer clothes!

From Fairbanks, visitors go in search of the Alaskan wilderness by following the Tanana River or checking out the Chena River State Recreation Area.

If you’ve come for aurora season specifically, you can go on a guided tour of the Northern Lights from Fairbanks that helps you find the best places to see the lights, or you can do it yourself by bookmarking places like Creamer’s Field, a bird sanctuary with often excellent views, as well as pullovers on the Steese Highway or the Murphy Dome.

How to Get There: Fly into Fairbanks International Airport, or drive.

Where to Stay: Pike’s Waterfront Lodge ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

Known as one of the most wild places in Alaska where you can still get modern amenities, Nome is a mining town that was incredibly popular back in the days of the Gold Rush.

Today, the population is estimated at just under 4,000 and locals enjoy its beautiful location on the Bering Sea.

If you visit in the summer, you can take part in activities like bird-watching, gold panning, and self-guided walking tours that take you past Nome’s historic buildings.

In the winter, chase the Northern Lights, take part in cross-country skiing, or visit in March to see the end of the famous Iditarod race that ends in Nome.

While you’re out and about on the trails, it isn’t unusual to see a reindeer or a moose!

Nome also offers great shopping if you’re looking for Native art.

History buffs will love the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum , which contains lots of information on the Gold Rush history as well as the history of indigenous people.

And of course, you can take your pictures with the world’s largest gold pan, because why not?

How to Get There: Nome is not connected to the Alaska Highway System, which means that the only easy way for visitors to arrive is by plane into Nome Airport via Alaska airlines.

Where to Stay: Pike Suite ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

Located in the south of Alaska, south of Anchorage, Seward is a popular tourist destination as it’s on the port list for many cruise lines.

It also has great road links to Anchorage and awesome dog sledding tours like this one .

For this reason, the summer season is much more active in Seward, but there are plenty of things to do year round.

Located on Resurrection Bay, Seward is a fantastic place to view marine wildlife.

From humpback whales to sea otters to harbor seals, there are so many gorgeous creatures to spot.

If you want to get active, try renting a bike or doing a dog sledding tour.

Fishing lovers will enjoy guided freshwater or saltwater trips by experienced skippers.

Staying on land?

The Alaska Sealife Aquarium is a public aquarium, perfect for families, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a fascinating culture center.

You’ll also find art galleries, coffee shops, family-owned restaurants and live music venues.

Don’t forget to check out Seward’s murals, done by local artists all over Seward to give it a colorful and friendly vibe.

How to Get There: Most visitors either come by cruise line, fly into Ted Stevens Airport in Anchorage and then drive down (2 to 4 hours depending on traffic), or you can take a train during the summer months.

Where to Stay: Summit View Lodge ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

5. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve

When you consider a visit to the Gates of the Arctic National Park , you should know that this is truly untouched wilderness.

There are no roads, no trails, no service stations – nothing but millions of acres of preserved and unfiltered Alaskan land, shaped only by Mother Earth.

Only experienced backcountry survivalists should visit on their own. If that isn’t you, don’t worry.

There are plenty of guided tours that offer the chance to backpack, canoe, and hike your way through this national park with experienced guides who can show you the ropes when it comes to outdoor living.

You might spot a caribou, a grizzly bear, or other wildlife who call this area home, and you’ll definitely be able to enjoy the absolutely stunning views that include mountains, lakes, and forest.

The park is largely visited in the warmer months, as the freezing temperatures in the winter make it unhabitable for most.

The closest major area is Fairbanks, where many tours start, and from there you may hop on a smaller plane to one of the small settlements closer to the park.

This is Alaska the way it was intended to be explored. Leave no trace, and take nothing but photos.

How to Get There: Head to Fairbanks and take a guided tour, like these by Arctic Wild .

6. Denali National Park

Perhaps the most famous National Park in Alaska, Denali is visited by over 400,000 visitors each year.

There is one road through the park, with most of it being untouched and ready for exploration.

Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears, hares, and other Alaskan wildlife.

This is one of the best tours of Denali .

There are a few popular ways to see Denali, one of which is a bus tour through the park, which are usually narrated and includes stops for lunch.

If you want to get up close to Denali, the actual mountain and summit of the park, there are airplane tours to give you a close-up even if you’re not a mountaineer.

Even in the winter months, while some of the road is closed to visitors, you can visit the first few miles and explore the area with snowshoeing or telemark skiing.

The park recommends two full days of exploration, which gives you time to take guided tours, go hiking and visit the visitor center.

How to Get There: Most visitors in the summer come by car, via the Alaska Railroad, or via a sightseeing bus tour from Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Where to Stay: Denali Park Hotel ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

While Juneau is Alaska’s capital, many are surprised to find that it’s not connected to the rest of Alaska by road (check out more Alaska fun facts like this in our epic list!).

The surrounding terrain is too rugged, which means that anyone or anything coming to or from Juneau goes by plane if you’re coming from the mainland.

It’s also a huge stop for cruise ships in the summer, providing a thriving summer economy.

Check out the Mendenhall Glacier , one of the most beautiful glacier experiences in the world which you can get close to by foot, kayak, or plane.

There’s also fantastic orca whale watching, as well as salmon fishing and a trip to Admiralty Island to see the bears and nesting bald eagles.

And of course, don’t miss the downtown streets of Juneau, where you’ll find the Alaska State Capitol, plenty of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and historic shops on Franklin Street.

How to Get There: Fly into Juneau International Airport.

Where to Stay: Four Points by Sheraton ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

On the outer coast of Alaska’s Inside Passage is Sitka , a place many rom-com fans may have heard of as it was where the characters played by Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock went to visit his parents!

For residents, though, Sitka is simply a place of natural wonder and beauty, essentially an island community because it can only be visited by land or sea.

In Sitka, you can do everything from fly fishing to ATV riding to traditional dancing to hiking to cultural visitors to the St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral .

Spend a day at Baranof Castle , or enjoy some golfing or yoga surrounded by stunning views.

In the summer months, Sitka is visited by cruise ships, while in the winter, it’s filled with people searching for the northern lights or going snowshoeing or backcountry skiing.

Sitka doesn’t experience the same intense light cycles as in Northern Alaska, which means the winter days aren’t quite as short and the summer days aren’t quite as long.

How to Get There: Take a cruise or fly into Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport.

Where to Stay: Sitka Hotel ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

9. Wrangell St-Elias National Park and Preserve

It’s probably no surprise that you can visit the largest national park in all of the United States when you visit Alaska.

With two roads leading into the park, multiple visitor’s center, and plenty of natural experiences, this is one of the best places to visit in Alaska if you want to check out volcanoes, glaciers, as well as wildlife spot to see if you can sneak a peek at the bison, Dall sheep, black and brown bears and mountain goats.

You can also take part in hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding, kayaking, and so much more.

Plan to visit during the summer months, when the park is accessible.

While the roads are open year-round, they are not maintained in the winter months and visitors from around the world are welcomed from around May to September.

How to Get There: Drive from nearby Chitina or take a guided tour.

Where to Stay: Kennicott Glacier Lodge ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

10. North Pole

Yes, you can visit the North Pole ..in Alaska!

Known for its year-round Christmas decorations, this small town near Fairbanks has adorable street names like Mistletoe Lane and plenty of candy cane striped street lights.

Visit Santa Claus House, a Santa Claus themed gift shop, as well as nearby shops Christmas in Ice and a reindeer experience at Antler Academy!

North Pole has an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school, as well as a library.

How to Get There: Drive from Fairbanks

Where to Stay: Hotel North Pole ( Click here to check out rooms and prices ).

11. Bering Land Bridge National Preserve

One of the most remote national parks, Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is the place to go in Alaska for anyone who wants to journey to the end of the Earth.

Quite literally, too, as this used to (10,000+ years ago) be part of the land bridge that connected Asia to America!

It’s located on the Seward Peninsula in Northwest Alaska and here you’ll find the opportunity to get lost (not for real) in a world of caribou, forest, hot springs, and more.

Visitors to this national park love the Serpentine Hot Springs, which are hot springs that you can use, like a natural hot tub!

There’s also plenty of wildlife spotting.

There are no roads in the park, so access is by small plane or snowmobile.

How to Get There: Take a tour with Arctic Wild

Where to Stay: Stay in Kotzebue overnight before your tour.

12. Alaska Highway

At over 1300 miles across Alaska, the Alaska Highway is one of the best scenic drives in the entire world.

You could plan a whole trip just cruising this highway and stopping off at points along the way, as it goes all the way from near Fairbanks to British Columbia, Canada.

Established in World War II, millions of visitors have rented a car and taken off on an adventure over the years and it’s definitely something to add to your bucketlist.

Because of the remoteness of Alaska, you do want to make sure that you’re prepared for the weather, know where your next stop is, and aren’t traveling without proper equipment through the more dangerous winter months.

13. College

Unsurprisingly, “ College, Alaska ” is just outside of downtown Fairbanks and is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

With surrounding trails, public modern art on campus, and an ice skating rink, it’s worth stopping by to have a look.

Many people are fascinated by the campuses of universities across the country, so don’t miss the chance to see an Alaskan one on your visit to Fairbanks!

How to Get There: Drive or fly into the Fairbanks International Airport.

Where to Stay: Downtown Fairbanks

14. Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve

It’s time to embrace the beauty of the Yukon and Charley rivers at this Alaska national park.

One of the most popular activities here are, of course, floating down the Yukon river or Charley river.

You can experience canoeing, whitewater rafting, hiking, wildlife watching, and plenty of outdoor adventure.

With public cabins that can be used for free along the river banks (first-come, first served), many like to float down the river and stop off each night in a cabin.

Of course, remember that the climate in Alaska means that May through September are the ideal months for experiencing this part of the state, and always remember to come prepared with all of the gear recommended by Alaska’s National Park service, including bearproof belongings!

How to Get There: Drive to one of the towns along the river, like Circle or Beaver.

Where to Stay: Beaver Lodge Tour and B&B.

15. Chugach National Forest

Just one hour from Anchorage, the Chugach National Forest is a treasure trove of wetlands, rain forest, coastal woods and more.

Unlike some of the more remote national parks and forest in Alaska, Chugach is easily accessible without any backcountry knowledge, and has two visitor centers, 500 miles of maintained trails, cabins, and campgrounds.

You can do everything from hiking to guided glacier walking to fishing to kayaking.

You won’t see it all, of course, as the entire area is larger than the state of New Hampshire!

First time visitors are recommended to spend about 2 days exploring the forest to get a taste for the natural wonder and beauty.

How to Get There: Drive from Anchorage (about 1 hour).

Where to Stay: The Spencer Glacier Public Use Cabin .

16. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Most visitors visit Glacier Bay National Park via cruise ships, as this is the easiest way to see the beauty of this magical place.

Not only is it a preserved area and hub for scientific research on our planet, but the actual beauty of the sparkling glaciers, whales jumping in the water, and endless blue is out of this world.

While the cruise ships do not dock in Glacier Bay, they spend time sailing through it and getting as close as possible without spoiling the environment.

You’ll hear the cracking and shifting of the glaciers, try and spot otters on the shore, and so much more.

You can also go on a backcountry sea kayaking experience.

For the native people of the area, the Tlingit, stories about Glacier Bay are part of their history and culture, and it’s not hard to see why.

How to Get There: Taking a cruise that sails through here is the easiest way.

17. Iditarod

Today, a ghost town, Iditarod is in fact the town that shares a name with the Iditarod dog race.

Back in the day, during the gold boom, it was a thriving community with shops, a few hotels, and a liveliness to it.

Now, it is run down buildings frozen in time, but every year it is a stop used as a checkpoint for the Iditarod race!

You can still see some of the historic site, no longer in use, and it’s a fascinating piece of Alaskan history that still has a connection to the race.

18. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

About 100 miles southwest of Anchorage is Lake Clark National Park , a rugged and stunning place to go in Alaska that welcomes visitors to explore the lake and surrounding vistas.

One of the most notable things you’ll find here is lots and lots of bears!

This is their natural habitat, and you may see them eating, foraging, pawing the water, and more.

The lake itself is milky blue, sparkling in the sun in the summer, and the backcountry hiking is some of the best in Alaska.

Salmon return from the sea to Lake Clark to spawn every year, and there are some magnificent views of the teeming salmon during the season.

How to Get There: You have to arrive by seaplane or boat, usually on a guided tour as there are no roads to the park.

Where to Stay: Check out Alaska’s Back Country Inn in Port Alsworth, the most built up area in the park.

19. Wasilla

The sixth-largest city in Alaska, Wasilla has big city amenities like grocery stores, clothing stores, and bars and restaurants, but it is still very much a small town feel.

Experience the city where the Iditarod is headquartered, spend some time at the Wasilla Museum & Visitor Center, enjoy the vintage planes and trains at the Museum of Alaska Transportation, or explore the city parks like Lake Lucile Park with gorgeous views of the mountains beyond.

Many people use Wasilla as a gateway to further adventures in Alaska’s wilderness, including lakes and rivers.

If you’re really into the history of the Iditarod, you can actually visit the Headquarters and see the museum of this famous and race and how it all got started.

If you want to experience the local flavor (literally), try out the family-owned restaurants and coffee shops and dig into the cultural scene of the city’s residents.

How to Get There: Fly into Wasilla Airport or drive

Where to Stay: Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed and Breakfast ( Check here to see rooms and prices ).

20. Yukon Delta

The Yukon Delta is one of the largest river deltas in the world, and unlike other parts of Alaska with towering mountains, it is mostly comprised of tundra and flat stretches intermixed with streams, rivers, and ponds.

Here, you’ll find water birds, plenty of brown and black bears, and caribou, moose, and wolves.

There’s not just one place to visit here, as the expansive nature of the delta means that people are scattered everywhere.

And that’s right, it’s important to mention that this is an inhabited delta!

About 85% of the 85,000 residents are native Alaskan people, and there are about 35 villages.

Come here to go rafting, take wildlife photos, hiking, or kayaking.

And if you’re wondering where the most populated area is, it’s in Bethel, which has gift shops, a movie theater, banks, and other amenities that you might want to be around and use as a base for exploration.

How to Get There: Fly into Bethel airport

Where to Stay: Long House Hotel

21. Katmai National Park and Preserve

Did you know that Alaska has volcanoes?

One of them is known as Novarupta and erupted in 1912, creating the landscape that is now known as Katmai National Park.

It’s also one of the most inhabited areas of the world by…brown bears!

Over 2,000 of them live here, and there are dedicated bear watching tours you can go on that depart from neighboring towns and cities.

Katmai itself isn’t accessible by road, and visitors need to come by boat or float plane.

One of the most popular places to watch bears here is known as Brooks camp, where you can see the bears pawing at the salmon they’re planning on eating as a snack.

A viewing platform lets you get an up close, safe, view of the activities.

There are over 4 million acres in the park, and you can camp in the backcountry, kayak in the rivers, or hike through the more remote areas on a guided ranger tour.

How to Get There: Floatplane or boat

22. Meadow Lakes

Meadow Lakes has made the list if you’re looking for somewhere to go in Alaska to give you an idea of what local life is like.

About an hour drive from Anchorage, this is a town of about 7,000 that is surrounded by dirt roads, gorgeous tree-lined pathways, and of course the fresh Alaskan air.

The main store in town, Three Bears Alaska, sells food and drinks, and there are a few restaurants and other shopping options around, as well as a Baptist Church.

You won’t necessarily want to stay in Meadow Lakes, but having a meal here to explore and meet some local residents is a great idea if you’re near Wasilla.

23. Kobuk Valley National Park

From thousands of caribou to unexpected sand dunes, Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the best wild national parks for visitors to explore who just want to get away from it all.

The sand dunes were a product of the Ice Age, and a natural process that meant melting glaciers ground the rocks around them into sand.

They are stunning and towering, making it look more like an alien landscape than something in the Arctic.

Then you’ve got the mass caribou migration, a true sight to behold twice a year.

The rest of the time, you can spot the caribou footprints left from their stampedes.

In the winter, come to chase the Northern Lights to take advantage of the location in the Arctic circle. In the summer, hiking and camping are popular options.

Keep in mind that that is truly the backcountry.

There are no roads that lead into the national park, and it must be accessed by small planes from surrounding areas.

You should be versed in outdoor survival techniques and really be ready to become one with nature, respecting what you find and leaving nothing behind.

How to Get There: Plane from Bettles or Kotzebue.

24. Kodiak Island

Sharing a name with the bear of the same name, Kodiak Island is most definitely a picture-perfect adventure.

Here, you’ll find a small town fishing community that has some gorgeous scenery, a huge bear population in the wildlife preserves, amazing fishing opportunities and the chance to really explore what is known as the “Emerald Isle.”

Unlike some other northern Alaskan places, the weather here is much more mild in both the winter and summer, and summers are not overcrowded with tourists.

You’ve got all of the amenities you need including grocery stores, but unparalleled access to nature on your doorstep.

The main village is Kodiak itself, but there are a couple of others dotted around the island that are inhabited.

How to get here: By boat or plane from the Alaskan mainland

Where to Stay: Kodiak Russian River Lodge ( check here for prices and rooms ).

25. Steese National Conservation Area

Just north of Fairbanks, about a half day drive, is the Steese National Conservation Area .

The area itself has a small town nearby, Circle, but is mostly remote and for visitors who are self-sufficient and want to explore without running into other people.

Hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, and picking berries are all allowed within the area, and the northern location means that especially in the summer, visitors can experience the thrill of the “midnight sun” which means daylight hours go on, and on, and on.

The Pinnell Mountain Trail is a primitive trail that has been maintained, offering stunning views of the white Mountains and the Alaska Range.

This trail is in the north of the conservation area, which is more suitable to hikers and backpackers.

The southern part of the conservation area is best for those accessing via watercraft from the Birch Creek River.

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18 Top Things to Do in Alaska

Visit the 49th state for unforgettable scenery and adventure.

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Experience the otherworldly beauty of Alaska on your next getaway.

The vast wilderness, spectacular landscapes and spirit of adventure make Alaska a once-in-a-lifetime destination for many travelers. As the largest state in the U.S., spanning more than half a million square miles and home to around half of the entire country's coastline, Alaska has a lot of territory to cover, but much of it is remote – and only accessible by boat or plane.

If you're ready to plan a visit to one of the most beautiful and pristine places on Earth, check out the top things to do and places to see during your trip to the Great Land, and let Alaska capture your heart forever.

Alaska boasts the only state capital in the U.S. with no road access, since Juneau is reachable only by airplane or boat. Regarded as one of the state's most beautiful cities, Juneau is a top destination for cruise ships in Alaska during the warmer months from late spring to early fall. You'll also find many fishing boats and floatplanes along the city's bustling waterfront. The compact downtown area sits nestled between Mount Roberts, Mount Juneau and the Gastineau Channel. Admire an eclectic mix of architecture as you walk the narrow streets: Just a block from the waterfront, some of the buildings lining historic South Franklin Street date back to the early 1900s and Juneau's gold-mining days. This lively street is home to bars, restaurants and gift shops. Visitors can also take time to explore the Alaska State Museum while in this part of Juneau to learn about natural history and Alaska Native cultures.

After exploring downtown, head out on a whale-watching excursion to glimpse humpback whales – many tour operators guarantee a sighting – and potentially also orcas, sea lions, seals, bald eagles or black bears. You can also go hiking on one of the town's many trails, which can take you to the face of a glacier, above tree level or to the top of the Mount Roberts Tramway . Once at the summit, travelers can enjoy lunch with a view at Timberline Bar & Grill before riding the tramway back into town.

Juneau has several other museums and nearby attractions, including the Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau Douglas City Museum, the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and the Eaglecrest Ski Area in the winter months. The city sits around 10 miles from the massive Mendenhall Glacier , making it one of the most accessible glaciers in the state. You can explore on your own by foot or opt for a guided tour to try kayaking, glacier trekking or experiencing the area by helicopter. Visitors say the glacier is easy to reach and the views are breathtaking.

See more of Juneau: Things to Do | Hotels

Denali National Park and Preserve

Established in 1917 as a national park, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to 6 million acres of pristine wilderness – as well as the highest peak in North America, Mount Denali. The park is open year-round, but the summer season provides the easiest access and the most visitor services.

Tourists can take a narrated or non-narrated bus tour from mid-May to mid-September, boarding from either the park entrance or outside a nearby hotel such as the McKinley Chalet Resort. One scenic road runs almost 100 miles into the park, but buses will only be able to travel as far as mile 43 through at least the 2024 season because of construction. Private cars are permitted to drive just 15 miles into Denali in summer or up to 30 miles at other times of year if weather allows. For unrivaled access to the Denali wilderness and wildlife even amid the road closure, reserve a cabin stay at one of the remote lodges in the park: The Denali Backcountry Lodge collects guests by helicopter, while Camp Denali, located at the end of Denali Park Road, is accessible via a small plane.

At the entrance to the park, visitors will find the Riley Creek Campground, the Murie Science and Learning Center, and the 14,000-square-foot Denali Visitor Center. Exhibits and a movie at the visitor center offer a glimpse into Denali's vast and spectacular scenery as well as the types of animals you'll see in the park. There's an estimated 37 species of mammals and 130 bird species in Denali, and you may see one or all of the "Big Five" animals: caribou, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and grizzly bears, which wander the open tundra. The more adventurous traveler can venture out into the wilderness for a true Alaska backcountry experience.

See: The Best Tourist Attraction in Every U.S. State.

Husky Homestead: Denali National Park

Located just outside of Denali National Park, Husky Homestead is owned and operated by the man who's recognized as the "Winningest Musher in the World." Jeff King has traveled more than 150,000 miles on a dog sled in the past 35 years; he's earned four championship titles for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and many first-place titles in other races across Alaska and North America. He was also inducted into the Iditarod Hall of Fame in 1999.

The summer Husky Homestead tour offers a glimpse into the rural Alaska lifestyle based on more than 40 years of outdoor adventure, traversing more than 1,100 miles of rugged terrain many times and living in Alaska's Interior. Visitors will also meet champion sled dogs and watch husky puppies in training. Tour-takers say this is a can't-miss experience – second only to visiting the national park. Travelers love being able to see and hold the husky puppies and say that King is passionate, entertaining and informative. In the winter months (January to March), you can learn the art of dog mushing and even book an eight-day personalized Iditarod experience curated by a true expert.

Kenai Peninsula

Known as "Alaska's Playground," the Kenai Peninsula extends 150 miles southwest from the Chugach Mountains south of Anchorage. This area, separated from the mainland by the Cook Inlet on the west and Prince William Sound on the east, abounds with opportunities for outdoor adventure spanning world-class fishing and river rafting to hiking, mountain biking, camping, wildlife viewing and photography, and more. The peninsula has 14 cities and towns, including better-known destinations such as Homer, Kenai and Seward. Most visitors arrive here via the Alaska Railroad or Seward Highway.

Top activities on the Kenai Peninsula include hiking the Exit Glacier area in the Kenai Fjords near Seward or kayaking through the coves of Kachemak Bay near Homer. Visitors to the Alaska SeaLife Center, one of the country's best zoos , can learn about the region's marine ecosystems, see puffins, harbor seals and octopus up close, and discover conservation efforts at the state's only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility. Anglers won't want to miss an opportunity to catch salmon on the Kenai River. If you're into sport fishing, you can launch off the beach in Anchor Point headed for Cook's Inlet from May to September in search of big halibut, salmon and other species of sport fish. While at Anchor Point, excursions are available for bear viewing, flightseeing, dog-sledding and more. You can also go whale watching and look for other marine life at Kenai Fjords National Park – and don't miss a visit to the 2 million-acre Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, where you may also catch a glimpse of the local wildlife.

Read: The Best Alaska Tours

Fairbanks is known as the "Golden Heart of Alaska" and one of the top places in the world to view the northern lights : Aurora chasers may want to visit the city during the aurora borealis season between Aug. 21 and April 21. But there's much more to do in and around town beyond chasing the dancing lights at night in the winter. Fairbanks is centrally located in Alaska's interior, making it the perfect year-round basecamp to explore the Arctic Circle to the north and Denali National Park to the south. The park is a little more than 100 miles away; you can drive, book a ride in a van or hop aboard Alaska Railroad's Denali Star Train every morning during the summer to reach Denali from Fairbanks.

"Midnight sun season" (from mid-April to mid-August) brings endless sunshine to the city and opportunities to explore round-the-clock activities such as hiking, running and golfing. During regular daylight hours, visitors can take a three-hour guided sightseeing cruise with Riverboat Discovery along the Chena River or take a trip back in time by panning for gold in the Tanana Valley at Gold Dredge 8. You also won't want to miss the University of Alaska Museum of the North , featuring exhibits on Alaska's diverse cultures, wildlife and natural wonders; the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is another top-rated attraction in town. Fairbanks is also a winter wonderland with dog-sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, curling, ice hockey, ice fishing and more. If you're visiting in February or March, bundle up to attend the World Ice Art Championships, where competitors from around the world display impressive ice sculptures.

See more of Fairbanks:  Things to Do  |  Hotels

See the northern lights

Alaska is regarded as one of the best places on Earth to see the aurora borealis, so it's no surprise that people come from all over the world to witness this natural phenomenon during the aurora season between August and April. Fairbanks is one of the top locales in the state to view the show because of its location; accessibility; and options for lodging, dining and other attractions. In addition, many northern lights tours depart from town. While you can see the lights almost anywhere in the state, experts advise that the best viewing opportunities are away from light pollution on a clear night – and preferably in the interior or Arctic regions of the state.

A wide array of guided tours offer just one evening of aurora chasing, or you can opt for multiday adventures that include winter activities like dog-sledding and snowmobiling. Travelers can also fly into remote areas above the Arctic Circle via bush plane and spend several evenings in towns like Coldfoot or Wiseman. One top-notch lodging option for aurora chasers is Borealis Basecamp, a glamping destination about 30 miles north of Fairbanks that boasts glass-domed igloos – perfect for viewing the vibrant night sky from the comforts of your warm, cozy bed.

Read: How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Situated approximately 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs Resort is renowned for its natural hot springs, outdoor rock lake, year-round Aurora Ice Museum and excellent aurora-viewing opportunities. Powered by renewable geothermal energy, the facility is also the most accessible – and most developed – hot springs resort in the state's interior. The property offers an array of packages and activities for daytrips, overnight stays and adventure activities. Guests can tour the Chena kennel, a working dog-mushing kennel with more than 50 huskies. You can also book an aurora-viewing tour, go on a dog-training excursion or venture out on the property by horseback, depending on the season you visit. For the more adventurous traveler, book an excursion by all-terrain vehicle, dog sled or snowmobile – and, for an overnight stay, you can even sleep in a yurt.

Address: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, AK 99712

Aurora Ice Museum: Chena Hot Springs Resort

Located at Chena Hot Springs Resort – and created from more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow sourced from the property – Aurora Ice Museum boasts the world's largest year-round ice environment. The museum, completed in 2015, keeps temperatures at a chilly 25 degrees Fahrenheit even in the summer months, thanks to a unique patented absorption chiller. Pick up a parka and join in a 45-minute tour where you'll get a brief history of the building and learn the story behind the ice sculptures. There's also free time to snap a few Instagram shots and sip an appletini in an ice glass at the ice bar. Visitors to the museum say it's an interesting and fun experience, and that they enjoy seeing all the sculptures.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

One of the highlights of an Inside Passage cruise to Alaska is visiting Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The park's 3.3 million acres are part of a 25 million-acre World Heritage Site, one of the largest protected areas in the world. This boundless landscape includes rugged coastlines, deep fjords, majestic snowcapped mountains, icy blue glaciers and a verdant rainforest. With almost 20% of the park made up of water, it's also a marine sanctuary, home to an abundance of humpback whales, orcas, harbor seals, Steller sea lions and porpoises.

If you're visiting by cruise ship – as 90% of the visitors to the park do – you may also see brown or black bears, moose, wolves, Sitka black-tail deer, mountain goats or bald eagles soaring overhead. Be sure to step outside on your veranda or the ship's bow to take in the park's stillness, with occasional sounds from wildlife in the distance or eerily blue ice calving as the chunks break off into the glacial waters.

If you're traveling alone, you can access the park via the nearby village of Gustavus, which offers several options for lodging. Gustavus is reachable by air taxi from Juneau – or you can take the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry to reach the village. Tours to Glacier Bay are available out of Gustavus; excursions also start at the park headquarters at Bartlett Cove. Here you'll find 10 miles of maintained hiking trails and a lodge and restaurant. Venture out on a guided kayak tour or travel 130 miles into the park on a full-day boat tour to view the tidewater glaciers, wildlife and extraordinary beauty of Glacier Bay. Visitors enjoy the park ranger's narrative while on board their ship and say the park is unbelievably breathtaking.

Embark on an Alaska cruise

Taking an Alaska cruise is a bucket list trip for many people – and it's easy to understand why. Cruising is a convenient way to see multiple destinations and travel to remote places like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. More adventures await than you can imagine, from taking a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad to helicopter and dog-sledding tours. You can also go fishing, crabbing or kayaking; hike in the Tongass National Forest; venture out on a wilderness safari; chase the northern lights; and much more.

Most mainstream and luxury cruise lines offer several itineraries in Alaska. Smaller and expedition-style ships also sail Alaska's waterways, such as Lindblad Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures and Alaskan-owned Alaska Dream Cruises. To make the most of your time – and to see as much as you can while visiting the Far North – combine a land and sea tour. Cruise lines like Princess Cruises , Holland America Line , Norwegian Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International offer cruisetours that extend your time in Alaska. These add-on options feature multiday land, bus and rail tours to destinations not reachable by ship.

Read: Alaska Cruise Packing List

Arctic Circle

Many visitors to Fairbanks want to take a self-guided road trip along the 198-mile stretch of the Dalton Highway to cross over the Arctic Circle. However, this journey is only recommended if you are an experienced driver and have a vehicle equipped for the rugged terrain, remote wilderness, and the gravel and dirt road, especially in the winter. Most car rental companies do not allow their cars on the Dalton Highway. Still, you can rent from specific companies such as Arctic Outfitters, Alaska 4x4 Rentals, Alaska Overlander or Alaska Auto Rental. Travelers should also know that there's no cellphone coverage or Wi-Fi and only limited vehicle services on the Dalton Highway, so it may be best to leave the driving – or the flying – to a professional tour operator.

Multiple tour operators fly and drive to the Arctic, which is an unforgettable experience any time of the year. The Northern Alaska Tour Company offers a variety of air and land adventures. These trips include two- to five-night excursions to see the northern lights in Coldfoot, one of the best aurora-viewing locales in the world. During your extended stay in the Brooks Range and Coldfoot you may also see bears, and you can try your hand at dog mushing. You'll even receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. Travelers say the tours, guides and pilots with Northern Alaska Tour Company are excellent, providing an incredible experience in this beautiful and wild part of Alaska.

Situated between the peaks of the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet, Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and its most urban destination. Yet it's still not far from the wilderness areas and outdoor adventure the state is known for. The city is home to a great deal of outdoor recreation, including road and mountain biking, hiking, running, water sports and more. The city also boasts more than 200 municipal parks and 120-plus miles of paved trails. On a clear day, from the 1,400 forested acres of Kincaid Park you may be able to catch a glimpse of Mount Susitna over the inlet and see spectacular sunsets in the evening. The 495,000-acre Chugach State Park – the fourth-largest state park in the U.S. – is a wilderness area adjacent to much of Anchorage. From here, you can head out on many trailheads, including one of the most popular hikes to Flattop Mountain. At the summit, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views overlooking the Chugach and the Alaska mountain ranges, Cook Inlet, and the city.

Anchorage also boasts many cultural attractions, including the state's largest museum, the newly renovated Anchorage Museum . You also won't want to miss the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Alaska Aviation Museum , which sits along the south shore of the world's busiest floatplane lake, Lake Hood. This museum pays homage to Alaska's bush plane pilots and covers the early history of Alaska Airlines. The Alaska Zoo is another top attraction: This facility is the only zoo in North America that focuses on animals from the northern and Arctic regions and native Alaska species such as moose, wolves, wolverines, caribou and Dall sheep. You'll also find a thriving culinary scene in Anchorage featuring fresh local seafood and produce – and a burgeoning brewery industry with local beer, spirits, cider and mead.

See more of Anchorage: Things to Do | Hotels

Anchorage Museum

Chuck Choi | Courtesy of Anchorage Museum

As one of Alaska's most popular attractions, this four-story museum tells the story of the region through its history, art, culture, science, and diverse political and social background. Impressive exhibits on Alaska Native cultures include more than 600 artifacts from the collections at the Smithsonian. In the Thomas Planetarium, you can even experience the northern lights as they dance across the clear night sky. Alongside permanent exhibits like the Smithsonian collection, the Anchorage Museum features traveling exhibits, special programs, live performances in music and dance, classes and workshops, and other special events throughout the year. Visitors call the museum carefully curated and the exhibits educational and informative. Some people take as many as five hours to view all four floors, so plan for a half-day to visit the museum. You can grab a snack at the Atrium Café if your visit extends past lunchtime.

Address: 625 C St., Anchorage, AK 99501

Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a living cultural center in Anchorage that educates visitors and promotes the observance of Alaska's Indigenous traditions and culture. It's the only statewide education and cultural institution in Alaska focused on celebrating all the Indigenous peoples and their heritage, including the Iñupiaq, St. Lawrence Island Yupik, Athabascan, Eyak, Haida, Tsimshian, Tlingit, Unangax̂, Alutiiq (or Sugpiaq), Yup'ik and Cup'ik peoples. Visitors to ANHC can walk through life-size villages and view the permanent collections. You'll also have an immersive educational experience learning about 10,000 years of Alaska Native history through art, dance performances, demonstrations, exhibits, films, storytelling and more. Travelers say this is a must-see while in Anchorage: They comment that the visit is fascinating, and you'll get the most out of it if you can catch a performance or presentation, as they offer even more insight into the cultures of Alaska's Natives.

Address: 8800 Heritage Center Drive, Anchorage, AK 99504

Flightseeing

Flightseeing by bush plane or helicopter is one of the best ways to see and travel to many parts of the state. The least-visited national parks – and even the most popular ones – have remote destinations reachable only by plane or by boat. With a flightseeing tour, you can book excursions to fly over (or even onto) a glacier, view wildlife from above, follow the trail of the Iditarod or arrive at a remote destination like Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. These excursions can be as short as an hour or extend into a full day with kayaking, bear-viewing opportunities, dog-sledding and more. While the planes typically carry between two to eight people, helicopters only take a maximum of four passengers. Popular companies for these tours include Talkeetna Air Taxi, Rust's Flying Service & K2 Aviation, Temsco Helicopters, Wings Airways, NorthStar Helicopters, Alpine Air Alaska, Alaska Helicopter Tours, Smokey Bay Air and Emerald Air Service.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Doug Lindstrand | Courtesy of Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

While most people would prefer to see animals in the wild – and in their natural habitat – wildlife conservation centers are essential in rescuing injured and orphaned animals, conducting research, and providing awareness to the public. Situated on 200 acres, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Girdwood is home to black and brown bears, moose, caribou, coyotes, wolves, musk ox and other Alaska animals. The center has also partnered with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game over the last 20 years on one of the world's most important conservation projects: returning the once-extinct wood bison to their native range in central Alaska. The herd of 130 was released into the wild in 2015 after a century-long absence.

Visitors can take the guided 90-minute "Walk on the Wild Side Tour" at the center, which is offered year-round and limited to 10 guests. You can also book a bear or moose encounter (in the summer season) to get up close and personal with the animals. Visitors appreciate the option to drive through the facility or take the walking tour, and say they enjoy seeing many of Alaska's native animals in one place.

Address: Mile 79, Seward Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587

Take a ride on the Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad offers passengers almost 500 miles of scenery and landscapes and an iconic way to travel through south-central and interior Alaska. The line's summer train schedules pair with other activities in Alaska, such as a coastal glacier and wildlife-viewing cruise from Seward when you take the round-trip train from Anchorage. At the backcountry Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop – only accessible by train – passengers can go ice climbing, hiking or take a rafting trip on a glacial river.

Depending on the train and itinerary, other stops include Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Girdwood, Seward, Whittier, Portage and Grandview. For an upscale onboard experience, passengers can choose GoldStar-level service on select trains and routes. This category of service includes glass-dome ceilings, full-service dining, a private bar, forward-facing seats, an outdoor viewing platform and narration during the ride. On weekends in the winter season, between mid-September and mid-May, the Aurora Winter Train travels northbound on a 12-hour rail journey, departing Saturday and returning Sunday. Passengers enjoy the snow-covered landscapes and views during the winter itinerary, with most calling the food and service excellent.

Hop on an escorted bus tour

Escorted bus tours are an attractive option to consider when visiting south-central and interior Alaska. The drivers are familiar with the road system, so you can sit back and relax without the stress of navigating long stretches of wilderness highways. The tour operators are also experts at coordinating your lodging, excursions, meals and much more. Some tours even combine bus and rail transportation – through an area known as the railbelt – offering the best of both methods of transportation since one may reach destinations the other can't access. Companies offering tour packages in the region include Alaska Tour & Travel, John Hall's Alaska and Gray Line Alaska. Tourgoers traveling with Alaska Tour & Travel say their journey was seamless and they had a wonderful adventure.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Alaska Shore Excursions
• The Best National Parks in the World
• Scenic Train Rides to Add to Your Bucket List
• The Top Travel Backpacks
• The Top Travel Packing Cubes

Tags: Travel , Alaska Vacations , Pacific Northwest Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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• National Parks
• Tiny Houses

10 Remote & Secluded Cabin Rentals in Alaska

Posted by Arthur McMahon October 18, 2020 Updated February 14, 2024

We research, evaluate and select travel destinations based on a number of factors, including our writers’ experience, user reviews and more. We may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links. See our editorial policy to learn more.

Alaska is enormous, and it’s only of the last few places on Earth where you can find true solitude.

Despite covering hundreds of millions of acres, there are only a few metropolitan areas spread across Alaska, including Denali, Kenai, Fairbanks to Homer. Most everywhere else is undeveloped wilderness perfect for outdoor adventure and discovery.

As you might guess, most of Alaska in uninhabited. There are remote cabins spread across the state, but most are somewhat near the state’s major attractions. Denali National Park, the Kenai Peninsula, and the capital of Juneau are among the most visited areas in Alaska.

Whether you’re looking for complete solitude out in the Alaskan wilderness or a private place to stay near Alaska’s greatest spectacles, there’s a cabin for you on this list of the best cabin rentals in Alaska. No matter where you roam in the Last Frontier State, you’re certain to find privacy and solitude — if that’s what you’re looking for, of course.

Related Read: The Best Time to Visit Alaska: A Year-Round Planning Guide

1. Aurora Lights Lodge Cabin

Why you should stay: It’s right in the name: the Northern Lights are spectacular here.

• Nearest town: Fairbanks
• Minimum stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $162/night

This adorable Alaska Aurora Adventures Cabin lies adjacent to the Tanana River and feels remote, but it’s about 30 minutes south of Fairbanks. This puts it within reach of city conveniences but far out enough down a country road to be free of light pollution for a grand display of the Northern Lights.

Sitting on the front deck with a hot drink in your hand is the perfect way to experience the lights. You can see them all throughout the year; however, your glimpses of them will be far shorter in the summer, when Alaska is only dark for a short period of time each night.

Nearby, there are a number of lakes popular for fishing and swimming during the summer. Visitors will also be near to the Chena River State Recreation Area, Chena Hot Springs, and the Aurora Ice Museum.

Related Read: 9 Best Places to Stay in Alaska for the Ultimate Getaway

2. Oakley Inn

Why you should stay: Relax in a spacious home on a hillside above historic Talkeetna.

• Nearest town: Talkeetna
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $156/night

You get the best of both worlds when you stay at the Oakley Inn . It’s a large private home set on a forested hillside with its own trail system, but it’s only minutes away from the charming town of Talkeetna. It’s also about halfway between the bustling city of Anchorage and the wild wonderland of Denali. Of course, there’s plenty to do in Talkeetna without straying far, like ziplining, wildlife viewing, rafting, and panning for gold.

The cabin is adorned with pine, stone, and antlers, as any quintessential Alaskan home should have. The rental also includes tools for adventure, including fat-tire bikes that can be put to use right outside the front door.

The trail running past the house joins in with a half-day loop that travels to Christiansen Lake and the adjacent park system. These trails will also take you straight into town.

Related Read:   11 Best Resorts in Alaska Offering Unbeatable Outdoor Adventures

3. Cantwell Log Cabin

Why you should stay: A snug but luxurious guest house near the entrance to Denali National Park.

• Nearest town: Cantwell
• Rates from: $128/night

The Cantwell Log Cabin is a recently renovated studio cabin with a full kitchen and — wait for it — reliable Wi-Fi. Though it’s on a property shared with the homeowners, guests will have absolute privacy, and the entire estate lies far away from Alaska’s big cities.

The nearest full-service grocery store is 35 miles north in the town of Healy, and you’ll pass by the entrance to Denali National Park on your way there. Once you’re loaded up with groceries, though, this beautiful cabin will be complete with every necessity and convenience you could need.

“It’s a luxurious cabin-in-the-woods experience and is one of the most unique spaces I have ever stayed in,” said Airbnb guest Sam.

Related Read:   8 Breathtaking Alaska National Parks to Visit this Year

4. Silver Cabin at Montana Creek

Why you should stay: Book it if sitting on the deck of your rustic creekside retreat sounds like the perfect way to relax.

• Nearest town : Talkeetna
• Rates from: $73/night

Next to a fast-flowing brook, the Silver Cabin at Montana Creek sets the stage for a true Alaskan getaway. The owners used trees from the property to build the one-room cabin. It’s warm and cozy, but you won’t find much in the way of extras, including running water.

But you will have access to a wood-fired sauna to warm up after a long afternoon of fishing and hiking. Solar power provides electricity for a few base amenities, but you’ll be off-grid living in the best way possible. There’s no Wi-Fi, but if you have AT&T as your cell provider, you should have a few bars of service. But you probably won’t need to stream anything – just sit back and watch the spawning salmon swim right past your front door.

5. Tiny Alaska Cabin

Why you should stay: Acres of open meadows for prime wildlife viewing with a Denali backdrop.

• Nearest town: Nenana
• Rates from: $79/night

You might expect a remote Alaskan cabin rental to be smack in the middle of the woods, but The Tiny Alaska Cabin , however, is surrounded by many acres of open meadow. You can see for miles from your front deck or bedroom window. No passing moose will escape your sights — or coyotes, or deer, or any other of Alaska’s abundant wildlife, for that matter.

The fields are covered with snow in the winter and wildflowers during summer. Either way, its a splendid landscape with Denali’s silhouette far on the horizon. You’ll feel one with nature here.

6. The Bear Cub Cabin

Why you should stay: A cozy cabin for two in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula.

• Nearest town:  Moose Pass
• Rates from: $130/night

The Bear Cub Cabin is a stylish and modern log cabin located in the forest lands north of Kenai Fjords National Park . Nearby is the quaint town of Moose Pass, and the seaside tourist town of Seward is only 50 minutes away.

This cute cabin may look adorably modern, but it is steeped with history. It was originally constructed well over 100 years ago during Alaska’s early 20th-century gold-mining boom. The structure was completely remodeled in 2016 to give it contemporary conveniences and comforts, as well as to breathe new life into its ancient timbers. This is one of the most unique cabin rentals in Alaska if you love gold rush history.

7. Sweet Seclusions Cabin

Why you should stay: A fairly luxurious cabin (by Alaskan standards, anyway) near Denali National Park.

• Nearest town: Healy
• Rates from: $94/night

Offering true solitude within a sparsely vegetated section of forest, the Sweet Seclusions Cabin is an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts to look for animals right from their front deck. Guests will have wide-open views of the open forest which surrounds them that stretches out to the distant snow-capped mountains.

Though entirely off-grid, this cabin has power and hot water provided by solar panels and a generator; there’s usually enough hot water for at least two leisurely back-to-back showers. In fact, there’s even some cell service here, which may feel like a luxury after traveling through some of the state’s more remote areas – though the outdoor Port-o-John will remind you you’re still in the wilderness. You’ll be situated about 40 miles north of Denali, making it easy to make an epic day trip.

8. Cozy Alaska Cabin

Why you should stay: Spot moose in the wilderness just outside of Fairbanks.

• Nearest town:  Fairbanks
• Rates from: $80/night

You can have your cake and eat it, too, when you stay at the Cozy Alaska Cabin . It’s a well-equipped and comfortable home that overlooks miles of Alaskan coniferous forest, but it’s only minutes away from the city. The airport, downtown, and grocery stores a quick trip down the road — but in the same amount of time, you can also be even further into the wilderness.

The large private deck is something every vacationer will appreciate. An endless expanse of evergreen trees is your view during the day, and the Northern Lights are a nearly nightly show in the winter that seems to performing solely for you to enjoy.

9. Augustine Cabin

Why you should stay: A luxurious stay on top of the world overlooking Kachemak Bay.

• Nearest town: Homer
• Rates from: $150/night

The Augustine Cabin is the type of place you have to see to believe. It’s a beautiful home with a private hot tub and yard with unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding waterways. On a clear day, you can see Kachemak Bay, the Cook Inlet, and Mount Augustine.

This is an excellent place to stay and relax the day away, just enjoying the beauty of Alaska. It’ll be tempting to never leave this wonderful abode, but the town of Homer is just down the road, meaning all of the Kenai Peninsula is yours to explore. Though the home is private, it’s near a major highway, so you can have both solitude and amazing views without having to go far to get to town.

10. Douglas Island A-Frame Cabin

Why you should stay: Privacy in the woods near Alaska’s most famous glacier.

• Nearest town: Juneau
• Rates from: $155/night

Rest during the evenings in seclusion at the Douglas Island A-Frame Cabin , and spend your days galavanting about Alaska’s capital city of Juneau and all of the area’s natural wonders. This cozy cabin in the woods feels utterly remote, but it’s only 10 minutes from downtown. Ice caves, skiing, and art galleries are all at your disposal.

The like-new A-frame cabin is an interesting and cozy place to stay with access to surrounding forest and shoreline of Fritz Cove, where a pebble beach and awesome views await.

There are multiple wilderness locations and parks in the surrounding area to explore by boat or by foot. Most popular of all is the famous Mendenhall Glacier. You can explore it on foot or take a more luxurious journey on an unforgettable helicopter tour .

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Seen in: Alaska , Cabins , Where to Stay

Posted by Arthur McMahon

Arthur loves to walk. It’s as simple as that. Whether it be in the mountains, on the beach, or along the city streets — he believes walking is the best way to experience the world. Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was his first backpacking foray, and he hasn’t stopped crushing miles since. Arthur and his wife now regularly travel into the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest seeking new trails to hike.

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From Gold Rush-era settlements to national park gateways, these quaint Alaskan towns are worth a visit.

Nearly everyone loves a sunny day at the beach, but there’s also something appealing about small towns , historic houses, boat-filled harbors, a chill in the air, and a backdrop of pine forests and towering hills. Fluffy clouds among patches of blue, or even gray skies and raindrops, create an atmosphere that’s cozier than a beach blanket on the warm sand. If you’re in doubt, we have a few examples of small coastal towns in Alaska that will have you ready to trade your swimsuit for a puffy coat, even if just for a week or two.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

This town is on the southern tip of Alaska’s Inside Passage, a network of waterways, coves, and more than 1,000 small islands created by glaciers during the last ice age. Mountains, forests, and wildlife on both sea and land make the area a favorite cruise destination.

Visitors approaching from the sea via an Alaskan cruise will be struck by the scene of colorfully painted wooden houses set on stilts, their hues reflected in the water of the town’s harbor. Forested hills slope upward, and behind the lush green of the trees, rugged mountains creased with snow appear. Water flows through the town, and Creek Street’s boardwalk is built over Ketchikan Creek in the town’s historic district. There’s a waterfront promenade, hiking trails, and millions of acres of Tongass Rainforest.

On the subject of rain, locals celebrate their “liquid sunshine” and even post details of record rainfall. Abundant wildlife thrives in the area, including killer whales, sea lions, bears, deer, and bald eagles. Ketchikan is also known for totems, carved wooden poles made by Native Americans, which are displayed throughout downtown and in totem parks. Naturally, fresh seafood is on the menu. Look for smoked salmon, halibut, red snapper, and king crab. Clean air, delicious food, gorgeous scenery, and outdoor activities make Ketchikan among the most beloved coastal towns.

Located in a temperate rainforest, Sitka’s annual precipitation is around 95 inches, and the temperature is relatively mild for Alaska standards, with average high temperatures ranging from 37 degrees Fahrenheit in December to 61 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Set on the Pacific coast of Baranof Island in the waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage, Sitka is accessible only by air or sea. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry connects the island with the mainland, providing transport for passengers and vehicles.

As Alaska’s first capital city, Sitka is rich in history and culture that includes native Tlingit as well as Russian influences from its time as a Russian settlement. Churches, including the rebuilt St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, house collections of art and religious items. Sitka National Historical Park features native Tlingit and Haida totem poles along the park’s coastal trail, in addition to a restored Russian Bishop’s house. Every June, the Sitka Music Festival sees classical music concerts held at various locations around town.

Sitka’s walkable downtown is a great place for shopping, with creations like Tlingit silverwork, carvings, masks, and woven baskets. Traditional Russian lacquer boxes, nesting dolls, and icons are available as well. Shoppers can also find practical items like waterproof boots, fishing poles, and warm clothing. At Artist Cove Gallery , visitors shop for authentic basketry, sculpture, dolls, and jewelry from Alaska Native and local artists. Perfect for a stop after shopping, Harry’s Old Fashioned Soda Fountain serves treats like sundaes, malts, and banana splits.

The city is named for William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia. Marathon Mountain towers over Seward, and each year the city hosts a challenging 3.1-mile run to the mountain’s 3,022-foot peak, attracting runners from all over the world to the event and to Seward’s Fourth of July celebration.

Set on Resurrection Bay, Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, the location of the massive Harding Ice Field and tidewater glaciers that calve into the sea among seals, sea lions, and whales. Day trips take visitors to see the wildlife and close-up views of the glaciers. Alaska SeaLife Center , a public aquarium and the state’s only permanent marine mammal rehabilitation facility, is another popular attraction. The Alaska Native Heritage Center features storytelling, song and dance, and art collections to share the history and traditions of Alaska’s cultural groups.

Art continues in downtown Seward with murals depicting historical people, events, and nature. Live music is another regular feature of downtown Seward, especially in summer when local bars and cafés host concerts. Seward’s galleries offer local creations like paintings, jewelry, ceramics, baskets, dolls, drums, and masks. A stroll among the shops and galleries along the scenic boat harbor is one way to spend a perfect afternoon in Seward.

8 Charming U.S. Beach Towns That Are Just As Magical in Fall and Winter

Located at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, Skagway is set in a narrow valley. The city is connected to Klondike Highway allowing road access, and it’s also a port-of-call for Alaska’s ferry system, the Alaska Marine Highway. Its northern location provides 18 hours of daylight in the summer when the weather is warm and dry.

Skagway’s quaint downtown looks much as it did a hundred years ago with wooden storefronts and period-style buildings. Gold Rush-era architecture is preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park , commemorating the events between 1897 to 1898, when gold was discovered and stampeders were drawn to the harsh terrain of the area in a mostly unsuccessful attempt to find riches. There’s a visitor center in a restored 1898 railroad depot offering various programs and exhibits during the summer months. Vintage locomotives of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad run past the steep Chilkoot Trail.

Several events each year bring many visitors to Skagway. The annual Buckwheat Ski Classic , an international cross-country ski race, takes place in March. In the summer, hiking and outdoor activities continue, and the summer solstice and Independence Day celebrations feature food, games, live music, parades, and beer gardens. In September, the Klondike Road Relay is run throughout the night and into the next day under starry skies and sometimes with displays of the northern lights .

Truly a small city with a population of about 640 people, Gustavus is surrounded by Glacier Bay National Park and snow-capped mountains, about a four-hour ferry ride east of Juneau. With about half the rainfall of Juneau, the relatively moderate climate is ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife sightings. In summer the population of Gustavus swells by thousands as the city is the gateway to the national park.

Gustavus has a small-town, friendly feel, with cafés, restaurants, and a variety of lodging from campgrounds to guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts. Writers, artists, gardeners, and lovers of quiet environments have settled in Gustavus, and the town’s homesteader history lives on in its old-style atmosphere. Galleries, studios, and shops display and sell the art, sculpture, pottery, wood carvings, and jewelry of local artisans. The Salmon River runs through town, and Icy Strait is home to salmon, halibut, seals, humpback whales, orcas, and sea otters. Whale watching, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife tours are popular with visitors.

The Glacier Bay National Park Visitors Center is nine miles from Gustavus in Bartlett Cove. Spectacular glaciers, icebergs, marine life, and mountains make Glacier Bay a memorable sight for cruise ship passengers. Travelers who take time to visit Gustavus along with Glacier Bay National Park can experience both a uniquely charming town and the park’s natural beauty.

Where to Go in 2024

Related articles.

25 Best Places to Visit in Alaska In 2024

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: June 11, 2024

Alaska, the final frontier of adventure travel is at the top of many bucket lists. The largest state in the United States is a destination that offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the natural beauty and rugged wilderness of the Arctic. Alaska is a place that captures the imagination and the spirit of adventure . From the bustling city of Anchorage to the remote wilderness of Denali National Park, there is no shortage of places to visit in Alaska. And we’ve seen most of them.

Table of Contents

Top Places to Visit in Alaska

Alaska’s landscape is diverse, ranging from snow-capped mountains to glaciers, fjords, and an expanse of forests. We fell in love with Alaska the first time we visited in 2011 and when taking my parents on a Holland American Cruise last summer, we were thrilled to be able to share its beauty and introduce them.

Right Now, Hurtigruten Cruises is offering up to 50% off on select cruises worldwide. Find the  Expedition Cruise that suits your needs and save now!

When choosing your cruise or land tour through Alaska, it can be difficult to decide where to stop or what to see, so we’re rounding up some of the best places to visit in Alaska that we’ve been to help you plan your trip.

1. Denali National Park and Preserve

There are 17 national parks in Alaska, and Denali National Park and Preserve is certainly the most popular of them all. It cannot be seen from a cruise and needs to be added as a land tour or you can travel to it independently. This vast wilderness area is located in central Alaska and is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (Mount McKinley) which stands at 6190 meters (20,310 feet),

One of the first things visitors usually do at this national park is to hop aboard converted school buses to enjoy a guided scenic tour in search of grizzly bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep.

We took this ATV adventure which was a hoot riding along trails. The adventure includes 360° overlook views of the Alaska Range, Otto Lake, and the Healy Valley.

One of the most popular activities in Denali National Park is hiking. The park has a network of hiking trails that range from short walks to multi-day backpacking trips. It has 6 campgrounds which do get busy in the summer months so it is a good idea to make a reservation. Be sure to check in with the Denali Visitor Center before venturing out into the park.

McKinley Chalet Resort

We stayed at McKinley Chalet Resort which was awesome. Located less than 2 miles from the national park entrance, we felt right in the middle of the wilderness. The newly renovated suites in our wing were chic and modern with that rustic mountain lodge feel.

Our balcony looked over the mountains. The property is large with different areas detached from the main lodge. We enjoyed a fun evening here watching The Music of Denali as we our servers performed on stage while feeding us fresh Alaskan salmon, ribs, and mashed potatoes, family style.

2. Denali – Mt. McKinely

If you are lucky while visiting the park, you may be able to spy the majestic mountain, Denali. It is usually overcast, but we’ve been lucky enough to see it from our land tour and by a scenic flight.

A scenic flight was an absolutely gorgeous way to experience North America’s tallest peak. Seeing the glaciers and ice fields from above was an intimidating sight. At times it felt as if we could reach out and touch it. Book this scenic flight over Denali where you will fly close to the summit of Denali, enjoy views of the Alaska Range and witness the Tokositna and Ruth Glaciers. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Avid climbers can attempt to conquer Denali. But unlike Mount Kilimanjaro, it requires serious climbing experience and winter camping. If you are new to mountaineering, it is better to stick to taking in scenic views.

3. Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most unique places in the world. It is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightly so with history packed in every single molecule of its ancient glacier history. 

The Grand Pacific Glacier was more than 4000 feet thick just two centuries ago but has shrunk significantly. Today the glacier has been divided into many small ones and many of them are calving to this day. That means at any moment a giant block of ice could fall off of them, which also means many of the glaciers have to be enjoyed from a distance.

The park is made up of more than 3 million acres and can only be reached by ship or float plane. Alaska’s inside passage in Glacier Bay takes you from forest to ice and is breathtaking to experience as you float the fjord. When you’re in the inside passage it is almost as though nothing else exists.

During our Holland America Cruise, we circled the bay enjoying panoramic views of the glaciers from the front deck. By having a balcony suite, we then retired to our room to enjoy the views with a glass of champagne as we relaxed in privacy taking in this wonder of the world.

4. Ketchikan

One of our favorite places to visit in Alaska is Ketchikan. The Salmon Capital of the world and Alaska’s first city, this is a town where most cruises stop either first or last. Located on the Inside Passage in southern Alaska, this frontier town was once a thriving settlement for the gold rush and as you walk along the boardwalks of historic Creek Street, you can see historic buildings from the red light district dating back to the 1800s.

Ketchikan is also one of the best places to see whales in Alaska and there are plenty of boat tours that will take you onto the water. We took a zodiac tour in Ketchikan where we explored the coast, spied bald eagles and whales from our self-drive boats.

Ketchikan also has the world’s largest collection of standing Native American totem poles. Make sure to look up to see them all. If you want to delve into Indigenous culture, visit the Totem Heritage Center and learn about the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Peoples.

You can also see more Totem poles at the Saxam Village in Ketchikan and we saw Totem Bight State Historic Park on another cruise in Alaska. Located just outside of Ketchikan, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

5. Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

Ketchikan is also home to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. It covers 40 acres of protected land and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and salmon.

We took a float plane out to Neets Bay to watch bears feast on spawning salmon as they fattened up for winter hibernation. This was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. Make sure to book it early as these excursions fill up quickly. If you want to see brown bears feeding on salmon instead, the place to do that is at Katmai National Park and Preserve.

6. Misty Fjords National Monument

One of the star attractions is Misty Fjords National Monument which is located just 22 miles east of Ketchikan. It is made up of sheer rock walls that reach 3000 feet straight out of the ocean. Take a scenic flight here where you’ll witness steep sea cliffs, steep fjords, and rainforests.

Where to Stay in Ketchikan

If you are staying in Ketchikan, check out the Inn at Creek Street – These restored historic buildings offer unique accommodation in the heart of downtown. Most rooms have kitchenettes and refrigerators. Details here.

The Landing – The Landing Hotel is located in downtown Ketchikan. It has The Landing Restaurant & Jeremiah’s Pub on site.

7. Juneau – Mendenhall Glacier

Many cruise ships also start and finish their journeys in Juneau, Alaska. I know we have! Named after Joe Juneau, a French-Canadian miner, and prospector Juneau is one of the more happening towns in Alaska. One of its main tourist attractions is the enormous Mendenhall Glacier located on the Juneau Ice field.

Juneau is a place in Alaska that requires at least a couple of days to explore. The town itself has a fun old-west vibe complete with saloons, boardwalks, and plenty of attractions. It’s also one of the premier places in the world to spot bald eagles with them being so plentiful there is a beach actually called Bald Eagle Beach. Read more about all the 28 Amazing Things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Where to Stay in Juneau

Four Points by Sheraton  – Located on the waterfront we found this to be a very convenient hotel. It was within walking distance to downtown plus it has easy access to the Seadrome Marina.

Ramada Inn by Wyndham  – Another great location in Juneau just a little farther away from the historic downtown than the Sheraton. But still within walking distance and we loved their restaurant and bar.

8. Mendenhall Ice Caves

The Mendenhall ice caves are one of the coolest things to see in Juneau. This natural attraction will make you feel as though you have been transported to a planet of ice and glass. The Mendenhall ice caves are usually accessible between July and September.

You can take a tour to see the Mendenhall Glacier and enjoy the hiking trails around the lake to see its different viewpoint.

• Book this highly-rated  Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves Tour.  For the adventure of a lifetime, paddle the Mendenhall Lake to the Glacier where you’ll get to explore the glacier up close and personal.
• Or you can join a  canoe trip to the glacier  where you’ll search for wildlife, paddle around ice flows and finally step foot on the glacier.

9. Tongass National Forest

It’s hard to believe that Alaska has a rainforest but Tongass National Forest is the largest functioning temperate rainforest on Earth. The size of Tongass is mind-blowing at more than 16 million acres of land. From both Ketchikan and Juneau, you can visit Tongass National Forest.

In the forest, you can enjoy its hiking trails and if you’re in Juneau, you can take a mere 15-minute drive to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center which is located within the forest. We took a beautiful guided hike to the glacier where we watched salmon spawn and learned about its flora and fauna. Besides Mendenhall, there are numerous other glaciers and hiking trails spread across the park. 

The park is home to all sorts of wildlife like wolves, black bears, and deer. You can even spot humpback whales and sea lions in the nearby waters. Tongass National Park has the comforts of the city within it as well as the comforts of the wild throughout.  

10. Fairbanks

The very first place we ever visited in Alaska was Fairbanks, Alaska and this town is awesome. When visiting Alaska in the summer it is truly the land of the Midnight Sun. There are so many things to do in Fairbanks from learning about Native American Culture and exploring the Chena River to relaxing in the Chena Hot Springs.

One of the more interesting places to visit is the Yukon Quest Alaska Headquarters. This is the start of the Yukon Quest dog sled race where you can learn about the famous dog mushers and teams who have taken part over the years. Including our friend Hank McCready who ran the prettiest team in Alaska. Another stop is the fountainhead antique auto museum where vintage cars are on display. It is consistently ranked as one of the best auto museums in the world.

Where to Stay in Fairbanks

For Aurora viewing check out Aurora Villa . This modern retreat is a boutique hotel offering views of the northern lights nestled in the mountains above Fairbanks.

11. Anchorage

A visit to Alaska wouldn’t be complete without seeing Anchorage. It is the largest city in Alaska and an international hub with access to Alaska’s interior and coast. It is here that you can hop on the Alaska Railroad to explore the great frontier.

Anchorage was the start of our cruise. After disembarking from the railway, we enjoyed two nights in downtown Anchorage. With cafés and restaurants, it has all the amenities of a big city. A highlight to visit is the ultra-modern Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center and The Alaska Native Heritage Center exploring the life and culture of Alaska’s indigenous people.

12. Skagway

Skagway is a bustling town where nearly every ship stops. It can be overwhelming spending just a day in Skagway. This old wild west town is filled with energy. In town, you can visit the Klondike Visitor’s Center to learn all about the Gold Rush that attracted people to this part of the world.

Take a step back in time and visit the Skagway National Historic District. It is located in the town of Skagway and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park has managed to ensure that ancient buildings from the Gold Rush days are still intact. Just walking through Skagway downtown will make you feel like you yourself have traveled back in time to when searching for gold and grabbing a pint after was all in a day’s work.   

13. White Pass Railway and Yukon Route Railroad

The vintage locomotive takes you along the Chilcoot Trail where prospectors risked their lives in search of gold. If you are walking around town, make your way to Pullen Creek Stream Walk to see the salmon run.

We took the best of all of Skagway by taking a helicopter flight over the glaciers out to the national forest in search of wildlife before hopping on the historic White Pass and Yukon Railroad. We have done the railroad tour on its own, but highly recommend the flight, hike, and railway tour instead. You only need to ride the railway one way and this gave us the best of all worlds.

14. Dalton Highway

If you want to go even more remote, continue on from Fairbanks to Deadhorse along the Dalton Highway near the Prudhoe Bay Oil fields and the Arctic Ocean. We haven’t done this drive, but we have been up to the Arctic Ocean in the neighboring Northwest Territories in Canada and the scenery here is truly magnificent.

The Dalton Highway is considered one of the most isolated roads in the United States. It crossed the Arctic Circle and we did this on the similar Dempster Highway. it is the coolest thing to drive right across the Arctic Circle. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy reading our 15 Great Road Trips in America

Seward is a small town located on the Kenai Peninsula and offers many activities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of things you can do in Seward including boat tours to Kenai Fjords National Park, or the Alaska SeaLife Center which is a great place to learn about marine life in Alaska and see sea lions, puffins, and other animals up close.

The surrounding mountains have plenty of hiking trails including the Harding Icefield Trail and the Exit Glacier Trail.

16. Alaska Highway

If you want to try a truly authentic experience, make sure to drive the Alaska Highway from Dawson’s Creek in British Columbia . This epic road trip crosses through southeast Alaska letting you see a different side of the sate. We made a similar journey along the Dempster Highway in the Yukon and let me tell you, there is nothing like it on Earth.

The Alaska Highway is a 1400-mile trip that ends in Fairbanks, Alaska. Along the drive, you’ll encounter glaciers and mountains and grizzly bears, and more and it will definitely be a trip you won’t forget. Of course, you don’t have to take the highway, you can simply take a plane and land yourself in one of Alaska’s big cities.

17. Kenai Fjords National Park

The Kenai Fjords National Park in the Kenai Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Alaska with glaciers, an icefield, and bears and seals lolling about. The best way to see this remote destination is to get out on a cruise where you can get out on kayaks to explore the fjords.

Make sure to visit the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Centre in Seward before you head out to learn about trail conditions and the Kenai Peninsula before you head into the park. And don’t miss seeing Exit Glacier located just 10 minutes from Seward, it is one of Alaska’s most accessible roadside glaciers.

Kenai Fjords National Park was a national monument and then became a National park designed to protect the misty fjords, rainforest, and wildlife that make up the area. Today, the Kenai Peninsula is a beloved part of the local Anchorage community as it’s just a two-hour drive outside of the city. 

18. Wrangell Elias National Park

It’s larger than Yellowstone National Park , in fact, it’s larger than all North American national parks, Wrangell St. Elias National Park is America’s largest national park at a whopping 13.2 million acres. It’s a national treasure that few people get to see. Check out America’s first national park : Best things to do in Yellowstone NP.

The park is full of volcanoes and glaciers and the unique landscape attracts all sorts of wildlife like mountain goats and brown bears (same as grizzly bears) Wrangell St Elias National Park is part tundra and temperate rainforest. It is also home to moose, Dall sheep, bison, goats, and caribou.

One of the most interesting things you might see is ice worms. From the name, you’d think they should be see-through or white, but ice worms are actually black and you can see them through frozen surfaces. If you’re a bird watcher, you’ll love the Copper River Basin Area which is part of the migratory route of numerous bird species. Additionally, you’ll likely see bald eagles, swans, ravens, and owls too. 

19. Northern Lights

While summertime in Alaska gives visitors the chance to experience the midnight sun with nearly 24 hours of daylight, when the cooler temperatures arrive you can make a trip to Alaska to see the Northern Lights.

The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is in winter or late autumn and early spring. Light pollution will be your enemy so if you want to get the real Aurora experience, the best places to visit will be outside of Alaska’s big cities. You can ask the hotel that you’re staying at to wake you when the lights are out as quite a number of hotels in Alaska offer this service.

To view the Aurora Borealis stay at the Northern Sky Lodge in Fairbanks. The lodge is nestled among 21 acres, only 30 minutes from Fairbanks International Airport and 90 minutes from Denali National Park. It makes for a great base to explore the interior of Alaska.

20. Alaska Native Heritage Center

To truly appreciate the Alaskan climate and lifestyle it is definitely a good idea to learn about the indigenous history of the state. Your visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center will give you a glimpse into the lives of 11 Alaska cultures including the Haida and Tsimshian First Nations whose territory goes right into Canada and down into British Columbia .

You will get to watch traditional dancing, meet Indigenous artists, and even visit dwellings that give you a chance to experience how the Indigenous people lived in the winter in Alaska before there was electricity.

21. Iditarod National Historic Trail

The historic Iditarod Trail is best known these days for the Iditarod Dog Sledding Race but prior to the race, it was a route used by Native Americans prior to the introduction of other vehicles.

This trail took folks 50 miles north of Seward all the way to Nome. They weren’t just going for a leisurely mush however, these folks carried heavy supplies to remote communities. Dog sleds played an important part in Native transportation and Europeans that came after also adopted this efficient transportation method in the harsh northern climate.

These days you can make your own memories on the trail by walking it or using a tour operator that will take you on a traditional dog sled on the trail. The Iditarod Dog Sledd Race takes place in March and attracts a lot of attention. If you happen to be there during that time it is definitely something you shouldn’t miss.

22. Alaska Railroad

If you’re a bit of a romantic then the idea of taking a railroad across the wilderness will get you excited. The Alaska Railroad was established in 1903 and still runs today. It traverses almost 500 miles from Seward up to Fairbanks with stops along the way.

If you want a comfortable visit while checking out the Alaskan wilderness, you should book a seat on the Alaska Railroad. The ticket price will vary based on how far you travel and which cabin you decide to book. Additionally, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees on your trip while enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, Alaska glaciers, rivers and mountains.

23. Prince William Sound

It is truly a stunning sight to see so many salmon all in one place. If you’re looking for a fun day trip then look no further than Prince William Sound.

The Sound is located on the south end of Alaska with incredible scenery and is one of the prettiest places you’ll visit. You can take a boat tour out to visit the sound and also enjoy a delicious meal on the water. The Sound is surrounded by glaciers and the biggest tidewater glacier is the Columbia Glacier.

You’ll feel what a goldfish feels like as the surroundings seem bigger than life. There is also a lot of wildlife in the area so keep your camera handy for epic pics you can look at over and over again. This might not be one of the most well-known Alaska destinations, but you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring scene if you decide to be one of the few that visit.

24. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

If you want to guarantee to view Alaska’s wildlife then you should check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The center aims to protect and preserve the wildlife of Alaska through education and research.

The center is located off the Seward Highway near the Portage Valley Glacier on Turnagain Arm. It is 200 acres of pure wonder as you get a chance to see bison, coyotes, bears, and other wildlife up close. The conservation center is sectioned off into areas for different wildlife. You can drive through, park your car and then take a walkthrough.

25. Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge

First established to protect the great brown bears that live on Kodiak Island, today the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge protects a whole lot more. Sitting close to 2,000,000 acres the refuge encompasses Ben Island and parts of Kodiak Island, Uganik Island, the Red Peaks, and Afognak Island. 

It is full of rivers and streams and is a nesting ground for several hundred species of birds including the Bald Eagle. Today the mission of the refuge is not only just protect the brown bears, but also to conserve all wildlife, sea lions, and fish populations in the area.

It is a big breeding ground for five species of salmon that also feed the hundreds of birds that live on the island. This is hands down one of the best places to visit in Alaska. The area is only accessible by floatplane or boat so if you want to visit, you definitely should plan ahead. 

Bonus Alaska Adventure

If you are looking to go off the beaten path, you may want to book a trip to the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. It is located in northern Alaska, high above the Arctic Circle. It is one of the most remote and least visited national parks in the United States.

The park covers 8.4 million acres and includes both the Brooks Range mountains and the Arctic tundra. There are no roads or trails in the park, and visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for the challenging conditions of the Arctic wilderness.

Access to the park is limited to small planes and helicopters, and visitors must obtain permits before entering the park. Despite its remoteness, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a popular destination for backpackers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who are drawn to the pristine wilderness and stunning landscapes of the Arctic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prettiest places in Alaska?

If you visit any of the national parks in Alaska, you will be assured of finding a pretty place. Nothing really beats Glacier Bay National Park but Katmai National Park is one of the prettiest places around. Katmai National Park and Preserve is also one of the best places to see brown bears in the wild. Many people book this excursion at Brooks Camp.

What should you avoid in Alaska?

If you are not a seasoned hiker or climber, it’s best to stay away from the glaciers and just view them from afar or hire a guide or tour to see them with a professional. Additionally, it is best to stay off unmarked trails unless you are very experienced, and don’t venture to the backcountry unless you have experience.

What is the best way to see Alaska in 10 days?

The best way to see Alaska in 10 days is to take a cruise ship down or head to the capital city of Juneau and make your way up from there.

And these are the best places to visit in Alaska. Have you been to Alaska? Alaska is one of our favourite travel destinations on Earth and we look forward to going back soon. What did we miss and where should we go next?

Plan Your Alaska Vacation With These Resources

• Juneau: 28 Amazing Things To Do In Juneau, Alaska
• What to do in Alaska: Things To Do In Alaska
• Cruising Alaska: Uncruise Alaska – The Best Alaskan Cruise
• Packing Tips: What To Pack For An Alaskan Cruise

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

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3 thoughts on “25 Best Places to Visit in Alaska In 2024”

Definitely need to spend some good time in the Matsu Valley! Probably one of the places in Alaska that has the most variety of great things to do not just seasonally, but year round!

Anchorage is my fav city in the Alaska and special Outskirts of anchorage

Thanks for your comprehensive overview about Alaska! It’s such a great summer travel destination, the last frontier 😀

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The Top 15 Destinations in Alaska

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Alaska is a vast and rugged land, home to 17 of America’s highest peaks, with thousands of rivers (including the Yukon River), more than 3 million lakes, and more active ice fields and glaciers than anywhere else in the world. Travelers venture to The Last Frontier to see wildlife, set foot in eight different national parks, gaze up at star-filled skies, marvel at the aurora borealis, learn about local cultural groups and native history, and experience adventure-filled activities like dog mushing, hiking, flightseeing, and kayaking. Keep reading to discover the top 15 destinations in the U.S.’s 49th state.

Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks

Dark skies, deep in an Alaskan winter, can last 16-18 hours per day, which is conducive to seeing dancing bars of light caused by electrically charged particles from the sun that strike the gases in our atmosphere. See the Aurora Borealis, on a clear night, in Fairbanks and brace for the cold temperatures, which can drop to well below freezing. The northern light-viewing season is between mid-September and late April, with March being the peak, though there are no guarantees. A good resource for Aurora hunters is the Space Weather Prediction Center .

Mendenhall Glacier

Apexphotos / Getty Images

Near Juneau, the state capital, Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most remarkable sights to see in Alaska. This 13-mile long glacier ends at Mendenhall lake and is easily seen from the Mendenhall Visitor Center . Bring your camera and take the short walk down Photo Point Trail, continue on to Nugget Falls, and hike the Trail of Time. You can also see the glacier from a kayak or on a canoe tour.

The Alaska Highway

Kevin Smith / Design Pics / Getty Images

The scenery on the Alaska Highway, also known as Alaska-Canadian Highway, is something straight out of Jon Krakauer’s "Into the Wild." From Dawson Creek in British Columbia, through the Yukon Territory, to Delta Junction, this stretch of road was built during WWII to connect the lower 48 states to Alaska via Canada and is now a favorite experience for road trippers.

Artie Photography (Artie Ng) / Getty Images

The southern tip of the Inside Passage is the ideal location for views of Deer Mountain and Tongass Narrows, where you’ll hear float planes, fishing boats, ferries, and barges. On Tongass Avenue, you’ll see pastel-colored homes built on stilts, hanging over the water. Wander along Creek Street, a boardwalk in Ketchikan, for shopping and to take photographs of historic buildings. Day fishing trips, flight tours, kayaking, and hiking are all fun to do as well.

Prince William Sound

Naphat Photography / Getty Images

Prince William Sound is an inlet of the Gulf of Alaska. You'll be able to see towering tidewater glaciers as you venture into Blackstone Bay, home to Blackstone and Beloit Glaciers, which reach 200 feet high. Cruise into Harriman Fjord to get a look at Surprise Glacier and listen as chunks of ice fall—or calve—into the water, making a loud booming sound. Waterfalls, bird rookeries, rafts of sea otters, and floating harbor seals all can be spotted.

Denali National Park

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali is the highest peak in North America, stretching 20,310 feet above sea level to the summit. Visit Denali National Park , in the northern Alaskan Range, to get a peek at this wonder as you travel down the only road in the park. You’ll likely see moose drinking water out of braided rivers, grizzly bears wandering the tundra, and Dall sheep clinging to hilltops dotted with spruce trees. Pursuit , an experiential tour company, can arrange for a custom tour of Alaska’s interior as well as Denali National Park.  

Anchorage is the state's largest city, housing 236,000 people and as such, there's an abundance of things to do. One highlight is the Anchorage Museum , which tells the tales of Alaska’s native peoples. See a Tlingit war helmet, an  Iñupiaq feast bowl , and artifacts from the Yup’ik and Cup’ik Eskimo peoples. Or take some time to learn about Inuit tattooing, a practice that is still done today, by women for women, to signify cultural belonging and a rite of passage. You can also see art created by Alaskan artists, thousands of photographs, and explore space at the Thomas Planetarium.

The Alaska Railroad

A delightful way to see Alaska is via train and the Alaska Railroad has five great routes for varying interests: Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery, Denali Star, Hurricane Turn, and Aurora Winter. The main line travels 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks, linking several communities along the way. Take the option for GoldStar Service for an upper-level seat under a large glass-domed ceiling, access to a full-service dining car, and an Alaskan tour guide who will narrate throughout the trip.

Talkeetna is small but entirely indelible. Taste fireweed ice cream; learn about Stubbs, the cat that had mayoral duties; take a flightseeing tour; go on a guided river rafting trip; visit the art galleries; or shop around the town for Alaskan goods. There are a number of year-round events to take part in as well like the Talkeetna Winterfest, Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival, and Talkeetna Trio. Beer lovers should pop in the brewery taproom to sample one of 20 Denali Brewing Co. brews on tap.

Inside Passage

Betty Wiley / Getty Images

Massive glaciers carved out the Inside Passage millions of years ago, which is now home to bald eagle habitats, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating whales. You’ll see Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian totem poles, domed Russian churches, and large forests. The area is marked by three distinct sub-locations: the Northern Region, where Haines, Juneau, Sitka, and Skagway are located; Glacier Bay Area, home to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve ; and the Southern Region, where Tongass National Forest and Totem Bight State Historical Park sit. 

Katmai National Park and Preserve

Grant Ordelheide / Aurora Photos / Getty Images

Located in the northern Alaska Peninsula, Katmai National Park and Preserve isn’t easy to get to—you must arrive by plane or boat—but it is definitely worth it. Especially if you want to increase your chances of seeing a grizzly bear in the wild. In the park, there are three viewing platforms, located in Brooks Camp, on the south side of Brooks River. Around 2,200 brown bears inhabit the park, which means that there are more bears on the Alaska Peninsula than there are people.

Tracy Arm Fjord

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Forty-five miles south of Juneau sits the 27-mile-long Tracy Arm Fjord, a narrow waterway surrounded by craggy cliffs. Part of the Tongass National Forest, this icy natural wonder is worth venturing out to see. Bring binoculars and look for bears, eagles, and whales on a full-day boat tour. 

Seward and the Kenai Peninsula

The small town of Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park , Mount Marathon, Resurrection Bay, and Bear Glacier. Visit Alaska SeaLife Center to learn about marine mammal rehabilitation, take photos of the Seward boat harbor, and visit Miller’s Landing for wildlife viewing. The Seward Community Library and Museum is worth visiting to learn about the town’s history and culture.

John Elk / Getty Images

Wooden sidewalks lead to old saloons and historic buildings in Skagway, making it feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the Klondike gold rush. Tourists descend on the town via cruise ships in the summer making it the most crowded time of year. You can take a history tour of the Skagway historic district, hike on one of the many trails that lead to lakes and waterfalls, see Davidson Glacier, wander through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, and visit Skagway Museum and Archives .

The Iditarod Race in Nome

 Jeffrey Walters / Getty Images

Downtown Anchorage is the start of the Iditarod on the first Saturday of March, with festivities lasting for a week prior to the race, including the Fur Rendevous . Many viewers, who come into town to see the action, also decide to tour other remote checkpoints along the 1,000-mile route. The race ends in Nome, and it’s a sight to see the mushers fly across the finish line. Visit a kennel before the race and try out dog sledding for yourself, indulge in a flightseeing adventure during the race, or volunteer to help with the dogs. You can also watch the results via a live stream.

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The 11 Coolest Places to Visit in Alaska

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Alaska is a land of superlatives, full of incredible nature, and wide-open spaces. It’s home to North America’s highest peaks, one-of-a-kind wildlife, and so much more. I’m of the mind that every American should make it a point to visit Alaska at least once in their life, but since the place is so big and there is so much to see, it can be challenging deciding where to go amount the best places to visit in Alaska.

Let’s put things in perspective, Alaska is HUGE. So huge in fact that you could fit California, Texas, and Montana inside. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t see everything on a one or two-week trip, but rest assured that any trip to Alaska will undoubtedly blow you away and leave you wanting to come back for more. I know that’s been the case for me, for friends, and for family.

In any case, on to my top picks for the coolest places to visit in Alaska, some of which are remote and not easily accessible, some can be seen on an Alaska road trip, while others are best visited on an Alaska cruise.

For most people flying to Alaska, Anchorage will be their point of arrival and departure. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, but at only around 400,000 people in the metropolitan area, it is still decidedly small.

Although small compared to cities in the Lower 48, Anchorage accounts for more than half of Alaska’s population, meaning that this is the center for things to do in Alaska. You’ll find incredible seafood restaurants, awesome microbreweries, museums, and a cool city surrounded by astounding nature.

We absolutely loved our stay in Anchorage and almost considered changing our flight back to Seattle and staying longer in this cool town by trying to land a house sitting gig .

Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park is located about 290 air miles southwest of Anchorage and is one of those places that are only accessible by small plane or boat. This region is rarely visited, but for the few hearty souls that make the trip, you will be rewarded with experiences you won’t soon forget.

First and foremost is the fact that Katmai is one of the world’s best locations to see brown bears in the wild. More than 2,200 brown bears inhabit the park, and some locations, such as the popular Brooks Camp, allow visitors the chance to see bears congregating along the river to feast on sockeye salmon.

The Inside Passage

Innumerable islands, rambling fjords, coastal mountains, and temperate forests are the main draw along this 500-mile long stretch of sparsely populated land that juts out from mainland Alaska toward Washington state.

While locals may be traveling by boat and plane, the vast majority of visitors will come to know the Inside Passage from the comfort of a luxurious cruise ship as they navigate the stunning waterways. Visiting Alaska by cruise ship is one of the most accessible ways to visit this otherwise hard to access corners of Alaska.

Glacier Bay National Park

Speaking of cruising the Inside Passage, the highlight for many week-long cruises is a visit to Glacier Bay National Park , where massive glaciers calve into the frigid waters where chunks of ice float past the boat.

Glacier Bay National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one bonus of sailing within a national park is that cruise lines are required to have a park ranger on board while within the park, giving visitors access to their wealth of knowledge with short lectures or informal talks.

While I’ve not yet had the chance to take a cruise to Alaska, my dad, grandma, and extended family go on Alaska cruises almost every year (10+ times now!) because of how incredible it is.

Hubbard Glacier

The more remote Hubbard Glacier sits further toward mainland Alaska and isn’t as frequently visited as Glacier Bay due to the added distance, but it is possible to find week-long cruises that will visit this impressive glacier.

While Glacier Bay has numerous glaciers, the Hubbard is simply one mammoth glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America which is a staggering 76-miles long and 1,200 feet deep. If you are impressed by the biggest, then you can’t miss the Hubbard.

Celebrity Cruises is one of the top choices if you want to visit the Hubbard Glacier. My family raved about the Hubbard, as well as how luxurious their experience was with Celebrity Cruises.

Of the numerous stops, while cruising the Inside Passage, the coolest town to visit along the route (according to my very experienced family) is the little town of Skagway at the northern end of the Inside Passage.

This former gold rush town was once the largest city in Alaska but still hangs on to a lot of its charm, whether you’re strolling the historic boardwalk, visiting the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, or riding on the vintage locomotives that go past Chilkoot trail.

Kenai Fjords National Park

If you can’t swing a week or longer to cruise Alaska, you’ve still got an excellent opportunity to get up close with Alaska’s incredible glaciers if you can make it to Seward, Alaska, a relatively short, 130-mile drive from Anchorage along with some spectacular scenery. From here you can charter a day trip cruise to Kenai Fjords.

Kenai Fjords may be the smallest of Alaska’s many national parks, but it still packs a big punch, where the wild landscape tumbles into the Gulf of Alaska, with hundreds of quiet bays and coves, and the impressive Harding Icefield which covers more than 700 square miles of ice up to one mile thick.

Fairbanks for the Northern Lights

While the summer months may be the best time to see Alaska from the sea, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to see in Alaska during winter… The most incredible of those things is, undoubtedly, the Northern Lights.

Luckily, Fairbanks is also one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, offering lots of activity and the clear night skies conducive to seeing this spectacular phenomenon. Seeing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks was truly one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had while traveling. Couple that with going dog sledding in Fairbanks , and you’ve got yourself a one-of-a-kind adventure in Alaska.

Read More: Best Time to See the Northern Lights

Denali National Park

A short drive south of Fairbanks, you’ll find the tallest mountain in North America, the stunningly beautiful Denali. The mountain is the centerpiece of a six million acre reserve filled with taiga, tundra, glaciers, moose, caribou, bears, and so much more.

The main point of access for the park is a 91-mile long road, although only the first fifteen miles are accessible by private vehicle, and to go beyond, you’ll need to hop onto the shuttle bus.

We went during the tail end of winter and felt like we had the place to ourselves.

Dalton Highway

The Dalton Highway is a 414-mile road that begins north of Fairbanks and ends at Deadhorse, Alaska near Prudhoe Bay. The highway is one of the most isolated roads in the United States and has only three towns along the entire route.

The mainly gravel road draws tourists who are primarily interested in crossing the Arctic Circle where you can experience those days where the sun doesn’t set. Talk about an epic road trip.

Matanuska Glacier

Speaking of road trips, no Alaska road trip would be complete without a visit to the Matanuska Glacier, the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States. This long tongue of ice is 27 miles long and 4 miles wide and is only a few hours from Anchorage by car.

Not only is the glacier incredible (and incredibly accessible), but it also sits along Alaska’s Highway 1, which I consider to be one of the most scenic drives in America (at least among those that I’ve personally driven).

Read More: The Most Scenic Drives in America

Best Places to Visit in Alaska

As you can see, Alaska offers up some absolutely astounding scenery, one of the wildest and most impressive landscapes that are so easily available to travelers today. Honestly, I can’t recommend enough a trip to Alaska, whether you’re visiting Fairbanks in winter or cruising the Inside Passage in summer.

Put Alaska at the top of your travel plans and make it happen. You won’t regret it.

If you’re an experienced Alaska traveler, what else would you add to this list of the coolest places to visit in Alaska? Sound off in the comments below.

Traveling to Alaska soon? Book your lodging on Booking.com now to save, or if you plan to stay longer, I highly recommend looking for a place on Airbnb . And don’t forget to purchase travel insurance that will help protect you against illness, injury, and theft. I use and recommend World Nomads for its combination of coverage and affordability.

Read Next: Budget Travel Tips and Tricks

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We went to an Alaskan cruise some years ago to Ketchikan, we flew to Seattle, also went to Sitka, Skagway, Juneau. We would like to see the fjords and glaciers this time and Denali

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LISTEN: Here’s how it feels to go to the most remote place in Alaska

St. Matthew is a sliver of an island that sits in the Bering Sea nearly 200 miles from any human settlement. It’s been described as the most remote place in Alaska.

Humans have found their way to St. Matthew from time to time, but none for very long.

Writer Sarah Gilman went to St. Matthew last year on the research vessel Tiĝlax̂, and her piece, “The Island That Humans Can’t Conquer” appeared recently in Hakai Magazine.

As Gilman told Alaska Public Media’s Casey Grove, it was a 60-hour ship ride to get the St. Matthew, and that was after flying to Adak, way out in the Aleutian Chain.

LISTEN HERE:

Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Casey Grove is host of Alaska News Nightly, a general assignment reporter and an editor at Alaska Public Media. Reach him at [email protected] . Read more about Casey here . 

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