by Alaska is a land of incredible beauty and endless adventure that captures the hearts of travelers from around the world.
Known as the “Great Land” by the indigenous Aleut people, this massive state offers some of the most spectacular landscapes you’ll ever see.
From towering mountains and massive glaciers to pristine wilderness and amazing wildlife, the best places to visit in alaska provide experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking for challenging hikes, a nature lover hoping to spot bears and whales, or someone who just wants to see breathtaking scenery, Alaska has something special for you.
The state is 95% uninhabited, which means you’ll find vast areas of untouched wilderness waiting to be explored.
Planning a trip to Alaska might seem overwhelming because there’s so much to see and do. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you discover the most amazing destinations.
Best Places to Visit in Alaska
From the bustling city of Anchorage to remote national parks, from accessible glaciers to charming small towns, you’ll learn about all the places that make Alaska such an extraordinary destination.
Get ready to discover why Alaska should be at the top of your travel bucket list!
Top 19 Best Places To Visit In Alaska You Don’t Want To Miss
Anchorage
Anchorage serves as the perfect starting point for your Alaskan adventure. This city is home to nearly half of Alaska’s population and offers the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, making it easily accessible for travelers.
Reasons to Visit:
- World-class museums like the Anchorage Museum of History and Art
- Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for biking and wildlife spotting
- Thriving restaurant and bar scene with local cuisine
- Easy access to many other Alaskan destinations
- Alaska Native Heritage Center for cultural experiences
While some people say Anchorage lacks charm, it’s actually a fascinating place with plenty to offer. The city provides an excellent base for exploring other parts of Alaska on day trips.
Chugach State Park
Just 30 minutes from Anchorage, Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in America, covering nearly 495,000 acres of stunning wilderness.
Reasons to Visit:
- Flattop Mountain hike – one of Alaska’s most popular trails
- Easily accessible from Anchorage
- Diverse landscapes including glaciers, lakes, and coastline
- Multiple hiking trails for different skill levels
- Year-round activities from hiking to winter sports
The park offers everything from easy walks to challenging climbs, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
Lake Clark National Park
Lake Clark National Park is a hidden gem that offers some of the best bear viewing opportunities in Alaska. This remote park spans 5,625 square miles of pristine wilderness.
Reasons to Visit:
- Incredible bear watching – see 20+ bears in one day
- Pristine wilderness with volcanoes and glaciers
- Less crowded than other national parks
- Diverse landscapes from coast to mountains
- Excellent day trip options from Anchorage
The park is only accessible by plane, which keeps crowds small and wildlife experiences authentic.
Denali National Park
Home to Mount Denali, North America’s highest peak, this 6-million-acre park offers breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
Reasons to Visit:
- Mount Denali views – the continent’s highest mountain
- Excellent hiking trails like Savage Alpine Trail
- Amazing wildlife including bears, moose, and caribou
- Scenic flights with optional glacier landings
- Well-developed facilities for visitors
Denali attracts adventure travelers who want to experience Alaska’s most famous mountain and surrounding wilderness.
Talkeetna
This charming small town sits at the base of Mount Denali and offers a taste of authentic Alaskan culture with just 876 residents.
Reasons to Visit:
- Gateway to Mount Denali flightseeing tours
- Historic downtown with art galleries and shops
- Nagley’s General Store – famous vintage atmosphere
- Friendly rangers at the Walter Harper Ranger Station
- Small-town charm with authentic Alaskan character
Talkeetna provides the perfect blend of adventure access and small-town hospitality.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Located near Seward, this stunning park combines mountains, glaciers, and ocean in one spectacular destination.
Reasons to Visit:
- Marine wildlife viewing – whales, sea otters, and seals
- Glacier cruises through dramatic fjords
- 190+ bird species for wildlife enthusiasts
- Pristine coastal scenery with ice fields
- Multiple activity options from hiking to kayaking
The park offers some of Alaska’s best opportunities to see marine life in their natural habitat.
Harding Icefield and Exit Glacier
One of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers, Exit Glacier provides easy viewing opportunities and challenging hiking for those who want more adventure.
Reasons to Visit:
- Easy glacier access via Glacier View Loop trail
- Challenging Harding Icefield hike for experienced hikers
- 700-square-mile icefield with 38 glaciers
- Educational visitor center with glacier information
- Stunning views of massive ice formations
Whether you want an easy walk or challenging hike, this area offers glacier experiences for everyone.
Kenai Peninsula
This large peninsula offers diverse landscapes and activities, making it one of Alaska’s most popular regions for outdoor recreation.
Reasons to Visit:
- Multiple outdoor activities – kayaking, fishing, hiking
- Kachemak Bay and Resurrection Bay for marine adventures
- 14 charming towns to explore
- Rich cultural history including Russian heritage
- Easy access from Anchorage
The peninsula provides endless opportunities for adventure and cultural exploration.
Seward
This picturesque coastal town serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and offers excellent dining and attractions.
Reasons to Visit:
- Alaska SeaLife Center for marine wildlife education
- Scenic Seward Highway drive from Anchorage
- Excellent restaurants like The Cookery
- Beautiful waterfront with walking trails
- Alaska Railroad access from Anchorage
Seward combines outdoor adventure with comfortable amenities and great food.
The Matanuska Glacier
One of Alaska’s largest and most accessible glaciers, Matanuska offers the unique opportunity to actually walk on glacier ice.
Reasons to Visit:
- Walk on glacier ice with guided tours
- Easy access from Anchorage (1 hour drive)
- 27 miles long and 4 miles wide glacier
- Crampons provided for safe ice walking
- Rifle Lodge nearby for meals and views
This glacier provides an unforgettable hands-on ice experience that most people never get to try.
Hatcher Pass
Perfect for hiking enthusiasts, Hatcher Pass offers multiple trails and the historic Independence Mine for exploration.
Reasons to Visit:
- Independence Mine historical site tours
- Multiple hiking trails for different skill levels
- Gold Cord Lake Trail and Lane Basin Trail
- Easy access from Anchorage, Palmer, and Wasilla
- Alpine valley scenery with mountain views
The area combines outdoor recreation with fascinating mining history.
Homer
Known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of Alaska,” Homer offers art, culture, and excellent fishing opportunities on Kachemak Bay.
Reasons to Visit:
- Homer Spit – unique geological formation
- Art galleries and breweries for cultural experiences
- World-class halibut fishing opportunities
- Beautiful bay views and beaches
- Vibrant local culture and music scene
Homer provides a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural attractions.
Whittier
This unique small town where almost everyone lives in one building offers access to Prince William Sound and interesting local culture.
Reasons to Visit:
- Prince William Sound cruises starting point
- Begich Tower – unique 14-story community building
- Beautiful drive from Anchorage (1.5 hours)
- Portage Pass hiking access
- Peaceful waterfront with mountain views
Whittier offers one of Alaska’s most unusual community experiences.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts, this center provides guaranteed wildlife viewing and educational experiences.
Reasons to Visit:
- Rescued wildlife rehabilitation center
- Multiple species – bears, wolves, eagles, and more
- Educational programs about conservation
- Family-friendly activities and facilities
- Easy day trip from Anchorage
The center offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in a controlled, educational environment.
Portage Pass
This popular hiking trail offers stunning glacier views and wildlife spotting opportunities near Whittier.
Reasons to Visit:
- Portage Glacier views from the trail
- Moderate difficulty 4.4-mile roundtrip hike
- Wildlife spotting including bears
- Beautiful alpine scenery with mountain views
- Accessible location near Whittier
The trail provides excellent glacier viewing without extreme difficulty.
Prince William Sound
This spectacular inlet of seawater offers some of Alaska’s best marine wildlife viewing and glacier cruises.
Reasons to Visit:
- Marine wildlife – whales, sea lions, and otters
- Glacier viewing from cruise boats
- Pristine wilderness with forests and glaciers
- Multiple cruise options from Whittier
- Photography opportunities with stunning scenery
The sound provides unforgettable marine wildlife experiences and scenic beauty.
The Alaska Highway
This historic 1,422-mile highway connects Alaska to the lower 48 states through Canada, offering incredible scenery along the way.
Reasons to Visit:
- Historic WWII construction significance
- Scenic driving through wilderness
- Multiple stops and attractions along the route
- Adventure travel experience
- Access to remote areas and small communities
The highway offers one of North America’s greatest road trip adventures.
The Alaska Railroad
This scenic railway provides comfortable transportation and breathtaking views of Alaska’s wilderness areas.
Reasons to Visit:
- Comfortable travel between major destinations
- Panoramic windows for optimal viewing
- Professional guides with local knowledge
- Access to remote areas not reachable by road
- All-weather travel option for any season
The railroad offers a relaxing way to see Alaska’s scenery while traveling between destinations.
Russian River
Famous for its salmon runs and fishing opportunities, Russian River provides excellent angling and outdoor recreation.
Reasons to Visit:
- World-class salmon fishing during runs
- Beautiful river scenery and surrounding wilderness
- Camping opportunities along the river
- Wildlife viewing including bears fishing
- Easy access from the Seward Highway
The river offers some of Alaska’s best fishing experiences in a beautiful natural setting.
Planning Your Alaska Adventure
| Season | Best Activities | Weather | Wildlife |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (June-August) | Hiking, cruises, fishing | Warmest, longest days | Peak wildlife activity |
| Fall (September-October) | Aurora viewing, fewer crowds | Cooler, changing colors | Bear viewing, migration |
| Winter (November-March) | Northern lights, skiing | Cold, shorter days | Limited but unique |
| Spring (April-May) | Early hiking, wildlife | Variable weather | Wildlife emergence |
Transportation Options in Alaska
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Car | Flexibility, families | Go anywhere, own schedule | Expensive, road conditions |
| Alaska Railroad | Scenic travel | Comfortable, guided | Limited destinations |
| Tour Groups | First-time visitors | All-inclusive, expert guides | Less flexibility |
| Flying | Remote areas | Access to wilderness | Weather dependent |
Essential Alaska Travel Tips
What to Pack for Alaska?
- Layered clothing for changing weather conditions
- Waterproof rain gear – essential for outdoor activities
- Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
- Warm hat and gloves even in summer
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for glacier reflection
- Camera with extra batteries for wildlife photos
- Binoculars for wildlife and scenic viewing
Best Time to Visit Different Regions
Summer (June-August):
- Perfect for hiking and outdoor activities
- Warmest weather with temperatures 60-70°F
- Longest daylight hours up to 19 hours per day
- Peak tourist season with higher prices
Fall (September-October):
- Fewer crowds and lower prices
- Northern lights begin appearing
- Fall colors in deciduous areas
- Cooler weather requires warm clothing
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many days do I need to see Alaska’s best places?
Plan at least 7-10 days to see the major highlights. Two weeks allows for a more relaxed pace and additional destinations. First-time visitors should focus on 3-4 main areas rather than trying to see everything.
- Do I need a car to visit Alaska’s top destinations?
While a rental car provides the most flexibility, you can visit many Best Places to Visit in Alaska using tour groups, the Alaska Railroad, and organized excursions. Many visitors combine different transportation methods.
- When is the best time to see wildlife in Alaska?
Summer months (June-August) offer the best overall wildlife viewing. Bears are most active during salmon runs in July and August. Marine wildlife like whales are best seen May through September.
- How much should I budget for an Alaska trip?
Budget $200-400 per day including accommodations, meals, and activities. Alaska is expensive, but costs vary greatly depending on your travel style and chosen activities.
- Is Alaska safe for tourists?
Alaska is very safe for tourists when you follow basic precautions. The main safety concerns are wildlife encounters and weather conditions. Always follow park guidelines and travel with proper gear.
- Can I see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
Yes! The best viewing is September through March in areas away from city lights. Fairbanks offers some of the best Northern Lights viewing opportunities in the world.
Authority Resources for Alaska Travel
For the most current information and planning resources, visit these official websites:
- National Park Service Alaska – Current trail conditions and park information
- Visit Anchorage – Official Anchorage tourism website
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game – Wildlife viewing and fishing information
- Alaska Railroad Corporation – Train schedules and scenic routes
- Alaska Marine Highway – Ferry transportation information
Conclusions: Is Alaska Worth Visiting?
After exploring all these incredible destinations, the answer is absolutely yes – Alaska is 100% worth visiting.
The Best Places to Visit in Alaska offer experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else on Earth.
From walking on ancient glaciers to watching bears fish for salmon, from seeing the Northern Lights to cruising among whales, Alaska provides adventure and natural beauty that will stay with you forever.
What makes Alaska truly special is its vast wilderness and incredible wildlife. You’ll have opportunities to see nature in its purest form, largely unchanged by human development.
The state’s friendly people and unique culture add another layer of richness to your travel experience.
Yes, Alaska requires more planning and higher costs than many destinations, but the memories and experiences you’ll gain are priceless.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, natural beauty, wildlife encounters, or cultural experiences, Alaska delivers on all fronts.
The Best Places to Visit in Alaska we’ve covered in this guide represent just a fraction of what this amazing state offers.
Each destination provides its own unique character and attractions, ensuring that every traveler finds something special that speaks to them.
Start planning your Alaska adventure today – this incredible destination is waiting to show you why it truly is the “Great Land.”
The Best Places to Visit in Alaska are calling, and once you experience their magic, you’ll understand why so many people consider Alaska the trip of a lifetime.