We heard you’re planning a trip to Alaska. Well, if not, then you would like to visit Alaska after learning about its beauty and the best places in the country.
Alaska is a land of beauty, adventure, and vibrant local culture. It is a wonderful state with attractive places and beautiful people. There are many places to visit from national parks to glaciers but with so many available options, you may get confused about what to visit and what not. Here we are making your travel easier as we have selected some of the top best places to visit in Alaska.
The Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Why Alaska’s a Traveler’s Dream: Before we dive into the spots, here’s the scoop: Alaska’s not your average trip. It’s massive, roads don’t always cut it, so you’re on planes, ferries, or winding highways. Summer (June-August) brings warm days (60s-70s°F) and crazy-long sunlight, perfect for exploring. March is my secret weapon, crisp (-10°F to 30°F), quieter, and prime for Northern Lights.
Weather’s a wild card, so pack layers and good boots. Costs? Higher than your average U.S. spot (think $5 gas, $100 boat tours), but camping or local eats (salmon chowder, anyone?) keep it doable. Pro tip: Book early your hotels, tours, even campsites, they vanish fast. Oh, and bears? They’re real, keep your distance, and you’re golden.
1. Denali National Park
Why Go: Denali’s the king of Alaska’s parks—home to North America’s tallest peak (20,310 feet), staring you down like a giant. Summer’s lush and packed with hikers; winter’s a snowy wonderland. It’s 6 million acres of raw nature—bears, moose, caribou—and it’ll leave you buzzing.
Traveler Tip: Bus tours ($30-$100) from the visitor center are the way in—roads are limited. Book ahead; they sell out. Hike if you’re gutsy, but grab bear spray ($10 at local shops). Best months? June-July for green, March for snow and solitude.
2. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Why Go: Glacier Bay’s a stunner—3.3 million acres of glaciers crashing into the sea, fjords cutting through, and wildlife everywhere. I took a boat out once and heard ice groan like a living thing—whales breached nearby, seals lounged on chunks. Unreal.
Traveler Tip: Boats leave from Gustavus (fly or ferry from Juneau, $200-ish round-trip). Tours run $100-$250—worth it. Kayak if you’re hardcore ($50 rental). No roads in, so plan tight. Summer’s peak; dress for rain.
3. Kenai Fjords National Park
Why Go: Kenai Fjords is wild—half snowed under by the Harding Icefield, with Exit Glacier right there to hike to. Boat trips from Seward show icebergs splashing down, and the sound sticks with you. Orcas, puffins, kids giggling—it’s a family win too.
Traveler Tip: Seward’s 2.5 hours from Anchorage (drive or $70 train). Boat tours? $100-$200—book early. Exit Glacier’s free and a quick hike. July’s busy; May’s quieter with decent weather.
4. Juneau
Why Go: Juneau’s Alaska’s capital, locked in by mountains and sea—no roads in, just ferries or flights. Whales flip in the water (May’s gold), cruise ports hum, and trails wind through green. Downtown’s got breweries and chill locals—perfect mix.
Traveler Tip: Ferries from Skagway ($50) or flights from Anchorage ($150) get you there. Whale tours run $150—go for it. Hike Mount Roberts for free views. Summer’s hopping; shoulder seasons save cash.
5. Homer
Why Go: Homer’s this funky Kenai Peninsula town, dubbed the “Halibut Fishing Capital.” The Spit’s a sandy stretch into the bay—fish there, hike nearby, or hit galleries with Alaskan art. It’s small, artsy, and feels like a secret.
Traveler Tip: Drive 4 hours from Anchorage or bus it ($60). Fishing trips? $150-$200—halibut’s the prize. Camp on the Spit for $20/night. June-August for fish; April for calm.
6. Fairbanks
Why Go: Fairbanks is Alaska’s beating heart—second biggest city, and those Northern Lights in March are pure fire. Pioneer Park’s a history kick, dog sledding’s a blast ($150), and riverboats cruise easy. It’s got soul and action.
Traveler Tip: Fly from Anchorage ($100) or drive 6 hours. Lights peak March—stay outside town for dark skies ($100 cabins). Winter’s cold; summer’s mild and long.
7. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Why Go: Wrangell-St. Elias is a monster—13 million acres of peaks and glaciers that dwarf you. It’s untamed—hike trails, spot wildlife, feel small. Summer’s green and open; winter’s a frozen beast.
Traveler Tip: Drive from Anchorage (6-7 hours, 4WD helps) or fly to McCarthy ($200). Trails are free but rough—pack gear. June-September’s best; bugs bite hard, so cover up.
8. Ketchikan
Why Go: Ketchikan’s the “Salmon Capital” down south—coastal, salty, and chill. Totem poles tell old Tlingit tales, boats bob, and Misty Fjords nearby is a jaw-dropper. It’s got that laid-back Alaska charm.
Traveler Tip: Cruise stop or ferry from Juneau ($70). Misty Fjords tours ($200 by boat) are unreal. Walk Creek Street for free history. Summer’s wet but prime.
9. Sitka
Why Go: Sitka’s this quiet coastal spot with Russian roots—St. Michael’s Cathedral’s a relic—and ocean views that soothe. Trails hug the shore, totem parks nod to Native history. It’s calm and uncrowded.
Traveler Tip: Fly from Juneau ($120) or ferry ($50). Fish for $20/day—salmon’s king. May-June for mild days; winter’s sleepy.
10. Skagway
Why Go: Skagway’s a Gold Rush throwback—old streets and a train ride through mountains that hit you hard. It’s small, walkable, and alive with history. Summer buzzes with cruise folks; off-season’s a ghost town vibe.
Traveler Tip: Ferry from Juneau ($50) or drive from Whitehorse (2 hours). Train’s $140—book it fast. May-September’s peak; bring cash for local grub.
11. Girdwood
Why Go: Girdwood’s this cozy mountain town—ski Alyeska in winter, hike trails in summer. The tram ride up ($40) gives views that kill, and the forest vibe’s pure chill. It’s an Anchorage escape.
Traveler Tip: 45-minute drive from Anchorage ($20 shuttle). Ski passes $80; trails free. Winter for snow; July for green.
12. Talkeetna
Why Go: Talkeetna’s tiny and weird—Denali looms huge, streets are quirky, and locals swap tales over beer. Flightseeing tours ($200) soar over peaks; it’s Alaska with a grin.
Traveler Tip: Drive 2.5 hours from Anchorage or train ($50). Pub’s cheap ($10 meals). June for views; March for snow.
13. Kodiak
Why Go: Kodiak’s an island beast—bears roam, waves crash, fishing’s life. It’s rugged, wild, and feels cut off in the best way. Fort Abercrombie’s a history hit; the coast’s raw.
Traveler Tip: Ferry from Homer ($100) or fly ($150). Fish for $50/day—cod’s a win. Summer’s mild; winter’s stormy.
14. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Why Go: Lake Clark’s this serene escape—lakes mirror peaks, fish jump, and it’s quiet as heck. Fly in, paddle out, or hike; it’s a hidden gem that feels personal.
Traveler Tip: Flights from Anchorage ($200)—no roads. Camp free; fish for $10 license. June-August for calm; bugs peak July.
15. Katmai National Park and Preserve
Why Go: Katmai’s bear central—grizzlies at Brooks Falls snagging salmon is nuts to watch. It’s raw nature, loud and alive, and summer’s the showtime.
Traveler Tip: Fly from Anchorage ($300) via King Salmon. Day trips $600—worth it. July for bears; book early.
16. Prince William Sound
Why Go: Prince William Sound’s calm waters and glacier views sneak up on you. Otters float, boats hum from Whittier, and it’s peaceful with a punch. Loved kayaking there once—magic.
Traveler Tip: Drive to Whittier (1 hour from Anchorage) or ferry ($50). Kayak rentals $60. Summer’s best; May’s quiet.
17. Tracy Arm Fjord
Why Go: Tracy Arm’s a tight fjord—steep walls, ice chunks, blue glaciers glowing. Boat in from Juneau; it’s narrow, cold, and Alaska at its boldest.
Traveler Tip: Tours from Juneau ($150)—tight fit, big reward. June-July for ice; dress warm.
18. Mendenhall Glacier
Why Go: Mendenhall’s a Juneau gem—huge, icy, and right there to gawk at. Trails wind close, the visitor center’s solid, and it’s got that glacier shine.
Traveler Tip: 20 minutes from Juneau ($10 bus). Free entry; $5 for center. Summer’s busy—go early.
19. Haines
Why Go: Haines is small-town gold—eagles soar, rivers run, and it’s chill. Ferry in, fish the waters, or hike; it’s quiet Alaska with heart.
Traveler Tip: Ferry from Juneau ($40). Fish for $20/day—salmon’s tops. May for peace; July for action.
20. Cooper Landing
Why Go: Cooper Landing’s a Kenai Peninsula hideout—rivers flow, woods hum, and it’s pure calm. Fish the Kenai River or hike; it’s simple and real.
Traveler Tip: 2 hours from Anchorage ($40 bus). Trout fishing $50/day. June for sun; August for fish.
21. Soldotna
Why Go: Soldotna’s Kenai’s fishing hub—salmon swarm the river, and the vibe’s easy. Cast a line, kick back, or chat up locals—it’s Alaska life.
Traveler Tip: 3 hours from Anchorage ($50 bus). Fish permit $25—July’s peak. Summer’s warm; spring’s mellow.
22. Kenai
Why Go: Kenai’s got history and coast—old Russian vibes meet beach walks. Fish off the shore, explore, or dipnet in July—it’s slow and soulful.
Traveler Tip: 3 hours from Anchorage ($50 drive). Free beaches; $10 dipnet gear. July for crowds; May for calm.
23. Glacier View
Why Go: Glacier View’s ice and peaks up close—Matanuska Glacier’s right there, raw and rugged. Drive up, feel the chill, and love it.
Traveler Tip: 2 hours from Anchorage ($30 gas). Glacier tours $100—walk it. Summer for access; winter’s icy.
24. McCarthy-Kennicott
Why Go: McCarthy and Kennicott are remote—old mining towns with a gritty past. Kennecott’s red mill pops, the land’s wild, and it’s a trekker’s dream.
Traveler Tip: 7-hour drive from Anchorage (4WD) or fly ($200). Camp free—rough it. June-August; bugs bite.
25. Valdez
Why Go: Valdez is mountains-meet-sea—fish the docks, chase waterfalls, boat to glaciers. It’s small but mighty, with a vibe that hooks you.
Traveler Tip: 5 hours from Anchorage ($60 bus). Tours $150—glaciers rock. Summer’s alive; winter’s snow.
Bonus: Tongass National Forest & North Pole
Tongass National Forest: This rainforest’s a beast—17 million acres, wet and green. Kayak, hike, or dodge the rain—it’s alive and loud. Ferry or fly to Ketchikan ($70); trails free.
North Pole: Christmas 24/7—Santa’s house, twinkly lights, pure goofy fun. 20 minutes from Fairbanks ($20 cab). Year-round cheer; kids flip.
Alaska Travel Hacks to Nail Your Trip
- Getting Around: Roads skip half these spots—flights ($100-$300) or ferries ($40-$100) are clutch. Rent a car in Anchorage or Fairbanks ($50/day) for flexibility.
- When to Go: June-August for warmth and light; March for lights and snow. Shoulder seasons (May, September) save cash and crowds.
- Costs: Gas $5/gallon, meals $15-$30, hotels $100-$200/night. Camp ($10-$20) or eat local (fish tacos, $10) to stretch it.
- Insider Move: Chat up locals—they’ll spill secret trails or cheap eats. X posts from travelers (search “Alaska tips”) often drop gold too.
This Alaska travel guide’s your ticket—25 spots, real talk, and the juice to make it happen. It’s wild out there—glaciers, bears, lights, soul. Where you kicking it off? Hit me with your pick!
