Alaska is considered the largest state in the entire USA. Alaska is like the crazy friend you had in school who was good at everything. Just like your “adventurous talented crazy” friend, Alaska also has everything you would love as a traveler. Known as “The Last Frontier, the place has jaw-dropping wilderness, spectacular natural scenarios including glaciers, towering mountains, crystal lakes, crazy wild animals, the Northern Lights, outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, and its enriched history and culture to show to you. Let us get to know some of the best places to visit in Alaska.
5 Must-Visit Places in Alaska :
1. Denali National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve
- Entry fee: $15
According to a local tribe, Denali means the “great one.”. Just like its name, the Denali mountain is towering and majestic like no other. The mountain is the biggest in the entire North America, exceeding 20,300 feet; it is a hub for pure wilderness and beauty. With only 1 road, it covers 6 million acres of land. Attracting plenty of visitors, the place is home to some incredible wildlife animals, such as Grizzly Bears & black bears, moose, Wolves, Caribou, Dall sheep, golden Eagles, Falcons, and many other wild animals. You can also enjoy countless outdoor activities, including dog sledding, kayaking, river rafting, hiking, and camping. The 92-mile-long road can be explored by tour buses, trains, and even through dog sludge. Visiting in winter will allow you to see the rare Northern Lights (aurora), while in summer you can experience 24 hours of daylight.
2. Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park
- Entry Free.
The sound of glaciers crackling and rumbling, the chirps and rattles of the wild birds, the groaning of the animals, and the soul-refreshing environment of the marine wilderness—these things we live to enjoy and explore. And this is the bare minimum of what the “Glacier Bay National Park” offers to its visitors. Located in southeastern Alaska, the park spans over 33 million acres and is the hub of more than 1000 glaciers. Glacier tours are for people who have ice in their veins, a mind devoted to nature, and a soul dedicated to the creator. While visiting, you will be able to see the famous 250-foot Margerie Glacier along with 7 tidewater glaciers and fjords. Most people usually take a ship to pass through, but for a deeper insight, some take small ships or boats. Glacier Bay is one of the perfect places for whale watching. On the way, you will meet Humpback whales, orcas, and Minke whales happily slapping their tails on the ocean. The park is also a home for thousands of wild animals like Grizzly and black bears, moose and mountain goats, sea otters, harbor seals, and more than 200+ seabirds. You can also enjoy different outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, camping, and river rafting. One thing to remember is that the only way in or out is by boats or plains. If you are still considering where to stay at Glacier Bay or how to get there, The National Park Service has got you covered.
3. Fairbanks
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is a city in Alaska that is ready to take your journey one step ahead. Whether you want to enjoy magnificent aurora, 22 hours of daylight, an ice museum, meet reindeer, experience hiking, dog sledding, and many other thrilling outdoor activities, the city is the perfect spot for giving you the best memory of your life.
If you visit around April to August and stay for a day or two, there is a 90% chance that you will experience the aurora yourself. From May to July, you can experience 22 hours of daylight, which is unique and provides you with more opportunities for experiencing outdoor events and festivals. Having a shower in geothermal waters at Chena Resort and visiting a museum that is entirely made of ice will change your mood entirely. A glimpse of moose, reindeer, and even Arctic foxes will make the journey more interesting. You can also take a dog sledding tour. Walk with reindeer, go river rafting and fishing, explore parks, ice fishing, and snowmobiling, and experience the shivering cold -40°F temperatures at the Arctic Circle to make the tour complete.
4. Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park
- Entry free.
Located on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, the Kenai Fjords National Park is a place where an ocean, ice, and mountain greet each other. Spanning more than 600,000 acres, half of the park is covered with ice and snow. There are plenty of fjords made by glaciers that are dominating the park’s natural beauty. The Bear Glacier and Harding Icefield are some of the top spots to experience in the park.
For outdoor activities, you can experience hiking, tours by boats, long kayaking, camping, fishing, combing, biking, skiing, sledding, and meeting rare puffins, sea lions, orcas, and whales. Depending on different activities, the cost will vary, but it is worth experiencing for everyone. The park is also a hub for some rare seabirds that you can only find there during specific seasons.
5. Juneau & The Mendenhall Glacier
Juneau & The Mendenhall Glacier
- Entry fee: $5.
Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, is famous for its culture, tradition, and scenic beauty. Some eye-catching glaciers and oceans are not the end of it’s beauty. The city is rich in history and has its own traditions and mind-blowing beauty that attracts millions of visitors each year. In Juneau, you can experience the local culture, meet tribes, and enjoy food and shops that will linger on your mind until death. The scenic city is a must-visit spot if you ever plan to visit Alaska.
The Mendenhall Glacier, on the other hand, is one of the most beautiful glaciers in the world. Surrounded by lush green, ocean, and a few hiking trails, it provides a soul-refreshing view for tourists. It is the only accessible glacier that can be reached by roads. You can start your journey from the visitor center. From there, you can enjoy a mini-film about its history and culture and experience several trails and hiking opportunities. The rare beauty of the glaciers makes it one of the popular destinations in Alaska.
Alaska will never stop to amaze you. Its unparalleled wildlife, glamorous glaciers, and giant mountains mixed with lush green and isolated scenic beauty will make you rethink the earth’s beauty. Whether solo or with family, a real traveler should set foot in Alaska at least once in a lifetime.
Where to stay in Alaska?
Alaska offers an array of options when it comes to accommodations for tourists. Depending on the place, there are a lot of hotels that can provide easy accommodation and access to nearby attractions. Here’s a list of some budget-friendly accommodations in Alaska:
| Accommodations /Housing | Cost per night $ | location |
| Puffin Inn of Anchorage | $97 | Anchorage |
| Ingra House Hotel | $62 | Anchorage |
| Breeze Inn Hotel | $119 | Seward |
| Dimond Center Hotel | $135 | Anchorage |
| Driftwood Inn & Homer Seaside Lodges | $90 | Homer |
| Bell In The Woods B&B | $150 | Seward |
| The Inn at Liberty Farms | $140 | Fairbank |
Note: Price range may vary depending on the season and availability. You can also use different booking platforms for booking.
Travel tips for Alaska:
- Choose summer (June–August) for long daylight and wildlife visiting.
- Pick winter (September–April) for northern lights and outdoor activities.
- It would be wise to take suitable dresses, waterproof gear, and sturdy hiking boots.
- During peak season, wildlife cruises, train rides, and glacier hikes sell out rapidly. So book and plan to avoid misfortune.
- If possible, take the Alaska Railroad for a better view.
