Alaska, the Last Frontier, is a place that indicates that one can expect an adventurous experience like no other. Alaska is a huge state that has a lot of wilderness, beautiful mountains and interesting cultural sights and therefore it provides numerous opportunities for tourists of different kinds. No matter if you are an adventurous person, a lover of wildlife or someone who just wants a touch of Native Alaskan culture, there is something studying for everyone here. Here is a list of some of the most recommended travel destinations for 2024 in Alaska.
Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Table of Contents
1. Denali National Park
Denali National Park is a popular tourist attraction in Alaska comprising of an area of six million acres and encompassing Denali (formerly named Mount McKinley), the highest mountain in North America. This park is especially rich in opportunities for those who love nature and some level of physical activities, making it one of the best places to visit in Alaska.
Key Attractions:
- Denali: The highlight of the park is the mountain peak that will provide excellent views of the surrounding environment while being an excellent spot for hikers and climbers.
- Wildlife: In summer, visitors can come across such animals as bears, wolves, caribou and even moose in the park area.
- Diverse Landscapes: The park has diverse geophysical terrains ranging from the dense forests, large tundras, and a wide spread of glaciers.
Activities:
- Hiking: There are many trails from an easy nature trail and a paved pathway to very steep back country hiking trails.
- Bus Tours: These guided tours are good to plan and organize because they afford an opportunity to view wildlife and vegetation in the park.
- Photography: How to photograph the stunning scenery and the animals.
Travel Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Wildlife watching and hiking are best done during the late spring up to early fall.
- Getting There: It can be reached by driving your own car or taking a train from Anchorage or Fairbanks.
- Accommodation: This includes camp grounds, some lodges and back country camping areas.
2. Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is home to glaciers and marine life. This is one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites that gives travelers a glimpse of the icy world along with bio-diversity which makes it one of the best places to visit in Alaska.
Key Attractions:
- Glaciers: There are also many tidewater glaciers in the park, which discharge into the bay.
- Marine Wildlife: Observe whales, sea lions, seals, and sea otters.
- Scenic Fjords: Fascinating fjords make your stay even more impressive.
Activities:
- Boat Tours: These tours provide an up and close look at glaciers and other marine creatures.
- Kayaking: Enjoy a more personal experience by paddling through calm waters instead.
- Wildlife Viewing: See various types of fish and birds in the sea.
Travel Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to travel is between May and September for the best of the weather and the wildlife.
- Cruise Options: Most of the cruises have this Glacier Bay in their schedules.
- Safety Tips: It is cold, so dress appropriately and be ready for changes in the weather.
3. Anchorage
Anchorage is a large city in Alaska that has cultural and logistical importance for the region. It brings all the trappings of civilization and at the same time is proximal to the wilderness. Therefore, it should be on every traveler’s list of best places to visit in Alaska.
Key Attractions:
- Anchorage Museum: Alaska’s premier museum dedicated to the art and history of the state.
- Alaska Native Heritage Center: Explore Alaskan native people and their culture.
- Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: A trail that is excellent for biking and hiking and offers stunning views.
Activities:
- Museums and Cultural Tours: Explore the roots of the Alaskan culture and tradition.
- Shopping and Dining: Try out local food and get yourself some souvenirs that are peculiar to Alaska.
- Outdoor Activities: Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and wildlife watching are readily available for those who want to venture outside the city.
Travel Tips:
- Best Neighborhoods to Stay In: Downtown Anchorage has the advantage of being convenient and easily accessible from tourist destinations.
- Local Cuisine: Alaskan cuisine should be tasted, especially fish and seafood, especially salmon and king crab.
- Transportation: The city of Anchorage is well-connected to other parts of Alaska, which makes it fairly easy to plan a trip to other parts of the state.
4. Juneau
Juneau is the state capital and from the descriptions given it is a city surrounded by mountains and water that can only be reached by boat or air. It offers a link to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in Alaska and is one of the top places that any traveler should consider visiting in Alaska.
Key Attractions:
- Mendenhall Glacier: After breakfast, take a guided tour through this marvellous glacier and its caves of ice.
- Historical Downtown: Explore Juneau’s heritage in the structures that remain standing today and in the museums that house historical artifacts.
- Eagle Sightings: Juneau is home to bald eagles and therefore these birds are frequently seen in this part of Alaska.
Activities:
- Glacier Tours: This destination has the Mendenhall Glacier and you can tour the site on guided tours.
- Hiking: Some of the trails in Juneau are breathtaking that do offer some wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Historic Sites: Explore the sights and hear about Juneau’s gold mining history.
Travel Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Summer months for sunny skies and long days, as opposed to the winter months with cold and shorter days.
- Recommended Tours: Trekking across the glaciers and wildlife explorations.
- Getting There: Juneau is reachable by air and sea, while it has no road linkages to the other parts of Alaska.
5. Fairbanks
Fairbanks is situated near the Arctic circle and thus tourists can enjoy activities like the Northern lights and the midnight sun making Fairbanks one of the best places to visit in Alaska.
Key Attractions:
- Northern Lights: It is well known that Fairbanks is one of the most suitable places to observe the aurora borealis.
- Midnight Sun: Experience the phenomenon of continuous daylight during the summer solstice.
- Chena Hot Springs: Take a dip in natural hot springs and visit the ice museum.
Activities:
- Aurora Viewing: Many tours and lodges are dedicated to the observation of the northern lights.
- Hot Springs: Chena Hot Springs is a great place to relax.
- Cultural Experiences: Explore museums and cultural institutions to familiarize yourself with the history and culture of the place.
Travel Tips:
- Best Time for Northern Lights: September to April.
- Cold Weather Preparation: If visiting in winter, dress in layers and be ready for below freezing temperatures.
- Accommodation: From luxury hotels to rustic cabins for the purpose of witnessing the aurora.
6. Seward
Seward is a beautiful port city that serves as the entry point to the Kenai Fjords National Park, and has beautiful coastal views. Indeed, Seward is one of the best places to visit in Alaska.
Key Attractions:
- Resurrection Bay: Famous for its rich sea life and clear water.
- Alaska SeaLife Center: Find out information about sea animals and their protection.
- Kenai Fjords National Park: Visit glaciers and fjords.
Activities:
- Glacier Cruises: Take a boat trip and explore glaciers.
- Wildlife Watching: Observe sea lions, puffins, and whales.
- Hiking and Flightseeing: Experience the scenic views of the natural environment on the land and in the skies.
Travel Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for the best of the weather and the animals.
- Cruise Options: Seward is home to many day cruises.
- Local Dining: Local food especially seafood is very fresh and many restaurants offer delectable meals.
7. Ketchikan
Ketchikan is called the “Salmon Capital of the World”, native Alaskan culture is very significant here and the nature is beautiful, which is why Ketchikan is one of the best places to visit in Alaska.
Key Attractions:
- Totem Poles: Spend your time in Totem Heritage Center and Saxman Village.
- Misty Fjords National Monument: This is a perfect natural scenery to visit by boat or by aerial view.
- Historic Creek Street: Learn more about this street with the boardwalk and the rich history of the place.
Activities:
- Fishing: The key tourist attraction in Ketchikan is commercial salmon fishing.
- Cultural Tours: Who are the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples?
- Natural Landmarks: Go for a hike along the fjords and through the rain forests.
Travel Tips:
- Best Time for Fishing: Late June until early September.
- Recommended Tours: Sight seeing and fishing.
- Cultural Etiquette: We must respect the local culture and landmarks.
8. Katmai National Park
Brooks Camp is especially popular for the brown bears which inhabit the Katmai National Park. Overall, it is an extraordinary place and one of the best places to visit in Alaska.
Key Attractions:
- Brooks Camp: It is not a secret that the best place for watching bears is.
- Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes: Go hiking to discover the volcanic environment.
- Wildlife: Other animals found in the park include bears, moose, caribou, and other species of birds.
Activities:
- Bear Watching: Watch bears fishing for salmon.
- Hiking: Hike through the park and explore the difficult terrains of the park.
- Fishing: The fishing opportunities of a world class.
Travel Tips:
- Safety Tips: Carry bear spray and learn about the recommended procedures to act in case of bear sightings.
- Best Viewing Times: It is also important to note that July and September are the best months for bear watching.
- Accommodation: Few choices; make your plans and bookings ahead of time.
9. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias is the biggest national park in the United States, and has extensive area of wilderness and some of the highest mountain ranges in North America. It is consequently regarded as one of the best places to visit in Alaska.
Key Attractions:
- High Peaks: Mountain here includes nine of the highest mountains in the U. S.
- Historic Mining Towns: Learn about McCarthy and Kennecott.
- Wildlife Viewing: There are many different types of wildlife found in the area such as bears, moose and eagles.
Activities:
- Hiking and Camping: There are many trails for hiking and biking, and there are many places for backcountry camping also.
- Mountaineering: Strenuous trails for those into challenging climbs.
- Historical Tours: It is important to find out about the history of mining in the region.
Travel Tips:
- Access Points: Primarily through the McCarthy and Kennecott towns.
- Permits: Needed for backcountry camping and some locations.
- Guided Tours: It is advisable to hire a professional guide for a safe exploration of the caves.
