Explore Alaska: A Wild and Majestic Journey Awaits

Intro to Alaska Travel Guide

Alaska isn’t just a destination—it’s a frontier. The largest and northernmost state in the U.S., Alaska beckons travelers with its epic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and soul-stirring solitude. From the icy fjords of Kenai to the gold rush echoes of Skagway, Alaska is where nature takes the spotlight and adventure never sleeps.

Start your journey with our Alaska Tour Guide and explore all it has to offer—from dramatic glaciers and national parks to Indigenous culture and arctic wonders.

Alaska Cities & Major Destinations

• Anchorage
  Alaska’s largest city blends urban convenience with outdoor adventure. Nestled between Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage is a hub for hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural experiences like the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
• Fairbanks
  Known as the gateway to the Arctic, Fairbanks offers northern lights sightings, dog sledding, and river cruises. It also provides access to the Dalton Highway and Arctic Circle adventures.
• Juneau
  Alaska’s remote capital is only accessible by boat or plane. It sits between mountain peaks and the Gastineau Channel, with highlights like the Mendenhall Glacier, whale-watching tours, and rich Indigenous culture.
• Sitka
  Blending Russian colonial history and Tlingit heritage, Sitka is a charming coastal town framed by rainforest and ocean. Visit St. Michael’s Cathedral or explore Sitka National Historical Park.
• Ketchikan
  Often the first stop for cruise travelers, Ketchikan is famous for its colorful totem poles, salmon runs, and the surrounding Tongass National Forest.
• Homer
  A quirky, artistic town on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is the “Halibut Capital of the World” and a launching point for bear-viewing flights to Katmai National Park.
• Seward
  A coastal town known for marine tours and the Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward provides access to Kenai Fjords National Park, where glaciers and wildlife share the stage.
• Barrow (Utqiaġvik)
  One of the northernmost towns in the world, Utqiaġvik offers a glimpse into Iñupiat culture and the stark, beautiful landscapes of the Arctic tundra.

How to Choose Where to Go in Alaska

Choosing where to go in Alaska depends on what calls to you: glaciers, wildlife, Indigenous culture, or wilderness solitude?

• Southcentral Alaska (Anchorage, Kenai, Homer): Ideal for first-timers and wildlife lovers. Accessible, scenic, and rich in day tours.
• Interior (Fairbanks, Denali): For aurora chasers and wildlife photographers. Best explored by road or rail.
• Southeast (Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan): Perfect for cruise travelers or those seeking fjords, rainforests, and rich cultural heritage.
• Southwest and Arctic (Nome, Utqiaġvik, Kodiak): Remote and raw—choose this for off-grid exploration and traditional Alaska Native communities.

Natural Escapes & Scenic Highlights

• Denali National Park
  Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali offers vast tundra, grizzly bear sightings, and panoramic alpine views. Visit between June and September for the best access.
• Kenai Fjords National Park
  Near Seward, this glacier-studded park delivers stunning coastal beauty and abundant marine life—perfect for boat tours and kayaking.
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
  The largest national park in the U.S. spans 13.2 million acres and includes active volcanoes, glaciers, and the historic mining town of McCarthy.
• Glacier Bay National Park
  A UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible by cruise or air, this park showcases tidewater glaciers, orcas, sea lions, and towering ice cliffs.
• Tongass National Forest
  The largest temperate rainforest in North America, surrounding towns like Ketchikan and Sitka with lush greenery, waterfalls, and bald eagles.
• Northern Lights in Fairbanks
  Between August and April, the aurora borealis ignites the skies above Fairbanks—best viewed away from city lights, in heated yurts or wilderness lodges.
• Arctic Wildlife Viewing (Nome or Kotzebue)
  From musk ox and caribou to migratory birds, the remote Arctic delivers rare encounters for those willing to venture north.

Cultural & Historic Landmarks

• Alaska Native Heritage Center (Anchorage)
  Explore Indigenous traditions through storytelling, dance, totems, and reconstructed village sites.
• Totem Bight State Park (Ketchikan)
  Walk among carved cedar poles and learn the stories behind Alaska’s First Nations’ symbols and clan structures.
• Sitka National Historical Park
  Preserves the site of a Tlingit-Russian battle in 1804 and showcases totem trails and a cultural center.
• Pioneer Park (Fairbanks)
  A historic theme park with old cabins, museums, and the SS Nenana riverboat—great for families and history buffs.
• Russian Orthodox Churches (Sitka, Kodiak)
  These onion-domed buildings speak to Alaska’s colonial Russian past and blend Christian worship with Native customs.
• Barrow Whale Bone Arch
  A symbol of Iñupiat whaling culture, this arch frames a view over the Arctic Ocean from the top of the world.
• Gold Rush Landmarks (Skagway)
  Skagway’s historic downtown transports visitors to the late 1800s, complete with boardwalks, saloons, and access to the Chilkoot Trail.

Local Food, Arts & Experiences

• Seafood Feasts
  Salmon, halibut, Dungeness crab, and spot prawns dominate Alaskan menus—whether grilled fresh at a Homer lodge or smoked and packed from a Juneau shop.
• Reindeer Sausage & Fry Bread
  Try these iconic local flavors at markets, food trucks, and Indigenous-run eateries across the state.
• First Friday Art Walks (Anchorage, Fairbanks)
  Local galleries and artists host open houses with Alaska-inspired pieces, from wildlife photography to Inuit carvings.
• Alaska State Fair (Palmer)
  A late-summer event known for giant vegetables, carnival rides, and cultural showcases from around the state.
• Fishing Tours & Workshops
  Join guided trips to fish for king salmon or halibut, or attend a seafood smoking workshop in Homer or Seward.
• Dog Sledding Adventures
  Book a ride with Iditarod-trained huskies, even in summer via wheeled carts near Denali or Girdwood.

Must-See Experiences in Alaska

• See Denali on a flightseeing tour with glacier landings and once-in-a-lifetime views.
• Cruise through Kenai Fjords to spot breaching whales and calving glaciers.
• Witness the northern lights dancing above a snowy lodge in Fairbanks.
• Meet a grizzly bear up close (safely) at Katmai National Park’s Brooks Falls.
• Paddle a sea kayak among icebergs in Glacier Bay.
• Visit remote Indigenous villages by bush plane or ferry.
• Book Alaska tours now and discover nature on its grandest scale.

Embark on immersive Alaska tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Alaska — from glacier hiking and whale watching to dog sledding, Northern Lights viewing, and exploring charming lakeside towns.

Getting Around Alaska

• By Air
  Alaska’s distances and terrain mean small aircraft are essential. Major hubs like Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks are connected by Alaska Airlines and regional charters.
• By Road
  The Alaska Highway connects the state with Canada. Inside the state, major roads run from Anchorage to Fairbanks and the Kenai Peninsula.
• By Rail
  The Alaska Railroad offers scenic routes from Anchorage to Denali and Seward—ideal for relaxed, slow travel.
• By Ferry
  The Alaska Marine Highway System connects coastal communities like Ketchikan, Sitka, and Juneau. Great for those without a car.
• Local Transport
  Ride-hailing services are limited outside cities. Rent a car for rural access, or use tour shuttles to reach national parks.

Best Time to Visit Alaska

• Summer (June–August)
  Long days, wildlife activity, and open access to national parks. Ideal for hiking, cruising, and fishing.
• Fall (September)
  Aurora season begins, with fewer crowds and golden tundra landscapes.
• Winter (November–March)
  Great for northern lights, dog sledding, and skiing. Bundle up for icy adventures.
• Spring (April–May)
  Wildlife reawakens, migratory birds return, and early tours begin before peak season.

Best Travel Itineraries in Alaska

5-Day Classic Highlights

• Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage
• Day 2: Drive to Seward + Kenai Fjords cruise
• Day 3: Return to Anchorage + museums
• Day 4: Alaska Railroad to Denali
• Day 5: Wildlife tour in Denali National Park

7-Day Adventure Circuit

• Days 1–2: Fairbanks (aurora, hot springs)
• Day 3: Denali drive
• Day 4: Explore Talkeetna
• Days 5–6: Anchorage + dog sledding
• Day 7: Fly to Juneau for glacier hike

10-Day Coastal & Cultural Route

• Days 1–3: Ketchikan and totems
• Days 4–5: Sitka and Russian heritage
• Days 6–7: Juneau, whale watching, Mendenhall Glacier
• Days 8–10: Ferry to Glacier Bay, kayak excursions

Travel Safety & Etiquette in Alaska

• Wildlife: Always maintain distance—especially from bears and moose. Carry bear spray in hiking areas.
• Weather: Conditions change fast. Bring layers and waterproof gear year-round.
• Driving: Roads can be remote and rugged. Carry maps, spare tires, and emergency supplies.
• Cultural Respect: Many villages are on Indigenous land—ask before photographing and follow posted guidelines.
• Connectivity: Expect limited mobile coverage in rural or park areas. Download maps in advance.
• Permits: Some areas require land access permissions. Research ahead for backcountry or subsistence regions.

Nearby States & Provinces

• Yukon, Canada
  A wild neighbor to the east—perfect for road trips and northern lights adventures. See our Yukon Travel Guide.
• British Columbia
  Take the ferry from Alaska to BC for a Pacific Northwest continuation. Don’t miss Vancouver or Haida Gwaii. See our British Columbia Travel Guide.
• Washington State
  Anchorage to Seattle flights are common. Explore the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound. See our Washington State Travel Guide.
• Montana
  Road-trip to Glacier National Park or continue your wildlife adventures across the border. See our Montana Travel Guide.

Final Planning Checklist for Alaska

• Book Denali park passes and glacier cruises early—slots fill fast
• Bring waterproof boots, layers, and a warm hat—even in summer
• Reserve rental cars and bush flights well in advance
• Check ferry schedules for inter-coastal travel
• Carry extra snacks, fuel, and water in remote areas
• Avoid rushing—Alaska is best explored slowly
• Learn a few Indigenous place names to enhance your connection

For more expert travel tips, practical strategies, and trusted tools — visit our Homepage and get inspired for your next trip.