Alaska is a vast and rugged state, known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures. From the glaciers of Denali National Park to the rugged coastlines of the Kenai Peninsula, there is no shortage of spectacular places to visit in Alaska.
10 places to add to your itinerary:
- Denali National Park: This park is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), and offers visitors the chance to hike, camp, and even take a guided tour to the summit. The park also offers opportunities to see wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou.
- Kenai Fjords National Park: This park is located on the Kenai Peninsula and is known for its stunning fjords, glaciers, and marine wildlife. Visitors can take boat tours to see whales, seals, and sea otters up close, or hike on one of the park’s many trails to get a closer look at the glaciers.
- Anchorage: Alaska’s largest city is a great base for exploring the state. Anchorage offers a variety of museums, restaurants, and shops, as well as easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing. Visitors can also take day trips to nearby towns such as Girdwood, home of the Alyeska Ski Resort, and Wasilla, the childhood home of former Governor Sarah Palin.
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: This is the largest national park in the United States and offers visitors the chance to explore glaciers, mountains, and even abandoned mining towns. Visitors can take guided tours to see the park’s many glaciers, hike on one of the park’s many trails, or take a flightseeing tour to see the park from above.
- Glacier Bay National Park: This park is located in the Southeast region of Alaska and offers visitors the chance to see glaciers up close. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the park’s many glaciers, hike on one of the park’s trails, or even camp on the glaciers themselves.
- Juneau: This city is only accessible by boat or plane and is the capital of Alaska. Visitors can take a tour of the Governor’s mansion, visit the Alaska State Museum, or take a whale watching tour. Juneau is also a great place to try some of Alaska’s famous seafood, including salmon and halibut.
- Fairbanks: This city is located in the Interior region of Alaska and is known for its proximity to Denali National Park and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Visitors can take a tour of the pipeline, visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North, or take a scenic drive on the Steese Highway to see the beautiful autumn colors.
- Kodiak Island: This island is located in the Gulf of Alaska and is known for its rugged beauty and abundant wildlife. Visitors can take a tour of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge to see the island’s many brown bears, hike on one of the island’s many trails, or take a fishing trip to catch salmon.
- The Inside Passage: This waterway stretches from Seattle, Washington to Skagway, Alaska and offers visitors the chance to see some of Alaska’s most beautiful coastal scenery. Visitors can take a cruise on one of the many ships that travel the Inside Passage, or take a ferry to explore the towns and islands along the way.
- Ketchikan: This city is located in the Southeast region of Alaska and is known for its proximity to the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. Visitors can take a tour of the forest, visit the Totem Heritage Center to learn about the Tlingit people, or take a fishing trip to catch salmon.
