Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Alaska, USA [Updated-2026]

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November 4, 2025

Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Alaska, USA [Updated-2026]

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The Call of the Wild: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Alaska

Alaska is not just a destination; it’s an expedition. It’s a place where the scale of nature defies imagination—where mountains pierce the clouds, glaciers cover entire mountain ranges, and the silence is broken only by the thunder of calving ice or the breath of a whale. The “Last Frontier” is a title earned, not given, and a trip here is less of a vacation and more of a pilgrimage for the soul.

This is not a place to simply see; it’s a place to experience deeply. This guide will lead you to the best places to visit and the most profound things to do in Alaska, from its bustling gateway cities to its most remote and wild corners.

1. The Inside Passage & Southeastern Alaska: A Coastal Wonderland

A labyrinth of forested islands, deep fjords, and isolated communities, this region is best explored by sea.

Unmissable Things to Do in the Inside Passage:

Glacier Bay National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living laboratory of ice. The thunderous sound of a glacier calving is a memory you’ll carry forever. Access is primarily by cruise ship or tour boat from Gustavus, and it’s a premier spot for viewing humpback whales, sea otters, and harbor seals.
Explore Juneau, the Capital City: Unlike any other state capital, Juneau is landlocked by wilderness. From here, you can take a helicopter to dog-sled on the Juneau Icefield, walk right up to the face of the Mendenhall Glacier, and spot eagles soaring over the waterfront.
Step into the Past in Skagway: Relive the Klondike Gold Rush as you walk the historic boardwalks of this perfectly preserved town. Ride the scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for breathtaking views of the coastal mountains.
Discover the Charm of Sitka: With a unique blend of Tlingit culture and Russian history, Sitka offers a different flavor. Visit the Russian Bishop’s House, see the iconic St. Michael’s Cathedral, and watch Alaska Raptor Center’s birds of prey soar.

2. Southcentral Alaska: Mountains, Fjords & Wildlife

Home to Alaska’s largest city and most accessible glaciers, this region offers a stunning mix of urban convenience and raw nature.

Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Southcentral Alaska:

Anchorage: The Urban Heart of the Wild: Use Anchorage as your basecamp. Bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail where it’s not uncommon to see moose, and visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center for a deep and respectful understanding of the state’s indigenous cultures.
Cruise Prince William Sound from Whittier: This sound is a gem, often calmer than the Gulf of Alaska and dotted with dozens of glaciers. A day cruise from Whittier (accessed through a mountain tunnel) offers incredible views of tidewater glaciers and abundant marine life, including orcas and puffins.
Explore Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward: Take a wildlife and glacier cruise from the harbor town of Seward to witness the majestic Holgate Glacier and the towering cliffs of the fjords, teeming with sea lions and bird colonies. For the adventurous, hike the Exit Glacier trail to stand on the ice itself.
Drive the Scenic Seward Highway: This 127-mile road from Anchorage to Seward is a National Forest Scenic Byway, often ranked among the most beautiful drives in America. Watch for beluga whales in Turnagain Arm and Dall sheep on the mountain slopes.

3. Interior Alaska: The True Last Frontier

This is the land of extremes—of midnight sun and northern lights, vast taiga forests, and North America’s tallest peak.

Top Things to Do in Interior Alaska:

Denali National Park & Preserve: The crown jewel. Home to the 20,310-foot Denali, the park is a vast, roadless wilderness. Take the narrated bus tour deep into the park for your best chance to see grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves in their natural habitat. The mountain itself is so massive it creates its own weather, so a clear view is a cherished gift.
Experience Fairbanks: The gateway to the Arctic, Fairbanks is a city of gold rush history and celestial wonders.
- See the Northern Lights: Visit between late August and mid-April for a chance to witness the aurora borealis dance across the sky.
- Ride the Riverboat Discovery: A family-friendly and informative sternwheeler cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers.
- Pan for Gold: Try your luck at Gold Dredge 8 and take home a vial of genuine Alaska gold.

4. The Arctic & Western Coasts: Remote & Rugged

For the intrepid traveler, these regions offer an experience unlike any other.

Utqiaġvik (Barrow): The northernmost community in the United States. Visit to learn about the resilient Iñupiat culture and experience the Arctic Ocean. Here, the sun doesn’t set for 80 days in summer and doesn’t rise for 67 days in winter.
Katmai National Park: Accessible only by plane, Katmai is world-famous for its brown bear viewing. During the summer, dozens of bears gather at Brooks Falls to feast on migrating salmon—an iconic Alaskan spectacle.
The Pribilof Islands: A remote birding paradise in the Bering Sea, home to millions of seabirds and massive fur seal rookeries.

Essential Alaska Travel Tips

It’s All About the Scale: Alaska is immense. Distances are vast, and travel between regions often requires a flight or a multi-day cruise. Don’t try to see it all in one trip. Focus on one or two regions to fully appreciate them.
Dress in Layers, No Matter the Season: The weather is famously unpredictable. A sunny day can turn cold and rainy in minutes. Pack a waterproof and windproof outer layer, insulating mid-layers, and moisture-wicking base layers.
Plan Your Transportation: The Alaska Railroad offers stunning, glass-domed journeys between Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks. For more flexibility, rent a car, but be aware that many destinations (like much of the Arctic and Bush Alaska) are only accessible by small plane or boat.
Book Everything Early: Alaska’s summer season is short, and services are limited. Lodging, rental cars, and popular tours (especially to Denali and for bear viewing) book up months in advance.
Practice Wildlife Safety: You are a guest in their home. Always view wildlife from a safe distance. Carry bear spray when hiking and know how to use it. Never approach or feed any animal.

Alaska is a place that reminds you of your place in the world. It’s humbling, awe-inspiring, and utterly unforgettable. It’s not just a trip you take; it’s a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life. Answer the call.

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