No matter your taste or experience level, Alaska offers something spectacular for everyone to experience. From glassy lakes to charming towns, each destination boasts beautiful sights and has an exciting story behind it.
Exploring the best places in Alaska You Should Visit
Alaska has a lot of amazing and unique places a traveler can explore. In our latest blog post, we are going to explore 5 must-see locations on an Alaska road trip.
1. Juneau
The fastest way to reach Alaska’s capital of Juneau is by cruise ship, although you could also catch a ferry or even fly in. Juneau with its awesome wilderness, and home to one of the jaw-dropping natural wonders in Alaska: Mendenhall Glacier coming down from Juneau Icefield. In Anchorage, tourists can walk the streets of its historic downtown that curve around newer high-rise buildings along with older storefronts.
Admiralty Island National Monument also provides visitors with an interesting opportunity to gain insight into Alaska’s indigenous history, with 16 traditional Tlingit homes on view there.
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What to See:
If you want to explore Alaska’s fjords further, Tracy Arm Wilderness Area might be just what you need. Home to two tidewater glaciers which calve icebergs into the water, Tracy Arm is also an excellent place for seals, orcas and humpback whale sightings as well as helicopter tours over Juneau’s 38 major glaciers – which also provides access to scenic hiking trails!
2. Denali National Park
Alaskans take immense pride in Denali National Park and Preserve. A vast preserve with mountainous landscapes and wildlife, Denali is the star attraction on any trip to Alaska, home of Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). One of its breathtaking sights can be seen here.
As private vehicles can only access Mile 15 on the park’s main road, most visitors opt for guided bus tours into its heart to best view wildlife and breathtaking mountain scenery. You’ll also find hiking trails, scenic drives and flightseeing tours which allow closer views of glaciers within the park.
What to See:
Talkeetna makes for the ideal starting point when exploring Denali National Park. Once known as a Gold Rush boomtown, today this artsy community serves as the primary staging area for climbers headed up Denali’s summit. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, accommodations and other services here; spend some time strolling its charming downtown streets or checking out local art galleries!
3. Eklutna Lake
Eklutna Lake can be found within Chugach State Park in Southcentral Alaska and encased by snowcapped mountains such as Bashful Peak. A popular destination for cyclists and hikers alike, with trails such as Twin Peaks Trail leading from its day use parking area into Eklutna Lakeside Trail; for thrill-seekers interested in an experience Alaska ATV Adventures also offers three and half hour quad bike tours!
Harding Icefield, covering 714-square miles (1,850 km), provides nourishment to more than 30 glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park and can be seen driving into its fjords during certain times of year to visit Exit Glacier or can arrange flightseeing trips from Seward in nearby Alaska.
What to See:
Kodiak is an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering plenty of chances to spot all five Big Five: moose, grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep and gray wolves. To add an additional element, visit the Alutiiq Museum of Art and History to view historical artifacts from Kodiak region’s past.
4. Wonder Lake
Alaska offers many interesting spots that offer travelers an escape from crowds and offer them a sense of adventure.
Admiralty Island, just a boat or float plane ride from Juneau, is one of the best places in Alaska to view wildlife. With 90% designated wilderness and the annual salmon runs at Pack Creek attracting dozens of brown bears each year – outnumbering human visitors threefold! – Admiralty is considered an ideal location for viewing brown bears as well as many other species.
What to See:
Kenai Fjords National Park’s Harding Icefield is another impressive Alaskan destination, boasting stunning Tracy Arm Fjord and glaciers calving into the sea, with marine wildlife such as harbour seals and sea lions to spot along your cruise. Furthermore, winter brings fantastic Northern Light displays – Fairbanks is an ideal base from which to witness them due to being located beneath Auroral Oval which offers optimal chances for witnessing its colorful dance of light!
5. Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, would not be complete without visiting it. Anchorage’s sprawling parks such as Far North Bicentennial Park and Kincaid Park connect neighborhoods via paved trails following Chester and Campbell creeks – perfect places for relaxation!
Day or night, hike one of Kenai Fjords National Park’s 250+ hiking trails to experience mountain vistas surrounded by lush wilderness or kayak a fjord to spot marine wildlife and bald eagles. Or visit Exit Glacier inside Kenai Fjords National Park for an up close view of Alaska’s most iconic glacier and hear its thunderous sound of calving as chunks drop into the water below.
What to See:
The Anchorage Museum is an ideal way for families with kids or anyone interested in Arctic issues to gain a deeper knowledge. Their extensive collection of historic items and art exhibits provides you with a deeper insight into Alaska and the Arctic region at large, while popular permanent exhibitions include Smithsonian-affiliated Alaska Native artwork collections as well as the spectacular Star Theater Planetarium.
Final Thoughts
Home to some of the most eye-catching and unique places on Earth, Alaska should be part of the list for every traveler. Whether that be the awe-inspiring Thompson Pass, Valdez Harbor, or Kluke Rock on the way out, there are thousands of other travel spots for adventure lovers in Alaska.
Hope you’ve liked the post. Let us know in the comment section what did you like about Alaska the most.