Alaska, the Last Frontier, is a land of staggering scale, untamed wilderness, and unparalleled natural beauty. From the majestic peaks of the Alaska Range to the deep blue ice of ancient tidewater glaciers, this massive state offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences at every turn. Whether you are an adrenaline seeker, a wildlife enthusiast, or a traveler looking to disconnect and find serene solitude, Alaska delivers.
To help you plan your ultimate northern getaway, here are the 25 best things to do in Alaska on your next vacation.
Top Iconic Wilderness & Wildlife Adventures
- Marvel at Denali: Visit Denali National Park and Preserve to glimpse North America’s tallest peak and spot grizzly bears, moose, and caribou along the vast alpine tundra.
- Watch Bears at Brooks Falls: Travel to Katmai National Park to see massive brown bears fish for salmon. Securing premier Katmai National Park accommodation well in advance is essential for this remote wilderness adventure.
- Cruise Kenai Fjords: Take a day cruise from Seward to witness dramatic coastal fjords and massive tidewater glaciers crashing into the ocean.
- Chase the Northern Lights: Head to Fairbanks between September and April for clear skies and the best views of the dancing Aurora Borealis.
- Trek Matanuska Glacier: Strap on crampons and take a guided glacier hike across the spectacular, accessible ice formations of Matanuska.
- Ride the Alaska Railroad: Experience a scenic rail journey between Anchorage and Fairbanks, featuring panoramic glass-dome ceilings and views of the backcountry.
- Drive the Seward Highway: Enjoy one of America’s most stunning scenic byways, winding between the steep Chugach Mountains and the dramatic Turnagain Arm.
- Go Whale Watching in Juneau: Board a catamaran in the state capital to see humpback whales breaching and stellar sea lions playing in the cold coastal waters.
- Paddle Prince William Sound: Kayak among floating icebergs and dramatic tidewater glaciers in calm, protected marine waters.
- Explore the Anchorage Museum: Immerse yourself in Alaska’s rich history, contemporary art, and the fascinating heritage of its Indigenous peoples.
Unforgettable Cultural & Outdoor Activities
- Admire Ketchikan’s Totem Poles: Visit the Totem Heritage Center to see the world’s largest collection of unrestored nineteenth-century totem poles and connect with Native traditions.
- Fish in King Salmon: Experience world-class sportfishing for trophy king salmon and halibut in the pristine, rich waters of the Bristol Bay watershed.
- Take a Denali Flightseeing Tour: Fly over snow-capped peaks and land directly on a remote glacier for an unforgettable alpine perspective.
- Try Dog Sledding: Mush a team of energetic sled dogs across snowy winter trails or wheeled summer paths, a traditional Alaskan adventure.
- Discover Wrangell-St. Elias: Explore America’s largest national park, a hidden gem filled with massive volcanoes, dramatic trails, and historic mining towns.
- Soak in Chena Hot Springs: Relax in natural outdoor mineral thermal rock pools while surrounded by crisp, winter air and beautiful landscapes.
- Spot Sea Otters in Kachemak Bay: Take a water taxi from the charming coastal town of Homer to explore quiet coves teeming with marine life.
- Hike Chugach State Park: Access rugged alpine trails, cascading rivers, and sweeping coastal overlooks just minutes outside of downtown Anchorage.
- Walk the Mendenhall Ice Caves: Journey inside the surreal, glowing blue ice chambers beneath Juneau’s famous and easily accessible glacier.
- Cruise the Inside Passage: Sail past misty rainforests, steep cliffs, and isolated coastal communities on a classic Alaskan cruise journey.
Remote Gems & Local Flavors
- Step Back in Time in Skagway: Walk the historic wooden boardwalks of this Klondike Gold Rush town and ride the historic White Pass railway.
- Visit the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary: Walk through old-growth temperate rainforests in Ketchikan, home to bald eagles, salmon streams, and black bears.
- Cross the Arctic Circle: Journey up the rugged Dalton Highway into the remote Arctic tundra for an otherworldly wilderness experience.
- Explore Glacier Bay: Take a boat excursion into Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve to watch towering sheets of ice calve into the pristine northern waters.
- Savor Wild Alaskan Seafood: Indulge in fresh, locally caught copper river salmon, giant king crab legs, and halibut at historic coastal taverns.
Start Planning Your Journey
From the misty temperate rainforests of the south to the stark beauty of the Arctic tundra, Alaska is a destination that stays with you long after you return home. Every valley offers a new adventure, and every coastline tells a story of nature’s raw power. Start planning your itinerary early, pack your layers, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Last Frontier.
