Alaska is one of my favorite places to visit in the world. I love the landscapes, the wildlife, the adventures and hikes, and its raw beauty. There are many incredible places to visit in Alaska -while I have explored it quite well on my Alaska road trip, it’s such a big state that I am still missing a bunch.
Alaska’s name comes from “Alyeska,” an Aleut word that means Great Land. That’s the language spoken by the Aleuts, the indigenous communities that live in the islands between the North Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea.
And the Aleuts are right: Alaska is a great, beautiful state. It’s the largest state in the United States, but also the least populated – about 95% of the state is uninhabited.
With so much land to explore, Alaska mostly attracts adventure travelers and nature lovers – people who appreciate looking at rugged mountains, glaciers, tundra, and who enjoy hiking and roughing it up a bit.
I have been to Alaska twice, traveling independently by road and small aircraft, and I would go again and again; it’s so beautiful! In this post, I will share my favorite places to visit in Alaska, based on my experience.
Make sure also to read my post What You Need To Know Before You Visit Alaska before you plan your trip.
Map of Places To Visit In Alaska
Alaska is a massive state, and you won’t be able to see it all in one trip (unless you spend a few months there). To give you an idea of where the places I have selected for this post are located, I have created a map of the best places to visit in Alaska.
How to use this places to visit in Alaska map: This map points out the places in Alaska you should consider visiting during your trip. To enlarge it, simply use your computer mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone. You can save the map to your Google Maps account by clicking on the star next to the title. You can then view the saved map by clicking on “Your saved maps” in your Google Maps. For a larger version, click on “view larger map” in the top right corner of the screen.
Quick Overview of The Best Places To Visit In Alaska
If it is your first time in Alaska, these are the places you should absolutely include in your Alaska road trip itinerary:
- Best base city: Anchorage
- Best glacier + wildlife combo: Seward + Kenai Fjords National Park
- Best iconic landscape: Denali National Park and Preserve
- Best coastal scenery: Homer
- Best waterfalls + mountain drives: Valdez
- Best bear viewing: Katmai National Park and Preserve + Lake Clark National Park (flight-only)
- Best shoulder-season vibe: Talkeetna + Denali area
And here are a few more tips you need to plan your trip:
- Fly into: Anchorage
- Minimum trip duration: 7 days
- Best months: mid-June to early September (shoulder: mid to late September = fewer crowds, riskier weather)
Quick Comparison Table
| Place | Region | Best For | Time Needed | Road Trip Friendly | Best Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | Southcentral | Base city, day hikes, food scene | 1–2 days | Yes | May–Sep |
| Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park | Kenai Peninsula | Glaciers, marine wildlife cruises, whales | 3 days | Yes | Jun–Sep |
| Homer | Kenai Peninsula | Coastal views, kayaking, fishing | 1–2 days | Yes | Jun–Sep |
| Talkeetna | Interior / Southcentral | Denali views, small-town vibe | 1 day | Yes | Jun–Sep |
| Denali National Park and Preserve | Interior | Wildlife, iconic landscapes | 2–3 days | Yes | Jun–Sep |
| Hatcher Pass | Southcentral | Alpine scenery, hiking | Half–1 day | Yes | Jun–Sep |
| Whittier / Prince William Sound | Southcentral | Glacier cruises, fjord scenery | Half–1 day | Yes | Jun–Sep |
| Katmai National Park and Preserve | Southwest | Brown bear viewing | 1 day | No (flight required) | Jul–Sep |
| Lake Clark National Park and Preserve | Southwest | Bear viewing, remote wilderness | 1 day | No (flight required) | Jul–Sep |
The Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Anchorage
- Best for: A base to explore Southcentral Alaska
- Don’t miss: Anchorage Museum and Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
- Time needed: 1 day for the city, more to explore the surroundings
- How to get there: By plane – direct flights available from several US cities, including Seattle, Denver, and Chicago
- Best months: June to September included
This is where most travelers start their trip around the state – it was for me both times I visited, as this is where Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alaska’s largest and most trafficked airport, is located.
While it is not the capital of Alaska (that’s Juneau), Anchorage is the largest city in the state, and almost half of the population of Alaska lives in Anchorage.
Most people will tell you that Anchorage is a rather charmless city. I must admit it doesn’t fall among the prettiest cities I have visited, but it’s certainly interesting, and I recommend spending a few days there to explore the city, check out its surroundings (it’s actually a great base to see many other places in Alaska on easy day trips), and the restaurant and bar scene is thriving.
There are a few interesting museums to visit in Anchorage. My favorite is by far the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, which is a great place to learn about Alaskan history, the native people of Alaska and their culture, and experience unique exhibits of contemporary art. It’ll take you at least 2 hours to go through the exhibit.
Tickets to the Anchorage Museum are available directly at the door, but you can also book your ticket online.
Another place you should visit is the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a living cultural center where you can learn about the various indigenous peoples of Alaska, their culture, and their way of life. It’s a bit outside the center of Anchorage, but it’s worth going.
One of my favorite things to do in Alaska is biking, and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage is perfect for that. This biking path runs eleven miles through the city, and it’s a great place for a bike ride, a walk, or even a run to spot some of the best Alaska wildlife. On my latest trip last fall, I saw lots of moose along the trail.
Finally, I wish to recommend this Deluxe Trolley Tour. It’s a great idea if you decide to only spend a day in Anchorage, as it gives you a good overview of the city, and you will learn lots about its history while being taken to the most important sights.
You should also read my post The Best Things To Do In Anchorage for more ideas on activities.
Chugach State Park
- Best for: Hiking
- Don’t miss: Flattop Mountain
- Time needed: Half a day to a day
- How to get there: By car from Anchorage
- Best months: June to September
As I have said, Anchorage is a great base to explore more of Alaska. Chugach State Park is a 30-minute drive from the city, and it is the most accessible national park in the state, not to mention home to some incredible hiking trails.
This park measures roughly 495,000 acres – it’s one of the four largest state parks in the United States. It is home to glaciers, miles of coastline, lakes, and ice fields, and here you’ll also find one of my favorite hiking trails in Alaska – Flattop Mountain.
To walk all the way to Flattop Mountain, you’ll need to start at the Glen Alps Trailhead. It’s not a long hike – just about 3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip with 410 meters (1,350 ft) of elevation gain. But there are some steep ascents (and descents), including one final bit where you have to literally climb on your four as it’s so steep and rocky.
The easiest way to get to Chugach State Park to hike Flattop Mountain is by car. If you don’t have a car, you can join this guided day hike, which includes transportation from Anchorage and has glowing reviews. Otherwise, you can use the Flattop Mountain shuttle.
Other hikes in Chugach State Park include Crow Pass, Thunderbird Falls, and Portage Pass.
Lake Clark National Park
- Best for: Bear viewing
- Don’t miss: A boat cruise on Crescent Lake
- Time needed: One day
- How to get there: By plane from Anchorage
- Best months: June to September included
One of my favorite places to visit in Alaska – if not my favorite altogether – is Lake Clark National Park. Home to natural wonders such as volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and forested coasts, it is located in southwest Alaska.
Lake Clark National Park is a 5,625-square-mile park that goes from the shores of the Cook Inlet all the way across the Chigmet Mountains. It is fairly close to Anchorage – only 100 miles (160 km), but it’s the least visited national park in Alaska (and one of the least visited in the United States) because it is actually very remote and so difficult to get to.
The only way to get to Lake Clark National Park is by plane – there are departures from Anchorage and Homer. Once there, there are a few trails to explore. Otherwise, you’ll have to move around by boat or helicopter. A boat is also the best way to go bear viewing – in fact, this is one of the best bear viewing spots in Alaska.
I visited on a day trip from Anchorage at the very end of September, before all lodges close for the winter season, and saw more than 20 bears in just a few hours during my boat tour! While most people just go there for the day, there are some lodges and camping sites in the park for those who want to spend a few days exploring.
My post How To Visit Lake Clark National Park shares more insights on how to plan your trip to this gorgeous destination and make the most of it.
Denali National Park
- Best for: Hiking, wildlife
- Don’t miss: A hike on the Savage Alpine Trail
- Time needed: 2-3 days
- How to get there: By car from Anchorage or Talkeetna
- Best months: June to the beginning of September
Denali National Park is one of the most famous places to visit in Alaska. Home to Mount Denali (once known as Mount McKinley), the highest mountain in the United States, you will find Denali National Park about halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
The park, which measures 6 million acres, offers breathtaking views, pristine landscapes, and experiences for any taste and budget.
Being an avid hiker, my favorite thing to do in Denali National Park is hiking. For stunning views of Mount Denali, consider tackling the Curry Ridge Trail, a 7-mile (little over 11 km) out-and-back hike with moderate elevation gain (just 304 meters – 1,000 ft). The trailhead is at the Kesugi K’en campground complex, and the entire hike will take you roughly 3 hours.
For a more challenging hike, consider the Savage Alpine Trail, a point-to-point 4-mile (around 6 km) hike from the Savage Area, which is found at the beginning of the national park. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Denali (for the record, I wasn’t so lucky). It’s a rather challenging hike (mostly uphill) for the first half, but it’s also very rewarding.
For a detailed guide, head over to my post How To Hike The Savage Alpine Trail.
Of course, there are many more trails to hike in Denali National Park, and there’s the beautiful Alaskan wildlife you can see. You can even hop on a flight to admire Mount Denali in all its glory, with a fun glacier landing!
If you don’t have much time, this well-reviewed Denali National Park walking tour will help you appreciate the local flora and fauna with the help of a local guide.
You can also opt for this jeep excursion that goes along the Denali Highway. The tour lasts 4 hours and offers lots of chances to spot wildlife and get stunning views.
Finally, head over to my post How To Visit Denali National Park for information that will help you plan your trip to the area.
Talkeetna
- Best for: Access to Denali, small town vibe
- Don’t miss: A stop at Nagley’s General Store
- Time needed: The town needs a couple of hours at most, 2-3 days for the surroundings
- How to get there: By car from Anchorage
- Best months: June to August
Talkeetna is often mentioned as the getaway to Denali, as it’s found at the base of Mount Denali. It’s a tiny place, really – about 115 miles (185 km) from Anchorage.
Small as it is, Talkeetna is fun to explore. There are art galleries, artisan shops, and even a small museum – the Historical Museum Society of Talkeetna – where you can learn more about the town and the area.
I also recommend visiting the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station. Here, the welcoming rangers are often up for a chat to let you know about their misadventures around the national park.
Finally, don’t forget to pop inside Nagley’s General Store – it really looks like old America. You find a bit of everything, but what you will like the most is the vintage atmosphere.
Talkeetna is the best starting point for sightseeing flights of Mount Denali. I recommend this flight, which has an optional glacier landing – it has very good reviews.
My post, The Ultimate Guide To Talkeetna, shares more information about this tiny, charming town.
Kenai Fjords National Park
- Best for: Wildlife spotting
- Don’t miss: A cruise
- Time needed: One day
- How to get there: Explore by boat from Seward
- Best months: June to early September
Located just outside of Seward, about 130 miles (210 km) from Anchorage, Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most pristine and unique places to visit in Alaska. It is known for the impressive views and the magnificent landscapes that include mountains, ice fields, and, of course, the ocean.
The best things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park are hiking (best in the summer and early fall), cross-country skiing (obviously in the fall and winter months), fishing, kayaking, and also mountaineering. But my favorite one is spotting wildlife!
Among the many species that call Kenai Fjords National Park home, there are black and brown bears, sea otters (which can be seen even in Seward harbor), more than 190 species of birds, and even migratory whales.
The best way to appreciate Kenai Fjords National Park is on a cruise – it gives you a chance to take in the landscape and to spot wildlife at the same time. However, be warned that the ocean can be quite rough here, so I recommend taking some ginger tablets (or Dramamine) if you are prone to seasickness.
My favorite cruise is this Kenai Fjords cruise, which includes lunch. It’s a full-day tour, which means more chances to spot wildlife. It departs from Seward, but there’s also the option for an Anchorage pickup.
You could also opt for this shorter cruise, which departs from Seward.
Harding Icefield and Exit Glacier
- Best for: Hiking
- Don’t miss: Harding Icefield hike
- Time needed: One day
- How to get there: By car or shuttle bus from Seward
- Best months: June to August
Also located at easy driving distance from Seward, Exit Glacier is an easily accessible glacier that can be easily seen by walking the Glacier View Loop that departs from the Visitor Center located at its base. It’s a very easy walk of just one mile (1.6 km), though if you are in the mood for a more challenging hike, there are other trails you can count on.
My favorite is by far the Harding Icefield hike, which also starts in the Exit Glacier area. It is a more strenuous 8-mile (13 km) hike that will afford you glimpses of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, home of a whopping 38 glaciers.
The hike is a solid uphill all the way to the Harding Icefield that can be challenging for many. You will walk back down along the same trail. You will need good hiking boots and rain gear as it often rains here, even in the summer. I also recommend checking the National Park Service Alaska’s website for trail closures and warnings before heading out there to hike.
It’s very easy to get to the Exit Glacier area for the Harding Icefield hike if you have your own car. If not, you may want to join this guided tour departing from Seward that includes transportation and leaves plenty of time to enjoy the hike. You will also have a guide and a deli lunch, which is especially convenient as there are no kiosks along the trail.
My post, Everything You Must Know To Hike The Harding Icefield, will help you plan your visit and tackle this challenging hike.
Kenai Peninsula
- Best for: Nature and wildlife
- Don’t miss: Resurrection Bay
- Time needed: One day
- How to get there: Best explored by car from Seward
- Best months: June to August
Another place that I truly love is the Kenai Peninsula, a large peninsula jutting out from the coast of south-central Alaska. You will find it south of Anchorage, between the Kenai Mountains and the waters of the Kenai Fjord National Park.
It’s a fantastic place for anyone who enjoys hiking, nature, adventure, and wildlife. Head there for kayaking, river rafting, and boat tours to admire marine life. Make sure to explore Kachemak Bay, Resurrection Bay, and the Kenai River.
Kenai Peninsula is also home to 14 towns. Other than Seward, I recommend visiting Ninilchick, a small community originally home to the Dena’ina people, where you can learn more about Alaskan and Russian history. In the 1840s, Russians began settling down here: it served as a retirement place for those settlers who did not have the resources to travel back to Russia.
Seward
- Best for: A base to explore Kenai Fjords National Park
- Don’t miss: Alaska SeaLife Center
- Time needed: Half a day to explore the town, 2-3 days for the surroundings
- How to get there: By car or train from Anchorage
- Best months: June to mid-September
The best getaway to the Kenai Peninsula and Kenai Fjords National Park is Seward, a small town that has a lot to offer. You will find yourself immersed in the rugged mountains, with views of Resurrection Bay. It’s fairly easy to get there – you can hop on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage, or drive along the very scenic Seward Highway.
The main attraction in downtown is the Alaska SeaLife Center, a marine research and rehabilitation center. You can spot sea otters, harbor seals, puffins, octopuses, and sea lions. Animals living here are injured, and once recovered, they are released back into the world.
Make sure to also go for a walk along the waterfront park from the Alaska SeaLife Center to Small Boat Harbor. The trail goes by various beautiful spots in Seward, including several beaches and the Old Rail Depot.
Last but not least, Seward has a fabulous food scene. My favorite restaurants in town are The Cookery, which has a strong focus on local fish and seafood (and is so popular that you really must book in advance), and the Flamingo, a retro-looking restaurant and bar.
My post, A Complete Guide To Seward, will help you plan your trip to the area.
The Matanuska Glacier
- Best for: Glacier close-up views
- Don’t miss: A guided hike on the glacier
- Time needed: Half a day
- How to get there: By car from Anchorage
- Best months: June to mid-September
Among the best things to do in Alaska, there’s hiking on a glacier, and the easiest place to do so is the Matanuska Glacier, a valley glacier with ice streams that lead directly to the Matanuska River’s head.
Located on the Glenn Highway Scenic Byway on mile 101, just about an hour drive from Anchorage, the Matanuska Glacier is one of the largest and most accessible ones in Alaska. It stretches for 27 miles (43.4 km), and it’s 4 miles (6.4 km) wide.
To actually walk on the glacier, you have to follow the Edge Nature Trail until you get to the viewing platform. You can’t just go there alone, though: you need to join a guided tour, and you must wear crampons to walk on the ice (it’s very slippery otherwise).
Make sure to also stop at Rifle Lodge – it’s a nice spot to stop for lunch, and it offers stunning views of the glacier.
If you don’t have a car, there’s this full-day guided day trip from Anchorage that includes snacks and a stop for lunch at Rifle Lodge.
Hatcher Pass
- Best for: Hiking
- Don’t miss: Gold Cord Lake Trail
- Time needed: One to two days, depending on how many hikes you want to tackle
- How to get there: By car from Anchorage
- Best months: June to September included
Hatcher Pass is one of the best places to visit in Alaska for hiking enthusiasts. It’s easy to reach from Anchorage, Palmer, and Wasilla – so don’t be surprised if you find a lot of people along the trail, even on a weekday!
Here you can visit the Independence Mine State Historical Park, a large gold mine located in the Alpine Valley. You can take a guided tour of the mine to visit the 16 abandoned buildings that were built by the Alaska-Pacific Mining Company.
In addition to that, there are many hiking trails that you can tackle, of various difficulty levels. My favorite ones are the Gold Cord Lake Trail, a 2.7 km (1.7 miles) trail, which starts from the Independence Mine State National Park region, and the Lane Basin Trail, a 3-mile (4.8 km) hike that goes along a lovely valley with stunning views.
There are also the Gold Mint and Reed Lakes trails that are a bit more challenging. Both offer views of glacier ponds, creeks, and tundras.
If you intend to hike in the Hatcher Pass area, make sure to wear rain gear and appropriate shoes as the terrain is very muddy, mossy, and wet.
Homer
- Best for: Coastal views
- Don’t miss: A walk on the Spit
- Time needed: Half a day for Homer, more for the surroundings
- How to get there: By car from Seward or Anchorage
- Best months: June to August
Homer is another small town of the Kenai Peninsula, and one of the most picturesque places to visit in Alaska. You will find it on the shores of Kachemak Bay, about 200 miles (321.8 km) south of Anchorage.
Homer is home to lots of art galleries, music venues, and breweries. It’s also the “Halibut Fishing Capital of Alaska.” It’s a fun place to explore in search of art, and if you want to go on a fishing tour (though mind you, the sea may be quite rough).
The main attraction in town is the Homer Spit, a narrow piece of land that juts from the coast into the bay, and where you will find many small, local businesses and a nice beach where you can go for a walk.
Whittier
- Best for: A tiny town with a unique history
- Don’t miss: A walk along the harbor
- Time needed: One to two hours
- How to get there: By car from Anchorage, via the Whittier Tunnel
- Best months: June to September
Whittier is one of the most unique places in Alaska. This small (perhaps I should say tiny) town that is located at the head of Passage Canal is the starting point for cruises along Prince William Sound.
It only takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Anchorage to Whittier, so it’s easy to go on a day trip, and the views along the way are really beautiful. It won’t take you long to explore the town, but you can stay a bit longer to enjoy the scenery – mountain ranges, glaciers, waterfalls, and more (remember it’s the best access point to Prince William Sound and to Portage Pass).
There’s one single large apartment complex in Whittier – the 14-story Begich Tower, a former barracks building. Basically, all residents live there. That’s where the local hospital, school, government buildings, post office, bank, and most stores in town are located.
Only residents can actually get inside the building, but even though you can’t visit, it’s quite unique to see.
Other than that, the town is tiny and peaceful. There are a few more shops (gift shops, mainly) and cafés along the waterfront, and very limited accommodation and dining options (there are literally just 5 restaurants in town).
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Best for: Families with children wanting easy wildlife sighting
- Don’t miss: Spotting the bears
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- How to get there: By car from Anchorage or Whittier
- Best months: June to September
One of the best things to do in Alaska is to spot wildlife. Of course, the best place to do that is in the open nature, but if you want to see several species in one place, or if you are traveling with children, you can head to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
It’s close to Whittier, so you can even plan to visit on a day trip to Prince William Sound and Whittier, or on your way back from Portage Pass – in fact, that’s what I did when I visited.
The Alaska Wildlife Rescue Center is just as the name describes it. It aims at saving wild animals that, for a variety of reasons (for example, because they were injured), are no longer able to live freely in nature. Here you can see wolves, coyotes, foxes, several kinds of bears, bald eaglesm and more!
If you don’t have a car, the best way to visit the Alaska Wildlife Rescue Center is on a day trip from Anchorage, such as this Portage Pass and Alaska Wildlife tour, which includes transportation and all admission fees.
Portage Pass
- Best for: Hiking
- Don’t miss: Portage Pass Trail hike
- Time needed: One day
- How to get there: By car from Anchorage or Whittier
- Best months: June to early September
The Portage Pass Trail was one of my favorite hikes the first time I visited Alaska. The trailhead is located just outside of Whittier (pretty much right after the tunnel that separates Whittier from the rest of Alaska), and the trail is very easy to follow.
The glacier used to extend all the way to Whittier, but it’s receding, so make sure to visit for a chance to see it before it completely disappears.
The Portage Pass Trail is a 4.4-mile (7.1 km) trail (there and back). There’s an elevation gain of 1,424 feet (434 meters), which doesn’t seem so much. However, keep in mind that most of the climb is done in the first part of the hike, and it can be quite challenging.
Other than that, it’s a relatively easy hike from a technical standpoint, and also quite short compared to other ones in Alaska.
Once you reach Divide Lake and Portage Pass, you’ll get stunning views of Portage Glacier, Portage Lake, Byron Peak, and the mountains around it. But I recommend you keep on walking for even better views of the glacier. Keep your eyes open for wildlife too, as bears are often spotted near the trail – when I visited, there was a female with a cub!
For those of you who want something a bit more comfortable, there are also cruises that go to Portage Pass. For example, you could consider this Portage Pass and Alaska Wildlife tour that includes transportation from Anchorage – it’s a very easy tour if you don’t have your own car.
Prince William Sound
- Best for: Glacier views, wildlife watching
- Don’t miss: A full-day cruise
- Time needed: Up to 6 hours for the cruise
- How to get there: By boat from Whittier or Valdez
- Best months: June to September included
Prince William Sound is located in the Gulf of Alaska, on the south coast of Alaska. But what is a sound? For those of you who don’t know, a sound is “an inlet of seawater that diverts from the main ocean.”
I visited Prince William Sound on my latest trip to Alaska and loved it, so, of course, it has to be in this selection of the best places to visit in Alaska.
The best way to explore it is on a cruise departing from Whittier (more about it below). During the cruise, you will be able to admire the magnificent landscape: blue glaciers, thick forest, and all sorts of wildlife (I saw beluga whales, sea lions, otters, and even orcas during my cruise), not to mention lots of birds.
On a lucky day, you may even see bears along the shores.
If you are lucky enough to be able to explore on foot, you will find a multitude of well-maintained hiking trails leading across the forests to admire the magnificent landscape.
When I visited, I tookthis Prince William Sound cruise departing from either Whittier (there’s also the option to add a transfer from Anchorage). It’s a full-day tour that includes lunch (usually salmon chowder), lots of snacks, and during the cruise, you can also get drinks (I had the glacier rock margarita).
Head over to my post, The Best Day Trips From Anchorage, for exciting places you can visit in just a day.
The Alaska Highway
- Best for: Mountain views
- Don’t miss: Stops along the way for views
- Time needed: Depends on how often you stop
- How to get there: Several spots in Alaska
- Best months: June to early September
The Alaska Highway was built during World War II in order to connect the mainland United States to Alaska through Canada. It starts at Mile 0 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ends at Mile 1422 in Delta Junction, about 300 miles (485 km) from Fairbanks.
But what’s special about this highway? The views! You can drive along the Alaska for days and enjoy endless gorgeous views, going through parks such as the Big Delta State Historical Park, Delta Junction State Parks, and Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.
If you have a car, it’s definitely worth considering a road trip along the Alaska Highway – in fact, if you are coming from Canada, you may want to consider driving from there!
The Alaska Railroad
- Best for: Views
- Don’t miss: Sunset from the train
- Time needed: Depends on the itinerary
- How to get there: Hop on the train in Anchorage
- Best months: June to September included
Ok, this isn’t exactly a place but more of an attraction, but since it’s so special, I wanted to include it anyway. If you don’t feel like driving all the time during your trip to Alaska, you can also consider riding the Alaska Railroad. Covering more than 450 miles (724.2 km), this railway connects some of the most famous places in Alaska.
For example, you can travel directly from Anchorage to Seward and further to Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks, and also Whittier and Grandview.
The views along the Alaska Railroad are breathtaking. I rode the bit from Anchorage to Seward, and as the sun started to set, it was just magnificent. It’s honestly not cheap – keep in mind that it’s more of a tourist attraction than an actual transportation – but worth it.
Russian River
- Best for: Bear watching
- Don’t miss: Crossing the river for more trails
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- How to get there: By car from Anchorage, Seward, and Homer. It’s close to Cooper Landing
- Best months: June to early September
One more place I want to add to this selection is the Russian River, a 12-mile river that starts in Upper Russian Lake, goes through Lower Russian Lake, and empties into the Kenai River. It’s only about 110 miles (177 km) from Anchorage, and the drive there is very scenic.
Locals flock to the Russian River to go fishing. There’s an abundance of sockeye, coho, and pink salmon, as well as rainbow trout. But you know as it is: where there’s fish, there are bears. Which is exactly why I went.
Once you get to the area, you will have to hop on a boat to cross the river. Once you get off, you can walk along the trail, and you will see that there are a lot of bear poo droppings around – and obviously bears along the shore, too. It took me a few minutes into my walk to spot one!
The area is also great for hiking and river rafting, and you’ll find lots of camping sites. Just make sure to keep your eyes open for bears and make sure to carry bear spray if you intend to go on a hike (or simply make noise, as this will scare the bears away).
My post Where To See Bears In Alaska shares more places where you can spot these magnificent animals.
What First-Time Visitors Should Know Before Planning an Alaska Road Trip
Here are some additional things you need to know before you start picking which places to visit in Alaska you should hit on your road trip:
- Distances are large – Alaska may look compact on a map, but drives are long and services can be sparse. Plan by hours on the road, not miles. Anchorage to Seward is about 2.5 hours; Anchorage to Denali is 4–5 hours.
- Book early for summer – June–August is peak season. Lodging near Denali National Park and Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park can sell out months in advance. Popular wildlife and glacier cruises do too.
- Some top parks require flights – Iconic bear-viewing spots like Katmai National Park and Preserve and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve are not accessible by road. You’ll need a small-plane day trip from Anchorage, Homer, or other hubs.
- Shoulder season means fewer crowds — and fewer services – Fall in Alaska is a wonderful season. Mid-September can be beautiful and quieter, but some tours stop running, shuttles reduce frequency, and the weather becomes less predictable.
- Wildlife safety is essential – Keep distance from bears and moose, carry bear spray when hiking, and follow park guidelines. Alaska is wild — that’s the point — but it requires awareness.
Need more help planning your trip? I have a post full of Alaska Travel Tips and A Useful 10-Day Alaska Itinerary that are very helpful.
FAQs on Alaska
I find that Denali National Park and Preserve is the prettiest place in Alaska. You get North America’s highest peak, wide tundra, glaciers, and there are frequent wildlife sightings (moose, caribou, bears). On clear days, Denali feels immense and raw. It’s fairly remote, but accessible from Anchorage by train or car.
Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward is a true must-see. On a cruise, you’ll see tidewater glaciers crashing into the sea, whales and sea otters, and dramatic coastal cliffs. You can also hike to Exit Glacier. While it is wild, it’s also fairly accessible.
Honestly, no. Alaska is huge, and it’s impossible to see it all in 7 days. If all you have is 7 days in Alaska, focus on no more than two areas – for example, Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park.
I am a fan of Talkeetna, but I can also see why many would say Seward is Alaska’s prettiest town. It sits between mountains and Resurrection Bay, the harbor has colorful boats, there are glaciers nearby, and it offers easy access to Kenai Fjords. It’s small, scenic, and lively without feeling crowded.
One of the most historical places to visit in Alaska is Sitka. It was the capital of Russian Alaska, and where the US formally took control in 1867. Here, you’ll find Russian-era buildings, Native Tlingit heritage at Sitka National Historical Park, and St. Michael’s Cathedral. It is compact, walkable, and layered with Indigenous and colonial history.
For a family trip to Alaska, mix wildlife, easy walks, and hands-on stops.
Here are some great places to visit in Alaska with kids:
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center – Safe, close-up views of bears, moose, and bison. Easy paths, stroller-friendly.
Anchorage Museum – The Discovery Center has interactive science exhibits.
Kenai Fjords National Park – Short wildlife cruises from Seward.
Denali National Park and Preserve – Junior Ranger programs and bus tours for spotting animals.
Matanuska Glacier – Fun hike on a glacier that’s easy to access.
A truly underrated spot is Valdez. It’s surrounded by waterfalls and steep peaks, and it feels dramatic yet uncrowded. From here, you can cruise among glaciers in Prince William Sound or drive one of Alaska’s most scenic highways. It’s raw, compact, and often skipped by first-time visitors.
I have been to Alaska twice, once between the end of August and the beginning of September, and once at the end of September. If I could go again, I would go in July, as it brings the longest days, peak wildlife activity, and the most stable weather. Trails are snow-free, Denali is more often visible, and boat tours run at full schedule.
For northern lights, September can be a good month (I wasn’t so lucky to see them, but a friend who visited just a week before I did was), or March are better.
The warmest month in Alaska is usually July. Average highs range from 15–22°C (60–72°F) in much of the state, warmer in the interior around Fairbanks. Coastal areas stay cooler. You’ll also get the longest daylight of the year, which makes it feel even warmer.
The cheapest months are usually April and October (shoulder season). Flights and hotels drop once summer crowds leave. However, many tours and lodges close, especially outside Anchorage and Fairbanks, so options are more limited at that time of year. The end of September is a good compromise between lower prices and full services.
Conclusions: Is Alaska Worth Visiting?
If, after reading this post, you are still wondering “is Alaska worth visiting?” let me reassure you, it definitely is. I have been there twice, and I would go again in a heartbeat.
Needless to say, there are many more places to visit in Alaska that I could mention in this post. It’s such a big state that unless you spend months exploring, you won’t be able to see it all in one trip.
Other places I have yet to visit are Fairbanks, a great winter destination for the northern lights, or Juneau, the capital and one of the oldest cities in the state, often visited on cruises, and a great starting point to explore Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. Finally, there’s Ketchikan, often referred to as “first city” as it’s the first you’ll see in the Inside Passage in Alaska.
You could decide to visit in the summer months and enjoy the many amazing hikes in Alaska. Or you could visit Alaska in autumn to appreciate the foliage season, the more budget-friendly prices, and to admire the first northern lights. There’s so much to see and do!
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For all of the Countries you have visited, your review of Alaska is really well done. You obviously spent a lot of time on this. Thank you!
Likely due to the fact that I love it!