37 Best Things To Do in Alaska (by Region & Time of Year)
We traveled extensively across the 49th state everywhere from Wrangell-St. Elias to the shores of the Arctic Ocean, allowing us to curate this list of the best things to do in Alaska primarily from personal experiences!
We’ve also included opportunities provided to travelers based on region and even the top choices depending on the time of year.
We know how long it can take to plan a trip to such a remote place, but we’re here to help you break down the Last Frontier into far more manageable pieces.
Taking up over 1/3 the size of the U.S., you won’t be able to see and do everything in just one visit, but you will be able to plan your trip (or have us plan it for you!) with your main priorities in mind.
In this post, we’ve laid out the best things to do in the Last Frontier into different sections including national parks and forests, tours and experiences, as well as museums and cultural centers.
We’ve also provided some extra information on the best time of year to visit Alaska based on the different activities available during each season, so you have everything you need to get started with your travels throughout the state!
Best Things To Do in Alaska: National Parks & Forests
1. Denali National Park
We go back and forth on our favorite national park in the United States, but Denali National Park never fails to make the top three! It’s home to North America’s highest peak, Denali, which stands at an impressive 20,310 feet and lures in extreme altitude hikers from around the world every year.
This park offers stunning vistas, abundant wildlife including brown and black bears, moose, and caribou which provide fantastic photography opportunities, and offers a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, remote backcountry backpacking, and mountaineering.
The park’s rugged terrain and pristine wilderness make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, and is easily one of the best things to do in Alaska!
2. Katmai National Park
Well recognized as the best place for bear viewing in North America, Katmai National Park is renowned for its incredible brown bear population and the dramatic Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic landscape formed by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta.
Easily one of our favorite places in the state, bear-viewing visits to the park need to be booked far in advance and require additional planning.
Visitors can enjoy unparalleled bear watching, fly-fishing opportunities, and exploring the volcanic fields, all set in one of the most beautiful places on the continent!
3. Lake Clark National Park
Another fantastic option for bear viewing at a typically more affordable rate, Lake Clark National Park offers a unique blend of volcanic scenery, glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife. We have fallen in love with Lake Clark’s stunning location on Cook Inlet, and have enjoyed watching its salmon runs and resident bears, over the years.
It’s also an excellent destination for fishing and kayaking! The park’s diverse landscapes, from the jagged peaks of the Aleutian Range to the lowland forests, offer endless exploration opportunities and make this national park one of the best in the state.
4. Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the largest internationally protected area on earth!
Famous for its grand tidewater glaciers, sheltered fjords, and abundant marine wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, and harbor seals, it’s easy to see why people fly from around the world to get here.
Perfect for adventure seekers, this park offers activities like sea kayaking, hiking, and flightseeing, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Alaska up close and personal. Only reachable by plane or boat, it’s a remote destination that is well worth the journey.
5. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
We drove along the outskirts of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park on our road trip across the U.S., and quickly understood why it’s the largest national park in the United States!
Encompassing 13.2 million acres, visitors can explore the park’s vast wilderness, which includes 9 of the 16 highest peaks in the country, glaciers, and the historic Kennecott Mines.
The park offers ample opportunities for mountaineering, wilderness trekking, and ice climbing, making it one of the best things to do in Alaska year-round!
6. Gates of the Arctic National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park is the ultimate destination for those seeking solitude and untouched wilderness. Located within the Arctic Circle, this park offers no roads or trails, providing a true backcountry experience where visitors must hike in to get a glimpse of enormity.
Visitors can engage in activities like backpacking and wildlife viewing, however, due to its extreme remoteness and limited resources, anyone on foot should be experienced multiday survivalists and educated in wildlife safety.
Those who venture deep into its 8.4 million acres will be rewarded with incomparable opportunities to spot rare North American mammals such as arctic foxes, muskoxen, and wolves!
7. Kenai Fjords National Park
Far more accessible than the aforementioned national parks on this list, Kenai Fjords National Park is famed for its massive Harding Icefield and Exit Glacier, tremendous variety of sea life, and numerous tidewater glaciers.
Boat tours offer a chance to witness calving glaciers and marine life such as orcas, sea lions, and puffins. The park is also home to scenic hikes and kayaking adventures, allowing for intimate encounters with its stunning coastal landscapes.
Kenai Fjords National Park is easily among the best things to do in Alaska, despite its popularity among 390,000 people in 2023 alone!
8. Chugach National Forest
Often overlooked by travelers navigating their way between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula, the Chugach National Forest is the second-largest national forest in the U.S. and offers diverse ecosystems ranging from temperate rainforests to alpine tundras.
Popular activities include hiking the famous Russian River Trail, fishing in abundant streams and lakes, and enjoying winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing. Its close proximity to Anchorage’s top hiking areas also makes it a quick and accessible wilderness escape for anyone short on time!
9. Tongass National Forest
Ever heard of the iconic Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska? Well, the Tongass National Forest not only encompasses a huge portion of this region’s stunning landscapes, but is also the largest national forest in the country!
Known for its dense temperate rainforests, majestic fjords, and rich Native Alaskan culture, visitors can engage in wildlife viewing, fishing, and exploring charming coastal towns. Its rich biodiversity and cultural history make it a top place to visit in Alaska.
Best Things To Do in Alaska: Tours & Experiences
10. Northern Lights Tours in Fairbanks
During our winter in Fairbanks, we were fortunate enough to see the northern lights on dozens of occasions. But, we know many travelers who weren’t so lucky! Fairbanks is renowned for its spectacular displays of the Aurora Borealis, thanks to the city’s location within the auroral oval.
Guided tours like this one offer visitors optimal chances to see the vivid, dancing lights in the clear night sky during the peak viewing season from late August to mid-April. They also provide all of the safety equipment you’ll need for traversing Alaska’s subzero temperatures and take care of all the icy driving for you!
Undoubtedly, northern lights tours are one of the most romantic things to do in Alaska for couples, and generally one of the most popular activities in the state.
11. Snowmobiling Tours in Fairbanks
Those seeking a little more adventure should sign up for a snowmobiling tour in Fairbanks! It’s an exhilarating way to explore Alaska’s vast winter landscape covering snowy trails and frozen lakes, taking you into the heart of the state’s wild backcountry.
Many travelers often report seeing moose and other wildlife, with evening tours often being lucky enough to see the northern lights!
12. Ice Fishing Tours in Fairbanks
Ice fishing tours in Fairbanks offer visitors a unique and quintessentially Alaskan activity, where they get to witness locals drilling through the thick ice of the local lakes to fish in the frigid waters below. These tours provide all the necessary gear and expertise, making them accessible for beginners and seasoned anglers alike!
Sitting in a heated cabin makes the experience all the more enjoyable. Plus, many of them even cook up the fish you catch right in the cabin! Most aurora ice fishing tours start around 10PM for optimal aurora viewing chances, making them an incredible option, as well.
As residents, we were allowed to rent out these heated cabins on our own and borrow our host’s fishing equipment, but the tours in the cabins nearby got to experience the same thing we did without having to be a resident!
13. Bear Viewing Tours in Katmai or Lake Clark National Park
Bear viewing tours in Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks are among the most thrilling wildlife experiences not just in Alaska, but in the world!
These parks are renowned for their large populations of brown bears, particularly during the salmon runs, and have quickly become some of the most unique things to do in Alaska.
Guided tours ensure safe and informative encounters, giving visitors a chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. If you’re not sure which national park is right for you, check out my ultimate comparison guide: Katmai National Park vs Lake Clark National Park: Which is Better for Bear Viewing?
14. Whale Watching in Juneau
Juneau is one of the top whale-watching destinations in Alaska and is surely one of the best things to do in Alaska!
Visitors get the opportunity to see some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures with regular sightings of humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, seals, sea otters, and Dall porpoises, among other marine mammals, as they feed and play in the rich waters of the Inside Passage.
These whale watching tours often involve expert naturalists, enhancing the experience with insights into the marine ecosystem and the whales’ behavioral patterns!
15. Journey on the Alaska Railroad
Once named one of the most beautiful highways in the world, the Alaska Railroad travels across the 49th state with a large portion running along the Seward Highway. Connecting cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Seward, the train journey provides breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and wildlife.
With comfortable seating, luxurious meal options, and large viewing windows, passengers can relax and take in the vistas that make Alaska so remarkable. If this sounds right up your alley, check out my article on the Anchorage to Fairbanks Train: The Complete Guide (by a Local!)
16. Helicopter Sightseeing Tours & Glacier Landings
Possibly one of the coolest things to do in Alaska, helicopter tours that lead to glacier landings are by far one of the most unique tour opportunities that travelers have visiting the 49th state!
These tours fly over expansive icefields, towering peaks, and deep valleys, often landing on remote glaciers where visitors can walk on ancient ice. Plus, what’s more thrilling than getting an aerial view of wildlife and crevasses?
17. Matanuska Glacier Trekking Tours
Trekking on the Matanuska Glacier offers an adventurous way to explore one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers! Guided tours cater to all skill levels, providing gear and instruction for navigating the ice making it a fantastic option for visitors traveling to Anchorage.
Situated in Glacier View just 2 hours northeast of the city, it makes a fantastic day trip option for those looking to get out on the ice for some amazing photos!
18. Denali National Park ATV Tours
ATV tours in Denali National Park offer an exciting way to explore the rugged terrain surrounding North America’s tallest peak. These tours provide access to remote trails and breathtaking views, with opportunities to spot wildlife and get out into the woods during your trip to Alaska!
Denali is often thought of as one of the best places to visit in Alaska for the first time, so if that’s you, then don’t skip out on these incredible half-day ATV tours!
19. Kenai River Fishing Tours
One of our favorite experiences living in Alaska is going fishing out on the Kenai during the salmon run. The waters are relatively shallow and extremely clear, so you see hundreds of thousands of huge salmon and trout making their way upstream to spawn. You can literally reach your hand out and touch them!
This is what makes fishing tours on the Kenai River so incredible. The river has become world famous for angling enthusiasts and is one of the best things to do in Alaska by far.
Guided by experienced local fishermen who know the best spots to cast your line, these tours provide all the necessary equipment and knowledge for a successful day on the river.
20. Ketchikan Fishing Charters
Another fantastic trophy fishing opportunity for anglers heading to Southeast Alaska, Ketchikan fishing charters are some of the best in the state! Anglers can expect to catch species like king salmon, halibut, and lingcod, with professional guides providing top-notch gear and equipment for a full day on the water.
Not to mention, you’ll be surrounded by stunning coastal scenery and have the opportunity to spot a variety of sea life, including whales!
21. Search for Polar Bears in Utqiagvik
Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow, is one of the northernmost points in the United States and an excellent location for polar bear viewing. Guided tours take visitors through the Arctic tundra by boat to small islands to spot these magnificent predators in their natural habitat.
The experience offers a rare glimpse into the life of polar bears and the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape.
22. Go for a Hike in Cooper Landing
We’ve always enjoyed hiking in Cooper Landing thanks to its stunning trail system that traverses stunning landscapes like the Kenai Mountains and the Russian River.
Hikers can enjoy scenic views, wildlife sightings, and the soothing sounds of nature as they explore this picturesque region. The area’s diverse trails cater to all skill levels, making it an accessible adventure for everyone.
Just be sure to pack your bear spray and bear bells! This area is a haven for brown and black bears which is very exciting for everyone, but attacks are more common than other areas of the Kenai Peninsula and sightings occur almost daily.
23. Photograph Portage Glacier
Photographing Portage Glacier is a must for any photography enthusiast visiting Alaska, particularly when it’s so easy to reach just an hour outside of Anchorage in the Chugach National Forest!
Primarily accessible by boat tour or hike, its striking blue ice and surrounding mountains provide endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking images, making it a favorite subject for nature photographers.
24. Go Heli-Skiing in Valdez
One of the most famous regions in Alaska for helicopter skiing is sure to attract any adrenaline junkie. Valdez, known for its professional ski ridges, offers some of the best winter trails in the state!
With deep powder, challenging terrains, and stunning mountain backdrops, it’s a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Valdez’s remote location and reliable snowfall make it a top destination for those seeking world-class skiing adventures in pristine conditions.
Best Things To Do in Alaska: Museums & Cultural Centers
25. Alaska Native Heritage Center (Anchorage)
Easily one of the top things to do in Anchorage, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples.
Visitors can explore traditional native dwellings, attend dance performances, and engage with interactive exhibits that highlight the diverse cultures and histories of Alaska’s Native groups!
26. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Girdwood)
This is actually our favorite conservation center that we’ve ever been to!
Located in Girdwood just a couple of miles down the road from Alyeska Resort, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a sanctuary for the state’s wildlife, providing a refuge for injured and orphaned animals. They rehabilitate and release animals that can still survive in the wild following treatment, and provide a lifelong home for those who cannot.
The center offers visitors the chance to learn about Alaskan wildlife through educational programs and to see animals such as bears, moose, bison, foxes, and elk up close in a natural setting.
27. Museum of the North (Fairbanks)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I get bored at museums. But, the Museum of the North, situated at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, was amazing (even for me!)
It showcases the state’s natural and cultural history, and features exhibits on Alaskan art, archaeology, ethnography, and natural sciences, offering a comprehensive look at the state’s unique heritage. It’s an excellent stop for those interested in understanding Alaska’s past and present through its exhibits and research collections.
Personally, I loved the wildlife exhibit where they talk about North American mammals and how they’ve evolved over time, their hunting and breeding habits, and more. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Fairbanks!
Top 10 Places to Visit in Alaska
28. Seward
Seward serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, known for its stunning coastal beauty, abundant wildlife, and magnificent glaciers.
It’s also a hub for sport fishing, sea kayaking, and scenic cruises, making it an adventurer’s paradise. (It’s also where we got married and happens to be one of our favorite places in the state!)
29. Arctic Circle
We chose to talk about the Arctic Circle as a whole versus one specific location due to the whole region being fantastic for northern lights viewing and many spots being great for wildlife spotting.
It’s also a great place to experience the unique phenomenon of the midnight sun, where daylight lasts for over 21 hours during summer!
30. Denali National Park
Undoubtedly one of the best national parks in the entire world, Denali National Park is renowned for its towering peaks within the Alaska Range, mountain rivers like the Teklanika, and diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife like grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou.
Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in a pristine wilderness setting making it one of the must-do experiences in Alaska.
31. Katmai National Park
Katmai National Park is famous for the Brooks Falls, where visitors can watch brown bears fishing for salmon in the summer. Its rugged terrain, volcanic landscapes, and abundant wildlife make it a spectacular destination for nature photography and adventure.
Katmai always falls among the best things to do in Alaska, as it should!
32. Kodiak Island
Kodiak Island is a world-class destination for bear viewing, particularly for observing the massive Kodiak brown bears in their natural habitat. The island also offers excellent fishing, hiking, and kayaking opportunities amidst breathtaking coastal scenery!
33. Skagway
One of the most popular stops on any Alaskan cruise, Skagway is a historic Gold Rush town that transports visitors back to the late 19th century with its well-preserved buildings and vibrant stories of prospectors.
It also serves as a starting point for the scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
34. Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a quintessential Alaskan town set nearly halfway between Anchorage and Denali National Park.
With its charming downtown area, stunning views of Denali, and a variety of outdoor activities, including flightseeing tours (K2 Aviation is our favorite for this!) and river rafting, it’s an excellent spot for mountaineers and those seeking to experience a real taste of Alaska!
35. Homer
Known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” Homer also boasts an artistic community, beautiful beaches, and the iconic Homer Spit!
Visitors can enjoy trophy fishing outside of Kachemak Bay, sea kayaking with views of active volcanoes and glaciers, and soaking in the vibrant cultural scene of this coastal town. I always add a special nod to the Salty Dawg Saloon for being one of the top-recommended places to stop by in the city!
36. Valdez
Valdez is celebrated for its impressive scenery, including stunning glaciers, towering mountains, and a picturesque harbor. Easily one of the most scenic places to visit in Alaska, it’s also a top destination for heli-skiing, ice climbing, among many other extreme sports, attracting adventure seekers year-round.
37. Fairbanks
Fairbanks may not be the most exciting city to visit in Alaska, but it’s by far the best place to go for seeing the northern lights! There are dozens of amazing tour operators who offer top-rated tours like this one for visitors who travel thousands of miles to get the perfect opportunity to see the auroras!
It’s also home to cultural attractions like the Museum of the North and the historic Pioneer Park, providing a rich insight into Alaskan heritage. Also, thanks to its location just over an hour from the famous Santa’s Village and Chena Hot Springs, there is plenty to do during the day when the lights are hidden!
Best Time to Visit Alaska by Activity
In this section, we’ve created lists of the most popular activities you can do in Alaska depending on the time of year you visit.
Some activities may overlap, so if that’s the case, it’s best to double-check that you plan your trip during the peak season for the particular activity you most care about including in your trip!
Winter: November – March
Spring: April – May
Summer: June – August
Fall: September – October
FAQ
In this last section, we’ve gone in-depth on some essential questions regarding the top things to do if you’re short on time, how much time you should dedicate to your trip, and the best way to see Alaska for the first time.
What is the Number One Attraction in Alaska?
The number one attraction in Alaska is technically subjective, but Denali National Park is often mentioned!
It’s renowned for its stunning snow-capped Alaska Range, nearly guaranteed wildlife sightings including brown and black bears, moose, mountain goats, and caribou, and vast expanses of untouched wilderness.
Denali never falls short for us when we visit, and we’ve camped, biked, and hiked all over the park. If this is something you want to do during your visit, be sure to make your reservations online or via a guided Denali National Park tour!
What is the Best Month to See Alaska?
The best month to see Alaska typically falls between June and August when temperatures are perfect for hiking and wildlife is abundant.
However, to see the northern lights, you would want to visit between October and March, with September and October being great for fall foliage and polar bear viewing!
How Many Days in Alaska Are Enough?
A minimum of 7 to 10 days is recommended to get a good feel for Alaska, at least in our opinion. This allows time to explore a few national parks, take scenic drives or train journeys, and engage in outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Alaska is best explored in a rental car thanks to the flexibility it provides to your schedule, but due to the enormity of the state, you’ll want to give yourself at least a week to get around a single region.
If you want to check out the capital of Juneau, visit Denali, and maybe take a fishing tour on the Kenai Peninsula, then you’ll want at least 10 days to make it happen.
What is the Best Way to Visit Alaska for the First Time?
The best way to see Alaska for the first time is via a combination of land and sea transportation.
Rental cars will take you through the interior of the state and provide the top opportunities for spotting land mammals like bears and moose, while boat tours provide breathtaking coastal views and the chance to spot whales, eagles, sea lions, and puffins, among many other animals who reside by the coast.
We never plan any trip to Alaska that doesn’t combine some level of land and sea transport since we’ve always had the best luck visiting both interior and coastal Alaska, and we suggest you do the same!
For the ultimate land-sea hybrid vacation, we love renting a car to bring us through interior Alaska (the Alaska Railroad is also a wonderful option) and either a boat tour or fishing charter to get us out on the water.
Bush plane flights around the national parks also provide incredible aerial views and often allow you to spot wildlife from above, so we try to squeeze these in whenever we have time, too!
What Part of Alaska is Most Visited?
The most visited part of Alaska is the Inside Passage, particularly during cruise season, since it brings in a massive portion of the state’s tourism numbers in a single season.
This region includes popular stops like Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Sitka, and Ketchikan, which are known for their tourist-centered towns offering a good variety of restaurants, souvenir shops, and accommodation choices.
What is the Prettiest Place in Alaska?
The prettiest place in Alaska will vary between visitors, but for us, it’s tied between Seward and its associated Kenai Fjords National Park and the Hubbard Glacier outside of Yakutat.
Both offer incredible coastal towns and mountainous views over the ocean, with high probabilities of spotting wildlife. You can see epic glaciers, fjords sprouting out of the ocean, snow-capped mountain ranges, and get back to the dock and enjoy an incredible seafood dinner.
Both regions are so beautiful and have so much to offer visitors that they’re tied in our book!
It’s easy to see why Alaska quickly becomes everyone’s favorite destination after they visit, thanks to its endless supply of wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, and adventurous excursions!
And while this list focuses on the best things to do in Alaska as a whole, there are dozens of smaller opportunities in each region that are sure to catch your attention on your next visit.
For an in-depth guide to visiting Alaska, continue your research with this The Essential Guide to Traveling to Alaska (30+ Tips & Map)!
