2. Alaska
National Parks & Wilderness
1. Denali National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is home to Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the tallest peak in North America at 20,310 feet.
Spanning over six million acres, the park features vast tundra, boreal forests, and rugged mountains.
It is a haven for wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, wolves, Dall sheep, and caribou.
Visitors can explore the park through bus tours, hiking trails, and backcountry adventures.
The park’s only road, the Denali Park Road, stretches 92 miles, offering breathtaking views.
In summer, endless daylight provides ample time for exploration, while winter brings opportunities for dog sledding and northern lights viewing.
The park is also rich in Indigenous history and culture.
With no extensive human development, it offers a true wilderness experience. Denali is perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers alike.
Whether visiting for a day or embarking on a multi-day expedition, Denali promises unforgettable landscapes and wildlife encounters.
2. Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in south-central Alaska, is a breathtaking landscape of glaciers, fjords, and rugged coastline.
Covering over 600,000 acres, the park is home to the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States.
Towering tidewater glaciers calve massive ice chunks into the sea, creating dramatic scenery.
The park is a haven for marine wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, puffins, and harbor seals.
Visitors can explore the park by boat tours, kayaking, or hiking. The Exit Glacier area offers one of the few accessible land routes to view a glacier up close.
The park provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, birdwatching, and adventure sports.
With its pristine wilderness and abundant biodiversity, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.
The nearby town of Seward serves as the main gateway to the park. Kenai Fjords offers an unforgettable Alaskan experience, blending ice, ocean, and wildlife in a stunning natural setting.
3. Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park, located in southeast Alaska, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning tidewater glaciers and diverse marine life.
Spanning over 3.3 million acres, the park features snow-capped mountains, deep fjords, and temperate rainforests.
It is home to some of the most active glaciers in the world, including Margerie Glacier and Johns Hopkins Glacier.
The park’s rich waters host humpback whales, sea lions, sea otters, and puffins, while its forests shelter bears, moose, and mountain goats.
Most visitors explore Glacier Bay by cruise ships, boat tours, or kayaking, offering close encounters with its icy landscapes.
The park is also significant for Indigenous Tlingit culture, with historical villages and traditions deeply connected to the land.
With no roads leading directly to the park, it remains an untouched wilderness accessible only by air or sea.
Glacier Bay is a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers. Its ever-changing glacial scenery makes every visit a unique experience.
4. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska is the largest national park in the United States, covering over 13.2 million acres—larger than Switzerland.
It features a breathtaking mix of towering mountains, massive glaciers, deep valleys, and wild rivers.
The park is home to nine of the 16 highest peaks in the U.S., including Mount St. Elias (18,008 feet).
Rich in wildlife, visitors may see grizzly bears, moose, wolves, Dall sheep, and mountain goats.
It also has a deep cultural history, with the historic Kennecott Mines, a preserved copper mining town.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, mountaineering, rafting, and backcountry camping.
With limited roads and infrastructure, the park offers a true wilderness experience for adventurous travelers.
Wrangell-St. Elias is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shared with Canada’s Kluane National Park.
Its remote beauty and untouched landscapes make it one of Alaska’s most spectacular destinations.
5. Katmai National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve, located in southern Alaska, is famous for its brown bears, volcanic landscapes, and pristine wilderness.
Covering over 4 million acres, the park is home to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, created by the massive 1912 Novarupta eruption, one of the largest volcanic eruptions in modern history.
Katmai is best known for Brooks Falls, where brown bears gather to catch salmon, creating one of the world’s most iconic wildlife viewing experiences.
The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventurers, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
Its rivers and lakes are filled with sockeye salmon, supporting the park’s thriving ecosystem.
Accessible mainly by plane or boat, Katmai remains a remote and untouched destination. The park also protects important Indigenous cultural sites and histories.
With its dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife, Katmai offers a raw and immersive Alaskan experience.
It is a must-visit for those seeking adventure in the wild.
6. Gates of the Arctic National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in northern Alaska, is one of the most remote and untouched wilderness areas in the United States.
Covering 8.4 million acres, it has no roads, trails, or established campsites, making it a paradise for true adventurers.
The park is dominated by the Brooks Range, with rugged mountains, vast tundra, and winding rivers.
It is home to grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep, thriving in an untouched ecosystem.
The Indigenous Iñupiat and Athabascan peoples have lived in this region for thousands of years, maintaining their cultural traditions.
Visitors typically explore the park by backpacking, rafting, or flightseeing, with access mainly by small bush planes.
The park offers endless opportunities for solitude, wildlife viewing, and wilderness survival experiences.
The midnight sun in summer and northern lights in winter add to its beauty.
Gates of the Arctic is the ultimate destination for those seeking a raw and unfiltered connection with nature.
Cities & Towns
7. Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, is a vibrant gateway to the state’s breathtaking wilderness.
Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, it offers a unique mix of urban comforts and outdoor adventure.
The city is home to museums, restaurants, and cultural centers, including the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center, showcasing Indigenous traditions.
Wildlife like moose, bears, and bald eagles can often be spotted within the city limits.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Flattop Mountain, Kincaid Park, and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for hiking, biking, and scenic views.
Anchorage serves as a hub for glacier tours, fishing trips, and northern lights viewing in the winter.
With its rich history, diverse culture, and lively arts scene, it balances urban energy with rugged nature.
The city is also a major stop for the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Whether for adventure or relaxation, Anchorage offers an authentic Alaskan experience year-round.
8. Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city, is known as the Gateway to the Arctic and a prime destination for Northern Lights viewing.
Located in the interior of Alaska, it experiences extreme seasons, from long summer days with midnight sun to cold, snowy winters.
The city is rich in gold rush history, with attractions like Gold Dredge 8 and the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The Chena River runs through town, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and riverboat tours.
In winter, visitors can enjoy dog sledding, ice sculpting, and soaking in the Chena Hot Springs.
Fairbanks is also home to the World Ice Art Championships and a major stop on the Aurora Borealis trail.
The nearby Arctic Circle and Denali National Park make it a great base for adventure.
With its mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities, Fairbanks offers an unforgettable Alaskan experience.
9. Juneau
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a stunning coastal city surrounded by towering mountains, lush rainforests, and glistening waterways.
It is only accessible by boat or plane, making it one of the most remote state capitals in the U.S.
The city is famous for Mendenhall Glacier, a massive, easily accessible glacier just outside town.
Juneau offers incredible opportunities for whale watching, glacier hiking, and kayaking in the nearby Inside Passage.
Rich in Tlingit Indigenous culture and Gold Rush history, visitors can explore the Alaska State Museum and historic downtown.
The Mount Roberts Tramway provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Gastineau Channel.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife spotting, with chances to see bears, bald eagles, and sea lions.
Juneau is also known for its delicious seafood, including fresh Alaskan king crab. Whether exploring glaciers or soaking in local culture, Juneau offers a perfect blend of adventure and history.
10. Seward
Seward, a charming coastal town located on the Kenai Peninsula, is one of Alaska’s most popular destinations for outdoor adventures.
It serves as a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where visitors can explore tidewater glaciers, wildlife, and pristine fjords.
Seward is a hub for marine tours, offering opportunities for whale watching, kayaking, and sea kayaking with views of glaciers and abundant marine life like otters, seals, and puffins.
The Resurrection Bay area boasts incredible scenery and hiking trails, including the popular Mount Marathon Trail.
Seward’s historic downtown is full of charm, with local galleries, shops, and seafood restaurants.
The town has a rich Alaskan history, from its origins as a fishing and railroad hub to its role in the 1900s gold rush.
Visitors can explore Alaska SeaLife Center, a research facility and aquarium focused on local marine life.
With its combination of rugged landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and small-town charm, Seward is an ideal destination for nature lovers.
The stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glaciers ensures unforgettable views throughout the year.
Whether hiking, cruising, or exploring, Seward offers a quintessential Alaskan experience.
11. Homer
Homer, often referred to as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World”, is a picturesque town located on the Kenai Peninsula along the Kachemak Bay.
It offers stunning views of the Kachemak Bay State Park and Kenai Mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
Known for its vibrant arts scene, Homer is home to numerous galleries, artists, and the renowned Pratt Museum.
The Spit is a famous 4.5-mile stretch of land that juts into the bay, offering beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and access to boating.
Homer is a fantastic base for wildlife watching, with opportunities to see sea otters, bald eagles, puffins, and humpback whales.
The town’s seaside restaurants and seafood markets serve fresh local fare, including the famous halibut.
Homer is also known for its community spirit and small-town charm, with friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere.
Adventurers can take a water taxi to remote areas for hiking, kayaking, or camping.
With its blend of nature, culture, and adventure, Homer offers an authentic Alaskan experience.
Whether you’re a fisherman, nature lover, or art enthusiast, Homer has something for everyone.
12. Ketchikan
Ketchikan, located in the southeast panhandle of Alaska, is a charming coastal town known for its rich Native Alaskan heritage and abundant wildlife.
It is often called the “Salmon Capital of the World”, with its pristine waters teeming with salmon, making it a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Ketchikan’s historic Creek Street is a must-see, featuring colorful boardwalk shops, galleries, and traditional totem poles that reflect the town’s deep ties to Indigenous culture.
Visitors can explore Totem Bight State Park or the Totem Heritage Center to learn about the area’s Native traditions and art.
The town is also known for its rainy weather, which contributes to its lush temperate rainforest environment.
Misty Fjords National Monument, just outside of town, offers dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and rugged cliffs, perfect for hiking and boat tours.
Ketchikan has a lively arts scene, with numerous galleries, festivals, and performances.
Whether you’re interested in cultural exploration, outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery, Ketchikan offers a perfect Alaskan experience.
The small-town charm and friendly locals make it a welcoming destination for travelers. With its natural beauty and rich history, Ketchikan is a gem in Alaska’s Inside Passage.
13. Sitka
Sitka, located on the outer coast of Alaska’s Panhandle, is a historic town with a rich blend of Russian and Tlingit heritage.
Once the capital of Russian America, Sitka is home to the impressive Russian Orthodox Church of St. Michael and the Sitka National Historical Park, where visitors can explore Native totem poles and learn about the area’s cultural history.
The town is surrounded by stunning mountain views, lush forests, and waters rich in marine life, making it a popular spot for wildlife watching, kayaking, and fishing.
Sitka is also a gateway for exploring the Kittlitz’s Murrelet, a unique seabird, and other wildlife like whales, sea otters, and eagles.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike Mt. Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Sitka has a vibrant arts and music scene, with many local galleries, theaters, and cultural events.
The town’s seafaring history can be explored at the Sitka Sound Science Center and the Alaska Raptor Center.
With its combination of scenic beauty, historical significance, and Alaskan charm, Sitka offers a unique and peaceful destination.
Visitors can also enjoy fresh, local seafood and small-town hospitality. Whether exploring its rich past or immersing yourself in nature, Sitka offers an unforgettable Alaskan experience.
14. Skagway
Skagway, a historic town located in southeast Alaska, is best known for its Gold Rush heritage and as a key starting point for the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1800s.
The town is a National Historic Park, with preserved historic buildings and museums that offer a glimpse into the Gold Rush era.
Visitors can explore Broadway Street, lined with old-time shops, saloons, and cafes, reflecting the town’s colorful past.
Skagway’s most popular attraction is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a scenic train ride that takes travelers through stunning mountain landscapes and past historic gold rush sites.
Outdoor lovers can hike Lower Dewey Lake or tackle the more challenging Chilkoot Trail, once used by prospectors.
The town is surrounded by dramatic fjords, glaciers, and towering peaks, making it a haven for wildlife viewing and photography.
Skagway also offers great fishing, kayaking, and opportunities to spot bears, eagles, and humpback whales.
Visitors can learn about Tlingit culture through local exhibits and experience the area’s rich Indigenous history.
With its mix of history, adventure, and stunning scenery, Skagway offers a unique and exciting Alaskan experience.
Its small-town charm and friendly atmosphere make it a must-see on any Alaskan itinerary.
Unique Experiences
15. Aurora Borealis Viewing (Fairbanks & Coldfoot)
Fairbanks and Coldfoot, both located in Alaska’s interior, are two of the best places in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.
Known for their clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution, these locations offer exceptional viewing opportunities during the winter months, from late August to April.
Fairbanks, often referred to as the “Aurora Capital of the World,” sees the Northern Lights on average over 200 nights a year.
Visitors can take guided tours to prime viewing spots, including Chena Hot Springs, where you can enjoy the lights while soaking in natural hot springs.
Coldfoot, situated near the Arctic Circle, offers a remote and peaceful setting to watch the auroras dance across the sky.
The Northern Lights appear as brilliant, shifting colors of green, pink, purple, and occasionally red, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
For the best experience, visitors are encouraged to stay up late into the night, as the lights are most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.. Beyond the auroras, Fairbanks and Coldfoot offer plenty of winter activities, such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
The extreme cold and snow add to the magical atmosphere of the experience. For many, witnessing the Northern Lights in such a pristine, wild setting becomes a life-changing experience.
16. Inside Passage Cruise
An Inside Passage cruise offers a scenic journey through Alaska’s breathtaking coastal waters, navigating between the mainland and a series of islands.
The route takes passengers past towering glaciers, dense rainforests, and pristine fjords, with the opportunity to witness incredible wildlife, including whales, sea lions, seals, and bald eagles.
Ports of call on the cruise often include picturesque towns such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Skagway, each offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Glacier Bay National Park and Misty Fjords National Monument are among the cruise’s most popular highlights, providing up-close views of massive glaciers calving into the sea.
The calm waters of the Inside Passage make it an ideal route for travelers who enjoy smooth sailing and spectacular scenery.
The cruises typically feature luxurious ships with amenities such as fine dining, spas, and outdoor viewing decks, enhancing the experience.
Whether in summer or winter, the cruise offers unparalleled opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and simply taking in the stunning views.
Passengers can enjoy shore excursions such as kayaking, hiking, and fishing, adding adventure to the experience.
An Inside Passage cruise is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable Alaskan adventure in a relaxing and immersive way.
17. Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier, located in southeast Alaska, is one of the largest and most active tidewater glaciers in North America.
Stretching over 76 miles long and 7 miles wide, it feeds into Disenchantment Bay, where visitors can witness massive ice calving events as chunks of ice break off and crash into the water.
The glacier’s vibrant blue ice and towering ice cliffs create a spectacular backdrop for sightseeing cruises and scenic flights.
The surrounding Chugach Mountains and fjords add to the glacier’s dramatic and remote beauty.
Hubbard Glacier is often referred to as a “highway of ice” due to its stunning ice flows and dynamic nature.
It is particularly famous for its “advance”, as it has been pushing forward into the bay in recent decades, unlike many other glaciers that are retreating.
The glacier’s immense size and sheer power make it a mesmerizing sight, with ice formations constantly changing.
Visitors on boat tours can get up close to the glacier, sometimes even hearing the sounds of cracking ice as it shifts and calves.
Wildlife such as sea otters, seals, and humpback whales can often be spotted in the waters near Hubbard.
A trip to Hubbard Glacier offers one of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring experiences in Alaska.
18. Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound, located in southern Alaska, is a stunningly beautiful area known for its crystal-clear waters, towering mountains, and vast glacial landscapes.
The sound is bordered by the Chugach Mountains and features over 3,000 miles of coastline, dotted with fjords, islands, and hidden coves.
The waters are rich in marine life, making it a prime location for whale watching, sea otter sightings, and birdwatching.
It is also home to numerous tidewater glaciers, such as the impressive Columbia Glacier, which calves massive chunks of ice into the sea.
Kayaking, boating, and fishing are popular activities, offering visitors a chance to explore the sound’s pristine wilderness.
Valdez, a town on the sound, serves as the main gateway for visitors, with historic sites, outdoor adventures, and access to wildlife-filled waters.
The region is also known for its salmon runs and the opportunity to fish for king, sockeye, and silver salmon.
Prince William Sound is a haven for those seeking adventure, solitude, and stunning natural beauty, with its remote location offering a sense of escape from the outside world.
Whether by boat, kayak, or on foot, Prince William Sound is an unforgettable destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
19. Kodiak Island
Kodiak Island, located off the southern coast of Alaska, is known for its rugged landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant fishing industry.
The island is famous for its Kodiak brown bears, with the largest concentration of these majestic creatures in the world.
The island’s diverse ecosystems include dense forests, pristine beaches, towering mountains, and glaciers, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Kodiak’s marine environment is teeming with whales, sea otters, sea lions, and numerous bird species.
Kodiak City, the island’s largest settlement, offers a mix of Alaskan history, culture, and modern amenities.
The island is a popular spot for fishing, especially for salmon and halibut, with many visitors taking part in charter fishing trips.
Outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing are abundant, with opportunities to explore Koniag and Chugach National Forest areas.
Kodiak has a deep Russian influence, evident in its historic churches and architecture.
With its natural beauty, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Kodiak Island offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and serene isolation.
It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Alaska’s true wild spirit.
20. Nome
Nome, located on the western coast of Alaska along the Bering Sea, is a historic gold rush town known for its rich history and remote charm.
The town played a significant role during the Alaska Gold Rush in the late 1800s and has preserved many of its historic buildings and stories.
Today, Nome is a bustling hub for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, with thousands of mushers and spectators flocking to the town each March for the famous event.
Surrounded by vast tundra and wild landscapes, Nome offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including polar bears, reindeer, and migratory birds.
The town is also known for its rich Indigenous Inupiat culture, with traditional ceremonies and cultural events taking place throughout the year.
Visitors can explore nearby gold mining sites, try their hand at gold panning, or take part in dog sledding adventures.
The long summer days and the potential to view the Northern Lights in winter make Nome a unique destination year-round.
With no road access to most of the rest of Alaska, Nome has a remote, isolated feel, adding to its charm.
Despite its small size, Nome’s blend of history, adventure, and Alaskan spirit makes it a must-see for those seeking an authentic experience.
Whether you’re there for history, adventure, or wildlife, Nome is a place where Alaska’s wildness feels alive.
