Alaska calls to adventurers with its wild beauty and endless wonders. Known as the Last Frontier, this vast state offers some of the best places to visit in Alaska for travelers craving untamed nature, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable moments. From massive glaciers to dancing northern lights, Alaska delivers awe-inspiring experiences at every turn.
This guide highlights the best places to visit in Alaska—ten destinations that showcase the state’s most stunning views and thrilling outdoor adventures. Whether you’re chasing wildlife, exploring ice fields, or soaking in coastal beauty, each location offers something extraordinary.
1. Denali National Park – America’s Crown Jewel
Among the best places to visit in Alaska, Denali National Park is a true icon. Home to North America’s tallest mountain, Denali rises above over six million acres of untouched wilderness.
Grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and moose roam freely across the tundra. Adventure seekers enjoy hiking, backcountry camping, and wildlife photography. With nearly 20 hours of daylight in summer, there’s ample time to explore the park’s vast beauty.
2. Glacier Bay National Park – Where Ice Meets Ocean
Glacier Bay stands out as one of the premier destinations in Alaska for breathtaking glacier scenery. Towering ice cliffs crash into the ocean in a dramatic natural display, while whales and seals thrive in the icy waters below.
Cruise ships, kayaks, and hiking trails offer multiple ways to experience this majestic park. It’s a must-see for anyone captivated by Alaska’s icy wilderness.
3. Kenai Fjords National Park – A Coastal Wonder
Kenai Fjords is one of the best places to visit in Alaska for its coastal beauty and marine wildlife. Deep fjords, carved by glaciers, meet cliffs and the expansive Harding Icefield.
Exit Glacier provides a rare chance to walk up to an active glacier. Boat tours reveal puffins, whales, and sea lions as they thrive in the nutrient-rich waters.
4. Inside Passage – Alaska’s Marine Highway
The Inside Passage ranks high on any list of the best places to visit in Alaska. This scenic marine corridor winds past lush islands, coastal towns, and snowcapped peaks.
Cruises through the Inside Passage offer incredible wildlife viewing—whales, dolphins, and bald eagles abound. Stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka provide access to Native heritage, seafood dining, and outdoor adventures.
5. Northern Lights Viewing Areas – Nature’s Light Show
When it comes to natural wonders, the aurora borealis makes northern Alaska one of the best places to visit in Alaska. Fairbanks, located under the aurora oval, is one of the most reliable places in North America to see the northern lights.
Chena Hot Springs adds relaxation to the spectacle, allowing visitors to soak in warm waters while colorful lights ripple overhead.
6. Mendenhall Glacier – Accessible Ice Wonder
For those looking to experience glacial beauty up close, Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau is one of the best places to visit in Alaska. A modern visitor center and trail system allow easy access to overlook points, waterfalls, and forested paths.
During certain seasons, natural ice caves form inside the glacier, perfect for guided exploration and unique photos.
7. Katmai National Park – Land of Brown Bears
Katmai National Park is world-renowned for bear viewing, making it one of the best places to visit in Alaska for wildlife lovers. At Brooks Falls, visitors witness massive brown bears catching salmon mid-air.
In addition to bears, Katmai offers striking landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. With vast rivers, alpine lakes, and quiet solitude, it’s a paradise for photographers and nature seekers.
8. Prince William Sound – Pristine Wilderness
Prince William Sound is one of the best places to visit in Alaska for kayaking, glacier viewing, and marine wildlife. Its calm, protected waters and island-studded coastlines make it perfect for exploration.
From Valdez, visitors launch into a world of tidewater glaciers, including the mighty Columbia Glacier. Sea otters, whales, and puffins are frequently spotted in this untouched wilderness.
9. Arctic Circle – Top of the World Adventure
Crossing into the Arctic Circle is one of the best places to visit in Alaska for those seeking adventure at the edge of the world. Accessible via the Dalton Highway, this remote journey rewards travelers with vast tundra, unique wildlife, and unforgettable bragging rights.
In summer, the sun never sets. In winter, skies erupt with vibrant auroras—a powerful reminder of nature’s extremes.
10. Tracy Arm Fjord – A Hidden Gem
Tracy Arm Fjord is one of the best places to visit in Alaska for an intimate fjord experience. Towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and floating icebergs create a dramatic setting few places on Earth can match.
Small cruise ships and boat tours bring visitors close to the Twin Sawyer Glaciers. Harbor seals lounge on the ice, and eagles circle overhead, making every moment feel like a nature documentary.
Planning Your Alaska Adventure
The best places to visit in Alaska often require thoughtful planning. Summer (May–September) is ideal for mild weather and accessible roads. However, each season offers its own charm—from fall foliage to winter auroras.
Book tours and lodging early, especially in remote locations. Always pack layers and waterproof gear, as the weather can change quickly. Flexible itineraries help you adapt to Alaska’s wild and unpredictable nature.
Conclusion
Whether you dream of watching brown bears fish for salmon, cruising past calving glaciers, or witnessing the northern lights, the best places to visit in Alaska deliver experiences you’ll never forget. These ten destinations represent the soul of the Last Frontier: raw, powerful, and stunningly beautiful. Embrace the adventure, and discover why Alaska leaves such a lasting impression on every traveler who dares to explore its vast, untamed wilderness.
