Top Things to Do in Alaska

With vast swaths of wilderness, communities that are only accessible by boat or plane, and plenty of untamed characters who’ve chosen to live in one of the most rural and dramatic landscapes in the United States, it’s no surprise that Alaska is called the Last Frontier.

The hardest part of planning a trip to Alaska is knowing what to do and how many great places to put on your itinerary. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures in Alaska’s amazing national parks, to spot wildlife, or to admire the northern lights, you will find memorable and fascinating experiences at every turn.

1. Take to the Water on a Cruise in Alaska

Alaska cruising is big business and one of the most popular ways to see the state. Every summer, dozens of mega-ships make their way through the waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage, visiting communities only accessible by boat (and plane), such as Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau, the state capital.

Excursions vary across ports, including flightseeing tours that take you over vast ice fields, fishing excursions that troll the deep waterways of the region, and cultural tours that bring the vibrant communities of Alaska’s Native people to life. Many people make their first trip to Alaska on a cruise because it’s an easy way to experience the state without diving into trickier travel logistics.

2. Immerse Yourself in the Wilderness of Denali National Park

What makes Denali National Park special is both what you’ll find there and what you won’t. As one of the nation’s largest national parks, Denali is a huge space of wilderness, the largest undeveloped space you’ll ever experience. It’s also one of the best places to see wildlife in Alaska, where you might spot moose, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and wolves, plus smaller mammals and various bird species.

The best way to visit Denali National Park is by taking one of the official bus tours, which go farther into the park and help limit the environmental impact of tourism.

3. Spot Alaska’s “Big Five” and Other Major Mammals

Alaska offers plentiful opportunities to see wildlife, especially the “Big Five”: moose, grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and gray wolves. Spotting all five animals in a single visit is considered lucky.

All five can be seen in Denali National Park, as well as other areas. Many travelers also visit to see whales; Alaska’s waterways are home to several species, including humpback and orca whales, which can often be seen during the summer months.

4. Be Mesmerized by the Northern Lights

If you plan to visit Alaska in the winter, the aurora borealis (northern lights) will likely be on your list. Watching this phenomenon is mesmerizing, as the panels of light dance across the dark winter sky.

Fairbanks is the top destination in the US for viewing the aurora borealis, experiencing this spectacle over 200 nights per year. The best time for peak aurora activity is around the equinoxes in September and March.

5. Ride the Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad, built in the early 20th century, is a unique way to see the state. It operates between key stops like Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks.

6. Spot Sea Life and Glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park, easily accessible from Seward, offers stunning views of glaciers and abundant marine wildlife. Book a day cruise to explore the waterways and spot creatures like otters, sea lions, and humpback whales.

7. Soak in the Chena Hot Springs

An hour outside Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs is a perfect place to unwind year-round. Visitors can enjoy the relaxing hot spring pools, especially delightful in winter with ice crystals forming from the steam.

This article was first published on Oct 20, 2021, and updated on Mar 27, 2024.