A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
The largest state in the United States is Alaska. It is also one of the least populated states, which results in vast expanses of stunning wilderness along with exceptional small towns. These communities are remote, distinct, and visually captivating. Alaska’s history is rich with gold miners, Indigenous peoples, adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
The northwesternmost state in the USA and the most westerly point in all of North America, Alaska is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty. Consequently, it stands as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring breathtaking wildlife, snow-capped peaks, 66,000 miles of coastline, fjords, and waterfalls.
Alaska is expansive. It encompasses approximately half the area of the contiguous United States. Given this vastness, it is challenging to experience all the highlights in a single visit. To truly appreciate Alaska, multiple trips are often necessary. Alongside its substantial size, the state boasts an exceptional natural beauty.
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and serves as the gateway to the state’s expansive and diverse wilderness areas. Renowned for its commitment to preserving native culture, Anchorage is distinct from any other city in the United States. The residents, accustomed to some of the harshest weather in North America, demonstrate resilience while being exceptionally welcoming and friendly.
Situated at the mouth of the Kenai River, this town boasts stunning landscapes, as it provides breathtaking views of the Alaska Mountain Range, including prominent peaks such as Mount Spurr, Mount Iliamna, and Mount Redoubt.
As the sixth largest city in Alaska, Wasilla was established as a pivotal railroad intersection, which brought commerce and job opportunities to the area. The town prospered due to the passage of gold miners and fishers, subsequently evolving into a center of agriculture.
Sitka is situated on the outer coast of Alaska’s Inside Passage and serves as a focal point for the expansive Tongass National Forest. The amalgamation of Russian and Tlingit heritage endows the city with a distinctive ambiance, deeply entrenched in historical significance, as it is also the location of the transfer ceremony following the US acquisition of Alaska from the Russians.
If you have ever envisioned what it would be like to escape into the wilderness, then Fairbanks stands as an ideal destination. Here, you will encounter majestic mountain ranges, flowing rivers, and sparkling lakes, alongside remarkable wildlife and a profound sense of solitude amidst nature. Situated at 65 degrees North Latitude, its geographical positioning creates a distinctive environment for visitors, complemented by ever-changing skies that impart a special ambiance.
Utqiaġvik, commonly referred to as Barrow, is the northernmost settlement in the U.S., located in Alaska. The name was restored in a vote back in 2016 to bolster the preservation of the Inupiaq language.
Kodiak city is situated on the southernmost coast of Alaska, on the island of the same name. Approximately two-thirds of the island is designated as Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which safeguards the diverse wildlife inhabiting this region.
Ketchikan, often referred to as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” is renowned for its fishing industry, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant Native culture. The local residents take pride in their heritage, readily sharing their knowledge of the area, especially through the guidance of park rangers.
Soldotna serves as an exceptional base for those wishing to explore this remarkable part of Alaska, offering opportunities to discover the Kenai Wildlife Refuge, complemented by its stunning mountains, rivers, and glaciers.
Located 350 miles south of Anchorage and framed by the Wood River Mountains, Dillingham, Alaska, is a destination steeped in history and cultural significance. This port town attracts visitors eager to explore the stunning natural beauty and expansive wilderness of Alaska.
Located at the entrance of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is among the most historic and visually appealing locations in Alaska. The downtown area is recognized for its quaint shops, diverse restaurants, and vibrant harbor serving as a gateway to the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park.
Nome is one of the most isolated communities in Alaska, with access to the town being closed during winter due to severe road conditions. However, this does not diminish its appeal, particularly for those seeking adventure.
Nestled on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, Homer is centered around the iconic Homer Spit—a long land formation that features an array of shops, art galleries, bars, restaurants, and beaches.
Renowned for its breathtaking icy landscapes, vast gorges, incredible glaciers, sparkling fjords, captivating wildlife, frigid conditions, and remote wilderness, Alaska is frequently described as the USA’s last frontier. Popular activities for visitors include cruising, fishing, and wildlife observation.
As the capital of the U.S. State of Alaska, Juneau may be perceived as a bustling metropolis. Nevertheless, this historic town presents a wealth of history and is uniquely the only state capital accessible solely by plane or boat, with no roads leading to Juneau.
Bethel, originally named after a nearby fish smokehouse, began as a trading post in the 1800s with a population of around 40 individuals. Presently, the community has grown to over 5,000 residents, primarily dependent on the summer tourism influx. Access to Bethel is available through air travel or riverboat services, with frequent flights departing from Anchorage.
Kotzebue, known as Kikiktagruk in Iñupiaq, which translates to ‘almost an island’, is situated on the gravel spit of the Baldwin Peninsula. This town extends for three miles and is located 26 miles north of the Arctic Circle, primarily inhabited by individuals of Native descent.