15 Best Things to Do in Alaska (Updated 2023)

Imagine a land where towering glaciers meet lush forests, where wildlife roams freely, and where the sky dances with vibrant colors of the aurora borealis. Welcome to Alaska, the Last Frontier, a destination that promises unparalleled adventure and breathtaking beauty. In 2023, this vast wilderness continues to call to intrepid travelers, offering experiences that range from up-close encounters with bears to epic road trips through stunning landscapes.

Alaska is not just a place to visit; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of wild America, a canvas of raw, untamed nature waiting for you to explore. Whether you dream of soaring above majestic peaks, cruising through icy fjords, or delving into rich indigenous cultures, Alaska delivers. The best time to experience its full splendor is typically from late May to early September, when the days are long and the weather is milder, though winter offers its own magical allure, especially for Northern Lights seekers. Pack layers, prepare for awe, and get ready to discover why Alaska truly is a world apart.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is the crown jewel of Alaska, home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, which majestically dominates the skyline. What makes this park truly unique is its commitment to preserving an untamed ecosystem, where you can witness grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep roaming freely in their natural habitat. Visitors can expect to explore vast expanses of tundra, taiga forests, and glacial rivers.

The park road is largely restricted to park buses, offering guided tours that provide insightful commentary and stop for wildlife viewing opportunities. You’ll be treated to unparalleled panoramic views, and on a clear day, the sheer scale of Denali will leave you speechless. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. The park’s history is deeply rooted in conservation, established over a century ago to protect its wildlife and incredible landscapes.

Tracy Arm Fjord

Tracy Arm Fjord, near Juneau, offers an absolutely breathtaking journey into a narrow, winding waterway carved by ancient glaciers. What makes it unique is the dramatic scale of its cliffs, which rise thousands of feet directly from the sea, adorned with cascading waterfalls and vibrant blue icebergs. As you cruise through the fjord, you’ll feel dwarfed by the sheer magnitude of nature.

The highlight for many is the twin Sawyer Glaciers at the end of the fjord, where you can witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of glacier calving – massive chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the water with a thunderous roar. Keep an eye out for seals lounging on ice floes, humpback whales breaching, and various seabirds. This expedition is perfect for those seeking dramatic natural beauty, incredible photographic opportunities, and a sense of profound wilderness. It’s an unforgettable experience for all ages, offering a close-up encounter with active glaciers.

Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier, located just a short drive from Juneau, is one of Alaska’s most accessible and stunning natural wonders. Unlike many remote glaciers, Mendenhall offers paved trails, a modern visitor center, and multiple viewing platforms, making it an ideal stop for nearly everyone. What makes it special is the striking contrast of its blue ice against the surrounding lush rainforest and the dramatic Nugget Falls cascading nearby.

You can hike to different viewpoints, including a short, paved trail to Nugget Falls for incredible photo opportunities, or venture onto longer, more challenging trails like the East Glacier Loop. The visitor center provides interpretive displays about glacial geology and the local ecosystem. It’s perfect for families, casual hikers, and anyone looking for a powerful yet easily reachable glacier experience without needing extensive wilderness gear. The glacier is part of the Tongass National Forest, emphasizing its natural beauty and ongoing geological processes.

The Anan Wildlife Observatory

The Anan Wildlife Observatory is a premier destination for bear viewing, offering an intimate and highly sought-after experience with black and brown bears feeding on salmon. Located southeast of Wrangell, its uniqueness lies in its limited access and the carefully managed viewing platform that allows visitors to observe bears from a safe, elevated position without disturbing them. You’ll witness bears fishing, interacting, and teaching their cubs, providing an unparalleled glimpse into their natural behaviors.

Access is strictly controlled by a permit lottery system due to the delicate nature of the environment and the popularity of the site. This makes it an incredibly special and exclusive adventure for serious wildlife photographers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone dreaming of an unforgettable bear encounter. The observatory’s history is rooted in conservation efforts, providing a sustainable way for humans and bears to coexist.

Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area

Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area, situated on Admiralty Island near Juneau, is another world-renowned spot for observing brown bears in their natural habitat. What makes Pack Creek particularly special is its pristine, wild environment and the incredibly intimate viewing opportunities it offers. Unlike a developed observatory, visitors here are guided by experienced naturalists, often viewing bears from ground level (from a designated observation spit) as they fish for salmon in the intertidal zone.

The area is co-managed by the US Forest Service and the Juneau Tlingit, emphasizing its cultural and ecological significance. Access is strictly limited to a small number of permits each day, ensuring minimal human impact and an undisturbed experience for the bears. This makes it an exclusive and profound encounter for serious wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a true wilderness immersion. Witnessing these magnificent creatures up close, without barriers, is an awe-inspiring privilege.

Kenai Peninsula National Forest

The Kenai Peninsula National Forest, often overshadowed by its National Park neighbor, is a sprawling expanse of diverse landscapes offering incredible recreational opportunities. What makes it unique is its blend of snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers, dense forests, and countless lakes and rivers, all easily accessible by road from Anchorage. You can expect to find world-class fishing for salmon and trout, extensive hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging alpine treks, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities for moose, bears, and eagles.

It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from camping and kayaking to wildlife photography. The forest’s history is intertwined with the region’s resource development and conservation, providing a balance between recreation and preservation. It’s perfect for families seeking diverse outdoor activities, solo adventurers, and anyone looking to explore Alaska’s stunning interior and coastal beauty at their own pace.

Harding Icefield Trail

The Harding Icefield Trail, located within Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward, is a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike that takes you to the edge of one of North America’s largest icefields. What makes this trail unique is the dramatic progression from lush temperate rainforest through alpine meadows to a barren, glacial landscape at the top, offering increasingly breathtaking views of the vast Harding Icefield and its numerous outflowing glaciers.

You’ll ascend roughly 1,000 feet per mile, gaining elevation rapidly, but the reward is an unparalleled panoramic vista of a truly ancient and immense ice mass. This trail is best suited for experienced hikers with good physical fitness, offering an extraordinary sense of accomplishment and profound connection to Alaska’s glacial heritage. It’s a testament to the power of nature and a stark reminder of climate change, as you witness the retreat of these colossal ice rivers.

The Alaska Highway

The Alaska Highway, stretching over 1,300 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska, is more than just a road; it’s an epic journey through vast wilderness and a significant piece of World War II history. What makes it unique is the sheer scale of the adventure, offering travelers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in stunning landscapes, encounter abundant wildlife, and experience the solitude of the North.

You’ll drive past towering mountains, pristine lakes, and endless forests, often spotting moose, bears, caribou, and bison along the way. The highway itself was built in just eight months during WWII, a monumental feat of engineering, and its history is evident in the numerous historical markers and small towns along the route. It’s the ultimate road trip for adventurers, history buffs, and anyone yearning for an off-the-beaten-path experience that connects them directly with the Last Frontier.

The University of Alaska Museum of the North

The University of Alaska Museum of the North, located in Fairbanks, is a fascinating gateway into the rich natural and cultural heritage of Alaska. What makes it unique is its stunning architectural design, which evokes the Alaskan landscape, and its comprehensive collection that spans millions of years of natural history and thousands of years of human habitation.

You can expect to see everything from a 36,000-year-old steppe bison mummy to an impressive display of Alaskan gold, intricate Native art, and dynamic exhibits on the aurora borealis. The museum’s interactive displays and world-class research facility make learning engaging for all ages. It’s perfect for families, history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Alaska’s unique environment and diverse cultures, especially on a rainy day or during the colder months.

The Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is a legendary maritime route stretching along the coast of Southeast Alaska, famed for its breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and charming coastal towns. What makes it unique is the immersive experience of cruising through a labyrinth of islands, fjords, and narrow channels, surrounded by towering rainforests and snow-capped peaks. You’ll witness humpback whales breaching, orcas hunting, bald eagles soaring, and brown bears foraging along the shoreline.

Stops in picturesque towns like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway offer insights into Alaska’s Gold Rush history and Native cultures. It’s an ideal vacation for those who prefer leisurely exploration, stunning photography, and close-up wildlife encounters from the comfort of a ship. Whether on a large cruise liner or a smaller expedition vessel, the Inside Passage offers an unparalleled perspective on Alaska’s coastal wilderness.

The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most spectacular light shows, transforming the Alaskan night sky into a canvas of swirling greens, purples, and reds. What makes seeing them in Alaska unique is the state’s prime location within the “aurora oval,” a band around the magnetic pole where aurora activity is most frequent and intense. You can expect to witness ethereal curtains of light dancing across the sky, a truly mesmerizing and humbling experience.

While there’s no guarantee, the best chances are on clear, dark nights, away from city lights. Fairbanks, due to its inland location and clear skies, is often considered the best spot for aurora viewing. This phenomenon is perfect for photographers, romantics, and anyone seeking a profound connection with the cosmos. It’s a magical display that has captivated humans for millennia, often woven into indigenous legends.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage offers a vibrant and immersive journey into the rich cultures of Alaska’s eleven major Native groups. What makes it unique is its commitment to sharing authentic traditions, history, and contemporary life through engaging performances, demonstrations, and traditional village sites. You can expect to walk through five authentic Native dwellings surrounding a serene lake, each representing a different cultural group, and interact with Native presenters who share stories, songs, and dances.

The main hall features stunning art exhibits, craft demonstrations, and a gift shop showcasing handmade items. It’s an essential stop for anyone interested in indigenous cultures, history, and art, providing a crucial counterpoint to Alaska’s natural wonders. The center plays a vital role in cultural preservation and education, ensuring these traditions thrive for future generations.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, a true wilderness titan that dwarfs many countries. What makes it unique is its staggering scale and incredible diversity, encompassing nine of the sixteen highest peaks in North America, including Mount St. Elias, along with colossal glaciers, active volcanoes, and vast river valleys.

You can expect rugged adventures, from flightseeing over icefields to exploring the historic McCarthy and Kennecott mining ghost towns. Access is challenging, often requiring bush planes or driving long gravel roads, adding to its remote allure. This park is for the truly adventurous, backpackers, mountaineers, and those seeking an unparalleled, untamed wilderness experience where human impact is minimal. Its history is deeply tied to the copper mining boom of the early 20th century, a fascinating chapter in Alaska’s development.

The Iditarod National Historic Trail

The Iditarod National Historic Trail, famously known for the “Last Great Race on Earth,” is a network of historic trails originally used by Native Alaskans and later by gold miners and dog sled teams to transport goods across the vast interior. What makes it unique is its immense scale, stretching over 1,000 miles from Seward to Nome, and its deep connection to Alaska’s pioneering spirit and sled dog culture. While you can’t easily hike the entire trail, you can visit key sections and learn about its fascinating history.

In the winter, you can even experience dog sledding yourself, meeting mushers and their incredible canine athletes. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts, dog lovers, and anyone intrigued by the rugged determination that defined early Alaskan life. The trail embodies the spirit of resilience and endurance that is so characteristic of Alaska.

The Totem Heritage Center

The Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan is a remarkable repository of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian totem poles, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the rich artistic and spiritual traditions of Southeast Alaska Native peoples. What makes it unique is its collection of 19th-century totem poles, preserved in their original form, making it the largest collection of unrestored poles in the United States. You’ll witness the intricate carvings, vibrant symbolism, and powerful storytelling embedded in these monumental works of art.

The center also provides educational exhibits on the history and cultural significance of totem poles, as well as the ongoing revitalization of Native art forms. It’s an essential stop for anyone interested in indigenous art, history, and cultural preservation, providing a deep and respectful understanding of Alaska’s first peoples. The center ensures these invaluable cultural treasures are protected and shared.

Plan Your Visit

Alaska is not just a destination; it’s an experience that transcends the ordinary, a place where the wild heart of nature beats strong and true. From the towering peaks of Denali to the ancient artistry of Native totem poles, and from the thunderous roar of calving glaciers to the silent dance of the Northern Lights, you will discover a land of unparalleled beauty and profound wonder. This guide has merely scratched the surface of the adventures that await, showcasing the diversity that makes Alaska truly special. Whether you’re an intrepid adventurer, a wildlife enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking solace in nature’s grandeur, Alaska offers a unique journey for every soul.

So, start planning your Alaskan odyssey today. Embrace the wilderness, immerse yourself in its rich cultures, and prepare to be captivated. Remember to budget wisely, pack for all seasons, and let the spirit of the Last Frontier transform your perception of travel. Your Alaskan adventure is calling!