Haven’t you explored Alaska yet? Ah! then, you are missing a lot. Do you know why? Alaska, the Land of The Midnight Sun, is one of the most magically mystic places all over the globe. It has a lot to offer from glaciers to lakes, to waterways, marine wildlife, and just scenic magic, you would find it too compelling to take away this beauty from your eyes.
I have to tell this to all hike enthusiasts, you are going to love Alaska! It has over a rough 100,000 glaciers, about 300 million lakes, and other 12,000 rivers. Therefore, I suggest you plan your next vacation in Alaska. I have curated this list of destinations there, you must visit.
1. Alaska’s National Parks
The north-western state of America has eight national parks embedded in beauty and the environment’s temporary play. So, I am here to mention the 8 national parks and preserves where you can have a great time. Have a look:
- Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve– Set in southeast Alaska, it is one of the best-loved Alaska destinations. It comes along with a scenic stunner of incredible coastal mountains, awe-inspiring glaciers, and just endless enchantress. There are a bunch of things you can do, like glacier hiking. explore campgrounds, and spot the wild critters dwelling in Alaska’s largest national park and preserve.
- Denali National Park– Unblemished meadowlands, intriguing wild fauna, and Mount Denali Peak make the Denali National Park one of America’s favorites. The Denali mountain, one of the most visitor-loved sites, is about 1000 miles from the Arctic Circle. Go astray off the roads, visit the Denali visitor center for park tours, look at exhibits, wildlife photography, and a free movie about the national park. Wildlife, like grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, and mountain goats, can be found here. Don’t miss the magical view of the mountains of Alaska from the park.
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve– If you’re attracted to water and boat tours, this park and preserve is another right place for you. Consisting of a ton of estuaries, water inlets, and retreating harbors, Glacier Bay National Park offers magical scenery too. It is also one of the best places to see Alaskan animals like sea otters, humpback whales, sea lions, and others in their home environment. Not far from Glacier Bay is the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center, where you can tour the Mendenhall. You will also find hiking, camping, river rafting, kayaking, bird-watching, fishing, scenic drives, and a pleasant time at the coves of Glacier Bay.
- Kenai Fjords National Park– You can’t ignore the picturesque scenery, intriguing wildlife, and water exploration await at the Kenai Fjords National Park. There are several marine wildlife that will attract you like seals, sea lions, and whales. Apart from this, for backpackers, majestic beauty awaits. Alaska destinations always have countless beautiful landscapes, just like the Kenai peninsula. The park takes about 600, 000 acres and is said to be a backpacker’s love-biased sight for cruises.
- Katmai National Park and Preserve– It is famous for its refuge of wild brown bears, untouched water coves, volcanoes, and hard-wearing coastlines. Fallen over a million acres, this park has plenty of explorations to offer, The park’s nerve center is based in King Salmon. Katmai National Park is also close to Kodiak Island. Not far from Kodiak Island is the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. One similar attraction between Kodiak Island and Katmai National Park is the “Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.” A few attractions there are Brooks River, Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, and Savonoski Loop, a river in Alaska. Not too far from the Brooks River is the Brooks camp. At the Brooks camp, brown bears are seen flagrantly.
- Kachemak Bay State Park– Refuging on Kachemak Bay, you will find the Kachemak Bay, State Park. Here, starting from glaciers to scenic jungles, along with unexplored forests, this park has hiking trails, lakes, mountains, boating, and kayaking out there for you to get the adventurous decamp. Wildlife like black bears, brown bears, and humpback whales can be found here.
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve– In southwest Alaska, the land of artistic landscapes is what Lake Clark National Park is deemed to be. A plethora of activities, like hiking, bird-watching, camping, kayaking, picnics, and boating and rafting. Popular for its volcanic steam, bears, rugged paths, majestic mountains, and twinkling aquamarine river bodies, the local culture of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is quite fully dependent on the waterbodies.
- Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve– Covering over 26,000 miles, this park offers a wallflower system of an impeccable environment. May it be the piercing light of the day or the bestowed darkness of the night, at the Arctic National Park, you will be able to experience its beauty as a whole. Being in the region of the Arctic Circle, the temperatures here could easily drop low. Wildlife like polar bears, sea lions, wolves, etc., can be found. Bird-watching, fishing, hiking trails, camping, and climbing mountains are some of the main attractions
2. Tongass National Forest and Ketchikan
Guys! my list has just begun. Apart from national parks, there is a lot to explore. For example, America’s largest national forest is spread over 16 million acres; the Tongass National Forest is a temperate rainforest situated in south-eastern Alaska. believe me, you will be blown away by some of America’s most majestic sights there.
From stupendous landscapes to magnificent greenery. Especially, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre is a top attraction of Tongass National Forest. black bears, brown bears, bald eagles, sea lions, and humpback whales are seen often. It is the only temperate rainforest in Alaska.
I’ll tell you one more spot there. It’s just one minute from the Tongass National Forest- Ketchikan. It is a small town on the southeastern coast of Alaska at the bottom of Deer Mountain. Another recognition, “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan has its own attractions. Downtown Ketchikan is a national historic district. It is listed in the national register for historic places.
- Starting from its Totem State Historical Park, next is the Totem Heritage Centre.
- Along with the misty fjords national monument to whale-watching, Ketchikan is filled with excitement and some of the best places to visit in Alaska.
- The Misty Fjords National Monument is about 4 minutes from Ketchikan and about 18 minutes away is the Totem State Historical Park.
- Another spot there is the historic Creek Street, where you can take a stroll downtown as it has restaurants, artsy shops, and gift shops.
- Also, enjoy bear-watching, camping, hiking, and kayaking in the region.
3. Seward
Next, I would strongly recommend you visit the Seward. It has some of the best places to visit in Alaska, beginning with its breathtaking panorama. With majestic mountains, glaciers, and classic picturesque landscapes, this small town has tons of attractions. Have a look:
Seward’s waterfront park- It is a camping ground in itself where travelers camp alongside Resurrection Bay.
- Experience the goodness of scenic drives through Seward Highway.
- Other Seward attractions include the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
- The Seward highway will also go through the Potter’s Marsh, where bird-watchers come about.
- The Tony Knowles coastal trail is where good hiking is possible.
- The Alaska Sealife Center is also housed in Seward, from where most travelers prefer to begin their journey.
- You can spend your day in Seward, Alaska, by kayaking at Resurrection Bay, Alaska Sea Life Center, hiking, camping, etc.
4. Anchorage
Ah! How can I miss Anchorage? With about 40% of the state population, Anchorage has a brilliant, vibrant culture and some of the best spots to explore. The city is famous for its cultural places, one of the popular ones being the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where crafts displaying tradition, live dance performances, and other replicas are kept on display. This town is also known for its perfect getaway from everyday life.
- Mountains like the Chugach Mountains, glaciers, the best greenery, cross-country skiing, a relaxed drive on the Dalton highway, and much more.
- In downtown Anchorage, a tradition that continues every year is celebrated called the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. You can also head to the Anchorage Museum, or if you are a driving enthusiast, a great picture-worthy drive to Trans Alaska Pipeline is a good option too.
- A distance of three minutes from Anchorage is the Alaska State Museum; tourists consider stopping by here too for artifacts on Alaska’s culture, people, and history.
Are you not excited to explore the city?
5. Fairbanks
The second largest city of Alaska, Fairbanks, is also the coldest in the interior of Alaska. Have the northern lights ever made you wonder about them? I’m sure you won’t deny it! So, here is your chance to witness them at Aurora Borealis, one of the world’s enchanting phenomena.
Along with this, happenings like the midnight sun and the perpetual sunsets and sunrises are popular. Literally, Fairbanks is truly a gem. Other attractions include the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, the University of Alaska Museum, etc. Tourists here are attracted to activities, like cross-country skiing, watching the northern lights, exploring cultures, and going to concerts and museums.
6. Skagway
Skagway is home to the “Scenic Railway of the World,” the Yukon Route Railroad and the White Pass Railroad being two of the best places to visit in Alaska.
Let me tell you that the Yukon Route Railroad is not just a train route but an entire encyclopedia that runs through history. The main tourist attraction besides the Yukon Railroad and the White Pass is the Dog Sledding Tour! This town in southeastern Alaska has a superfluity of beautiful scenery.
Besides that, you can enjoy interesting activities like exploring glaciers. hiking. exploring gardens like Jewel Garden, ziplining, and visiting the Skagway Museum, etc.
7. Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound is an inlet in the Gulf of Alaska, east of the Kenai Peninsula. This place has the densest glaciers and an abundance of wildlife. I would suggest you view it on a cruise. Through cruising, you can get a closer look into it. Other activities here are kayaking, salmon fishing, boating, cruising, etc.
Alaska, Land of the Midnight Sun, is truly a gem. I told you about the best spots there to make your holidays memorable. So, which one fascinated you the most?
