alaska tour spots

19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Alaska

Written by Becca Blond and Brad Lane Updated Mar 18, 2024

It is hard to write about Alaska without sounding cliché. The state is simply that magnificent. A place where the landscapes and wildlife, climate, and seasonal shifts, are larger, and at times more extreme, than anywhere else in the U.S. A largely roadless, uninhabited and still very wild section of the planet, Alaska's nickname of The Last Frontier rings oh so true.

Where else can you find a state capital (Juneau) with no road access? Or a town, Barrow (its northernmost) where the sun won't rise for 67 days in winter, but during summer, doesn't set for more than 80 days? Even Alaska's largest city, Anchorage, exudes a small-town charm and is the kind of place where moose often wander downtown streets.

Alaska is home to North America's highest peak, 20,320-foot-high Denali, as well as the four largest national parks in the country. As such, it serves as a grandiose outdoor playground. Hiking, paddling, fishing, and whale spotting are a few of the many ways to enjoy these wilderness treasures. Other everyday adventures include bear watching, rainforest exploring, and taking a boat ride through the Inside Passage.

Cities and towns in Alaska offer unique cultural appeal. These basecamps for adventure have museums and other tourist attractions. And with places like the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, they also offer insight into the communities that have called Alaska home for thousands of years.

Discover the best places to visit in this ruggedly beautiful state with our list of the top attractions in Alaska.

1. Denali National Park

2. tracy arm fjord, 3. kenai fjords national park, 4. anchorage, 5. alaska highway, 6. talkeetna, 7. university of alaska museum of the north, 8. inside passage, 9. alaska railroad, 10. dalton highway, 11. alaska native heritage center, 12. mendenhall glacier, 13. wrangell-st. elias national park & preserve, 14. iditarod national historic trail, 15. brooks falls, katmai national park, 16. seward, alaska, 17. totem bight state historic park, 18. klondike gold rush national historical park, 19. alaska rainforest sanctuary, ketchikan, best time to visit alaska.

From big bears and moose to towering mountains and so much open space, Denali National Park is spectacularly beautiful and blissfully wild. If you enjoy leaving the beep of cell phone notifications behind and just getting lost in nature for a little while, this is the park to visit.

Drive to Savage River, where the 15 miles of pavement open to passenger vehicles in Denali National Park ends, and you'll really feel you are indeed in the Last Frontier. While most U.S. national parks are relatively developed, Denali, like much of Alaska itself, remains a roadless wilderness. Only one road runs through the entire park , and after Savage River, you'll need to hop into a park shuttle bus to go further on anything other than your own two feet.

The third largest national park in the U.S., located about halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Denali is mostly a trail-less wilderness . Except for marked trails around the Denali Visitor Center at the entrance, hiking the park's six million acres means using a GPS device to head out in one direction and see what you encounter.

You'll need to be prepared for a backcountry experience and will want to check in at the visitor's center and leave your planned route and length of stay with a ranger then check in again when you return.

The park, which is easily accessible via the Alaska Railroad , is home North America's highest mountain , the 20,320-foot Denali. If you remember the peak by another name, it was officially referred to as Mount McKinley until 2015, when its traditional name replaced the one that modern explorers dubbed it.

The park is extremely photogenic, and the landscape here runs the gamut from wide river valleys to high alpine lakes, low-elevation taiga forest, and craggy, glacier-draped peaks.

Wild creatures abound in Denali, and it is not uncommon to see moose and even grizzly bears near the visitor center or on the side of the road. Always carry bear spray when hiking. Other animals that call this park home include wolves, reindeer, elk, and more than 167 species of bird. Another favorite among the park's many things to do is the Sled Dog Kennels , which offer demonstrations and are home to dozens of energetic huskies.

If you plan on driving here, have a read through my article Alaska Road Trip: Driving from Anchorage to Denali National Park .

Address: Milepost 240, George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park, Alaska

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm

Tracy Arm is a fjord edged with glaciers, located south of Juneau. Waterfalls tumble down the sharp rock walls, and glaciers calve, creating small icebergs. It's a popular destination for cruise ships and boat tours.

The fjord lies within the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness of Tongass National Forest . At the head of the fjord sit the twin Sawyer Glaciers . Wildlife sightings are common on tours, whether it's a brown bear or moose on land, or the whales and seals that inhabit these waters.

Tracy Arm offers just a small slice of glacier viewing in Alaska. Other tourist favorites include Glacier Bay National Park, northwest of Juneau, and Prince William Sound, near Anchorage. Several guiding companies in Juneau, like Adventure Bound Alaska , offer affordable day trips and unobstructed views of the beauty.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Juneau

Protecting much of the fjord-riddled coastline of the Kenai Peninsula (south of Anchorage), this national park offers some of the best sightseeing in Alaska. Panoramic landscapes in the park take in the many glaciers of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield and an uninhabited coastline. And the national park is home to monstrously large brown bears that feed on the fat-rich salmon.

Many tourist options converge in the surrounding areas, including the end of Highway 1 in Homer. A popular means for entry into the park is the Alaska Railroad and the Seward Highway, both ending in Seward, near the park's northern boundary. The only area in the park accessible by vehicle is Exit Glacier , where several trails offer closer views at the end of the icefield.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/kefj/index.htm

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage may be Alaska's biggest city, with a population of around 300,000 residents, but it feels a lot like a small town. The compact downtown is very walkable and feels like it hasn't changed much in the last 50 years.

It's a quirky little place, completely void of skyscrapers, that's still home to mom-and-pop shops and downhome restaurants. The kind of city where moose, and even bears, are known to wander down central streets. Anchorage summers are wonderful. Temperatures are mild and the sun doesn't set until close to midnight, and even then, it never really gets dark.

Most travelers arrive and depart Alaska via Anchorage International Airport, before heading on to other parts of the state. But the city makes a great base for day trip adventures. The outstanding Chugach State Park , encompassing nearly a half-million acres, is within easy reach of this city. For further adventures, a popular way to travel from Anchorage into the wild landscapes is via the 470-mile Alaska Railroad , which is headquartered in Anchorage.

And it's not even required to leave the city's core for adventure. A few popular city attractions include the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum. And for outdoor exploration without traveling far, head to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a stunning 11-mile bike ride. Bicycle rentals are available throughout town.

Also known as the Alaska-Canada Highway, or Alcan Highway, The Alaska Highway runs from Dawson Creek in British Columbia (Canada) through the Yukon Territory to Delta Junction near Fairbanks . It was built for military purposes in 1942, during WWII, in the record time of only eight months.

Since the end of the war, the route has been the most important means of access by land to the Yukon Territory and southern Alaska. It's also a favorite with recreational vehicle travelers. The highway passes through Whitehorse, Canada before crossing the international border into Alaska and ending in Delta Junction.

Motels, shops, and gas stations lie at intervals of 30 to 50 miles. Traveling along the Alcan Highway is generally straightforward, though commuters need to pack accordingly, as much of the route traverses through remote landscapes.

With some of the best views of Mount Denali from vistas around it, Talkeetna is a charming, eccentric little town. It is well worth a visit if you are driving or taking the train between Anchorage and Denali National Park.

If you want to have a meeting with Talkeetna's mayor, you'll need to head to Nagley's General Store and ask for Aurora. She can be quite moody, although she's always open to food bribes. Just don't bring a dog along when you visit, she snarled and hissed and threw this writer's Chihuahua right out of her domain. If you are getting lost with the plot at this point, we'll fill you in: Aurora is a cat.

Talkeetna doesn't have a human mayor but is on its third feline leader. The town's original, and most famous, kitty mayor was Stubbs, who ruled with an iron paw from 1997 to 2017 when he passed away.

Rumor also has it that Talkeetna was the inspiration behind the 90s TV show, Northern Exposure , although the series itself was filmed in Washington. It is a mostly seasonal destination with most of the dozens of restaurants and shops lining its two-street downtown open only between mid-May and mid-September.

Talkeetna is also a popular place to book flight-seeing tours . These take place in small planes that fly you around or over the summit of Denali, depending on the weather. Some tours even land on a glacier. Check out K2 Aviation Talkeetna or Talkeetna Air Taxi, both in town, to arrange a trip.

Located in Fairbanks, the University of Alaska Museum of the North offers more than one million historical artifacts and natural history pieces. The permanent collection includes ethnological items made and used by indigenous groups and a fine arts collection that focuses mainly on Alaskan art .

The collection also features archaeological finds from prehistoric cultures, an assemblage of birds, and several paleontology specimens. The building that houses the museum is also noteworthy. It was designed by Joan Soranno, and the white structure has interesting lines and curves intended to resemble the Alaskan landscape.

The museum is free for students and faculty of the university, and the public is welcome with paid admission. Visitors are encouraged to explore the museum at their own pace, and larger groups can call ahead to book a customizable tour experience.

Address: 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska

Official site: http://www.uaf.edu/museum/

The Inside Passage is a collection of sheltered channels and straits in Southeast Alaska. The most popular way to visit is to cruise through the fjords on large ships, charter boats, and private yachts. Another option is to stop off the highway at Haines , Skagway , or Hyder .

Along the coastal passage, the Tongass National Forest covers 17 million acres and includes islands, mountains, glaciers, ice fields, fjords, and waterfalls. Included in the forest is Prince of Wales Island , one of the largest islands in the US. The area is also inhabited by the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.

Major towns along the route include Skagway , with its Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park ; the once-chief town of Russian America Sitka ; and Ketchikan , where stoic totems are on display at both Totem Bight State Historic Park and the Totem Heritage Center .

Official site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/tongass/

Noted as the "Backbone of the Last Frontier," the Alaska Railroad is a prominent part of Alaska's history and still a vital transportation option. Extending from Seward to Fairbanks , this railroad helped develop Anchorage from a tent town into what it is today, and the line played an important shipping role in World War II.

Today, the Alaska Railroad is owned by the state and shuttles more than 500,000 passengers each year. Popular destinations along the route include the Chugach National Forest, Anchorage, and Denali National Park & Preserve . The Alaska Railroad offers a variety of routes, services, and special event rides including backcountry ski packages and a kids' Halloween Train.

Official site: https://www.alaskarailroad.com/

The Dalton Highway stretches over 400 miles into Alaska's Far North region, eventually reaching the outpost of Prudhoe Bay . It's accessible from Fairbanks and Anchorage and built adjacent and in conjunction with the Trans-Alaska Pipeline . The road is extremely remote, rugged, and not well-traveled outside of oil-field workers.

Well-prepared sightseers have an incentive to navigate the lonely highway, though, with both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lining the roadside.

At the northern end of the route, the Dalton Highway crosses into the Arctic Circle , where the summer solstice brings 24 hours of daylight and the winter means 24 hours of darkness. Driving a personal vehicle isn't the only choice to experience the Arctic Circle, and frequent bus and plane tours depart from Fairbanks and Anchorage.

A popular reason to visit this northern latitude is the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights , which appear on many nights from September to Mid-April. Joining an aurora tour can help keep sightseers warm in this frigid season.

Offering more than just a look into the lives and values of Alaska's 11 major cultural groups, the Alaska Native Heritage Center provides hands-on interaction with music, people, and art. Alongside interpretive information, the Heritage Center is a place to visit to connect with the community and participate in programs and events.

The Heritage Center is just outside Anchorage. It includes The Gathering Place for Alaska Native dancing and storytelling and the Hall of Cultures , filled with exhibits and local vendors displaying handmade crafts and works of art.

The scenic Lake Tiulana is also on the grounds, surrounded by traditional dwellings of Alaska Natives. Though this sightseeing attraction is located out of downtown, there is a summer-season shuttle from the modern Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center.

Address: 8800 Heritage Center Drive, Anchorage

Official site: http://www.alaskanative.net/

Twelve miles northwest of the state capital and accessible by road, the Mendenhall Glacier snakes down from the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield to touch the shores of a small lake. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center looks out over both the glacier and the iceberg-dotted waters, while trails venture along the shore to roaring Nugget Falls , as well as the impressive ice mass.

Rafting and kayaking trips allow visitors to float among the bergs. Wildlife such as black bears, porcupines, and beavers are commonly spotted while exploring this dazzling blue landscape. Arguably the best season to visit is between May and October, where sunshine is more likely to be on the forecast. However, the glacier is also fun to visit on rainy days, as the ice takes on a different hue of blue.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest and most magnificent of Alaska's sprawling national parks -- it is also the largest national park in the U.S. This grandiose mountain region has nine of the 16 highest peaks in the United States. Other defining features of this park bordering Canada include glaciers, lakes, mountain streams, and a rich variety of wildlife.

Wrangell-St. Elias is a superb country for climbers, walkers, and water sports enthusiasts. And the park's Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark gives insight into the one-time mill town with barely preserved heritage buildings and abandoned mines.

Other points of interest include a selection of 14 backcountry cabins, many of which are only accessible by flying into remote airstrips.

Address: Mile 106.8 Old Richardson Highway, Copper Center, Alaska

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/wrst/index.htm

The Iditarod National Historic Trail is Alaska's only National Scenic Trail. It consists of a network of trails totaling more than 2,300 miles between Nome, on the Bering Strait, and Seward, near Anchorage. Originally used by ancient hunters and later by gold prospectors, the trail is now used, and best known, for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race .

Extensive landscapes surround the entire route, offering beautiful views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Although it is primarily a winter trail, hikers do use sections during the summer months including the popular Crow Pass Trail within Chugach State Park.

Official site: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/national-scenic-and-historic-trails/iditarod

Brooks Falls, in Katmai National Park, is synonymous with brown bears. That's because starting in June and peaking in July, spawning salmon travel the Brooks River and attract the park's largest mammals in droves. Today, elevated platforms around the falls enable some of the best wildlife viewings in the country.

Brooks Falls and Katmai National Park are on the Alaskan Peninsula, which extends from the southwest mainland. The only two feasible ways to reach the park are by plane or by boat. Often, visitors book an all-in-one vacation package to experience the falls, but it's not required. Several aviation companies also offer simple shuttle services to the park.

The journey to Seward is equally as alluring as the small town itself. To reach the community from Anchorage, visitors travel by way of the Seward Highway . This All-American Road spans 127 miles through pristine Alaska landscapes. The first 50 miles from Anchorage traverse along Turnagain Arm and the southern boundary of Chugach State Park . Here, roadside views include mountains, glaciers, and the occasional beluga whale surfacing.

Tourists can also take the scenic Alaska Railroad, which follows the same route from Anchorage to Seward. The Alaska Railroad also continues much farther north than Anchorage, ending its line in Fairbanks.

Besides a beautiful commute, Seward also has several appealing cultural attractions like the Alaska Sealife Center . The city is also a home base for exploring the Kenai Peninsula, including nearby landscapes like Exit Glacier . Departing from Kenai Peninsula, avid wildlife watchers head to the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge , established to protect the Kodiak bear and other rare animals.

Official site: http://www.seward.com/

In 1938, the US Forest Services began a project to salvage, reconstruct, and create totem poles - a tradition that was dying out. Funds were used to hire carvers from among the older generations and abandoned totem poles were restored or recreated by these craftsmen. In the process of this work, they were able to pass on their skills to younger community members.

Fifteen poles were erected in Ketchikan's Totem Bight State Historic Park, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places . Also on the site is a recreated clan house from the early 19th century. There are more heritage totem poles and local details available at the town's Totem Heritage Center .

Address: Ketchikan Ranger Station, 9883 North Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, Alaska

Official site: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/totembgh.htm

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park maintains lovely, restored buildings in the Skagway historic district to commemorate the 1897-98 Gold Rush. Visitors can attempt to hike the 33-mile-long Chilkoot Trail , which begins at Taiya River Bridge and pays homage to the path and struggles of past gold seekers. Visitors can also spend time exploring the on-site museum and visitor center.

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway leaves from Skagway, climbing up to White Pass at a 2,865-foot elevation. The depot, one of Alaska's oldest, houses the visitor center.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/klgo/index.htm

Ketchikan is a wild city bordering Tongass National Forest and facing the famous Inside Passage. The city is perhaps best known for its many Native American totem poles throughout the town and at places like Totem Bight State Historical Park . But it's also a city surrounded by dense, unaltered Alaska landscapes.

A lush temperate rainforest defines much of the natural landscape around Ketchikan. This includes rushing waterways, miles of verdant mountainsides, and an array of weather conditions that often require boots. One of the easiest ways to experience this dense environment is with a guided tour at the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary.

Kawanti Adventures oversees the 40 acres of this forest sanctuary just outside of town and offers guided tours. These approximately three-hour tours go beyond the usual hiking experience and include a narrative guide with interesting tidbits about the local history and culture. These tours also include stops at interpretive exhibits, like a historic sawmill and totem park.

From the snowy winter months to the more temperate summer months, each one of Alaska's unique seasons has its own particular draw. But the best time to visit Alaska is between mid-June and mid-August . If you wanted to push it a bit on either end of that span, most tourist resorts, tours, and cruises begin operations mid-May and end mid-September, so you'll find some good weather then as well - it just won't be as reliable.

The high tourist season, which runs from June to August , is when most attractions and parks open up to the public. If you have an Alaskan bucket list - such as wildlife viewing in Denali National Park or witnessing the salmon runs - this is the best time to visit Alaska.

Tip: Even if you visit during the summer months, weather systems can blow in on a moment's notice, so be prepared to dress in layers and have a raincoat handy. With that said, summer temperatures can also reach highs of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to pack hot-weather clothing as well.

More on Alaska

The 8 best places to visit in Alaska with beautiful scenery at every turn

Mar 19, 2024 • 5 min read

Make the most of your time in Alaska with this guide to the best places to visit © Bread and Butter Productions / Getty Images

Alaska: the name is a symbol of wild, untamed, natural beauty and expansive, seemingly never-ending landscapes yearning to be explored.

"The last frontier" isn’t simply a license plate motto, it's a way of life in North America’s crown jewel of wilderness. For those seeking to reconnect with nature through  epic hikes and outdoorsy fun , there are few comparisons. Even the campfires are going to be big – and go late under the midnight sun, one of the best times to visit . 

Given the scope of how big Alaska  is, a few journeys by land and sea are part of the experience in this most mighty of wild places. With so much ground to you can cover, here are 8 must-visit places in Alaska.

Best for epic scenery and hikes

The High One is North America’s highest peak, grandest of grand and tallest of tall. The name  Denali refers to the peak itself, the region and one of the grandest set of parks in the world. There's good reason the peak itself is the stuff of legend, most notably its height. At 20,310ft (6194 m), starting at almost sea level, Denali  is the tallest mountain in the world, measured from its base to summit. On a clear day – or even a foggy one – the backdrop of this peak, and the surrounding wildlife-filled Taiga northern boreal forest through the Alaska Range, makes for an explorer’s paradise.

There are countless hikes and journeys awaiting the well-equipped traveler here. The park’s  bus system is a great option especially for families – making for an interpretive wildlife safari in the shadow of the park’s namesake mountain. Give yourself multiple days to ensure mountain views; the peak can be elusive due to the weather. For backpackers, check out the backcountry office and plan well for a memorable trip in the national park.

Local tip : Another less crowded option is to utilize the trail system of  Denali State Park next door, which has more easy-access campgrounds for those using vehicles.

2. Wrangell St Elias National Park

Best for a wilderness experience

Grand and expansive,  Wrangell St Elias is the continent’s second-highest peak and largest wilderness preserve. Far less developed or visited than other iconic wilderness parks, it's home to the mountain folk town of  McCarthy . Remnants of the bygone century’s homesteading and copper mining history, this wild park provides countless opportunities for exploration.

Local tip: Bring a tire kit and pay attention to your rental car policy. If it says you cannot drive here it's because the road is littered with nails from its days as a railroad track.

3. Glacier Bay National Park

Best for big ice views

Accessible on land by small expedition ships and independent boats,  Glacier Bay provides mysterious and wondrous views of the frosty forested world of ice. Explorer and writer John Muir said it best in his 1915 book  Travels in Alaska : "To the lover of pure wildness Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world... it seems as if surely we must at length reach the very paradise of the poets, the abode of the blessed."

4. Gates of the Arctic National Park

Best for treks above the Arctic Circle

Arguably the most difficult national park to reach in the US,  Gates of the Arctic is the home of masses of migrating caribou. For the ultimate off-grid destination for those with time to face the elements to explore after a relatively short flight in a bush plane. Typically, not for first-time Alaska travelers, the difficulty in reaching it is half the reward for the experience of being so far above the Arctic Circle.

5. Katmai National Park

Best for bear viewing opportunities

Alaska's most iconic species is the  coastal brown bear .  Katmai is home to the famed  Brooks Camp , host of  Fat Bear Week , when the world votes on their favorite bear as they prepare for the harsh winter ahead. Many bars around Alaska show livestreams of the bears feasting in the late summer, but what's even better is getting up close on a ranger-guided hike just above the bears on the boardwalks – it rates as a fondest memory among many a photographer and wildlife lover.

6. Talkeetna

Best for mountain scenery

Famed, frigid in winter and warm in every way in summer, Alaska’s coolest little village of Talkeetna doesn’t disappoint, serving as a basecamp of  scenic flights up around Denali and the logistics-ville for expedition climbers.  Denali Brewing Company , one of the most popular breweries in the state, is the place to go after a day hiking, biking, or enjoying the mellow convergence of several rivers that give  scenic float trips a whole new meaning under the shadow of the mighty interior mountain range.

7. Ketchikan

Best for kayaking and boating in the fjords 

Ketchikan , the southernmost entrance for the Inside Passage, might be one the wettest towns in North America, but it doesn’t disappoint. A stone’s throw away from  Misty Fjords National Monument , this seaside town is surprisingly mild. Surrounded by lush coastal temperate rainforests, striking granite cliffs and mystic journeys deep into winding, rocky fjords with skyscrapers of stone above, this is a perfect place to start a kayaking, climbing, or small-boat trip into the surrounding wilderness.

Local tip : Totem poles dominate throughout the town and make a great walkable tour to see a classic example of indigenous Tlingit culture .

8. Petersburg

Best coastal town off the beaten path

A Viking longboat in the middle of this quaint fishing port says it all.  Petersburg is ideally placed by several straits to see migrating humpback whales up close and personal. Accessible by sea via the  Alaskan Marine Highway or as a stop on a small ship expedition-style cruise, this town boasts fishing possibilities that rival more well-known or road-accessible places.

Keep planning your trip to Alaska:

Discover these  14 things you need to know before you go .  Find out when is the best time to visit . Add these top experiences to your itinerary. Save this transportation guide on how to get around Alaska.  And check out these budget-friendly tips before you book. 

This article was first published July 2021 and updated March 2024

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Alaska's National Parks

Guide to Glacier Bay National Park

Guide to Denali National Park

Things to Do in Fairbanks

Things to Do in Ketchikan

Things to Do in Anchorage

RVing in Alaska

Must-Try Food

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

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Best Cruises

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One Week in Alaska

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Things to Do in Alaska

Best Places to Visit

The Top 15 Destinations in Alaska

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Alaska is a vast and rugged land, home to 17 of America’s highest peaks, with thousands of rivers (including the Yukon River), more than 3 million lakes, and more active ice fields and glaciers than anywhere else in the world. Travelers venture to The Last Frontier to see wildlife, set foot in eight different national parks, gaze up at star-filled skies, marvel at the aurora borealis, learn about local cultural groups and native history, and experience adventure-filled activities like dog mushing, hiking, flightseeing, and kayaking. Keep reading to discover the top 15 destinations in the U.S.’s 49th state.

Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks

Dark skies, deep in an Alaskan winter, can last 16-18 hours per day, which is conducive to seeing dancing bars of light caused by electrically charged particles from the sun that strike the gases in our atmosphere. See the Aurora Borealis, on a clear night, in Fairbanks and brace for the cold temperatures, which can drop to well below freezing. The northern light-viewing season is between mid-September and late April, with March being the peak, though there are no guarantees. A good resource for Aurora hunters is the Space Weather Prediction Center .

Mendenhall Glacier

Apexphotos / Getty Images

Near Juneau, the state capital, Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most remarkable sights to see in Alaska. This 13-mile long glacier ends at Mendenhall lake and is easily seen from the Mendenhall Visitor Center . Bring your camera and take the short walk down Photo Point Trail, continue on to Nugget Falls, and hike the Trail of Time. You can also see the glacier from a kayak or on a canoe tour.

The Alaska Highway

Kevin Smith / Design Pics / Getty Images

The scenery on the Alaska Highway, also known as Alaska-Canadian Highway, is something straight out of Jon Krakauer’s "Into the Wild." From Dawson Creek in British Columbia, through the Yukon Territory, to Delta Junction, this stretch of road was built during WWII to connect the lower 48 states to Alaska via Canada and is now a favorite experience for road trippers.

Artie Photography (Artie Ng) / Getty Images

The southern tip of the Inside Passage is the ideal location for views of Deer Mountain and Tongass Narrows, where you’ll hear float planes, fishing boats, ferries, and barges. On Tongass Avenue, you’ll see pastel-colored homes built on stilts, hanging over the water. Wander along Creek Street, a boardwalk in Ketchikan, for shopping and to take photographs of historic buildings. Day fishing trips, flight tours, kayaking, and hiking are all fun to do as well.

Prince William Sound

Naphat Photography / Getty Images

Prince William Sound is an inlet of the Gulf of Alaska. You'll be able to see towering tidewater glaciers as you venture into Blackstone Bay, home to Blackstone and Beloit Glaciers, which reach 200 feet high. Cruise into Harriman Fjord to get a look at Surprise Glacier and listen as chunks of ice fall—or calve—into the water, making a loud booming sound. Waterfalls, bird rookeries, rafts of sea otters, and floating harbor seals all can be spotted.

Denali National Park

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali is the highest peak in North America, stretching 20,310 feet above sea level to the summit. Visit Denali National Park , in the northern Alaskan Range, to get a peek at this wonder as you travel down the only road in the park. You’ll likely see moose drinking water out of braided rivers, grizzly bears wandering the tundra, and Dall sheep clinging to hilltops dotted with spruce trees. Pursuit , an experiential tour company, can arrange for a custom tour of Alaska’s interior as well as Denali National Park.  

Anchorage is the state's largest city, housing 236,000 people and as such, there's an abundance of things to do. One highlight is the Anchorage Museum , which tells the tales of Alaska’s native peoples. See a Tlingit war helmet, an  Iñupiaq feast bowl , and artifacts from the Yup’ik and Cup’ik Eskimo peoples. Or take some time to learn about Inuit tattooing, a practice that is still done today, by women for women, to signify cultural belonging and a rite of passage. You can also see art created by Alaskan artists, thousands of photographs, and explore space at the Thomas Planetarium.

The Alaska Railroad

A delightful way to see Alaska is via train and the Alaska Railroad has five great routes for varying interests: Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery, Denali Star, Hurricane Turn, and Aurora Winter. The main line travels 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks, linking several communities along the way. Take the option for GoldStar Service for an upper-level seat under a large glass-domed ceiling, access to a full-service dining car, and an Alaskan tour guide who will narrate throughout the trip.

Talkeetna is small but entirely indelible. Taste fireweed ice cream; learn about Stubbs, the cat that had mayoral duties; take a flightseeing tour; go on a guided river rafting trip; visit the art galleries; or shop around the town for Alaskan goods. There are a number of year-round events to take part in as well like the Talkeetna Winterfest, Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival, and Talkeetna Trio. Beer lovers should pop in the brewery taproom to sample one of 20 Denali Brewing Co. brews on tap.

Inside Passage

Betty Wiley / Getty Images

Massive glaciers carved out the Inside Passage millions of years ago, which is now home to bald eagle habitats, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating whales. You’ll see Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian totem poles, domed Russian churches, and large forests. The area is marked by three distinct sub-locations: the Northern Region, where Haines, Juneau, Sitka, and Skagway are located; Glacier Bay Area, home to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve ; and the Southern Region, where Tongass National Forest and Totem Bight State Historical Park sit. 

Katmai National Park and Preserve

Grant Ordelheide / Aurora Photos / Getty Images

Located in the northern Alaska Peninsula, Katmai National Park and Preserve isn’t easy to get to—you must arrive by plane or boat—but it is definitely worth it. Especially if you want to increase your chances of seeing a grizzly bear in the wild. In the park, there are three viewing platforms, located in Brooks Camp, on the south side of Brooks River. Around 2,200 brown bears inhabit the park, which means that there are more bears on the Alaska Peninsula than there are people.

Tracy Arm Fjord

Sunset Avenue Productions / Getty Images

Forty-five miles south of Juneau sits the 27-mile-long Tracy Arm Fjord, a narrow waterway surrounded by craggy cliffs. Part of the Tongass National Forest, this icy natural wonder is worth venturing out to see. Bring binoculars and look for bears, eagles, and whales on a full-day boat tour. 

Seward and the Kenai Peninsula

The small town of Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park , Mount Marathon, Resurrection Bay, and Bear Glacier. Visit Alaska SeaLife Center to learn about marine mammal rehabilitation, take photos of the Seward boat harbor, and visit Miller’s Landing for wildlife viewing. The Seward Community Library and Museum is worth visiting to learn about the town’s history and culture.

John Elk / Getty Images

Wooden sidewalks lead to old saloons and historic buildings in Skagway, making it feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the Klondike gold rush. Tourists descend on the town via cruise ships in the summer making it the most crowded time of year. You can take a history tour of the Skagway historic district, hike on one of the many trails that lead to lakes and waterfalls, see Davidson Glacier, wander through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, and visit Skagway Museum and Archives .

The Iditarod Race in Nome

 Jeffrey Walters / Getty Images

Downtown Anchorage is the start of the Iditarod on the first Saturday of March, with festivities lasting for a week prior to the race, including the Fur Rendevous . Many viewers, who come into town to see the action, also decide to tour other remote checkpoints along the 1,000-mile route. The race ends in Nome, and it’s a sight to see the mushers fly across the finish line. Visit a kennel before the race and try out dog sledding for yourself, indulge in a flightseeing adventure during the race, or volunteer to help with the dogs. You can also watch the results via a live stream.

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Alaska Destinations

So much to see! You can't go wrong starting with a visit to Kenai Fjords and Denali National Park.

Most Popular

• Denali National Park
• Seward & Kenai Fjords
• Off the Beaten Path

Trip Finder

Let Alaska Tour & Travel be your one-stop source for Alaska travel information and reservations. We specialize in Alaska's top travel destinations such as Seward , Anchorage , Talkeetna , and Fairbanks , as well as Alaska's most popular national parks including Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park . These destinations are all along Alaska's "railbelt," so travel is easy: Go in comfort and style aboard a luxury dome train , deluxe motorcoach , or even drive yourself in a premium 4x4 car or van rental .

Be sure to check out our trip finder , sample itineraries , and best places to visit in Alaska page for great trip ideas, and don't hesitate to contact us if we can be of any assistance.

If you like to take the road less traveled, consider one of our Off the Beaten Path destinations. Travel above the Arctic Circle and experience 24 hours of daylight, stay at a true wilderness lodge , or leave the crowds behind and explore Wrangell-St. Elias National Park . Try one of our self-drive tour packages and drive to the "end of the road" in Homer , or explore other unique Alaska small towns such as Valdez and Girdwood .

Our staff of lifelong Alaskans will help you set up the perfect Alaska vacation tailored to your specific requirements. You can choose from individual lodging , activity , and transportation choices, or select one of our many pre-built Alaska vacation packages .

Best Places to Visit in Alaska

The list is long, but every place belongs on it. Read on for our top recommendations for where to go while traveling in Alaska. Learn More >

Off the Beaten Path Alaska

Curious about Alaska beyond Seward, Anchorage, and Denali? Explore destinations farther afield, from the coast to distant national parks to tiny outposts above the Arctic Circle. Learn More >

Alaska National Parks

Experience the full range of Alaska's natural beauty in national parks like Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell-St. Elias. Learn More >

See the state's many national parks, tours, attractions, and places of note on this interactive Alaska map. Learn More >

Alaska Regions

Whether looking at it on a map or seeing it in person, Alaska's sheer size stands out. Make sense of the state with a breakdown of its five distinctive regions. Learn More >

Alaska Ports of Call

Visit a glacier in Juneau, ride a narrow-gauge train in Skagway, go fishing in Ketchikan, and find plenty more fun among Alaska's Inside Passage ports of call. Learn More >

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Alaska Highlights Self-Drive Tour

Visit some of alaska's most popular places in just 10 days.

Photo Journey:

Home » Tours » Alaska Driving Tours » Alaska Highlights Self-Drive Tour

Tour Overview

This tour offers a leisurely pace for exploring Alaska’s scenic roadways and significant highlights. Visit Denali National Park with North America’s tallest mountain, Denali. Drive alongside the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, transporting oil from the North Slope to Valdez. Visit the picturesque town of Valdez, Alaska’s “Little Switzerland.” From here, you can take a boat cruise into Prince William Sound. Continuing, you travel through the scenic Matanuska Valley. At the end of the tour, you see Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park!

What's Included

• 9 nights accommodations
• 9-day midsize rental car with unlimited mileage
• 4-6 hour bus tour into Denali National Park (depending on weather and road conditions)
• All taxes and fees

What's Not Included

Transfers in Anchorage, meals unless otherwise noted, and gratuities. Optional car rental coverage (such as LDW or liability insurance), additional driver fees, fuel, or GPS rental. Car rental category upgrades available at additional fee.

Tour Itinerary

Anchorage arrival.

Pick up your rental vehicle at the Anchorage airport upon your arrival and drive to your hotel. Overnight in Anchorage. You will stay in the midtown area of Anchorage or near the Anchorage airport.

Important Note: Please provide us with your flight arrival information at time of booking, so that we can schedule the car rental pick up time correctly.

Anchorage to Denali Park Entrance

In the morning depart Anchorage at your leisure. As you travel there are interesting stops along the way including the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the village of Eklutna. Continue towards Denali National Park through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and Denali State Park. You can take a side trip to the small gold mining community Talkeetna for either an optional jet boat tour or a ski-plane flight to land on Denali.  This afternoon, you may wish to take an optional rafting tour or attend a dinner theater. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Denali National Park

Today, depart on a narrated bus tour into Denali National Park.  As you travel through the pristine wilderness, look for wildlife, such as bears, caribou, and moose, as well as views of the mountain. Your experienced driver/guide will provide commentary.  The tour is approximately 4-6 hours long and takes you approximately 30 – 43 miles into the park, depending on weather and road conditions. The rest of the day is free for optional tours, such as river rafting, ATV tours or flightseeing tours. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Denali National Park to Fairbanks

Surrounded by forests and mountains you will continue north to Fairbanks through the communities of Healy, Nenana and Ester, an old mining camp. In Fairbanks, you may explore the town on your own or participate in optional excursions like the Riverboat Discovery cruise. Another option is to drive to Chena Hot Springs and take a relaxing bath in the hot springs. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Fairbanks to Valdez

Today your journey continues as you head southeast toward Delta Junction. You will pass through North Pole, home of the Santa Claus House, as you take the spectacular Richardson Highway south towards Valdez. Part of the route parallels the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Weather permitting, you’ll have incredible views of the Alaska Range and the St. Elias Mountains. Drive by Worthington Glacier and through Keystone Canyon with its many cascading waterfalls. Overnight in Valdez.

Today is at your leisure to enjoy Valdez and its surroundings. Try a scenic kayaking trip or a wildlife and glacier cruise into Prince William Sound (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight in Valdez.

Valdez to Sheep Mountain or Wasilla area

Today drive the Richardson Highway back north to the Glenn Highway. Take the Glenn Highway towards Anchorage to either the Sheep Mountain or Palmer/Wasilla area (depending on accommodation availability). Check out scenic Matanuska Glacier before you relax for the evening. Overnight in Sheep Mountain or Palmer/Wasilla area (depending on accommodation availability).

Sheep Mountain or Wasilla area to Seward

This morning continue driving the Glenn Highway to Anchorage and continue south on the Seward Highway. The Seward Highway takes you first along beautiful coastal scenery and then through scenic mountain areas. When arriving in Seward, check out Exit Glacier. Overnight in Seward.

Seward to Anchorage

This morning there is time to enjoy optional excursions, including a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, an Exit Glacier hike, or a visit to an Iditarod musher dog sled ride (see Tour Add-ons). Later you will return to Anchorage but before reaching the city you may want to stop at the resort community of Girdwood for a tram ride up Mt. Alyeska. Overnight in Anchorage. You will stay in the midtown area of Anchorage or near the Anchorage airport.

Anchorage Departure

Return your car to the Anchorage airport car rental station. Depart or start an additional program.

Dates & Rates

Please provide us with your flight arrival information (arrival time, flight number and name of airline) when you make your reservation. That way we can book the rental car accordingly.

Our Standard Program Includes:

2 and 3 star hotel accommodations..

The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.

Standard train car seating on all rail services (reserved seats).

If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.

Our Upgraded Program Includes:

* 3 and 4 star hotels (best available) wherever possible..

The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.

Deluxe dome train car seating between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, or Anchorage and Seward.

All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.

Contact us to book this Tour.

Thank you for your interest in this tour! At this time, it is not currently available to book online. Please feel free to continue to peruse our website for more Alaska travel ideas. If you would like options and information from our team of Alaska experts, please call 1-866-317-3325 or fill out the form below.

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Tour Add-ons

Browsing optional excursions for the alaska highlights self-drive tour :.

Cabin Nite Dinner Theater

Length: 2 hours

Starting at: $90 / pp

Enjoy old-time Alaska as you enjoy a popular dinner theater performance in Denali National Park set in an authentic Alaska log-paneled roadhouse. Join heroine Fannie Quigley and an unforgettable cast of characters in this true-to-life Alaska Gold Rush tale of […]... Browse itinerary

Columbia Glacier Cruise

Length: 6 hours

Starting at: $167 / pp

This Valdez day tour with a glacier and wildlife cruise through Prince William Sound features a visit to Columbia Glacier. On board, you can view Prince Williams Sound’s diverse wildlife, including sea lions, sea otters, and whales. Learn about mining, […]... Browse itinerary

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Starting at: $219 / pp

On this exciting day cruise from Seward, hop on this unforgettable glacier and wildlife boat trip into Kenai Fjords National Park! This Alaska national park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. As you cruise through Resurrection […]... Browse itinerary

Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks

Length: 3 hours

Starting at: $106 / pp

The perfect Fairbanks day tour combines river views and Alaska Native history and traditions! Climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery III for an unforgettable 3-hour cruise into Alaska’s history. Travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers on Alaska’s only authentic sternwheeler riverboat. […]... Browse itinerary

Shoup Glacier Kayaking Tour

Length: 8 hours

Starting at: $244 / pp

This Valdez kayaking tour to Shoup Glacier offers an intimate experience at one of Prince William Sounds’ many calving tidewater glaciers. This day trip is perfect for both beginner and experienced kayakers. Climb aboard a motor boat for a 40-minute […]... Browse itinerary

They helped me setup a train tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage and secure lodging along the way, even adjusting the days of my stay so I could explore the towns! I have happily recommended them to family and friends I know for their own trips!

Matthew | Trip Advisor

Related Alaska's "Big Five" Tours

Glaciers and Wildlife Tour

Duration: 8 days

Starting at: $2289 / pp

Combining Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, and Denali, this tour provides wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic touring throughout. You travel by the Alaska Railroad to Seward and cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, well known for glacier scenery and viewing... Browse itinerary

All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour

Duration: 15 days

Starting at: $3649 / pp

Explore three of Alaska's National Parks: Denali, Wrangell - St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout. Travel on four designated National Scenic Byways showcasing Alaska's natural beauty with its jagged mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows,... Browse itinerary

Denali & Glacier Experience

Duration: 6 days

Starting at: $1919 / pp

By train, travel along the scenic Seward and Portage Glacier Highways before entering the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the second-longest tunnel in North America. On arrival in Whittier, embark on the 26 Glacier Cruise with lunch. Enjoy viewing... Browse itinerary

Great Alaskan Road Trip

Starting at: $1889 / pp

Explore Denali, Seward, and the Matanuska Valley with the freedom of a rental car. These three destinations complement each other with natural beauty from mountains to valleys to coastlines. The bus tour into Denali National Park is a... Browse itinerary

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Things To Do in Anchorage

Anchorage is the place where young spirits and adventurous souls come to play. Hike a mountain trail under the midnight sun. Paddle turquoise waterways through a vast state park. Learn about incredible Indigenous cultures . Alaska activities and attractions include  legendary wildlife , spectacular mountain vistas , fascinating museums and cultural centers , icy blue glaciers , and more. Metropolitan amenities mix with unrivaled natural splendor to make Anchorage an unforgettable destination. Need some help planning? Order a free Official Guide to Anchorage to get started.

Find Your Favorite Activities in Anchorage

4-wheeling / atv.

Getting to the unexplored wilderness surrounding Anchorage is easy. Start your engines to enjoy the sights and...

Adventure & Eco Tours

Maybe the realization hits you as you trek across a glacier, or maybe it washes over you as you kayak the...

Arts & Entertainment

Anchorage knows how to put on a show. Alaska’s largest city is filled with art galleries, concert...

Biking Tours & Rentals

In Anchorage biking is a way of life. Whether you’re cruising on a cruiser, buzzing a forested...

Summer Dog Sledding

A powerful pack of huskies pulling a speeding dog sled and musher along a snow-packed trail: it’s...

The dream of landing a trophy fish lures people from around the globe to Anchorage, where some of Alaska's...

Flightseeing

Flightseeing tours depart from Anchorage year-round to places that, quite literally, will take your breath...

Anchorage plants approximately 80,000 flowers in 460 city beds including dinner-plate sized dahlias, fuchsias,...

Glacier & Wildlife Cruises

Get up close to a towering glacier and listen to the thunderous roar as a brilliant blue shard of ice crashes...

Gold Panning & Mining

Today you can relive Alaska's gold rush era and try your luck in panning for gold at Crow Creek and Indian...

The northern phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun is what makes golfing in Anchorage truly distinctive. 

Hiking & Ice Climbing

There's no shortage of Anchorage hiking trails, with 155 peaks within Chugach State Park alone. Trails...

Horseback Riding & Carriage Rides

Sled dog teams may be more iconic in Alaska, but horses played their own role in Gold Rush Alaska. Saddle up...

Kayaking, Canoeing & SUP

Paddle serene Eklutna Lake or the protected waters near Whittier and Seward. Strike out on your own, or take a...

Motorcycle Tours & Rentals

No deadlines, no schedule. Nothing but the open road and skies as far as the eye can see. Easy riders are in...

Museums & Culture

Anchorage's many museums and historical attractions showcase Alaska’s complex Native, Russian, gold...

The Anchorage entertainment scene is as varied as the landscape. Nightlife, performing arts and family...

Photography Tours

Take home images of Alaska that capture the breadth and beauty of Alaska. Anchorage photography tours put the...

Private Boat Charters

Cast off and set course for something amazing. Chartered vessels are a great way to build custom glacier and...

Rafting & River Trips

Head deep into Alaska; a river trip can unlock sights and places that can't be reached by road. Get wet...

Railroad Tours

The Alaska Railroad is your ticket to adventures for the day, or even longer. Many of the area’s best...

When you are exploring the great outdoors, don’t forget to spend time exploring the great indoors. The...

Sightseeing Tours & Day Trips

"What can I see and do in Anchorage?" Whether you have an hour or a whole day, day tour companies...

Spas, Health & Wellness

Unwind after a day's adventures in Anchorage. Here, incredible natural appeals go hand-in-hand with urban...

Things To Do With Kids

Alaska is a huge place, but Anchorage makes it easily accessible to even the tiniest travelers.

Wildlife Viewing

Grab a pair of binoculars and go wild in Anchorage. Anchorage wildlife viewing is a year-round attraction,...

20 Best Things to do in Anchorage

If you are looking for Alaska’s top activities and attractions, look no farther than...

Anchorage   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Blue Poppy | Getty Images

17 Best Things to Do in Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage's proximity to the great outdoors is the most obvious reason to stay and play in the city. Budget-conscious travelers will be pleased to find Anchorage hosts numerous fascinating and family-friendly attractions that don't cost a

• All Things To Do

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Tony Knowles Coastal Trail free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Looking for a less urban ride or walk? Start your trail experience at Kincaid Park like most Anchorage residents. Keep an eye out for eagles, moose and bears along the way. – Erin Kirkland

Named for former Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles, who spearheaded the project, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an 11-mile out-and-back paved trail winding its way from downtown Anchorage south to Kincaid Park.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk the property during your visit, and be sure to stop by the gazebo overlooking the end of Turnagain Arm to capture the full essence of the center. You may even see beluga whales during the tide changes. – Erin Kirkland

Located about 50 miles south of Anchorage at the end of scenic Turnagain Arm, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a 200-acre facility housing animals and birds no longer able to survive in the wild. Open all year, visitors can be assured of seeing Alaska's most popular wild critters; black and brown bears, wolves, moose, musk ox, lynx, foxes and a herd of wood bison.

Alaska Native Heritage Center Alaska Native Heritage Center

U.S. News Insider Tip: Be sure to allow plenty of time for visiting each of the village sites surrounding the center's Lake Tiulana, and stop to talk with the Alaska Native youth at each. – Erin Kirkland

What makes Alaska truly unique are the traditional cultures that have thrived there for centuries. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a unique indoor and outdoor facility offering hands-on information and experiences that showcase both the modern and historical ways of life among the state's First People.

Popular Tours

Anchorage Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience

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Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour

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Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour + Transfer

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Potter Marsh Potter Marsh free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit the boardwalk early in the morning or in the evening hours, when wildlife are most active. Remember to be bear and moose aware at all times. – Erin Kirkland

At the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is Potter Marsh, a wooden boardwalk that winds through a half-mile of rich, productive marshlands and offers stunning views of the Chugach Mountains. This is a popular destination for birders, as Arctic terns, northern pintails, trumpeter swans, canvasback ducks, red-necked phalaropes, horned and red-necked grebes, and bald eagles come to this wetland to feed and nest between mid-April to mid-October. Keep an eye out for eagles and their nests, usually located high in the cottonwood trees near the base of the eastern edge of the marsh.

Alaska Railroad Alaska Railroad

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visiting in the fall? The Hurricane Turn Train (daytrip) travels through the colorful forests of Alaska's Interior for amazing photographs. It's also a great way to meet Alaskans traveling to and from their remote homestead cabins. – Erin Kirkland

In a city raised with the birth of its railroad system, it should come as no surprise that Anchorage's historic train depot marks the gateway to further Alaska adventures. The Alaska Railroad Corporation hauls freight and passengers, and is considered one of the best Alaska tours by travelers and critics alike. Utilizing a north-south rail line stretching almost 600 miles between Seward and Fairbanks , the Alaska Railroad offers several itineraries that take passengers through some of the most scenic landscapes in the state. Whether passing through mountains, along coastline or through the meadows of Alaska, visitors will hear narration from local guides and helpful tips to spot wildlife.

Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stop by the museum's "Lunch on the Lawn" events on Tuesday afternoons June through August for music and food trucks. – Erin Kirkland

Alaska's largest museum provides a thorough introduction to the people, industries and vivid history of this fascinating land. Spanning four floors of temporary and permanent exhibitions, hands-on learning and beautiful art, the museum is fully-accessible and open every day during the summer months.

Chugach State Park Chugach State Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip : Eklutna Lake makes an excellent full-day adventure in Chugach State Park. You can also rent mountain bikes and kayaks from a third-party vendor right on the lakeshore. –  Erin Kirkland

Chugach State Park is the third-largest state park in the nation (the first, Wood-Tikchik, is also located in Alaska), clocking in at nearly half a million acres of hiking trails, skiing terrain, rock-climbing spots and wildlife habitat. Chugach is the perfect place to experience untouched Alaska without a long drive – the park's breathtaking scenery is within a 20-minute drive of downtown Anchorage.

Matanuska Glacier Matanuska Glacier free

The mighty Matanuska Glacier is located about 95 miles northeast of Anchorage along the scenic Glenn Highway, and is the largest glacier in Alaska accessible by car. It's also one of the oldest glaciers, spanning 4 miles across and 13,000 feet high, and is easily seen from the highway, making it a popular stop.

Visitors may stop and view the glacier from the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, where picnic tables and a short trail are offered for day use. Parking is free for up to 30 minutes at the recreation site; after that there is a $5 charge. To actually walk upon the glacier, however, one must go to Glacier Park, a private-use site that charges admission to access the ice. It's worth it though, to be able to trek upon the frozen surface and see the ice caves and deep blue pools. Only certified vendors are allowed to guide hikes upon the glacier due to safety reasons, and several will transport visitors from Anchorage, year-round. Salmon Berry Travel & Tours is a well-reviewed company that offers guided glacier hikes. Guided hike or climbing fees vary depending upon the experience, but range from $40 per person to $300 per person. Previous visitors to the glacier have enjoyed the guided treks upon the glacier and the "Glaciology 101" information provided by the knowledgeable guides.

26 Glacier Cruise and Coach from Anchorage, AK

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Grand Knik Helicopter Tour - 2 hours 3 landings - ANCHORAGE AREA

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Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage

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Portage Glacier Portage Glacier

Many years ago, Portage Glacier stretched all the way to where the Seward Highway sits today. Today, the glacier's remnant is beautiful Portage Valley, a 14-mile isthmus connecting the Kenai Peninsula to mainland Southcentral Alaska.

The Chugach National Forest manages the land of Portage Valley and Glacier, and visitors traveling between Seward, Whittier and Anchorage can be treated to outdoor recreation and information about this unique and wild landscape just 55 miles southeast of Anchorage.

Spencer Glacier Spencer Glacier

If retreating into Alaska's backcountry appeals to you, but you don't have a lot of time, gear or experience to make it happen, the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop trip aboard the Alaska Railroad may be for you.

Departing from the Anchorage, Girdwood or Portage depots, travelers who board the Glacier Discovery train will be transported into the Chugach National Forest and beautiful, icy Spencer Lake, its namesake glacier looming in the background.

Alaska Botanical Garden Alaska Botanical Garden

U.S. News Insider Tip: Guided tours of the garden are a great way to become familiar with Alaska’s native plants, and it’s worth the cost to have a personal guide for your visit. – Erin Kirkland

Nestled in 110 acres of boreal forest, the Alaska Botanical Garden features 150 native plant species and more than 1,100 perennials. There is an herb garden, a wildflower trail, two perennial gardens and the Anchorage Heritage Garden, which was completed in the summer of 2015 and is filled with native plants that were grown from local seeds.

Alaska Aviation Museum Alaska Aviation Museum

Of all industries, aviation has played the largest role in Alaska's development; before there were roads, there were airstrips upon beaches, gravel and even meadows. At the Alaska Aviation Museum, visitors can garner an up-close look at the importance of aircraft in both civilian and military uses, in all areas of the state. Travelers will also learn about bush flying, famous Alaska pilots and Alaska's role in World War II.

Four hangars and an outdoor yard make up the bulk of the museum space, and a restoration hangar is well worth a stop to observe volunteers who spend their time restoring the aircraft back into the shape they once were. Don't miss the tower cab along the shores of Lake Hood as well, where you can go upstairs to hear live air traffic controller traffic as planes navigate the Lake Hood Seaplane Base all day long.

Kincaid Park Kincaid Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stop by the Kincaid Chalet, where helpful Anchorage Parks and Recreation staff can provide tips on accessing favorite trails suitable for your area of interest, time frame and abilities. – Erin Kirkland

Kincaid Park is an ideal destination for those looking to escape to the wilderness without leaving Anchorage. Overlooking Cook Inlet from the city's southwest corner, this 1,400-acre park is home to dozens of hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails, gardens and wildlife like moose, black and brown bears, foxes and porcupines. Trails are kept in shape thanks to year-round use, and a disc golf course can be played through the western side of the park.

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from $ 157.00

Lake Hood Lake Hood free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Do what locals do and finish up your walk or bike ride at the Lakefront Anchorage's outdoor deck for a meal and drinks. – Erin Kirkland

As Anchorage grew in the 1940s, air travel in and out of Anchorage was starting to ramp up, with both commercial and private aircraft taking up airspace in the skies around the city. Recognizing the need for separate landing areas, the state of Alaska joined two local lakes near the Anchorage airport, Spenard and Hood, by a single channel, thus enabling small aircraft to utilize water access for summertime float use. By the 1950s, work crews had built a seaplane complex, new gravel airstrip and installed an air control tower, and the buzz of aircraft coming and going became one of Anchorage's most notable features.

The Alaska Zoo The Alaska Zoo

If the thought of running into some of Alaska's wild creatures in their natural habitat makes you nervous, visit them (safely) at The Alaska Zoo. The facility, located in Anchorage's Hillside neighborhood, features animals and birds of the circumpolar north, and participates in the rescue of injured or abandoned creatures around the state that need a place to heal. The zoo itself is small, but the woodsy trails are perfectly aligned with the natural theme of the property, and the animals – including moose, bears, seals, mountain goats, Amur tigers and Bactrian camels, among others – are easily viewed by any age or ability. 

Previous visitors described the zoo as small, but said a stop here is a great way to see animals you have missed in the wild. Reviewers reported spending about an hour here.

Anchorage Market Anchorage Market free

A local favorite since it first opened in 1992, the Anchorage Market and Festival started out as a Saturday-only market with just two dozen vendors, but it quickly grew to host up to 100 vendors and now operates Saturdays and Sundays mid-May to mid-September. Formerly located downtown, the market shifted its base of operations to south Anchorage after the COVID-19 pandemic. Popular with residents and visitors alike, it is the place to shop for clothes, food, crafts and more while enjoying live entertainment and snacking on locally-grown eats. There's also a kids market suitable for ages 8 to 17 that sells goods crafted by other youngsters.

Recent travelers reported finding unique items to buy and praised the delicious food, but others said it's not worth going out of your way to visit. 

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

A staple in the Anchorage arts scene since 1998, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (or the PAC, as it is locally known) is the place to go in Anchorage when you want to catch a play, show, musical or concert. Conveniently located adjacent to Town Square Park and featuring three theaters of varying sizes, the center hosts performances that range from local favorite storytelling event "Arctic Entries" to Broadway shows like "Hamilton" and "Six The Musical."

Past visitors praised the variety of performances here and the acoustics of the venues.

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Premium Content

• PHOTOGRAPHY

See how ancient Indigenous artists left their mark on the landscape

For millennia, Indigenous peoples etched and painted their stories across present-day North America. Today, everyone can still learn from that rich cultural heritage.

There is so much we don’t know for certain about ancient Indigenous artwork.

When precisely was it made? What exactly did it mean to its creators?

And yet there is still so much to be learned from these works carved into rock, painted on stone, drawn in mud, or built into the Earth’s surface. Perhaps most important is that thriving Native American societies, including my own, have inhabited Turtle Island, as many tribal peoples prefer to call North America, for tens of thousands of years.

( North America’s Native nations reassert their sovereignty: ‘We are here’. )

Considered alongside a contemporary Native reckoning—with historic Indigenous representation across everything from politics to pop culture—these sophisticated petroglyphs , pictographs, and geoglyphs help connect our past to present to future. For Native-descendant communities, this art represents a return home and a revitalization of the traditional lifeways that were all but destroyed by colonialism.

“We’re so lucky that we still have our religion, our culture, and our language; every tribal nation understands the fight to preserve those,” says Chief Ben Barnes of the Shawnee Tribe, whose ancestors likely built the Serpent Mound effigy in Ohio. “Many Americans have forgotten that land itself can be sacred, that spaces can be holy. Here in the Americas, our holy spaces are Indigenous.”

Photographer Stephen Alvarez has been documenting natural wonders for nearly three decades. He founded the nonprofit Ancient Art Archive in 2016 to act as a living record of prehistoric paintings and engravings worldwide. Now he has focused his lens on America’s murals—an effort to put this nation’s 250th anniversary, in 2026, in the context of millennia-old history. “The landscape tells its own story,” says Alvarez. “What happened to it over time, who lived there, and what they did. You cannot separate the artwork and the landscape.”

( A photographer makes luminous images of Mexico’s Indigenous people. )

For the archaeologists, anthropologists, ethnographers, artists, and other knowledge keepers—both Native and non-Native—who have spent much time studying and preserving these artworks, they are masterpieces, as well as miracles, withstanding the elements for centuries so people may wonder at and about them today.

None of us want to fade away without having made our mark on the landscape. Joe Watkins , Archaeologist (Choctaw Nation)

“None of us want to fade away without having made our mark on the landscape,” says archaeologist Joe Watkins (Choctaw Nation), who works on Alvarez’s Mural of America project. “Rock art gives us an opportunity to share insights from people who no longer walk this Earth.”

For everyone, this artwork is a call to recognize and revere the legacies that ancient Indigenous peoples left behind. It’s an urging to acknowledge the traumas that our communities have endured on Turtle Island and beyond. And it’s a reminder that Native Americans have long been here—and that our voices, stories, and art from the past matter just as much as what we’re creating today and what we’ll create tomorrow.

( 3D scans reveal largest cave art in North America. )

Related Topics

• ART HISTORY
• INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
• INDIGENOUS ARTISTS

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Assistant Accountant Kenai Fjords Tours

Office gig with the best ocean front views in Seward!

Have Resurrection Bay be you office for the summer

Assistant Accountant

/ Competitive perks & wages / Referral bonus available / Competitively priced staff housing! / Access to iconic National Park experiences

/ Fun staff events and parties / Free access to cool attractions & experiences / Training to help your career grow

Safety, anticipating guest needs, honoring our surroundings and bringing your best every day are the core values we live by in order to provide dynamic guest service at Kenai Fjords Tours. You will be responsible for all income received by Kenai Fjords Tours and operations. You will prepare and process all incoming bills and various other accounting duties. You will have a range of duties and responsibilities to include:

• Balance daily transaction reports for cash and credit card receipts
• Maintain, distribute and reconcile petty cash
• Ensure appropriate levels of cash reserves are on hand at the beginning and end of season
• Responsible for daily metering, posting, picking up and distribution of mail
• Prepare daily deposits

How to Apply

Contact info.

• [email protected]
• (907) 224-4555
• www.alaskacollection.com