Welcome to the Last Frontier, a land of breathtaking landscapes, towering glaciers, abundant wildlife, and a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures. Alaska, the largest state in the United States, offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience that promises to immerse you in its rugged charm and natural wonders. I grew up going to Alaska every summer for salmon and halibut fishing. Even though I’ve been there many times there is so much I haven’t explored of this massive state. I plan to explore Alaska more in depth as time allows in the future as there is so much intriguing about this state including:
Natural Wonders: Alaska is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its diverse geography includes towering mountains like Denali (the highest peak in North America), vast tundra expanses, lush forests, and pristine lakes. The state’s glaciers are among its most iconic features, with places like Glacier Bay National Park showcasing massive ice formations that calve into the sea.
Wildlife Encounters: Alaska’s wildlife is legendary, with opportunities to observe creatures such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, bald eagles, and whales in their natural habitats. Katmai National Park offers the chance to witness brown bears fishing for salmon in its rivers, while Kenai Fjords National Park boasts a thriving marine ecosystem with orcas, humpback whales, and sea otters.
Northern Lights: The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is a celestial spectacle that graces Alaska’s skies during the colder months. Head north to Fairbanks or other remote areas for a chance to witness this mesmerizing natural light show as it dances across the darkness.
Indigenous Cultures: Alaska is home to a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures that have thrived in harmony with the land for thousands of years. Visitors can learn about the traditions, art, and history of Alaska Native peoples through museums, cultural centers, and interactions with local communities.
Outdoor Activities: Adventure-seekers will find no shortage of activities in Alaska. From hiking and kayaking to fishing, dog sledding, and even heli-skiing, the state offers a wide range of exhilarating experiences for travelers of all ages.
Quirky Towns: Alaska is dotted with charming and quirky towns that offer a glimpse into the state’s unique character. Talkeetna, known for its offbeat vibe and stunning mountain views, and Skagway, a historic gold rush town, are just a couple of the many hidden gems waiting to be explored.
National Parks: Alaska boasts a collection of stunning national parks, each with its own distinct beauty. Apart from the aforementioned parks, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the U.S. and is a haven for wilderness enthusiasts.
Culinary Delights: Alaska’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Indulge in fresh seafood, including succulent salmon and king crab, while also savoring locally sourced game meats and unique fusion dishes that showcase the state’s cultural diversity.
Since Alaska is so big and most of my experiences in Alaska revolve around the Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula area I’m going to offer things to do in the Anchorage area and then the surrounding area. So if you are visiting Anchorage here are some things you should consider doing on your visit:
- Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Located about an hour’s drive from Anchorage, this center provides a unique opportunity to see and learn about Alaska’s diverse wildlife, including bears, moose, bison, and more, all in a natural setting.
- Hike Flattop Mountain: This popular trail offers stunning panoramic views of Anchorage, the surrounding mountains, and the Cook Inlet. It’s a relatively short but moderately strenuous hike that’s well worth the effort.
- Explore the Anchorage Coastal Trail: This scenic trail runs along the coastline and is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. Enjoy beautiful vistas of the ocean, mountains, and the city skyline.
- Discover the Anchorage Museum: Immerse yourself in Alaska’s history, art, and culture at this comprehensive museum. It showcases a wide range of exhibits, from indigenous artifacts to contemporary art installations.
- Take a Wildlife Cruise: Embark on a cruise from Anchorage to witness the marine life and glaciers of the Kenai Fjords National Park. Keep an eye out for whales, sea lions, puffins, and stunning icy landscapes.
- Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center: Learn about the diverse indigenous cultures of Alaska through interactive exhibits, traditional performances, and authentic dwellings representing different native groups.
- Go Flightseeing or Glacier Landing: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Alaska’s glaciers from above by taking a flightseeing tour. Some tours even offer the chance to land on a glacier for a truly immersive experience.
- Explore Chugach State Park: Just a short drive from Anchorage, this vast park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The Eagle River Nature Center is a great starting point for exploration.
- Attend a Native Powwow: If your visit coincides with a local powwow, make sure to attend and experience the vibrant dances, traditional music, and cultural celebrations of Alaska’s native communities.
- Enjoy Anchorage’s Culinary Scene: Savor the local flavors by dining at Anchorage’s diverse restaurants. Indulge in fresh seafood, reindeer sausage, and other unique Alaskan dishes.
- Visit the Alaska Zoo: Get up close and personal with animals native to Alaska and other cold-weather regions. The zoo is home to a variety of species, including bears, moose, and musk oxen.
- Day Trip to Matanuska Glacier: Take a drive to Matanuska Glacier for a thrilling glacier hike or ice climbing adventure. It’s a bit of a longer drive from Anchorage, but the stunning views and experiences are well worth it.
Beyond Anchorage here are some things that are worth while during your visit:
- Kenai Peninsula:
- Fish for salmon and other prized catches in the renowned Kenai River.
- Explore the coastal town of Seward, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, and embark on a glacier and wildlife cruise in the Kenai Fjords National Park.
- Enjoy kayaking or hiking in the picturesque Resurrection Bay.
- Whale Watching in Seward:
- Join a whale-watching tour from Seward to observe humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and other marine creatures.
- Learn about marine ecology and conservation efforts from knowledgeable guides.
- Girdwood and Alyeska Resort:
- Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter at Alyeska Resort.
- During the summer, ride the aerial tram to the mountaintop for stunning panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm.
- Hike or bike the various trails surrounding the resort.
- Mat-Su Valley:
- Explore the Matanuska-Susitna Valley for unique experiences like dog sledding, gold panning, and ATV tours.
- Visit the Independence Mine State Historical Park to learn about Alaska’s gold mining history.
- Hatcher Pass:
- Discover the historic Hatcher Pass area for hiking, gold panning, and exploring abandoned mining structures.
- Witness breathtaking wildflower displays during the summer months.
- Talkeetna:
- Immerse yourself in the artsy atmosphere of Talkeetna, known for its local galleries, shops, and vibrant community.
- Take a flightseeing tour around Denali for unforgettable aerial views.
- Chugach State Park:
- Just a short drive from Anchorage, this park offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to bird watching.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to hike Flattop Mountain for stunning panoramic views.
- Homer:
- Visit the charming coastal town of Homer and explore the Homer Spit.
- Enjoy fishing for salmon or halibut in the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.”
- Discover local art galleries, craft shops, and the Pratt Museum.
- Fairbanks:
- Head north to Fairbanks to witness the enchanting northern lights during the winter months.
- Explore the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center to learn about local history and indigenous cultures.
- Talkeetna River Rafting:
- Embark on a thrilling river rafting adventure along the Talkeetna River with experienced guides.
- Valdez:
- Explore Valdez, a scenic port town, and take a glacier cruise to see majestic glaciers up close.
- Go fishing for salmon or halibut in the Prince William Sound.
- Chena Hot Springs:
- Relax in the soothing Chena Hot Springs and, if visiting during the winter, witness the mesmerizing northern lights.
- Kenai River Canyon Rapids:
- Get your adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting or kayaking in the Kenai River Canyon.
- Russian Orthodox Church in Kenai:
- Visit the historic Russian Orthodox Church in Kenai to learn about Alaska’s Russian heritage and early history.
- Denali National Park:
- Experience the vast wilderness and wildlife of Denali National Park.
- Take a guided bus tour to explore deep into the park and catch a glimpse of diverse animals like grizzly bears, caribou, and moose.
- Hike along marked trails and enjoy breathtaking views of Denali and the surrounding landscapes.
- Consider staying in the park at one of the lodges or campgrounds for an immersive experience.
To give a sense of how big Alaska is, I’ve include a map that visits Denali, Matanuska Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Homer. Just visiting those places, you’d spend 14 hours driving one direction. This state is huge, so plan your time accordingly as there is also a lot to see. You probably don’t want to spend all your time driving even though that might not be a terrible way to take in some of the sites.
