People have been drawn to Alaska for hundreds of years because of the state’s enormous wildness and rugged beauty. This article will discuss 21 of the best cities to visit in Alaska and provide information on the must-do activities and attractions.
The largest and 50th state in the United States, Alaska, is known as “The Last Frontier” and is home to some of the most stunning landscapes, fascinating cultures, and unique animals. Hunting, fishing, and hiking are other outdoor activities that are perfect there.
If you’re considering a trip to Alaska, you might be wondering what are the greatest spots to go. It can be difficult to select just a few sites to visit because there is so much to see and do.
What are the Things to Consider?
There are a few logistical considerations you should bear in mind if you plan to visit any of the best cities in Alaska. The following should be taken into account before booking a trip.
- Find out if you are permitted to bring food into the park you are visiting.
- Bring the appropriate food containers to avoid attracting wildlife.
- Recognize any daily entrance fees for national parks.
- Always wear layers and dress for the weather
- Understand the best way to get there (via boat, floatplane, hiking, etc.).
- Think of staying somewhere else than a hotel for a richer experience.
- Find out what is the best time of year to visit Alaska.
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What are the Best Cities to Visit in Alaska?
1. Anchorage
2. Denali National Park and Preserve
3. Kenai Fjords National Park
4. Seward
5. Fairbanks
6. Alyeska Resort
7. The Matanuska Glacier
8. Talkeetna
9. Lake Clark National Park
10. Glacier Bay National Park
11. The Kenai Peninsula
12. Prince William Sound
13. Homer
14. Kodiak Island
15. Katmai National Park
16. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
17. Kennecott Mines National Historical Landmark
18. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
19. Chena Hot Springs
20. Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow)
21. The Alaska Highway
1. Anchorage
Most likely, Anchorage will be your first stop in Alaska. Renting a car from the Anchorage airport is a terrific way to continue your exploration of the state. Arrivals are greeted at the airport by a variety of mounted wildlife exhibits. The world record for halibut is 9’5″ long.
One of the top destinations in Alaska for museums is Anchorage. The Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center are great places to learn more about Alaska. Take a walk or a ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail after seeing the museums.
There are many excellent coffee cafes and breweries in downtown Anchorage. This area is home to some of Alaska’s best hotels, many of which have breathtaking views from their rooms. One of the top places for a family vacation in Anchorage is the Alaska Zoo. Truly, Anchorage is one of the best cities in Alaska.
2. Denali National Park and Preserve
One of the best cities and places to visit in Alaska to see the state’s majestic natural beauty is Denali National Park. From a great distance away, one can see the towering Mount Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). There are a number of other magnificent peaks nearby to Denali.
Alaskan vegetation and fauna are abundant in the tundra that surrounds the mountains. Mountain goats climbing the steepest mountainside should be observed! The best time of year to visit is unquestionably the summer. However, the fall colors here are stunning if you’re ready to suffer a little chillier weather.
There are many options for how to get here. You can travel by car, plane, or even boat, but taking the Alaska Railroad is one of the more interesting options.
3. Kenai Fjords National Park
One of the best views of coastal Alaska’s magnificence is provided by the Kenai Fjords National Park. Huge glaciers wind their way through the water. The area of the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea otters, and many species of whales.
A starting place for touring Kenai Fjords National Park is the town of Seward. Seward is connected to the rest of the state by the Alaska Railroad, the Old Seward Highway, and a nearby airport. The Exit Glacier is the only area in Kenai Fjords National Park that can be reached by car.
4. Seward
Seward itself has a number of significant attractions. Twelve amazing murals showing various facets of the little beach community and Alaskan life may be found there. Campers can stay in Seward’s Waterfront Park, which is also a fantastic area to relax by the water.
Visitors can get a fascinating look at the rich marine life of Alaska at the Alaska Sealife Center. Seabirds, fish, invertebrates, and many species of seals and sea lions are among the exhibits. For family vacations to Alaska, the Alaska Sealife Center is a must-see attraction.
5. Fairbanks
Without a doubt, Fairbanks is among the top destinations in Alaska to travel to if you want to view the northern lights! You have a better possibility of viewing this natural occurrence the further north you are. Since the days are longer in the summer, you may stay out and about far into the evening (which also makes it the greatest time to travel to Alaska).
The second-largest city in Alaska has a colorful frontier past as a gold and oil boomtown. The lovely Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is located in downtown Fairbanks. Additionally, there are numerous eateries and pubs in downtown Fairbanks.
The University of Alaska Museum of the North is another important landmark. More than one million objects are kept in the museum.
6. Alyeska Resort
One of the best places to visit in Alaska is the Alyeska Resort, which is south of Anchorage if you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or just lounging around indoors.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views as they travel up Mt. Alyeska on the aerial tram. Spend some time relaxing at the resort’s Nordic Spa after a successful day skiing.
Summertime is still a good time to go. As the snow melts, numerous fantastic hiking trails become visible. Mountain biking is a fantastic summertime alternative to skiing if you’d want something a little more adrenaline-pumping.
7. The Matanuska Glacier
The Matanuska Glacier, 2 hours north of Anchorage, is one of the top day outings from the city. To get further onto the icefield, you can either take a guided tour or wander around the glacier’s boundaries. Always use caution when walking on glaciers as they can be quite dangerous.
The potential to fill your water bottle with icy, pure glacial water is one special feature of a glacier trip. On a hot summer day, this draft is undoubtedly refreshing, but beware of brain freezes!
If glaciers tickle your interest, the Matanuska Glacier is among the top sites to visit in Alaska due to its accessibility.
8. Talkeetna
Talkeetna, a tiny village, is brimming with authentic Alaskan charm. Local shops sell artisan products and mementos, and neighborhood restaurants serve hearty fare. Visitors may enjoy a ton of outdoor activities year-round, whether it’s summer or winter.
The lakes and rivers provide a range of aquatic activities throughout the summer. For thrill seekers, there is a zip-line course close to Talkeetna.
Winter opens the door to sports like dog sledding and cross-country skiing. Talkeetna is a fantastic location to use as a hub for exploring Denali National Park at any time of year.
9. Lake Clark National Park
Lake Clark National Park is home to numerous different animals, including caribou, brown bears, and black bears. Here, there are countless options for hiking, camping, and rafting thanks to the mountains and forests. Several forest lodges provide more contemporary lodgings if you’d prefer not to rough it.
If you want to see Alaska’s natural splendor in a less congested setting, this park is among the greatest places to go. The park can only be visited by boat or by plane, while being only 100 miles from Anchorage.
10. Glacier Bay National Park
The 3.3 million acres of glaciers, forests, and fjords that make up Glacier Bay National Park. Both mainline and small-ship cruise lines travel to this park frequently. On the waters of Glacier Bay National Park, one can also kayak or go sailing. Given how big the park is, some excursions here last for a week and only cover the surface.
11. The Kenai Peninsula
The Kenai Peninsula offers a wealth of activities and sights in addition to the well-known Kenai Fjords National Park.
A quick road journey to the village of Homer is possible, with stops in a number of charming tiny towns. Salmon fishing is superb in the glacier-blue waters of the Kenai River.
In the summer, fireweed blooms as well, adding pops of brilliant magenta to the undulating, emerald hills. The peninsula is home to moose, and like in many other areas of Alaska, it is advisable to drive carefully around them.
The enormous beasts will damage your fender more than just a dent. They are frequently violent as well, so keep your distance at all times.
12. Prince William Sound
More tidewater glaciers can be found in Prince William Sound than anywhere else in Alaska. One of the best sites to go in Alaska to see a glacier “calve” into the water is here. When iceberg-forming fragments separate from the glacier, the process is known as caving.
Numerous species of wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, and puffins, are still visible here. The greatest centers for exploring this region are the Alaskan cities of Valdez and Whitter. Whittier is known for having a distinctive residential layout. Everyone in the area resides in a sizable apartment complex!
13. Homer
One of the best places to travel to in Alaska for saltwater fishing is this picturesque tiny village. This is the spot to go if you want to catch halibut or other deep-sea creatures.
The Homer Spit, a long, thin strip of land protruding out into the bay, is one of the nicest spots to visit. There are numerous hip restaurants, hotels, and bars in this area. The ferry terminal for Homer, which connects Homer with neighboring towns, is located at the end of the strip.
14. Kodiak Island
It’s a true jewel, this island in southern Alaska. The largest kind of bears, Kodiak brown bears, are notable for inhabiting the island. Observing the Jabba-the-Hutt-like sea lions relaxing at the Near Island docks is another well-liked activity in Kodiak.
Learn about the town’s Native American, Russian, and Scandinavian roots by visiting the Kodiak Historical Museum. In a serene forest setting, Fort Abercrombie State Park’s many hiking paths are available. Along the cliffs here, you may still see the remains of World War II bunkers and lookout points.
15. Katmai National Park
Northwest of Kodiak Island, across the water, is Katmai National Park. According to the US Geological Survey, the region rose to fame after the greatest volcanic eruption of the 20th century occurred there in 1912.
If you want to see brown bears up close (but not too near! ), Katmai National Park is one of the greatest places to go in Alaska. One of the greatest bases for touring Katmai National Park is Brooks Camp.
16. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the biggest national park in the United States with 13.2 million acres. Here, three mountain chains come together. Huge valleys dotted with lakes and rivers and covered with evergreen forests can be found between the mountains.
This is one of the top destinations in Alaska for those interested in outdoor hiking. It takes roughly 5 hours to get there from Anchorage. When compared to some of Alaska’s other wilderness areas, it is significantly more accessible.
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17. Kennecott Mines National Historical Landmark
The Kennecott Mines are another man-made feature in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Following the discovery of copper in this area in 1900, a mining town grew. Up until 1938, when the copper veins eventually ran dry, the copper boom persisted. A small number of the structures serve as a museum, documenting the past of this isolated mining settlement.
18. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
The least frequented of America’s national parks, it is secluded and has a harsh environment. It is also the second-largest national park in America, with 7.5 million acres. If you want to experience the full majesty of Alaska’s northern nature, it’s one of the best places to go.
Located far above the Arctic Circle is the park. As a result, it experiences below-freezing temperatures as early as mid-August. The National Park Service advises visiting the park in the middle of the summer. Although May is the “break-up” season and temperatures begin to increase, the rivers are impassable due to ice flows.
19. Chena Hot Springs
The winter months, when it is quite cold outside, are the greatest for viewing the northern lights. Take a soak in the Chena Hot Springs’ waters to beat the chill or pass the time during the day.
On the other hand, the resort’s grounds contain an ice museum open all year long if you’d like to cool off a little in the summer. Although there are other hot springs strewn across the remainder of the state, Chena Hot Springs is the most straightforward to get to.
20. Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow)
It’s a frequent misconception that it’s dark “all the time” in Alaska during the winter. That isn’t true for the majority of the state, but up here on the arctic coast, it rings true. Here, the shortest day is from late November to late January.
On the other hand, there are exactly 24 hours of daylight in summertime. Due to its fabled long nights and days, Utqiavigvik is among the best places to visit in Alaska.
Even polar bears have been known to stroll the town’s streets or surrounding areas. The Inupiat Heritage Center protects the culture of the indigenous Inupiat people who have long weathered this harsh environment.
21. The Alaska Highway
The history of the Alaska Highway is fascinating. Designed to facilitate shipping and travel to the Soviet Union during World War II. Travelers can now retrace this magnificent engineering achievement. Along the road are numerous little towns that provide housing, food, and petrol.
There is a fair chance that you will observe a variety of Alaskan animals on your drive down the “Al-Can.” You may spot black bears, moose, porcupines, coyotes, mountain goats, and many other animals while traveling the Alaska Highway. Be warned that mosquitoes will be present during the summer months if nothing else, so be ready.
What are the Most Important Alaska Travel Tips to Know?
1. Alaska isn’t as scary as you think
Alaska won’t be as intense as you may expect, despite having more than 5,000 earthquakes annually and more than three times as many bears (including dangerous polar bears and grizzlies) than the next-closest challenger in the US mainland.
And no, Alaska does not always have a daily high of -30 degrees F. Alaska has excellent summer weather, and its autumns are also quite pleasant.
The summers are a lot of fun. Who wouldn’t enjoy sunshine all day long?
2. Alaska’s wildlife is spectacular
Alaska has a unique variety of wildlife that is unlike anything else in the country, if not the entire world. Alaska is home to dozens of different animal species, including moose, elk, seals, and foxes.
Deer and caribou are usually always present because they are frequently domesticated in the region. It’s possible to see whales and otters from the shore or while on boat tours, especially in southeast Alaska.
When visiting Alaska, you could encounter a variety of interesting species. These include polar bears, wolves, and grizzlies. When visiting Alaska, it’s critical to be mindful of these creatures, especially if you intend to venture into the bush.
3. SUVs are recommended for road trips
You need to be aware of a few things if you plan to hire a car while visiting Alaska. First off, an SUV is a need for anyone who wants to feel secure when driving in Alaska due to the state’s hazardous roadways. Additionally, Alaska’s weather is unpredictable, so be ready for rain, snow, and ice.
A first aid kit and additional clothing should always be carried in case of abrupt weather changes, and make sure your SUV car hire has adequate tires and 4-wheel drive.
You might even need to keep a backup gas can in your trunk because it’s not always simple to find a gas station (especially in the cold). A road trip is a fantastic way to experience Alaska’s true beauty.
4. June through September is the best time to watch bears
There are just a few spots in the world where you may see bears in the wild, which is a fantastic experience.
One of those sites is Alaska, where you have a decent chance of seeing the common brown bear as well as grizzly bears, black bears, and even polar bears throughout the summer.
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera, and be ready to see some incredible wildlife!
5. The Alaska Railroad is incredible
A fantastic way to visit Alaska is on the Alaska Railroad. From Seward to Fairbanks, the train runs, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore Alaska’s glaciers, mountains, and animals.
The train’s dome cars give passengers a 360-degree view of their surroundings, and they can open the windows to let in fresh air and hear forest sounds.
The train also features a bar where passengers can unwind after a long day and a dining car where great meals produced using local Alaskan delicacies are served.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Alaska’s top tourist destinations?
Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Inside Passage, and the Kenai Fjords are the top destinations in Alaska.
Where should I fly to if I want to visit Alaska?
The finest airport to fly into for an Alaskan holiday is Anchorage. With the most flights and a prime position for seeing the rest of the state, it serves as an excellent hub.
Is it expensive to travel to Alaska?
With a cost of living 24% more than the national average, Alaska is one of the most expensive states in the union. To assist keep the costs of your trip down, a lot of inexpensive travel options can be discovered online or through an Alaskan travel agent.
What attire should visitors to Alaska bring?
The weather in Alaska is notoriously unpredictable, and it rarely rains. You should therefore be ready for everything. Layerable clothing, such thin t-shirts, flannels, long sleeve shirts, and sweatshirts are things you should include. A thick sweater, a raincoat, and waterproof shoes are also recommended.
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Conclusion
People have been drawn to Alaska for hundreds of years because of the state’s enormous wildness and rugged beauty. The largest and 50th state in the United States, Alaska, is known as “The Last Frontier” and is home to some of the most stunning landscapes, fascinating cultures, and unique animals. Hunting, fishing, and hiking are other outdoor activities that are perfect there.
If you’re considering a trip to Alaska, you might be wondering what are the greatest spots to go. It can be difficult to select just a few sites to visit because there is so much to see and do.