Alaska, also known as “The Last Frontier,” is one of the most spectacular and unique places on earth. With its natural beauty, vast wilderness, and diverse wildlife, it’s no wonder that Alaska is a popular destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. While there are dozens of spectacular sites to see in Alaska, be sure to check out these top 7.
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Denali National Park
Experience Alaska’s natural beauty at Denali National Park. North America’s highest peak, Denali, stands at 20,310 feet. Explore the park’s vast wilderness and wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. Hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing are popular activities in the park.
Denali National Park offers stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Take a guided tour to learn about the park’s unique geology, glacial history, and culture. Explore the park’s backcountry on a shuttle bus tour. Or take a hike on one of the many trails in the park, including the popular Mt. Healy Overlook Trail. Denali National Park is a paradise for photographers. You will find endless opportunities to capture stunning landscapes and wildlife. Fall foliage in the park is a popular attraction.
Denali National Park is a great destination for families, with a range of kid-friendly activities and programs available. The park’s vast wilderness is perfect for backpackers and backcountry hikers. The Savage River in the park is a popular spot for fly fishing and other outdoor activities.
The park has camping options available, or you can stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Discover everything you dreamed Alaska would be at Kenai Fjords National Park. This wonderland boasts a diverse landscape of fjords, glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Explore its rugged beauty by hiking, kayaking, or taking a boat tour. The park’s rugged beauty and stunning landscapes make it a popular destination for photographers.
Hike to the famous Exit Glacier! The Harding Icefield is one of the largest ice fields in the United States and offers multiple opportunities for exploration and discovery. You will also enjoy the park’s diverse range of wildlife, including whales, sea lions, sea otters, and bald eagles. Take a boat tour to explore the park’s stunning fjords and spot marine wildlife up close.
Learn about the park’s geology and natural history through ranger-led programs and exhibits. Experience true solitude and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by exploring the backcountry. Or catch enormous halibut and salmon on a fishing excursion.
Kenai Fjords National Park is a great destination for families, with a range of kid-friendly activities and programs available. And for those who are less active, scenic drives through the park offer a chance to explore the natural beauty and wildlife from the comfort of your car.
The park has several camping and lodging options available, or you can stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Glacier Bay National Park
Cruise through Glacier Bay National Park to witness the ever-changing landscape of this stunning wilderness. The park’s is home to over 1,000 glaciers, which you can see up close on boat tours and hikes. Photographers will love Muir Glacier, one of the most iconic sights in the park. The John Hopkins Glacier is also a stunning sight. And of course, don’t miss the opportunity to sit and gaze at the stunning vistas and the iconic view of Mount Fairweather.
Get close – but not too close – to the park’s diverse wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, moose, bald eagles, and brown bears on a hike or kayaking excursion. There are hiking trails for all levels. Birdwatchers will enjoy a vast array of sightings on their visit and fishing enthusiasts will be in heaven.
The park is also home to several historic sites. Learn about the rich culture of the Tlingit people. You can also explore a former mining town. The park’s backcountry offers visitors a chance to experience true solitude and escape the crowds.
The park has several camping and lodging options available, or you can stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Sitka National Historical Park
Fly or sail to the Sitka National Historical Park located on Baranof Island, on the outer coast of Alaska’s inside passage. Situated on the site of a battle between invading Russian traders and indigenous Tlingit, the park provides a unique opportunity to explore the complex histories of the Tlingit people and colonial Russia.
Explore the Tlingit totem pole trail to learn the purpose, importance, and cultural significance of the different types of totem poles. These totem poles are truly a must-see sight and showcase the artistry and history of the Tlingit people. Also be sure to check out other park artifacts, including ceremonial masks, and a traditional work canoe.
Tour the 19th century home of a Russian bishop and the nearby Russian Blockhouse to better understand Sitka’s colonial and military history. Also, the Russian Orthodox cathedral is a stunning sight and offers a glimpse into Russian Orthodox heritage. Visit Russian-American Building #29 offers a fascinating look into the area’s Russian-American Company history.
Take a walk along the park’s interpretive trail to learn about the area’s flora and fauna. The park’s stunning coastal location provides a beautiful backdrop for exploration. Tour exhibits on the area’s fishing and logging industries for a look into the area’s economic history. And don’t miss walking through the historic cemetery for a somber but fascinating look into the lives of Sitka’s past residents.
The park has does not offer lodging but there are several options to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Dalton Highway
Drive the Dalton Highway, a 414-mile road that runs from Fairbanks to the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. Marvel at the stunning scenery, with views of the Arctic tundra, the Brooks Range, and the Northern Lights. You will also enjoy fabulous wildlife viewing, with moose, caribou, and grizzly bears commonly spotted in the area.
Driving the Dalton Highway is not for the faint of heart. It is mostly unpaved and can be challenging to navigate. You need a vehicle with high clearance and sturdy tires. Known as the “Haul Road,” those up for the challenge will have a truly unforgettable experience.
The highway is home to several small communities, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who live and work in northern Alaska. You will get an up-close look of the effects of the oil industry on the Alaskan landscape, including the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The highway also offers access to several state parks and wilderness areas, including Gates of the Arctic National Park. Stop about halfway up the highway to take a photo at the iconic Artic Circle sign.
The Dalton Highway is quite remote and desolate, but you will find a few places to stay along the way. There are also several fun things to see and do while in the area.
Kodiak Island
Visit Kodiak Island to see the iconic Kodiak bears. These enormous brown bears are among the largest in the world and can weigh up to 1,500 pounds. Take a guided tour to see the bears up close and learn about their behavior and habitat. The Kodiak brown bear population is closely monitored and protected by state and federal agencies.
Explore the island’s Kodiak Island Wildlife Refuge, to see some of Alaska’s most pristine and remote wilderness. Hike through the island’s forests and along its rocky coastline. Anglers from around the world flock to the island for world-class salmon fishing. The island also offers amazing wildlife viewing and hunting.
Check out the Baranof Museum to learn about the island’s native Alutiiq culture and history. The museum features exhibits on traditional crafts, hunting, and fishing practices. Don’t miss the Russian Orthodox Holy Resurrection Cathedral. It is stunning and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also visit Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park and the Kodiak Military History Museum to immerse yourself in local history.
The island has several places to stay. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Utqiaġvik
Visit Utqiaġvik (formerly known as Barrow), the northernmost city in the United States. Utqiaġvik is home to a vibrant Inupiat community eager to share their culture and way of life. See traditional hunting and fishing practices in action, including the use of whalebone boats. Check out the Inupiat Heritage Center for exhibits on the history, culture, and traditions of the Inupiat people.
Take a guided tour to see polar bears, whales, and caribou. You will be amazed at the unique wildlife and landscapes of the Arctic tundra. Witness stunning Northern Lights displays during the winter months. Take a guided tour to learn about the science behind the lights.
Brave the cold to enjoy the town’s beach. Believe it or not, this is a popular spot for surfing and kayaking. Adventurers will also enjoy traversing ice caves and sea cliffs along the Arctic Coast. Visit the nearby archaeological sites, including the ancient village of Nuvuk. Take a guided tour to see the remains of the village and learn about its history.
Utqiaġvik has several lodging options available. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Plan to Visit Alaska Soon
These are just 7 of the best sites to see in Alaska, but the state is full of many more incredible destinations that are worth exploring. For more information on Alaska, check out our posts on Alaska: Land vs Sea Debate and 7 Days in Alaska. Plan to visit soon!
We hope you have enjoyed this second installment on our new 7 Sensational Sites in Each State of the USA series. Tell us what you think in the comments below. You can also contact us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post!
