Although it is physically separate from the rest of the United States, Alaska is one of the most scenic and fascinating parts of the country. Its seclusion only adds to the beauty and mystery of the 49th state, making it an appealing getaway spot for intrepid travelers and nature lovers.
Along with the major cities like Anchorage, it is important to get out and experience the natural landmarks and attractions that make Alaska so beloved. As you plan your next trip’s itinerary, be sure to include as many of the following best places to visit in Alaska as possible.
- Denali National Park
#1 of Best Places To Visit In Alaska/Denali NPS
One of the famous and most popular places to visit in Alaska is the Denali National Park. Home to the iconic and towering peak of Denali (also known as Mount McKinley), which is the country’s highest mountain, Denali National Park is a protected wilderness area where all kind of wildlife can be seen. Spot bears, moose, wolves and more while walking along the Savage River, admiring the stillness of Wonder Lake or hiking through Poly chrome Pass.
Hiking, whitewater rafting and back-country camping are popular ways to explore the national park, but there are also bus tours for a climate-controlled and safer way to get around. Short, ranger-led trail walks are available from the Denali Visitor Center, where you’ll also find informative and educational exhibits.
- Katmai National Park
2nd place is Katmai National Park/Marshmallow
In Southwestern Alaska is the Katmai National Park, a scenic retreat close to both Homer and Kodiak Island. At the heart of the park is the Valley of Ten A Thousand Smokes, an enormous ash flow that remained after the 1912 eruption of the Volcano.
Also, in the Katmai National Park are incredible opportunities to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. In particular, you can spot brown bears who feed on the local salmon. Fishing is also a popular pastime thanks to the abundance of rainbow trout and salmon.
- Kenai Fjords National Park
3rd place is Kenai Fjords National Park
Visiting the Kenai Fjords National Park is like stepping back in time to the ice age. Glaciers and ice caps still exist and touch the edge of the ocean, creating dramatic and unforgettable views.
Half of the park is covered in ice year-round, and there are deep fjords that have resulted where the water valleys are formed. These fjords are the ideal home to a lot of aquatic wildlife, and you’ll easily spot migrating whales as well as birds swooping down to feed on the fish in the water.
Because of the icy conditions, many visitors choose to visit the Kenai Fjords National Park on a guided day tour, although there are limited accommodation choices in the park itself.
- Mendenhall Glacier
4th place is Mendenhall Glacier
Just a short drive from the city of Juneau is the Glacier, an enormous glacier that is calving, or separating, into its own adjacent lake. There are a number of different ways to experience the glacier, ranging from a simple shuttle ride to see it up close or a helicopter ride to truly appreciate the sheer size of the glacier.
The fittest visitors may want to try out the Glacier West Glacier Trail, which is very challenging but provides incredible opportunities for photography. Also, worth a visit is the Glacier Visitor Center, which includes exhibits about the glacier as well as several viewing platforms.
- Juneau
5th place is Juneau
The capital city of Alaska is Juneau, which serves as a major port for cruise ships through the area. It is also home to major attractions such as the Alaska State Museum, the Alaska State Capitol and the incredibly serene Shrine of St Therese.
For excellent views over Juneau, ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway, and from the top set off on one of the many hiking trails overlooking the city. Juneau is also home to a number of breweries, and there are multiple companies offering brewery tours to warm you up on a cold day.
Head to Front Street for plenty of excellent souvenir shops and local restaurants where you can sample regional cuisine.
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