The Ultimate Guide to Alaska's Must-Visit Destinations 🌲❄️

Although Alaska is physically separated from the rest of the United States, it stands out as 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. Alongside its major cities like Anchorage, it's essential to explore the natural wonders that make Alaska so beloved. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Alaska.

1. Wrangle Saint Elias National Park 🏞️

Combining great access with amazing Alaskan landscapes, Wrangle Saint Elias National Park offers otherworldly experiences. The park features a stunning concentration of the United States' tallest peaks, spread throughout an area larger than the state of Connecticut. This national park links up with Glacier Bay to create a larger UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike Glacier Bay, you’ll have an easier time exploring the park's immense glaciers thanks to various adventure opportunities including ice climbing.

2. Anchorage 🌆

Anchorage is set in a spectacular spot in the south-central part of the state, surrounded by majestic mountains and incredible wilderness. Sheltered from the glittering Gulf of Alaska by the Kenai Peninsula, it lies at the end of an idyllic inlet just a stone's throw away from gorgeous lakes and glistening glaciers. While most people use it as a gateway to explore the state's rugged and remote areas, Anchorage itself offers plenty to do. As home to over a third of Alaska's population, it’s a vital transport hub and a thriving cultural and economic center.

3. Ketchikan 🛳️

The southernmost city in Alaska, Ketchikan is a scenic destination known for being the first stop for many cruise ships that head north along the coast. Located at the foot of Deer Mountain, Ketchikan boasts a range of attractions. The most scenic downtown stretch is Creek Street, which is only a short distance from the cruise ship docks. Once a rowdy red-light district, Creek Street today is home to charming historic establishments.

4. Glacier Bay National Park 🛶

Shelve the hiking boots at Glacier Bay National Park; the best views are seen from the water. You won’t have to work up a sweat to appreciate the ornate beauty of your surroundings. Thanks to many cruises, you'll have ample opportunities to explore the state's most popular park from the comfort of a boat. Keep an eye out for orcas and whales, and marvel at the towering glaciers that frame every view. If you’re lucky, you can even kayak for a closer look.

5. Homer 🎣

If you are interested in exploring nature or doing some fishing, then Homer should be on your Alaskan itinerary. Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is known as the fishing capital of Alaska and serves as a gateway to several national parks. While in Homer, you can walk along the beach to the iconic Homer Spit, drive up Skyline Drive for fantastic views, and spot wildlife in Kachemak Bay State Park. Here, you'll find mountain goats, bald eagles, sea lions, humpback whales, and black bears.

6. Skagway 🚂

Skagway was a tiny settlement when it was founded in 1887, but the Klondike Gold Rush changed the town forever. Prospectors flooded into town, and the rest is history, which you can learn all about at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. The former glory of Skagway is visible not only in the Wild West-style wooden buildings in the historic center but also during an incredibly scenic train journey on the White Pass and Yukon Route. A trip on this narrow-gauge railway will leave you in awe of the amazing views.

7. Mendenhall Glacier 🚁

Just a short drive from the city of Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier, an enormous glacier calving into its adjacent lake. There are several ways to experience the glacier, ranging from a simple shuttle ride to see it up close to a helicopter ride for a comprehensive overview. The more adventurous visitors may want to try the Mendenhall Glacier West Glacier Trail, which is very challenging but offers incredible photography opportunities.

8. 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 remains covered in ice year-round, and there are deep fjords where water valleys have formed. These fjords are the perfect habitat for aquatic wildlife, and you'll easily spot migrating whales as well as birds swooping down to feed on fish in the water.

9. Katmai National Park 🏞️

Located in southwestern Alaska, Katmai National Park is a scenic retreat close to both Homer and Kodiak Island. The heart of the park is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an enormous ash flow left after the 1912 eruption of the Novarupta volcano. Katmai also offers incredible opportunities to get up close with local wildlife, particularly brown bears that feed on local salmon. Fishing is a popular pastime here, thanks to the abundance of rainbow trout and salmon.

10. Denali National Park 🏔️

Denali National Park is a monumental tract of land that makes up Alaska's most famous national park. The centerpiece, by a long stretch, is Denali—formerly known as Mount McKinley. This towering mountain is the tallest in North America at 6,190 meters above sea level. It's truly a sight to behold as the snowy tip seems to pierce the sky. Within this vast expanse, you'll find snowy boreal forests, desolate tundra, jagged mountains, and lakes that play host to caribou, moose, grizzly bears, and wolves. For those seeking true wilderness, this might just be the place.

So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Alaska!

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