Alaska attractions: where glaciers meet grizzly bears and endless
Alaska is a vast, wild, and breathtaking destination, full of natural beauty and unique experiences.
For tourists seeking the best Alaska attractions or the top tourist attractions in Alaska, here’s a guide that focuses on the best places to explore based on firsthand recommendations from seasoned travelers.
Whether you’re craving thrilling outdoor adventures, serene nature getaways, or up-close wildlife encounters, Alaska has something for everyone.
1. The Kenai Peninsula
One of the top tourist destinations in Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula offers some of the best fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching in the state. Homer, a small coastal town, is a hub for halibut fishing, where charters are widely available.
Expect to pay around $300 for a fishing trip, but it’s a worthwhile experience. You can keep the fish and even have it shipped home. Homer Spit, with its Mad Max-like scenery, offers beach walks, quaint restaurants, and boutiques.
If you’re into hiking, the Grace Ridge Trail provides stunning bay views, and across the bay, Grewingk Glacier offers a well-maintained trail leading to scenic beauty.
In Seward, another gem of the peninsula, Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-see. The Kenai Fjords tour takes visitors through an unforgettable journey of wildlife spotting, including sea lions, puffins, whales, and glaciers.
The Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield Trail are excellent hikes for glacier views. Be sure to visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, a popular stop with its touch tanks and marine life exhibits.
2. Denali National Park
No Alaska trip would be complete without a visit to Denali National Park. While Denali, the tallest peak in North America, might not always be visible due to clouds, the park offers stunning vistas and abundant wildlife.
A bus tour into the park is highly recommended, though some travelers suggest stopping in Talkeetna for a clearer view of Denali on a good day.
Talkeetna also offers exciting flightseeing tours—a thrilling way to get up close to the glaciers and mountains.
3. Glaciers and Wildlife Cruises
A hallmark of Alaskan attractions is the sheer number of glaciers and the wildlife surrounding them. The 26 Glacier Cruise out of Whittier, Matanuska Glacier, and the Aialik Glacier Cruise from Seward are particularly memorable.
Wildlife cruises in Prince William Sound from Valdez provide breathtaking encounters with otters, eagles, and sea lions, often paired with glacier viewing.
If you want an even more unique experience, try kayaking through floating icebergs or taking a helicopter ride to Schoup Glacier.
4. Anchorage and Surrounding Adventures
Anchorage, though more urban than many Alaskan destinations, serves as a gateway to outdoor excursions.
Locals recommend hiking Flattop Mountain, taking a scenic drive to Kincaid Park, or visiting Point Woronzoff for airplane spotting and beautiful beach walks.
A drive south of Anchorage will bring you to Beluga Point, an excellent spot for ocean views and wildlife watching.
For food lovers, Anchorage has a few must-visit eateries. Bear Tooth and Moose’s Tooth are beloved for their pizza, while Snow City Cafe and Middle Way Cafe are staples for breakfast and brunch. For a unique Alaskan treat, grab a spicy reindeer sausage at one of the vendor carts.
5. Hatcher Pass
Known for its hiking trails and jaw-dropping mountain views, Hatcher Pass is another favorite spot for travelers.
Trails like Reed Lakes lead to breathtaking lakes and rugged terrain, offering a perfect day hike experience. In the winter months, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland, ideal for snowshoeing or skiing.
6. Girdwood and Alyeska Resort
For those looking for a blend of nature and luxury, Girdwood is an ideal destination. Located just 40 minutes from Anchorage, this town is home to the Alyeska Resort, where you can take a tram up the mountain for spectacular views.
Virgin Creek Falls, an easy and short hike, is a local secret worth exploring. Don’t forget to try the famous peppercorn steak at Double Musky.
7. Valdez
Valdez may be a drive from other major destinations, but it’s well worth the trip. The scenic beauty, including Bridal Veil Falls and Worthington Glacier, is stunning.
Valdez is also home to unforgettable sea kayaking experiences among icebergs, a favorite among travelers who seek peaceful yet exhilarating water adventures.
8. Fairbanks: Seasonal Highlights
Fairbanks may not be as thrilling as some of Alaska’s other destinations. Still, it does offer unique experiences like the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum and the Running Reindeer Ranch for those interested in history and local wildlife.
For an unforgettable winter adventure, Fairbanks is also an excellent place to witness the Northern Lights.
9. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Off the beaten path but highly rewarding, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a hidden gem. The McCarthy/Kennicott area is famous for its historic copper mine and offers a deep dive into Alaska’s industrial past. It’s also a gateway to hiking, glacier walks, and spectacular mountain views.
10. Wildlife Viewing in Katmai and Brooks Camp
For wildlife lovers, Alaska offers some of the best bear viewing in the world. Brooks Camp and Katmai National Park are the go-to spots to witness brown bears in their natural habitat, especially during the salmon runs in July.
For a more remote experience, some recommend Lake Clark National Park, which sees fewer tourists but offers equally stunning bear encounters.
Whether you’re fishing off the coast of Homer, kayaking in Prince William Sound, or trekking through the wilds of Denali, Alaska’s tourist attractions offer unforgettable experiences for nature lovers, adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Each stop in Alaska reveals a new layer of this incredible state, where rugged beauty and raw wilderness are always within reach.
