Best Sightseeing in Alaska
If you are planning a trip to Alaska, then you’re in for a treat! Located on the northwest corner of North America, Alaska is a semi-exclave of the U.S. and borders Canada’s British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. If you are interested in exploring this beautiful state, then there are many options for sightseeing in Alaska. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your visit!
Denali National Park
There are several things to do in Denali. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll most likely be on a bus. You can get a park film or tour and learn about the area’s history, or you can opt for a hike in the surrounding wilderness. No matter what you choose, you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery and wildlife. Here are the best ways to see the park.
You’ll be able to experience the rugged beauty of Denali’s landscapes. The park spans six million acres, and the road is mostly unpaved. Unlike most parks, Denali is unspoiled, making for an unforgettable visit. This is the largest ecosystem in the world, and there’s little evidence of civilization. You can spot large animals in the park, and you can even see bears feasting on salmon.
Hikers will also enjoy the numerous trails that makeup Denali National Park. There are also free interpretive presentations and hiking guides to get the most out of your trip. If you’re new to the park, start your tour with the Eielson Visitor Center, which offers free interpretive programs, public exhibits on the park’s animals, and maps of hiking trails. The tour is free and only takes an hour or two.
The road through Denali National Park is closed to private vehicles, so a bus is your best option. Buses run along the road and are divided into half-day and full-day options. The bus tours are narrated by onboard naturalists, and the drivers stop frequently for wildlife viewing. For information about bus schedules, visit the Denali National Park website. These are updated regularly, so check the website to make sure you have the best experience possible.
Hubbard Glacier
One of the most spectacular coastal features in the world is located in Alaska, and Hubbard Glacier is no exception. It’s the longest river of ice in North America and originates from Mount Logan. Although 95% of glaciers are retreating, Hubbard Glacier continues to advance, allowing visitors to view ice chunks falling to the sea. The spectacular glacier is an excellent place to see calving ice, and there are several opportunities to view it in this way.
One of the most iconic sites in Alaska is the Hubbard Glacier, which can only be seen by boat. It’s an awe-inspiring natural wonder, standing four hundred feet tall and six miles long. You’ll also have a chance to take a boat tour through the ice field, and you can even snorkel in the icy waters below. While the glacier may be intimidating, it is also a great way to experience nature’s beauty in its purest form.
Another attraction in Hubbard is the Tracy Arm Fjord. If you’re looking for a beautiful place to go on a cruise, you might consider taking a trip down the Tracy Arm Fjord, a 23-mile fjord south of Juneau. You’ll also find two ancient glaciers in the Tracy Arm Fjord, including the iconic Hubbard Glacier.
Sitka
Near Juneau, Sitka is a borough and city in the state of Alaska. Spread over Baranof Island and part of Chichagof Island, the city was once part of Russia until 1867. Visit the Russian Bishop’s House and the onion-domed St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral. Nearby is the Russian Bishop’s House. You can also tour the Sitka National Historical Park, the site of the Russian defeat of the Tlingit people, and walk along the trail of totem poles and other symbols of the local culture.
A 113-acre visitor center showcases the city’s history and features artifacts from the region’s past. Visitors can also visit the restored Russian Bishop’s house and the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center. While you’re there, take time to visit local art galleries and shop for unique souvenirs. Sitka is the best sightseeing destination in Alaska because it offers endless opportunities to explore. It’s also home to several museums, art galleries, and a local food and beverage scene.
Another must-see attraction in Sitka is Whale Park, located in Tongass National Forest. Visit this park during September or December to spot humpback whales. You’ll also get a chance to watch sea lions, harbor seals, and eagles from the observation decks. The park has several other interesting attractions that you can visit, such as a craft brewery and museum.
Dalton Highway
The Dalton Highway is located in the far north of Alaska, just north of the Arctic Circle. The route is renowned for its natural scenery and is home to a diverse collection of fauna and flora. You can spot black bears, grizzly bears, marmots, caribou, and more. This road is only accessible during the fall and winter seasons, so you should plan your trip accordingly.
The Dalton Highway starts in Fairbanks, where it crosses the Yukon River via a wooden bridge. Continuing northward, you will drive through the Brooks Range, an area of rocky severity and arctic vegetation. A brief detour to Coldfoot will take you to the Koyukuk river valley, where you can take a short walk or visit a geology kiosk to learn about the region’s geology.
The Dalton Highway is a 415-mile-long (667-kilometer) road that begins in Fairbanks and ends in Deadhorse, near Prudhoe Bay, the site of North America’s biggest oil discovery. It is unpaved but well worth a trip. This road is a scenic delight, and it’s the only road that reaches the north coast of the state.
While Dalton Highway is a little more adventurous than the rest of the state, it is also a must-do when traveling through Alaska. The drive along the Dalton Highway passes the highest pass in Alaska and crosses the Arctic Circle. The drive also takes you across the Yukon River, making it the only highway to cross the Yukon River. The scenery is truly amazing, and you’ll be inspired by the locals and wildlife. But be prepared for some challenges, and make sure you have good preparation and a backup plan.
Museum of the North
The University of Alaska Museum of the North is a cultural and historical museum located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. Visitors can learn about the rich history of the north, explore its natural wonders, and learn about its people. The museum offers both local and global perspectives on a wide variety of topics, such as wildlife conservation and Indigenous cultures. The museum is free to visit, and is open to the public.
The Museum of the North is one of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Alaska. The museum was founded in 1917 and contains over 2.5 million artifacts and specimens, which represent the native cultures and flora and fauna of the region. The museum also houses the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery, which features collections from over 2000 years of northern cultures. Visitors can also take in a light and sound display at the museum. The Museum of the North is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Fairbanks.
Another important attraction in Alaska is the Hubbard Glacier. The Hubbard Glacier is a beautiful sight, with turquoise ice and white snow, framed by an open expanse of blue sky. The Glacier is one of the best sightseeing destinations in Alaska, so it is worth a visit. Then, stop by Anchorage Market, which is an interesting labyrinth of food, arts and crafts, and clothes. The Anchorage Market has 80 stalls on one morning, and up to 200 the next day.
Juneau
There are many things to do in Juneau, Alaska, but one of the best sightseeing options is whale watching. Juneau is home to more than 500 humpback whales, as well as resident orcas, which can be seen year-round. There are several tour companies that run these excursions. To find out more about this incredible attraction, visit Travel Juneau. You’ll be happy you did. And while whale watching is one of the best things to do in Juneau, you’ll also want to visit some of the state’s many museums, including the state library.
If you want to spend the whole day on the water, one of the top sightseeing options in Juneau is taking a catamaran tour. These tours will take you into the Tracy Arm Fjord and back to Juneau. You’ll be seated comfortably on a two-story boat with a top deck and a concession area. The boat also offers table-top seating, so you can have lunch while taking in the scenery.
Another great way to see Alaska is by air. The state capital is a scenic town that is accessible only by boat or plane. With its early nineteenth-century architecture and historic buildings from gold-mining days, downtown Juneau has much to offer visitors. Cruise ships, fishing boats, and floatplanes all ply the waterfront. Even though there are no roads connecting Juneau to the rest of Alaska, it offers plenty of activities.
Things to Do in Alaska
When visiting Alaska, you can experience a variety of outdoor activities and see diverse wildlife. There are numerous options for both guided and self-guided hiking and backpacking trips. Other activities include glacier trekking, skiing, biking, stand up paddle boards, jet boats, and culinary tours. For more information, read the following articles. Then, plan your trip to Alaska! Here are some ideas for fun things to do in Alaska. If you’re interested in seeing the state’s natural beauty, consider these suggestions.
Denali National Park
If you’re visiting Alaska, you can’t miss the Denali National Park and Preserve, which spans six million acres of the interior wilderness. Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, you’ll see a variety of landscapes, including spruce forest, glaciers, and tundra. Explore the natural beauty of the area and take part in activities like hiking, backpacking, and biking.
Among the many things to do in Denali are scenic hikes and wildlife viewing. This park is home to 39 species of mammals, 169 species of birds, fourteen species of fish, and the wood frog. You’ll probably see the Big Five, but you’re not the only one – there are plenty of other ways to get close to the animals, too. If you’re on a tight schedule, a bus tour is probably your best bet.
If you want to see the magnificent mountain, you can take a photo tour or go on a multi-day bike ride. However, you’ll need a driver after mile 35, and there are few overnight camping spots until mile 85. You can also opt for an aerial adventure. There are flightseeing trips from towns outside of the park that take you above the spectacular landscape of Denali. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you can even go skydiving.
There are several hiking trails in the park. One of these is the Triple Lakes Trail, a 18.5-mile round trip through 3 lakes. You’ll get the most flora and fauna while on this route. To cycle the route, you’ll need a good mountain bike with a spare tire, because the gravel road can cut a tire. And don’t forget to bring a helmet – it’s a bit dangerous!
Shuyak Island State Park
For the non-snow-loving traveler, there are a few places to visit in Shuyak Island State Park, things to do when in Alaska. A visit here will offer you the opportunity to see the jewell gardens, which were featured in the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch. If you are interested in seeing the park in summer, you can go parasailing in the lakes or hike across mountain passes dotted with wildflowers.
The sheltered bays and inlets of Shuyak Island are a kayaker’s paradise. Using a folding kayak to explore the island’s numerous inlets and bays is the most efficient method of exploration as rigid kayaks can be cumbersome to transport and can cost a lot of money. Even though there are limited supplies, this activity is still fun, and a unique way to see the island’s flora and fauna.
To fully experience the rugged beauty of this park, visitors should bring supplies before arrival. There are four public cabins at the park that provide services to campers and tourists. You can reserve one of these cabins through the Alaska Division of Parks, but reservations must be made in advance. In case of emergency, state park rangers will contact you to ensure your safety. You can reserve a cabin or book a guide at least six months in advance.
While visiting the park, you should not miss the Aurora Ice Museum, which is a remarkable piece of architecture. The ice museum houses elaborate ice sculptures and color-changing lights that simulate the aurora borealis. If you’re interested in viewing the northern lights, you can join a stargazing party. If you’re lucky enough to catch them, you’ll have plenty of time to photograph and admire the spectacular scenery.
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Whether you’re traveling with a group of friends or with your family, you’ll find plenty to do in the area around Chena Hot Springs Resort. The 440-acre resort features modern rooms, cabins and yurts, as well as a restaurant and cafe. You can even camp if you’d prefer to be more mobile. And for a little extra fun, you can visit the state park’s seven public cabins!
This resort is unincorporated and sits in the Chena River State Recreation Area about 60 minutes from downtown Fairbanks. It’s a perfect getaway for those who want to spend an evening gazing at the Aurora Borealis. Guests are invited to lounge in the outdoor rock lake, which is heated to 105 degrees. During the winter, temperatures dip to -24 degrees, but it’s still a warm place to spend the evening.
The nearby Aurora Ice Museum is another fun thing to do while you’re in the area. You can enjoy drinks in ice glasses and drink hot water from the ice museum’s bar. There’s no shortage of other things to do while you’re here – you can even hike, take a sled dog cart ride, go gold-panning, and much more! While at Chena Hot Springs Resort, be sure to check out the Aurora Ice Museum, which features the largest ice museum in the world.
While there are public-use cabins and camping available in Chena, there aren’t many options for dining while you’re staying at the resort. The closest restaurant is Wagner’s Pizza Bus, located at mile 24 on the Chena Hot Springs road. And don’t forget about the Angel Creek Lodge, where you can get a delicious Alaska roadhouse meal. The area is also perfect for exploring and photographing the pristine scenery.
Mendenhall Ice Caves
There are few places in the world where you can see the water cycle up close like the Mendenhall Ice Caves in Alaska. This amazing site is hidden within the Mendenhall Glacier, which has receded by 2.5 miles since the mid-1700s. You can visit the caves to see the glacier in action and appreciate its intricate beauty. Cell service is not guaranteed, so you’ll have to make plans accordingly.
The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and the Mendenhall Ice Caves in Juneau are 3.5 miles from downtown Juneau. There are two different ways to reach these caves, either by kayak or by taking a separate road around the frozen lake. The caves themselves are stunning, with luminous walls made of pure ice. You’ll have the chance to see glaciers up close, and learn about their formation and function.
To see Mendenhall Ice Caves in Juneau, you’ll need to be fit and in good shape. This place requires ice climbing. It’s hard to reach, and you’ll need some serious fitness. But you’ll be rewarded with an incredible experience: a blue glow emanates from the ceiling of the caves! If you love glaciers, you should definitely try to visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves in Alaska.
A day trip to Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau will give you a chance to explore the caves. The glacier is a natural wonder, and you’ll be amazed by the beauty of its turquoise waters and 12-mile-long glacier. And the ice caves are continually changing shape as it melts and collapses. It’s a unique experience that you won’t soon forget.
Kodiak Lab Aquarium
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a place that’s filled with diverse life, so you’ll never run out of things to see and do in Alaska. With over 1.5 million square miles to explore, you’ll find a diverse variety of things to see at Kodiak Lab Aquarium and Touch Tank. Explore majestic sea life from the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Aleutian Islands. Whether you’re visiting the region for a week, there are things to do in Kodiak.
At the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center, you can visit the Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium & Touch Tank, which is a freestanding aquarium with creatures from the waterways of Kodiak Island. While the aquarium features giant Pacific octopus, you can also touch a variety of other species, such as crabs, shrimp, snails, starfish, and fish, in the touch tank. Depending on your interest, you can spend up to half an hour in this aquarium.
You can also visit the Wildlife Center and feed the animals. There are also public feeding sessions and tours by shuttle bus that allow you to learn about the creatures that live there. These are optional activities, but they’re definitely worth trying! You can also interact with the animals at the wildlife center, such as feeding them and grooming them. A visit to the Kodiak Lab Aquarium and Wildlife Center will provide a memorable and educational experience for you and your family.
The Kodiak Lab Aquarium is dedicated to the natural wildlife of Alaska. Whether it’s an up-close experience or a quick glimpse of the fascinating world beneath the surface, the Kodiak Lab Aquarium is an excellent choice. It is one of the many things to do in Alaska, and you’re sure to have a blast! Just a few of the many things to do in Kodiak Island will leave you in awe and eager to return for more!
Places to Visit in Alaska
While you’re in the state, you should definitely check out Exit Glacier, which is one of the top places to visit in Alaska. You can get up close and personal with this icefield and witness its bluish ice flowing by. If you’d like to take an activity other than hiking, you can take a boat tour and see the ice fields on your own. There are numerous other places to visit in Alaska, so be sure to read up on them all!
Petrogylph Beach
In the Southeast, Petroglyph Beach is home to the largest concentration of petroglyphs, or rock carvings. This incredibly unique site was designated a State Historic Park in 2000. Visitors can access a deck overlooking the beach and search for up to 40 petroglyphs. The majority of the petroglyphs are concentrated toward a large tidal outcropping.
This state park in Alaska is home to more than 40 petroglyphs, or rock carvings, by indigenous people. It is one of the most significant petroglyph sites in Southeast Alaska. Petroglyph Beach is one mile north of the Juneau city dock. A boardwalk leads to an overlook where replicas of petroglyph designs are on display. Visitors can also take a rubbing.
Located in Wrangell, AK, Petroglyphs Beach is a fascinating place to visit for history buffs. The ancient sea stones at Petroglyph Beach date back 8,000 years, which makes it an excellent introduction to the country’s indigenous history. Even visitors to the park can try their hand at creating rubbings of real glyphs. To learn more about these beautiful carvings, contact AAA travel service.
If you’re looking for an exciting way to spend an afternoon, you can visit Petrogylph Beach, places in Alaska that will make your vacation one to remember. With petroglyphs dating back thousands of years, you can also learn more about the history of this region. The Tlingit people are the most likely group to have left these drawings, and their drawings are one of the world’s largest concentrations of ancient art.
For a more educational day trip, try taking a shuttle tour of Wrangell. It includes three great sites – the Wrangell Museum, Petroglyph Beach, and the Chief Shakes’ Tribal House. The shuttle portion of the tour involves watching the sites from a moving shuttle. It departs from the Alaska Waters Tour Desk and Gift Shoppe in Wrangell. Historically, the area was ruled by four nations.
Jewell Gardens
If you’re planning a trip to Skagway, Alaska, you should consider a stop at Jewell Gardens. This organic vegetable and flower show garden was established in 1898 on the site of a historic farm. Visitors can enjoy giant cabbages and flower beds, watch glass blowing demonstrations and enjoy an English tea. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour, too.
In addition to its colorful plants, Jewell Gardens features a glassblowing studio, where visitors can watch artists create beautiful sculptures using recycled materials. During your visit, you can also enjoy a guided walk through the gardens, admire glass sculptures, and try a glass-blowing demonstration. Afterward, you can stop for tea or lunch in a cozy ice bar. Once you’re done exploring the gardens, you can head back to your ship.
The jewel-like beauty of this garden is a testament to its unique landscape. Unlike many of the other attractions in the Land of the Midnight Sun, Jewell Gardens is a unique opportunity to explore the wild, untouched landscape. As you stroll along the pathways, you can gaze out into the unspoiled landscape and experience a peaceful, tranquil moment. If you’re looking for a non-snow vacation destination, Alaska is an excellent choice. Just make sure to bring along some warm clothes, as the temperatures can get chilly during the winter.
Mendenhall Ice Caves
The Mendenhall Ice Caves in Alaska are a truly unique experience that must be experienced. Visitors can explore the ice cave on their own or take a guided tour. However, the caves are a real danger due to the rising global temperature, and the caves are difficult to access. To get to the Mendenhall Ice Caves, visitors must be able to navigate the ice by kayak. A special lake access route is available for those interested in hiking across the glacier in the winter.
While the Mendenhall Ice Caves are truly breathtaking, visitors should be aware of the risk involved. While visiting this location, tourists should make sure to hire a guide who has extensive knowledge of the area and how to navigate safely. Moreover, it is always recommended to use hiking boots and waterproof clothing in case the ice caves are unstable. Protective headgear may also be issued by your tour guide. Although this may not be on your bucket list, you will be glad you made the effort to visit this amazing place.
For a closer look at the Mendenhall Ice Caves, you can take a combination tour that involves kayaking across the lake and climbing up the west side of the glacier. A guided tour will teach you about the glacier and its caves, and will give you a better understanding of the region’s natural wonders. You can also rent kayaks in Juneau and paddle across the lake to the west glacier beach.
Mendenhall Glacier is home to a spectacular network of blue ice caves, which were created by water squeezing the ice between rock and rocky surfaces. The blue color was formed by the transmission of blue wavelengths from air in the original ice. Mendenhall Glacier melts regularly and is actively carving out new caves. Changing weather patterns have led to cave collapses, but the beauty and experience are definitely worth it.
Tongass National Forest
If you’re looking for a unique, remote place to visit, you should consider visiting the Tongass National Forest. The forest covers more than 16 million acres and is comprised mostly of temperate rain forest. There are several unique and rare species of plants and animals that call this forest home. When visiting this forest, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s one of the largest U.S. National Forests.
The rainforest-like scenery is breathtaking, and you can hike along 700 miles of trails that connect towns and ports. Some of the best hikes in the forest are West Glacier in Juneau, Nugget Falls in Ketchikan, and Deer Mountain in Sitka. Hikers can also take the Indian River Trail and Rainbird trail. The forest has many hidden treasures.
The Tongass region has several communities that are worth visiting. The communities that dot this region are home to many indigenous tribes. Staying in one of these communities will allow you to explore the area and try local cuisine. If you have the time, you can also take a day trip and explore the surrounding areas. This way, you can enjoy the natural beauty of this region while getting to know the people who live there.
In the summertime, the Tongass receives hundreds of thousands of visitors, as it has the highest population of brown and black bears in the world. The forests are also home to brown bears, which are frequently spotted while searching for salmon streams. So, you’ll find many other opportunities to experience this incredible forest. Just make sure to plan a few days to visit this incredible region.
Kodiak Lab Aquarium
While you’re on vacation in Alaska, you might want to visit the Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium & Touch Tank, located at the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center. This aquarium holds over 3,500 gallons of water and displays various marine life from the Kodiak Island region. Among the fish and invertebrates on display are a giant Pacific octopus, a unique species of sea cucumber, and an array of other marine life.
This unique aquarium is located in Kodiak and is the perfect place to experience the abundance of wildlife in Alaska. Visitors can touch and interact with various creatures in the aquarium, and can learn about various types of fish. A visit to the aquarium can also be a great way to experience the bore tide, which is a natural phenomenon that creates incredible altitudes and trajectories.
Another great place to visit in Alaska is the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center. This 45,937 square foot building houses offices, multi-agency laboratories, and three conference rooms. The research center was made possible by the settlement money from the Exxon-Valdez Oil Spill. Kodiak Island Borough is full of scenic beauty, marine habitat, commercial fishing resources, and scientific research opportunities.
Another place to visit while in Kodiak is the Alutiiq museum. This museum has plenty of activities for children and adults. You can also view and learn about native artifacts and films about the region’s history. This museum is located at 215 Mission Road, close to the harbour. It is open during certain times of the year and will provide a good overview of local sea life.
