Alaska

✨ Things to Do

Alaska combines epic beauty, iconic wildlife, and rustic charm like no other state:

• Glacier Cruises – Behold Alaska’s majestic rivers of ice. Chances are good you’ll see Alaska’s famous marine life, too.
• Day Hikes – Get out and explore Alaska’s awe-inspiring nature and unwind at a fine local establishment afterward.
• Northern Lights Viewing – Gaze in wonder as shimmering ribbons of light dance across the night sky.
• Bear Viewing – Get a look at Alaska’s most famous furry residents from either land or sky.
• Pan for Gold – There’s still gold in Alaska’s rivers and beaches. You may not strike it rich, but it’s still fun to try!
• Hit the Slopes – Ski or snowboard at Alyeska Resort, Alaska’s premier ski locale. There are great slopes across the state, too.
• Go Fishing – Alaska is an angler’s paradise! Charter companies and sporting goods stores can “hook you up” with the right gear.

🗺️ Where to Stay

The Last Frontier is a huge place! Thankfully, Alaska’s cities and towns are great places to set up a home base:

• Anchorage – Anchorage has the most options for lodging, shopping, and dining. Many start their Alaskan expeditions here.
• Fairbanks – The best place for the northern lights and hot springs. Also a great hub for exploring Interior Alaska.
• Juneau – Alaska’s state capital is the best place to experience the Inside Passage.
• Ketchikan – Excellent salmon fishing and tons of totem poles set Ketchikan apart from the crowd.
• Homer – Alaska’s artsiest town lies near the majestic beauty of Kachemak Bay. Also one of the best places to fish for halibut.
• Kodiak – A cozy fishing town with tons of great day hikes and wildlife viewing opportunities.

👉 Read the complete guide on where to stay in Alaska.

🛎️ Best Hotels

From luxurious resorts to rustic lodges, Alaska has a motherlode of accommodations: 

• Hotel Captain Cook – Anchorage’s top hotel combines luxurious rooms, fine dining, and specialized gift shops.
• Alyeska Resort – Alaska’s premier ski resort also offers spa services and several restaurants.
• Denali Cabins – These cabins combine rustic charm with modern amenities such as saunas and a gastropub. 
• Chena Hot Springs Resort – Alaska’s best hot springs resort offers several cozy rooms and cabins, as well as a spa and on-site dining. 
• Alaskan Hotel and Bar – Experience the old-fashioned atmosphere of Alaska’s oldest operating hotel in downtown Juneau.

🚗 Best Road Trips

Alaska has fewer roads than other states, but no shortage of sights to see along the way:

• Anchorage to Denali – Experience the grandeur of Alaska’s Interior and the charm of its tiny towns on the way to America’s tallest peak!
• Anchorage to Homer – This 5-hour drive is packed with beautiful scenery, cozy towns, and rural Alaskan character.
• The Glenn Highway – See the Matanuska Glacier on your way to Glennallen, AK. From there, head south for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
• The Dalton Highway – This trucking route connects the North Slope with the rest of the state. There are no services, so stock up!
• The Alaska Highway – Venture into the vastness of Alaska and Canada on the road connecting them with the Lower 48. Adventure is guaranteed!

⛱️ Best Beaches

Alaska’s not known for its beaches, but that makes them a best-kept secret! You’ll be surprised at how pleasant they can be:

• Pasagshak Beach, Kodiak – A long beach of black sands lies at the end of Kodiak’s road system. A favorite of locals on summer days.
• Cannon Beach, Yakutat – The best waves in Alaska roll ashore here. If you’re looking to surf Alaska, head to Cannon Beach.
• Jewel Lake Beach – The best beach to visit with kids! This tranquil lake in south Anchorage is great for picnics and beach volleyball.
• The Homer Spit – Homer’s beachfront offers an eclectic collection of gift shops, eateries, and accommodations.
• Petroglyph Beach – Spot ancient petroglyphs carved on the rocks at this beach in Wrangell, Alaska.

⛰️ Best Mountains

Alaska is home to the tallest peak in America, as well as more manageable summits that are incredible day hikes:

• Denali – North America’s tallest peak is perfect for photography, fly-by tours, and, for the truly adventurous, ascending!
• Mount Roberts – This mountain towers over Juneau, Alaska. For a scenic ascent, take the tramway to the top!
• Deer Mountain – Climb the forested path to this 3001’ peak in Ketchikan. The hike is steep, but the views at the top are worth it!
• Flattop Mountain – A perfect day hike with a stunning view of Anchorage. On clear days, Denali is visible from the top, too.  
• Mount Marathon – On July 4th, Seward hosts a race up and down this 3022’ peak. It’s also fine for more casual hikes.

⛷️ Best Ski Resorts

Whether you’re looking for world-class skiing or more down-to-earth local slopes, Alaska has you covered:

• Alyeska Ski Resort – Experience the best slopes in the state. Alyeska has the longest double black diamond run in the world.
• Eagle Crest Ski Area – The “best kept secret” of Alaska lies outside Juneau. Skiers of all levels will find plenty of space to ski here.
• Ski Land Ski Area – These slopes outside Fairbanks are open Friday-Monday. It’s home to North America’s northernmost chair lift!
• Hilltop Ski Area -This non-profit ski resort in Anchorage is perfect for beginners or families on a budget. 
• Mt. Eyak Ski Area – The slopes here see 350” of snowfall each year! Lift tickets range from $15-30 and gear from $5-15.

♨️ Best Hot Springs

Many of Alaska’s hot springs are remote, but that adds to the magic as you soak in their warm waters:

• Chena Hot Springs – This resort is the perfect place to pass the daylight hours while waiting for the northern lights.
• Manley Hot Springs – Another Fairbanks-area option, these springs sit inside a greenhouse growing exotic fruits and flowers.
• Goddard Hot Springs – You need to take a boat or plane to get to these springs south of Sitka. The scenic bathhouses are worth the effort!
• Serpentine Hot Springs – Though remote, these springs north of Nome are surrounded by the haunting beauty of the Alaskan tundra.
• Chief Shakes Hot Springs – 28 miles up the Stikine River from Wrangell, these springs are very popular on weekends and holidays.

🖼️ Best Museums

Alaskans are proud of the unique culture and history of their state. Learn about Alaska’s heritage at these museums:

• The Anchorage Museum – Permanent displays here describe Alaska’s native tribes, as well as other aspects of life in Alaska.
• Alaska Native Heritage Center – Learn more about Alaska’s native tribes and keep an eye out for special cultural events here.
• Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum – This museum houses a collection of antique cars and vintage fashions from Fairbanks’ boom days.
• Museum of the North – This museum in Fairbanks combines cultural, historical, and scientific exhibits. A great place for family trips!
• Totem Heritage Center – Learn all about Alaska’s iconic totem poles and the tribes that built them at this museum in Ketchikan.

👉 Tips & Things to Know

• 🐻 – Be Bear Aware! – Bear attacks are rare, but be sure to read up on best practices in case of an encounter. 
• 🔥 – Be Responsible with Fires – Alaska has had its share of forest fires. Check out local regulations and bans to keep it safe.
• 🦌 – Mind the Moose – Despite being herbivores, moose can be aggressive. Also, keep an eye out while driving. They’ll put more than a dent in your car!
• 🌧️ – Watch the Weather – Weather can change quickly, especially in coastal regions. Bring appropriate attire.
• 📆 – Be Flexible – The weather can ground flights, especially outside Anchorage. This tends to be more of an issue outside of summer.

🧳 What to Pack

• 🌧️ – Rainjacket and waterproof shoes – It rains a lot in coastal Alaska, so always have water-resistant clothes at hand.
• 🧥 – Layers – Even in summer, temperatures in Alaska are cooler than most places in the Lower 48. Have layers ready, just in case.
• 💤 – Sleeping Mask – The Midnight Sun makes getting to sleep hard, even for locals. Bring a mask to help block out the late-night daylight.
• 🥾 – Hiking Boots – There’s no shortage of great hiking trails in Alaska. Many of them get steep, so good ankle support is a must.
• 🦟 – Bug Spray – Mosquitoes come out in the summer, especially in wetter, coastal areas. Keep them at bay with a good insect repellent.

🤓 Facts & Info

• Population – 732,673
• Capital – Juneau
• Largest Metro Areas – Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau
• Time Zone – Alaska Time (UTC -9:00 / UTC -8:00 during daylight savings); Aleutian-Hawaiian Time (UTC -10:00/ UTC -9:00 during daylight savings)
• Airports – Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), Juneau International Airport (JNU)
• Colleges & Universities – University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Nickname – The Last Frontier, the Great Land, The Land of the Midnight Sun
• Demonynm – Alaskans
• USPS Abbreviation – AK
• Governor – Mike Dunleavey (Republican)
• Country – United States of America

💵 Costs & Budgeting

• MERIC Cost of Living State Rank – 47th most affordable
• 3 Star Hotel Room – $150-350+/night (depends on season)
• 1 Bedroom Apartment Rental – $95-275+/night
• Rental Car – $100-140+/day
• Public Transit Ticket – ~$2-5
• Take Out Meal for Two – $25-35
• Sit Down Dinner for Two – $50-80
• Draft Beer – $6