The 49 Essential Things to Do in Alaska (By a Local)

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As a born and raised Alaskan, I’ve created the ultimate guide on things to do in Alaska!

This round-up highlights 49 epic experiences in the 49th state. It overviews several of the best places to visit in Alaska for a variety of interests. Discover destinations for outdoor adventures, cultural and historical insights, and even free activities. I also share several hidden gems and expert tips to make the most of your visit to “The Great Land.” 

49 Best Things to Do in Alaska

Denali National Park and Preserve

Take in the epic sights of Interior Alaska at the most popular national park in the state. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 683-9532 | Website | Entrance: 7-day pass, $15 per person | 👉 Browse Denali Tours on Viator

Denali National Park is the place to witness the epic grandeur only found in the Last Frontier. Denali is also one of the best places to stay in Alaska. Accommodations range from luxury resorts to spartan camping spots.

You can get to Denali via the Alaska Railroad or by driving. A flightseeing tour out of the nearby town of Talkeetna is one of the most unique ways to see Denali National Park.

Hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing are popular activities at Denali. The Husky Homestead is another can’t-miss attraction, especially for dog lovers and those traveling with children. It raises and trains sled dogs and provides mushing demonstrations.

Kenai Fjords National Park and Preserve

Cruise alongside some of Alaska’s most famous wildlife in these majestic fjords.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 318-2040 | Website | Entrance: free | 👉 Browse Kenai Fjords Tours on Viator

Kenai Fjords National Park is second only to Denali in terms of Alaskan majesty. You can see the best of coastal Alaska at this park south of Seward. Long, narrow fjords reach far inland, surrounded by lofty mountains and dense spruce forests.

The park is a prime location for wildlife viewing. Here, you can see humpback whales, bald eagles, and many more famous Alaskan animals. Cruise tours offer up-close glimpses of these diverse animals and their stunning natural habitat. 

Visitors can also access a smaller landside part of the park around the Exit Glacier. The exit for the Exit Glacier lies just north of town on the Seward Scenic Highway.

Anchorage Museum

Learn all about Alaska at this museum in downtown Anchorage.

📍 Google Maps | Phone:(907) 929-9200 | Website | Hours: varies seasonally, see website | Entrance: $25 adults, $20 seniors & youth 13-17, $12 ages 6-12 | 👉 Get Anchorage Museum Tickets

Visiting the Anchorage Museum is one of the best things to do in Anchorage. Here, you can learn all about various aspects of life in Alaska. The museum’s permanent collection of Native Alaskan artifacts bears witness to the rich and diverse cultures that have called it home for millennia.

The Anchorage Museum also has plenty of info on the scientific side of Alaska. The Discovery Center is a great place to bring the kids to learn about nature in Alaska. The Thomas Planetarium tells all about outer space, featuring both general programs and presentations about Alaska’s night skies.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Dive deeper into the fascinating world of Alaska Native history and culture at this museum in northeast Anchorage.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 330-8000 | Website | Hours: 9 am-5 pm Mon – Fri; Closed Sat & Sun (Sept-May); 9 am-5 pm daily (May-Sept) | Entrance: suggested $15 donation (winter); $30 adults, $26 seniors, $20 ages 4-17 (summer) | 👉 Buy Alaska Native Heritage Center Tickets

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is another must-see museum in Anchorage. Here, you can learn more about the five main cultural groups of Alaska’s native peoples. The reconstructions of villages offer a fascinating look at how the tribes adapted to the different climates within Alaska.

The Heritage Center hosts cultural events and workshops throughout the year, especially in the summer. These events range from traditional dance performances to hands-on classes in art and handicrafts. The center also has one of the best gift shops for those looking for authentic Alaskan gifts.

📚 Related Reading: Many attractions reduce their hours outside the summer months, but this doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting Alaska then. Read my guide on the best time to visit Alaska to learn more!

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Get an up-close look at the most spectacular glaciers in southeast Alaska.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 697-2230 | Website | Entrance: free

Glacier Bay National Park is one of the highlights of southeastern Alaska. Massive rivers of ice wind their way out of the mountains. The seas and skies teem with abundant wildlife. Epic beauty abounds at every corner.

The park can only be accessed by sea or by air, so the easiest way for most travelers to see this park will be onboard a cruise ship. For more adventurous travelers, the landside of the park is accessible via flights and ferries connecting Juneau with the tiny town of Gustavus.

Alaskan Cruise

See the best of coastal Alaska, from the lush, forested east to the remote, wind-swept islands out west.

👉 Browse Alaskan Cruise Tours on Viator

An Alaskan cruise is one of the easiest ways to see the natural wonders along the coastline. Many itineraries stop at the above-mentioned destinations and more, saving you the time and effort required to see them on your own. Cruises of the southeastern and southcentral regions are the most popular, but there’s more to Alaska than that.

Consider a cruise along the Aleutian Chain (often part of an international trip to or from Japan) if you want to get off the beaten path. Out here, you see a different side of coastal Alaska. Lush forests give way to lonely, mist-shrouded islands, and the beauty is of a more remote, austere kind. A few small settlements dot these islands, the largest being Unalaska (aka Dutch Harbor).

📚 Related Reading: What to Pack for a Cruise

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Learn about Alaska’s most iconic animals at this center south of Anchorage.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 783-0058 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 7 pm, last entry 6 pm daily (May-Sept 15); winter hours: varies by month | Entrance: $30 adults, $26 youth 4-12 | 👉 Browse AWCC Tours on Viator

Alaska’s wildlife can be elusive at times. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center offers visitors of all ages an up-close look at some of the most famous local wildlife. The center began as a rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned animals. It’s now one of the more popular attractions in the Anchorage area.

The center is one of the best day trips from Anchorage, being just an hour south of town. Also, consider the Alaska Zoo for a more close-at-hand attraction featuring animals.

Alaska Sealife Center

Come face-to-face with sea creatures in Seward. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 224-6300 | Website | Hours: varies seasonally, see website | Entrance: (varies, see website)

This aquarium in Seward is a great complement to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Here, you can find many of the most famous sea creatures that call Alaska’s waters home. The center also offers a wealth of information on the diverse marine life dwelling in Alaska’s waters.

A visit here is one of the best activities in Alaska for families with children or anyone who loves animals. After a trip to the Sealife Center, take a walk along the docks, or explore the charming cafes and restaurants in one of the best towns in Alaska.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Wander the wilds of America’s largest national park in eastern Alaska.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 822-5234 | Website | Entrance: free

Few places besides Denali can rival the vastness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The park measures a massive 13.2 million square miles, dwarfing other parks and even entire states. This is the place to go if you want epic excursions in the backcountry. 

You can also visit the Kennecott Mine, one of Alaska’s few ghost towns. An on-site museum tells the tale of the copper mining boom and bust of the early 1900s. The park lies about five hours east of Anchorage along the Richardson Highway.

The Alaska Railroad

Ride in style to destinations north and south of Anchorage aboard Alaska’s railways. 

Phone: (800) 544-0552 | Website | Tickets: varies by fare and route | 👉 Browse Alaska Railroad Tours on Viator

The Alaska Railroad is one of the classiest ways to get around the Great Land. Routes take you as far north as Fairbanks and as far south as Seward, with several stops along the way in either direction. The Spencer Glacier south of Anchorage is one highlight, and can’t be reached by any other mode of transportation.

Several tiers of fares are available. Basics begin with the ticket price, but upgrades include more luxurious seating and meal service. You’re in for a treat, whatever level you choose. The Alaska Railroad offers an experience like no other!

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Gaze in wonder at the shimmering ribbons of light in the Alaskan night sky.

👉 Browse Northern Lights Tours on Viator

Watching the aurora borealis is one of the best ways to pass those long winter nights. “Aurora season” lasts from late August to mid-April, when the night skies are darker. 

The best places to see the northern lights are further from urban light pollution. Of course, the more spectacular auroras are visible from almost anywhere. But, in general, the fewer streetlights and signs, the better.

Also, the further north you are, the better your chances are of seeing the northern lights. Fairbanks is considered one of the best places for northern lights viewing tours. 

Staying in Anchorage on your trip? Consider rental accommodations in the suburbs on the southern end of town or in Eagle River. Both areas have fewer light sources that could obscure the fainter auroras.

Sites & Attractions in Alaska

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Chase away the winter chills in these natural hot springs outside Fairbanks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 451-8104 | Website | 👉 Browse Chena Hot Springs Tours on Viator

While in Fairbanks, why not unwind in the natural hot springs at the Chena Hot Springs Resort? This resort an hour east of town is a great place for a little R&R any time of the year. Here, you’ll find soaking pools, overnight accommodations, and the Aurora Ice Museum. 

The Aurora Ice Museum stays frozen year-round and is the largest attraction of its kind in the world. It features a variety of ice sculptures as well as an ice bar, which is the perfect place to chill (horrible pun intended) for a while. Parkas are available free of charge.

Dog-Sledding Tours

Hit the trails Alaska-style aboard a dog-sled tour near Fairbanks.

👉 Browse Dog Sledding Tours on Viator

What could be more classically Alaskan than riding a dog sled? Fairbanks is a great place for dog-sled tours, even during the summer (with wheels attached to the sleds).

Dog-sledding tours are available at many other locations throughout the state, too. You could even traverse a glacier near Seward with an intrepid team of huskies and a skilled guide. 

Any dog-sledding tour is well worth it, even if the destination is not as epic as that, though. There’s simply no excuse not to book one of these tours, especially if you love dogs! 

Fairbanks

Experience the frontier charm of the Last Frontier’s northernmost city.

📍 Google Maps | Website |👉 Browse Fairbanks Tours on Viator

While in Fairbanks, check out some of the other attractions that make it one of the best cities in Alaska! Auto enthusiasts can’t afford to pass up the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. It’s also a great place for vintage vibes and local history if you’re not really into cars.

The yearly Midnight Sun Festival is the largest single-day event in the state. It takes place around the summer solstice and features food booths, music, and much more. The festival lasts from noon to midnight and you might be surprised how little the light diminishes as the evening wears on.

For all that, Fairbanks is not above the Arctic Circle. Several tours out of Fairbanks can, however, take you above it! 

North Pole

Get a taste of Christmas year-round in Fairbanks’ most famous suburb.

📍 Google Maps

Fairbanks is also famous for this festive suburb to the southeast of town. It’s Christmas all year-round here and a must-see for anyone visiting with a family. The Santa Claus House offers kids the chance to meet Santa, even at the height of summer (Wednesdays – Saturdays). 

Even the street signs reflect the Christmas theme, with names like Santa Claus Lane and Mistletoe Drive. North Pole swings into full gear come wintertime with Christmas lights adorning the buildings and various festivities celebrating the season.

Downtown Anchorage

See the best of urban Alaska in Alaska’s biggest city.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Anchorage Tours on Viator

Anchorage is one of the best places to use as a base while visiting Alaska. It also has plenty of great attractions aside from the ones listed above. It’s a cultural center for Alaska, being the biggest city, and, as such, has tons of great breweries and restaurants.

There are plenty of great walking trails around town, especially the Tony Knowles Coast Trail. Anchorage also has several scenic parks, such as Kincaid Park and the Far North Bicentennial Park. You could also go for a longer hike or an overnight trek in the nearby Chugach State Park.

Matanuska Glacier

Venture out onto one of the most accessible roadside glaciers in Alaska.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Matanuska Glacier Tours on Viator

Alaska’s glaciers are often remote, coming down out of inaccessible peaks directly into the sea. But this doesn’t apply to the Matanuska Glacier! This landlocked glacier 95 miles northeast of Anchorage can be driven to, making it one of the more popular attractions in the area.

Anyone can visit the glacier or the nearby state recreation center for great views. A guided tour is required to go out onto the glacier itself. For many people, this is the easiest glacier to visit in the state (at least in terms of accessibility).

Alaskan Ferries

See coastal Alaska with the “working-class cruise ships” of the Alaska Marine Highway System.

📞 Phone: (800) 642-0066 | Website 

Looking for a unique way to travel the coasts of Alaska? Look no further than the Alaska Marine Highway System! The ferries of the AMHS connect coastal communities such as Kodiak, Juneau, Ketchikan, and several others. They offer foot passengers and drivers alike a way to get around.

Accommodations are basic, but it’s a great way to meet locals and fellow travelers. It’s also one of my favorite ways to get around Alaska. You can book a cabin or save even more money by crashing in one of the overnight ferries’ seating lounges. You can also pack your camping essentials and set up a tent on the sun deck.

Chugach State Park

Explore the backcountry in Anchorage’s backyard at this scenic state park!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 345-5014 | Website | Hours: open 24 hours | Entrance: $5 day use, overnight camping fees vary by site | 👉 Suggested Chugach Tour on Viator

Exploring the Chugach Mountains outside Anchorage is an excellent option if you love hiking. Flattop Mountain is one of the most accessible trails. It’s located right outside town and is a great day trip destination.

You’ll find even more adventures further back in the Chugach Mountains. Summer is the best time to visit, offering the warmest weather and thousands of wildflowers in bloom. There’s no shortage of trails, whether you’re up for a longer day hike or a several-day trek. 

Note that you may encounter moose while in the backcountry — or even downtown Anchorage, for that matter! They can be dangerous when provoked, even though they’re herbivores. The Alaska Department of Fish & Game has some useful information on staying safe around moose.

Mendenhall Glacier

Enchanting beauty awaits just north of Juneau.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Mendenhall Glacier Tours on Viator

This ice river north of Juneau seems like something out of a fantasy world. Mendenhall Glacier is a great destination, whether you want to observe from a distance or take the experience to another level with a glacier trek.

Nugget Falls is easily one of the most scenic waterfalls in the state. It’s a great place for a photo op, or to cool off in the spray during a hot summer day (well, hot by Alaska standards).

Tracy Arm Fjord

Set sail for one of the most epic corners of southeastern Alaska.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Tour of Tracy Arm Fjord

Southeast Alaska has more awe-inspiring landscapes. The Tracy Arm Fjord to the southeast of Juneau is one such place. Make sure to add a cruise here to your itinerary for Alaska if you want to see the best of southeastern Alaska.

Waterfalls cascade down the mountainsides. Icebergs calve off from the Sawyer Glacier. Whales, otters, and many other Alaskan animals thrive in the waters, peaking their heads out from time to time for a breath and a look around. 

Skagway

Step back in time to the height of the Klondike gold rush in this town in southeast Alaska.

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Skagway Tours on Viator

This tiny town is one of the best places to learn about Alaska’s Klondike gold rush days. Skagway once served as the gateway for prospectors on their way from America to the Yukon Territory in their quest for the precious metal. Today, the town preserves an old-timey aesthetic, honoring and preserving its proud past.

Chilkoot Pass was once a steep, punishing ascent, but can now be traversed in comfort aboard a train. You can opt to go on foot, too. Modern developments have made the climb much less rigorous. You can also retrace the journeys of the prospectors by road on a Skagway shore excursion. But be sure to bring your passport, as the route runs through Canada.

Juneau

See why exploring the state capital is a capital idea!

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Juneau Tours on Viator

There are plenty of things to do in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. Hike or ride up Mt. Roberts on the tram for the best views in town. Explore local museums to learn about the history of the city and area. Pan for gold at a local creek. All of this and more await visitors to Alaska’s third-largest city.

Wind down with a pint at Alaska’s most famous brewery, the Alaska Brewing Company, once you’re done adventuring for the day. There’s also a thriving foodie scene and no shortage of top-notch eateries.

Juneau is also a great hub for exploring the surrounding area. Juneau tours and experiences span land, sea, and air! Read my guide to the best areas & hotels to start planning your visit.

Ketchikan

Learn about totem poles and the Haida tribe who carved them in this southernmost city of Alaska.

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Ketchikan Tours on Viator

Totem poles are an Alaskan icon. Ketchikan is the best place to see them, although they’re found throughout southeast Alaska. Local tours visit several sites in and around town where these fascinating structures are preserved, offering information regarding their significance in the local Haida tribe’s culture.

Ketchikan is also one of the most popular cruise ship ports, and it’s well worth visiting on your own time, too. You can fish for salmon right off the boardwalk in the charming downtown district. There are also a few great hikes in the area around town if you want to get a little exercise in.

Tongass National Forest

Hike trails winding through the northernmost rainforest in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: (varies by activity and location, contact local offices for info) | 👉 Browse Tongass Tours on Viator

The Tongass National Forest covers much of southeastern Alaska. It has the distinction of being the world’s northernmost (temperate) rainforest. The grounds are accessible from several communities throughout the region. But you may want to venture out into the further reaches of the forest if you’re up for adventure. 

Pristine beauty awaits you wherever you go in the Tongass, though. A casual day hike outside Juneau offers a breath of fresh air after the urban atmosphere. A camping trip on a remote island transports you back in time or, rather, to an enchanted realm. You don’t need to worry about fairies or goblins, but do keep an eye out for bears! 

Sitka

Come see what makes Sitka the “Paris of the Pacific.”

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Sitka Tours on Viator

Sitka was inhabited for centuries by the Tlingit tribe. It later served as the capital for the Russian Empire’s territories in America. Several buildings around town bear witness to this heritage, most notably St. Michael’s Cathedral in downtown Sitka. Needless to say, the town has a long, rich history and several other landmarks worth exploring — solo, or on a guided tour. 

Even today, the town honors the day that America bought Alaska from Russia in 1867. A historical re-enactment takes place in Sitka along with a period costume ball every October 18th. Stop by Sitka on Alaska Day if you want a touch of class while visiting Alaska!

Kodiak Island

Discover the hidden gem that is Alaska’s Emerald Isle!

📍 Google Maps | Website

Don’t let the small size of the town fool you — there are a lot of things to do in Kodiak!  Fishing is one of the most popular summer activities, and there are a surprising amount of great hikes in Kodiak. Local museums, such as the Kodiak History Museum, tell the story of Kodiak and the men and women who shaped the community into what it is today.

Kodiak is also home to the largest brown bears, which are a subspecies of the ones found on mainland Alaska. Bird-watchers will love the Kodiak Archipelago, home to more than 250 species of our feathered friends!

Remote Villages

See the “real” Alaska firsthand in the more remote communities.

Consider visiting rural Alaska if you really want a unique experience and are up for some adventure. Larger rural communities like Nome, Bethel, and Unalaska serve as hubs for the most remote settlements. Each region has its own unique character and is (literally and figuratively) miles away from the ordinary.

You could gaze towards the horizon atop a remote island of the Aleutian Chain. You could drive along the “seasonal roads” (frozen rivers) in the interior tundra. You could also visit the sand dunes outside Kotzebue in Kobuk Valley, one of the least visited US national parks. 

You may find yourself pushing the boundaries of your culinary experience, too. Let’s just say seal meat is an acquired taste.

Portage Glacier

Set sail for one of the easiest-to-get-to glaciers south of Anchorage.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Portage Glacier Tours on Viator

Portage Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. The glacier is best accessed by a short cruise from the roadside shore of Portage Lake. The glacier was once visible from the road but has since retreated.

There is a hiking trail that leads to the glacier, but it begins in Whittier and is moderately difficult, so not everyone will want to take that route. It’s well worth it if you’re in good shape or don’t mind huffing and puffing a bit. The payoff is well worth the effort!

Whittier

Visit one of the most unique towns in Alaska, where everyone lives in the same building.

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Whittier Tours on Viator

Alaska has a knack for novelty. Few places, though, take it to the degree this town in southcentral Alaska does. In Whittier, everyone lives in one big apartment building. Put Whittier on your bucket list if you’re into interesting and quirky destinations.

Whittier also serves as a port for the Alaska Marine Highway System. The town is a great jumping-off point for exploring Prince William Sound. Glacier-viewing cruises also depart from the port here. 

Point Barrow

Gaze out over the Arctic Ocean from the northernmost point of America.

📍 Google Maps

Only a fraction of the state’s population lives above the Arctic Circle in tiny villages scattered across the tundra. The northernmost point in the United States sits just north of the community of Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow) and 350 miles above the Arctic Circle.

Looking into the far reaches of the Arctic is well worth it for those who love venturing off the beaten path. Be advised, though — this is one of the places that actually gets months of daylight or darkness, depending on the time of year.

Alaska Wild Berry Products

Get a taste of some of Alaska’s best treasures at this shop in central Anchorage.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 562-8858 | Website | Hours (main store): 10 am – 7 pm Mon – Sat; 11 am – 6 pm Sun | 👉 Book an Anchorage Food & Sightseeing Tour

Alaska has more treasures than gold. The state has a large variety of wild berries, which are perfect for berry picking on a stroll in the woods. Alaska Wild Berry Products cached in on this treasure trove, combining these berries with chocolate and other sweets.

The main store in central Anchorage features an array of delicious products, along with the world’s largest chocolate waterfall. Needless to say, anyone with a sweet tooth will want to add this to their Anchorage itinerary.

Alaska Museums and Culture

Museum of the North

Uncover a gold mine of information on the science and history of the Alaskan far north at this Fairbanks museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 474-7505 | Website | Hours: varies by season, see website | Entrance: $23 adults, $20 seniors, $15 youth 6-17 | 👉 Suggested Museum Tour on Viator

Fairbanks has an excellent museum showcasing the best of Alaska. This museum on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks houses a vast collection of artifacts. These cover nearly every field of anthropology and science. Here, you can find Native Alaskan artifacts, dinosaur bones, artwork by Alaskan artists, and much more!

Kodiak History Museum (formerly the Baranov Museum)

Take a look back through time at Kodiak’s history at this historical museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 486-5920 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wed, Thu & Sat; 12 pm – 7 pm Fri; Closed Sun-Tue | Entrance: $10 ages 13+, 12 and under free

Kodiak has a rich history for a rather small, out-of-the-way town. The Kodiak History Museum (still often referred to as the Baranov Museum) is a great place to learn about this unique corner of America. Native, Russian, Scandinavian, and Pacific Islander cultures met and mingled here.

Artifacts from Native and Russian times stand alongside testimonials of locals who lived through the 1964 earthquake and tsunami, and the crab-fishing boom that helped rebuild the town. The heyday of crab fishing also made Kodiak a sort of last hurrah of the Wild West. The best place to hear more may be from learned locals at the various watering holes around town, though.

The Alaska Zoo

See Alaska’s most famous creatures, as well as several from around the world in this zoo in south Anchorage.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 346-3242 | Website | Hours varies by season, see website | Entrance: $25 adults, $16 seniors, $12 children ages 3-15

The Alaska Zoo is one of the best places to visit in Anchorage if you’re traveling with children. Here, you can find a wide variety of local Alaskan wildlife and even a few species from around the world. It’s also the only place in Alaska south of the Arctic Circle to see polar bears.

A visit to the zoo is also a great travel hack for seeing wildlife on a time or money budget. Travelers wishing to see bears, but too nervous to venture out into the wild, will also appreciate a visit here to see them in a more controlled environment.

Seasonal Things to Do in Alaska

Katmai National Park

Get a good look at Alaska’s famous bears at this national park in southwestern Alaska.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 246-3305 | Website | Entrance: free | 👉 Browse Katmai National Park Tours

Brown bears are one of the most iconic creatures in Alaska. Katmai National Park is one of the best places to see them in the wild. The national park is best reached by air from Anchorage aboard a charter flight. Flights take off from other towns such as Kodiak, too, if that fits your itinerary better.

When visiting Katmai, you have the option of making it a day trip or staying for a while to explore the park. Besides bears, there are several stunning sites such as Mt. Katmai itself and the Valley of 10,000 Smokes. Fishing is good here, but you may find yourself competing with the bears!

Because this park is so remote and rugged, private tours are often the only viable way to visit Katmai.

🐻 Pro Tip: Brown bears and grizzly bears are the same species! The different terms refer to where they live. “Brown bears” live by the coast where food (such as fish) is more plentiful. Grizzly bears dwell further inland where food is less abundant and so they are often leaner.

Road Trips

Hit the road for a one-of-a-kind Alaska adventure!

Taking an Alaskan road trip is one of my favorite ways to explore The Great Land. The roads may be limited, but the possibilities for adventure are endless.

I lived on an island, but my friends and I would load our cars onto the ferry, sail to the mainland, and hit the road. The drive between Homer and Anchorage is, if you ask me, one of the best out of several possible trips. Along the way, you’ll see epic landscapes, cozy communities, and maybe even moose!

The epic drive from Alaska to the Lower 48 via the “Al-Can” highway is the most adventurous Alaska road trip. Be well prepared for this auto-odyssey, though. Some stretches of the highway run through the wilderness where the nearest settlements are over 100 miles apart!

Fishing

Try your luck at hooking a record-breaking catch in Alaska’s rivers and oceans.

👉 Browse Alaska Fishing Tours on Viator

Alaska is home to a wide variety of fish, but the most popular are halibut and the five species of salmon. A word of warning, Alaskans can be quite opinionated as to which salmon are best! 

Charter companies can take you to their best fishing holes, but you can also go on your own. The Kenai River and Ketchikan are some of the best destinations for salmon fishing. Homer, Alaska has the well-deserved title of “The Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.”

You’ll need a fishing license if visiting from out of state. These are available online or at local sporting goods and department stores. There are also several companies throughout the state that can prepare, package, and ship your cache of fish home for you. 

Gates of the Arctic National Park

Step into another world in this national park north of the Arctic Circle.

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Gates of the Arctic Day Trip from Fairbanks

Gates of the Arctic National Park is another of the least visited national parks in America. Visiting it is one of the best experiences in Alaska for serious adventure travelers, though! You’ll experience the remote grandeur of Alaska in a way that simply isn’t available anywhere else.

It can snow heavily for 8-9 months out of the year here, and only seasoned experts would want to visit the park outside summer. Spring comes late also, and snow and ice can last well into May. Fairbanks is the best jumping-off point for exploring this austere, but beautiful place. 

River Rafting

Raft down one of Alaska’s 12,000+ rivers!

👉 Suggested Rafting Tour on Viator

Alaska has no shortage of lakes and rivers, several of which offer great rafting tours. There’s something for you here whether you like whitewater rafting or prefer a more leisurely float. 

The Kenai Peninsula has some of the most convenient rivers for rafting, being only a few hours south of Anchorage. The Kenai River offers Class II rapids as well as more mellow stretches. The vivid light-blue hue of the water caused by glacial sediment is one of the most remarkable things about this river. 

The Nenana River just outside Denali National Park is another rafting destination. The whitewater tour here spans 11 miles of adventure amidst unmatched beauty.

Fur Rondy

Chase away the winter gloom at this one-of-a-kind festival in Anchorage.

🌐 Website 

Alaskans never let little things like long hours of darkness and sub-zero temperatures get in the way of good times. This festival at the end of February breaks up the monotony of the winter with all kinds of fun activities. There’s something for everyone at Fur Rondy, from carnival rides to concerts to races for both two and four-footed athletes.

Spain is famous for the Running of the Bulls. Alaska, however, dials down the danger but turns up the zaniness with the Running of the Reindeer event at Fur Rondy. The event is carefully regulated: the humans follow the reindeer, not vice versa, ensuring the safety of all participants. Proceeds are given to the Toys for Tots charity.

Iditarod

Witness the beginning of “The Last Great Race” in downtown Anchorage.

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This race is another highlight of the long, dark winter months and certainly less unorthodox than the Running of the Reindeer. The race begins in Anchorage on the first Saturday of March and traces its way to Nome far to the northwest. Along the way, mushers and their dog teams rest at checkpoints in remote villages.

The beginning of the race is the easiest event to attend for most visitors. The more adventurous may choose to wait for the first arrivals in Nome or even somewhere along the way.

Slaviq (Starring)

Take part in an Alaskan-style Christmas.

“Russian Christmas” is another unique, though lesser-known, wintertime festivity in Alaska. Many Native Alaskans, especially in the Kuskokwim region, adhere to the Russian Orthodox faith. As such, their celebration of Christmas falls on January 7th. 

The Orthodox faithful celebrate for several days after (i.e. the Twelve Days of Christmas). A festive procession starts at the local Orthodox church, with a handmade “star” at the head, lighting the way to villagers’ homes. 

The participants sing Christmas carols originally from Ukraine and the procession often lasts almost all day!

Alyeska Resort

Experience the best of the great outdoors and the great indoors at Alaska’s favorite resort.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 880-3880 | Website | 👉 Book a Stay at Alyeska Resort

This ski resort south of Anchorage is one of the most popular in-state destinations among locals. Here, you’ll find some of the best powder in the state and also some of the best creature comforts. Alyeska Resort features luxurious accommodations including a day spa and several restaurants spanning everything from pub fare to fine dining.

In summer, skiing and snowboarding give way to hiking and mountain biking. The nearby Crow Creek Gold Mine offers a glimpse into the gold rush days, as well as the chance to pan for gold in the local creek!

Winter Sports

Go cross-country skiing in the backcountry or enjoy other winter activities a little closer to civilization.

Naturally, Alaska offers an abundance of winter sports! Snowed-over trails make great cross-country skiing paths. Hatcher Pass is a great skiing alternative to Alyeska. There’s also no shortage of places to go sledding, if traveling with kids. Frozen lakes and rivers are often favorite local ice-skating spots, but many towns also have indoor rinks.

Free Things to Do in Alaska

Berry Picking

Discover the hidden treasures waiting in Alaska’s forests.

Alaska is home to more than 50 different varieties of edible berries! The most popular are blueberries, raspberries, lingonberries, and salmonberries, but there are many more. Locals make jams and pies out of the many berries found in the forests and Alaskan cookbooks often include some of these recipes.

But be aware — some berries are poisonous. A rule to remember is that all white berries in Alaska aren’t fit for consumption. There’s also the aptly-named baneberry to beware of. Baneberries are white or red but will feature a black dot on the berry, denoting the deadly properties. 

When in doubt, don’t. Many of the less recognizable berries in Alaska are bland or tart anyways, so it’s best to just stick to the stand-by berries mentioned above. The Bureau of Land Management has a handy guide to the best berries in Alaska.

The Docks

Walk the docks in Alaska’s coastal towns for up-close looks at the state’s fishing fleet.

Taking a walk along the docks is one of the best ways to see Alaska’s famous fishing fleet. Depending on the port, you may even spot one of the boats from The Deadliest Catch. 

It’s also possible to see an assortment of wildlife here. Seagulls and other birds are a common sight. A sea lion may pop out of the water for a stroll on the docks. Give them plenty of space, though. These portly pinnipeds move surprisingly fast and prefer that humans keep their distance!

Beaches

Soak up the sun or take a stroll on one of Alaska’s scenic beaches.

Alaska isn’t known for its beaches, but there are several hidden gems around the state! Surfer Beach, often simply called Pasagshak, was a favorite when I lived in Kodiak. Temperatures may be a bit more brisk than, say, California, but you’re guaranteed to have far fewer crowds.

Peering into tide pools is one of the best Alaska activities if you’re traveling with children. Everything from hermit crabs to starfish can be found on Alaska’s beaches. 

The Homer Spit

Take in the sights in one of Alaska’s favorite seaside towns.

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The “Spit” in Homer is one Alaskan beach that stands out in particular. The views of Kachemak Bay and the surrounding mountains make for an epic backdrop that beaches elsewhere in the country (and the state) would be hard-pressed to match.

Of course, the various shops, bars, and restaurants nearby aren’t free. Taking in the atmosphere, though, doesn’t cost a thing!

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I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my guide on things to do in Alaska! Safe travels and enjoy your experience in the Last Frontier. To arrive prepared, be sure to check out my Alaska packing list next.