Best Places to Visit in Alaska

Because we're Alaska travel planners who also live here, listing the best places to visit in Alaska is a challenge: There are just so many. But if we had to narrow it down, here's what we'd say.

For the access, visit Anchorage. The city is a jumping off point for adventures throughout the state, whether that's riding the train to the Denali Park area, or taking a floatplane to view brown bears in Lake Clark National Park. It's also our hometown.

Denali National Park belongs on every best of Alaska vacation list. While seeing the tallest mountain in North America is special, the views are also dependent on oftentimes uncooperative weather. Luckily there is so much to see in the park, so much wildlife and such vast and diverse landscapes, that a visit is awe-inspiring regardless of those big mountain views.

Speaking of those big mountain views, nothing quite compares to seeing them from the air. That puts Talkeetna on the best list. The small town is just 60 miles from Denali. Flightseeing tours leave from here for hour-long circuits among the many colossal mountains that make up the core of the Alaska Range.

Just like Denali Park, Seward is a sure thing. From the bayside town, you can take a day cruise or kayak trip into Kenai Fjords National Park, a stunning place to see whales, tidewater glaciers, and pristine fjords in a single day.

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Fairbanks is one of the best places to visit in Alaska for its history. The town still has a frontier spirit, so tours that explore its Native cultures and gold rush history feel especially interesting. It is also on the cusp of the Far North, so if traveling above the Arctic Circle is on your bucket list, Fairbanks is the place to start.

Finally, go to Girdwood for the glaciers. The small ski town on the Turnagain Arm is tucked into the aptly named Glacier Valley. Atop the mountains circling the town are several hanging glaciers. You can see them quite well from atop the Alyeska Tram and even better by helicopter tour.

One of the best ways to ensure that you see the best of Alaska is by working with us to plan a complete travel package that includes all activities, lodging, and transportation. Although we specialize in custom trips, there are some itineraries that have remained popular through our many years in the business. You can find those in our featured Alaska vacation packages. Curious about places to visit outside of Southcentral Alaska? Check out our Alaska Regions page.

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