Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Where to begin? It’s a tough choice, but it’s hard to go wrong.
Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Where to begin? It’s a tough choice, but it’s hard to go wrong.
Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Where to begin? It’s a tough choice, but it’s hard to go wrong.
Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Where to begin? It’s a tough choice, but it’s hard to go wrong.
Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Where to begin? It’s a tough choice, but it’s hard to go wrong.
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.
1. Anchorage
It's not the Anchorage is the most scenic, although we do have lovely views, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Anchorage is the jumping off point for all sorts of Alaska adventures. That may mean riding the train to Denali National Park, heading into the backcountry of Chugach State Park, flying on the "milk run" to Cordova or Ketchikan, or taking a floatplane to view brown bears in Lake Clark National Park. It's also our hometown.
2. Denali National Park
Denali National Park belongs on every best of Alaska vacation list, and it's not just to take in the grandeur of the tallest mountain in North America. 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.
3. Talkeetna
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.
4. Seward
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.
5. Fairbanks
Fairbanks still has a frontier spirit, so tours that explore the area's rich Alaska 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.
6. Girdwood
Finally, go to Girdwood for the glaciers and small ski town vibes. The little town is just off the Turnagain Arm 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.
