Best Places to Visit in Alaska

There are destinations you visit… and then there’s Alaska.

Massive glaciers that groan and crack into the sea. Brown bears swiping salmon from rushing rivers. Mountains that make the Rockies feel modest. Alaska isn’t just another state — it’s an experience. If you’re planning a trip north, these are the best places to visit in Alaska for jaw-dropping scenery, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable adventure.

🏔️ 1. Denali National Park & Preserve

Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali National Park is Alaska in its purest form.

At the center stands Denali itself — formerly known as Mount McKinley — rising 20,310 feet above the tundra. On a clear day, the mountain looks impossibly massive. On most days, it hides behind clouds, making that rare clear view feel like winning the lottery.

What makes Denali special isn’t just the mountain — it’s the wildlife. Grizzlies roam the tundra, moose browse near rivers, caribou migrate across open plains, and wolves move quietly in the distance. The best way to explore is by park shuttle bus along Denali Park Road, where wildlife sightings feel almost guaranteed.

Best for: Wildlife lovers, photographers, bucket-list mountain views.

🧊 2. Kenai Fjords National Park

If Denali is Alaska’s heart, Kenai Fjords is its icy soul.

Located near Seward, this coastal park is a world of tidewater glaciers and deep blue fjords. Here, you can watch massive chunks of ice crash into the ocean with a thunderous boom. It’s raw and humbling.

Boat tours are the highlight. Expect humpback whales breaching, orcas slicing through the water, sea otters floating on their backs, and puffins darting overhead. You can also hike to Exit Glacier for an up-close look at how quickly Alaska’s glaciers are changing.

Best for: Glacier views, whale watching, dramatic coastal scenery.

🐻 3. Katmai National Park & Preserve

If seeing bears in the wild is on your bucket list, this is the place.

Katmai is famous for Brooks Falls, where brown bears gather each summer to feast on salmon leaping upstream. Watching a 1,000-pound bear casually snatch a fish midair is something you won’t forget.

Getting here requires a floatplane flight — which only adds to the adventure. Fewer crowds, bigger wildlife moments, and a true sense of remoteness make Katmai unforgettable.

Best for: Once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences.

🌊 4. Glacier Bay National Park

Located in Southeast Alaska, Glacier Bay feels like stepping into the Ice Age.

Massive tidewater glaciers line the bay, some stretching miles wide. Cruise ships and small expedition boats navigate through icy waters dotted with floating blue icebergs.

Beyond glaciers, keep an eye out for sea lions lounging on rocky islands, mountain goats perched on cliffs, and humpback whales feeding in the bay.

Best for: Scenic cruising, glacier photography, dramatic landscapes.

🏞️ 5. Anchorage

Most Alaska trips begin in Anchorage — and it’s worth sticking around.

Surrounded by mountains and ocean, Anchorage blends urban comfort with easy access to wilderness. You can bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in the morning, spot a moose in the afternoon, and enjoy fresh-caught halibut for dinner.

It’s also a great base for day trips to glaciers, wildlife cruises, and scenic drives along Turnagain Arm.

Best for: Convenience, food scene, easy adventure access.

🛶 6. Juneau

Alaska’s capital city is only accessible by plane or boat — and that isolation adds to its charm.

Juneau sits between mountains and the Inside Passage, offering both glacier hikes and whale-watching tours. The Mendenhall Glacier is just minutes from town and provides one of the most accessible glacier views in the state.

Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway for sweeping views over the Gastineau Channel, or explore nearby trails through lush temperate rainforest.

Best for: Cruise travelers, glacier access, scenic coastal charm.

🌌 7. Fairbanks

If the Northern Lights are on your list, head north.

Fairbanks is one of the best places in the United States to see the aurora borealis, especially between late August and April. On a clear winter night, green and purple ribbons swirl across the sky in a silent light show that feels almost supernatural.

Pair it with a soak in nearby hot springs for peak Alaska magic.

Best for: Northern Lights, winter adventure, unique Arctic experiences.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Alaska?

• Summer (June–August): Peak season. Long daylight hours, wildlife viewing, hiking, and cruises.

• Shoulder Season (May & September): Fewer crowds, cooler temps, good wildlife.

• Winter (October–April): Northern Lights, dog sledding, snow-covered landscapes.

Alaska isn’t a place you “check off.” It’s a place that changes you.

It slows you down. It reminds you how small you are in the best possible way. Whether you’re watching a glacier calve into the ocean, spotting a grizzly across the tundra, or staring up at the Northern Lights in total silence — Alaska delivers moments that stick with you long after you’ve flown home.

If you’re looking for one trip that feels truly different from everywhere else in the U.S., this is it.

And once you go… don’t be surprised if you start planning your return before you’ve even unpacked.