Are you an avid adventurer planning a trip to Alaska? You’re in for a treat. The northernmost state’s vast size and untouched wilderness will blow your mind. From towering ice-age glaciers and majestic wildlife to gorgeous rivers, Alaska is a paradise for tourists seeking unparalleled experiences. If you love local history, art, and culture, you’ll appreciate the many museums, art galleries, and cultural centers. Ready to create unforgettable memories? Discover the unique adventures you can only have in Alaska.
See the Northern Lights at Fairbanks
The Northern Lights are a phenomenon you should experience at least once in your lifetime. Thanks to its location under the “Auroral Oval,” Fairbanks is one of the best places to catch this natural spectacle. While the city offers many amazing adventures, nothing beats watching the green, red, purple, and sometimes pink and yellow hues dance across the sky. Plus, if you plan to venture beyond the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks makes the perfect base camp.
Enjoy Unparalleled Views of Denali from a Summit Flight
Denali National Park is a bucket-list experience for anyone visiting Alaska. The park’s highlight is the towering peak of Mount Denali—formerly known as Mount McKinley—at 20,310 feet above sea level, making it North America’s tallest peak. A summit flight provides an unparalleled perspective of the mountain and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
Explore Dynamic Glaciers and Wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords offers diverse natural wonders—from dynamic glaciers and fjords to impressive wildlife viewing opportunities—making it a must-visit for those seeking wild, remote adventures. Get up close to scenic glaciers and sail through the fjords on a cruise, or hike to stunning features like Exit Glacier. Sea kayaking is a must for a more adventurous yet peaceful way to explore the park’s wild landscapes.
Experience Alaska’s Surreal Beauty from the Alaska Railroad
Riding the scenic Alaska Railroad is one of the unique adventures you can only have in Alaska. The journey through over 470 miles of wild terrain provides access to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the state. If you’re staying in Anchorage, don’t miss the chance to explore a great blend of diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique discoveries on the railroad.
Tour the Majestic Mendenhall Glacier
The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska’s most breathtaking natural wonders. It’s the only glacier accessible by road in Southeast Alaska, located 12 miles from Juneau. Nestled in Mendenhall Valley, the 13-mile glacier will take your breath away and offers a perfect glimpse into the state’s unique glacial scene.
Discover Unique Adventures in Katmai National Park
Katmai National Park offers much to explore—from over 9,000 years of human history to endless outdoor recreational options. Home to about 2,200 brown bears, the park boasts the world’s largest congregation of protected brown bears. You’ll also encounter river otters, lynx, red foxes, wolves, and more. A must-have experience is exploring the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, the site of the largest volcanic eruption recorded in the 20th century.
Enjoy a Unique Blend of Adventure and Relaxation at Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs is a remarkable destination offering a blend of adventure and relaxation. One of Alaska’s most accessible hot springs, it is famous for its breathtaking winter scenery and natural pools. The resort also provides an exceptional open-air view of the Aurora Borealis and features beautiful cabins, indoor and outdoor tubs, a campground, and the outdoor Rock Lake.
See the World’s Largest Totem Poles at Saxman Native Village
Nestled near Ketchikan, Saxman Native Village is renowned for hosting Saxman Village Totem Park, where you’ll find an incredible collection of totem poles. Although the community was established in the 1800s, the carving of the totems began in the mid-1700s and continued through the 1800s. The park’s totems are the world’s largest and stand as a significant symbol of the natives’ rich cultural heritage. Stroll through the village to discover impressive works by local artisans.
Float the Scenic Copper River, Wrangell – St. Elias National Park
Copper River is among the best places to explore along Prince William Sound. As Alaska’s fourth-largest river and a hub for recreation, it offers activities such as river rafting, hiking, and sport fishing. After enjoying the river, venture into the wilderness at Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, America’s largest national park, where you can enjoy scenic driving and explore historic sites.
Hike America’s Northernmost Rainforest: Tongass National Forest
Did you know Alaska is home to the world’s largest temperate forest? Tongass National Forest, America’s northernmost rainforest, borders many southeast Alaskan towns, including Juneau, Yakutat, Skagway, and Ketchikan. The vast, lush forest offers diverse scenery—from glaciers and fjords to mountains and scenic islands—and provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
Explore Glacier Bay’s Remote and Varied Scenery
Stretching over nearly three and a half million acres of rugged beauty, Glacier Bay National Park is a must-visit destination in Alaska. Known for its remoteness and breathtaking natural wonders, the park offers activities such as cruising to view tidewater glaciers, wildlife watching, and guided tours that delve into its natural and geologic history.
Experience the Arctic Circle
Exploring the Arctic Circle is not your ordinary travel adventure. Alaska is the only place in America where you can venture into the Arctic Circle. The scenery is otherworldly, and you’ll see Arctic wildlife—like polar bears—in their natural habitat, along with stunning glaciers, icebergs, and fjords.
Hike Up Flattop Mountain
Hiking up Flattop Mountain is one of the unique adventures you can only have in Alaska. The mountain is very popular and is considered the most climbed in the state. To reach the summit, hike the one-and-a-half-mile loop trail with about a 410-meter elevation gain, starting from the Glen Alps parking area. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of Anchorage and its surroundings, including Denali and Mount Spurr.
Enjoy a Glacier Cruise in Prince William Sound
With one of the highest concentrations of tidewater glaciers in the world, Prince William Sound is a must-visit for glacier gazers. In addition to over 100 named glaciers, you’ll encounter deep fjords and diverse wildlife—including sea otters, seabirds, whales, and more. The region offers some of the most scenic coastal views in Alaska.
Visit the Gates of the Arctic National Park
If you enjoy exploring challenging terrain, don’t miss the adventurous experiences in America’s northernmost national park. Nestled north of the Arctic Circle, the Gates of the Arctic features remote landscapes with no roads or trails. Unlike more popular national parks, you won’t encounter traffic or pollution—just rugged, diverse scenery with plenty of solitude. The park offers alpine lakes, beautiful rivers, rugged peaks, valleys, forests, and abundant wildlife.
