Alaska isn’t just another vacation spot—it’s a whole different kind of wild. You’re not coming here to sit by a pool sipping drinks with little umbrellas (though, no judgment if that’s your thing). You’re coming to see glaciers the size of cities, mountains that punch the sky, and wildlife that has zero interest in your schedule.
This state is huge—like, “Texas feels small now” huge—and full of surprises. One minute you’re riding a train past alpine lakes, the next you’re watching a moose cross the road like it owns the place. Whether you’re into rugged backcountry hikes or cozy cultural experiences in town, there’s something in Alaska that’ll stick with you.
So if you’re wondering what to do in the Last Frontier, buckle up. We’re diving into nine of the best ways to experience Alaska—without needing to wrestle a grizzly.
1. Explore Denali National Park
Denali isn’t just a national park—it’s a flex. Home to North America’s tallest peak (yep, that Denali), this place is six million acres of straight-up wilderness. No strip malls, no Wi-Fi, just raw, untamed land where the animals are the locals and you’re the visitor.
One of the coolest things about Denali is how wild it still feels. There’s just one road that cuts through it, and private vehicles are only allowed partway in. After that, it’s shuttle buses, hikes, or nothing. And honestly? That’s part of the charm. You get to see bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and moose doing their thing without fences or fanfare.
Hikers have plenty to get excited about too. There are some marked trails near the entrance, but true Denali style is off-trail hiking. It’s just you, a topographic map, and the freedom to blaze your own path (responsibly, of course).
Don’t miss the visitor center if you want a crash course in the park’s geology and wildlife before heading out. And if the weather cooperates, getting a glimpse of Denali’s summit is one of those goosebump-worthy moments that sticks with you.
2. Cruise Through Glacier Bay
If you’ve ever wanted to feel small in the best way possible, Glacier Bay will deliver. Picture a landscape carved by ancient ice, where massive glaciers calve into icy blue water with a thunderous crack that echoes through the fjords. It’s like nature’s fireworks show—slow, powerful, and unforgettable.
Most folks see Glacier Bay by cruise ship or guided boat tour, and for good reason. The best views are from the water, where you can coast past towering walls of ice and keep an eye out for humpback whales, sea otters, puffins, and even the occasional orca. It’s a full-on wildlife buffet.
If you’re lucky, you might witness Margerie Glacier calving—a chunk of ice the size of a house breaking off and crashing into the bay. It’s loud, dramatic, and way better than anything on Netflix.
There’s also a bit of history here. Tlingit people have lived in the region for generations, and their culture still weaves through the area. Some tours touch on this history, adding depth to the already jaw-dropping scenery.
Even if you’re not into cruises, there are kayak options for the bold and ranger-led programs at Bartlett Cove for those staying on land. Either way, it’s the kind of place where photos don’t do justice—though you’ll definitely try.
3. Ride the Alaska Railroad
Most trains are about getting from Point A to Point B. The Alaska Railroad is about everything in between. This isn’t your average commute—it’s an experience that turns the journey into the destination.
The most popular route runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with stops in places like Denali and Talkeetna. Along the way, you’ll see rivers slicing through mountain valleys, herds of moose grazing in open meadows, and snowcapped peaks so close you feel like you could reach out and touch them. You’re basically in a moving postcard.
What sets this train apart is the option to ride in a glass-domed car. Yup—360-degree views, plus a dining car serving up local bites like reindeer sausage or fresh-caught salmon. And with open-air vestibules between cars, you can step outside and feel the wind in your face while snapping some of the best photos of your life.
This is also one of the most chill ways to travel in Alaska. No driving, no navigating—just sit back with a hot drink and let the state unfold in front of you. Whether you’re going all the way to Fairbanks or just hopping on for part of the trip, it’s a solid way to soak in the scenery without hiking boots or bear spray.
4. Discover Anchorage’s Culture and Trails
Anchorage might not be the wilderness you picture when you think of Alaska, but don’t let the city lights fool you—it’s got nature, culture, and personality all bundled together. Think of it as your launchpad for Alaskan adventure with a side of espresso and museums.
Start with the Anchorage Museum, where art, science, and history all come together in one sleek space. There’s a killer exhibit on Alaska Native cultures, plus interactive displays and rotating art installations that make it way more interesting than your average “look-but-don’t-touch” kind of museum.
If you’re more about the outdoors, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a must. It stretches 11 miles from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park, hugging the coastline the whole way. Whether you walk, bike, or rollerblade it (yes, people still rollerblade), the views of Cook Inlet and the chance to spot moose along the trail make it worth every step.
Anchorage is also a great food town by Alaskan standards. You can try everything from fresh halibut tacos to Filipino lumpia and legit Korean BBQ. And if you’re into beer, the local craft brewery scene is surprisingly strong for a city this size.
It’s a place where you can see a bald eagle on your morning jog and catch live music downtown that night. Not too shabby for a city surrounded by mountains.
5. Visit the Kenai Peninsula
The Kenai Peninsula is what happens when Alaska turns the charm up to eleven. It’s where dramatic fjords meet peaceful fishing towns, where bald eagles fly overhead while salmon swim upstream, and where every curve of the road feels like it was designed by a scenic drive superfan.
First up: Seward. This little coastal town is the jumping-off point for Kenai Fjords National Park. Hop on a boat tour and you’ll glide past glaciers, see puffins dive like feathered torpedoes, and maybe even spot a pod of orcas slicing through the waves. It’s chilly, it’s thrilling, and it’s about as Alaska as it gets.
Head inland to Cooper Landing for world-class fishing on the Kenai River. The salmon runs here are legendary—seriously, people schedule their vacations around them. If you’ve never fished before, local guides can get you set up. Just don’t be surprised if you end up hooked yourself.
And then there’s Homer, known as “the end of the road.” It’s quirky, artsy, and full of great food and local flavor. Walk the Homer Spit, check out the galleries, or book a bear-viewing flight to nearby Katmai or Lake Clark.
The Kenai Peninsula is like Alaska’s greatest hits album—wildlife, glaciers, mountains, and small-town charm, all packed into one unforgettable road trip.
6. Chase the Northern Lights in Fairbanks
Fairbanks isn’t just cold—it’s Alaska cold. But bundle up, because it’s also one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights. When the skies are clear and the solar activity is high, the aurora puts on a show that’ll make you forget your toes are frozen.
From late August through April, Fairbanks becomes aurora central. The city sits right under the “auroral oval,” which is science-speak for “prime real estate for lights dancing in the sky.” You don’t even have to leave town to see them, but getting out into the countryside makes for even better viewing. Places like Chena Hot Springs or Murphy Dome offer wide-open skies—and fewer headlights.
Speaking of Chena Hot Springs, imagine soaking in a naturally heated pool surrounded by snow while ribbons of green and purple ripple overhead. It’s like being inside a dream sequence, except you’re really there and slightly pruney.
Fairbanks also has its share of aurora tours if you want to take the guesswork out. Some come with cozy yurts, warm drinks, and expert guides who know how to read the solar forecast better than most weather apps.
Even if the lights don’t show up every night, the anticipation is part of the magic. And when they do appear, it’s the kind of moment that makes the cold worth it.
7. Step into History in Sitka
Sitka isn’t just beautiful—it’s layered. This coastal town on Baranof Island is where Russian, Tlingit, and American histories all collide, and somehow it manages to hold that complexity with grace. Add in ocean views and thick green forest, and you’ve got a place that feels like a storybook with tidepools.
Back in the early 1800s, Sitka was the capital of Russian America. You can still visit the onion-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral, a surprisingly charming slice of old Russia dropped right in the middle of town. Then there’s the Russian Bishop’s House, now run by the National Park Service, where you can walk through preserved rooms and see what life was like during the fur trade era.
But Sitka’s story doesn’t start—or end—with the Russians. The Tlingit people lived here long before colonizers showed up, and their culture is still strong. Sitka National Historical Park offers a walking trail through the forest lined with totem poles and insight into the battles fought and traditions maintained.
Sitka is also one of the prettiest towns in Alaska. It’s surrounded by mountains and water, with trails that start at sea level and climb into misty hills. You can hike, kayak, or just stroll the waterfront and soak in the views.
It’s a small town with a deep past, and visiting feels like flipping through the pages of Alaska’s history—one hike, museum, or totem pole at a time.
8. Check Out Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
If national parks were characters in a movie, Wrangell-St. Elias would be the quiet giant who steals the scene. It’s the largest national park in the U.S.—bigger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined—but somehow still flies under the radar. And that’s part of the appeal.
This place is pure, unfiltered Alaska. Think towering volcanoes, sprawling glaciers, and valleys so vast they make you feel like a dot on the map. It’s remote, rugged, and ridiculously beautiful.
A lot of visitors base themselves in McCarthy or Kennecott, two quirky little towns that feel more frontier outpost than tourist hub. From there, you can explore the abandoned Kennecott Copper Mine, which looks like something out of a ghost story—but with a scenic backdrop. The guided tours are worth it, especially if you’re into old industrial sites or weird history.
Then there’s the hiking. Trails range from chill walks to full-on backcountry treks, and no matter your pace, the views never quit. You can also hop in a bush plane for a flightseeing tour over glaciers and mountains that barely look real.
Wrangell-St. Elias is one of those places where you’ll feel like you discovered something. It’s not crowded, not polished, and not for the faint of heart—but if you like your adventures wild and a little off the beaten path, this one’s for you.
9. Experience a Dog Sledding Adventure
You haven’t really done Alaska until you’ve stood behind a team of barking, tail-wagging huskies and taken off across the snow. Dog sledding isn’t just a fun activity here—it’s a cultural icon. From the legendary Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race to local mushers offering rides, it’s one of the most uniquely Alaskan experiences you can have.
If you’re visiting in the winter, you can sign up for a full dog sledding tour where you’ll ride (or even drive) a team through snow-covered forests and frozen rivers. The dogs are strong, fast, and born for this. And they love it—seriously, they go nuts with excitement when it’s time to run.
Summer visitors, don’t worry. You can still meet the dogs and try “dryland mushing” with wheeled carts or take a helicopter to a glacier where sledding on snow is still possible year-round. Either way, you’ll get to hang out with the dogs, learn how they’re trained, and gain a new appreciation for just how hardcore these pups really are.
Many tours are run by mushers who’ve raced in the Iditarod or Yukon Quest, and they’ve got stories. Between the gear, the dogs, the weather, and the wild, they’ve seen it all—and they’re happy to share.
Dog sledding isn’t just thrilling—it’s a window into a lifestyle that’s still alive and kicking (and howling) in the Last Frontier.
Conclusion
Alaska doesn’t do things halfway. It’s big, bold, and a little unpredictable—kind of like nature’s version of a mic drop. Whether you’re cruising past glaciers, chasing auroras, or hanging on for dear life behind a team of huskies, you’re in for something unforgettable.
What makes the Last Frontier so special is how it mixes raw beauty with quiet moments. One day you’re surrounded by towering peaks and roaring rivers, the next you’re sipping coffee in a small town with a view that feels like it was Photoshopped. There’s no one way to do Alaska, and that’s the best part.
So whether you’re in it for the adventure, the scenery, the history, or just to say you’ve been someplace truly wild, Alaska’s got something for you—and probably a few surprises you didn’t see coming.
Go prepared, stay curious, and don’t be surprised if you start planning your return trip before the first one’s even over.
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