Best Places to Visit in Alaska:
5 Must-See Destinations
Looking for the best places to visit in Alaska? If you're searching for a travel destination that combines breathtaking natural beauty with endless adventure, then look no further. With its stunning landscapes, towering mountains, pristine glaciers, and abundant wildlife, Alaska offers countless unforgettable experiences. From the rugged wilderness to charming towns, Alaska has something for every traveller. But with so much to experience where should you start? Read on to learn about the 6 best places to visit in Alaska. Welcome to "The Last Frontier”!
Denali National Park and Preserve
Tucked away in the heart of the Alaska Range, Denali National Park and Preserve is a place of stunning beauty. Standing tall above everything else in the park is Denali, North America's highest peak. This majestic mountain will definitely impress but it's not just the peak that makes Denali special. The park is also home to a ton of different wildlife including grizzly bears, moose, and wolves. With loads of hiking trails to pick from, there's something here for everyone whether you're a seasoned hiker or just a fan of nature. If camping is your thing, settle in for the night and enjoy the starry Alaskan sky. Make sure to bring your binoculars too because your chances of spotting wildlife in Denali are pretty high. For more info, check out the official Denali National Park website and start planning an unforgettable visit.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Nestled at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, the picturesque Kenai Fjords National Park is renowned for its stunning glaciers, majestic fjords and abundant wildlife. To make the most of your visit to the park I highly recommend taking a boat tour. We sailed out of Seward with Kenai Fjords Tours on a 6-hour National Park Tour, including lunch and commentary. This incredible tour allowed us to witness a calving glacier up close as well as providing an opportunity to spot seals, whales and otters as we cruised through Resurrection Bay. If you prefer to stick to dry land, the park also offers plenty of hiking trails that lead you through enchanting forests to stunning viewpoints.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve spans an impressive 3.3 million acres of pristine wilderness, rugged mountains, icy glaciers, and windswept coastlines. But there's more to Glacier Bay than just its glaciers - the park is also home to a thriving marine ecosystem. You’ll find graceful humpback whales breaching the surface and playful seals basking on ice chunks. Many cruise lines include a stop in Glacier Bay as part of their Inside Passage itineraries. But to get up close and explore the beauty of the area a kayak tour is hard to beat. Glide through the calm waters, surrounded by towering ice walls, and take in the enormity of this amazing place. For more information or to book a tour, visit the official Glacier Bay National Park website.
Inside Passage
Alaska’s Inside Passage is a popular cruise route that winds its way through the stunning landscapes of Southeast Alaska from Seattle all the way to Skagway. When selecting a cruise consider the duration, amenities, and onboard activities to suit your preferences. Each itinerary offers its own unique blend of breathtaking scenery and fascinating ports of call, such as Juneau, Ketchikan (above), Skagway, and Sitka. Each stop offers its own rich history, charming culture, and stunning natural wonders. Along the route you’ll also find spectacular highlights like the majestic Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park.
Visit my post on Cruising the Inside Passage Alaska to find out everything you need to know to book an unforgettable cruise holiday.
Mendenhall Glacier
The majestic Mendenhall Glacier, just outside of Juneau, is a sight to behold. Known as one of the most beautiful and accessible glaciers in North America, there are many ways to explore the area depending on your desired level of activity. Head out on the hiking trails that lead you through lush forests and offer stunning views of the glacier. Or for a unique perspective, hop in a kayak and paddle along the glacial blue waters, getting up close to this awe-inspiring formation. If you're looking for guided tours or other recreational activities in the area, there are plenty of options available. From helicopter tours that offer a bird's-eye view of the glacier, to ice climbing adventures for the brave, there's something for everyone. Don’t forget to stop in at the visitor centre, where interactive exhibits allow you to learn about the glacier's formation and the surrounding ecosystem. The centre also offers panoramic views of the glacier if you don’t have time to hit the trails or take a tour. Many cruise lines offer shore excursions to visit Mendenhall Glacier too so keep an eye out when selecting your activities if this stop is on your must-see list.
Alaska really does offer a wealth of natural beauty and a range of adventures that you’ll want to experience for yourself. From the stunning Inside Passage to the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier and the picturesque Kenai Fjords National Park, there's a destination for every traveller in the Last Frontier. It's time to start mapping out your Alaskan adventure, so prepare for an unforgettable journey and don’t forget to include the 5 Best Places to Visit in Alaska!
Have you travelled to Alaska? Let me know in the comments if there are any other Must-See destinations we should add to our list.
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This post is not sponsored. As always all views and opinions expressed are my own.
