Alaska is one of the most sparsely populated U.S. states that attracts tourists from far and wide. Famous for its diverse terrain of open spaces, mountains, forests, and abundant wildlife, this state is a destination for adventure enthusiasts who can indulge in outdoor activities like skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, and more. In simple words, it is an ideal destination for people of all age groups and interests who can relish the best of its culture at these 10 best places to visit in Alaska.
10 Best Places To Visit In Alaska For All
1. Denali National Park And Preserve
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Encompassing of 6 million acres of wilderness, the Denali National Park is among popular Alaska tourist attractions. Located midway between the Anchorage and Fairbanks, this park is the home of grizzly bears, wolves, reindeers, and elks. More than 167 species of birds have been recorded at Denali National Park which is one of the largest parks in the United States and encompasses the highest mountain in North America.
Location: Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, USA
Popular Activities: Biking, Backpacking, Hiking, and Mountaineering
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2. Alaska Highway
Popularly known as the Alaska-Canada Highway (Alcan Highway), it is among the top Alaska points of interest. Built in 1942 for military purposes, the Alaska Highway runs from Dawson Creek in British Columbia (Canada) through the Yukon Territory to Delta Junction near Fairbanks. This route is the source of access by land to the Yukon Territory and southern Alaska, and a favorite with recreational vehicle travelers. The highway passes through Whitehorse, Canada before crossing the international border into Alaska and ending in Delta Junction.
3. Kenai Fjords National Park
Established in 1980, the Kenai Fjords National Park covers an area of 669,984 acres on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska, near the town of Seward. The national park is home to large brown bears that feed on the fat-rich salmon. Protecting much of the fjord-riddled coastline of the Kenai Peninsula (south of Anchorage), this national park offers some of the best sightseeing that makes it one of the best places to visit in Alaska.
4. University of Alaska Museum of the North
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Situated in Fairbanks, the University of Alaska Museum of the North is one of the favorite Alaska destinations to visit by tourists. This museum offers more than one million historical artifacts and natural history pieces. The permanent collection includes ethnological items made and used by indigenous groups, a fine arts collection that focuses mainly on Alaskan art, archaeological finds from prehistoric cultures, a bird collection, and paleontology specimens. Designed by Joan Soranno, the white structure features interesting lines and curves intended to resemble the Alaskan landscape.
Location: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
5. Alaska Native Heritage Center
Located outside Anchorage, the Heritage Center includes a Gathering Place for Alaska native dancing and storytelling, and the Hall of Culture that is filled with exhibits and local vendors displaying handmade crafts and works of art. This heritage center displays lives and values of Alaska’s 11 major cultural groups and is among the top places to visit in Alaska.
Location: 8800 Heritage Center Dr, Anchorage, AK 99504, USA
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
6. Iditarod National Historic Trail
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If you are in this US state, you do not have to wonder where to go in Alaska? Apart from visiting parks, museums, and wildlife, there is much more to Alaska tourist attractions. Alaska’s only National Scenic Trail, the Iditarod National Historic Trail consists of a network that totals upto 2,300 miles between Nome on the Bering Strait, and Seward near Anchorage. This beautiful trail is now used, and best known, for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Extensive landscapes surrounding the entire route offers breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.
7. Mendenhall Glacier
Located in the Mendenhall Valley about 12 miles from downtown Juneau in the southeast area of the U.S. state of Alaska, the Mendenhall Glacier measures about 13.6 miles long. Accessible by road, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center looks out for both the glacier and the iceberg-dotted waters, while the trails venture along the shore to roaring Nugget Falls, as well as the impressive ice masses. Rafting and kayaking trips allow visitors to float among the bergs while the wildlife such as black bears, porcupines, and beavers are commonly spotted while exploring this dazzling blue landscape. Do not miss to visit this place out of many Alaska destinations.
8. Kenai Lake
One of the popular places to visit in Alaska is the Kenai Lake. A large, “zig-zag” shaped lake on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska is the Kenai Lake that forms the headwaters of the Kenai River, and is itself a destination for fishing and other outdoor activities. Covering an area of 55.9 kms, this lake is accessible from both the Sterling and the Seward Highway.
9. Totem Bight State Historic Park
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Located north of Ketchikan, the Totem Bight State Historical Park is a 33-acre state park in the U.S. state of Alaska and is one of the best places to visit in Alaska. In 1938, the US Forest Services began a project to salvage, reconstruct, and create totem poles – a tradition that was dying out. Abandoned totem poles were restored or recreated and 15 poles were erected in Ketchikan Totem Bight State Historic Park which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Location: 9883 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM
10. Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest and most magnificent of Alaska’s sprawling national parks. One of the well-known places to visit in Alaska, this national park consists 9 of the 16 highest peaks in the United States. This grandiose mountain region on the frontier with Canada contains numerous glaciers, lakes, and mountain streams, and is home to a rich variety of wildlife. It is an ideal country for climbers, walkers, and water sports enthusiasts.
Alaska offers a lot to experience which is beyond one’s imagination. And to discover the charm of such an incredible destination, do not forget to include the best places to visit in Alaska in your itinerary and book a customizable Alaska tour packages with TravelTriangle. Happy traveling!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Alaska
Which part of Alaska is best to visit?
Some of the most popular areas to visit in Alaska are Juneau, Anchorage, Hubbard Glacier. Fairbanks, and Kodiak Island.
Where is the most beautiful place in Alaska?
Some of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in Alaska are:
1. Ice Caves, Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau
2. Kesugi Ridge, Denali State Park, Southcentral
3. Exit Glacier, Kenai Peninsula, Southcentral.
4. Mt. Ascension, Kenai Peninsula, South Central
5. Tangle Lakes, Denali Highway, Interior.
Where should I stay in Alaska?
If you are looking for good options for your stay in Alaska, here are a few options of best Alsaka Hotels that you can consider:
-The Lodge Denali Park Village Hotel
– for a peaceful stay
-The Hotel Alyeska
– for the most amazing views and tranquility
-Best Western Plus Edgewater Hotel
– for budget stay
-Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage
– best for personalized services
Which is the best time to visit Alaska?
May to September is the best time to enjoy the dry summers season and see some of the most mesmerizing views that your eyes could ever meet in this beautiful city of Alaska.
What is there to do in Alaska?
Some of the most extraordinary things to do in Alaska on your vacation are:
1. Camp at Backside Glacier Lake in Denali National Park
2. Sight the ‘Blue Babe’
3. Enjoy Talkeetna Air Taxi
4. Visit the house of Santa Claus in the North Pole
5. Climb Mount McKinley
How many days do you need in Alaska?
8 to 10 days is quite sufficient to have the most wonderful land and water experiences in Alaska which includes a number of amazing activities, a visit to the most popular attractions and a long cruise tour.
What is the best way to see Alaska?
One of the best ways to see the coastal mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife, and towns of Alaska, Cruise is the best option and quite a romantic experience. But if you want to take up adventure activities and explore some of the highest mountains, a personal land tour is a great option.
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A mass-media graduate, Priyanka is a passionate writer and an avid traveler. Whether it’s about capturing the sunsets or hogging up some delicious food from different places, she never leaves a second to decide. Her mantra of keep going is “work, save, travel, repeat” which she lives by heart.
