Anchorage

Alaska

United States

North America

Destinations

There is no other state quite like Alaska. Here you will see things that you just cannot find anywhere else. Because the state is located so far north, it has a unique environment that provides amazing views and unique ways to experience the great outdoors.

There is no other state quite like Alaska. Here you will see things that you just cannot find anywhere else. Because the state is located so far north, it has a unique environment that provides amazing views and unique ways to experience the great outdoors. Visit an isolated coastal town for a quiet getaway or stay in one of the few major cities to experience all the comforts of a five-star hotel with the mountains calling from right outside your window.
<h2>1. See the Northern Lights</h2>
You have to be awake in the middle of the night to see them, but the Northern Lights are worth staying up for. While they are visible at the end of summer and into early fall, the best time to see them is from the end of September until mid-April between midnight and 4 am, depending on the season. There are plenty of places to see them, too, but some of the most reliable spots are Fairbanks and Anchorage. Wait until a clear night for best viewing.

[caption id="attachment_1036884" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/831508784-1024x684.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/831508784-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/831508784-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/831508784-768x513.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/831508784.jpg 1200w" alt="Norther Lights Fairbanks Alaska" width="1024" height="684" /> Elizabeth M. Ruggiero / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Denali National Park</h2>
It takes three hours by car or four hours by train to get to Denali National Park from Fairbanks; the closest major city located northeast of the park. Once you get there, there are plenty of ways to explore the wilderness. Take an ATV tour, go rafting, or use the park shuttle to get to the hiking trail of your choice. Bring your camera along because Denali has some of the most breathtaking views in the country, including Mount McKinley, glacial rivers, and a lot of wildlife like moose, wolves, and grizzly bears.

[caption id="attachment_1036885" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/184627533-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/184627533-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/184627533-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/184627533-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/184627533.jpg 1200w" alt="Denali National Park" width="1024" height="683" /> dhughes9 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Kuskulana Bridge</h2>
The Kuskalana Bridge is located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park &amp; Preserve, in the southeast part of the state west of the Yukon border. This 535-foot-long bridge was built by the railroad in 1911. Later in the 1960s, the state pulled up the railroad tracks, and you can still cross the bridge on foot or in a vehicle today. Park the car on either side and walk across the span of the bridge for gorgeous views of the Kuskalana River and Wrangell Mountains.

[caption id="attachment_1036886" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/885088422-1024x576.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/885088422-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/885088422-300x169.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/885088422-768x432.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/885088422.jpg 1200w" alt="Kuskulana Bridge Alaska" width="1024" height="576" /> cweimer4 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Go Whale Watching</h2>
There are plenty of places to spot whales along the coast of the state, so be sure to look for opportunities in the area when planning your trip. The best place to whale watch is on a boat, and there are plenty of tours offered at most coastal towns. Alaska is a popular spot for humpback whales, but gray whales, killer whales, and beluga whale are common sights, too. You might even see dolphins and belugas, too.

[caption id="attachment_1036887" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1155969779-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1155969779-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1155969779-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1155969779-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1155969779.jpg 1200w" alt="Whale Watching Inside Passage" width="1024" height="683" /> Andrew Peacock / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Seward Highway Scenic Drive</h2>
There are a lot of gorgeous scenic drives in Alaska, but the Seward Highway is one of the best. This route goes from Anchorage to the small seaside town of Seward. It takes you past gorgeous mountain peaks and provides views of the Northern Pacific Ocean as well as the Turnagain Arm in the Gulf of Alaska. Along the way, there are several places to stop and take pictures of the view as well as several National Heritage Areas.

[caption id="attachment_1036888" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/155242974-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/155242974-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/155242974-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/155242974-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/155242974.jpg 1200w" alt="Kenai Mountains Seward Highway" width="1024" height="683" /> Alaska_icons / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Explore the Glaciers</h2>
There are a lot of opportunities to experience glaciers in Alaska. One of the best ways to get up close an personal is taking a cruise or kayak trip. For a completely different perspective, flightseeing tours are also available. There are also plenty of roadside tours available for hiking, ATVs, and even ice climbs. Some of the best areas for viewing are Prince William Sound and the Kenai Fjords in the southeastern part of the state near Anchorage. These opportunities are scattered throughout Alaska, so be sure to look for one that fits into your itinerary.

[caption id="attachment_1036889" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/946608158-1024x650.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/946608158-1024x650.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/946608158-300x191.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/946608158-768x488.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/946608158.jpg 1200w" alt="Glacier Day Cruise" width="1024" height="650" /> brytta / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Nome</h2>
Nome, Alaska, is at the tip of the Seward Peninsula and overlooks the Bering Sea. It is a great place to visit if you want to experience a remote part of the state without losing all the modern conveniences. This small town is a popular destination as it marks the end of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race which happens every March. What is interesting about Nome is that it lies in the rolling tundra. There are no trees here so you can see for miles, taking in clear rivers and pristine beaches. Try to spot some wildlife, or you can even join modern prospectors in panning for gold.

[caption id="attachment_1036890" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1130553865-1024x576.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1130553865-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1130553865-300x169.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1130553865-768x432.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1130553865.jpg 1200w" alt="Nome Mushroom Fields" width="1024" height="576" /> William Krumpelman / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Anchorage</h2>
The most visited city in Alaska is probably Anchorage, one of the biggest urban hotspots in the state that is surrounded by gorgeous natural views. There are opportunities here to do just about anything. Stay at a luxury hotel, dine in a five-star restaurant, or take in a show. Then, head out for a drive to the mountains to spot moose, take a sightseeing flight, or hike to a glacier. Staying in Anchorage is a convenient way to take in all the outdoor beauty that Alaska has to offer while experiencing all the amenities of a busy urban hub.

[caption id="attachment_1036891" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/512820972-1024x493.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/512820972-1024x493.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/512820972-300x145.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/512820972-768x370.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/512820972.jpg 1200w" alt="Anchorage City Fireworks" width="1024" height="493" /> Chilkoot / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Juneau</h2>
Juneau is likely the most remote state capital in the United States. In fact, it is so remote that there is no road linking it to the outside world and it is only accessible by plane or boat. That said, Juneau is a popular cruise destination and a good place to start exploring the southeast part of the state that sits along the western border of British Columbia. Like a lot of towns in Alaska, Juneau sprung up because of a gold rush in the late 1800s. Nearby places to visit include Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts, the Mendenhall Glacier, and the Alaska State Museum.

[caption id="attachment_1036892" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/495067228-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/495067228-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/495067228-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/495067228-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/495067228.jpg 1200w" alt="Juneau Watefalls Mountains" width="1024" height="683" /> urbanglimpses / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Dog Sled Ride</h2>
Dog sledding is one of the most unique ways to see Alaska. There are a lot of options available across the southeast, including Anchorage, Juneau, Denali, Girdwood, and Fairbanks. There are different types of experiences available, depending on the time of year. In the summer, visitors typically take a ride in wheeled carts pulled by dogs on the ground to experience how they are trained. Some of these summer experiences also include a sightseeing tour via helicopter or airplane. If you want to experience dog mushing, you have to visit between November and March with the snow conditions are agreeable.

[caption id="attachment_1036893" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1082662914-1024x768.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1082662914-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1082662914-300x225.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1082662914-768x576.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1082662914.jpg 1200w" alt="Dog Sled Ride" width="1024" height="768" /> Jenhung Huang / Getty Images[/caption]

Unique Things to Experience in Alaska

Known as the Last Frontier, Alaska is the America's northernmost state, and Anchorage is its largest city. Alaska is known for its natural wonders, and Anchorage is a great jumping off point for visitors to experience the untouched wilderness.

Known as the Last Frontier, Alaska is the America's northernmost state, and Anchorage is its largest city. In terms of area, Anchorage is larger than Rhode Island, though the Anchorage Metropolitan Area is home to only 400,000 people. Alaska is known for its natural wonders, and Anchorage is a great jumping off point for visitors to experience untouched wilderness. People looking to escape the heat of the south can enjoy Anchorage's cooler temperatures while exploring all the sights the city has to offer.
<h2>1. Explore Nature</h2>
Visitors who travel to Anchorage to see the wonders of Mother Nature will not be disappointed. Kenai Fjords, Denali, Lake Clark, and Katmai national parks are all close enough. The less adventurous may enjoy the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a bike path that follows the shore of Cook Inlet and offers great views of Mount Susitna. Anchorage also has some of the world's highest tides. Visitors to Turnagain Arm can see the bore tide, a wave that's up to six feet tall.

[caption id="attachment_1030496" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1030496" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/GettyImages-982265524-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Woman sending a blowing kiss to Holgate glacier to wish it farewell, Alaska" width="1024" height="683" /> A&amp;J Fotos / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Visit the Wildlife</h2>
Close encounters with wildlife are another part of what makes Anchorage a great place to visit. Travelers can see bears in Katmai or Lake Clare National Parks, whales off the coast and moose practically everywhere. For people who prefer a fence between themselves and the animals, Alaska Zoo and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center allow visitors to see the area's wildlife and learn about them at the same time.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030495" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_718492879.jpg" alt="A bull moose wanders across the fall colored tundra " width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>3. Sample the Cuisine</h2>
Seafood lovers will enjoy dining out in Anchorage, with a variety of fresh fish available in many local restaurants. Lesser-known specialties include reindeer sausage, birch syrup, and chaga tea. Locals are fans of the wide variety of berries that grow wild around Anchorage; the annual Blueberry Festival gives visitors a chance to join the berry-picking fun. Anchorage is also a great brewery city, with glacier waters giving each brew a unique taste.

[caption id="attachment_1030497" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1030497" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/john-salzarulo-138023-unsplash-1-1024x577.jpg" alt="Fish Over a Campfire" width="1024" height="577" /> Photo by John Salzarulo on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>4. Go Fishing</h2>
For those who like to catch their own seafood, Anchorage offers an abundance of fishing opportunities. Ship Creek, which runs through downtown Anchorage, is an especially popular spot. Local waterways are home to salmon species along with grayling, Arctic char, and trout. Adventurous fishers can take a private boat to deep water or join fishing charters that fly visitors to remote areas for a day of fishing fun.

[caption id="attachment_1030498" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1030498" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/GettyImages-855780076-1-1024x682.jpg" alt="Two pairs of hands - one a child's - hold their most recent catch in Alaskan waters. The child is holding the silver fish's fin." width="1024" height="682" /> FatCamera / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Experience Dog Sledding</h2>
Dog sledding is generally a winter past-time, but visitors can get a taste of the sport throughout the year. Many mushers offer tours of their kennels that include cuddles with puppies and a thorough education about sledding and its history. It may be easier to get a ride in winter, but in summer, it is possible to take a helicopter ride to a glacier to experience the thrill of driving a team.

[caption id="attachment_1030500" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1030500" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/ali-inay-2279-unsplash-1-1024x680.jpg" alt="Dog sledding in field" width="1024" height="680" /> Photo by Ali Inay on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>6. See the Northern Lights</h2>
The northern lights are unpredictable, so visitors wanting to see them should plan to stay for a few days. The lights are most active in the colder months from September through to April. Caused by ionized gas particles hitting the earth's magnetic field, the lights dance across the sky and come in green, red, purple and blue. They are most commonly seen close to midnight under cloudless, moonless skies.

[caption id="attachment_1030501" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1030501" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/tommy-tang-180737-unsplash-1-1024x640.jpg" alt="Cleary Summit Aurora Viewing Area, Fairbanks, United States" width="1024" height="640" /> Photo by Tommy Tang on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>7. Take a Trip on the Anchorage Railways</h2>
Anchorage is the starting point for rail travel in Alaska, and many visitors choose to see the natural wonders of the state from the comfort of a train. In the summer, trains depart daily for far-flung locales including Prince William Sound, Denali, and Fairbanks. People staying close to Anchorage can still enjoy a train ride on the Glacier Discovery train, which has a number of day trips, including to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Chugach National Forest.

[caption id="attachment_1030502" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1030502" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/anna-tremewan-1429051-unsplash-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Denali Train" width="1024" height="768" /> Photo by Anna Tremewan on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>8. See the Museums</h2>
There are a number of museums that offer visitors a glimpse at the history and culture of the area for people wanting to spend a day indoors. The Anchorage Museum gives visitors an insight into the art and history of Alaska and the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum details how airplanes helped shape the state in the time before railways and paved roads. No trip to Alaska is complete without experiencing the aboriginal culture. The Alaska Native Heritage Center shares Alaska's 11 major cultures with visitors through dance, stories and more.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030508" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_466459256.jpg" alt="Anchorage Museum, one of the top tourist attractions in Alaska, displays objects and art from Alaska and the big North" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>9. See a Glacier</h2>
People visiting the national parks are likely to see a glacier, but even those avoiding a long hike should ensure they also visit the ice. The Glacier Discovery Train stops at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. A short walk on a gravel path leads to Spencer Lake and a great view of Spencer Glacier. Aleyska Tramway takes passengers up the 2,000-foot Mount Aleyska, offering aerial views of seven glaciers as well as Turnagain Arm.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030511" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_1008627622.jpg" alt="A red kayak floats among many icebergs calved from the Spencer Glacier in the distance" width="1000" height="563" />


<h2>10. Enjoy the Midnight Sun</h2>
Between March and September each year, Anchorage's days lengthen and the city enjoys more daylight hours than anywhere else in the United States. On the summer solstice, the city has 22 hours of daylight and the sky stays light throughout the night with the sun only dipping below the horizon. There are many events scheduled for the longest days, including the Solstice Festival and the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon and Half Marathon, where runners finish under the midnight sun.

[caption id="attachment_1030514" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1030514" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/GettyImages-867816058-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Aurora Borealis glowing green and pink over large canvas luxury camping tent in Alaska" width="1024" height="683" /> DCrane08 / Getty Images[/caption]

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Unique Things to Experience in Alaska

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