Best Places to Visit in Alaska

Alaska is home to some of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in North America. Towering mountains, imposing glaciers and fjords, and dense forests across 8 national parks showcase the wonders of the natural world, while picturesque seaside towns and vibrant urban centres offer rich cultural experiences for travellers of all ages.

For many, Denali National Park is the undisputed highlight of an Alaska holiday. Home to North America’s highest mountain, Mount McKinley (Denali). The park offers vast wilderness, incredible hiking opportunities, and the chance to see iconic wildlife such as bears, moose, caribou, and wolves in their natural habitat.

For those drawn to glaciers and coastal scenery, Kenai Fjords and Glacier Bay provide some of the most spectacular views in the state. Boat cruises and kayaking trips reveal towering ice formations, fjords carved by ancient glaciers, and marine wildlife, including whales, seals, and sea lions.

Travellers looking for a mix of nature and culture often begin their journey in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. From here, visitors can explore charming coastal towns such as Seward, Homer, and Ketchikan, each offering scenic harbours filled with local character.

Across the state, there are also opportunities to discover Alaska’s rich Indigenous heritage, from traditional art to the living traditions of Native Alaskan communities who have called this breathtaking state home for thousands of years.

Best places to visit in Alaska: at a glance

Denali National Park: Epic views, camping, hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities. Also visit to see bears, wolves, and moose in the wild, amongst other animals.

Glacier Bay: Along with Kenai Fjords, see towering ice formations and ice-carved coastline. Spot whales and other marine life on boat tours.

Anchorage: Alaska’s largest city, enjoy the cultural sites and use it as a base to visit coastal towns and head inland.

Ketchikan: One of many towns with strong Native Alaskan communities, where you can experience local culture and history.

Joshua SALTER, Alaska expert at Journeyscape, says: 

“Most Alaska trips begin in Anchorage, and I always suggest spending a little time exploring the area before heading further afield. Nearby harbour towns like Seward or Homer give you a great first taste of Alaska’s coastal scenery and laid-back local character. 

“From there, I’d travel north to Denali National Park, where the vast wilderness and unforgettable mountain scenery are breathtaking, and there is also the chance to spot wildlife like bears and moose. 

“Afterwards, head south again, through Anchorage to coastal areas like Kenai Fjords or Glacier Bay, where glaciers, fjords, and marine wildlife reveal a completely different side of Alaska.”

For more information about visiting Alaska on holiday, explore our other guides and travel resources:

• Things to do in Alaska
• Places to stay in Alaska