Things to do & places to visit in Alaska, United States


Alaska cover image
Alaska is divided into five regions: far north, interior, southwest, south central, and inside passage. Although it takes a long time to see the entire state, you can travel through the regions by boat, car, bus, or plane. Hike through the mountains, or venture out on a deep sea fishing or whale watching excursion. Get in touch with nature by camping in the wilderness, or experience your preferred degree of class and luxury in the beautiful, active cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Alaska #25 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.62 based on 170.1k traveler reviews, of 1.018 attractions. Timezone: America/Anchorage, current date and time: Thursday, March 28, 2024, 15:33.

Top things to do (49)

Top destinations in Alaska 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

  1. 5.0 Major Marine Tours - Kenai Fjords Cruise (7.186 reviews)
    - Our favorite one day adventure!
    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips
    Major Marine Tours - Kenai Fjords Cruise image
    Major Marine Tours delivered a memorable experience for our family of four. Captain Laura, Katrina, and the rest of the crew were informative, engaging, and enthusiastic. This team shared the history of the Fjords and shared in the excitement when we spotted Orcas, otters, sea Lions, humpback whales, puffins, eagles, etc. I highly recommend splurging for this day long tour since it may very well be the most memorable one of your trip. See more..
  2. 5.0 K2 Aviation (3.039 reviews)
    - Seriously Amazing
    Thursday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sightseeing Tours • Air Tours
    K2 Aviation image
    Its really important to note that the weather is a huge constraint on this activity. My boyfriend and I booked the flightseeing tour with glacier landing months in advance with of course no idea the weather. We got extremely lucky being the day of our flightseeing tour, was the only day of our entire trip that had clear skies. The flight was amazing, pilot Phillip was so nice and informative. He even took some amazing photos of us in front of the plane. I get motion sickness pretty easy but this was not an issue for me. Before boarding the flight, I asked if I could sit up front and the pilot said yes saying "its kind of a 'whoever asks first' can sit in the front". The front seat is most definitely the best view but they navigate the plane in a way where everyone gets a chance to see everything. K2 made our experience super relaxing and stress free. We stayed right in Talkeetna so we just simply walked to K2 aviation and essentially walks on the plane. See more..
  3. 5.0 Alaska Wildlife Guide LLC (2.972 reviews)
    - Fun Packed Week in Fairbanks Alaska
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Fishing Charters & Tours • Night Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing • Day Trips
    Alaska Wildlife Guide LLC image
    We, as a group of 18 neighbors, were lucky to have Dave, Tyler and Barbara as our drivers and guides for the Heritage Tour of Fairbanks one day; Chena Hot Springs and Northern Lights Tour another day: Aurora Viewing Cabin still another day: and finally for the Arctic Circle Trip. They packed a lot of vacation into one week for us. All were very attentive to our needs as an "active adult" (read senior) group! The information/narration along the way was excellent. They were always punctual when it came to picking us up at our lodge. Although we did not see the full Auroras, we did get a glimpse of them on the Arctic Circle Trip. All in all it was a great experience with Dave, Tyler and Barbara and would recommend Alaska Wildlife Guide for excursions in Fairbanks Alaska. Thank you! See more..
  4. 5.0 Tracy Arm Fjord (2.938 reviews)
    - Westerdam cruise up Tracy Arm fjord and glacier.
    Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water
    Tracy Arm Fjord image
    HAL Westerdam cruise up TracyArm was beautiful with an enjoyable lunch on our veranda. Although we were on the starboard (left) side, the captain turned ship 360 degrees , allowing everyone a view. Hot chocolate, appetizers and champagne offered on the bow. Initially hampered by fog, developed into a beautiful rain free day. See more..
  5. 5.0 Talkeetna Air Taxi (2.921 reviews)
    - Breath Taking
    Taxis & Shuttles • Sightseeing Tours • Air Tours
    Talkeetna Air Taxi image
    The tallest Mountain in North America has been on my bucket list for many years. Talkeetna Air Taxi allowed me to see it from every angle & it was breath taking. The pilot (Chase) was outstanding, pointing out terrain and land marks. The entire staff were very helpful, polite, knowledgeable. I would recommend paying the little extra for the summit tour and glacier landing you will not be disappointed. Thank you TAT!!!! See more..
  6. 5.0 Denali (2.911 reviews)
    - A must for anyone visiting Alaska!
    Mountains
    Denali image
    America's tallest peak, this 20,320-foot mountain is the most famous part of this national park. See more..
  7. 5.0 Husky Homestead (1.947 reviews)
    - The BEST part of our trip
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Husky Homestead image
    Enjoy a warm welcome and experience a true Alaskan lifestyle at Husky Homestead—home of Iditarod Champion, Jeff King. Husky Homestead is widely heralded as an authentic look into rural lifestyles based on 40 years of Alaskan adventures: from freight hauling on Denali to crossing the finish line in Nome, Alaska with a champion Iditarod team. See puppies upon arrival and share an intimate view of the Alaskan Husky as the team explodes from the dog yard and witness their beauty in motion as they run on our treadmill before hitting the trail for a training run. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating a championship team and carving a life in Alaska's Interior. Hear compelling stories from the trail and see actual racing sleds, arctic survival gear and equipment used to traverse 1100 miles of Alaska's most rugged terrain. Dress in extra layers, wear comfortable shoes, bring bug repellent - and your camera! Our 2021 season will run from June 1 - August 31. See more..
  8. 5.0 Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum (1.799 reviews)
    - Fountainhead Auto Museum is a Fairbanks Gem!
    Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum image
    *** Starting on Sept. 21, 2022, we will switch to winter hours - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Sundays and Wednesdays *** Come one, come all! We look forward to your visit! This unexpected gem at Wedgewood Resort is one of Alaska's favorite attractions. The museum features a remarkable collection of antique cars paired with stunning historic fashions, plus entertaining displays of Alaska's motoring history. The museum's automobile collection features over 100 pre-WWII American-made vehicles, including beautifully restored horseless carriages, nickel touring cars, rakish speedster, elegant classics, and early racecars. From rare marquees like Compound and Argonne to well-known names like Packard and Stutz, visitors will be amazed at the beauty, innovation, and history of these rolling masterpieces. All but a few of the automobiles are driven throughout the year, making this a true "living museum. See more..
  9. 5.0 Kenai Fjords National Park (1.766 reviews)
    - A must to do experience!
    National Parks
    Kenai Fjords National Park image
    We took an 8 hrs tour with Alaska Tour & Travel from Anchorage. We moved by bus, train and boat. The excursion was well organized, we saw plenty of wildlife (sea lions, seals, birds) nature (forests, lakes) and glaciers. Better go by bus and return by Alaska Express, across the hole peninsula! The boat was moved very close to the –ice covered- land, so we could a lot of pictures. Got close up with several of large glaciers and we experienced to watch -live- an ice melting (sounds like earthquake)! Amazing experience, do not miss it! Make sure that you will wear warm clothes and have a raincoat! See more..
  10. 5.0 Running Reindeer Ranch (1.705 reviews)
    - Great adventure for all ages
    Spent 2-3 hours Farms • Ranches
    Running Reindeer Ranch image
    By reservation, Running Reindeer Ranch offers guided walking natural history tours of the boreal forest with our reindeer friends. Get to know our reindeer in this 2.5 hour unique, immersive, educational tour. Enjoy a walk through the magical birch forest, observing reindeer games and learning the adaptations that make reindeer ideal for Arctic living. While visiting our family-owned farm, there is plenty of time for pictures and reindeer hugs. After the reindeer walk, we’ll head inside to learn a bit more about reindeer while enjoying homemade cookies and drinks. We operate in any weather, all year, so appropriate clothing is a must. Reservation Required, book a walk on our website! With Covid19 protocols we are very serious about health. We provide touch less options, sanitize before and after each visit, stay outside the entire tour and all persons must wear a mask while visiting our ranch. See more..
  11. 5.0 MICA Guides (1.636 reviews)
    - Best activity we did in Alaska
    Thursday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Helicopter Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours
    MICA Guides image
    We did glacier cruises, water rafting, hiking, bus tours, and glacier trekking in Alaska, and I want to say glacier trekking is the best. We got to step on the glacier, taste the ice, and drink the glacier water. We are a group of 14 people with young children and teens. Our guides, Kandel and Taylor, were very patient with us from the beginning to the end. They also provided educational information that the kids felt they were fascinating. We highly recommend MICA guides if you want something fun to do in Alaska. See more..
  12. 5.0 Nugget Falls (1.459 reviews)
    - Gorgeous views and easy hiking trail
    Waterfalls
    Nugget Falls image
    This is very close to Juneau area. Very good access both hiking and parking. Easy access to glacier and hiking trails. Nugget falls is a must do. Easy flat hike to get right up to the glacier and falls. We went in April and there was still some ice and snow on the trail. We didn't have spikes or crampons but was easily done with hiking boots. Absolutely amazing views and you can literally walk right up to the falls. Great views even if you don't hike. The visitors center was closed and opens end of May. Parking lot is a great, dark place to view the Northern Lights. We saw a little of the lights at around midnight. See more..
  13. 5.0 Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve (1.398 reviews)
    - Stunning Glaciers
    Bodies of Water • National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve image
    The highlight of the trip was exploring the Glacier Bay for 9 hours. Our Alaska cruise sails to the Inside Passage of a series of waterways formed by glaciers. It’s a beautiful day visiting the national park to see gigantic snow cap mountains and huge glaciers. It’s wonderful to see bright blue icebergs rising out of the water. I was surprised to see the Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and pieces fall off across the waves. I was amazed by this clean, natural preserved national park. The Glacier Bay Park Rangers went onboard early morning. They spend the day aboard to answer questions, explain the scenery as the ship explore the Glacier Bay to appreciate the wonders of the national park. At the same time, the Park Rangers enforce the laws to the safety, cleanliness of the national park and assist to prevent disaster for guests. The full day tour at the bay is well worth it. Both the glaciers and the surrounding scenery are spectacular. The entire place was stunningly gorgeous. See more..
  14. 5.0 Denali Zipline Tours (1.005 reviews)
    - Great Time for First Time Zip Liners
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
    Denali Zipline Tours image
    We had friends visiting from lower 48 and they had zip lined before so we booked the trip. Our guides Bridget and Morgan were fantastic! They put those of us who are nervous about it at ease. Safety was top priority. We had a gorgeous day. We will be back! See more..
  15. 5.0 Hoonah Travel Adventures (951 reviews)
    - Amazing Experience
    Thursday: 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Private Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Kayaking & Canoeing
    Hoonah Travel Adventures image
    This trip couldn't have been better. From the moment the shuttle collected us, to the moment they dropped us off again, the staff were friendly and keen to share their knowledge of the area and history surrounding it. Thanks to our eagle eyed guide, we were lucky enough to see a wild bear on a beach, before heading further out and finding a pod of very curious porpoises and a number of Humpback whales, including at least one with a calf. This trip exceeded our expectations and made for an incredibly enjoyable and memorable day. We got great value for money and would highly recommend this as an activity to anyone who is visiting Hoonah/Icy Strait Point. See more..
  16. 5.0 Resurrection Bay (945 reviews)
    - Gorgeous
    Bodies of Water
    Resurrection Bay image
    This area provides birders with views of fulmars, petrels, puffins, murres, kittiwakes and auklets. See more..
  17. 5.0 Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours (916 reviews)
    - Amazing glacier tour
    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
    Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours image
    This was our second trip with Brady out to the Knik Glacier and it did not disappoint! We began our day with a little bit of sunshine that later became liquid sunshine. Brady was an amazing guide that adjusted our tour based upon the changing weather conditions; however, even with the rain, he never lost his enthusiasm. In fact, he actually became more enthusiastic with the rain!! The glacier was massive and the views were epic. I highly recommend this trip. See more..
  18. 4.5 Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (7.076 reviews)
    - Easy, Free & Breathtaking
    Thursday: Spent More than 3 hours Visitor Centers • Geologic Formations
    Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center image
    Mendenhall Glacier is easily accessible via roads from the local airport, cruise ship terminal and state ferry terminal. Our facility and lands are managed by the federal government through the United States Forest Service. Federal passes are accepted and sold as well as daily passes. There is a visitor center with a theater showing a 15-minute film on Mendenhall Glacier, a bookstore operated by nonprofit organization Discovery Southeast, and exhibits on wildlife, history, and glacial and geological changes. Rangers provide talks at various indoor and outdoor sites in summer. Open hours in summer are daily 8am to 7:30pm. Due to wildlife and bears, no food is allowed outdoors from April-November. There is no beverage or food service available to prevent bears from becoming food-conditioned. Nearby Steep Creek is the spawning stream for wild sockeye salmon from late July through early September. Later in the fall, a run of coho salmon spawn in the creek. Porcupines can be seen foraging on leaves in deciduous trees. Beavers are visible early in the morning and in the evening. Learn about Alaska and the natural world around the glacier and lake. Enjoy a one-hour hike to 400-foot-tall Nugget Falls. Other trails lead to different habitats. In winter, the visitor center is open Friday-Sunday from 10am to 4pm and closed on federal holidays. See more..
  19. 4.5 Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (3.775 reviews)
    - A great way to see and take pictures of Alaska wildlife
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center image
    Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is located at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway. AWCC is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. The sanctuary maintains over 200 acres of spacious habitats for resident animals to feel at home displaying their natural wild behavior. It is common for visitors to see brown bears swimming, moose strutting, wood bison roaming, muskox playing, wolves posing, porcupines climbing, and more! AWCC has been able to provide care for hundreds of displaced animals because visitors to AWCC have made critical contributions in the form of admission fees, tours, donations, memberships, and gift shop purchases. General Admission tickets to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center do not sell out. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival the day of your visit. Or book a tour or Animal Encounter! Book early and enjoy Moose Encounters, Bear Encounters, and Walk on the Wild Side Tours. See more..
  20. 4.5 Alaska SeaLife Center (3.429 reviews)
    - A Great Aquarium
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Aquariums
    Alaska SeaLife Center image
    An education and research-focused aquarium offering underwater views of Alaskan marine animals. See more..
  21. 4.5 Phillips Cruises and Tours (2.886 reviews)
    - Wonderful Experience
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Rail Tours • Day Trips
    Phillips Cruises and Tours image
    The entire experience was amazing. We got there a couple hours before the cruise was going to leave so we walked around Whittier which was so fun. Going through the tunnel to get to Whittier was also pretty exhilarating! The cruise itself was perfect (26 glacier tour). We saw a lot of wildlife (whales, otters, seals and dolphins) and the cruise was so smooth. Our ship was from NYC and had a lot of history which was really interesting. Thankful they shared that history with us. No one got sea sick because the ship rides so smooth but also travels at 36 knots which is a pretty healthy speed. We got great pictures of the glaciers and really enjoyed the chowder that was provided for us. I highly recommend experiencing the 26 glacier tour in Whittier, as I have no negative feedback about the entire experience! See more..
  22. 4.5 Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center (2.641 reviews)
    - Nice Alaska history and culture overview
    Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center image
    Alaska's largest museum focusing on art, history, science and culture of Alaska. See more..
  23. 4.5 University of Alaska Museum of the North (2.602 reviews)
    - Fascinating eclectic museum
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Natural History Museums
    University of Alaska Museum of the North image
    The University of Alaska Museum of the North is a thriving visitor attraction, a vital component of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the only research and teaching museum in Alaska. The museum’s research collections – 2.5 million artifacts and specimens – represent millions of years of biological diversity and thousands of years of cultural traditions in the North. Museum store and cafe on site. UAMN summer hours are 7 days a week, from 6 AM - 7 PM. Admission sales/doors close at 6:30 PM. Hours are Subject to Change. See more..
  24. 4.5 Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show (2.310 reviews)
    - Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
    Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Theatre & Performances
    Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show image
    Get all your rowdy friends together and join in the Alaskan axe-tion in this amazing competition of skill and strength. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show reflects upon southeast Alaska’s rich logging history and comes to life with thrilling displays of strength and agility. These world champion athletes wearing spiked boots & hard hats compete in 12 athletic events that utilize seven-pound axes, six-foot razor sharp saws, tree climbing gaffs, and souped up chainsaws. Your cheers will turn to roars of excitement as axes fly through the air, men free fall from tall trees, and then run atop spinning logs floating in the water. The show is held in a covered, heated, and cushioned grandstand that includes a rustic lodge gift shop and full concession. This will be one hour of action, excitement, and laughs that is unique to all of Alaska. See more..
  25. 4.5 Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (1.879 reviews)
    - Fun workout with the chance to see wildlife
    Historic Walking Areas • Biking Trails
    Tony Knowles Coastal Trail image
    Popular biking trail along the coast. See more..
  26. 4.5 Homer Spit (1.815 reviews)
    - Must see if you’re into bears at all. One and a half hour float plane ride in four or five hours with the Bears and one
    Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Beaches
    Homer Spit image
    Brooks Falls. Must see if you’re into bears at all. One and a half hour float plane ride in four or five hours with the Bears and one and a half hour float plane ride back. It was amazing watching the Bears catch the spawning salmon See more..
  27. 4.5 Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center (1.802 reviews)
    - Strongly Recommend Stopping Here During Fairbanks Visit
    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers
    Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center image
    Your 1st stop for visitor information. Learn about Alaska Native culture and history. Free world-class exhibits that tell the story of life in Interior Alaska. Wave to family around the world on our Antler Arch webcam. Free films, WiFi, parking. See more..
  28. 4.5 Alaska Native Heritage Center (1.699 reviews)
    - Beautiful Native Alaskan Cultural Experience
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Educational sites
    Alaska Native Heritage Center image
    Alaskan native culture is presented through storytelling, dancing, craft-making and simulated, life-sized villages representing each of the five main indigenous groups. See more..
  29. 4.5 Denali Visitor Center (1.573 reviews)
    - Stop here first
    Visitor Centers
    Denali Visitor Center image
    The visitor center or the Bus station are the Best place to start when wants to do anything in the park. They will direct you on tent camping, RV camping, hiking (front or back) the bus routes/rides that’ll get you the closest to see anything. There’s also a gift shop, history center, science center, fake Starbucks, & a small restaurant with vegetarian options. See more..
  30. 4.5 Alyeska Aerial Tram (1.438 reviews)
    - Breathtaking views of Aleyska and Bryon Glacier along with 5 other glaciers.
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Trams
    Alyeska Aerial Tram image
    The Alyeska Aerial Tram is a three-to-seven minute scenic ride from The Hotel Alyeska to 2,300 ft in elevation and the top of Mt. Alyeska. From the Tram, you can see for miles in all directions – including views of the Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers, and endless peaks deep into the Chugach Mountain range. Don’t forget to look down! In the summer months, moose and bear sightings are common on our aerial tram rides, too. At the Mountain Station, there is an observation deck providing even more breath-taking panoramic views of majestic mountains, hanging glaciers, sparkling streams, towering spruce, and an array of wildlife. Conde Nast Traveler rated Alyeska ~ "Best view of any U.S. ski resort." The observation deck is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxed lunch or a beautiful evening sunset. Telescopes are also available along the deck. See more..
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More Things to do in Alaska 93

  1. Points of Interest & Landmarks
  2. Architectural Buildings
  3. Churches & Cathedrals
  4. Historic Sites
  5. Art Museums
  6. Speciality Museums
  7. History Museums
  8. Religious Sites
  9. Castles
  10. Bridges
  11. Historic Walking Areas
  12. Gardens
  13. Mountains
  14. Piers & Boardwalks
  15. Waterfalls
  16. Wineries & Vineyards
  17. Nature & Wildlife Areas
  18. Speciality & Gift Shops
  19. Multi-day Tours
  20. 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
  21. Day Trips
  22. Taxis & Shuttles
  23. Boat Tours
  24. Sightseeing Tours
  25. Equestrian Trails
  26. Horseback Riding Tours
  27. Lookouts
  28. Monuments & Statues
  29. Bodies of Water
  30. Theaters
  31. Geologic Formations
  32. Beaches
  33. National Parks
  34. Ferries
  35. Hiking Trails
  36. Game & Entertainment Centers
  37. Biking Trails
  38. Escape Games
  39. Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
  40. Nature & Wildlife Tours
  41. Ranches
  42. Shopping Malls
  43. Amusement & Theme Parks
  44. Children's Museums
  45. Public Transportation Systems
  46. Flea & Street Markets
  47. Visitor Centers
  48. Sports Camps & Clinics
  49. Breweries
  50. Lessons & Workshops
  51. Islands
  52. Caverns & Caves
  53. Golf Courses
  54. Art Galleries
  55. Antique Shops
  56. Educational sites
  57. Sports Complexes
  58. Government Buildings
  59. Theatre & Performances
  60. Aquariums
  61. Cemeteries
  62. Military Museums
  63. Forests
  64. Scenic Drives
  65. Valleys
  66. Science Museums
  67. Ski & Snowboard Areas
  68. Libraries
  69. Canyons
  70. Farmers Markets
  71. Hot Springs & Geysers
  72. Kayaking & Canoeing
  73. Bars & Clubs
  74. Fishing Charters & Tours
  75. Lighthouses
  76. Distilleries
  77. Cultural Events
  78. Hiking & Camping Tours
  79. Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
  80. River Rafting & Tubing
  81. Dolphin & Whale Watching
  82. Helicopter Tours
  83. Air Tours
  84. State Parks
  85. Bike Tours
  86. Military Bases & Facilities
  87. Surfing & Windsurfing
  88. Gear Rentals
  89. Ski & Snow Tours
  90. Department Stores
  91. Dinner Theaters
  92. Other Outdoor Activities
  93. Dog Tracks
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