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

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: Tuesday, December 05, 2023, 15:55.

Top things to do (49)

Top destinations in Alaska 100

See more 88 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Major Marine Tours - Kenai Fjords Cruise (7.186 reviews)
- Our favorite one day adventure!
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

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..
5.0 K2 Aviation (3.039 reviews)
- Seriously Amazing
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sightseeing Tours • Air Tours

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..
5.0 Alaska Wildlife Guide LLC (2.972 reviews)
- Fun Packed Week in Fairbanks Alaska
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Fishing Charters & Tours • Night Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing • Day Trips

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..
5.0 Tracy Arm Fjord (2.938 reviews)
- Westerdam cruise up Tracy Arm fjord and glacier.
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

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..
5.0 Talkeetna Air Taxi (2.921 reviews)
- Breath Taking
Taxis & Shuttles • Sightseeing Tours • Air Tours

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..
5.0 Denali (2.911 reviews)
- A must for anyone visiting Alaska!
Mountains

America's tallest peak, this 20,320-foot mountain is the most famous part of this national park. See more..
5.0 Husky Homestead (1.947 reviews)
- The BEST part of our trip
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

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..
5.0 Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum (1.799 reviews)
- Fountainhead Auto Museum is a Fairbanks Gem!
Tuesday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

*** 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..
5.0 Kenai Fjords National Park (1.766 reviews)
- A must to do experience!
National Parks

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..
5.0 Running Reindeer Ranch (1.705 reviews)
- Great adventure for all ages
Spent 2-3 hours Farms • Ranches

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..
5.0 MICA Guides (1.636 reviews)
- Best activity we did in Alaska
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Helicopter Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

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..
5.0 Nugget Falls (1.459 reviews)
- Gorgeous views and easy hiking trail
Waterfalls

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..
5.0 Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve (1.398 reviews)
- Stunning Glaciers
Bodies of Water • National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

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..
5.0 Denali Zipline Tours (1.005 reviews)
- Great Time for First Time Zip Liners
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

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..
5.0 Hoonah Travel Adventures (951 reviews)
- Amazing Experience
Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Private Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Kayaking & Canoeing

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..
5.0 Resurrection Bay (945 reviews)
- Gorgeous
Bodies of Water

This area provides birders with views of fulmars, petrels, puffins, murres, kittiwakes and auklets. See more..
5.0 Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours (916 reviews)
- Amazing glacier tour
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

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..
4.5 Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (7.076 reviews)
- Easy, Free & Breathtaking
Tuesday: Spent More than 3 hours Visitor Centers • Geologic Formations

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..
4.5 Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (3.775 reviews)
- A great way to see and take pictures of Alaska wildlife
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

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..
4.5 Alaska SeaLife Center (3.429 reviews)
- A Great Aquarium
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Aquariums

An education and research-focused aquarium offering underwater views of Alaskan marine animals. See more..
4.5 Phillips Cruises and Tours (2.886 reviews)
- Wonderful Experience
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Rail Tours • Day Trips

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..
4.5 Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center (2.641 reviews)
- Nice Alaska history and culture overview
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Alaska's largest museum focusing on art, history, science and culture of Alaska. See more..
4.5 University of Alaska Museum of the North (2.602 reviews)
- Fascinating eclectic museum
Tuesday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Natural History Museums

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..
4.5 Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show (2.310 reviews)
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Theatre & Performances

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..
4.5 Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (1.879 reviews)
- Fun workout with the chance to see wildlife
Historic Walking Areas • Biking Trails

Popular biking trail along the coast. See more..
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

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..
4.5 Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center (1.802 reviews)
- Strongly Recommend Stopping Here During Fairbanks Visit
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

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..
4.5 Alaska Native Heritage Center (1.699 reviews)
- Beautiful Native Alaskan Cultural Experience
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Educational sites

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..
4.5 Denali Visitor Center (1.573 reviews)
- Stop here first
Visitor Centers

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..
4.5 Alyeska Aerial Tram (1.438 reviews)
- Breathtaking views of Aleyska and Bryon Glacier along with 5 other glaciers.
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Trams

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..