This second-to-last US state is also the largest. Explore this faraway land of mountains, gold mining, dog sledding, whale watching and hiking glaciers.
Alaska’s sheer size, 663,300 square miles (1.7 million square kilometers), means you’ll find myriad adventures as you travel across diverse regions of the state. Experience mountains, glaciers and beaches as they change character with the seasons.
In the center of the state, Fairbanks showcases its history as a gold-rush town. Try panning for gold like the old-timers did in the 1840s and ’50s. Visit Alaskaland Pioneer Park with a replica of a Native American village and a Wild West theme park. From early fall to mid spring, watch for the shimmering lights of the aurora borealis.
From Fairbanks, take the McKinley Explorer railroad to one of the state’s most impressive sites, Denali National Park. If you’re an experienced mountain climber, scale the 20,237-foot (6,168-meter) Denali peak (formerly known as Mt. McKinley). Otherwise simply enjoy the impressive view reflected in Wonder Lake. Look for moose, grizzly bear, caribou and 130 different bird species in the park’s natural wilderness area.
Take a soothing thermal bath at the Chena Hot Springs Resort. Stop nearby to see ice carvings at the Aurora Ice Museum. Kayak along the Chena River or brave the chilly waters floating in a tube.
On the southern coast, Anchorage offers opportunities to tour fjords in Prince William Sound, hike in the Chugach Mountains and see the start of the March Iditarod dog sled race. Learn about local history at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center and see lifelike exhibits at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Enjoy a sandy ocean shoreline at Kincaid Beach or watch Pacific loons and swim in the warmer waters of Goose Lake.
Farther south in Homer, watch commercial fishermen haul in the day’s catch. Even better, charter a fishing boat to cast your own line for salmon or halibut. Hike the Kenai Mountains and ski down the Wosnesenski Glacier.
Alaska’s capital of Juneau is a great spot for whale-watching. Do a glacier walk; you have many sites to choose from: Herbert, Sawyer, Mendenhall Glaciers and Tracy Arm Fjord.
Alaska’s capital is a gateway to some of the area’s most spectacular and accessible sights. Walk on ice fields, witness mammoth glaciers and catch sight of humpback whales.
See gold-rush architecture and glacial lakes against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and ride a vintage locomotive through history in this Alaskan town.
Surrounded by mountains and lakes, this remote village on the North Slope is known as the last remaining settlement of the Iñupiat, the Nunamiut Alaska natives.
Hidden among miles of lush forest, this small town offers a range of exciting outdoor activities and serves as a gateway to several superb national parks.
Take a trip through time at this historical theme park, which celebrates Alaska’s pioneering heritage with museums, playgrounds, restored aircraft and a riverboat.
Your best introduction to Alaska’s remarkable landscapes, wildlife, cultures and history can be found within the diverse exhibitions of this dynamic museum.
Rich in birdlife, apex predators and marine species, this national monument’s varied terrain includes valleys, mountains, coastline, lagoons and tundra.
Learn about the native sub-arctic plants of Alaska and see some of the state’s famously oversized vegetables in this fascinating horticultural sanctuary.
With a variety of spectacular landscapes including lakes, forests and volcanoes, this park has an endless supply of natural wonders to see and explore.
One of the largest museums in Alaska is also one of its best, telling the stories of Alaska Native cultures and displaying artworks from this stunning state.
Try your luck at panning for gold and see beautifully maintained historic mining equipment at this family-run mine, which has been continuously operating since 1896.
