Get an up-close look at glaciers, whales, and wildlife. Gift shops and restaurants abound here, and during the summer months, salmon swarm up the creek. The University of Alaskas Museum of the North offers an endless array of natural artifacts. Upon arrival, take in all that this tiny town has to offer, including giant mountains, expansive glaciers, and a laid-back vibe that may leave you feeling like you want to spend the night at the next-level swank, Alyeska Resort. A few of the buildings act as a museum, preserving the history of this lonely mining outpost. North Americas highest peak towers over the Alaskan tundra. Best city to visit/fly into without having a car? Many cruise lines, both mainline and small-ship, visit this park. One of the best places to visit is the Homer Spit, a long, narrow strip of land jutting out into the bay. Ski, snowboard, hike, and bike Alaskas premier resort. One of the common myths about Alaska is that it stays dark all the time in winter. Plus, your stay comes with complimentary shuttle services from the ferry and continental breakfast, for a nominal fee. Expect to see it in the next few days! Therefore, its an extremely well-located property with rustic feeling rooms that include wifi, cable, coffeemakers, and harbor views. Dont Miss: From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, these Sitka tours are sure to impress! 3) Anchorage Paxson Wielder | Flickr Anchorage is the largest town in Alaska and by far the most well known. The easiest way to reach the park is by charter plane or boat. Denali National Park, Alaska Courtesy of ballllad - Fotolia.com Denali National Park is located in central Alaska with the Denali Mountain at its heart. Air is the best mode of transportation for reaching many . Because this state? Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Please see my disclosure for more information. Anchorage Alaska's largest city is the perfect hub for exploring the state! Alaskas southernmost city teems with totem poles and local charm. For an optimal visit to Alaska, plan on going between May and September. The tiny town of Talkeetna is jam-packed with rustic Alaskan charm. So, if youre imagining candy cane striped street lamps, huge Santa statues, and a full on Santa Clause house that doubles as a Christmas store (with walls plastered with childrens letters to Santa), then you already know just how awesome the North Pole really is. Whatever your travel style, the Inside Passage has plenty to see. There are also a ton of great hiking trails for you to check out, in addition to the Wrangell Museum (a great museum with an audio commentary that discusses the towns fascinating past), Chief Shakes Island (a local park with totems and are-creation of a traditional Tlingit tribal house), Petroglyph Beach (see ancient rock carvings that date back thousands of years), and Totem Park. A great way to beat the chill or pass the daylight hours is to take a dip in the waters of the Chena Hot Springs. Keep this guidance in mind when taking day trips around Anchorage, too. However, if you need a break from all this holiday-inspired mayhem, then visit the Chena Lake Recreation Area, which is home to several beaches, scenic nature trails, and a few different picnic areas. The summer also sees fireweed blossom, punctuating the rolling green hills with vivid magenta flowers. An aerial view of Fairbanks Google Maps | City Website | School District Website | Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip Fairbanks is the northernmost of cities in Alaska and has the subarctic climate that many associate with the state. So yeah, be prepared to do battle with the masses as you explore the Homer Spit, a narrow piece of land that reaches out into Kachemak Bay. The Chena River State Recreation Area is excellent for wildlife viewing. It features a ton of local art, has an outdoor beer garden that overlooks a glacial stream, and includes live musical performances in a gorgeous forest setting. If you have the time, you can also take a day trip to Arctic Circle from Fairbanks (its about a three-hour drive but be very careful if you drive yourself) or just visit some of the musk ox, reindeer, and caribou that call the Large Animal Ranger Station home, during a 45-minute guided tour of the facility. The Pump House offers good grub and views of the Chena River. Innumerable hiking trails are a nature lover's dream. This settlement was once the capital of Russias colonies in America and some buildings from this period survive to this day. In this article, Ill overview the most popular cities in Alaska, including several of my personal favorite attractions. Epic is an understatement in this remote national park. The visitor center offers a wealth of scientific information about the glacier as well as several viewing platforms. Many people come here on cruise ship tours. You can also visit The Pratt Museum (a mix of native American art and mesmerizing interactive displays on local wildlife), The Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center (I like the reconstructed seabird colony), the Norman Lowell Studio (a cool art gallery but there are a ton of them here), and the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (they run a neat Yurt on the Spit tour at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm daily that talks about all of the cool creatures that live at the dock). Population: 32,702 | Google Maps | Website | Browse Hotels in Fairbanks on Booking. If you want to embrace the true spirit of Christmas all day, every day, then this one of the best towns in Alaska for you! Ketchikans charming Creek Street area stands built on pillars over Ketchikan Creek. The Alaska Marine Highway System is a great money-saving alternative to cruises. Located in the heart of Alaskas Interior region, this city sees frigid winters. You can also walk along the Chilkoot Trail, retracing the steps that thousands of prospectors took in search of gold. Katmai National Park sits across the sea to the northwest of Kodiak Island. Kodiak [SEE MAP] Named by Russian explorer Stephan Glotov in 1763, Kodiak is the main town on the eponymous Kodiak Island. Alaska is known for its rugged natural beauty. Theres also the Alyeska Resort south of Anchorage, which combines great ski slopes and spa services. 11 Best Places to Visit in Alaska that Will Take Your Breath Away Its still worth a visit in the summer months. Its an awesome local restaurant with a rotating menu of international cuisine that is super delish (the Thai-style prawns were exceptional). In researching your trip, you may see other dates mentioned: Peak season is June to August. The climate is mild most of the year, too. Due to its remote location and austere climate, this park is the least visited of Americas national parks. 1. My Account . Google Maps | Wrangell-St. Elias Website | Browse Wrangell-St. Elias Hotels on Booking. It's a great time to visit. Because while youre in one of the best towns in Alaska, you can go for a dip in the Chena Hot Springs, join an ATV tour, visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North (Youll learn all about the history of every region in the state and can see amazing artwork in the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery), go bird watching at Creamers Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, and experience all that theMorris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center has to offer. Pro Tip: Although much smaller than grizzlies or brown bears, black bears tend to be more aggressive. So, if your idea of a hopping good time is going fishing in beyond frigid waters or heli-skiing it up in the surrounding mountains, then definitely add Valdez to your Alaska bucket list. Where to see the Northern Lights in Alaska's interior . (Getty Images) The vast wilderness, spectacular landscapes and. Sign up for Florida Travel + Life emails to receive features on travel destinations, . The 5th Avenue Theater is a great place to catch a play or concert, as is the Mooses Tooth TheaterPub. Alaskas second-largest city has a rich frontier history, being a boom town for both gold and oil. Must See In Alaska: Ten Alaska Experiences Not To Miss | ALASKA.ORG What can I say? Best Places to Visit in Alaska & Things to Do If you're planning a trip to Alaska, be sure to add these amazing places to your Alaskan itinerary. Google Maps | Anchorage Website | Best Places to Stay in Anchorage | Browse Anchorage Hotels on Booking More than likely your first stop in Alaska will be Anchorage. 1. Valdez will be covered in a future post! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Also be aware that in the summer months, if you see nothing else, you will see mosquitos, so come prepared. You can also pop into Old River Inn for a more formal dining experience (get the seafood alfredo or bacon-wrapped halibut) or simply grab a quick sammie at the ever adorable, Java Flats which is known for their delicious countryside sandwich (its filled with turkey, apples, and brie). One Week Alaska Travel Itinerary - TripSavvy - Vacation Like a Pro Take a dip in the Chena Hot Springs located east of Fairbanks. Finding out how to get between towns has been one of the hardest parts of planning an Alaska vacation--but no longer! 13 Most Picturesque Towns In Alaska The Native American Totem Poles In Ketchikan Will Thrill You If you will be discovering Alaska while cruising, read about what you should pack in this Alaska Cruise Packing Guide. Home rule cities are incorporated cities that are allowed certain decision-making privileges by the states Constitution. 15 Best Places to Visit in Alaska (2023) Fun & Unique! Well, then you could swing by the Alaska State Museum, take a cable car up Mt. Festivities include historical re-enactments, parades, and an elegant period costume ball. Top Destinations and Places to Go in Alaska | AlaskaTravel.com On the flip side, midsummer sees a full 24 hours of daylight. Alaska is ideal for summer adventurers who want to kayak, pan gold, jetboat, dog sled, fish, cruise, dip into history, and see eagles sail past glaciers. Brimming over with historic, gold rush town grandeur (thanks to all the vintage, false-fronted buildings in the area), Skagway is a premier destination for more than one million cruise ship passengers who walk along these iconic boardwalks every, single year. The aerial tram takes visitors to the top of Mt. 5 Best Cities in Alaska in 2023 (A Local's Picks) - Travel Lemming Its absolutely overflowing with expert advice on what to see, do, and eat in all of the best towns in Alaska making this the perfect resource for planning the ideal, Alaska itinerary. After the museums, hike or bike along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The glacial-blue waters of the Kenai River offer excellent salmon fishing. Whittier also has a reputation for its unique residential configuration. Alaska has a wealth of must-see attractions and experiences. The moment your touch down at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, you'll encounter the homey charm of Alaska's largest city. Temperatures are warmer and more stable, and the weather is a bit more predictable in general during the summer months. You may even see polar bears wandering around the outskirts (or streets!) Sewards Waterfront Park offers camping spaces and a great place to unwind by the sea. Kodiak The second biggest island in the United States, and Alaska's biggest island, Kodiak boasts several exciting features, making this one of the top cities to visit in Alaska. Anchorage. Not only will you get an awesome window seat, but youll be able to admire natural wonders like Tokositna Glacier, Mooses Tooth/Broken Tooth peaks, Ruth Glacier, the Great Gorge, and more! Other highlights of the area include the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary and the Misty Fjords National Monument. 13 Best Towns to Visit in Alaska - Cruises: Award-Winning Luxury Cruise A first class city is a city with more than 400 permanent residents. Best City to Visit in Alaska - Juneau. The 20 Best Big Tits OnlyFans Girls of 2023 These destinations are all along Alaska's "railbelt," so travel is easy: Go in comfort and style aboard a luxury dome train, deluxe . Visit this cozy, quirky small town on the Kenai Peninsula. As Alaskas largest city, Anchorage is the first stop for almost all travelers to the Last Frontier. Other great activities in Fairbanks include dog sledding and snowmobiling tours of the surrounding area. It receives the most flights and its central location makes it an ideal hub for exploring the rest of the state. wildlife safaris, dog sled teams, horseback riding, and a look into the gold rush era are all on the city's . But many Alaskan cities are modern and full of a variety of things to do. A special reunion stirs thoughts of bravery and gratitude, and Population: 8,037 | Google Maps | Website | Browse Hotels in Ketchikan on Booking. Read Next: 11 Best Places to Live in Alaska. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Because this tiny town just outside of Fairbanks (its a short 15-minute drive away) is absolutely overflowing with vibrant Christmas decorations that are always on display even in the summer! 15 Best Places to Visit in Alaska in 2023 - Road Affair Anchorage If you only go to one of the best towns in Alaska then Anchorage will probably be it (Spoiler Alert: You should definitely visit other towns in Alaska besides Anchorage #justayin'). Your email address will not be published. Ketchikan also hosts its own summer events on the solstice. Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge on the southern end of Kodiak Island preserves the habitat of the islands famous bears. The town served as the capital of the Russian colonies in America before the U.S. bought Alaska from Russia. Since I am incapable of making it rain money, theres a high probability (like 99.999%) that this post may contain affiliate links. Known as The Last Frontier, the 50th and largest of the U.S. states is home to some of the most breathtaking views, rich cultural history, and unforgettable wildlife. January 1, 2023. The tundra surrounding the mountains teems with Alaskan flora and fauna. 20 Best Places to Visit in Alaska & Things to Do - ViaTravelers The Most Beautiful Towns in Alaska, US - Culture Trip If you're looking for extreme remote wilderness, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the place to go. Level Up Your Travel Skills With Our Newsletter. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Chitina. While youre here, you can also shop for Christmas inspired souvenirs at Santa Claus House, check out the annual Ice Carving Contest here in December, stop by the North Pole Post Office (400,000 letters addressed to Santa arrive here every year), and inhale a delicious crepe (the pesto chicken and Nutella banana are both good) from the North Pole Creperie. Whatever the time of year, Talkeetna is a great place to use as a hub for visiting Denali National Park. The towns of Valdez and Whitter, Alaska serve as the best hubs for exploring this area. However, other than exploring nearby Denali, you can also check out Talkeetna Riverside Park, embrace the macabre at Talkeetna Cemetery, visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum, and have a drink at the historic Fairview Inn. This includes 95-long halibut, the world record! So, enjoy marvelous views of Mt. Further north, the Juneau Ice Field feeds several glaciers in the region. Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. One of Ketchikans quirky, but undeniably fun attractions is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Tell me, what did you think? Sitka preserves Slavic culinary traditions at Sitka PelMeni, famous for the dumplings, or pelmeni, of the same name. One can take a mini road trip to the town of Homer, stopping at various cozy small towns along the way. The further north you are, the better your chances of seeing this natural phenomenon. Exhibits cover everything from prehistory to modern times. Learn how your comment data is processed. FYI, if youre lazy like me then you can always get sweet aerial views of Denali during this epic, 1.5-hour flight experience. Mendenhall Glacier lies 12 miles north of Juneau. Therefore, you could easily hop on theAlyeska Highway, take it to mile 90, and then hop on the Seaward Highway, eventually exiting at Girdwood after about a 45-minute drive. Here is a list of the best places to stay in Alaska to help you find great hotels along the way. We send expert travel tips & guides that save you money, stress & FOMO: TravelLemming.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Its definitely one of the more affordable hotels in the area and sits along the waterfront, in a historic, clapboard house from 1924. The waters around the city are great for whale watching tours. All manner of wildlife calls the area of the park home, from bald eagles to sea otters to several species of whales. This guide covers some incredible destinations for your Alaska bucket list - from parks to cities and more! What a bummer. Sitkas Fortress of the Bear provides a similar experience with Alaskas brown bears. The only part of Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by road is the Exit Glacier. Situated in southeastern Alaska, the climate here stays mild year-round. One of the best is the Matanuska Glacier, which offers one of the most accessible glacier treks in Alaska. Close. The copper boom lasted until 1938 when the copper veins finally ran out. Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Mileage Reimbursement Rates. Quickly learn major transportation options, how long each takes, whether you need a car in certain . Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, but at only around 400,000 people in the metropolitan area, it is still decidedly small. Its also reasonably priced and has a down-home feel to it that makes it seem as though youre staying with family only better since the staff is super nice, the rooms are exceptionally clean, and theres even a cookie jar with fresh cookies every single day. Alaskas largest city is the perfect hub for exploring the state! Fort Abercrombie State Park offers extensive hiking trails in a tranquil forest setting. Northern Lights in Alaska Guide: The Best Place to See the Aurora Denali National Park is one of the best places to visit in Alaska for getting a taste of Alaskas majestic natural beauty. planes aren't just the preferred way to travel, but the only way! Copyright 2023 Girl With The Passport | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Today, travelers can retrace this epic feat of engineering. Google Maps | Kodiak Website | Best Hotels in Kodiak | Browse Kodiak Hotels on Booking. The Skagway Museum preserves a motherlode of information on Alaskas frontier days. This makes it much more accessible than some of Alaskas other wildernesses. Where to visit in Alaska? - Reddit - Dive into anything 13 Most Picturesque Towns In Alaska You Must Visit We had hoped to see whales while we were there, but unfortunately we didn't. Its one of the best places to visit in Alaska if you want to feel the absolute grandeur of Alaskas northern nature. If youre willing to brave a little chillier weather, though, the fall colors here are spectacular. Pro Tip: Not into crepes? Getting Around Alaska | Best Options To Travel Between Towns You can also eat all the feels at The Cookery (easily one of the best restaurants in Alaska) by devouring a giant order of fried chicken, or fish of the day, at this new age, modern American restaurant with impeccable service and beyond delicious food. . With long summer days, several late-night events take place in broad daylight. Juneau also serves as a great jumping-off point for exploring the Mendenhall Glacier. Also, dont forget to grab fresh bread/bagels from Two Sisters Bakery before chowing down on a wood-fired pizza from Fat Olives Restaurant. This makes Utqiavigvik one of the best places to visit in Alaska for the legendary long nights and days. Its right in the center of town and rooms here are comfortable with great harbor views, free breakfast, and awesome service. Mountains, glaciers, wildlife, and more await you on your Alaska adventure. Its one of the best places to visit in Alaska to catch a glimpse of a glacier calving into the sea. If you want to get a great view of the city, take the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway to the top of Mount Roberts. One unique aspect of a glacier trek is the possibility of filling your water bottle with frigid, pure glacial water. Required fields are marked *. You don't want to miss a chance to see this knockout in action, so go check out Jem Wolfie today. Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation program for the 49th states bird of prey population. Its not an incredibly luxurious place to stay but its a comfortable, family-run spot where the owners are friendly and only too happy to help you with all of your travel needs. This island in southern Alaska is a real gem. Shortly after the solstice, the Midnight Sun Festival takes place. The cozy seaside town features a dozen fascinating murals depicting aspects of the town and life in Alaska. Its nothing super fancy but is well priced at under $100 per night, is centrally located, super safe, has great staff, and is a 3-star hotel where you can enjoy a comfy, cozy stay! There are also a ton of great restaurants here that serve nothing but the freshest seafood and organic produce, including Orso. Other fun things to do in one of the best towns in Alaska include: Finally, after youve sight-seed until you can sightsee no more, call it a night at the Inn at Creek Street. Other fun things to do in Fairbanks include: And when youre finally all tuckered out, spend the night at The Alaska Heritage House Bed and Breakfast. Visit the Tracy Arm Fjord to see a fine example of the drastic natural beauty of the region. Because you know me, Im all about the free food. Time to Celebratethe Best Places To See Fourth of July Fireworks in Every State in 2023! If you prefer something more high-adrenaline, mountain biking is a great summer substitute for skiing. The Alaska Zoo offers one of the best stops for a family vacation in Anchorage. The gargantuan glacier gets its vivid blue color from how light refracts off of the unique structure of its ice crystals. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Search. The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer between May 10 and September 15. Thank you! The mountains and forests here offer endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and rafting. Here you can find artsy gift shops, restaurants, hotels, and bars a plenty. We stayed approx. Built in 1842, it served as the residence for the local prelate of the Orthodox Church. Google Maps | Browse Talkeetna Hotels on Booking. A mining town sprung up here after the discovery of copper in 1900. If youre looking to get off the beaten path without roughing it too much, Juneau is a great hub for visiting smaller towns in Alaska. Best places to visit in Alaska - Lonely Planet Get planning with our guide to the best things to do in Juneau. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Because of the abundance of these fish, Ketchikan boasts of being The Salmon Capital of the World. Several local fishing charter tours in this city give you the chance to put that claim to the test. Sitka also has several excellent hiking trails leading through the forests surrounding the town. You can hike through spectacular national parks in summer, fly over epic mountain peaks such as Denali and land on dramatic glaciers. The Best Coastal Towns to Visit in Alaska - Travel + Leisure Which one is right for you? Because this super snazzy city sits smack dab in the middle of two 5,000 foot tall mountains and is nestled along Cook Inlet a lovely body of water that is filled with salmon (they creep me out and I think they are the ugliest fish ever) and whales aplenty (including fin, minke, humpback, gray, and orcasoh my!). Otherwise, you could always pop into Beak Restaurant and get a giant order of mac and cheese with reindeer meat or cedar plank salmon (the weekend donuts are good too) before calling it a night at Eagle Bay Inn. Whats a nice person like you doing in a place like this? When not road-tripping around the western United States, hes probably enjoying some lively Irish tunes in a Dublin pub or wandering the winding streets of Old Tbilisi in the Republic of Georgia. Local travel is also convenient from the airport, as Anchorages bus system stops here. As a result, it was reconstructed into this uber-chill, modern town that reminds me a bit of Bend, Oregon. Airplane*. Sitka offers the best glimpses into Alaskas Russian heritage. Historical re-enactments, parades, a period costume ball, and much more mark the festive day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. As a born-and-raised Alaskan, Im here to help you find the best places to visit in Alaska for your trip! Afterward, recover from your beyond glorious food coma at Kodiak Compass Suites. You could also go hiking, take a ride on the Alyeska Resort tram up to the ski resort (they have a nice ride and dine option that includes a tram ticket and a meal at the Bore Tide Deli for $39), explore historic Crow Creek Mine (learn how to pan for gold or camp here overnight),or admire some local art at Girdwood Center for Visual Arts.