50+ Best Things To Do In Alaska

Looking for the best things to do in Alaska? With so many incredible Alaska activities for every season, it’s hard to narrow down your trip! Today we’re sharing our ultimate Alaska bucket list with items you won’t want to miss.

Alaska is a vast and beautiful state that offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural history, Alaska is a must-visit destination for travelers of all ages and interests.

Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures like hiking or fishing, cultural experiences like attending a festival or visiting a museum, or romantic getaways like watching the northern lights or staying in a remote cabin, Alaska has something for everyone.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the best things to do in Alaska, including outdoor Alaska activities, cultural experiences, and romantic getaways, to help you plan your next trip to this amazing state.

Alaska is known for its craft beer scene, and visitors to the state can explore the many local breweries that offer a taste of the unique flavors and styles of Alaska.

Some of the top Alaska breweries to check out include Anchorage Brewing Company, which specializes in sour beers and barrel-aged ales, and Alaskan Brewing Company, one of the oldest and most well-known breweries in Alaska.

Haines Brewing Company is a small, family-owned brewery that offers beers made with local ingredients, while Kenai River Brewing Company offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Midnight Sun Brewing Company is a well-known brewery that offers unique and flavorful beers, including barrel-aged stouts and sour beers.

Finally, Skagway Brewing Company is a small, historic brewery that offers classic and seasonal beers. Visitors to Alaska can explore the state’s vibrant craft beer scene and taste the unique flavors and styles that make Alaska’s breweries so special.

See also: Top 17 Breweries In Anchorage, Alaska To Check Out

45. See the northern lights

One of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Alaska is the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. This is one of the best winter Alaska bucket list activities that you won’t want to miss.

Visitors can see the northern lights from many locations throughout Alaska, especially in the winter months.

Some of the best places to see the northern lights include Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Denali National Park.

Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the science and mythology behind the northern lights, or can simply find a dark spot and watch the sky light up with colorful hues of green, purple, and pink. Seeing the northern lights is a truly unforgettable experience that should not be missed while in Alaska.

44. Visit Kennicott ghost town

Kennicott is a historic copper mining town located in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The town was founded in the early 1900s and was once home to over 500 people.

Today, the town is a ghost town, with many of the original buildings still standing and open for visitors to explore.

Some of the notable buildings to see include the Kennicott Mill, the Power Plant, and the General Store. The town is also surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, making it a great destination for hiking and outdoor recreation.

Check out our full guide on the Alaskan Northern Lights here.

43. See the permafrost tunnel

The permafrost tunnels are located in Fox, Alaska, just outside of Fairbanks. The tunnels were originally built in the 1960s as part of a research project to study the permafrost, which is a layer of frozen soil that is found in many parts of Alaska.

Today, visitors can take a tour of the tunnels and see the frozen soil up close, as well as learn about the research that has been conducted there. The tunnels are also home to a variety of ice sculptures and other frozen formations, making them a unique and fascinating destination.

Visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and wear warm clothing, as the tunnels are kept at a chilly 28 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Seeing the permafrost tunnels is a great way to learn about the unique geological features of Alaska and experience the frozen beauty of the state up close.

42. Check out the Aurora Ice Museum

The Aurora Ice Museum is located in Fairbanks, Alaska, and is the world’s largest year-round ice museum. The museum features a variety of ice sculptures, including an ice bar, an ice chandelier, and even an ice slide. Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum and learn about the art and science of ice sculpting, as well as the history of the museum itself.

The museum is also home to a variety of ice-themed events, including ice carving competitions and ice skating shows. Visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and wear warm clothing, as the museum is kept at a chilly 25 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Checking out the Aurora Ice Museum is a unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty and creativity of ice sculpture, and is a must-see destination for visitors to Alaska.

Check out other top Fairbanks museums here.

41. Visit the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center

The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center is a world-class museum that showcases the history, art, and culture of Alaska. Visitors can see a wide variety of exhibits, including Native Alaskan art, contemporary art, and natural history exhibits.

40. Go kayaking in Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound is a stunning wilderness area that is home to glaciers, fjords, and a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore the sound by kayak, and can see a variety of marine animals, including sea otters, harbor seals, and whales.

39. Visit the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge

The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is a wilderness area that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including brown bears, bald eagles, and sea otters. Visitors can explore the refuge by hiking on one of the many trails, or can take a guided tour to learn about the wildlife and ecology of the area.

This is definitely an Alaska bucket list item if you want to see a lot of wildlife!

38. Go hiking in the Tongass National Forest

The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States, and offers visitors a wide variety of hiking trails. Visitors can hike through old-growth forests, along scenic rivers, and up to stunning mountain vistas.

37. Visit the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters in Wasilla

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is one of the most famous dog sled races in the world. Visitors can visit the race headquarters in Wasilla to learn about the history and culture of dog sledding in Alaska, and to see the sled dogs up close.

36. Take a dip in the hot springs at Chena Hot Springs Resort

Chena Hot Springs Resort is a popular destination in Alaska for its natural hot springs. Visitors can relax in the hot springs, or can take a guided tour to learn about the geology and ecology of the area.

35. Visit Whittier, Alaska

Whittier is a tiny coastal town located on the shores of Prince William Sound, about an hour’s drive from Anchorage. The town is known for its stunning scenery, including glaciers, fjords, and wildlife, and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, plus it’s super cool to see a town so small!

Visitors can take a boat tour of Prince William Sound to see the glaciers and wildlife up close, or can explore the town’s many hiking trails and outdoor Alaska activities.

Whittier is also home to a variety of historic sites and landmarks, including the Buckner Building, a massive abandoned military complex that was built during World War II. Visitors can take a tour of the Buckner Building and learn about its history and significance.

34. Explore the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, and offers visitors a chance to see some of the most stunning scenery in Alaska. Visitors can explore the park by hiking, camping, or taking a guided tour.

33. Go gold panning in Nome

Nome is a historic gold rush town that is still a popular destination for gold panning. Visitors can try their luck at finding gold in the streams and rivers around Nome, or can visit the local museum to learn about the history of the gold rush in Alaska.

32. Visit the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum in Anchorage

The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum is a museum that celebrates the history of aviation in Alaska. Visitors can see a wide variety of aircraft, including historic planes and helicopters, and can learn about the role of aviation in Alaska’s history and culture.

Check out other popular Anchorage museums here.

31. Take a scenic flight over the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning wilderness area that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including caribou, wolves, and grizzly bears. Visitors can take a scenic flight over the refuge to see the stunning scenery and wildlife from the air.

29. Go wildlife viewing in Katmai National Park and Preserve

Katmai National Park and Preserve is a wilderness area that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and wolves. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the wildlife up close, or can explore the park on their own.

27. Visit the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau

The Alaska State Capitol is located in Juneau, and is the home of the Alaska State Legislature. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of Alaska’s government, and can see the beautiful architecture and artwork of the capitol building.

26. Go on a cruise

Alaska is home to some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world, and one of the best ways to see it is by taking a cruise. Visitors can choose from a variety of cruise options, including small ship cruises, large ship cruises, and luxury cruises. Some of the top cruise destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay, the Inside Passage, and the Kenai Fjords. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife, and can take advantage of the many amenities and activities offered on board. Some cruises also offer shore excursions, allowing visitors to explore Alaska’s many coastal communities and wilderness areas. Going on a cruise is a great way to experience the beauty and majesty of Alaska’s coastal regions in a unique and unforgettable way.

25. Explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway

The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a museum and historic site that celebrates the history of the gold rush in Alaska. Visitors can see historic buildings, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of the gold rush and the people who came to Alaska in search of gold.

24. Go snowmobiling in the backcountry

Snowmobiling is a popular winter activity in Alaska, and visitors can explore the backcountry on a snowmobile tour. Visitors can see stunning winter scenery, and can experience the thrill of riding a snowmobile through the wilderness.

Check out some of the top snowmobiling adventures here.

23. Visit the Alaska Native Medical Center Healing Totem Pole in Anchorage

The Alaska Native Medical Center Healing Totem Pole is a beautiful work of art that celebrates the healing traditions of Alaska’s indigenous peoples. Visitors can see the totem pole up close, and can learn about the history and culture of Alaska’s native peoples.

21. Take a dip in the hot springs at Manley Hot Springs

Manley Hot Springs is a small town that is known for its natural hot springs. Visitors can relax in the hot springs, or can explore the surrounding wilderness by hiking or fishing.

20. Explore the Kachemak Bay State Park

Kachemak Bay State Park is a wilderness area that is home to stunning scenery, including glaciers, fjords, and mountains. Visitors can explore the park by hiking on one of the many trails, or can take a guided tour to see the wildlife and natural beauty of the area.

19. Go bird watching in the Stikine River Delta

The Stikine River Delta is a stunning wilderness area that is home to a wide variety of bird species. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the birds up close, or can explore the area on their own.

18. Visit the Alaska Botanical Garden in Anchorage

The Alaska Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden that showcases the flora and fauna of Alaska. Visitors can see a wide variety of plants, including native Alaskan wildflowers, and can learn about the ecology and biology of the area.

17. Go skiing or snowboarding at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood

Alyeska Resort is a popular ski resort that offers visitors a chance to ski or snowboard on some of the best slopes in Alaska. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, and can take advantage of the resort’s many amenities, including restaurants, spas, and shops.

16. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a wildlife sanctuary that is dedicated to the conservation and protection of Alaska’s native wildlife. Visitors can see a wide variety of animals, including bears, moose, and musk oxen, and can learn about the importance of conservation efforts in Alaska.

15. Go ice climbing on a glacier

Ice climbing is a thrilling activity that is popular in Alaska. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn the basics of ice climbing, and can climb on one of the many glaciers that dot the Alaskan landscape.

14. Visit the Alaska Veterans Museum in Anchorage

The Alaska Veterans Museum is a museum that celebrates the history and contributions of Alaska’s veterans. Visitors can see a wide variety of exhibits, including artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia, that tell the story of Alaska’s veterans and their service to the country.

13. Explore the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning wilderness area that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including caribou, musk oxen, and polar bears. Visitors can explore the refuge by hiking, camping, or taking a guided tour, and can see some of the most stunning scenery in Alaska.