Alaska: 30 Things to See + 14-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Alaska had always been my dream. When we were living in Calgary, we knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make the trip. After all, it’s only about 1,800 miles by car. After several days of driving, we finally arrived in “The Last Frontier,” as Alaska is nicknamed — and the list of things to see in Alaska blew us away.

Looking back, I know we skipped some experiences because of the price — and honestly, we regret it. On the other hand, the ones we did invest in, even when they seemed overpriced at first, were worth every penny. That’s exactly why I have loads of tips for you, and I urge you to go for it. There’s a good chance you’ll only visit Alaska once in your lifetime.

Let’s dive into everything you can see and do in Alaska.

When to Visit Alaska

Alaska offers unique experiences in every season. We visited in July, which meant we didn’t see the northern lights (we later caught them in Iceland), but we enjoyed nearly endless daylight (imagine arriving somewhere at midnight and it’s still light out!) and pleasant temperatures.

In summer, temperatures can climb as high as 30°C — we experienced that in Fairbanks, which genuinely surprised me — but most of the time it was a comfortable 25°C. Autumn colours must be stunning here, and spring is also gorgeous. The big bonus of visiting in those shoulder seasons is the chance to see the northern lights. It will be cooler, of course.

Winter is long and dark, with temperatures plunging well below freezing. It’s a perfect time for winter sports and aurora viewing, but it’s also when Alaska shows its truly rugged side.

30 Things to See in Alaska

Let’s take a look at everything you can see and do in Alaska. I’ve also put together a 14-day itinerary further down the page.

Top Alaska Cities Worth Visiting

Fair warning: to see everything, you’d need to combine flights, ferries, and driving. You simply can’t fit it all into 14 days, which is why I’ve designed a road trip itinerary at the end of this article that I think is ideal for a first taste of Alaska.

Anchorage

Alaska’s largest city and most likely your arrival point. If you’re flying from the UK, you’ll typically connect through Seattle or another US hub. During our stay, we appreciated its brilliant location — from here you can easily reach most of Alaska’s popular destinations. In the city, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about indigenous cultures, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The food scene is surprisingly good — make sure to grab brunch at Snow City Cafe.

Juneau

The Alaska capital has a unique location — you can only get here by boat or plane. The city is surrounded by mountains and glaciers, including the impressive Mendenhall Glacier, which is fairly easy to reach and offers several hiking trails.

In the city centre, explore the historic district with wooden buildings from the gold rush era, and take the cable car up Mount Roberts for breathtaking views over the city and surrounding fjords.

One of the best experiences in Juneau is a combo trip that includes the Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching (I recommend booking in advance through GetYourGuide — easy cancellation included). From downtown Juneau, you’ll head by bus to the valley where the imposing glacier towers above.

You’ll walk along a wooden boardwalk beside a creek where you can spot salmon, and if you’re lucky, bears too. We saw quite a few bears throughout our time in Alaska.

Afterwards, you’ll transfer to Auke Bay harbour, where you’ll sail out on Favorite Channel to look for whales. Watching these majestic creatures against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains is truly breathtaking. Make sure to layer up properly for the boat.

Fairbanks

We spent several days in Fairbanks because we were staying with friends. Honestly, it’s probably the least exciting of the bigger Alaska cities. In summer, it actually reminded me a lot of Europe. In winter, however, it’s one of the best places on Earth for viewing the northern lights. The city sits within the so-called “auroral oval,” meaning you have the highest chance of witnessing this natural phenomenon here.

Beyond the aurora, don’t miss the hot springs at Chena Hot Springs, and in summer there are plenty of hikes in the surrounding area. If your time in Alaska is limited and you’re not driving in from Canada like we did, you can safely skip this city.

Seward

Seward is one of the prettiest little towns in Alaska and serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. This is where we set off on a kayaking trip among glaciers — hands down one of our best experiences in Alaska. I highly recommend splashing out on it and booking your spot in advance through GetYourGuide so you don’t have to wait around for days like we did for a spot to open up.

Even if you miss out on the kayaking, there’s plenty more to enjoy. The town has a lovely harbour promenade and the Alaska SeaLife Center, where you can see local marine life up close. And just a short drive away is the trailhead for the Exit Glacier hike.

Homer

Homer, nicknamed the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” is famous mainly for its fishing. But for those of us from Europe, it’s a fascinating — if slightly sleepy — little town that’s well worth a visit.

The town stretches out along Homer Spit — a long, narrow peninsula jutting into Kachemak Bay. The Spit is lined with restaurants, galleries, and shops. If you’re into fishing, you absolutely must join a charter — the local halibut catches are legendary. Don’t miss the Pratt Museum, which showcases the natural and cultural history of the region.

Talkeetna

Talkeetna is a small historic town that serves as a base camp for mountaineers heading to Denali. The town inspired the TV series “Northern Exposure” and still retains its original character with wooden buildings and a laid-back atmosphere. We recommend visiting the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum and trying the legendary blueberry pancakes at the Roadhouse, which has been serving them since 1917.

Sitka

If you manage to make it to Sitka, the former capital of Russian America, you’ll find an extraordinary blend of Russian and indigenous culture. A visit to St. Michael’s Cathedral with its distinctive Russian architecture is a must-do. Sitka National Historical Park houses the largest collection of totem poles in the open air. From the harbour, you can head out for whale watching or to spot sea otters.

North Pole

Ever wanted to visit the North Pole? Well, here’s your chance. This small town near Fairbanks keeps the Christmas spirit alive all year round. The main attraction is Santa Claus House, where you can meet Santa any time of year — case in point, my photo below from July.

The street lamps are shaped like candy canes, and local shops sell Christmas decorations regardless of the season. Sadly, we didn’t spot any elves or reindeer during our summer visit.

Alaska National Parks

Let’s look at the national parks you can visit in Alaska. Again, seeing them all in one trip is virtually impossible unless you’re willing to combine ferries, planes, cars, and buses. We weren’t limited by time and still had to give up on visiting Wrangell-St. Elias National Park because the road was so terrible that after 45 minutes on a gravel track, we turned around — we were afraid our old converted camper van would get stuck.

Denali National Park

Denali is the crown jewel of Alaska’s national parks. Its centrepiece is the mountain of the same name, soaring to 20,310 feet (6,190 metres) — the highest peak in North America. The park is accessible by a single road, and beyond a certain point you can only continue on the park’s shuttle buses. The catch is that visibility isn’t always great, so you might end up riding the bus without seeing much.

However, you can invest in a flightseeing tour with a glacier landing and you won’t regret it — the views of the Denali massif from above are absolutely incredible. We still kick ourselves for being too tight with our money and not going for it. But it was a good lesson learned — since then, we haven’t skipped a single excursion on our travels. Because when will we get the chance to go back?

In the park, you can spot bears, moose, caribou, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Kenai Fjords National Park

This park is a testament to the power of glaciers, which carved out its dramatic coastal landscape. The most visited section is Exit Glacier, where a maintained trail lets you get remarkably close to the ice. We hiked there too, and from what I remember it’s a fairly challenging trek — but absolutely worth the effort.

We opted for kayaking and it was one of the best decisions of our trip. On the way we spotted orcas and whales, and while kayaking we saw seals and even a bear.

Glacier Bay National Park

You can only reach Glacier Bay by boat or plane, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers some of the most impressive glacial scenery on the planet. You’ll find seven active tidewater glaciers that “calve” — meaning enormous chunks of ice, as big as houses, break off and crash into the sea.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

This is the largest national park in the USA, and also one of the least visited. It’s four times the size of Yellowstone! It’s home to nine of the sixteen highest mountains in the US. Unfortunately, we never made it there. The road was absolutely horrendous, and our old converted camper van wouldn’t have survived — we had to drive along a 60-mile gravel road, and after 45 minutes we realised we had to turn back.

Katmai National Park

Katmai is famous for Brooks Falls, where you can watch grizzly bears catching salmon. The best time for viewing is July, when the salmon migrate upstream. The park has purpose-built viewing platforms from which you can safely observe the bears at close range.

This is one of the priciest experiences, since you can only get here by floatplane (bookable through GetYourGuide), but the sight of bears standing by the waterfall snatching leaping salmon out of the air is utterly unforgettable.

Gates of the Arctic National Park

The northernmost national park in the US is also one of the most remote places on Earth. There are no marked trails, no roads, and no services. It’s a place for true adventurers, and sadly we didn’t make it there.

You can only reach the park by bush plane from Fairbanks or the village of Bettles. One day I’d love to experience it — the views of untouched wilderness with migrating caribou herds must be absolutely mesmerising.

Best Hikes and Trails

If you love hiking as much as we do, Alaska will be your paradise. We spent practically three months trekking through mountains, so I need to warn you — some of these hikes are seriously tough and you should plan accordingly. But every single one listed below is worth it.

Harding Icefield Trail

This trek in Kenai Fjords is one of the most challenging yet most beautiful hikes in Alaska. The trail climbs 3,000 feet (roughly 1,000 metres) alongside Exit Glacier up to the Harding Icefield — a vast ice field covering 700 square kilometres. The route is 8.2 miles round trip and takes a full day. Along the way you might encounter bears and mountain goats. It’s essential to be prepared for rapid weather changes.

Exit Glacier Trail

This trail is one of the most accessible glacier hikes in Alaska. It leads directly to the face of Exit Glacier, and along the way there are markers showing where the glacier stood in previous years — a sobering reminder of how quickly glaciers are retreating.

Unlike the more demanding Harding Icefield Trail, this route is suitable for families with children and less experienced hikers. You’ll find several viewpoints with information boards along the way.

Mount Healy Overlook Trail

This trail in Denali offers one of the best views of the park that you can access without a guide. The route starts at the visitor centre and climbs 1,700 feet (roughly 520 metres) to an overlook where you can see the park entrance, the Alaska Range, and on a clear day even the summit of Denali. We set off early in the morning and were lucky enough to spot a herd of moose grazing in the valley below.

Flattop Mountain Trail

This popular trail near Anchorage is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. From the summit, you get stunning views of the city, Cook Inlet, and on a clear day even Denali. The final stretch involves some light scrambling, but the views are absolutely worth it.

Lost Lake Trail

Lost Lake Trail near Seward passes through varied landscapes — starting in dense forest, continuing across alpine meadows, and ending at Lost Lake. It’s 15 miles round trip and best hiked in summer when the meadows are bursting with wildflowers. We spotted marmots here and watched eagles hunting over the lake.

Chilkoot Trail

This historic gold rush trail is now a popular multi-day trek. The route starts in Dyea near Skagway and ends at Lake Bennett in British Columbia, Canada. It’s a demanding hike that requires good physical fitness and preparation. Along the way you’ll see remnants of the gold rush — old boots, tin cans, and other equipment left behind by prospectors. You’ll need to book a permit in advance, as the number of hikers is limited.

Kesugi Ridge Trail

This lesser-known trek in Denali State Park is a brilliant alternative to the crowded national park. The trail follows a ridge with panoramic views of the Denali massif. It’s typically a multi-day hike, but you can choose shorter sections. We only did a day-hike portion and the views were still breathtaking. Unlike in the national park, you won’t bump into crowds here, and you have a better chance of spotting wildlife.

Things to Do in Alaska

Now let’s look at the excursions and experiences Alaska has to offer — and, more importantly, which ones are actually worth the investment.

Northern Lights Viewing

Although we didn’t see the northern lights in Alaska (we were there in July), it’s one of the main reasons people visit in winter. The best conditions for viewing are in Fairbanks between September and March.

Some local hotels even offer a wake-up call service when the aurora appears. 😁 A popular option is a trip to Chena Hot Springs, where you can watch the northern lights while soaking in thermal pools.

Inside Passage Cruise

The Inside Passage is one of the most beautiful maritime routes in the world. It runs along the coast of Southeast Alaska, weaving between islands and fjords. We chose a smaller expedition boat rather than a large cruise ship, which allowed us to get much closer to the glaciers and wildlife. We saw whales breaching, eagles catching fish, and bears strolling along the shore. Stops in small port towns like Ketchikan and Petersburg offer a glimpse into local life.

Salmon and Halibut Fishing Trips

In Homer and on the Kenai River, you can experience world-class Alaskan fishing. We’re not anglers ourselves, so we gave this one a miss. Local fishing charters take tourists on full-day trips where you can catch halibut weighing over 100 pounds or various species of salmon. Most companies even offer to process and ship your catch home.

Flightseeing Over Denali with Glacier Landing

This experience was the most expensive item on our budget — but also the absolute best thing we did in Alaska. Flying in a small plane around the highest peak in North America is incredible in itself, but landing on a glacier takes it to another level entirely. We had time to walk around on the ice and photograph the jaw-dropping scenery. The pilot provided detailed commentary about the geology and history of the area throughout the flight.

Dog Sledding and Musher Camps

Even in summer, you can experience dog sledding. Many mushers, including participants of the famous Iditarod race, run summer camps where you can ride on specially adapted carts and learn about this traditional form of transport. A visit to the camp also includes meeting the dogs and puppies — a brilliant experience for kids.

Chena Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs, about an hour’s drive from Fairbanks, is a perfect spot for relaxation. The resort features an outdoor thermal pool that’s especially stunning in winter, when steam rises above the water and the air temperature plummets well below freezing. The resort also has an ice museum where you can sip cocktails served in glasses carved from ice.

Glacier Cruise in Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound offers some of the best glacier excursions in Alaska. We sailed from Whittier and spent the day watching glaciers calve. The sound of falling ice is unforgettable — locals call it “white thunder.” Besides glaciers, we saw seal colonies and sea otters floating on their backs.

Bear Encounters on Kodiak

Kodiak Island is home to the largest brown bears in the world. Unlike Brooks Falls in Katmai, bear viewing here is a more intimate experience. You must go with a certified guide who understands bear behaviour and knows where to observe them safely. The bears are most active during the salmon runs, but you can also see them in spring as they graze on coastal meadows.

14-Day Alaska Road Trip: Grand Loop via Seward, Homer, and Valdez

I’d like to suggest a route covering a large portion of Alaska — one that takes in its most beautiful spots while giving you enough time to properly enjoy everything. We avoid constant hotel-hopping in favour of strategic bases for day trips. Drawing on our own experience, I’ll recommend where to stop and what not to miss.

Before we dive into the day-by-day breakdown, here’s an overview of the entire route — where you’ll drive and where you’ll sleep each night:

Day	Route & Transfers	Where to Sleep
1	Arrive in Anchorage, explore the city	Anchorage
2–3	Anchorage → Whittier (~1.5 hrs), Prince William Sound	Whittier
4–6	Whittier → Seward (~2.5 hrs), Kenai Fjords, Exit Glacier	Seward
7–8	Seward → Homer (~4 hrs), fishing & Kachemak Bay	Homer
9–10	Homer → Valdez (~8–9 hrs), Columbia Glacier	Valdez
11–12	Valdez → Talkeetna (~6–7 hrs) → Denali National Park	Talkeetna
13–14	Talkeetna → Anchorage (~2.5 hrs), final hike & departure	Anchorage

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage

On your first day, I recommend simply resting and exploring the city. From the airport, check into your accommodation in central Anchorage, stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, and visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. For your first dinner, try Snow City Cafe or 49th State Brewing Company. Spend your first night in Anchorage.

Days 2–3: Whittier and Surroundings

Day 2: Whittier and Prince William Sound

Head out from Anchorage to Whittier in the morning (about 1.5 hours). Make sure to stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center along the way. In Whittier, you’ll experience the unique tunnel entrance that’s shared between cars and trains — it’s the only access to the town. In the afternoon, take a boat tour of Prince William Sound to see glaciers and marine life.

Day 3: Hikes in the Area

Spend your second day in Whittier hiking — I recommend the Portage Pass Trail with views of the glacier, or rent a kayak and explore the bay. Stay another night in Whittier.

Days 4–6: Seward and Kenai Fjords

Day 4: Drive to Seward

Drive from Whittier to Seward (about 2.5 hours). Along the way, stop at Portage Glacier and several scenic viewpoints along the Seward Highway. In the afternoon, explore the town and visit the Alaska SeaLife Center.

Day 5: Kenai Fjords National Park

Spend the full day on a boat tour of Kenai Fjords, where you’ll see glaciers, whales, and seals. I recommend the longer 8–9 hour cruise that goes all the way to Holgate or Aialik Glacier.

Day 6: Exit Glacier

Dedicate the day to hiking to Exit Glacier and potentially the more demanding ascent to Harding Icefield. For less experienced hikers, there are several shorter trails with glacier views.

Days 7–8: Homer

Day 7: Drive to Homer

From Seward, head to Homer (4 hours). Along the way, stop in the Russian-heritage village of Ninilchik and at the Homer Spit viewpoint. In the evening, stroll along the Homer Spit promenade and enjoy the sunset.

Day 8: Homer

Full-day halibut or salmon fishing charter, or take a boat across Kachemak Bay to Halibut Cove. If you’re not into fishing, visit the Pratt Museum or hike in Kachemak Bay State Park.

Days 9–10: Valdez

Day 9: Drive to Valdez

A long but beautiful drive from Homer to Valdez (8–9 hours). Along the way, you’ll pass the Matanuska Glacier and cross Thompson Pass.

Day 10: Valdez

Take a boat trip to Columbia Glacier or go kayaking in Prince William Sound. Alternatively, hike to Valdez Glacier.

Days 11–12: Denali via Talkeetna

Day 11: Talkeetna

Drive from Valdez to Talkeetna (6–7 hours). In the afternoon, explore this historic little town, and if the weather is clear, enjoy the views of Denali from the town centre.

Day 12: Denali National Park

Spend the full day in Denali National Park. You can choose between an organised bus tour of the park or one of the hikes in the front section of the park.

Days 13–14: Return to Anchorage

Day 13: Final Hike and Transfer

In the morning, squeeze in one more short hike in Denali State Park, then drive to Anchorage (2.5 hours).

Day 14: Anchorage and Departure

Last-minute shopping, a visit to the Saturday Market (if it’s a Saturday), and your flight home.

Practical Tips

Accommodation

• Whittier: Inn at Whittier
• Seward: Seward Windsong Lodge or Exit Glacier Lodge
• Homer: Ocean Shores Hotel or Land’s End Resort
• Valdez: Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn
• Talkeetna: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
• Anchorage: Hotel Captain Cook or Lakefront Anchorage

You can compare all accommodation options and prices on Booking.com. During peak season (June–August), book well in advance — popular lodges sell out months ahead.

Best Stops Along the Way

• Moose Pass
• Russian River Falls
• Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site
• Worthington Glacier
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (viewpoints)

Bookings

I recommend booking these in advance:

• Accommodation (especially during peak season)
• Boat tours in Kenai Fjords and Prince William Sound
• Fishing charters from Homer
• Denali National Park tours

Practical Notes

• Fill up your tank whenever you get the chance — petrol stations can be few and far between
• Carry a paper map — mobile signal isn’t available everywhere. Consider picking up an eSIM from Holafly or Yesim for US data coverage
• Allow for frequent photo stops — you’ll want them
• Stay flexible — the weather can change your plans at a moment’s notice
• UK passport holders need an ESTA to enter the US — make sure to apply before you travel

Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska

Before you head north, here are answers to the questions our readers ask most often about travelling in Alaska.