Alaska lands on so many travelers' bucket lists because even though it's part of the United States, it feels like a world apart. Indeed, the 49th state still has a lot of seemingly untouched frontier to explore. Whether you visit Alaska as part of a cruise, or rent an RV to take on the ultimate road trip, there are many experiences here that you just can't find anywhere else. The Alaskan Native communities that still live here add vivid culture to the landscape, while wildlife - the "big five" of bears, wolves, Dall sheep, caribou and moose - thrive in Denali National Park, as well as all over the state - you can even see the occasional moose loping down the street in Alaska's biggest city, Anchorage.
Things Not to Miss in Alaska
Read our travel guide to chart your own course to Alaska's most popular destinations, including:
• A "flightseeing" tour over Denali National Park
• A glacier cruise in Prince William Sound or the Kenai Fjords
• Anchorage, home to Alaska's best art and native culture museums
• Quirky small towns such as Homer or Talkeetna
• A drive along scenic Turnagain Arm
• A bear-viewing tour in the summer, to see them fishing for salmon in streams
• The wonders of the night sky - either the Midnight Sun in summer, or the auroras of winter
When to Go to Alaska
Most people travel to Alaska during the summer, when the days are long (as in, you might not see the sunset) and the temperatures are warm. The prime Alaska travel season runs from June through mid-August; the prices are highest then, too.
If you want to cut your costs (sometimes as much as by 25 percent) visit Alaska during the shoulder seasons: mid-May to Mid-June, and mid-August through mid-September. Keep in mind that some tours will start closing up after Labor Day. Late summer and early fall means good blueberry picking and turning leaves, but also the risk of rain.
In winter, you'll typically have plenty of snow for winter sports, especially in Girdwood, south of Anchorage. You'll also see the northern lights. The most popular spot for aurora-viewing is up around Fairbanks. Late February and early March is the prime time to visit Alaska for two big events: Fur Rondy, the winter festival in Anchorage, and the famed Iditarod race, which starts in Anchorage and ends in Nome.
-
Why Alaska is the Perfect Summer Vacation Spot (Video)
Summer in New York City isn’t all rooftop parties, picturesque beach days, and breezy outdoor concerts. Less likely to make Instagram are the steaming... Read More
-
Fitness Company Daily Burn and Holland America Line Want to Send You to Alaska If You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions
Will you stick to your New Year’s resolution this year? What if there was a free cruise in it for you if you did?Holland America Line and fitness... Read More
-
Man Survives Over 20 Days in the Alaskan Wilderness With Peanut Butter and Partially Charred Canned Goods (Video)
Tyson Steele immediately knew something was wrong. The 30-year-old had been living in the Alaskan wilderness for some time and had become rather adept... Read More
-
Great All-inclusive Cruises to Book for Your Next Vacation
On most cruise ships, your accommodations, standard meals, entertainment, and daytime activities are included in your fare. Then the nickel-and-diming... Read More
-
This Is the Cheapest Time to Cruise to Alaska
The last time I was in Alaska — many years ago — I stood on the deck of a cruise ship and watched giant pieces of ice, some seemingly as large... Read More
-
This Alaskan Train Under the Northern Lights is a Magical Way to Spend Christmas
There’s no Christmas light display more fantastic than the aurora borealis.This winter, Alaska Railroad is offering an unforgettable journey through... Read More
-
Helicopters Are the Best Way to See Alaska — Here’s Why
Alaska is America’s last great wilderness. Only a small fraction of its 365 million acres have been developed, leaving large swaths of wilderness ripe... Read More
-
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in January 2020
Will you make 2020 the year you see the northern lights? A winter phenomenon in the Northern Hemisphere, the dancing green lights are the result of... Read More
-
5 Places in the United States Where You Can Spot the Northern Lights
Each year, thousands of tourists flock to destinations like Norway, Finland, and Iceland in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the glimmering northern... Read More
-
Your Definitive Guide to Seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska in 2020
While many travelers think they have to head to Canada or northern Europe to see the northern lights, you can actually spot this phenomenon without... Read More
-
These Are the 10 Most Beautiful U.S. National Parks, According to Two Photographers Who Visited Them All
From the snowy peaks of Grand Teton to the sandy dunes of Death Valley, the U.S. national parks have plenty to offer visitors. Whether you’re planning a... Read More
-
These 6 Cruises Have Airfare Included in the Price
One of the best things about cruising is being able to see several different places without having to book flights or trains from one place to the next.... Read More
-
Meet Holly, the New Queen of Katmai National Park's 'Fattest Bear' Competition (Video)
Meet the most beautiful, most voluptuous bear in Alaska. Her name is Holly.According to Vox, Katmai National Park has announced the winner of its annual... Read More
-
Fat Bear Week Is Back — and You Can Help Crown the Chunkiest of Them All
Forget the holidays, our favorite time of year is Fat Bear Week at Katmai National Park in Alaska.For the last five years, the national park has pitted... Read More
-
How to Have the Perfect Adventure-packed Trip to Alaska
For all its insanely beautiful natural wonders, there’s one thing Alaska has that many other rugged places don’t: accessibility. Thanks to a new ... Read More
