Introduction
If you’re reading this, thank you—because you’re about to join me on a journey through one of the most breathtaking, wide-open, soul-stirring places I’ve ever visited: Alaska. I’ll admit, before I went there I had this romantic but vague idea of endless wilderness, moose sightings, glaciers and the aurora. What I found was even richer: rugged coastline, soaring peaks, drifting icebergs, and the raw power of nature everywhere you look. Each morning felt like waking into a postcard… or better yet, a movie set where you’re the lead character, and the world is far bigger than you are.
So here are 12 fun things to do & places to visit in Alaska—each one unforgettable in its own way. Whether you’re drawn to wildlife, glaciers, Indigenous culture, or just the thrill of being somewhere wild, these are stops I found inspiring—and I hope they’ll make your Alaska trip extraordinary too.
12 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Alaska (2026)
1. Explore Denali National Park & Preserve
One of the big “musts” in Alaska is heading into Denali: massive mountains, wilderness stretching for miles, and the chance to spot incredible wildlife. The park is home to Mount Denali (formerly McKinley), North America’s highest peak. Visiting gives you that true wilderness feel, where you’re not just watching nature—you’re in it. I remember driving into the park, the peak looming ahead, and thinking: “This is what the world looked like before we built everything else.”
Tip: Take the park shuttle or guided bus beyond the main road if you can—that’s when the wild really opens up. And bring layers: even summer days can bring wind and chill.
See Also: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Breckenridge, CO
2. Take a Glacier Cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park
Glaciers are among my favorite parts of Alaska—and a cruise through Kenai Fjords delivers big time. You’ll see tidewater glaciers spilling into the ocean, ice chunks floating around, marine mammals, and the kind of scenery that leaves you quiet just to soak it in. Many guides say watching a giant slab of ice crack off into the water is a moment of genuine awe.
Tip: Book a morning cruise for calmer seas. Bring a waterproof jacket—the spray from ice calving can surprise you.
3. Dog-sled (or ride the wheeled version)
This is part of Alaska’s heart. Dog-sledding has deep roots here—from historic use to modern sport. Even in summer you’ll find tours where sled dogs pull you on a wheeled cart or you fly to a glacier for a snow ride. I got to meet the huskies, hear their eager breathing, and feel the pull of the team beneath me—it’s fun and emotional, both.
Tip: Choose a tour that supports sustainable kennels and spends time introducing the dogs and explaining the history. It makes the whole experience richer.
4. Chase the Northern Lights in Fairbanks or remote spots
If you go in late fall or winter, one of the most magical things you can do is hunt for the aurora borealis. The lights dance across the night sky, colors shifting and shifting, and for a moment you feel small and part of something vast. Alaska’s clear skies and northern latitude make it one of the best places on earth for this.
Tip: Stay away from city lights, check aurora forecasts, and pack warm winter gear (yes—warm!). Also be patient; sometimes you wait, sometimes it bursts into brilliance.
5. Visit Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau
Near the state capital of Juneau lies Mendenhall Glacier—a stunning example of ice in motion. You can walk trails to viewpoints, visit the ice caves (in season), and really absorb how nature sculpts the world. It felt humbling to stand beside the glacier and imagine how slowly and powerfully it shapes the land.
Tip: Wear layers and sturdy boots. If you’re doing an ice-cave or guided glacier trek, book ahead—these sell out, especially in summer.
6. Wildlife Watching – Bears, Whales & Eagles
Alaska’s wildlife is part spectacle, part spiritual moment. Whether you’re watching brown bears fishing for salmon, whales breaching in the ocean, or bald eagles circling above—you’ll feel like you’re witnessing something timeless. Wildlife-watching is one of the major draws to the state.
Tip: Bring a good zoom lens or binoculars, keep safe distances, and hire a local guide for the best and safest experience.
7. Experience Indigenous Culture & Heritage
Alaska is not just wilderness—it’s home to vibrant Indigenous cultures that have lived here for millennia. From totem poles in Ketchikan to tribal-run tours and artisan markets, engaging with this side of Alaska enriches your visit.
Tip: Seek out authentic experiences run by indigenous groups (look for “owned by Native Alaskans”). Respect tradition, ask questions, and maybe pick up a handmade craft to remember the moment.
8. Road Trip the Scenic Highways
While Alaska is huge, some of the most memorable parts come from driving through its broad landscapes. Whether it’s the Seward Highway, Sterling Highway, or the Parks Highway up toward Fairbanks, each curve reveals mountains, fjords, wildlife, and that wonderful sense of space.
Tip: Plan for stops—pull-outs, small towns, overlooks matter as much as the drive. Check road conditions and weather (which can change fast in Alaska).
9. Go Fishing or Kayaking in Pristine Waters
Few places compare to Alaska when it comes to fishing or paddling. Whether you’re after salmon or halibut, or just want to glide over clear water and take in the silence, this is a deeply satisfying way to connect with the land and the sea.
Tip: If fishing, get a license or join a guided charter. If kayaking, choose a route suited to your ability and always be aware of tides and wildlife (otters, seals, maybe whales).
10. Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve (by ship or sea plane)
More remote but profoundly worth it: Glacier Bay is wilderness at a grand scale—glaciers, fjords, wildlife, and silence that’s almost loud. The sheer enormity of ice retreating over millennia is humbling. Many visitors arrive by cruise or sea plane.
Tip: Bring motion-sickness meds if you’re on a boat in rougher seas. Pack high layers and a hat—even in summer the wind off the ice bites.
11. Visit the Coast & Islands – Kodiak Island, Sitka, or the Inside Passage
The Alaska coastlines and islands are magical—dramatic cliffs, marine life, remote settlements, and Indigenous heritage. Kodiak has bears and sea-life, Sitka has history and culture, and the Inside Passage is sheer scenic wonder. These destinations bring a different flavour of Alaska—wilder still, quieter.
Tip: These areas often require ferry or air access—plan ahead. Also check for seasonal wildlife or weather factors (fog, sea conditions).
12. Visit Anchorage & the Surrounding Wilderness
It’s easy to forget that Anchorage is the urban gateway to all this wilderness. But spending time here—hiking nearby trails, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, exploring local culture—sets a great tone. You get “town” comfort and “wild” access.
Tip: Use Anchorage as a base. Pick one major wilderness trip (like Denali or Kenai) and mix it with a city day: good food, local breweries, arts, and easy access to nature.
Final Thoughts
Alaska changed how I think about travel. It reminded me that adventure doesn’t always mean speeding forward—it can also mean slowing down, watching a glacier melt, listening to wind through trees, or waiting quietly for a bear or the northern lights. It taught me that the world is bigger than our routines, and that wilderness is a place not just to “see” but to feel.
Here are a few parting thoughts to help if you’re planning your own Alaskan journey:
- Pack for change. Weather shifts fast. Bring layers, rain gear, good boots, and don’t rely only on summer-tshirts.
- Choose experience over checklist. Yes, you might tick off the big spots—but leave space for the unexpected moments, the side trail, the quiet bay.
- Respect wilderness and culture. Alaska’s nature is powerful and its Indigenous cultures are rich. Be mindful—give space, listen, learn.
- Plan logistics carefully. Distances are big, access can be limited, and seasons matter. Book early for major excursions.
- Let time stretch. Whether it’s stood still in a boat watching ice calve, or trekked slowly through a forest trail—allow yourself to linger.
- Turn off autopilot. In Alaska, the best memories come when you pause and just observe—whether it’s wildlife, sky, or glacier.
If you’re thinking of visiting Alaska (or already planning), I hope this list gives you a strong starting point. It’s not exhaustive—it can never be—but it captures a wide variety of what makes Alaska so compelling: wild landscapes, immersive nature, unforgettable experiences. And if you go—I’d love to hear what you found. Because no two Alaska trips are the same. Safe travels, and may your journey north be remarkable.