Alaska is a magical state that’s made more mysterious because of the difficulties to reach it from the Lower 48. The sweeping vistas and wild animals make it a fascinating destination. But you may want an Alaska bucket list, so you can decide what to see before you arrive. A bucket list also helps you to ensure you see everything you want to on your trip.
We’ve rounded up the best things to see and do in Alaska for you to add to your own bucket list if you’d like.
Denali National Park
A 6 million-acre wilderness area, Denali National Park features the striking 20,310-foot-tall Mount McKinley, which is North America’s highest peak. In this park, you’re likely to spot grizzly bears, moose, and a variety of other animals while biking and hiking.
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is a 3.3 million-acre natural area that is home to mountains and glaciers. It’s also a humpback whale sanctuary, so you might just get a glimpse of one of these sea mammals as they swim.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Home to the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords National Park is the perfect place to see the fjords and glaciers Alaska is famous for. It is also home to a wide variety of animals including sea lions, sea otters, bears, beavers, and many more.
Katmai National Park
Located on a peninsula in southern Alaska, Katmai National Park encompasses tundra, forests, lakes, and mountains. Huge numbers of brown bears gather in this park to feast on the salmon that make themselves at home in the park’s Brooks Falls.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
The largest national park in the United States, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve houses the Hubbard Glacier, one of the largest and most active tidewater glaciers in North America.
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Heading up to northern Alaska, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is located entirely within the Arctic Circle. This is the northernmost national park in the US, and protects parts of the Brooks Range.
Kobuk Valley National Park
Also situated in the Arctic Circle, Kobuk Valley National Park has a lot to offer visitors. As many as half a million caribou migrate through the park each year, creating a stunning sight. You can also visit the park’s sand dunes, which create an interesting landscape.
Sitka National Historical Park
Sitka National Historical Park is an excellent place to dive into Alaska’s rich history. Here you can stand next to authentic totem poles, gather information on the Tlingit culture, learn about Russian colonialism in the state, and more.
Relax in Chena Hot Springs
Visit Chena Hot Springs to kick back and relax while you’re in Alaska. Here you can spend time in the natural hot springs as you unwind while surrounded by the beauty of the Last Frontier.
Drive the Alaska Highway
Plan some of your route the Alaska Highway to enjoy the scenery. You’ll pass lakes, hot springs, mountains, and more. Be sure to watch for bears and moose along your drive as well.
Cruise the Inside Passage
Alaska’s Inside Passage is the water route between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound. Viewing the passage gives you a chance to see fjords, glaciers, mountains, and plenty of wildlife. While you certainly can view the passage from the land, the best way to experience it is from a boat.
See the Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis is better seen during the darker, colder months in Alaska. You may be lucky enough to spot the lights anytime from September through April, but December to March is peak activity time. Head to an area away from city lights, keep an eye on the forecast (clouds will get in the way of a light display), and consider a tour if you want an experienced guide.
Experience 24 Hours of Daylight
If you go to northern Alaska during the summer, you can experience 24 full hours of daylight. It might be disorienting, but a midnight hike while the sun is still shining is a truly unique experience.
Learn at the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Like Sitka National Historical Park, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is another excellent place to learn about Alaska’s amazing history. Here, you’ll dive into a wealth of information on the 11 major tribal groups of the state, with immersive exhibits including authentic Native dwellings, Alaska Native craft activities, performances, and more.
Try Reindeer Sausage
Reindeer sausage is an unusual delicacy that you can’t find in many places. But in Alaska, you’ll find this tasty treat at restaurants and in markets. You can also try reindeer burgers and the state’s delicious seafood.
Admire Mendenhall Glacier
Glaciers are an iconic and important Alaskan feature, and you can spot quite a few of them in the state. Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most visited glaciers in Alaska.
From the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, guests can take in beautiful views of this natural feature. While you’re there, take the short hike to Nugget Falls. You can also kayak among the icebergs for a close-up view.
Ride the Alaska Railroad
Sometimes referred to as the “backbone of the Last Frontier,” the Alaska Railroad played a big role in the history of this state. In fact, the railroad is still an important form of transportation to this day. It transports over 500,000 passengers each year, delivering them to stops along its route between Seward and Fairbanks.
Take a Polar Plunge
There are few things as invigorating as jumping into icy cold water for a quick dip. Alaska presents plenty of opportunities for doing just that, and you can take a polar plunge as part of a large group. You might find that you enjoy the refreshing feeling – or at least appreciate getting warmed up afterward.
Fly in a Seaplane
Seaplanes are all over the place in Alaska. Find a company that offers seaplane tours so you can see the state from above. This bird’s eye view is spectacular.
Eat Alaskan Crab Legs
There are lots of places to enjoy seafood in Alaska, and crab legs are served up fresh and delicious at many restaurants in the state.
Catch a Fish of Your Own
Be sure to try your hand at fishing while in this state full of lakes and rivers. You can bring your own gear, or book a tour with a guide who can take you to the best places to catch fish.
Have a Drink Made with Glacial Ice
Alaska leans into their chilly reputation with cocktails cooled by ice from local glaciers. You’ll also find glacier-themed drinks at restaurants and cocktail bars.
Check Out an Ice Cave
There are lots of hiking tours in Alaska that can take you and your group to explore ice caves in the state. Enjoy this otherworldly opportunity with someone who knows how to safely navigate the cave … and the snow and ice you’ll likely have to cross to get to it.
As you can see, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in the wild and beautiful state of Alaska. Ready to head out on an Alaska adventure of your own? We highly recommend exploring the state via RV. Fortunately, we have plenty of Alaska RV rentals available, so you can find a rig that suits your needs.
