Alaska is the largest state in the U.S.—more than twice the size of Texas—and it's filled with wild beauty, from towering mountains and icy glaciers to deep forests and rich native Alaskan heritage. No matter how you get there—
by car, plane, or a scenic Alaska cruise—you’ll discover countless
breathtaking places waiting to be explored. This guide covers the
top Alaska attractions, including famous landmarks, hidden parks, and stunning fjords, with adventures perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned adventurers alike. So let’s dive into 15 of the best places to visit in Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve is one of the most iconic Alaska landmarks, offering a stunning mix of dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife in one place. Spanning six million acres of tundra, boreal forest, and towering mountain peaks, it’s home to Denali—
the tallest mountain in North America at 20,310 feet.
Wildlife sightings are a major highlight, with chances to see grizzlies, moose, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep. It’s one of the best places to visit in Alaska for wildlife photographers, hikers, first-time visitors, and road-trippers. Since most of the park is only accessible by shuttle, it’s best to reserve seats early, stay nearby in Healy, or camp out for early access; the prime time for wildlife viewing runs from late May through early September.
Glacier Bay National Park is a breathtaking marine wilderness filled with tidewater glaciers, icy fjords, and a rich history carved by ice.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s not only a highlight for Alaska sightseeing but also a favorite for adventure kayakers, nature photographers, and marine biologists. Families
going on tours here love the up-close views of massive glaciers and the chance to see seals, sea otters, and whales, especially in summer. Many visitors experience the park on guided tours or day boat trips, where National Park Rangers often come aboard to offer interpretive talks about the area's natural wonders. For the best experience, plan your visit during peak cruise season when the glaciers are active and wildlife sightings are frequent.
Kenai Fjords National Park is a stunning showcase of ice and ocean, centered around the massive Harding Icefield and its many tidewater glaciers.
Located near the town of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula, it's one of the most accessible Alaska landmarks and a hub for glacier hikes, boat tours, and marine wildlife adventures. It’s a favorite spot among tourist attractions in Alaska for glacier hikers, kayakers, photographers, and families exploring the region. A day cruise offers unforgettable views of calving glaciers and sea life like puffins, seals, and whales, while the hike to Exit Glacier gives a more active way to experience the ice up close. For a great indoor option—especially on rainy days—the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward adds an educational and engaging stop to your visit.
The Inside Passage is a scenic network of sheltered coastal waterways that stretches from the southeastern part of the state down to British Columbia, offering one of the most beautiful and culturally rich Alaska attractions in the state.
Surrounded by towering cliffs, forested islands, and deep fjords, it’s also a region steeped in Indigenous heritage, with strong ties to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. This route is ideal for soft-adventure cruisers, ferry travelers, and wildlife lovers hoping to spot eagles, sea lions, and humpback whales right from the deck. The Inside Passage is best explored aboard an
Alaskan small ship cruise or the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system.
Don’t miss charming Alaska landmarks in towns like Sitka, Wrangell, and Petersburg for a true taste of coastal Alaska life.
Misty Fjords National Monument is a stunning 2.3-million-acre wilderness east of Ketchikan, often referred to as the “Yosemite of the North.” This vast expanse is one of the best places to visit in Alaska for sheer cliffs, lush rainforest, and deep, glacier-carved fjords, offering a dramatic and serene landscape perfect for immersion in nature. It’s a dream destination among things to see in Alaska for wilderness lovers and kayakers, as well as floatplane enthusiasts and scenic tour seekers who want to experience the state’s untouched beauty from above.
The area is also ideal for couples on romantic getaways, drawn to the monument’s quiet majesty and breathtaking vistas. Access is primarily by floatplane or guided day cruise from Ketchikan, and visitors will find that early mornings provide the best light for photography and the fewest crowds. For those planning to stay overnight, permits are required for camping, ensuring that this pristine environment remains protected for future generations.
Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier offer an unforgettable experience among Alaska landmarks to visit, surrounded by fjords, forest, and glaciers. One of the biggest draws is the Mendenhall Glacier, a stunning ice field that is easily accessed by road, making it a convenient yet awe-inspiring stop.
This destination lands on our list of Alaska tourist attractions because it uniquely combines wildlife, culture, and glacier access all in one, making it especially appealing to cruise travelers with limited time, families, and photographers eager to capture dramatic scenery. It’s also a must-visit for active travelers looking for glacier hikes. For the best experience, hike the Nugget Falls Trail for close-up glacier views, or book Juneau Tours for glacier trekking or
whale watching adventures. Don’t miss the chance to take the Mount Roberts Tram for panoramic aerial views of the city and Gastineau Channel, offering a memorable perspective of this dynamic destination.
Tracy Arm Fjord, located southeast of
Juneau, is a narrow, steep-sided fjord renowned for its breathtaking scenery and icy wonders. It’s home to the Sawyer Glaciers and dramatic waterfalls, making it a classic destination for glacier and iceberg viewing. This spectacular setting among the best places to visit in Alaska attracts cruise passengers seeking dramatic scenery, as well as landscape photographers and nature lovers eager to witness the state’s raw beauty.
It’s also a popular choice for day-trippers from Juneau looking for an unforgettable adventure. For the best experience, book small boat tours that allow for closer views of Alaska tourist attractions such as glaciers and wildlife. Be sure to keep an eye out for seals lounging on icebergs, and bring plenty of layers, as the fjord’s microclimate can be chilly and wet, even in summer.
Endicott Arm is a hidden gem among wilderness attractions in Alaska, offering travelers the chance to explore the quieter sibling to Tracy Arm on a scenic cruise through towering cliffs and icy waters. This fjord is home to Dawes Glacier and harbor seals, with frequent wildlife sightings including whales, eagles, and bears, making it a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts, kayakers, and photographers.
Known for its serene, less-crowded experience, Endicott Arm is especially appealing to repeat travelers looking for Alaska attractions to visit that are quieter and more intimate. Visitors should note that ice conditions may restrict access, so flexibility is key, and binoculars are essential for spotting wildlife along the rugged shoreline. For a fuller experience, some small ship cruises include both Tracy and Endicott Arms in one unforgettable itinerary.
Frederick Sound, nestled between
Petersburg and
Admiralty Island, is renowned as one of the best places to visit in Alaska for seeing feeding humpback whales, offering a truly unforgettable wildlife experience. With its calm waters and scenic views, it’s a prime destination for whale watchers and wildlife photographers, as well as kayakers, marine naturalists, and birders hoping to spot bald eagles and seabirds.
The peak season runs from June to August, when humpbacks gather to feed, often displaying dramatic breaching and bubble-net feeding behaviors. For a deeper connection to the underwater world, join a guided whale watching tour with hydrophones to listen to the haunting songs of whales beneath the surface. Frederick Sound is accessible from Petersburg or included in small ship cruise itineraries, making it one of the top Alaska landmarks to visit that’s both convenient and awe-inspiring for nature lovers.
Katmai National Park is one of the most remote and wildest Alaska attractions known for its world-famous brown bear viewing at Brooks Falls, where bears gather to catch salmon mid-leap. Beyond the wildlife, the park features volcanic terrain with steam vents and ash flows, offering a surreal, otherworldly landscape that captivates wilderness travelers, scientists, and naturalists alike.
Accessible only by air, Katmai delivers a true backcountry experience for bear enthusiasts and wildlife photographers in search of iconic and intimate encounters. To make the most of your visit to one of the best Alaska landmarks, reserve bear viewing platforms well in advance, especially during peak bear activity in July and September. Flights are available from King Salmon or Homer, providing the only gateway to this raw and rugged Alaskan treasure.
11. Matanuska Glacier
Matanuska Glacier is Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier, located just a 2-hour drive from Anchorage along the scenic Glenn Highway, making it a perfect day-trip destination.
Famous for its striking blue ice and dramatic crevasses, it offers a truly hands-on experience for visitors of all ages. Guided ice hikes provide safe and educational access to the glacier, with all gear and safety briefings included—making it one of the best places to visit in Alaska for beginners, families, photographers, and anyone curious about glacier trekking. Summer visits offer the easiest access and the clearest views of this icy wonder.
12. Turnagain Arm
Turnagain Arm offers one of the most scenic Alaska attractions, stretching south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway. With tidal flats, dramatic bore tides, and the Chugach Mountains rising steeply from the shoreline, it’s a paradise for road-trippers, wildlife watchers, families, and photographers alike.
Wildlife such as Dall sheep, eagles, and even beluga whales are often spotted along the cliffs and waterline. Be sure to stop at Beluga Point in late summer for whale watching, and time your drive with high tide to catch the rare and mesmerizing bore tide wave. A visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center adds an up-close encounter with Alaska’s iconic animals.
13. Resurrection Bay
Resurrection Bay, located near
Seward, is a scenic, wildlife-rich inlet that serves as a stunning gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Surrounded by rugged mountains and tidewater glaciers, it’s a haven among Alaska tourist attractions for active travelers, offering kayaking, coastal hikes, and even snorkeling in its clear, cold waters.
History buffs can explore WWII-era ruins at Caines Head, while wildlife lovers can spot puffins, sea otters, sea lions, and whales on a guided cruise. With calm waters and accessible routes, it’s one of the best places to visit in Alaska for first-time paddlers or anyone seeking a half-day adventure close to town.
Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in
North America, stretches an impressive 76 miles through Disenchantment Bay near Yakutat. Famous for its frequent and dramatic calving events, it’s one of the most visited Alaska tourist attractions because it offers a spectacular show as massive chunks of ice crash into the sea. This icy giant draws cruise passengers, photographers, geology enthusiasts, and families sailing the
Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska.
Most visitors arrive via cruise ships navigating Yakutat Bay, where binoculars come in handy for spotting harbor seals lounging on ice floes. Morning sail-bys provide the best conditions, with calm seas and stunning light—perfect for capturing a true bucket-list glacier moment.
Northern Lights viewing in Alaska is a breathtaking experience, with the state ranking among the best places in the world to see the
Aurora Borealis.
The most consistent sightings occur from late August to early April, with Fairbanks standing out as the premier destination thanks to its clear skies and high northern latitude. Perfect for night sky enthusiasts, astrophotographers, winter adventurers, and cultural travelers, witnessing the aurora can be both awe-inspiring and deeply meaningful. Opt to stay at a lodge that offers aurora wake-up calls, and enhance your trip by combining the lights with other Alaska tourist attractions and activities, like dog sledding, snowshoeing, or
cultural tours that share Indigenous stories and connections to the sky.
Planning Your Trip to Alaska
Planning your trip to see one or more of these
Alaska tourist attractions opens the door to a world of unforgettable experiences. Whether you're drawn to small ship cruises,
wildlife encounters, or off-the-grid backcountry adventures, the state has something for every kind of traveler.
With curated journeys through Adventure Life, you can explore the Last Frontier your way—and likely find countless reasons to return.
Begin your journey to some of the best places to visit in Alaska today with our expert-led travel planners that will help you match your unique travel style and interests.
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