From majestic mountains and epic glaciers to rare wildlife sightings, Alaska promises adventure on a grand scale. Its staggering beauty and diverse landscapes make it a top destination for nature lovers. This blog post highlights 20 of the best things to do on a trip to The Last Frontier.

Get ready to road trip along scenic highways, cruise glacier-lined fjords, and otherwise immerse yourself in Alaska’s magnificent outdoors. With endless options across this vast state, everyone can craft their perfect itinerary. Get inspired with these 20 activities you won’t want to miss.

Cruise Along Glacier Bay

One of Alaska’s most spectacular sights, Glacier Bay National Park provides front-row seats to massive tidewater glaciers slowly advancing through the fjords. Take a boat tour to get close to mammoth glaciers like Margerie and Grand Pacific. Watch for breaching humpback whales along the way.

Drive the Seward Highway

Stretching from Anchorage to Seward, the Seward Highway offers nonstop scenery. Dramatic mountains, the turquoise Kenai Lake, Turnagain Arm filled with beluga whales, and more unfold along this unforgettable road trip. Stop frequently for hikes, overlooks, and wildlife viewing.

Ride the White Pass Railway

Climb nearly 3,000 feet from Skagway to the White Pass summit aboard vintage rail cars on the White Pass & Yukon Route. This narrow-gauge railway dates back to the Klondike Gold Rush era and traverses rugged mountains and sheer cliff faces for an unforgettable journey.

Flightsee Over Denali

Soaring over Denali National Park by small plane or helicopter provides perspectives of North America’s tallest peak that are simply unattainable on the ground. Flightseeing over the glaciated high alpine wilderness reveals an awe-inspiring alien landscape that looks almost Martian.

Paddle Among Icebergs

Paddling an icy waterway punting past towering chunks of glacial ice makes for a chill-inducing Alaskan experience. Rent a kayak or book a guided iceberg tour in Kenai Fjords or Glacier Bay National Parks for an unforgettable blue ice encounter.

Visit the Hubbard Glacier

The massive Hubbard Glacier near Yakutat is North America’s largest tidewater glacier. Visit by boat or plane to witness its six-mile wide face “calving” icebergs into the sea. The deep blue crevasses and ice cliffs create otherworldly photo ops.

Take an Alaskan Railroad Trip

Riding the rails through Alaska’s epic scenery provides constantly unfolding views not visible from roads. Try routes like the Glacier Discovery Train between Anchorage and Whittier or the Coastal Classic from Anchorage to Seward to immerse yourself in the views.

Drive the Dalton Highway

For a rugged adventure to subarctic wilderness, tackle America’s farthest north highway. The Dalton Highway traverses 414 miles of tundra and boreal forest from Fairbanks up to Prudhoe Bay and the Arctic Ocean. With its remoteness and rough conditions, the Dalton Highway is not for the faint of heart.

Go Caribou Spotting

Witness an incredible wildlife spectacle by heading north to the Arctic Refuge or parts of the Alaska Range to spot massive migrating caribou herds. Their summer migration attracts grizzly and black bears along with gray wolves who hunt the caribou. Seeing these majestic herds on the move is worth the journey.

Take an Alaskan Train Trip

Riding the rails through Alaska’s epic scenery provides constantly unfolding views not visible from roads. Try routes like the Glacier Discovery Train between Anchorage and Whittier or the Coastal Classic from Anchorage to Seward to immerse yourself in the views.

Visit the Santa Claus House

The tiny town of North Pole, Alaska fully embraces its Christmas-y name. Stop by the Santa Claus House located on Saint Nicholas Drive to see Santa’s reindeer, peruse Christmas ornaments, and tour Santa’s castle. Don’t miss the giant 42 foot tall Santa statue out front!

Go Flightseeing Over Glacier Bay

One of the best ways to fully appreciate the enormity of Glacier Bay National Park is bird’s eye view from a flightseeing tour. These tours take off from nearby Gustavus, allowing aerial access to remote glaciers and peaks. Looking down on giant tidewater glaciers like Margerie Glacier is unforgettable.

Ride Across Kodiak Island

Explore Kodiak Island’s interior by car, viewing the island’s mountainous bear-filled terrain, serene birch forests, and wildflower meadows. Stop to hike near Fossil Beach or aim for the Beaver Lakes Trail System offering lake views. Along the way, watch for bears, elk, and reindeer.

Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center

This top Anchorage museum spotlights the culture and traditions of Alaska’s diverse indigenous peoples. Meet First Nations individuals, browse traditional arts and crafts, and watch cultural performances. The indoor exhibits showcase native dwellings from each region.

Take a Multi-Day Kenai Fjords Cruise

For the ultimate Kenai Fjords experience, embark on a small ship cruise with kayaking excursions. Kenai Fjords’ remote craggy glaciated landscape is best appreciated over several days while paddling among towering cliffs, icebergs, and lounging sea otters and seals. Retreat to the cozy boat at day’s end.

Go Flightseeing to Denali’s Ruth Glacier

Most flightseeing trips only provide quick flybys of Denali’s enormous Ruth Glacier. To truly experience its immensity, take a landing flightseeing tour that touches down right on the glacier’s surface. Walking on a glacier amid the otherworldly crevasses and ice formations is incredibly surreal.

Admire the Northern Lights

Alaska delivers some of the best aurora borealis viewing opportunities in North America. Head away from city lights between September and April, check forecasts for solar activity, and hopefully enjoy nature’s mesmerizing light show dancing across the night skies in greens and purples.

Take an Alaska Marine Highway Ferry

A budget-friendly way to enjoy Alaska’s scenery is via ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway System connects Bellingham, WA to various Alaskan coastal towns. Spend your time whale watching from the deck and enjoying mountain views on this unique northwest journey.

Conclusion

From epic national parks to rare wildlife encounters, dazzling glaciers and the enchanting northern lights, Alaska promises incredible experiences. Its staggering scenery and adventurous activities will inspire nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, and anyone seeking to be awed.

With so many once-in-a-lifetime sights and activities across America’s northern frontier, there is truly something for every interest and ability level. Whether you road trip along scenic highways, cruise fjords, or fly over mountain peaks, Alaska is guaranteed to exceed your greatest travel dreams.