The Best Experiences in Alaska: Top 10 Must-Do Activities (Currently Open)
There’s no place quite like Alaska — a land of endless daylight, towering glaciers, and untamed wilderness that captures the imagination of everyone who visits. Known as The Last Frontier, Alaska invites adventurers, dreamers, and wanderers to step into a world where nature reigns supreme and every experience feels larger than life.
From cruising through icy fjords to witnessing the Northern Lights, Alaska offers a mix of serenity, thrill, and wonder that few destinations on Earth can match. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another round of adventure, these are the Top 10 Must-Do Experiences in Alaska (currently open) that belong on every traveler’s bucket list.
Witness the Northern Lights – A Dazzling Dance in the Sky
If there’s one experience that defines Alaska’s magic, it’s watching the Aurora Borealis paint the night sky. Between September and April, the dark winter skies come alive with ribbons of green, pink, and violet light that shimmer across the horizon.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights:
Fairbanks: Known as the “Aurora Capital of Alaska,” Fairbanks offers incredible visibility and frequent activity.
Chena Hot Springs Resort: Soak in a geothermal pool while the lights dance above you.
Coldfoot and Wiseman: Remote Arctic locations with zero light pollution, perfect for photography.
Pro Tip: Visit between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. on a clear night for the best chance to catch the show. Bundle up, bring a camera with manual settings, and prepare for one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
Cruise Through Glacier Bay National Park – Ice, Wildlife, and Wonder
A trip to Alaska isn’t complete without a glacier cruise, and Glacier Bay National Park delivers a front-row seat to the planet’s most powerful natural forces. Here, colossal blue-tinted glaciers crack, calve, and thunder into icy waters surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
Highlights of a Glacier Bay Cruise:
Margerie Glacier: Watch massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the sea.
Wildlife sightings: Spot humpback whales, sea otters, bald eagles, and orcas.
Guided park rangers: Learn about the park’s geology and ecosystem from experts onboard.
Cruises typically depart from Juneau or Skagway, offering both day tours and multi-day experiences. It’s a surreal journey through Alaska’s living ice age.
Explore Denali National Park – Home to North America’s Tallest Peak
At the heart of Alaska lies Denali National Park, a sprawling wilderness home to Mount Denali, which rises an awe-inspiring 20,310 feet. The park spans six million acres of forests, tundra, and wildlife-rich valleys.
Top Things to Do in Denali:
Take a bus tour along Denali Park Road for epic views and wildlife encounters (moose, grizzlies, caribou, and Dall sheep).
Hike scenic trails like the Savage River Loop or Horseshoe Lake Trail.
Stay at the Denali Backcountry Lodge or Camp Denali for immersive wilderness experiences.
Whether you’re climbing, camping, or simply soaking in the views, Denali offers a true taste of the wild frontier.
Ride the Alaska Railroad – A Journey Through Wild Beauty
Few experiences capture Alaska’s grandeur quite like the Alaska Railroad. Stretching from Seward to Fairbanks, this historic railway passes through some of the state’s most breathtaking landscapes — think glaciers, mountains, rivers, and remote villages.
Popular Routes:
Denali Star: Anchorage to Fairbanks via Denali National Park.
Coastal Classic: Anchorage to Seward — a photographer’s dream route along Turnagain Arm.
Glacier Discovery: A day trip offering stunning glacier and wildlife views.
With glass-domed cars, open-air observation decks, and locally inspired dining, the Alaska Railroad is more than transportation — it’s an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Alaska.
Go Dog Sledding – Alaska’s Most Iconic Adventure
Dog sledding isn’t just a sport here — it’s a way of life. Experience the thrill of mushing across snow-covered trails powered by a team of Alaskan Huskies.
Where to Go Dog Sledding:
Fairbanks: Try winter mushing tours and meet Iditarod-trained dogs.
Denali & Talkeetna: Combine sled rides with wilderness storytelling from local mushers.
Some tours even allow you to drive your own sled, making this a once-in-a-lifetime hands-on experience.
Fly Over Denali – A Bird’s-Eye View of Alaska’s Crown Jewel
For those who want to experience Denali from above, flightseeing tours are a must. These small-plane or helicopter adventures take you over glaciers, mountain ridges, and frozen valleys, providing views you simply can’t get from the ground.
Top Flightseeing Operators:
Choose a glacier landing for a surreal experience — stepping out onto pure white ice surrounded by Alaska’s tallest peaks. It’s adventure meets awe in its purest form.
Go Whale Watching in Juneau – Giants of the Deep
From May through September, the waters around Juneau, Seward, and Icy Strait Point teem with marine life, including majestic humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions.
Whale Watching Highlights:
Join a guided catamaran tour or smaller zodiac boat for a closer encounter.
Visit the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and pair it with an afternoon whale excursion.
Many tours guarantee sightings — because Alaska’s waters are just that rich in life.
The moment you see a whale breach against a glacier backdrop, you’ll understand why this is one of Alaska’s most soul-stirring experiences.
Discover Seward and the Kenai Fjords – Alaska’s Coastal Playground
The Kenai Peninsula is often called “Alaska’s Playground,” and Seward serves as its shining jewel. This small coastal town is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, a paradise of glaciers, marine wildlife, and rugged coastline.
Must-Do Activities in Seward:
Take a Kenai Fjords cruise to see Aialik Glacier and pods of orcas.
Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, a marine research facility and aquarium.
Hike the challenging Exit Glacier Trail for panoramic views of the ice field.
Seward’s combination of natural beauty and adventure opportunities makes it one of the most rewarding destinations in Alaska.
Experience Alaskan Culture – Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Beyond
While Alaska is best known for its wilderness, its cultural heritage is equally fascinating. Discover the stories, art, and traditions that have shaped the state’s identity.
Top Cultural Experiences:
Anchorage Museum: A modern showcase of art, history, and Indigenous culture.
Alaska Native Heritage Center: Meet local artists and learn about Alaska’s 11 major Native groups.
Fairbanks Ice Museum: Explore ice carvings and learn about Alaska’s winter festivals.
Attending local events like the Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage or the Golden Days Festival in Fairbanks offers a deeper connection to Alaskan life.
Fish the Famous Alaskan Rivers – The Ultimate Angler’s Dream
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time fisherman, Alaska’s rivers and coastlines offer some of the best fishing in the world. From salmon to halibut, the opportunities are endless.
Top Fishing Spots:
Kenai River: Known for record-breaking king salmon.
Homer: The “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.”
Bristol Bay: Home to the largest wild salmon run on Earth.
Many lodges and outfitters provide guided fishing excursions, ensuring you have the right equipment, local knowledge, and an unforgettable day on the water.
Take a Scenic Drive Along the Seward Highway – Alaska’s Most Beautiful Road
Stretching 127 miles from Anchorage to Seward, the Seward Highway is one of America’s most scenic drives. Hugging the coastline of Turnagain Arm, it winds through fjords, mountains, and wildlife preserves.
Must-Stop Spots Along the Route:
Beluga Point: Watch for beluga whales in summer.
Portage Glacier: A quick detour for jaw-dropping ice views.
Girdwood: A charming town with cozy lodges and the famous Alyeska Resort.
Every turn of the Seward Highway offers something worth pulling over for — from waterfalls to wild moose grazing in open meadows.
Visit Talkeetna – The Quirky Gateway to Denali
For a taste of authentic small-town Alaska, head to Talkeetna, a vibrant community known for its artsy vibe and mountaineering heritage.
What to Do in Talkeetna:
Visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum to learn about early explorers.
Sample locally brewed beer at Denali Brewing Company.
Take a flightseeing tour or river rafting trip with stunning Denali views.
Talkeetna feels like a step back in time — a mix of humor, history, and heart that makes it a traveler favorite.
Relax in Hot Springs – Alaskan Comfort in the Cold
After a day of adventure, there’s nothing like sinking into a natural hot spring surrounded by snow-covered wilderness.
Where to Go:
Chena Hot Springs (Fairbanks): Alaska’s most famous geothermal resort, complete with an ice museum and Northern Lights viewing.
Manley Hot Springs: A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path destination west of Fairbanks.
These hot springs offer both relaxation and rejuvenation, proving that even in the coldest climates, Alaska knows how to keep you warm.
Conclusion: Alaska — A Land of Endless Wonder
From towering glaciers to Northern Lights, dog sleds to deep-sea adventures, Alaska offers an unmatched combination of thrill and tranquility. Every corner of this majestic state reveals a new wonder — whether it’s a wild bear fishing for salmon, a breathtaking fjord carved by ice, or a quiet village filled with warmth and stories.
No matter when you visit, the best experiences in Alaska remind you what it means to be alive — to feel small in the face of nature yet completely connected to it. So pack your parka, grab your camera, and start planning your journey. Because in Alaska, every moment is a must-do experience waiting to happen.