The Most Instagrammable Spots in Alaska
Just a short drive north of Anchorage, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers a stunning blend of city views and wild landscapes that lens lovers can’t resist. Stretching nearly 11 miles from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park, this mostly flat trail hugs the shoreline of Cook Inlet, unveiling vistas of snow-capped mountains and tidal flats teeming with shorebirds. Photographers flock here especially during golden hour, when the low sun casts warm light over the chugach range and often illuminates distant beluga whales. The mix of urban backdrop and natural beauty creates a dynamic scene unique to Alaska’s largest city, perfect for capturing both bustling life and serene wilderness in a single frame.
Farther south, along the Seward Highway, lies Turnagain Arm, about 50 miles from Anchorage. This dramatic fjord-like inlet is framed by rugged mountains, and its winding road is a favorite for scenic drives and photo stops. The viewpoint at Beluga Point is a hotspot where visitors can often spot the white whales breaching in the cold waters below. The area’s unique geology, with steep cliffs plunging into frothy waters, offers endless angles for landscape photography. Sunrise and sunset here are especially magical, as the light reflects off the water and paints the distant glaciers in shades of pink and gold, making it a must-see for anyone chasing that perfect shot of Alaska’s raw coastal beauty.
On the Kenai Peninsula, about 125 miles south of Anchorage, the Exit Glacier Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park is a compelling destination. This accessible hike is just under two miles round trip, winding through spruce forests and rocky terrain right up to the face of Exit Glacier itself. The glacier’s striking blue ice contrasts vividly against the dark rock, a spectacle that changes visibly each year as the ice recedes. Visitors can get up close to the crevassed surface, making for dramatic images that tell a story of climate and time. The trail is best visited in late spring through early fall when daylight is abundant and the weather is most accommodating for exploring this icy icon.
In the heart of downtown Fairbanks, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center offers a distinctly Alaskan photo experience that’s rich in history and art. Located about 360 miles north of Anchorage, this center showcases Alaska Native culture through carefully curated exhibits and striking murals. The exterior itself is architecturally interesting, designed to echo the surrounding landscapes with wood and glass. Visitors can capture images of traditional crafts, storytelling sessions, and interactive displays that bring Alaska’s Indigenous heritage vividly to life. The soft summer light of the midnight sun streaming through the large windows adds an ethereal quality to interior shots, making it a unique cultural stop for photographers interested in more than just natural scenery.
In Glacier Bay National Park, accessible by a short flight or boat ride from Juneau, the Bartlett River Trail offers a glimpse into Alaska’s pristine wilderness. Located roughly 65 miles northwest of Juneau, this trail leads to Bartlett Lake and a languid river scene framed by towering glaciers and old-growth forest. The 4.5-mile round trip hike is moderate, rewarding adventurers with reflections of snow-capped peaks in calm waters and ample opportunities to spot bald eagles and mountain goats. Photographers relish the chance to capture the interplay of water, wildlife, and glaciers, especially in the soft light of early evening when the park’s quieter moments come to life with vivid color contrasts.
Traveling to the remote town of Talkeetna, about two hours north of Anchorage, the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum sits at the crossroads of Alaska’s mountaineering history. This small but rich museum tells the story of climbers who have attempted Denali, North America’s highest peak. The museum’s exhibits feature vintage climbing gear, maps, and photos that tell tales of triumph and challenge. The town itself, with its colorful cabins and mountain views, provides a charming backdrop for photos that blend human adventure with rugged natural splendor. Spring and autumn bring dynamic weather that often cloaks Denali in dramatic clouds, perfect for moody, atmospheric shots that capture the spirit of exploration.
Lastly, on the western edge of the state near Nome, the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve offers some of Alaska’s most unique and untamed landscapes. About a six-hour flight west of Anchorage, this vast preserve stretches across tundra, rolling hills, and frozen riverbeds. The preserve is a window into the ancient land bridge that once connected Asia and North America, and its remote trails provide photographers with expansive views that seem to stretch to infinity. Summer months bring wildflowers and migratory birds, while winter transforms the preserve into a stark, frosty expanse under the northern lights. Capturing this place requires patience and a spirit of adventure, but the reward is a glimpse of Alaska’s prehistoric heart and an unforgettable canvas of natural light and shadow.