Why Everyone Should Visit Alaska at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Just a short drive east of Anchorage, the town of Girdwood offers a striking introduction to Alaska’s rugged beauty. Nestled in a lush valley beneath towering peaks, this former mining camp is now a vibrant year-round destination. Hiking the Winner Creek Trail here is a favorite, especially the portion that leads to the hand tram crossing over a rushing gorge. This half-mile trail is moderate in difficulty and winds through old-growth forest, giving visitors intimate views of towering spruce and hemlock trees draped with moss. In winter, the nearby Alyeska Resort becomes a hub for skiing, but summer reveals wildflowers and waterfalls that transform the landscape. Girdwood’s unique combination of accessible wilderness and cozy small-town charm makes it a perfect gateway to Alaska’s outdoor adventure.
Farther north, about two hours drive from Fairbanks, Denali National Park is the crown jewel of Alaska’s natural wonders. The park’s 6 million acres encompass North America’s tallest peak, Denali, which soars to 20,310 feet. One of the best ways to experience the park is aboard the shuttle bus that travels along the Denali Park Road, giving travelers chances to spot grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep. The Rufus Lake Overlook, a stop along the road, offers stunning views of the Alaska Range reflected in the still waters, a photographer’s dream at sunrise or sunset. While hiking within the park is often limited to shorter trails near the entrance, visitors can explore the Horseshoe Lake Trail, a gentle loop that reveals wildflowers and birdlife. The vastness and raw wilderness of Denali create a profound sense of solitude that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Southeast of Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier is a spectacular natural attraction just a 30-minute drive from the city center. The glacier itself stretches 13 miles, but the Glacier Visitor Center provides easy access to several trails, including the popular 3.5-mile roundtrip Nugget Falls Trail. This moderately easy hike leads to a powerful waterfall tumbling from the glacier’s meltwater, framed by jagged ice formations and alpine forests. The visitor center’s exhibits explain the glacier’s formation and ongoing retreat, giving context to the dramatic icefield visible from numerous vantage points. Early summer is an ideal time to visit, when wildflowers bloom and the meltwater flow is strongest, adding extra roar to the falls and vibrant greenery to the landscape.
On the Kenai Peninsula, about 2.5 hours south of Anchorage, the town of Seward anchors access to Kenai Fjords National Park. The park is famed for its coastal glaciers and abundant marine wildlife. Visitors often start at the Alaska SeaLife Center, an impressive marine research facility and public aquarium showcasing local species such as sea otters, puffins, and harbor seals. Beyond the center, boat tours depart from Seward harbor, navigating past the towering tidewater glaciers of Aialik and Holgate. These cruises offer close encounters with calving ice and opportunities to see orcas and humpback whales breaching offshore. Summer is peak season when the fjords are snow-free and the wildlife activity is at its height, making it an unforgettable marine wilderness experience.
In the far southeastern corner of the state, the town of Sitka sits on Baranof Island, reachable by ferry or plane from Juneau. Sitka’s Alaska Raptor Center is a standout attraction for bird lovers. Here, injured eagles, hawks, and owls are rehabilitated and often visible to visitors in large enclosures. The center’s surrounding trails through coastal rainforest offer peaceful walks where one can listen for the calls of bald eagles overhead. Sitka’s history as a former Russian settlement adds cultural layers, visible in the nearby Sitka National Historical Park with its totem poles and interpretive trails. Visiting in late spring or early summer provides the best chance to witness wildlife activity and enjoy the lingering daylight of Alaska’s extended seasons.
Near the small town of Talkeetna, about two hours north of Anchorage, the Talkeetna Lakes Park is an inviting spot for a relaxing day outdoors. Its easy, flat trails loop around serene lakes framed by views of Denali on clear days. Kayaking and fishing are popular here, and the park’s picnic areas make it a great place to savor the natural beauty without strenuous hiking. Talkeetna itself is a quirky base for mountaineers heading up Denali, and its historic downtown features colorful shops and cafes that celebrate Alaskan arts and crafts. Autumn is a particularly enchanting time in the park, when the surrounding forests turn fiery reds and golds against the crisp blue sky.
Finally, the historic town of Nome on Alaska’s western coast offers a glimpse into the state’s gold rush past. Located about 540 miles northwest of Anchorage, Nome sits on the edge of the Bering Sea and has a rugged, frontier feel. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race starts here each March, and visitors can explore the Nome History Museum to learn about indigenous cultures, early gold mining, and the daring dog sled teams that still define the region’s spirit. The nearby Anvil Mountain Trail is a short but steep climb rewarding hikers with panoramic views stretching over the tundra to the Arctic Ocean. Summer visits reveal vast fields of wildflowers under nearly endless daylight, while winter immerses visitors in the challenges and beauty of the Arctic environment.