12 Must-See Wonders of Alaska

Alaska is the land of staggering beauty, untamed wilderness, and unrivaled natural phenomena. Known as “The Last Frontier,” it captures the hearts of adventure seekers, nature lovers, and travelers yearning to experience an untouched masterpiece of the natural world. On top of everything, Alaska has majestic peaks, sparkling glaciers, and other wonderful features you will not find on Earth.

The Northern Lights

There’s nothing quite like the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. At night in Alaska, the dark skies are alive, with green, pink, and violet ribbons dancing across them. The best time to see this natural wonder is from September to March.

If you have the budget, select ideal destinations like Fairbanks under the Aurora Oval. The place is perfect because it has very low light pollution and stays in the dark for long hours. Experts suggest visiting from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and if you can’t stay up that late, you could stay in one of the local lodges with aurora wake-up calls so that you won’t miss out.  

The Kenai Fjords  

If you love glaciers and marine life, you should not miss the Kenai Fjords. This national park lies on the southeastern edge of the Kenai Peninsula and boasts the Harding Icefield, one of the largest icefields in the United States.

Seward offers boat tours through the fjords, with breathtaking views of towering glaciers calving into the sea. You’ll probably spot wildlife, like puffins, sea otters, and humpback whales. The stark ice gives way to turquoise waters that look like a photograph on a postcard. And if you’re looking for a highly intimate, up-close experience with this otherworldly environment, try kayaking.  

The Inside Passage 

The famed coastal route down southeastern Alaska known as the Inside Passage is famed for its fjord-lined, temperate rainforests and several small charming towns like Ketchikan and Juneau. An essential port of call for the cruise traveler, vessels cruise these serene waters, stopping at picturesque ports.

You’ll see glaciers and cliffs teeming with resident bald eagle populations along the way. One of the best ways to explore is by ferry aboard the Alaska Marine Highway System, which is budget-friendly and just as enchanting as the luxury cruises. Don’t forget to visit Glacier Bay National Park, where you can have whales breaching amongst splashy icy peaks.  

Denali National Park

Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) is North America’s tallest peak, rising in the vast billion acres of pure wilderness. Denali National Park stretches across six million acres. Travelers visit the park to hike, spot wildlife, or even drive the Denali Park Road. Walking through this world-famous landscape, you should keep your eyes peeled for caribou, moose, and grizzly bears.

Due to frequent cloud cover, only about 30% of visitors have a clear view of Denali, so you will want to be sure of your chances of having a flexible travel plan. Mountaineering expeditions here are the essence of ambitious traveling.

Mendenhall Ice Caves

By far one of Alaska’s most surreal experiences, the Mendenhall Ice Caves near Juneau invite you to step inside a glacier and admire the glowing blue walls of ice. The caves, formed by melting and refreezing glacier water, constantly change and disappear as climate change increases the rate of ice loss.

Reaching the caves requires strenuous challenges like kayaking and hiking. Even though it’s a lot of effort, it’s completely worth it, as few sights are as beautiful as being inside this icy wonderland. Tours are highly encouraged to ensure safety when exploring the caves.  

The Aleutian Islands 

The Aleutian Islands, reaching over 1,200 miles, are rugged and beautiful, volcanic and remote. The island chain of over 70 active volcanoes makes this an adventurer’s dream trip and a geology heaven.

Island hopping in the Aleutians encounters unusual ecosystems that host exotic bird species. Furthermore, the area boasts abundant Aleutan culture for those wishing to exploit Indigenous history and tradition opportunities.

The Iditarod Trail 

The Iditarod dog sled race is one reason few events capture the spirit of Alaska. The over 1,000-mile historic trail connects Anchorage with Nome. Each March, Alaska celebrates the legacy of sled dogs in its history through the Iditarod.

Visitors can live-watch portions of the race or explore key stops along the trail when the race season is over. Want a taste of the action? Even a day trip to Talkeetna with one of their sledding tours will guarantee a firsthand experience with this thrilling sport.  

The Alaska Highway

Also called the Alcan Highway, the scenic route runs 1,387 miles from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Delta Junction in Alaska. The road trip along this historic route presents the diversity you would expect, from snow-capped mountains to lush forests.

Few things add charm to adventure, like visiting quirky roadside attractions like the Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake. During World War II, the highway was built for strategic military use and is now a recreational asset for overland adventurers. Some areas are remote, so check road conditions and input emergency supplies.           

Kodiak Island                                                                             

Kodiak Island is Alaska’s Emerald Isle and a haven for nature lovers. Dotted with sheer rugged coastlines and verdant forests, it boasts the iconic Kodiak brown bear.

It’s also a fishing paradise; salmon runs are famous in that region. Ventures into Kodiak’s backcountry or visiting Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park are likewise best during summer. Make sure to try out the local delicacy, king crab, in its freshest form!  

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge 

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is unique among national wildlife refuges, covering more than 19.6 million acres. This remote oasis is located in Alaska’s most northern reaches and is famous for its dramatic tundra scenery and high biodiversity.

Visitors can spot migratory caribou, muskoxen, and polar bears. ANWR is very large and isolated, so access requires careful thought. Those who want to deepen their connection with nature enjoy guided tours and bushfires.  

 St. Elias National Park 

Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in the United States, covering 13.2 million acres. The park is known for its towering peaks, glaciers, and volcanic history and provides outstanding opportunities for hiking, glacier trekking, and scenic flights. Because of its inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wrangell-St. Elias stands as one of Alaska’s crown jewels.  

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve  

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Alaska’s natural wonders. The park covers over 3.3 million acres and is a haven for glaciers, fjords, and other marine life.

Visitors can see the type of scene where glaciers calve into the sea, generating dramatic booming noises that echo around the depths of the fjords.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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