Best Things to Do in Alaska
Alaska is a land of breathtaking landscapes and a little bit of mystery. If you are craving an adventure, this is the place to go! I’ve found myself always discovering something new each time I return. From towering glaciers and mysterious mountains to cool cities where you usually have to fly to in order to access the wilderness, the state is full of awe-inspiring experiences.
If you are in a hurry:
- Option 1 for a 3-5 day itinerary: Fly to Juneau, see the sights, see the Northern Lights, stay in a hotel in Juneau, and maybe add one day trip from Juneau.
- Option 2 for a 3-5 day itinerary: Fly to Anchorage and use it as a base to learn about local culture, hike, and try something truly local and unique like summer dog sledding!
- Option 1 For a 5-7 day itinerary: Fly to Juneau, pick a hotel in Juneau, take the ferry to Haines and and go on a scenic train ride.
- Option 2 for a 5-7 day itinerary: Fly to Anchorage and stay in a hotel in Anchorage as a base to learn about local culture, hike, and try something truly local and unique like summer dog sledding! Add a day trip or a stay for one night in Kodiak
- A 7-10 day itinerary: Land in Anchorage, day trip to Kodiak, and fly to Fairbanks from Anchorage and stay in a hotel in Fairbanks for one or two nights.
If you love the outdoors like I do, you’ll find endless hiking trails, wildlife encounters, and national parks that showcase the raw beauty of the "Last Frontier." For history and culture, there's always a cool local museum or heritage center nearby.
And if you’re chasing once-in-a-lifetime moments, nothing compares to watching the Northern Lights dance across the night sky. Each of these places is completely unique but will also take some travel planning to get to because Alaska is so vast! In the end, I think you'll agree it's worth the effort. So lets dive in.
1. Sealaska Heritage Institute
We flew about 5 hours from Seattle into Juneau, Alaska’s capital. Juneau is an excellent starting point because there's so much to do here and also nearby. In a handful of days, you can get a pretty good feel for Alaska here. We spent three nights at the Baranof Downtown, a 1939 art-deco landmark hotel but there are many accommodation options here that range from romantic to those that cater to families.
Once in Juneau downtown, you can walk to the Sealaska Heritage Institute. Established in 1980 by the Sealaska Corporation, the center preserves and promotes Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. Through stories, songs, and stunning carvings, I could feel the presence of something deeply rooted.
Don't miss the traditional weaving demonstration for a hands on experience!
A stop at SALT in Juneau afterward for halibut tacos is the best. It's local and fresh!
After a good meal, I strolled through Juneau’s historic district and waterfront. Juneau has a great Downtown waterfront! Also worth checking out is the Juneau tram (one of the most vertical tramways in the world!), a whale watching tour and the Alaska State Museum to learn about local history. If you make it all the way out here, it's a good idea to linger a few nights and check out the sights...
Also right in Juneau, be sure to look up at night! You can see amazing Aurora skies just about anywhere. This handy website gives you a daily forecast of Aurora activity locally.
Travel Tips:
- Vibe: Cultural, spiritual, deeply moving
- Hours: Open Monday–Saturday
- Cost: Very affordable admission
- Tip: Take the guided tour if available
2. Haines Brewing Company, Inc.
On our fourth day, we took the scenic 45-minute ferry ride from Juneau to Haines. Haines is sandwiched between mountains and Lynn Canal. Once there, we made our way to Haines Brewing Company, a locally beloved brewery with deep roots in the community.
For beer enthusiasts, the brewery is known around the world for its small-batch craft beers inspired by the wild spirit of Southeast Alaska! Inside the rustic taproom, you’ll find friendly locals and cozy wood interiors. I was there in July but their menu mentions rotating seasonal taps that reflect the natural surroundings as they change with the seasons which I think is very cool. I heard from locals that the brewery's adventurous seasonal brews are worth sampling.
If you are like me, you’ll notice how much of Haines Brewing is about place and people. The founders built the brewery around sustainability and a genuine love of community. With views of the mountains just outside, the experience, to me, is unforgettable.
Don’t miss grabbing a pint and stepping outside to the beer garden in summer. I think it's perfect for a romantic evening date if you decide to spend the night (there are many hotels in Haines) but we decided to head back to Juneau at the end of the day on the last ferry at 4:45pm.
After seeing the brewery, we walked around Haines’ (small!) downtown, with art galleries, the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Visitor Center. If you spend another night or two here, there are some great trails to hike right along the waterfront (which you can access from downtown Haines).
Travel Tips:
- Vibe: Warm, local, welcoming
- Hours: Typically open daily
- Cost: Affordable
- Tip: Ask the bartender about seasonal or limited-release brews!
3. Alaska Native Heritage Center
Two summers later, we flew about 5.5 hours from Seattle into Anchorage, then drove 15 minutes northeast to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The museum and cultural center highlight the traditions of Alaska’s eleven major Native groups, with exhibits of art, storytelling, and live dance.
I walked through the outdoor village sites, where traditional dwellings from Athabascans, Inupiat, and Yup’ik cultures are built around a scenic lake. We spent four nights at the Hotel Captain Cook. I thought the views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains were very cool and worth it!
Walking through the outdoor village sites at the Alaska Native Heritage Center was like traveling through centuries. Each structure, each story, was alive with meaning.
I grabbed lunch from the on-site café, reindeer chili and fry bread. Simple, traditional, and absolutely satisfying after a morning spent immersed in culture.
During our remaining days in Anchorage, we checked out Chugach State Park, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and the Anchorage Museum. I also loved riding on the Anchorage Trolley (yes it's a bit touristy but you get to chat with fellow visitors and hear what everyone loves best about Alaska). Next time I plan to try summer dog sledding!
If you are interested in mystery, did you know that Anchorage is located within the Alaska Triangle? Yup, it's known for a high number of unexplained disappearances of both people and planes (similar to the Bermuda Triangle)!
Travel Tips:
- Best For: All ages, especially those wanting authentic cultural experiences
- Hours: Seasonal hours, check calendar
- Tip: Leave time for the outdoor trails!
4. The Aurora Ice Museum
We drove about 1.5 hours northeast from Fairbanks (you can fly in from Anchorage) to Chena Hot Springs Resort where we spent two nights. The resort is also home of the fascinating Aurora Ice Museum. Built in 2004 from 1,000 tons of ice and snow, it’s the world’s largest year-place of ice, kept at 25°F inside even in midsummer.
At The Aurora Ice Museum, everything (walls, furniture, sculptures) is made from ice. The place felt mysterious, softer, more quiet than any other indoor space I've been to. If you play an instrument and you've ever practiced in a soundproofed room...that's what it felt like to me at The Aurora Ice Museum.
The ice chandeliers changed color, mimicking the northern lights, mesmerizing and magical.
Leave some time for the Ice Bar, where your drinks are served in a carved ice glass.
Travel Tips:
- Vibe: Enchanting, surreal, unforgettable
- Best For: Couples, photographers, anyone who loves the unexpected
- Tip: Bring gloves and wear warm shoes! It’s always below freezing inside.
5. White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
If you have time for a two-day side trip from Juneau, I think this trip is amazing! We ferried about 7 hours north from Juneau along the Inside Passage to Skagway (population ~1,200), gateway to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.
Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, the narrow-gauge railroad it truly impressive. It made me think that it's a little bit of a mystery how such an impressive thing was build with the tools of the 19th century. We climbed nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, around cliffs and over scenic bridges.
I explored the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, before riding the train into the mountains. We spent two nights at the Historic Skagway Inn, a Gold Rush-era boarding house turned cool B&B. It gave us a chance to browsing the shops and museums on Broadway, and take time to enjoy the rustic atmosphere of Skagway.
Travel Tips:
- Best For: History buffs, nature lovers, photographers
- Ride Length: 2.5 to 3 hours round trip
- When: May to early October
- Tip: Dress in layers. It was chilly at higher elevation even in summer!
6. Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium & Touch Tank
We flew about 1 hour from Anchorage to Kodiak, Alaska’s largest island (population 5,500 in the city).
Inside the Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium, I was surprised by how peaceful and mesmerizing the experience felt. Watching starfish drift and rockfish hover beneath soft lighting made me slow down in a way I didn’t expect.
My son loved the touch tank! Running my fingers over sea cucumbers and anemones while learning about their world was oddly soothing and fun.
Keep in mind that the facility is small and shows its age. I adored it, but visitors expecting a grand aquarium will be disappointed.
Lunch at Henry’s Great Alaskan Restaurant after was great. I went for grilled salmon with lemon dill sauce and a side of creamy mashed potatoes. It was hearty, homey, and perfectly Kodiak.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium & Touch Tank, Kodiak, Alaska
- Best For: Families, marine enthusiasts, curious minds
- Cost: Free (donations welcome)
- Tip: Great rainy day activity!
Conclusion
There you have it. These were my best things to do in Alaska. For me, each one is a separate trip because Alaska is so big, one-fifth the size of the contiguous 48 states combined!
If you really want to enjoy and relax a little, I recommend that you leave plenty of down time in your itinerary. If you are like me, there will be some hidden local gem that will call to you, a side trail to explore or another restaurant to enjoy!
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
