Best Things to Do in Alaska
Alaska is a land of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable adventures, and I’ve found myself always discovering something new each time I return. From towering glaciers and rugged mountains to vibrant cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, the state is full of awe-inspiring experiences.
If you love the outdoors, you’ll find endless hiking trails, wildlife encounters, and national parks that showcase the raw beauty of the Last Frontier. For history and culture, fascinating museums and heritage centers bring Alaska’s past to life. And if you’re chasing once-in-a-lifetime moments, nothing compares to watching the Northern Lights dance across the night sky or cruising through icy fjords. These are some of the best things to do in Alaska, all picked from my personal travel notes.
1. White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
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. We climbed nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, hugging cliffs and crossing scenic bridges.
I explored the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where restored false-front buildings line Broadway Street, before riding the train into the mountains. We spent the night at the Historic Skagway Inn, a Gold Rush-era boarding house turned B&B.
Riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway felt like stepping into a storybook. The narrow-gauge tracks hugged the mountain ridges, cutting through waterfalls, gorges, and alpine forests. As the vintage train climbed higher, I watched the scenery transform, glaciers peeking through clouds and wild rivers carving through stone. Somewhere along the ride, I found myself thinking, “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” It was more than a journey; it was a moment suspended in time.
What I Loved Most: The dramatic views from the open-air platform cars and the rush of cold mountain air on my face, it made the experience feel raw and real.
My highlights? After the ride, I grabbed a bowl of steaming clam chowder and sourdough bread at the Skagway Brewing Company. Sitting at a window seat with views of the harbor, I let the warmth soak in while replaying every mile of that scenic ride in my mind.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Skagway, Alaska
- Vibe: Historic, awe-inspiring, cinematic
- Best For: History buffs, nature lovers, photographers
- Ride Length: 2.5 to 3 hours round trip
- Season: Operates May to early October
- Cost: $$ – Moderate (check for combo tour packages)
- Tip: Dress in layers, it can be chilly at elevation even in summer
2. Kroschel Films Wildlife Center - 45 minutes from Haines
We ferried about 4.5 hours north from Juneau along the Lynn Canal to Haines (population ~1,700), home of the Kroschel Films Wildlife Center. Founded by naturalist and filmmaker Steve Kroschel, the center is a sanctuary for orphaned and rescued Alaskan animals. We spent the night at Hotel Halsingland, a historic officers’ quarters turned inn overlooking the fort.
Meeting the animals at Kroschel Films Wildlife Center was unlike anything I expected. It wasn’t a zoo, it was a connection. From the playful lynx to the gentle musk ox, each encounter was personal and respectful. The owner, Steve, guided us with humor and heart, sharing stories that brought Alaska’s wild creatures vividly to life. I caught myself thinking, “This is what wonder feels like.”
What I Loved Most: Stroking the soft fur of a reindeer while the snowy mountains stood quietly in the background, it felt like a fairy tale come to life.
My highlights? Afterward, I stopped at Mountain Market in Haines for a warming bowl of Thai coconut soup and fresh-baked bread. The cozy café was filled with locals, and the scent of spices and espresso lingered in the air.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Haines, Alaska
- Vibe: Intimate, educational, magical
- Best For: Families, animal lovers, photographers
- Hours: Seasonal tours by appointment
- Cost: $$ – Worth every penny for the personal experience
- Tip: Book ahead, it fills up fast in summer months
3. Sealaska Heritage Institute
We flew about 5 hours from Seattle into Juneau, Alaska’s capital (population ~32,000), then walked downtown to the Sealaska Heritage Institute. Established in 1980 by the Sealaska Corporation, the center preserves and promotes Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. Afterward, I strolled Juneau’s historic district and waterfront. We spent the night at the Baranof Downtown, a 1939 art-deco landmark hotel.
Standing beneath the towering totem poles at the Sealaska Heritage Institute, I felt reverence settle over me. The center is more than a museum, it’s a living celebration of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. Through stories, songs, and stunning carvings, I could feel the presence of something deeply rooted. A thought echoed through me: “These voices were never lost, they’ve always been here.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the traditional weaving demonstration and understanding how every thread carries meaning and memory.
My highlights? A stop at SALT in Juneau afterward for halibut tacos and a spruce tip cocktail. Local, fresh, and beautifully plated, it felt like a continuation of the story I’d just stepped out of.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Juneau, Alaska
- Vibe: Cultural, spiritual, deeply moving
- Best For: History lovers, art appreciators, cultural travelers
- Hours: Open Monday–Saturday
- Cost: $ – Very affordable admission
- Tip: Take the guided tour if available, it adds so much context
4. Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium & Touch Tank - 10 minutes from downtown Kodiak
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. I thought to myself, “This is Alaska’s marine life, close, quiet, and completely fascinating.”
What I Loved Most: 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.
My highlights? Lunch at Henry’s Great Alaskan Restaurant, 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
- Vibe: Educational, calming, low-key
- Best For: Families, marine enthusiasts, curious minds
- Hours: Weekdays only, check times ahead
- Cost: Free (donations welcome)
- Tip: Great rainy day activity!
5. Alaska Native Heritage Center
We flew about 5.5 hours from Seattle into Anchorage (population ~290,000), then drove 15 minutes northeast to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, opened in 1999. 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 the outdoor village sites, where traditional dwellings from Athabascans, Inupiat, and Yup’ik cultures are built around a scenic lake. We spent the night at the Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage’s landmark hotel with views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.
Walking through the outdoor village sites at the Alaska Native Heritage Center felt like traveling through centuries. Each structure, each story, was alive with meaning. I listened to a young storyteller share legends passed down through generations, and the thought hit me: “This is living history, not just memory.”
What I Loved Most: The dance performance, full of movement, song, and emotion. It felt like a heartbeat echoing through the room.
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.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Anchorage, Alaska
- Vibe: Immersive, respectful, cultural
- Best For: All ages, especially those wanting authentic cultural experiences
- Hours: Seasonal hours, check calendar
- Cost: $$ – Supports cultural preservation
- Tip: Leave time for the outdoor trails, it’s part of the full story
6. The Aurora Ice Museum
We drove about 1.5 hours northeast (60 miles) from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort, home of the Aurora Ice Museum. Built in 2004 from 1,000 tons of ice and snow, it’s the world’s largest year-round ice environment, kept at 25°F inside even in midsummer.
The moment I stepped into The Aurora Ice Museum, I felt the air shimmer. Everything, walls, furniture, sculptures, was made from glittering ice. The silence inside was soft and cool, like being inside a crystal dream. I kept thinking, “Is this what it feels like to step into a snow globe?”
What I Loved Most: The ice chandeliers that changed color, mimicking the northern lights, mesmerizing and magical.
My highlights? Warming up afterward with an apple cider martini at the Ice Bar, served in a carved ice glass. A little indulgent, very Alaska.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Chena Hot Springs, near Fairbanks, Alaska
- Vibe: Enchanting, surreal, unforgettable
- Best For: Couples, photographers, anyone who loves the unexpected
- Hours: Daily tours
- Cost: $$ – Includes guided tour
- Tip: Bring gloves and wear warm shoes, even in summer, it’s below freezing inside
Final Thoughts on Exploring Alaska
From the historic tracks of the White Pass Railway to the surreal beauty of the Aurora Ice Museum, Alaska offers experiences that linger long after you've returned home. Each destination here tells a story, of heritage, nature, resilience, and wonder. Whether you're drawn to cultural centers, remote wildlife encounters, or ice-carved magic, you'll find that Alaska isn't just a place you visit, it's a place you feel. And once you do, you may never look at travel the same way again.
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.
