The Ultimate Alaska Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
- Ryan Jones
- 31 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Alaska is one of those rare destinations where the scenery takes your breath away, the culture runs deep, and the adventure never stops. Towering mountains, massive glaciers, and abundant wildlife make this state feel like an entirely different world—yet it’s surprisingly accessible. Whether you're exploring by cruise ship, train, rental car, or helicopter, there's something unforgettable around every corner. In this Alaska travel guide, you’ll discover the best places to stay, what to eat, and all the must-do activities that make Alaska a true bucket-list destination.
From adrenaline-filled glacier hikes to quiet mornings spotting moose in the wild, Alaska offers something for every travel style. Multi-generational families, solo explorers, couples, and adventure seekers will all find their version of wonder here. And with a strong cultural heartbeat—from Indigenous heritage sites to Gold Rush-era towns—Alaska is so much more than just pretty views.
Why Visit Alaska?
Untamed Landscapes & Epic Adventure
Nature in Alaska still feels wild and untouched. Denali, the tallest peak in North America, watches over vast tundra and boreal forests. Glaciers calve into fjords, and whales breach in coastal waters. Whether you're hiking, kayaking, or simply soaking it all in, the raw beauty of Alaska leaves a lasting mark. Each day here can bring new jaw-dropping moments, from bear sightings to dazzling northern lights.
Rich Cultural Heritage & Local Traditions
Alaska is home to rich Indigenous cultures including the Iñupiat, Yup’ik, Tlingit, and Haida peoples, whose traditions remain vibrant. Visitors can learn through interactive exhibits at the Alaska Native Heritage Center or watch totem carving and dance performances in Ketchikan. Meanwhile, Gold Rush towns like Skagway transport you back in time with historic saloons and wooden storefronts.
Planning Your Trip to Alaska
When to Visit Alaska: Best Time of Year by Activity
Alaska shines brightest from May through September, when days are long, wildlife is active, and conditions are ideal for outdoor activities. July and August are the busiest, but early summer and early fall offer fewer crowds and lower prices. If you’re chasing the northern lights, head to Fairbanks between November and April, when the skies are dark and dancing auroras light up the horizon.
How to Get There
Most travelers fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) or Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). Those cruising into Alaska often start in Seattle or Vancouver, making SEA and YVR additional gateways. For more remote areas, expect to board regional flights or even floatplanes—an adventure in itself.
What to Pack for an Alaska Trip
Layering is key. Bring weatherproof jackets, cozy knits, and durable walking shoes. In town, casual wear like jeans and boots work well. If you plan to hike or explore bear country, bring essentials like water, snacks, a map, and bear spray. Alaska's natural beauty demands preparation and respect.
Where to Stay in Alaska: Top Hotels, Lodges & Resorts
Anchorage Accommodations
The Hotel Captain Cook is a downtown Anchorage institution, known for classic Alaskan charm, city and mountain views, and easy access to museums, shops, and trails. For something scenic, The Lakefront Anchorage Hotel offers rooms right on Lake Hood—where you can watch floatplanes take off daily.
Wilderness & Eco-Lodges
If you're craving seclusion, check into Stillpoint Lodge, an all-inclusive eco-retreat near Homer with kayaking, yoga, and glacier tours. Tutka Bay Lodge offers an intimate experience on Kachemak Bay, with coastal wilderness, foraging excursions, and family-style hospitality. For luxury with adventure, Sheldon Chalet in Denali’s backcountry delivers jaw-dropping glacier views and curated experiences like private heli-hiking.
Resort-Style Stays
In Girdwood, just an hour from Anchorage, Alyeska Resort blends outdoor adventure with upscale amenities including a Nordic spa, scenic tram rides, and glacier access. Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, perched near Denali, feels like a grand log cabin with cozy fireplaces, stunning views, and authentic Alaskan cuisine.
Cruise & Land+Sea Combo Options
Cruise lines like Holland America and Princess pair coastal sailing with inland stays at iconic properties like Captain Cook and Talkeetna Lodge. These hybrid trips offer the best of both worlds—glacier cruising and Denali adventures in one seamless itinerary.
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Where to Eat in Alaska: Local Favorites & Must-Try Dishes
Anchorage Dining Highlights
Start at Tent City Taphouse, where the Halibut Alaskana and smoked salmon Caesar are standout dishes. Altura Bistromight sit in a strip mall, but don’t let that fool you—their king crab mac & cheese is legendary. For pizza lovers, Moose’s Tooth is a cult favorite, while F Street Station is known for the best halibut sandwich in town. Don’t miss Wild Scoopsfor uniquely Alaskan ice cream flavors made from local ingredients.
Signature Dishes You Have to Try
Alaska’s cuisine is deeply tied to its landscape. King crab legs, halibut cheeks, and smoked salmon spread are staples on most menus. Try reindeer sausage in a breakfast scramble or as a hot dog while walking downtown. You might even find a salmon banh mi in Anchorage or sample local fireweed honey with goat cheese on a charcuterie board.
Things to Do in Alaska: Adventure, Culture & Natural Wonders
Outdoor Adventures
Explore glacier fields by foot or helicopter. Go kayaking through iceberg-filled fjords in Kenai or paddle around Prince William Sound. Take a flightseeing tour above Denali or mush with huskies across snow-capped peaks on a summer dog sledding trip. Whether hiking through Hatcher Pass or photographing wildflowers in Talkeetna, the great outdoors never disappoints.
National Parks & Nature
Visit Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay for ranger-led programs, wildlife viewing, and bucket-list scenery. Chugach State Park, just outside Anchorage, offers popular hikes like Flattop, Bird Ridge, and Eagle & Symphony Lakes—plus moose sightings along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
Excursions to book
Culture, History & Heritage
In downtown Anchorage, the Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center bring Alaskan stories to life. Southeast Alaska’s totem parks and towns like Skagway offer a window into both Indigenous heritage and Gold Rush history.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
Time your visit around the Midnight Sun Festival in Fairbanks, the Blueberry Festival in Ketchikan, or Golden Days Festival for a taste of local life. Winter brings the World Ice Art Championships, while summer offers ranger-led hikes in national parks.
7–10 Day Alaska Itinerary: A Perfect Mix of Adventure & Culture
Days 1–2: Arrive in Anchorage → Visit museums & enjoy dinner at Tent City Taphouse
Days 3–4: Drive to Girdwood → Stay at Alyeska Resort → Explore glaciers and spa
Days 5–6: Head to Seward → Go whale watching & kayak in Kenai Fjords
Days 7–8: Drive or take the train to Talkeetna → Stay at Talkeetna Lodge → Flightseeing tour of Denali
Days 9–10: Retreat to Homer or Tutka Bay Lodge for kayaking, foraging & relaxation
Alaska Cruises: See the State by Sea
Cruising is a fantastic way to experience Alaska’s stunning coastline. Lines like Holland America, Princess, and Viking offer itineraries that include Glacier Bay and land excursions to Denali. More adventurous travelers may prefer National Geographic x Lindblad or HX expeditions for guided hikes, wildlife viewing, and photography tours. For luxury seekers, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas deliver indulgence without sacrificing access to the wild.
Travel Tips for Visiting Alaska
Be Wildlife Smart: Keep your distance and carry bear spray on trails.
Book Early: Lodges, cruises, and popular tours often fill up a year in advance.
Get Travel Insurance: Especially if visiting rural areas with limited access to care.
Respect the Land: Tread lightly, follow park guidelines, and embrace eco-conscious travel.
Final Thoughts: Why Alaska Belongs on Your Bucket List
Alaska is one of those places that doesn’t just meet expectations—it surpasses them. Whether you're hiking next to glaciers, savoring a perfect halibut dish, or listening to stories passed down through generations, you’ll leave changed. And with so many travel styles and experiences available, planning the perfect Alaskan adventure is more achievable than ever.
Want help booking your trip? As a certified travel advisor, I’ll make it easy—whether you’re looking for a luxury lodge, cruise package, or a fully custom itinerary. Fill out the form below to get started on your dream Alaska getaway.