Looking for things to add to your Alaska bucket list? Look no further! As America’s Last Frontier, we have compiled over 50+ of the best things to do in Alaska.
Alaska is one of the best places to visit in the USA and a top bucket list destination for many around the world because of how stunning it is. Even if you can’t fit everything in on your first trip, we know you will soon be back!
Summer is one of the best times to visit Alaska because there is so much daylight and the weather tends to be better. However, if you are into winter sports, then plan a winter trip.
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Ultimate Alaska Bucket List
1. Go dog sledding
One of the most popular things to do on this Alaska bucket list is to go dog sledding. This is a traditional winter activity that can be loads of fun.
2. Explore Katmai National Park and Preserve
Katmai National Park and Preserve is a can’t-miss spot on this Alaska bucket list. It’s filled with wildlife and has a wide variety of landscapes. Part of it is even tundra!
3. Hike the Portage Pass Trail
The Portage Pass Trail is by Whittier and is approximately 4 miles long round trip. The trail is incredibly beautiful and goes through Chugach National Forest.
4. Visit the Fortress of the Bear
A unique Alaska bucket list attraction is the Fortress of the Bear! This is a sanctuary for bears where visitors can see them and learn more about them.
5. Ride a train on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
When visiting Alaska, you absolutely must go on a train ride if you have the time. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad is the most famous railway here and will bring you through Alaska’s most beautiful landscapes.
6. See ocean life at the Alaska SeaLife Center
Located in Seward, Alaska SeaLife Center is the most popular aquarium in the state. It’s the perfect place to go and learn more about ocean life in this area of the United States.
7. Attend the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
For fun entertainment, you absolutely have to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show! It’s in Ketchikan, Alaska, and features lumberjacks doing tons of tricks.
8. Spend a day at Tongass National Forest
This national forest is filled with tons of acres and is the most enormous National Forest in the United States. You can go hiking, camping, canoeing, and more!
9. Go on a helicopter tour
One of the best ways to explore Alaska is by going on a helicopter tour. This is an ideal way to see the state from above, which not many tourists or locals get to do.
10. Discover nature in Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most popular parks in Alaska, and for a good reason. It’s filled with tons of glaciers. Consider going with a guide to make sure you see the best parts.
11. Head to the North Pole and pretend it’s the holidays
Did you know that Alaska has its own city called the North Pole? It’s true! It’s right outside of Fairbanks and keeps Christmas decorations up all year.
12. Visit the Chena Hot Springs
Head to the Chena Hot Springs for a truly fantastic experience. These hot springs are surrounded by ice usually, so it’s crazy that they’re always so warm.
13. Road trip the Kenai Peninsula
For a more extended excursion while visiting Alaska, consider road tripping on the Kenai Peninsula. This can take a few days, but it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the state.
14. Go hiking in the Arrigetch Peaks
If you’re a well-practiced hiker, consider hiking the Arrigetch Peaks. The hike is just over 30 miles, and it usually takes hikers at least a few days. However, the views are incredible!
15. Attend the Southeast Alaska State Fair
Join in on some local fun by attending the Southeast Alaska State Fair! It takes place in Haines and usually happens during a weekend in the summer.
16. Find all the glaciers in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
One of the best areas to find glaciers is in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The best way to experience them here is to go with a local guide!
17. Learn about birds at the Alaska Raptor Center
One of the more unique things to do on this Alaska bucket list is visiting the Alaska Raptor Center. Located in Sitka, the center doubles as a rehab center to help birds who have been injured.
18. Take a trip to the Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park
Margerie Glacier is a vast glacier that you won’t want to miss. It’s a few hundred years old and has been moving over the years instead of melting.
19. Go inside St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral
This church may not look like much from the outside, but the inside is gorgeous! It was built in the late 19th century and is one of the main churches in Sitka.
20. Have a drink at the Port Chilkoot Distillery
Grab a delicious drink at the Port Chilkoot Distillery in Southeast Alaska. You can find a lot of their drinks locally at different liquor shops. Occasionally, they also offer tours.
21. Picnic on Bishops Beach
Bishops Beach in Homer is a scenic and not often visited coastal spot. This is an ideal place to picnic, and there are usually not many people there!
22. See the Utqiagvik Whale Bone Arch
This may sound like a strange attraction to add to your Alaska bucket list, but you’ll want to see the Utqiagvik Whale Bone Arch! IT’s located in Barrow and is right next to the ocean.
23. Polar plunge
If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a polar plunge when visiting Alaska! This essentially means that you jump directly into the water, no matter how cold the temperature is.
24. Try some of the best seafood
Alaska is known for its incredible seafood, so you can’t visit the state without trying it. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Alaska include The Pump House, Bridge Seafood Restaurant, and the Bubbly Mermaid Oyster Bar.
25. Go fishing
For a fun outdoor activity, consider going fishing! This can be done almost anywhere in Alaska, even if it’s inland, as long as there’s a lake.
26. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier
This is arguably one of the most popular glaciers to visit in all of Alaska. It’s located right outside of Juneau and is incredibly breathtaking because of its size.
27. Cruise the Inside Passage
Take a cruise along the Inside Passage, one of the most beautiful areas along the coast of Alaska. It’s often used by ships carrying cargo, but many tour companies offer cruise rides.
28. Take in the view from Flattop Mountain
Flattop Mountain in Anchorage is one of the top mountains to climb in Alaska. The trail to the top is only 3 miles, so it’s relatively doable. Just make sure you check the weather!
29. See the exhibits at the Hammer Museum
Believe it or not, there is a museum dedicated to hammers in Alaska! It’s located in Haines and is the first museum of its kind.
29. Trek inside an ice cave
You’ll want to add going inside an ice cave to your Alaska bucket list! This is usually only done with a local tour guide and includes going on a glacier, so make sure you do your research.
30. Taste Reindeer
One of Alaska’s delicacies is reindeer. You can try it at many local restaurants, but one of the best is Tia’s in Anchorage.
31. Drive on the Alaskan Highway
Take a drive on the Alaskan Highway to explore quite a bit of the state. It runs between British Columbia and Delta Junction.
32. Kayak on Eklutna Lake
Eklutna Lake is a vast lake in Alaska. It’s a great place to go boating or kayaking because of how peaceful it is. You can also go camping here if you want!
33. See Tracy Arm
Head to Tracy Arm to see one of the state’s best fjords! It’s located near Juneau and will genuinely take your breath away because of how impressive it is.
34. Shop at the Anchorage Market
Take a visit to the Anchorage Market, one of the biggest flea markets in the area. It’s the perfect way to support locals, and you never know what you might find.
35. Spend a day at Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
One of the most beautiful places to explore on this Alaska bucket list is Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. It’s considered a national monument and even features an old volcano.
36. Catch the Northern Lights
No Alaska bucket list is complete without mentioning the Northern Lights! It’s one of the few places in the United States that you can see them. Head to Fairbanks for the best view.
37. Ski at Eaglecrest
Do you like skiing? You’re in luck! Head to Eaglecrest in Juneau for excellent slopes. The mountains here are incredible, so you’ll surely have a blast.
38. Camp in Chugach State Park
For excellent camping, head to Chugach State Park. This park is in Anchorage and also includes Eklutna Lake. Sleep among the mountains!
39. Visit an ice museum
Ice museums are an absolute must-see when visiting Alaska. One of the best ones is the Aurora Ice Museum. Sometimes, these also have ice bars too!
40. Discover Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park
This historic park in Kodiak Island is an integral part of United States history. It features World War II remnants and also offers excellent views of the surrounding area.
41. Relax at Kenai Beach
Kenai Beach on the coast of Alaska is the perfect place to go swimming or just relax! There are also great water sport activities that you can do here.
42. Watch the sunset at Wonder Lake
If you want to find the perfect sunset spot in Alaska, head to Wonder Lake. This is also a great area to go hiking and even camp.
43. Explore Arctic Valley
Arctic Valley is a popular area to go skiing and snowboarding in Anchorage. In the summer, you can hike trails here!
44. Marvel at the Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Valdez. It’s genuinely breathtaking no matter the time of year. There’s a short half-mile hike to get to the waterfall, but it’s worth it.
45. Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway
Take a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau! It goes up to the top of Mount Roberts and offers breathtaking views the entire way up.
46. Attend the World Ice Art Championships
See some of the best artists in the world compete to make beautiful ice sculptures during the World Ice Art Championships! They take place in College, Alaska.
47. See the totem poles at Totem Bight State Historical Park
This attraction is unlike any other landmark on this Alaska bucket list, so don’t miss it. It’s a big state park that is most well known for its colorful totem poles.
48. Walk the trails at the Eagle River Nature Center
Eagle River Nature Center is filled with tons of great hiking trails that even younger kids or those with less experience can do. It’s a great way to explore this area of Alaska!
49. Have fun at Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park in Fairbanks is a theme park filled with fun exhibits and activities about Alaska’s heritage and history!
50. Learn at the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
This visitor center is the perfect place to go if you want to learn more about the wildlife in the area. The exhibits here aim to educate!
51. Spend the night in Igloo City
Igloo City is a crazy unique attraction on this Alaska bucket list! It was built to become a hotel, and it’s a huge building shaped like an igloo.
52. Visit Denali
Denali may be one of the most naturally beautiful parks and it abundant with vast views and wildlife So keep an eye out.
53. Go in a floatplane
A floatplane is a plane that can land in the water! Flying in one is a fun way to explore more of Alaska.
54. Go to a salmon bake
One of the best foodie experiences in Alaska is eating fresh caught Alaskan salmon over an open grill.
55. Check out the exhibits at the Museum of the North
The Museum of the North is filled with exhibits and artifacts from Alaska’s past. If you want to see some of Alaska’s best collections, go here.
56. Go shopping for an Ulu Knife
Wow your friends at home with this purchase! The blade is curved and extremely sharp to cut all foods.
57. Visit a reindeer farm
There are many reindeer farms in Alaska, but the most popular one is in Butte! You can even pet and feed them.
58. Boat out into the Misty Fjords
59. Visit Creek Street Boardwalk in Ketchikan
One of the cutest towns and home to an old brothel, make sure to stroll the boardwalk in Ketchikan.
60. See a bald eagle
Keep an eye out, you never know when you will see one or maybe three.
61. Whale watch at Beluga Point Site
Head to Beluga Point Site in Anchorage to go whale watching! This is also just a beautiful lookout spot in general.
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