Alaska is a destination defined by extremes. Covering more land than the next three largest U.S. states combined, it’s home to 17 of the country’s 20 highest peaks, over 100,000 glaciers, and some of the most pristine wilderness left on the planet.
Despite its expansive length, Alaska has some 750,000 residents, and only 3 million annual visitors. Instead, it is here you can spot grizzly bears and whales in the same day, hike beneath towering icefields, and witness natural phenomena like the midnight sun or the northern lights. Add in world-class national parks, remote coastal towns, and adventures that range from glacier trekking to flightseeing over Denali, and Alaska quickly proves itself destined for memorable travels.
Choose Your Adventure
Before booking anything, the most important decision you’ll make is when to visit Alaska. Summer and winter deliver two entirely different travel experiences. In many ways, they feel like two separate destinations, each with its own rhythm, activities, and rewards.
Visiting Alaska in Summer: Long Days & Maximum Access
Summer (roughly June through early September) is Alaska’s peak travel season, and for good reason. Thanks to its northern latitude, the state experiences incredibly long daylight hours. In some regions, the sun barely sets at all. This extended daylight allows travelers to pack more experiences into each day, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
During summer, Alaska’s infrastructure is fully operational. Roads, ferries, cruise routes, visitor centers, and national park services are all running at full capacity. Wildlife is highly active, making this the best season for spotting bears, moose, whales, sea otters, and bald eagles. Hiking trails are accessible, glaciers can be explored by boat or on foot, and coastal towns buzz with energy.
What to focus on in summer:
- National parks like Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell–St. Elias
- Wildlife viewing and whale-watching tours
- Road trips and scenic drives
- Cruises, fjord exploration, and glacier trekking
- Fishing, kayaking, and coastal adventures
That said, summer also brings higher prices and larger crowds, especially in popular areas. Planning ahead is essential, as accommodations and rental cars book up quickly.
Visiting Alaska in Winter: Silence, Snow & Northern Lights
Winter (October through March) offers a completely different and often more intimate side of Alaska. The landscape transforms into a snow-covered wilderness, tourism slows down dramatically, and many areas feel wonderfully remote and peaceful. Daylight hours are shorter, but what Alaska lacks in sunlight, it more than makes up for in atmosphere.
This is the best time to experience Alaska’s raw, elemental beauty. Frozen rivers, snow-draped forests, and ice-covered mountains create a cinematic backdrop. Winter is also the prime season for witnessing the aurora borealis, especially in interior regions like Fairbanks. With fewer visitors, prices tend to drop, and experiences feel more personal.
What to focus on in winter:
- Northern lights viewing
- Dog sledding and snowmobiling
- Winter wildlife tracking
- Hot springs and cozy lodges
- Photography and slow, immersive travel
Winter travel does require more preparation though: colder temperatures, limited daylight, and reduced transportation options mean flexibility is key. However, for travelers seeking solitude, adventure, and a deeper connection with Alaska’s wild side, winter can be incredibly rewarding.
Which Season Is Right for You?
If you want variety, accessibility, and iconic Alaska experiences, summer is the obvious choice. If you’re drawn to quiet landscapes, dramatic light, and once-in-a-lifetime moments like watching the northern lights dance across the sky, winter may be even more unforgettable. Many travelers find that the best solution is simple: visit once and start planning your return for the other season.
Decide How You’ll Get There
People seem to think that traveling to Alaska is complicated, but it’s not. There are actually multiple ways to get there, and none of them are overly difficult. With that said, the different methods of traveling do offer different experiences, so it’s best to choose one that’s right for you.
The easiest way is to fly into Anchorage, which is well served by airports around the US. Another option is to join a ferry cruise from Washington. The journey takes around a day and a half, but it’s a comfortable ferry, and the views are out of this world. Finally, you have the option of driving there via the Alaska Highway. It’s a long journey, but pretty fun.
Whatever way you get there, make sure you have a car waiting for you. Rental cars book up early, so it’s best to make your reservation well in advance of your trip.
Go For The Right Amount of Time
If there’s one mistake that first-time visitors make, it’s not planning to stay as long as they really need. Once you’re there, you’ll fall in love with the state and wish that you could stay for as long as possible. That’s probably not realistic, but you’ll be happier if you’ve planned to stay between 10 and 14 days rather than just 4 to 7.
With that said, if you can only stay for a week or less, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. Longer is better, but any time in Alaska is better than none at all. In that case, it’s best to focus on one specific region rather than trying to see everything.
Make Time For The National Parks
Now that the logistics are out of the way, it’s time to focus on the fun stuff. And Alaska has plenty of it.
You probably don’t need reminding to include national parks in your itinerary, but they’re impossible not to mention. The real challenge is choosing which ones to visit, since it’s not realistic to see them all in one trip.
Denali should be at the top of your list, as it’s the most famous and arguably the best national park in the United States. Other excellent options include Kenai Fjords and Wrangell–St. Elias, both of which are relatively accessible. More remote parks like Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are best saved for a future trip built entirely around them.
Experience World-Class Fishing
Alaska’s seafood is legendary, but you don’t have to experience it only in restaurants. You can get out on the water yourself and try your hand at catching salmon, halibut, rockfish, and more. The Ketchikan area is especially popular for fishing enthusiasts, thanks to its stunning scenery and abundance of Ketchikan Alaska fishing charters, which make the experience accessible even for beginners. Given the quality of fishing here, your day on the water may end up being the highlight of your trip.
Try Wildlife Viewing Experiences
After spending time with Alaska’s marine life, it’s time to meet its land-based wildlife. While you might spot animals on your own, guided tours offer the best chance to see the Alaska Big Five: bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves 🙂
Consider an Alaska Railroad Journey
Finally, if you have some additional time and you’re looking to break up your outdoor adventure activities, then consider booking a trip on the Alaska Railroad train. It takes you from Anchorage to Fairbanks, via Denali, but it’s a journey that offers much more than a convenient way to get around; it’s a premium train trip that’ll live long in your memory.
What to Bring Along
Packing for Alaska is less about fashion and more about preparation. Weather can change quickly, even in summer, so layering is essential. Bring a waterproof and windproof outer jacket, warm insulating layers, and moisture-wicking base layers to stay comfortable in shifting conditions. Sturdy, broken-in footwear is a must, especially if you plan on hiking or exploring uneven terrain.
Accessories matter more than many travelers expect. A warm hat and gloves are useful year-round, while sunglasses and sunscreen are surprisingly important during summer’s long daylight hours. In winter, thermal gear, insulated boots, and hand warmers make outdoor activities far more enjoyable.
Beyond clothing, consider packing binoculars for wildlife viewing, a camera with extra batteries (cold drains them quickly), and a small daypack for excursions. Bug spray is essential in summer, while a reusable water bottle, basic first-aid items, and travel insurance are smart additions in any season. In Alaska, being well prepared enhances the entire experience.
Where to Stay
Choosing where to stay in Alaska depends largely on how you plan to travel and what kind of experience you’re after. Accommodations range from full-service hotels and comfortable lodges to remote cabins and wilderness retreats, each offering a different way to experience the state.
For first-time visitors, basing yourself in or near major hubs like Anchorage, Denali, or Fairbanks makes logistics easier and provides access to tours, transportation, and dining options. These areas offer a wide selection of hotels and lodges, making them ideal for travelers who want convenience without sacrificing access to nature.
If you’re looking for something more immersive, consider staying in smaller towns or near national parks. Lodges and cabins in these areas often come with unbeatable scenery and a quieter atmosphere, but they tend to book up early and may have limited amenities. In coastal regions, especially Southeast Alaska, waterfront lodges and small inns offer easy access to fishing, wildlife tours, and ferry routes.
During peak summer season, availability can be tight and prices higher, so booking well in advance is essential. In winter, fewer options are open, but travelers are often rewarded with lower rates and a more intimate experience. Wherever you choose to stay, prioritize location over luxury. Waking up close to the landscape is part of what makes the trip unforgettable.
Getting Around
Alaska’s vast size means that getting from place to place requires more planning than in most U.S. states. Distances are long, towns are spread out, and not all destinations are connected by road. Understanding your transportation options ahead of time will help you make the most of your trip.
For most travelers, renting a car is the easiest and most flexible way to explore, especially in summer. Alaska’s scenic highways are part of the experience, allowing you to stop for wildlife sightings, viewpoints, and small towns along the way. Because rental availability can be limited during peak season, booking well in advance is essential.
For longer distances or remote areas, domestic flights are common and often the only practical option. Small planes and air taxis connect major hubs with villages, national parks, and wilderness lodges, offering unforgettable aerial views. Ferries also play an important role in coastal regions, particularly in Southeast Alaska, where boats serve as both transportation and sightseeing experiences. Finally, trains provide a relaxed and scenic alternative between Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks.No matter how you choose to get around, building extra time into your itinerary is key. Alaska rewards those who travel at its pace.
Final Thoughts
Alaska stands apart. Few places offer this level of wilderness, scale, and authenticity in one destination. And even fewer leave such a lasting impression. Choose your season, plan with care, and embrace the journey.
