The number of tourists visiting Alaska is steadily rising each year, with more than 2 million people visiting the state in 2018 between May and September.
Have you considered visiting Alaska?
Our nation’s largest state by area also has the lowest population density out of all 50 states. That means that while there a handfull of great cities to check out while you’re in Alaska, this is definitely an adventure of exploring the vast, untamed wilderness.
But how on earth are you going to pick which places to go in Alaska, a state that’s bigger than Texas, California, and Montana combined?
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Wait a Minute. Isn’t Alaska, like, Arctic?
Alaska is so huge that it consists of four distinct climate types. While the northern portion of the state is, in fact, Arctic, you don’t have to go there unless you really want to.
That being said, because of it’s northerly latitude, there’s a huge difference between the temperature and the amount of daylight between the summer and the winter. Depending on what type of adventure you’re looking for, you’ll want to plan your trip with these factors in mind.
The Top 5 Places to Go In Alaska
Why visit Alaska?
The real question is, how could you not visit Alaska? With eight National Parks amounting to 54 million acres of National Park Service land, plus some fascinating and unique cities, I struggled to pick just five!
5. The Inside Passage
A popular form of travel while visiting Alaska in on a cruise ship.
Regardless of how you decide to travel through this 500-mile long network of passages between islands, you’ll be sure to see incredible, pristine sights of coastal mountains, fjords, and temperate forests.
4. Katmai National Park
If you’re hoping to get up close and personal with some wildlife on your Alaska visit, check out Katmai National Park. This is an incredible place to spot a wide range of Alaskan creatures. Not only can you watch bears catch salmon, but you can even do some fishing of your own, too.
3. Juneau
The state capital with a population of about 30,000 people is famous for its artsy, independent cultural scene. Known for its outstanding selection of restaurants, Juneau is the place to go if you want to chow down on amazing food and feast your eyes on amazing views.
2. Anchorage
The biggest city in the state, Anchorage still has a relatively small population of about 300,000 people. Like I said, it’s a huge state with very few people.
Even so, it’s definitely worth it to spend some time in Anchorage during your Alaska visit. With all the amenities of a big American city, this is a great place to get a taste of the Alaskan nightlife.
1. Denali National Park
This six-million-acre national park is home to the highest mountain peak in North America, Denali (formerly named Mount McKinley). This jaw-droppingly impressive National Park is larger than the state of New Hampshire.
Depending on your elevation, the diverse landscape consists of the boreal forest, tundra, glaciers, and snow, with the highest elevations consisting of only bare rock.
Visit Alaska For a Refreshing Breath of Both Nature and Culture
Now that you know the top 5 places to go in Alaska, you can start planning your Alaskan vacation. You deserve it!
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