Heading north to the last frontier is a bucket list item for so many, which probably describes why tourism is one of our top three industries. Every year people come to experience Alaska via plane, train, automobile, ferry and cruise-ship to see and experience their own dream of Alaska. For many it’s seeing the tallest mountain in North America or staying up late to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. For others it’s experiencing the robust salmon streams, abundant wildlife and piercing blue glaciers. We could easily write a thousand page novel about all of the places in Alaska that you should visit, but we decided to narrow down the list to 10 of the most jaw-dropping places that you absolutely, positively, without-a-doubt MUST see and experience in person before you die.
- Denali
Flickr - Christoph Strässler Our greatest claim to fame and the most mesmerizing mountain in North America. Denali is always #1!
- Kodiak Island and the Northern Lights
Flickr - Andrew Petersen The largest island in Alaska and the second largest in the United States, Kodiak Island is filled with unlimited outdoor adventure. Catch an epic Aurora Borealis show when visiting the island and you will probably feel as though your life is (most definitely) complete.
- Hubbard Glacier - Yakutat
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve This gigantic remote glacier is most definitely something to write home about. Located off the coast of Yakutat you will find this enormous glacier that is nearly six miles wide with a face that is nearly 400 feet tall. The mere size of this glacier is enough to completely blow you away.
- Homer Spit
Flickr - Damian Manda This 4.5-mile-long piece of land jutting out into Kachemak Bay is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. From stunning mountain views, sandy beaches and some of the best fishing in the world… it’s easy to fall in love with Alaska (and never want to leave) after visiting the Homer Spit.
- Tracy Arm Fjord
Flickr - David Pitts Located about 45 miles south of Alaska’s capital of Juneau is this beaming fjord. The long and deep inlet of the sea between staggeringly high cliffs will completely enthrall you.
- Flattop Mountain – Anchorage
Flickr - Sleeping Grey This 3,510 ft. tall mountain in the Chugach State Park is located in the heart of Alaska’s largest city of Anchorage. The view from the top is utterly mind-blowing and it is a MUST for anyone and everyone visiting Alaska or coming to stay awhile. If you aren’t quite up for the hike, there is an excellent area that you can drive to and soak in the view.
- Lake Clark National Park
Flickr - Dr.DeNo Brown bears feasting on an endless plethora of sockeye salmon, now THAT is an ‘Only in Alaska’ experience that everyone should have in their lifetime.
- Reid Glacier – Glacier Bay National Park
Flickr - Fred von Lohmann 11 miles wide and in one of the most serene, beautiful and untouched national parks in the entire world. You will feel an instant (and utterly life changing) calm when you get close to this majestic glacier.
- Kenai Fjords National Park
Flickr - Gregory Slobirdr Smith Experience mountains, glaciers and endless wildlife in this remarkable outdoor playground. Take a day cruise and see Exit Glacier up close and personal while whales are breaching in the distance.
- Valley of 10,000 Smokes – Katmai National Park
Flickr - NPS CulturalLandscapes This ash-flow filled valley in Katmai National Park holds so much history from the eruption of the Novarupta volcano on June 6, 1912, it’s remarkable to experience in person.
Are there any other places in Alaska that you would add to this “must see before you die” list? What is your favorite spot on the list?
Flickr - Christoph Strässler
Our greatest claim to fame and the most mesmerizing mountain in North America. Denali is always #1!
Flickr - Andrew Petersen
The largest island in Alaska and the second largest in the United States, Kodiak Island is filled with unlimited outdoor adventure. Catch an epic Aurora Borealis show when visiting the island and you will probably feel as though your life is (most definitely) complete.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
This gigantic remote glacier is most definitely something to write home about. Located off the coast of Yakutat you will find this enormous glacier that is nearly six miles wide with a face that is nearly 400 feet tall. The mere size of this glacier is enough to completely blow you away.
Flickr - Damian Manda
This 4.5-mile-long piece of land jutting out into Kachemak Bay is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. From stunning mountain views, sandy beaches and some of the best fishing in the world… it’s easy to fall in love with Alaska (and never want to leave) after visiting the Homer Spit.
Flickr - David Pitts
Located about 45 miles south of Alaska’s capital of Juneau is this beaming fjord. The long and deep inlet of the sea between staggeringly high cliffs will completely enthrall you.
Flickr - Sleeping Grey
This 3,510 ft. tall mountain in the Chugach State Park is located in the heart of Alaska’s largest city of Anchorage. The view from the top is utterly mind-blowing and it is a MUST for anyone and everyone visiting Alaska or coming to stay awhile. If you aren’t quite up for the hike, there is an excellent area that you can drive to and soak in the view.
Flickr - Dr.DeNo
Brown bears feasting on an endless plethora of sockeye salmon, now THAT is an ‘Only in Alaska’ experience that everyone should have in their lifetime.
Flickr - Fred von Lohmann
11 miles wide and in one of the most serene, beautiful and untouched national parks in the entire world. You will feel an instant (and utterly life changing) calm when you get close to this majestic glacier.
Flickr - Gregory Slobirdr Smith
Experience mountains, glaciers and endless wildlife in this remarkable outdoor playground. Take a day cruise and see Exit Glacier up close and personal while whales are breaching in the distance.
Flickr - NPS CulturalLandscapes
This ash-flow filled valley in Katmai National Park holds so much history from the eruption of the Novarupta volcano on June 6, 1912, it’s remarkable to experience in person.
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