The term “stunning place” can basically apply to Alaska as a whole, but these 16 places are so special that they can oftentimes be mistaken for something straight out of a dream. Luckily for us, the reality is that the last frontier is a glorious wonderland for all things wild, natural and breathtakingly beautiful. And although you absolutely must explore these places at least once, don’t be surprised if you fall madly in love and develop the most healthy addiction of your life. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
- Glacier Bay National Park
Flickr - mark byzewski Your trip to Alaska’s panhandle just got taken up a notch with this stunning place filled with some of the most epic tidewater glaciers in the world. Explore over 50 glaciers and find yourself falling in love with the vast amount of wildlife.
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Flickr - Jonathan Pio This non-profit organization dedicated to conservation, education, and quality animal care is located just a handful of miles south of Girdwood on the Turnagain Arm towards The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground. View buffalo, bears, caribou and much more. Plus the educated and compassionate staff will make your trip over-the-top special.
- Halibut Cove
Flickr - Antti T. Nissinen Located on The Kenai, just a stone’s throw boat ride from the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” is this incredibly special little spot. Enjoy lodging, art, food and fun outdoor activities including kayaking, hiking and fishing. Get away from it all at Halibut Cove!
- Totem Heritage Center
Flickr - Ben Rogers This place located in Ketchikan is filled with culture, history and some of the most stunning displays of artwork that you will ever lay eyes on. If you live to get blown away, this is the spot for you.
- Brooks Falls
Flickr - Christoph Strässler Located in Katmai National Park, what we consider to be one of the best places in the world to view huge grizzly bears feasting on wild Alaska salmon. It’s an “Only in Alaska” experience that everyone must have at least once!
- Potters Marsh
Flickr - Christoph Strässler The Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge really hit the mark with this special place. Take a long walk on the boardwalk and enjoy great opportunities to go birding and watch for wildlife. Plus it’s right in Alaska’s largest city of Anchorage - BONUS points for convenience!
- Chena Hot Springs Resort and the Aurora Ice Museum
Flickr - Diana Norgaard If you head north to Fairbanks, rest assured that your trip will not be complete without stopping to enjoy the fantastic ice museum. Warm up afterwards with a dip in the natural hot springs outside.
- Tracy Arm Fjord
Flickr - Ian D. Keating Located near Alaska’s state capital of Juneau is this 27-mile-long natural gem. You will be astounded by cliffs that rise over 3,000 feet.
- Prince William Sound
Flickr - Travis Head to Valdez or Whittier for some of the most memorable fishing and hunting trips of your life. Or enjoy a scenic glacier cruise or a hike into the vast backcountry.
- Tongass National Forest
Flickr - USDA Forest Service Alaska Region 16.8 millions acres make this the largest national forest in the U.S. Your trip to Southeast Alaska is not complete without getting out and enjoying all the recreational activities that this incredible forest beholds.
- Aleutian Islands
Flickr - jomilo75 Island life isn’t just for Hawaii. Alaska actually dominates. Visit one of these 14 large volcanic islands or smaller ones that make up what is known as the Aleutian chain. If you love the outdoors and raw Alaska, you’ll be amazed by how beautiful these islands truly are.
- Yakutat Beach
Flickr - Peter Szczesny There is just something simply indescribable about the feeling you get when visiting a remote sandy beach like this one. It’s pretty life changing in the best way possible.
- Chugach State Park
Flickr - mcav0y 495,204 acres of absolute adventure hound paradise covering Anchorage and south central Alaska. The Chugach is a lifestyle in Alaska. Once you’re hooked, the addiction is impossible to kick.
- Hatcher Pass
Flickr - Michael Hayes The Talkeetna Mountains from the town of Palmer are so unbelievably beautiful. Hike, bike, camp, snow-machine, pan for gold or go parasailing. Whatever you do, you will definitely be smiling.
- Pyramid Mountain
Flickr - NOAA Photo Library Kodiak Island is no joke. It is huge and filled with opportunity for those looking to soak up the real, raw Alaska life. And this mountain? Well, it will give you one of the most breathtaking views of your life. Hands down.
- Gates of the Arctic National Park
Flickr - Paxson Woelber At 8,472,506 acres this is the most northernmost National Park in the U.S. and it will not disappoint you one bit. That John Muir quote, “the mountains are calling and I must go” - you’ll be screaming that from sun up to sun down in the majestic place.
If you live in Alaska, chances are that you’ve at least experienced one of these stunning places. Which is your favorite? We’d love to hear about some of your memories in the Facebook comments!
Flickr - mark byzewski
Your trip to Alaska’s panhandle just got taken up a notch with this stunning place filled with some of the most epic tidewater glaciers in the world. Explore over 50 glaciers and find yourself falling in love with the vast amount of wildlife.
Flickr - Jonathan Pio
This non-profit organization dedicated to conservation, education, and quality animal care is located just a handful of miles south of Girdwood on the Turnagain Arm towards The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground. View buffalo, bears, caribou and much more. Plus the educated and compassionate staff will make your trip over-the-top special.
Flickr - Antti T. Nissinen
Located on The Kenai, just a stone’s throw boat ride from the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” is this incredibly special little spot. Enjoy lodging, art, food and fun outdoor activities including kayaking, hiking and fishing. Get away from it all at Halibut Cove!
Flickr - Ben Rogers
This place located in Ketchikan is filled with culture, history and some of the most stunning displays of artwork that you will ever lay eyes on. If you live to get blown away, this is the spot for you.
Flickr - Christoph Strässler
Located in Katmai National Park, what we consider to be one of the best places in the world to view huge grizzly bears feasting on wild Alaska salmon. It’s an “Only in Alaska” experience that everyone must have at least once!
The Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge really hit the mark with this special place. Take a long walk on the boardwalk and enjoy great opportunities to go birding and watch for wildlife. Plus it’s right in Alaska’s largest city of Anchorage - BONUS points for convenience!
Flickr - Diana Norgaard
If you head north to Fairbanks, rest assured that your trip will not be complete without stopping to enjoy the fantastic ice museum. Warm up afterwards with a dip in the natural hot springs outside.
Flickr - Ian D. Keating
Located near Alaska’s state capital of Juneau is this 27-mile-long natural gem. You will be astounded by cliffs that rise over 3,000 feet.
Flickr - Travis
Head to Valdez or Whittier for some of the most memorable fishing and hunting trips of your life. Or enjoy a scenic glacier cruise or a hike into the vast backcountry.
Flickr - USDA Forest Service Alaska Region
16.8 millions acres make this the largest national forest in the U.S. Your trip to Southeast Alaska is not complete without getting out and enjoying all the recreational activities that this incredible forest beholds.
Flickr - jomilo75
Island life isn’t just for Hawaii. Alaska actually dominates. Visit one of these 14 large volcanic islands or smaller ones that make up what is known as the Aleutian chain. If you love the outdoors and raw Alaska, you’ll be amazed by how beautiful these islands truly are.
Flickr - Peter Szczesny
There is just something simply indescribable about the feeling you get when visiting a remote sandy beach like this one. It’s pretty life changing in the best way possible.
Flickr - mcav0y
495,204 acres of absolute adventure hound paradise covering Anchorage and south central Alaska. The Chugach is a lifestyle in Alaska. Once you’re hooked, the addiction is impossible to kick.
Flickr - Michael Hayes
The Talkeetna Mountains from the town of Palmer are so unbelievably beautiful. Hike, bike, camp, snow-machine, pan for gold or go parasailing. Whatever you do, you will definitely be smiling.
Flickr - NOAA Photo Library
Kodiak Island is no joke. It is huge and filled with opportunity for those looking to soak up the real, raw Alaska life. And this mountain? Well, it will give you one of the most breathtaking views of your life. Hands down.
Flickr - Paxson Woelber
At 8,472,506 acres this is the most northernmost National Park in the U.S. and it will not disappoint you one bit. That John Muir quote, “the mountains are calling and I must go” - you’ll be screaming that from sun up to sun down in the majestic place.
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