Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Alaska with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Alaska sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Alaska that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Alaska whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
Alyeska Resort
Girdwood, AK
Alyeska Resort is Alaska’s premier year-round destination featuring the 303-room Hotel Alyeska. Located just 40 miles from Anchorage and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alyeska Resort is your base camp for summer and winter excursions.
Kenai Fjords Tours
Seward, AK
Parking is available in the Kenai Fjords Tours parking lot, which is located off the Seward Highway. As you enter town, coming from Anchorage, turn right on Phoenix Road; the parking lot is immediately on your right. Their shuttle van picks up at the parking lot approximately every 10 minutes to take you to the Kenai Fjords Tours office.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center Museum
Anchorage, AK
An educational and cultural institution for all Alaskans, the Alaska Native Heritage Center provides programs in both academic and informal settings, including workshops, demonstrations, and guided tours of indoor exhibits and outdoor village sites.
Tongass National Forest
Ketchikan, AK
Tongass National Forest, is the nation’s largest national forest. The Tongass covers most of Southeast Alaska surrounding the famous Inside Passage and offers unique chances to view eagles, bears, spawning salmon, and the breath-taking vistas of “wild” Alaska. Hike or take a sled-dog ride on a glacier, stroll along boardwalk trails, fish in streams or the ocean, or relax at a remote cabin. If spying some truly wild wildlife is on your bucket list, visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in Juneau, Anan Wildlife Observatory in Wrangell, Fish Creek Bear Viewing Area in Hyder, or Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area on Admiralty Island, or immerse yourself in native culture at the stunning Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, located just steps away from the cruise ship docks in downtown Ketchikan.
H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark
Anchorage, AK
Swimming is a lifelong sport. It can improve your health; provide entertainment, confidence, and skills that can improve your life. At H2Oasis they understand the value of basic water safety and swimming essentials. Their staff is dedicated to water instruction that will provide the public with an exceptional grasp of the aquatic environment.
Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum
Anchorage, AK
Located on the world’s largest seaplane base, Lake Hood, at Anchorage International Airport, the Alaska Aviation Museum celebrates Alaska’s rich aviation history. It sits on the south shore of Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world, with more than 87,000 takeoffs and landings per year. A half-mile away is Ted Stevens International Airport, the air crossroads of the world. You can watch takeoffs and landings right from the museum. The museum presents one of the finest displays of Alaskan aviation history with many interactive displays, memorabilia, photographs, films and artifacts from personal collections of Alaska’s pioneer aviators.
Goldstream Dredge No. 8
Fairbanks, AK
Enjoy a close up view of the Trans Alaska Pipeline and a presentation about it’s construction and operation. Then take a seat aboard a replica of the narrow-gauge Tanana Valley Railroad and hear the conductor tell tales of prospectors who arrived by the thousands during the gold rush. The train ride takes you to Gold Dredge 8 where you will see first-hand how the dredge worked the gold fields, then receive a brief but informative course on gold panning. Once the train arrives at the camp, you will try panning for yourself! You will find gold, they guarantee it! Finally, explore the dredge camp and enjoy complimentary coffee and freshly baked cookies in the gift shop as your gold is weighed, then hop aboard the train and return to the station.
Alaska State Museum
Juneau, AK
The Alaska State Museum was established on June 6, 1900, when an Act of Congress created the Historical Library and Museum for the District of Alaska. The Alaska State Museum, identifies, collects, preserves and exhibits Alaska’s material and natural history and provide public access to services and collections of the Museums.
Mount Roberts Tramway
Juneau, AK
The Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway opened in 1996 and operates May through September. It is the only aerial tramway in southeast Alaska. Cars rise 1,800 feet from the cruise ship dock in downtown Juneau through the rain forest to the Mountain House, offering expansive views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel. The Mount Roberts Tramway is one of the most vertical tramways in the world and received the Governor’s Award for facility accessibility design. They are fully ADA compliant and can easily accommodate guests with accessibility requirements.