Are you planning a trip to Alaska and looking for some exciting places to visit? Look no further! Alaska is a state with a rich history and diverse culture, offering a wide range of attractions for visitors. From national parks and glaciers to cultural attractions and outdoor activities, Alaska has something for everyone.
Let's start off with some facts about this state
- Capital: Juneau (though it is not connected by road to the rest of the state)
- Population: Approximately 731,545
- Median home price: $338,700 (as of 2021)
- Median household income: $83,481 (as of 2020)
- Cost of living index: 147.9 (higher than the national average)
- Major industries: Oil and gas, fishing, and tourism
- Accommodation options: Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, cabins, lodges
- Home to Denali National Park, which contains the highest peak in North America, Mount Denali
- Home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a public research university with a enrollment of over 8,800 students
- Home to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a long-distance sled dog race that takes place every March
In this article, we will explore ten popular places to visit in Alaska, highlighting some of the state's most iconic and interesting destinations. So, if you are ready to discover the beauty and adventure of the Last Frontier, read on!
Denali National Park
This national park is home to Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America. It is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities and offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fun fact: Denali National Park is home to the largest grizzly bear population in the United States.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Located on the Kenai Peninsula, this national park is home to a variety of glaciers, marine life, and wildlife. It is a popular destination for whale watching and offers a number of educational programs and guided tours.
Fun fact: Kenai Fjords National Park is home to the largest ice field in the United States, covering over 6,000 square miles.
Anchorage
Located in the southcentral region of Alaska, Anchorage is the largest city in the state and a popular destination for tourists. It is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
Fun fact: Anchorage is home to the world's largest wooden sled dog, which stands at over 10 feet tall.
Fairbanks
Located in the interior region of Alaska, Fairbanks is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and is home to a number of attractions, including the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.
Fun fact: Fairbanks is home to the world's largest gold pan, which is over 10 feet in diameter.
Seward
Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is a popular destination for outdoor activities and is home to a number of attractions, including the Alaska SeaLife Center and the Seward Museum.
Fun fact: Seward is home to the oldest operating theater in the state, the Seward Community Playhouse.
Juneau
Located in the panhandle of Alaska, Juneau is the capital of the state and a popular destination for tourists. It is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Alaska State Museum and the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.
Fun fact: Juneau is only accessible by boat or plane, as it is not connected to the rest of the state by road.
Ketchikan
Located in the panhandle of Alaska, Ketchikan is a popular destination for fishing and other outdoor activities. It is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.
Fun fact: Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” with over 200,000 salmon returning to the area each year.
Glacier Bay National Park
Located in the panhandle of Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. It is home to a number of glaciers and offers a variety of educational programs and guided tours.
Fun fact: Glacier Bay National Park is home to the highest concentration of glaciers in North America.
Skagway
Located in the panhandle of Alaska, Skagway is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.
Fun fact: Skagway is home to the oldest operating theater in Alaska, the Palace Grand Theater.
Nome
Located in western Alaska, Nome is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve and the Nome-Council Highway Historical Society.
Fun fact: Nome is home to the world's largest gold pan, which is over 12 feet in diameter.
As you can see, Alaska is a state with a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors. From national parks to cultural attractions, there is something for everyone in the Last Frontier. So, if you are planning a trip to Alaska, be sure to check out these exciting destinations and discover all that the state has to offer.
