If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, Alaska is the place to go. The 49th state is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders and diverse wildlife in the world. Whether you want to explore glaciers, fjords, mountains, forests, or coastlines, Alaska has it all. Here are some of the top tourist destinations in Alaska that you should add to your bucket list.
**Anchorage**
Anchorage is the largest and most populous city in Alaska, and a great base for exploring the surrounding wilderness. You can enjoy the urban amenities of museums, art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife, as well as the outdoor activities of skiing, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. Anchorage is also a prime spot for viewing the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer. Some of the must-see attractions in Anchorage include Chugach State Park, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Alaska Native Heritage Center, and Kincaid Park.
**Fairbanks**
Fairbanks is the second-largest city in Alaska, and a cultural and historical hub. You can learn about the local art, history, and science at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, the University of Alaska Museum of the North, and the Fairbanks Ice Museum. Fairbanks is also known as one of the best places to see the northern lights, especially from late August to April. You can also experience the Arctic Circle by taking a flightseeing tour or driving along the Dalton Highway.
**Juneau**
Juneau is the state capital of Alaska, and a scenic city nestled between mountains and water. Juneau is only accessible by air or sea, making it a popular destination for cruise ships. You can explore the downtown area with its historic buildings, museums, and shops, or venture out to see the natural beauty of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Mendenhall Glacier, or Tracy Arm Fjord. You can also go whale watching, kayaking, fishing, or hiking in Juneau.
**Ketchikan**
Ketchikan is a charming town on the southern tip of Alaska’s Inside Passage, and a gateway to the rich culture and history of the Alaska Native people. Ketchikan has more totem poles than anywhere else in the world, and you can see them at places like Totem Bight State Historical Park, Saxman Totem Park, and Totem Heritage Center. Ketchikan is also known as the “salmon capital of the world”, and offers plenty of opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Other attractions in Ketchikan include Creek Street, Misty Fjords National Monument, and Deer Mountain Trail.
**Kenai Fjords National Park**
Kenai Fjords National Park is a stunning natural gem located on the Kenai Peninsula. The park covers more than 600,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including rugged coastlines, towering fjords, majestic glaciers, and diverse wildlife. You can see whales, seals, sea lions, otters, puffins, eagles, bears, moose, and more in their natural habitat. You can also hike on trails like Exit Glacier Trail or Harding Icefield Trail, or take a boat tour or a kayak tour to get closer to the glaciers and marine life.
**Denali National Park and Preserve**
Denali National Park and Preserve is one of the most iconic destinations in Alaska, and home to North America’s highest peak: Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). The park spans more than 6 million acres of wild land, where you can see grizzly bears,