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Alaska

Alaska, United States — travel guide
Photo by Yuhan Du on Unsplash

Plan your trip to Alaska

Alaska is America's largest and most sparsely populated state, offering pristine wilderness, dramatic glaciers, and abundant wildlife across vast landscapes shaped by Russian colonial history and the Gold Rush era. From the Inside Passage's temperate rainforests to the Arctic tundra, Alaska combines outdoor adventure with rich indigenous and frontier heritage. Whether you're seeking remote nature, glacier viewing, or wildlife encounters, Alaska delivers unmatched scale and raw natural beauty.

Getting there & around

Most visitors fly into Anchorage's Ted Stevens International Airport, Alaska's main hub with connections from major U.S. cities. From there, you can rent a car for the Alaska Highway and Glenn Highway, or use Alaska Airlines for domestic flights to towns like Fairbanks, Juneau, and Ketchikan. The Alaska Railroad connects Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks for scenic overland travel. The Inside Passage is best explored via cruise ship or the Alaska Marine Highway System's ferry network.

How long to stay

Plan 10-14 days minimum to experience Alaska's diverse regions without feeling rushed. Shorter trips (5-7 days) work for focused explorations like Denali National Park or the Inside Passage, but the state's vast distances and limited road network benefit from extended time.

When to go

June through August offers the best conditions with nearly 24-hour daylight, mild temperatures (60-75°F in southern regions), and all attractions fully operational. May and September provide fewer crowds and lower prices but shorter daylight hours and some closures; avoid October through April when most roads, parks, and services close due to heavy snow and extreme cold.

Suggested itinerary

  1. Anchorage Arrival and Exploration — Arrive in Anchorage and explore the capital's museums, including the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, which covers Alaska's indigenous cultures, Russian colonial period, and contemporary art. Walk the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains, or visit the nearby Moose's Tooth Pub for local atmosphere.
  2. Denali National Park Wildlife and Scenery — Drive or take the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park and board a tour bus into the park to spot grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, and moose against the backdrop of Denali (Mount McKinley). Stop at visitor centers to learn about the park's ecosystems and indigenous Athabascan heritage.
  3. Inside Passage and Tlingit Culture — Fly or cruise to Juneau or Ketchikan to explore the Inside Passage's temperate rainforests, glacier-fed waterways, and Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultural sites including totem poles and clan houses. Visit Glacier Bay National Park or take a day cruise to see tidewater glaciers calving into the sea.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Alaska?

Most visitors need 10-14 days to see multiple regions without excessive travel time. Seven to ten days allows focused exploration of one or two areas like Denali and Anchorage, while 5 days is the bare minimum for cruise-focused trips.

Is Alaska worth visiting?

Yes, Alaska is worth visiting if you want pristine wilderness, wildlife viewing, and dramatic landscapes unmatched elsewhere in the U.S. It's ideal for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, though it requires more planning and budget than typical destinations due to distances and limited infrastructure.

Can you drive the Alaska Highway?

Yes, the Alaska Highway is a scenic 1,387-mile drive from British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska, requiring 15-20 hours of driving time. Most travelers break it into a 3-5 day road trip; the highway is fully paved and open year-round, though winter driving is challenging.

What is the cheapest time to visit Alaska?

May and September offer 30-50% lower prices than peak summer (June-August) with acceptable weather, though daylight hours are shorter and some attractions have limited operations. Winter (November-March) has the lowest prices but extreme cold, minimal daylight, and many closures make it only suitable for specific activities like viewing the Northern Lights.

Is it expensive to visit Alaska?

Yes, Alaska is generally expensive due to its remote location and limited competition; expect higher costs for flights, hotels, food, and car rentals compared to the Lower 48 states. Budget $150-250+ per day for mid-range accommodations and activities, plus $300-400 for flights, though camping and self-catering can reduce costs.

History

Alaska was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples including the Tlingit, Haida, Athabascan, and Inupiat cultures for thousands of years before Russian colonial expansion in the 18th century. The Russian-American Company established fur trading posts and claimed vast territories, creating a Russian colonial period that lasted until 1867. The United States purchased Alaska from Russia for 7.2 million dollars in a deal often called "Seward's Folly," and the territory experienced rapid transformation through gold rushes and military development throughout the 20th century. Alaska achieved statehood in 1959 and has since become known for its oil industry, vast wilderness, and indigenous cultural renaissance.

Culture

Alaska's character is defined by its vast untamed landscapes, extreme weather conditions, and the deep influence of indigenous traditions alongside the pioneer spirit of frontier settlement. The state celebrates a strong connection to nature, subsistence hunting and fishing, and outdoor pursuits like dog sledding and fishing that remain central to daily life and identity. Indigenous cultures continue to thrive through traditional arts, storytelling, and ceremonies, while contemporary Alaskan culture embraces both rugged individualism and tight-knit community bonds forged by geographic isolation.

Language

English is the primary language, though Alaska is home to several indigenous languages including Tlingit, Haida, Yup'ik, and Iñupiaq, which are experiencing cultural revitalization efforts. Useful local expressions include 'outside' to refer to the continental United States and 'cheechako' for a newcomer or tenderfoot unfamiliar with Alaskan life.

Best time to visit

June through August provides long daylight hours and mild temperatures.

Places to visit

Where to eat