Don’t miss these! 10 places to see this summer in Alaska
Alaska is a place that feels larger than life—towering mountains, massive glaciers, and untouched wilderness as far as the eye can see. Summer is the perfect time to explore, with endless daylight, incredible wildlife, and adventure around every corner.
From kayaking among icebergs, hiking through wildflower-covered valleys, or watching grizzlies fish for salmon, the Last Frontier is guaranteed to leave you in awe. From iconic national parks to hidden coastal gems, here are 10 must-visit places to add to your Alaska summer itinerary.
Explore Denali National Park
Denali is the most well-known national park in Alaska, and it’s a magical place. But it’s also not easy to do things in. Cars can only drive 15 miles and then it’s all park service vehicles. The park also only has a handful of designated trails. You can hike anywhere, but you’re doing it off-trail and on tundra, which is exhausting to walk on.
So, it’s a tremendous place to visit, but not easy – which is why I recommend a flightseeing trip in order to see all the places you’ll never get to.
Related: Read my Three-Day Denali Itinerary
Boat Cruise in the Kenai Fjords
My second favorite tour we did in Alaska, but this is far more encompassing than the Denali flight (see below). This cruise is 6 hours long, though longer ones are available. You’ll see sea life, glaciers, birds, and the region’s gorgeous scenery.
Related: Guide to Kenai Fjords
Hike around the Kenai Peninsula
The Kenai Peninsula is a big place, but comparatively, very accessible and drivable. It’s home to Alyeska Resort, Kenai Fjords National Park, Homer, and Cooper Landing. It’s beautiful, has lots of wildlife, plenty of hikes, and more than enough things for 3-6 days.
Related: 6 days itinerary in the Kenai
Walk on the Mantanuska Glacier
There are only a few places in North America where one can easily and safely walk on a glacier. Mantanuska Glacier is about two hours from Anchorage. It’s recommended to go with a guide to ensure safety and have all the proper equipment.
See bears up close in Katmai NP or Lake Clark NP
It is probably the most noteworthy (and expensive) one on this list. Getting up close and personal with brown bears was the highlight of 2024. You can do day trips from Anchorage/Homer or take a multi-day excursion. It’s 1000% worth it, but you also have to be okay getting into a small plane and landing either on water or a small strip of land/beach.
If you need some inspiration, watch my YouTube video here
Visit the old mining town of McCarthy in Wrangell St Elias NP
At the end of an infamous 60-mile dirt road is McCarthy, AK. It’s an old mining town in Wrangell St Elias National Park – America’s largest NP. We spent three days here, living in the middle of nowhere. We got to do a flightseeing trip, walk on the Root Glacier, and spend time in a town that has less than 20 year-round people.
Related: Three days in McCarthy, AK
Related: What to do in WStE NP
Denali Flightseeing Tour
It was the most incredible and mind-blowing tour I’ve ever done. We booked the lowest (cheapest) flight, and they upgraded us to a longer flight and a glacier landing. We couldn’t believe our luck. Getting to fly around Denali showed us glaciers, jagged peaks, and the most beautiful sights. I’m still in awe of it.
Related: Flightseeing over Denali
Homer
Homer is the furthest south you can drive in the Kenai Peninsula. It’s a cute little town with beautiful views and plenty to do outside. We went here in 2021 as a launching point for our bear-watching trip in Lake Clark. The amount of Bald Eagles was amazing when we were there in early June.
Related: A guide to visiting Homer, AK
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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