The five must-see places in Alaska are Denali National Park, the Kenai Fjords from Seward, Katmai National Park for bears, Fairbanks for the Northern Lights, andthe Inside Passage. In addition to these classics, we’ve added five hidden gems off the beaten path: Wrangell-St. Elias, Valdez,Kodiak Island, Homer, and the Matanuska Glacier.
With a territory three times the size of France, it’s hard to decide where to go. This selection highlights 10 must-see places in Alaska, divided into two sections. First, the five must-see sites—the ones that appear on almost every itinerary and capture the essence of the state. Next are five lesser-known favorites from our local team, for those who want to venture off the beaten path.
For each location, we’ll tell you what makes it unique, the best time to visit, and provide a link to our detailed guide. You can also check out our article on things to do in Alaska to plan your activities, and our guide on when to go to set your travel dates.
The 5 Must-See Places in Alaska to Visit on Your Trip
These five sites offer the most iconic landscapes, wildlife, and experiences Alaska has to offer. If you had to pick just a few, these are the ones.
1. Denali National Park
Denali National Park is home to North America’s highest peak (6,190 m) and an abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall’s sheep. A single 92-mile road, traveled by shuttle, runs through the park. It is the state’s most iconic site, accessible by car or train from Anchorage. Best time to visit: June through September. To prepare for your wildlife encounters, read our article on wildlife in Alaska.
2. The Kenai Fjords from Seward
Two hours from Anchorage, Seward serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. From its harbor, cruises take you to coastal glaciers calving into the ocean, amid humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions. Exit Glacier is accessible by foot. The entire Kenai Peninsula offers a wealth of glaciers and marine wildlife. Best time to visit: June through August.
3. Katmai National Park and the Bears at Brooks Falls
Katmai National Park is home to one of Alaska’s most famous sights: brown bears fishing for salmon at Brooks Falls. In July, up to 25 bears gather there and can be observed from viewing platforms. Access is only by seaplane via King Salmon. It’s a thrilling experience that requires booking well in advance. Best time to visit: July and September.
4. Fairbanks and the Northern Lights
Fairbanks, located within the auroral oval, is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. The season runs from late August to late April, peaking from September through March. The city also offers access to the hot springs at Chena Hot Springs and the Arctic Circle. Our article on Alaska in winter provides more details about this season. Best time to visit: September through March for the Northern Lights.
5. The Inside Passage
The Inside Passage stretches 500 miles through fjords, glaciers, and forests, winding its way through a string of islands. Visitors can explore the area by cruise ship or ferry, encountering whales, the glaciers of Glacier Bay, and Tlingit culture as seen in the totem poles. The cities of Juneau and Skagway mark the route. Best time to visit: May through September.
Terra Alaska’s 5 Favorite Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots
These lesser-known spots are part of our favorite itineraries. They may sometimes require a longer journey to reach, but they reward you with unspoiled nature and fewer crowds. Here are our favorite spots off the beaten path.
6. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Kennecott
As the largest national park in the United States, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park remains surprisingly uncrowded. Six times the size of Yellowstone, it features immense glaciers and peaks over 5,000 meters high. At its heart, the mining town of Kennecott and its red buildings are open to visitors, while the Root Glacier can be explored on foot. Our favorite spot for its raw, vast beauty. Best time to visit: June through September.
7. Valdez and Prince William Sound
Nicknamed the “Switzerland of Alaska,” Valdez is nestled at the head of a fjord in Prince William Sound, which is home to about 150 glaciers. You can get up close to the Columbia Glacier on a cruise or by kayak among the icebergs. Keystone Canyon features a series of waterfalls along the road. Accessible by car, this area remains less crowded than the Kenai Peninsula. Best time to visit: June through August.
8. Kodiak Island
The second-largest island in the United States, Kodiak is home to the world’s largest brown bears—approximately 3,500 of them. Far off the beaten path, it offers a combination of bear-watching by seaplane, world-class fishing, and Russian and Alutiiq heritage. A wild adventure for curious travelers. Best time to visit: June through September, with peak bear activity from mid-August through September.
9. Homer and Kachemak Bay
At the tip of the Kenai Peninsula lies Homer, with its artistic and fishing community vibe. Known as the “Halibut Capital,” the town overlooks Kachemak Bay, home to a state park accessible by boat and flights to the bear parks. The Homer Spit, a 7-kilometer-long strip of land, is the town’s bustling heart. A favorite spot for its laid-back lifestyle. Best time to visit: June through August.
10. The Matanuska Glacier
Two hours from Anchorage via the Glenn Highway, the Matanuska Glacier offers a rare opportunity: to walk on a 43-kilometer glacier without a boat or plane. With crampons on your feet and a guide by your side, you’ll explore crevasses and blue ice. Often overlooked in favor of the major national parks, it’s an accessible and spectacular excursion. Best time to visit: late May through early September.
Get inspired by our Alaska travel itineraries to create your own
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An Exceptional Vacation in Alaska Without a Car
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The 10 Places at a Glance
This table summarizes our selection—featuring both must-see spots and our personal favorites—along with the best time to visit each one.
| Location | Type | Best time to visit |
|---|---|---|
| Denali National Park | Must-See | June through September |
| Kenai Fjords (Seward) | Must-See | June through August |
| Katmai National Park | Must-See | July and September |
| Fairbanks (Northern Lights) | Must-see | September through March |
| Inside Passage | Must-See | May through September |
| Wrangell-St. Elias | Terra Alaska’s Top Picks | June through September |
| Valdez | Terra Alaska’s Top Picks | June through August |
| Kodiak Island | Terra Alaska Highlights | June through September |
| Homer | Terra Alaska’s Top Picks | June through August |
| Matanuska Glacier | Terra Alaska’s Top Pick | Late May through September |
How can you combine these destinations?
It all depends on how much time you have. In a week, combine Denali, Seward, and Anchorage, which are connected by road and train. In two weeks, add Fairbanks, Valdez, or the Matanuska Glacier. The most remote destinations, such as Katmai, Kodiak, or Wrangell-St. Elias, require specialized logistics.
Our local team will put these stops together into a cohesive itinerary, minimizing travel time. Discover our itinerary ideas, learn about our expertise as a local travel agency, or check out our guide to planning your trip. For a family vacation, see our family-friendly experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions: Places to See in Alaska
What are the must-see places in Alaska?
The five major sites are Denali National Park, the Kenai Fjords from Seward, Katmai National Park for bears, Fairbanks for the Northern Lights, and the Inside Passage. Together, they offer the most iconic landscapes, wildlife, and experiences Alaska has to offer.
What is the most beautiful place in Alaska?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Denali National Park is a must-see for its wildlife and mountain peak; the Kenai Fjords for their coastal glaciers; and the Inside Passage for its fjords and Indigenous culture. For a spectacular and unspoiled setting, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park remains a hidden gem off the beaten path.
Where can you go in Alaska off the beaten path?
Several places remain off the beaten path. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Kennecott, Kodiak Island and its giant bears, Valdez and Prince William Sound, Kachemak Bay in Homer, and the Matanuska Glacier are among them. They offer unspoiled nature, far from the summer crowds.
How long does it take to see Alaska’s must-see attractions?
Allow one week for the major sites in south-central Alaska, such as Denali and the Kenai Fjords. Two weeks will let you add Fairbanks and the interior. Three weeks include the Inside Passage or more remote areas like Wrangell-St. Elias and Kodiak.
Can you see bears and whales in Alaska?
Yes. Katmai National Park and Kodiak Island are famous for their brown bears, while humpback whales can be spotted on cruises in the Kenai Fjords, Prince William Sound, and the Inside Passage. Summer is the best time to see both species.
When is the best time to visit Alaska’s attractions?
June through August is best for parks, cruises, and hikes, with full access. May and September offer a quieter experience. For the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, the viewing window runs from late August through April. Each destination has its own ideal season, which you’ll want to coordinate with your itinerary.
Last updated: August 19, 2026.
About Terra Alaska
Terra Alaska is a local travel agency specializing in custom trips to Alaska and a member of the Terra Panamerica network. Our top picks come straight from the field: our team travels throughout these regions to create itineraries tailored to each traveler. Discover our expertise as a local inbound travel agency.
Contact us to plan your trip or explore our suggested itineraries.
Sources
National Park Service (Denali, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Wrangell-St. Elias, Glacier Bay); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Kodiak); Travel Alaska; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute. Reconnaissance trips by Louise de la Brosse, manager of Terra Alaska.
