Alaska spread in an area of 586,412 square miles is gargantuan, and easily the largest state in the USA. Millions of tourists take flights to Alaska every year to admire its gorgeous glaciers, majestic mountains, exotic wildlife, fascinating wilderness, rich history and heritage, unique cultures, delicious seafood, excellent museums, and of course, amazing natural beauty. You will have to spend days touring this huge state to soak up the best sights and sounds it has to offer. Plan a trip now with Alaska Airlines reservations, the largest airline in the state, to see some of the top attractions. Here is a lowdown on what all you need to see and do in this magnificent tourist hotspot.
Admire Alaska’s majestic beauty at Glacier Bay National Park
Experience Alaska’s majestic and wild beauty with a visit to the Glacier Bay National Park. Situated in the Panhandle of Alaska, this unique park and preserve attracts tourists with its wide range of outdoor activities. Visitors mostly arriving here via cruise ship base themselves at the Glacier Park Lodge, from where they go for hiking or a kayaking trip. The park is also a great place to watch typical Alaskan wildlife, including mountain goats, black bears and many bird species. You can also take to the rivers for a fishing expedition.
Visit Denali National Park & Preserve to see geological wonders
Take flights to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, to visit the Denali National Park & Preserve, which is named after the native name of Mount McKinley “Denali” meaning “The high one”. Appropriately befitting its name, this pristine national park is also home to the highest peak in North America. In fact, the Denali National Park & Preserve, spread in an area of 6 million acre, is a wonderland with amazing geological features such as glaciers, horns, moraines and kettles. Moreover, the park also offers awesome wildlife viewings such as wolves, caribou, moose, grizzly bears, and many other kinds of animals. The “drunken trees’ however are major attractions here. These trees have been termed as drunken because they are tilted due to the normally frozen ground melting around them.
Discover 38 glaciers at Kenai Fjords National Park
The Kenai Fjords National Park, located near the town of Seward, was founded as a national monument in 1978 and became a national park in 1980 for preserving fjords and rainforest ecosystems. A popular spot for cruise ship travelers, the park is mostly visited for its 38 glaciers, abundant wildlife, Harding Icefield, and historical and archaeological remains. Take guided tours of the part to see orca and humpback whales, seals and bears. With its proximity to the coast the Kenai Fjords National Park offers breathtaking views.
Soak up Alaska’s culture by visiting Alaska Native Heritage Center
Plan a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, located outside Anchorage, to experience the culture and traditions of the native Alaskans. It is in fact a gathering place for Alaska native storytelling and dancing. Purchase works of art and handmade crafts by local vendors and see exhibits at the Hall of Culture. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a wonderful place to see lives and traditions of 11 major cultural groups of Alaska being prominently displayed here.
Learn about Alaska’s snow-bound landscape at Anchorage Museum
Alaska has plenty of natural wonders, which will excite and amaze you endlessly. A visit to Anchorage Museum will provide a fascinating glimpse into how the ice played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of Alaska, how it appears to be blue, and how it looked like actually during the last Ice Age. The museum also prominently showcases many fossils and bones of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. It is also a great place to know about the state’s flora and fauna.
Explore Russian and Tlingit history at Sitka National Historical Park
The Sitka National Historic Park, also called Totem Park, was founded in the early 1970s. Explore the park to get a fascinating insight into the Russian and Tlingit history in Alaska. The coastal trail decked up with totem poles is also worth enjoying. Take a guided tour of the Sitka National Historic Park to admire its stunning surroundings and natural beauty. Don’t forget to see the Russian Bishop’s House when concluding your visit here.
See stunning landscapes along the Iditarod National Historic Trail
Alaska has plenty of attractions apart from its glaciers, wildlife, museums and parks. Discover Alaska’s extensive landscapes along the Iditarod National Historic Trail. It is the only national scenic trail in Alaska renowned for its Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The trail comprises a network totaling up to 2,300 miles between Seward near Anchorage and Nome on the Bering Strait.
There are lots to admire and experience whenever visiting Alaska. Seek some of the most captivating views when you plan to visit this awesome state in the dry summer season between May to September. The charm of this incredible destination is just waiting to be discovered!
