Visiting Alaska: The Basics To Know Before You Go

Alaska has ‘The Last Frontier’ as its state motto and it lives up to this and so much more.  Twice the size of Texas with over 6500 miles of coastline, it’s big, wild and maybe a little unpredictable!  

To some, it might be more of a ‘cruise destination for when you’re older’.  But having lived in Anchorage for 4 years, I disagree. Alaska is an adventure playground like nowhere else I’ve ever been!  

Snow clad mountains, centuries old glaciers, millions (yes!) of lakes and 2500+ islands can almost overwhelm a first visit. From the indigenous towns of the Arctic to the wild waves of the Bering Sea, Alaska showcases its cultures with a unique pride.

Whether patiently waiting for the aurora borealis in the winter months or enjoying almost 24 hours of daylight while camping in mid summer, in the vast national parks, Alaska will capture your spirit of adventure! It also captured my heart! Here is all you need to know on the best things to do in Alaska.

Where is Alaska?

Alaska sits above Canada, and just east of eastern Siberia, Russia. It’s quicker to fly from Anchorage to Hawaii than to New York!  It’s physically detached from the contiguous Lower 48 states giving it that independent culture that is so appealing for many who move here.  

The time here is -9 hours from London time and -5 from the USA’s East Coast.  I remember it being hard to ‘phone home’ when I lived there such was the time difference back to Scotland.

People have lived in this landmass back to 10,000 BC.  An ancient ice-bridge was a natural crossing from Siberia for both humans and animals.  Many settled here and today Native Alaskan heritage includes Athabaskans, Unangan (Aleuts), Inuit, Yupiit (Yupik), Tlingit, and Haida.

In fact, Alaska got its current name from  the Unangax (Aleut) word alaxsxa or alaxsxix, meaning “mainland” or “great land.”

A Little History of Alaska

In 1867, the US bought this land from Russia for $7,200,000 (2 cents an acre). At this time, this was viewed by many as a waste of money.

However when gold was struck in Sitka a few decades later, a flood of fortune seekers arrived and many settlers remained, making a home in this northern land. This was followed by the military and energy sectors.  

It officially became a state within the USA on January 3, 1959. Alaska’s  borders stretch from the Aleutian Islands that sprinkle out in the Bering Sea. In fact, the most western USA town is also the most southern town in Alaska.  Adak, Alaska, with a population of around 170 is part of this Aleutian chain.

The gold rush and then oil and gas created huge wealth for the state and enabled the Permanent Dividend Fund.  This fund pays each Alaskan resident annually!  

With only around 700,00 year-round residents, there’s also plenty of wide open space to call your own! Using our guide will give you the Best of Alaska as a visitor and make your planning easy.

When Is The Best Time to Visit Alaska?

Alaska can be a year-round destination, but having had the privilege of living there for several years, May to August is when the state is at its best for tourists.  It depends, of course, what your purpose in visiting is.

Climbing the highest peak in North America, catching the King Salmon Run, exploring the Aleutian chain, hiking and biking around Anchorage all have their peak times.

Maybe you’re dreaming of an ‘Inside Passage’ cruise to discover Juneau, the only capital city not accessible by road!

Alaska in Winter…

If you plan to cross into the Arctic Circle to Nome or Kotzebue definitely come in the summer.

For winter sports fans (and it is a long winter), come to heli-ski, cat ski or tackle off piste wilderness runs if that’s your thing! I prefer Alyeska Ski Resort (around an hour from Anchorage) for downhill.  

You’ll have a better chance of seeing the aurora borealias or as we called it in Scotland – The Northern Lights – this time of year.

Despite seeing these lights, I never got a photo of them.  I seemed to either be in a hot-tub (not a practical place for a camera or at work in the arctic with no camera at all when they appeared.

But they are still incredible and special because growing up in Scotland we also had the occasional thrill of seeing  – ‘The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen!’.

Where to Stay in Alaska

Alaska has every type of accommodation on offer for every budget. Want to splurge in Anchorage? Then, The Hotel Captain Cook is a legend with its central location and beautiful paintings of guess what Cook’s travels.

If you’re planning to fly, then drive around the state, there are countless Bed and Breakfasts, Air B&Bs, hotels, and log cabins to choose from.  There are also more unique places like remote wilderness lodges designed for stays focused on fishing.

We often rented a camper van for the weekend and headed off to one of the many Alaskan State Parks. They are really well equipped for tents or RVs. Kenai Peninsula is a favourite destination of mine.

If you come on a cruise, the company will likely provide any land accommodation for you.  But if you’re traveling independently, check out accommodation in Alaska.

Do I Need a Passport to Visit Alaska

Alaska doesn’t require any different visa entry requirements from the rest of the USA.  

The only thing to look out for health wise are the annoying non life-threatening ‘mosquitos’ for a week or so in late June/early July. I remember during a canoe trip to Swanson River Lakes, we had to wear face nets when we ‘cooked’ food ! But don’t let that stop you getting out into the freshest of northern air.

How to Get to Alaska

The majority of visitors come by sea or air.  If you have the time and interest, you can drive 2,224 Km/1382 miles on the Alaska-Canada (Alcan) Highway.  This links Dawson Creek in Canada to Delta Junction, Alaska.

Most European visitors and many from within the USA too will transit via Seattle to Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage. A little fun fact : Anchorage airport is mid-way between Tokyo and New York City! I remember my first journey here from Scotland.  It took about a day, so be prepared for a long flight regardless of your starting point!

Pick up a rental car from the airport – it’s very straightforward.  Just book well in advance to get your ideal vehicle. It’s a short hop from the airport into Anchorage.  As you look up you’ll see the magnificent Chugagh Mountain Range greeting you and if you’re lucky the peak of Denail which is 4-5 hours drive to the north.

If you’re arriving by ship, you will likely arrive in Seward. There are plenty of connection options from here including car hire, train to Anchorage and Denali as well as tour buses.

Where to Visit in Alaska

Native Alaskan heritage, vast unpopulated wilderness, modern  cities and small villages :  Alaska offers a unique welcome to its guests. It is also renown for its wildlife from moose spotting in Anchorage, to bears gorging on salmon in Katmai National Park.

Being so huge it is hard to pin down a few highlights but my suggestions for 2 weeks here  include: Seward/Kenai Peninsula, on to Anchorage, Denali National park which you can drive to.  

If you’re more adventurous, fly across the Arctic Circle to Nome or Kotzebue arctic villages for a few days.  You could also drive over the tiny village of McCarthy and explore abandoned mines in the massive Wrangell St Elias Park (it’s the size of Yellowstone!).  

River or sea fishing, camping, kayaking or white water rafting…..yes, there is never a shortage of things to try in Alaska.

Is Alaska Expensive To Visit?

The currency in Alaska is of course the USD.  If you go to the more exclusive fly-in tourist spots like Katmai/Brooks River to see the bears, or fly-in fishing,  it will be more expensive.

When I return to visit I usually book Air B&B if I’m not saying with friends.  Book well in advance and I highly recommend budgeting for a hire car if you’re doing more independent travels.  It’s easy to hire bikes too anywhere around the state.

Rather than eat in the obvious tourist spots, look for smaller establishments.  They will have the same fresh fish and local produce most of the time but won’t feel quite as touristy in peak season.

Or you can enjoy checking out the local supermarkets or speciality one like New Sagaya Market where you can buy the freshest Alaskan foods like salmon, crab and seasonal fruits and vegetables. And they have great coffee too:)

What to Pack for a Trip to Alaska

Typically in the summer the temperature is between  60-70F,  with 16- 24 hours of daylight depending where in the state you are.  My best advice is to bring layers!

During the summer months, a rain-jacket, light fleece and good walking shoes/boots are essential if you’re going to go further than paved tourist trails. Although I hate to say it, pack an umbrella (or a hood!)

In the winter, bring layers, a thick Gortex jacket, hat, gloves and good boots.  Snow tyres are permitted on vehicles from November to May. Yes, it’s cold but those freezing temps are so  worth it when the skies light up and sparkle!

How to Get Around Alaska

As I mentioned above, to have your freedom then a car is the way to go – SUV is my best bet or a truck!. Book well in advance as during the summer months – they can sell out.  See our tips on snagging a deal for ideas.  

Outside Anchorage, there’s only really one highway (up to Denali).  Tarred roads simply don’t exist to guide you to many beauty spots in Alaska so get on dirt roads, open your map out and enjoy getting a little bit lost!.  This is part of the charm.  

The train is a good option if your route is a simple point A to B.  Here’s the Alaskan Railroad site to check out. They do have some excellent day or overnight trips from Anchorage.

Alternatively, arrange a tour to see the top sights on your list if you are not keen on driving. I’ve booked trips directly with Alaska Airlines and another popular company is Alaska Tours.

Petrol/gasoline prices have increased in the USA but are still typically less than in Europe.

Camping is a great way to get to know Alaska. It’s not going to be easy to lug all that with you, so why not consider an RV to get out to some amazing camp sites without the hassle.

Try flying!  Float plane or charter flights are the best way to get to hard to drive to spots. 

What to eat and drink in Alaska

If you’ve watched any of the popular TV fishing shows from the Bering Sea, you will know that Alaska is world famous for its wild seafood.  

Whether’s it’s King Crab fresh from the Aleutian Islands, or halibut and salmon from Kodiak, or your own haul of clams from Clam Gulch, don’t leave here without guzzling on them all:)

Alaska has a climate that produces around 50 types of wild berries.  In summer months you might discover some as you hike around.  Any supermarket will have these products on offer to try and bring home (my favourites are cloudberries and blueberries).  Do your homework though, as some are not for human consumption:)

Anchorage has a number of long standing restaurants that I love to return to, including Simon & Seaforts  with incredible views. (The bar is excellent too.)  The Glacier Brewhouse is great downtown casual eating and you must head to the Moose’s Tooth to munch on pizza!

In Girdwood, take the cable car and head to Seven Glaciers Restaurants.  Chill at the Flying Machine Restaurant at Lake Hood and watch as float planes come and go all day long!

What Wildlife Can I see in Alaska?

Africa has it’s big 5 and so does Alaska: Grizzly Bear, Alaskan Moose, Dall Sheep, Caribou and Wolf.  You will be incredibly lucky to see all these in the wild on one trip but from experience you will definitely spot 3-4 if you pay attention.  

Moose are often spotted around Anchorage!  If you have time and the budget fly to Kodiak, the home of the biggest Grizzles, for a unique viewing opportunity.  

Or, head to Katmai and treat yourself to close up viewing of the bears chomping on fresh salmon from the Kamai river.  Brooks Fall Brown Bear Cam during ‘salmon’ season beams incredible images of these Alaskan natives! 

Festivals and Events in Alaska By Month

Things to Know Before You Go To Alaska

First – The Expected of Alaska

Mountains – its feels right that Alaska is home to America’s highest peak – Denali (Mt McKinley). Its a special place and although its overrun with tourists, it’s well managed with bus transportation within the park to protect wildlife and avoid damage. 

Bays, Fjords and Rivers. Fish in the rivers and lakes, kayak through wild lakes and set up your camp with no neighbors. Whales watch in the Kenai Fjords and look out for the otters, seals and much more. 

Midnight sun (or no sun) – it’s incredible to have days so long that you lose complete track of time. Summer days in Alaska are endless and plants grow literally overnight – check out giant cabbages! At the other end of the spectrum the sun disappears from November to February above the arctic circle!.

Salmon – Alaska is mother natures incubator of wild salmon.  Every year fish return to the same rivers to spawn.  You can literally look into a river and see salmon. The bears can too:)

Wildlife – Apart from the big 5 mentioned above, look up and you’re likely to spot a Golden Eagle with wing spans up to 7 feet!  They are everywhere!

And the Unexpected of Alaska!

Foodies – Alaska’s food is best when it’s fresh. Catch your own, get it frozen, packed and bring it back home! Alaska Airlines even have freezers at Anchorage & Seattle airports.

Hideways. If you can, leave the mainland and sample an Alaskan island.  Seldovia (10 mins flight from Homer) is my favourite.  Stay at the romantic Dancing Eagles Cabin!  Look out in the morning – yes the eagles do dance on the beach below!

Hike a glacier.  It’s one thing to see a spectacular glacier from a boat – it’s another thing entirely to go hike on.  Some are accessible from main roads (Exit Glacier) others need a bit more planning but there are over 100,000 to choose from! Or take a plane and land on a glacier to start your hike!

Go Dog Mushing. Although you can do this in a few locations, there is only one Iditarod Race and that’s in Alaska. Try it yourself in Fairbanks, Nome (where the race ends) and imagine doing this for 1049 mies in the middle of winter!! 

Chena Hot Springs. Hot springs in Alaska? Yes, 60m north of Fairbanks, go indulge and if you stay at the Resort, why not check out the Aurora Ice Museum!

Take part in traditional blanket toss! With indigenous Alaskans, join in their celebration! It was a lot of fun.

Alaska Food!

Do stop by and check out the drive through coffee shops and road-side snacks.  There’s all sorts of seasonal treats too at weekend markets. Just check the local tourist sites for days and times for where you are.

While you’re waiting for that snack, have a blast from the past.  The end of the road, by Tom Bodett is a collection of great short stories based in Homer Alaska.  

He described Homer as ‘The last great car parking space in America!” Oh, and check out Aunt Clara’s coffee shop too! Download the audio version anytime for some pre-trip entertainment.

Best Things to Do in Alaska

1. Hike to Flat Top (hill) in Anchorage, open a bottle of wine and just enjoy the views!Take a train ride on Alaskan Railway to Seward or north to Denali.
2. Go gold-panning in Nome.
3. Visit the Anchorage Museum and learn about Native Alaskan culture
4. Try an Alaskan brewhouse (they’re adding more all the time!)
5. Go camping/RVing to a national park.
6. Take a cruise into Kenai Fjords to spot whales, otters, seals and much more!
7. Go fishing – salmon, halibut – rivers, and out in the ocean!
8. Hire a bike and cycle the Anchorage coastal trail or mountain bike in the Chuchagh. 
9. Visit Talkeenta en route to Denali and while you’re at Denali try some white water rafting 
10. Spot Alaska’s Big 5! 
11. Fly across arctic circle and dip your toes into the Bering Strait (Chukchi Sea) or try fishing for arctic perch.

Amazing Places to See in Alaska

There are some great places to explore for a new nights that are doable from Anchorage:  Homer, Talkeetna and a little further, McCarthy.  

The Kenai Peninsula with Soldotna is an absolutely beautiful spot and attracts fishing fans from all over the world.  Warning: the waters are glacial fed, so you will need neoprene waders!!

If you’re ready to do some detailed planning, we recommend Visit Alaska  has excellent tools, numerous accommodation options and up to-date transport information.

Conclusion – Best of Alaska 12 Month Visitors Guide

You will never feel bored in Alaska. Some of the best things to do in Alaska as locals is just to enjoy the natural beauty by hiking for a couple of hours. 

If you love open spaces consider heading to Vancouver and then into Canada’s outdoors. Our Weekend Guide to Vancouver gives you lots of ideas of things to do here and beyond, including sailing up to Alaska through the gorgeous inside passage waters.

Seattle is another stop off en route to Alaska destination and we have a great Seattle activities guide when you’re ready to plan.

Just enjoy what you can see, and come back for what you didn’t quite get to on this trip!