20 Fun things to do in Alaska in the Summer: discover the Last Frontier

Alaska is an amazing destination full of wilderness and best to be explored during the warmer months. These are the best things to do in Alaska in the Summer.

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1 About Alaska

2 The best things to do in Alaska in the Summer

3 Book a trip to Alaska

About Alaska

Alaska, the largest state in the United States of America, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged wilderness, and its many big wild animals. From glaciers to mountains and fjords to forests, Alaska has it all.

I went on a road trip in this remarkable state in the summer of 2024 and was very impressed. Nowhere in the world did I see such a wilderness, at times it was impossible to comprehend how empty the landscape was without human influence.

For me, traveling in Alaska in the summer months was the best way to explore the state, as there’s a greater chance of seeing the animals roaming around and it’s easier to explore the amazing hiking trails.

In this article, I will take you to Alaska and share the most beautiful sights I saw during my trip as well as the sights I really want to check out on my next trip. Enjoy the read and, hopefully at the end, you will be as just as impressed with Alaska as I am.

The best things to do in Alaska in the Summer

Are you ready? These are – in no particular order – the most extraordinary and beautiful Alaska sights to check out in the summer months.

Denali National Park

Let’s start with a place I still regret not visiting: Denali National Park. The weather didn’t cooperate, and it didn’t fit the schedule)

This park is home to North America’s highest mountain, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) and it is a whopping 20,310 feet tall (6.190 meter). You’ll find numerous hiking trails in the park, and chances are you’ll spot wildlife. Keep your eyes open for grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and caribou, and admire the animals from a distance.

Good to know: it seems that only one in three visitors see the summit of Denali, as it is regularly hidden in the clouds. Who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky!

Overnight: McKinley Creekside Cabins (3⭐) – Very comfortable accommodation in nature about a 20-minute drive from the entrance to Denali National Park.
Fun thing to do: Take a bus ride through the park (book it ahead of time!), hike one of the many trails, or book a sightseeing flight for spectacular views of the mountain peaks.

Matanuska Glacier

The first major glacier I saw during my tour of Alaska was the Matanuska Glacier, and that one is truly impressive! After all, this is the largest glacier in the United States of America that you can reach by car. I myself admired it from various viewpoints from the Glenn Highway and then you can see how immense this glacier is.

Where to stay: Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge – Beautiful accommodation in Sutton, just a few minutes’ drive from Matanuska Glacier and the village of Glacier View.
Fun thing to do: Book a tour to hike in, on, and through Matanuska Glacier. Check Viator for options.

Unique event: Celebrate the 4th of July at Glacier View

I arrived in Alaska on the third of July, which was a conscious choice, because I wanted to experience the Fourth of July (or Independence Day) in Alaska. Well, the sun barely sets at that time of year, so it’s kind of useless to do any fireworks.

So what do they do? They launch dozens of cars off a high cliff near the village of Glacier View. A bizarre event for which virtually all of Alaska turns out. Because it is such a small village, there are also hardly any parking spaces, so everyone parks along the highway and then walks with a cooler and some chairs to the launch site.

Besides the flying cars, the American national anthem sounds and planes go over the site in various formations. For me as a non-American, it was a very interesting and once in a lifetime happening!

Inside Passage

Many parts of Alaska are very difficult to reach because of its jagged coastline and high mountains. In some places, such as the Inside Passage, you can only get there by boat. The Inside Passage is a spectacular coastal route stretching from southeastern Alaska to British Columbia in Canada.

You can travel this route on a regular Alaska Marine Highway ferry or book a special cruise. During the trip, you will have views of scenic fjords, dense forests, and impressive glaciers. If you’re lucky, you may also spot whales, orcas, and other sea creatures along the way. You will always be on the road via the Inside Passage for a few days, so take plenty of time for this.

Cruise ship on the Inside Passage in Alaska - Photo via Depositphotos

Prince William Sound

Should you have a little less time, I highly recommend going a boat trip in the Prince William Sound. For example, like me, you can do this by taking the ferry from Valdez to Whittier, which takes about 6 hours.

The views of the jagged landscape full of waterfalls, forests, and glaciers are spectacular. If you are lucky you will even see whales and orcas. I myself unfortunately did not see any during this trip, but I did see a few sea otters and sea lions. Also very cool!

How to book – The ferry from Valdez to Whittier goes a few times a week and can be booked through the official website. It may be full (online), but you can always ask for a spot on the waiting list and get in line well in advance (in our case, it was at 5 a.m. and the boat left at 7 a.m.).

Another way to see (part of) the Prince William Sound is to book a day tour to the imposing Columbia Glacier from Valdez. During this boat trip, you also have a chance to see wildlife.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Perhaps the most beautiful place that I visited during my tour of Alaska: Kenai Fjords National Park. Although it could also be due to the weather, I had one of the sunniest days of the trip there. Anyway, Kenai Fjords is located in southern Alaska and is known for its impressive glaciers and fjords.

The boat ride through the park is a great way to see the glaciers and lots of wildlife up close. Among other things, I saw dozens (!) of whales, puffins, sea lions, Dall porpoises. and sea otters.

Where to book: I booked my boat tour through Get Your Guide. The convenient thing about this is that you can choose from several tours and also check out the reviews of other travelers. It’s definitely not cheap (but that’s nothing in Alaska), but for me, it was worth every penny. What an experience!

Another fun thing to do in Kenai Fjords NP is going for a hike along Exit Glacier, this is the Harding Icefield Trail. It’s one of the best day hikes I’ve done in the USA, highly recommended!

Anchorage

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and has the largest airport, making the city usually the starting and ending point for tours of the state. Although the city is much more sprawling and quiet than most other American cities, it is great fun to spend a day walking around here.

Should you visit Anchorage at the beginning of your Alaska trip, be sure to stop by the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. Here you can find information about all the national parks in the state and watch a movie about Alaska’s history. Very interesting!

You also have many nice restaurants and breweries here where you can have a local beer. Moreover, in Downtown you will find many beautiful works of art that add color to the city.

Hotel Tip: Snob Hollow Inn Downtown Anchorage – Nice, small accommodation in the center of town. You can walk from here to 4th Avenue, where the souvenir stores and nice restaurants are.

Katmai National Park

Alaska has no less than eight national parks, and some are so remote that they are very difficult to visit. Katmai National Park is one of them, as this beautiful park can only be visited by plane or boat.

The park is known for its brown bears, which congregate here in large numbers to fish for salmon. A visit to Brooks Falls, where you can watch the bears fish, is therefore an unforgettable experience.

Juneau

The place I would like to visit on my next trip to Alaska is Juneau which is the capital of Alaska. This small town (population about 30,000) is in a beautiful location and is surrounded by impressive mountains and glaciers.

Among other things, you can visit the Alaska State Museum to learn more about the state’s history and culture or take a hike at nearby Mendenhall Glacier. For the best views of the city, take a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway. This mountain cable car will take you to the top of Mount Roberts, and from here you’ll have stunning views of Juneau and its jagged landscape.

Where to stay: Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed and Breakfast – Cozy B&B with nice hosts in a historic mansion from the days of the gold rush.
Fun thing to do: Book a canoe trip to Mendall Lake and see the glacier up close.

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park, accessible by boat or plane from Juneau, is one of Alaska’s most remote and pristine areas. The park is known for its impressive glaciers, including the Margerie Glacier and the Johns Hopkins Glacier. What makes it extra special are the many fjords as well as the temperate rainforest. A large part of the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the highlights of a cruise through the Inside Passage.

The best way to see the park is by boat tour. This way you can see the glaciers up close and you can also spot whales, seals, and other sea creatures along the way.

Valdez

Although the weather during my trip was not exactly cooperative, I found Valdez to be a truly fairytale destination. This is because of it’s picturesque location: in a bay of the Prince William Sound and surrounded by tall green mountains. Everywhere I looked I saw waterfalls.

The town itself is not very big, but there is a nice atmosphere thanks to the colorful harbor and the many fine restaurants where you can eat delicious food (The Potato is highly recommended). You can easily spend a few days here because there is a lot to do. For example, there are several beautiful hiking trails, you can see how salmon are farmed at The Solomon Gulch Hatchery and take a day trip to the Columbia Glacier.

The chances of seeing wildlife here, by the way, are high. There are bald eagles everywhere and I even saw a grizzly bear and a sea lion. Love love loved it!

Lodging: Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn (3⭐) – One of the better hotels in Valdez, nicely located on the harbor.

Richardson Highway

Valdez is rather in a remote corner and to get there you either have to take the ferry or drive down the Richardson Highway. And the latter is certainly not a punishment, because it is one of the most beautiful roads in Alaska. The last 55 kilometers to Valdez took us no less than four hours (it can also be done in 40 minutes) because we wanted to stop so often.

A few highlights along the Richardson Highway:

Worthington Glacier – A large glacier.
Thompson Pass – The highest point on the highway, from here you can take a nice hike to various viewpoints.
Old Railroad Tunnel – The remains of a tunnel carved by hand. Because of a “shoot out,” the railroad never got there.
Bridal Veil & Horsetail Falls – Impressive waterfalls, you can’t miss them as they are next to the road.

Fairbanks

Another place I unfortunately had to skip is Fairbanks. Located in the heart of Alaska, this town is a great place to see the Northern Lights during the winter months (I was there in July, that’s when it doesn’t even get dark there).

There are plenty of fun things to do in town, visit the Museum of the North, for example, where you can learn more about Alaska’s history and culture. The Chena River flows right through the city, which makes for great views and you can also take a nice walk along the riverfront.

Where to stay: Sophie Station Suites (4⭐) – Fine accommodation with well-equipped spacious rooms with a kitchen.

Chena Hot Springs

And while you’re in Fairbanks, it’s a must to also visit the Chena Hot Springs. These natural hot springs are located about 100 kilometers from Fairbanks, in the middle of nature.

You can also stay overnight near the Chena Hot Springs, at the Chena Hot Springs Resort or at a campground. Besides relaxing in the springs, you can also visit the extraordinary Aurora Ice Museum.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

The first national park I visited in Alaska was Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and this is definitely a very special one! It is in fact the largest national park in the United States of America, according to the ranger I spoke to it is even as big as my country (the Netherlands).

In Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, you will find some of the highest mountains in North America, including Mount St. Elias (18,008 feet). The park is a vast wilderness; it’s impossible to see all of it. The best attempt is to take a sightseeing flight over the mountain peaks, then you will also see several glaciers.

I myself visited the old mining towns of McCarthy and Kennecott in the park, and those are definitely worth visiting! Kennecott was abandoned about 100 years ago, but because of its remote location, you can still see how life used to be. You can also hike on the Root Glacier from here. Which is awesome!

Where to stay: Blackburn Cabins – Cozy cabins in the wilderness, within walking distance of McCarthy. There is a free shuttle service.
Fun thing to do: Go kayaking on an icy river along a glacier.

Alaska Highway

Alaska is an ultimate road trip destination. The roads are long, vast, and cut across the wilderness. The most iconic driving route in the state is the Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway. It runs from British Columbia in Canada to Delta Junction in Alaska and is nearly 1,387 miles (2,237 kilometers) long.

A road trip along this road offers the chance to experience Alaska’s rugged wilderness and visit numerous small towns along the way. Just make sure you have a full tank of gas and be careful. Wildlife frequently runs across the road and it is also not paved everywhere. Either way, it is a fantastic adventure to drive this road!

Seward

Seward is one of the nicest places I visited in Alaska. This quaint coastal town serves as the gateway to the aforementioned Kenai Fjords National Park. There is a nice atmosphere, there is a nice walking trail along the coast and harbor, and it is also nice and colorful. There are plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants (Tidewater Taphouse, Resurrect Art Coffee House, and the Seward Brewing Company are my recommendations) where you can enjoy a tasty meal.

Even if you do not plan to take a boat ride, there is plenty to see and do, for example, check out the Lowell Creek Waterfall that opens onto the beach, or enjoy a beautiful hike on the Lost Lake Trail.

Hotel tip: Harbor 360 Hotel Seward (3⭐) – Beautiful hotel on the harbor, right in the middle of Seward’s busy downtown area. This is also where many of the boat tours begin.
Fun thing to do: Join a tour so you can take an unforgettable hike on the massive Exit Glacier.

Haines

If you take the ferry from Bellingham (Washington State) to Alaska, Haines is one of the last stops. This charming coastal town is small but delightful and, again, is located in beautiful surroundings. One of the highlights is a visit to the American Bald Eagle Preserve, where you can see the impressive birds of prey and learn more about them. You can also do very cool kayaking or rafting tours here.

Where to stay: Aspen Suites Hotel Haines – The best rated hotel in Haines, nicely centrally located.
Fun thing to do: View bald eagles at Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve from an inflatable raft. An adventure activity and wildlife watching in one!

Homer

Homer, like Seward, is on the Kenai Peninsula, but on the other side. This is another beautiful fishing town to visit. From many places in the town, you have beautiful views of Kachemak Bay and the surrounding mountains.

Be sure to visit the iconic Homer Spit, a long spit of land jutting out into the bay. Here you have plenty of fun colorful stores, restaurants, and cafes. You can also take scenic bone tours to spot wildlife here again.

Hotel tip: Homer Inn & Spa – Beautiful and relaxing accommodation with very comfortable rooms. There is a large sun deck with views of the sea and snow-capped mountain peaks.
Fun thing to do: Join a small boat tour (maximum 6 people) and admire beautiful Kachemak Bay from the water. You might even see wildlife like orcas and sea lions along the way!
Read more: 10 fun things to do in Homer Alaska

Kodiak Island

The last destination on this list of Alaska sights I would like to mention is Kodiak Island. How I would have loved to go here! Unfortunately, time and weather didn’t quite work out, but this really is a must see for a future trip.

This island lies off the south coast of Alaska (not far from Homer) and is known for its large brown bears, also called Kodiak bears. This is therefore immediately the biggest attraction of the island, so it is a must to join one of the tours and see these giants in the wild.

What further makes Kodiak Island special is its ruggedness. The island is mountainous and forested, with numerous lakes, rivers, and fjords. Along the coast, then, you have fantastic views. It is definitely one of the most special destinations in Alaska.

Where to stay: Goldilocks Bed & Breakfast – Beautiful B&B on the northeast coast of Kodiak Island. The rooms are very comfortable and the views are phenomenal.

Book a trip to Alaska

As you can see, Alaska is a state full of natural wonders and special experiences. With these 20 Alaska sights and activities to guide you, you are guaranteed an unforgettable tour of this beautiful state. Want to see these sights with your own eyes? Then book your trip now!

✈️ Plane tickets – Anchorage is home to the largest airport in Alaska. Check WayAway to find the best deals and cashback on plane tickets.

🚘 Rental car – To explore Alaska, having a rental car is a must. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals. Make sure to book early, as cars tend to sell out (and get really expensive). If you prefer to travel by RV, check out RV Share.

💊Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.

🚣🏼‍♀️Tours & Activities – Alaska is a paradise for outdoor lovers, and there are many unique tours and activities to do, including glacier flights and whale-watching cruises. Check out Get Your Guide for inspiration.

20 Fun things to do in Alaska in the Summer: discover the Last Frontier

About Alaska