We’re all first time travelers to a destination once! I wanted to share a few items to help provide structure to areas a first time visitor may have when thinking about their trip to Alaska.

Alaska is a land of breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural history. For first-time visitors, the state offers an incredible variety of destinations, from bustling coastal cities to remote national parks. Quite honestly, it can be overwhelming - so much to see, do, taste and experience (and in a short amount of time!).

Whether you’re arriving by Alaska cruise, plane to Alaska, or planning an Alaska road trip, here are the must-see places to add to your Alaska travel itinerary. I’ve also provided some thought-provoking itinerary planning questions for you to ponder as you plan.

1. Juneau: As you can imagine, I’m a little bias about Juneau because I call it home. For me, it has a fantastic blend of accessibility (flights, more than 1 grocery store, etc.) and the remote, rugged scenery of Alaska right out your front door (the view of the mountains from Safeways parking lot is gorgeous). Also known as Alaska’s capital city, Juneau is famous for its access to glaciers in Alaska, Alaska wildlife, and rich Gold Rush history. Visit Mendenhall Glacier, a stunning river of ice with hiking trails and an active glacial lake. Take the Goldbelt Tramway (used to be called Mount Roberts Tramway) for sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains. In this article, I list a few ‘hidden gems’ that may be worth exploring if you have time in Juneau.

As you can probably tell from my photos, whale watching in Juneau is another must-do activity, where humpback whales in Alaska are frequently spotted during summer months (and sometimes, they come into the Auke Bay harbor feeding!).

2. Anchorage: The largest city in Alaska is a great starting point for any Alaska adventure. Anchorage is known for its urban amenities combined with outdoor opportunities. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers stunning views of Cook Inlet, while nearby Flattop Mountain provides one of the best hikes for panoramic Anchorage views. If you would like to make sure you see wildlife, consider heading to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which is just an hour south of Anchorage (between Anchorage and Whittier). It is an excellent place to see bears in Alaska, moose in Alaska, and Alaska bison up close.

3. Denali National Park: Home to Denali, North America’s tallest peak, Denali National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts in Alaska. The park features breathtaking Alaska tundra landscapes, a variety of Denali hiking trails, and the chance to see the Big Five in Alaska: grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves in Alaska.

While some believe that the best way to explore is by taking a guided Denali bus tour deep into the park, where private vehicles are not allowed beyond Mile 15, I would highly recommend taking an aerial view of the park.

The views are incredible - here are a couple of photos and a video so you can get a taste of why I believe Denali by air is a life changing experience.

4. Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park: A visit to Seward, Alaska is not complete without exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Take an Alaska glacier cruise to see dramatic Alaska fjords, glaciers calving into the sea, and abundant marine life in Alaska, such as orcas in Alaska, sea otters, and puffins. Hiking Exit Glacier offers accessible trails leading to stunning Alaska glacier views.

5. Fairbanks: Land of the midnight sun - during the peak of the summer, 24 hours of daylight and during the winter months, mostly darkness. I have flown up there during the darkness to experience the Northern Lights. While we do have beautiful aurora showings here in Juneau, the lights in Fairbanks seem to be more prominent and vibrant. The city also offers Alaska hot springs at Chena Hot Springs Resort, where visitors can soak in warm mineral waters while surrounded by snowy landscapes in winter. Pioneer Park and the University of Alaska Museum of the North are also worth a visit.

6. Ketchikan: Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan, Alaska offers a rich cultural experience with its impressive collection of Native Alaskan totem poles. Visitors can explore Misty Fjords National Monument by Alaska boat touror seaplane adventure in Alaska, take a stroll along Creek Street in Ketchikan, or watch for black bears in Alaskafishing for salmon at the aptly named Bear Viewing Bridge.

Final Tips
When planning your trip to Alaska, consider the season, as summer in Alaska (June-August) offers the best weather and accessibility. However, fall in Alaska and winter in Alaska bring opportunities for fewer crowds in Alaska and in the winter, the aurora borealis viewing, and unique experiences such as dog sledding in Alaska.

No matter when you visit, Alaska’s incredible scenery and wildlife will make for an unforgettable Alaska adventure. Here are a few other articles that might help you plan your experience: