There are thousands of things to do in Alaska, from zip-lining through the forest to enjoying a brew at the Alaskan Brewing Co. We understand it’s hard to decide which of the awesome, and seemingly endless, attractions to tackle when you’re here; so, to make it easier on you, we put together this ultimate Alaska bucket list of things you’ve got to do at least once while you’re in Alaska.
- Fur Rondy, Anchorage.
Troy B. Thompson | Flickr Watch world championship sled dog races OR the famous out house races. We don’t care as long as you enjoy Fur Rondy at least ONCE while you live in Alaska. It’s quite possibly the best festival ever held, and definitely one of the best things to do in Alaska.
- Hike all over for ultimate wildlife viewing!
Gregory “Slobirdr” Smith | Flickr The more you hike, the more you’ll see in Alaska. From glorious mountain ranges to bears and moose, it never gets boring in the last frontier.
- Visit Denali National Park & Preserve
Gregory “Slobirdr” Smith | Flickr If you never make the trip to Denali (something I find hard to imagine) you’ll regret it 100%. Some of Alaska’s most beautiful sights are witnessed in the shadow of Denali!
- Stay in a Forest Service Cabin.
Joseph | Flickr It’s one of the ultimate Alaskan experiences - trekking in and staying at one of the many Forest Service Cabins around the state. This one is on Peterson Lake.
- Seward on the 4th of July.
Pretty Kate Machine | Flickr So what if it takes forever for night to fall? The 4th of July Celebration in Seward is ALWAYS epic and one that you should definitely cross off your list.
- Climb Flat Top.
Rob Baird | Flickr Live near Anchorage? Get your butt to the top of Flat Top Mountain. Often called the “most climbed mountain in Alaska.” This trail deserves the top spot on your “places to see in Alaska” list!
- Sea kayaking!
Joseph | Flickr Do this at least once in your lifetime. Whale watch or paddle up to get a closer look at looming glaciers. Sea kayaking is an absolute must.
- Stand on a glacier.
Marc A. Garrett | Flickr Glaciers are hard to come by these days, so make an effort to stand on one sometime soon.
- Ice cave exploration!
Andrew E. Russell | Flickr Speaking of glaciers, since you’ve already explored around on top of them, it’s time to get under them. Go see the nearest ice cave today, you will be stunned into silence.
- Ride the rails.
Ron Reiring | Flickr See all sorts of sights from the comfort of a train car. Enjoy a long or short trip, but at least plan one train ride while you’re in the state. Alaska Railroad will help you pursue all of your adventures in Alaska! Book a ticket for anywhere along the rail lines and you won’t be disappointed.
- Northern Lights.
Ronel Reyes | Flickr You can’t say you’ve lived in Alaska and haven’t seen the Northern Lights. That’s just not very Alaskan of you.
- Moose’s Tooth!
27teams | Flickr Enjoy a slice and fill your growler the next time you’re in Anchorage at the Moose’s Tooth Pub!
- Summer camping!
Christopher Griner | Flickr While you’re in Alaska, you’ve got to take the time to go camping in the summer months for a week or so. Experience the long summer days and warm temps while camped out at your favorite spot!
- Winter camping!
Juan Sepulveda | Flickr Speaking of camping, you might as well go winter camping, too! Pack a bag and hike into the storm because waking up to feet of fresh new snow is a truly once in a life time experience.
- Drive the Alaskan Highway.
Peter Waterman | Flickr Even if you only drive part of the Alaskan Highway, or all of it on your move up here, you will see some of the coolest sights along the way. You can’t beat driving the Alaskan Highway! This is an important item on the Alaska bucket list.
- Go to Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau.
mark byzewski | Flickr You have to get down and dirty at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau at least once while you’re here.
- Here fishy, fishy.
Joseph | Flickr Here’s a no brainer - if you’re from Alaska, then you’ve got to go fishing just once. Bare minimum.
- Slide on the snow!
Ben Miller | Flickr Whether it’s in the back country or in your backyard, you’ve got to spend some time in the powder when you live in Alaska.
- Chena Hot Springs
Madeleine Deaton | Flickr You actually have to cross this off your bucket list twice. Once for visiting during the gorgeous summer months and a second time for visiting during the frosty, winter months. It’s so worth the trips.
- Bar hop under the Midnight Sun!
Bernies Bungalow Website There is nothing like spending hours out with your friends, bar hoping and meeting other Alaskans like you under the Midnight Sun. Enjoy those brews outside on the back deck under the warm sun… Did we mention it’s like 1 am?
Have you been to any of these places? What else would you add to this Alaska bucket list? Is there anything else truly Alaskan that should get a spot? Let us know in the comments below!
Troy B. Thompson | Flickr
Watch world championship sled dog races OR the famous out house races. We don’t care as long as you enjoy Fur Rondy at least ONCE while you live in Alaska. It’s quite possibly the best festival ever held, and definitely one of the best things to do in Alaska.
Gregory “Slobirdr” Smith | Flickr
The more you hike, the more you’ll see in Alaska. From glorious mountain ranges to bears and moose, it never gets boring in the last frontier.
If you never make the trip to Denali (something I find hard to imagine) you’ll regret it 100%. Some of Alaska’s most beautiful sights are witnessed in the shadow of Denali!
Joseph | Flickr
It’s one of the ultimate Alaskan experiences - trekking in and staying at one of the many Forest Service Cabins around the state. This one is on Peterson Lake.
Pretty Kate Machine | Flickr
So what if it takes forever for night to fall? The 4th of July Celebration in Seward is ALWAYS epic and one that you should definitely cross off your list.
Rob Baird | Flickr
Live near Anchorage? Get your butt to the top of Flat Top Mountain. Often called the “most climbed mountain in Alaska.” This trail deserves the top spot on your “places to see in Alaska” list!
Do this at least once in your lifetime. Whale watch or paddle up to get a closer look at looming glaciers. Sea kayaking is an absolute must.
Marc A. Garrett | Flickr
Glaciers are hard to come by these days, so make an effort to stand on one sometime soon.
Andrew E. Russell | Flickr
Speaking of glaciers, since you’ve already explored around on top of them, it’s time to get under them. Go see the nearest ice cave today, you will be stunned into silence.
Ron Reiring | Flickr
See all sorts of sights from the comfort of a train car. Enjoy a long or short trip, but at least plan one train ride while you’re in the state. Alaska Railroad will help you pursue all of your adventures in Alaska! Book a ticket for anywhere along the rail lines and you won’t be disappointed.
Ronel Reyes | Flickr
You can’t say you’ve lived in Alaska and haven’t seen the Northern Lights. That’s just not very Alaskan of you.
27teams | Flickr
Enjoy a slice and fill your growler the next time you’re in Anchorage at the Moose’s Tooth Pub!
Christopher Griner | Flickr
While you’re in Alaska, you’ve got to take the time to go camping in the summer months for a week or so. Experience the long summer days and warm temps while camped out at your favorite spot!
Juan Sepulveda | Flickr
Speaking of camping, you might as well go winter camping, too! Pack a bag and hike into the storm because waking up to feet of fresh new snow is a truly once in a life time experience.
Peter Waterman | Flickr
Even if you only drive part of the Alaskan Highway, or all of it on your move up here, you will see some of the coolest sights along the way. You can’t beat driving the Alaskan Highway! This is an important item on the Alaska bucket list.
mark byzewski | Flickr
You have to get down and dirty at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau at least once while you’re here.
Here’s a no brainer - if you’re from Alaska, then you’ve got to go fishing just once. Bare minimum.
Ben Miller | Flickr
Whether it’s in the back country or in your backyard, you’ve got to spend some time in the powder when you live in Alaska.
Madeleine Deaton | Flickr
You actually have to cross this off your bucket list twice. Once for visiting during the gorgeous summer months and a second time for visiting during the frosty, winter months. It’s so worth the trips.
Bernies Bungalow Website
There is nothing like spending hours out with your friends, bar hoping and meeting other Alaskans like you under the Midnight Sun. Enjoy those brews outside on the back deck under the warm sun… Did we mention it’s like 1 am?
If you’re looking for a season specific list, check out 26 Activities To Add To Your Alaska Bucket List This Summer!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Alaska, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Alaska Bucket List June 10, 2020 Megan McDonald What are the most unique things to do in Alaska? There are many things you can do here that are hard to find or experience anywhere else in the world. You can gaze at the northern lights, go dog sledding, or climb the tallest mountain in North America. On some of our coldest days you can throw a boiling pot of coffee in the air and watch it turn to snow. We have hoarfrost, where all of our trees become covered in layered ice crystals. And we have a sun that refuses to set all summer long. From world class fishing, to camping with grizzly bears, this entire state is filled with amazing and unique things to do! What unique tours in Alaska can I take? Because of this state’s size and the amount of actives it offers, you can find a tour for just about anything. There are grizzly bear viewing tours, ice climbing tours on the top of ancient and stunning glaciers, and even tours through permafrost tunnels. Have a tour guide take you kayaking in our marine life rich Prince William Sound, or hire a guide to take you hiking in the backcountry. Tour our amazing cultural museums all throughout the state, or you can even take a tour through award winning breweries. We have something for everyone!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Alaska Bucket List
June 10, 2020
Megan McDonald
What are the most unique things to do in Alaska? There are many things you can do here that are hard to find or experience anywhere else in the world. You can gaze at the northern lights, go dog sledding, or climb the tallest mountain in North America. On some of our coldest days you can throw a boiling pot of coffee in the air and watch it turn to snow. We have hoarfrost, where all of our trees become covered in layered ice crystals. And we have a sun that refuses to set all summer long. From world class fishing, to camping with grizzly bears, this entire state is filled with amazing and unique things to do! What unique tours in Alaska can I take? Because of this state’s size and the amount of actives it offers, you can find a tour for just about anything. There are grizzly bear viewing tours, ice climbing tours on the top of ancient and stunning glaciers, and even tours through permafrost tunnels. Have a tour guide take you kayaking in our marine life rich Prince William Sound, or hire a guide to take you hiking in the backcountry. Tour our amazing cultural museums all throughout the state, or you can even take a tour through award winning breweries. We have something for everyone!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are many things you can do here that are hard to find or experience anywhere else in the world. You can gaze at the northern lights, go dog sledding, or climb the tallest mountain in North America. On some of our coldest days you can throw a boiling pot of coffee in the air and watch it turn to snow. We have hoarfrost, where all of our trees become covered in layered ice crystals. And we have a sun that refuses to set all summer long. From world class fishing, to camping with grizzly bears, this entire state is filled with amazing and unique things to do!
What unique tours in Alaska can I take?
Because of this state’s size and the amount of actives it offers, you can find a tour for just about anything. There are grizzly bear viewing tours, ice climbing tours on the top of ancient and stunning glaciers, and even tours through permafrost tunnels. Have a tour guide take you kayaking in our marine life rich Prince William Sound, or hire a guide to take you hiking in the backcountry. Tour our amazing cultural museums all throughout the state, or you can even take a tour through award winning breweries. We have something for everyone!
