Alaska in the summer is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the world, with nearly three million visiting Alaska every year to see, explore, and experience all that the Last Frontier has to offer.
With so many fun summer experiences, hiking trails, and gorgeous locations to choose from, how can a new visitor (or someone who hasn’t been here for many years) know which places are the highlights of visiting Alaska?
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To help answer this, we’ve put together this guide (written by a longtime Alaska resident!) of seven must-see highlights that you won’t want to miss on your next summer visit to Alaska:
1) Enjoy Wildlife Viewing, Charter Fishing Trips, And More In Beautiful Hoonah
On the beautiful shores of Icy Strait Point in the traditional Tlingit town of Hoonah on Chichagof Island, you’ll find gorgeous views, exciting adventures, and breathtaking scenery.
At the Port of Icy Strait, our tours show the best that Southeast Alaska has to offer. You’ll see amazing sights on and around our island that’ll make you want to keep coming back to see us every year during the summer months.
Don’t miss these fantastic tours that showcase Alaska’s summer highlights:
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Our three-hour Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour offers incredible wildlife viewing! You’ll spot humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, and many other species in their natural habitat.
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Our three-hour Wilderness Tour and Brown Bear Search takes you through the gorgeous wilds of Chichagof Island for an unforgettable journey. You’ll see brown bears, seabirds, salmon, and much more all from a safe distance.
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Our three-hour Kayak Adventure suits all fitness levels. Paddle around Port Frederick’s calm waters while spotting mountain goats, brown bears, and enjoying spectacular views.
No summer in Alaska would be complete without one of the amazing adventures offered by Icy Strait Shore Excursions, which is why they tend to fill up fast (especially in the peak season). Don’t get left behind; visit our website to book your next amazing Alaskan adventure with us today!
2) See Denali National Park, The Tallest Mountain In North America
Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest mountain, Denali, which stands at 20,310 feet. Roughly one million acres of glaciers can be found here, giving you an up-close and personal look at the ice in all of its majestic glory.
When you visit Denali National Park, you’ll get a chance to see much more than just the mountain itself. Dog sledding, hiking, cross-country skiing, and chances to see amazing wildlife are just a few of the many options that you can enjoy on your visit to the highest peak in North America.
Did You Know? Denali is one of the largest National Parks in the US. At over 9,400 square miles, it’s roughly the same size as the states of Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island combined!
3) See Alaska’s Amazing Natural Beauty On A Boat
If you’re visiting Alaska on a cruise ship, you’ve probably already got this one covered. However, as more visitors come as independent travelers (i.e., not on cruise ships), a boat excursion provides these travelers with the chance to experience the best of both worlds.
The Alaska Marine Highway System is a network of state-owned and operated ships that travel three main routes: Southeast Alaska (including the Inside Passage), the Gulf of Alaska, and the Aleutians. You can also take boat excursions that travel in a loop, allowing you to take a quick tour and move on with your itinerary.
Good To Know: The ferry system connects to Prince Rupert, Canada, and Bellingham, Washington, letting you explore Alaska’s Inside Passage at your own pace.
4) Have An Incredible Adventure On The Alaska Railroad
Perfect for quick excursions, day trips, or longer stays, the Alaska Railroad is a great way to see the sights as you travel from one amazing location to the next. With multiple routes and dozens of destinations, you can leave your car behind and travel around Alaska in style while avoiding the perils of Alaska weather.
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Visit Girdwood, home of the world-famous Alyeska Resort. While summer isn’t ski season, you can still enjoy Alyeska Resort’s spa and scenic mountain views.
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Several routes pass through Denali National Park, giving you a chance to take some great pictures of the mountain as part of your journey.
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When visiting Alaska, you won’t want to miss the town of Whittier, the route’s southern terminus, which is home to some of the best fishing and hiking the state has to offer. Don’t forget to check out the famous Whittier Tunnel, too!
Good To Know: Whether you’re taking a scenic day trip or a longer journey, the Alaska Railroad is a fantastic way to experience the diverse landscapes and unique charm of Alaska during the summer season.
5) Explore The Beautiful Untouched Nature Of Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park on the Kenai Peninsula is home to many amazing sights, but especially the fjords themselves. You can take a cruise through the park, hike on one of the many trails, or take a helicopter and see the park’s beauty from the air.
The best way to access the park is through the city of Seward, about two hours south of Anchorage via the Seward Highway. The Harding Icefield and its 40 gorgeous glaciers (whose recession created the fjords) are a sight to behold, and you won’t want to miss them.
Did You Know? Unlike most National Parks, most of Kenai Fjords is only accessible by boat or by plane, so tours are very common. This makes exploring the park’s beautiful fjords and glaciers feel even more special and adventurous.
6) Experience Incredible Hiking In Fairbanks
In the northern part of Alaska’s Interior Region, you’ll find the amazing city of Fairbanks. This is truly the land of the Midnight Sun, with the sun rarely setting between mid-April and mid-August. These long hours filled with daylight make Fairbanks perfect for late-night adventures like hiking and more.
It’s also a great place to view wildlife, with species like moose, flying squirrels, red foxes, beavers, and others commonly found in the area. The dozens of hiking trails here give you the option to hike for a few hours, a whole day, or even longer. Explore some of the top hiking trails:
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Chena River Nature Trail
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Skyline Ridge Park Trailhead
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Angel Rocks Trailhead
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Wickersham Dome Trail
Pro Tip: Summer’s mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers make it the perfect season to explore Alaska’s natural beauty on foot. Just be sure to pack layers and rain gear, as the weather can change quickly even during the summer months.
7) Hike The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail In Anchorage
If you’re in Anchorage looking for fun things to do in Alaska in July, you won’t want to miss the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, named for the former governor. This 11-mile paved trail provides tremendous views of both the local wildlife and the waters of the Gulf of Alaska.
As with all hiking trips during any of Alaska’s four seasons, you’ll need to prepare for Alaska weather. Even in the summer months, wind and rain are common, so remember to dress in layers and be prepared for anything. Despite the cold, the trip is well worth it!
Along the trail, you’ll often spot wildlife such as bald eagles, moose, and even the occasional fox, making every hike an exciting adventure. Whether you’re walking, biking, or rollerblading, this trail provides a peaceful escape right within the city, perfect for all skill levels.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for fewer crowds, try to avoid coming here on the weekends or during peak hours. Locals love this trail and it can get pretty busy at times.
Enjoy Alaska In The Summer With Icy Strait Shore Excursions
Whether you’re visiting Alaska for summer adventures, hiking, wildlife viewing, national parks, the chance to enjoy 24 hours of daylight every day, or any other reason, you’ll find everything you’re looking for and a whole lot more. If you stay through mid-September, there’s less daylight, making it possible to see the Northern Lights.
Of course, no summer in Alaska would be complete without a trip to beautiful Hoonah in the Southeast. At Icy Strait Shore Excursions, we make sure you have the best experience possible while visiting Alaska during our peak season. Our tours are perfect for both Alaska cruise ship passengers and independent travelers. With our Cruise Ship Return Guarantee, we’ll get you back on time and you won’t get left behind.
Speaking of “getting left behind,” our tours do fill up fast (especially during the summer season), so you’ll want to get your spot reserved before they run out. Visit our website and book your next exciting adventure in The Last Frontier with us today!
