Alaska represents a scale of wilderness that often defies conventional travel planning. As the largest state in the U.S., it encompasses over 660,000 square miles of rugged terrain, massive glaciers, and diverse ecosystems. Choosing the right things to do in Alaska requires an understanding of the state's distinct regions and the logistical realities of moving between them. Whether the goal is to witness the raw power of a calving glacier or to stand under the shimmering curtain of the northern lights, the 2026 season offers a unique window into the "Last Frontier."

Witnessing Tidewater Glaciers and Ice Fields

Glaciers are the sculptural heart of the Alaskan landscape. There are more than 100,000 glaciers in the state, but the most dramatic experiences involve tidewater glaciers—massive rivers of ice that meet the ocean.

Kenai Fjords National Park

In Southcentral Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park is arguably the most accessible place to witness glacial action. Boat tours departing from Seward provide a front-row seat to the Harding Icefield's descendants. Aishihik or Holgate Glaciers are frequent stops where visitors can observe "calving." This phenomenon occurs when chunks of ice, some as large as multi-story buildings, break off the glacier face and crash into the sea. The sound, often described as "white thunder," is a visceral reminder of the earth's constant movement.

Matanuska Glacier Trekking

For those who prefer a more tactile experience, the Matanuska Glacier offers a rare opportunity to walk on ice without needing a helicopter. Located about two hours north of Anchorage, it is the largest glacier in Alaska accessible by car. Guided tours are highly recommended for safety, providing crampons and expert knowledge to navigate the crevasses, moulins, and brilliant blue meltwater pools. The scale of the ice becomes far more apparent when standing in the middle of a 27-mile-long frozen river.

Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau

In the state capital, the Mendenhall Glacier remains a primary attraction. While the glacier has been receding rapidly, the surrounding area offers world-class hiking trails, such as the West Glacier Trail, which provides elevated views of the ice. The Nugget Falls trail is a shorter, flatter alternative that leads to a massive waterfall right next to the glacier's face.

The Pursuit of the "Big Five" Wildlife

Wildlife viewing is often cited as a top priority for those looking for things to do in Alaska. The state is home to the "Big Five": grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and gray wolves. Seeing all five in a single trip is a matter of both timing and location.

Bear Viewing at Katmai and Lake Clark

While black bears and brown bears can be spotted throughout the state, for a dedicated bear-viewing experience, fly-in trips to Katmai National Park or Lake Clark National Park are unmatched. In 2026, these remote areas remain the gold standard for observing brown bears in their natural habitat. At Brooks Falls in Katmai, the sight of bears catching leaping salmon in mid-air is a spectacle that typically peaks in July and September. These excursions usually involve small bush planes, offering an additional perspective of the Alaskan wilderness from above.

Marine Life in Resurrection Bay

Resurrection Bay and the surrounding waters of the Gulf of Alaska are teeming with marine mammals. Humpback whales migrate to these nutrient-rich waters every summer, and sightings are remarkably consistent. Orcas (killer whales), Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and the ever-playful sea otters are also common. For birders, the sheer cliffs of the fjords are home to thousands of puffins, which are easily recognized by their colorful beaks and frantic flapping.

Interior Wildlife in Denali

Denali National Park remains the premier location for terrestrial wildlife. The park's restricted traffic policy means that animals are less disturbed by human activity. It is common to see moose browsing in the willow thickets near the park entrance or caribou traversing the high tundra. Keep in mind that wolves and bears are more elusive, often requiring binoculars and a bit of patience from the park’s transit buses.

Navigating Denali National Park in 2026

Denali is the crown jewel of the interior, but visitors in 2026 must be aware of the ongoing infrastructure challenges. The Pretty Rocks Landslide at Mile 42 of the Park Road has necessitated a multi-year bridge construction project.

Current Access Constraints

While the first 42 miles of the road are accessible, the interior of the park beyond the landslide remains closed to vehicle traffic. However, this does not mean the park is closed. Visitors can still explore the Savage River area, hike the numerous trails near the visitor center, and take bus tours to the East Fork Bridge. The reduced traffic in the latter half of the park has actually created a more serene environment for the wildlife, which some naturalists argue has improved the viewing experience in the accessible portions.

Alternative Views of the Mountain

For those specifically wanting to see the 20,310-foot peak of Denali, flightseeing from Talkeetna is often the more reliable option. Since the mountain is frequently obscured by clouds (the "30% Rule"), flying above the weather allows for an unobstructed view of the summit and the surrounding Alaska Range. Many of these flights include a glacier landing, where the pilot touches down on the Ruth Glacier, allowing passengers to step out onto the snow in the middle of summer.

Chasing the Light: Aurora and Midnight Sun

The celestial phenomena in Alaska are dictated by the tilt of the Earth, creating two very different types of trips depending on the season.

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

To see the Aurora, planning is essential. The "Aurora Season" runs from late August to early April. Fairbanks is widely considered the best hub for viewing because it sits directly under the Auroral Oval. By 2026, solar activity is expected to remain favorable for vibrant displays. For the best experience, it is advisable to stay at least three to four nights to account for potential cloud cover. Looking for accommodations away from city light pollution will significantly enhance the intensity of the colors.

The Midnight Sun

Conversely, a summer visit offers the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. In late June, the sun barely dips below the horizon in Southcentral Alaska and stays up for 24 hours in the Arctic Circle. This provides an incredible amount of energy for outdoor activities. It is not uncommon to see locals hiking or fishing at 11:00 PM. While the extra daylight is exhilarating, travelers should ensure their accommodations have "blackout curtains" to maintain a normal sleep cycle.

Transportation as an Adventure

In a state with more coastline than the rest of the U.S. combined and very few roads, the way you travel is often one of the best things to do in Alaska in its own right.

The Alaska Railroad

The historic Alaska Railroad offers a relaxing way to see parts of the state that are inaccessible by car. The route between Anchorage and Seward is particularly scenic, hugging the coast of Turnagain Arm before climbing through the Kenai Mountains. For those heading north, the Denali Star connects Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks. Opting for the "GoldStar Service" provides glass-domed ceilings and an outdoor viewing platform, which is ideal for photography without the glare of windows.

Small-Ship vs. Large-Ship Cruises

Cruising the Inside Passage is a quintessential Alaskan experience. In 2026, there is a growing trend toward small-ship expedition cruises. While large cruise ships offer more amenities and lower price points, small ships can navigate narrower channels like Tracy Arm Fjord and dock in smaller communities like Petersburg or Wrangell. These smaller vessels often focus more on education and active exploration, using Zodiacs to get closer to icebergs and wildlife.

Bush Planes and Air Taxis

To truly understand the vastness of Alaska, one must take to the air. Bush planes are the lifelines for many Alaskan communities. Taking an air taxi from Anchorage to a remote lodge or a day-trip flightseeing tour over Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (the largest national park in the U.S.) reveals a landscape of unending peaks and glaciers that have likely never been touched by humans.

Alaska Native Culture and History

Understanding Alaska requires acknowledging the thousands of years of indigenous history and the relatively recent influence of the Gold Rush.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Located in Anchorage, this center is a vital starting point. It features traditional dwellings representing the distinct cultures of the Athabascan, Inupiaq, Yup’ik, Unangax̂, and Tlingit/Haida people. Watching traditional dances and listening to oral histories provides context that enriches the rest of a trip through the state.

Totem Poles and Tlingit Art

In Southeast Alaska, particularly in Ketchikan and Sitka, the art of totem carving is still very much alive. Saxman Native Village and Totem Bight State Historical Park showcase these intricate sculptures, each telling a specific family story or historical event. Visiting a carving shed allows for a conversation with artists who are keeping these ancient traditions relevant in the 21st century.

Klondike Gold Rush History

Skagway serves as a living museum of the 1898 Gold Rush. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park preserves the boardwalks and saloons of that era. Taking the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad—a narrow-gauge railway built in 1898—offers a stunning and slightly harrowing climb up the mountainside, following the trail that thousands of prospectors once hiked in search of fortune.

High-Adrenaline Outdoor Activities

For those who prefer a faster pace, Alaska’s terrain is a natural playground for high-intensity activities.

White Water Rafting

Rivers like the Nenana near Denali or the Six Mile Creek on the Kenai Peninsula offer world-class rafting. Six Mile Creek is particularly famous for its "canyon" runs, featuring Class IV and V rapids that require a drysuit and a safety test before participation. For a gentler experience, scenic floats on the Kenai River allow for bird watching and mountain views without the adrenaline spike.

Sea Kayaking

Kayaking offers a silent, low-to-the-water perspective that is perfect for wildlife encounters. In places like Resurrection Bay or Kachemak Bay (near Homer), kayakers can glide past sea otters and seals. Paddling near glaciers is also possible, though strict safety distances must be maintained due to the danger of ice falling or large waves created by calving.

ATV and Jeep Tours

In the interior, especially around the Denali area, ATV tours allow visitors to cover significant ground on old mining trails. These tours often lead to high ridges with panoramic views of the tundra, providing a sense of the "Alaska Factor"—the feeling of being infinitesimally small in a landscape that seems to go on forever.

Practical Considerations for 2026

Planning a trip this far north requires attention to detail that a typical tropical vacation might not.

The Layering System

Alaskan weather is notoriously unpredictable. Even in July, temperatures can swing from 70°F (21°C) to 45°F (7°C) in a single afternoon. The key is a three-layer system: a moisture-wicking base layer (merino wool or synthetic), an insulating middle layer (fleece or down), and a waterproof, windproof outer shell. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential, regardless of how much hiking is planned.

Timing the Visit

  • May/September (Shoulder Season): Lower prices and fewer crowds. May is often the driest month, while September offers vibrant fall colors and the return of the Aurora, though many seasonal businesses begin closing by mid-September.
  • June/July/August (Peak Season): The best weather and maximum daylight. All tours are operational, but popular activities and accommodations can book out a year in advance.
  • Winter: Ideal for skiing, dog sledding, and serious Aurora hunters. Be prepared for very short days and temperatures that can drop well below 0°F.

Booking Early

Due to the limited infrastructure and the high demand for Alaskan experiences, booking tours and transport at least 6 to 9 months in advance is recommended for 2026. This is especially true for the Alaska Railroad's premium cabins and popular bear-viewing lodges.

Final Thoughts on the Alaska Experience

Ultimately, the best things to do in Alaska are the ones that connect you to the raw, unpolished version of nature. It is a place that rewards the curious and the prepared. Whether you are watching a whale breach in the North Pacific or simply taking a deep breath of the fragrant, sub-arctic tundra air, Alaska has a way of staying with you long after the journey ends. The vastness of the state ensures that no two visits are ever the same, making it a destination that many find themselves returning to again and again.