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About Alaska
Alaska overwhelms the senses with superlatives: the highest peak in North America (Denali at 20,310 ft), the largest national park in the US (Wrangell-St. Elias at 13.2 million acres), the longest coastline of any US state (33,904 miles), and summer days with up to 22 hours of sunlight. Six distinct regions define the state — Southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest Inside Passage, Southcentral Alaska around Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula, the Interior dominated by Denali, the Southwest encompassing Kodiak Island and the Alaska Peninsula, the vast Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and the Far North from the Brooks Range to the Arctic Ocean. Wildlife encounters are fundamental to any Alaska visit: humpback whales breach in Glacier Bay, 500,000 caribou migrate across the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and brown bears congregate at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park to catch sockeye salmon. Alaska's Indigenous peoples — Aleut, Alutiiq, Athabascan, Eyak, Haida, Tlingit, Tsimshian, Yup'ik, and Inupiat — maintain living cultural traditions across the state. The state's economy is driven by oil, fishing, and a booming tourism industry that draws over two million visitors annually.
- Capital
- Juneau
- Largest city
- Anchorage
- Population
- 733,000
- Languages
- English, Yup'ik, Inupiaq, Tlingit, Athabascan
- Currency
- US Dollar
- Time zone
- Alaska Time (AKST UTC-9, AKDT UTC-8 in summer)
Explore Alaska by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Alaska
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier Bay National Park
Mendenhall Glacier
Chena Hot Springs
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Alaska Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Alaska, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Alaska
- Days 1-2Alaska city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Alaska
- Days 1-3Alaska comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Alaska, departure
Where to stay in Alaska
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $150-270/day
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $330-610/day
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $850-1950/day
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hotel Captain Cook
Check rates on Booking.comAlyeska Resort
Check rates on Booking.comDenali Princess Wilderness Lodge
Check rates on Booking.comMcKinley Chalet Resort
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Alaska
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
Orso Restaurant
Marx Bros. Cafe
Glacier Brewhouse
Tracy's King Crab Shack
Getting around Alaska
Rent a car in Anchorage for Southcentral and Interior Alaska. Use the Alaska Marine Highway System for Southeast Alaska. Fly between major cities via Alaska Airlines. Take the Alaska Railroad for a scenic Anchorage-to-Fairbanks journey.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $80-120/night (hostels, budget hotels) | $180-280/night | $400-800+/night |
| Food (per day) | $30-50/day | $60-100/day | $150-250/day |
| Transportation | $20-40/day | $40-80/day | $100-300/day |
| Activities | $20-60/day | $50-150/day | $200-600/day |
| Daily total | $150-270/day | $330-610/day | $850-1950/day |
Best time to visit Alaska
September is ideal for aurora borealis, fall colors, and whale watching with fewer crowds. March offers best aurora and winter sports conditions. Shoulder seasons (May, early June) offer lower prices and early wildlife activity.
Essential travel tips
- Book summer accommodations and tours 4-6 months in advance — Alaska fills up fast June-August
- Rent a car in Anchorage for maximum flexibility — many top attractions are only accessible by road
- An America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80, store.usgs.gov/pass) covers entry to Denali, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay, and Wrangell-St. Elias
- Pack layers: even July days can swing from 70°F to 45°F with rain
- Download offline maps (Maps.me or AllTrails) as cell coverage disappears quickly outside cities
- Alaska Airlines has the most domestic Alaska routes; book 2-3 months ahead for summer fares
Safety information
Carry bear spray at all times in any backcountry or park area — Alaska has approximately 60,000 brown/grizzly bears and 100,000 black bears. Bear spray (available at REI Anchorage, 1000 W Northern Lights Blvd, $50-60) is more effective than firearms in most bear encounters. Spray when the bear is within 60 feet; aim at the face in a 30-60 degree arc.
File a trip plan before any backcountry excursion — Leave a written trip plan with the Alaska State Troopers (907-269-5511) or a trusted contact listing your route, expected return time, and vehicle description. In remote areas, emergency response takes 12-72 hours. Carry a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach Mini, ~$400 purchase or $35/month subscription) as a backup to non-existent cell service.
Dress in waterproof layers regardless of the season — Alaska weather changes rapidly at any time of year. Interior temperatures in January can drop to -60°F (-51°C). Even in July, mountain and coastal areas can experience near-freezing temperatures and driving rain. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell. Hypothermia is a genuine risk even in summer if unprepared.
Never enter or cross glacial streams alone or without proper assessment — Alaska's glacial rivers run extremely cold (32-38°F / 0-3°C) and fast, with invisible braided channels and shifting glacial gravel. Cold water immersion survival time is under 15 minutes. If crossing is necessary, use a trekking pole, face upstream, unbuckle pack straps, and cross at the widest and shallowest point — never the most obvious path.
Check and monitor aurora and avalanche forecasts for your region — The Alaska Avalanche Center (alaskasnow.org) provides daily regional forecasts for backcountry travelers. The Geophysical Institute aurora forecast (gi.alaska.edu/aurora-forecast) is updated daily and gives a 1-9 activity scale. For aurora viewing, Kp 3+ is visible with a dark sky; Kp 5+ is visible from Anchorage suburbs. Avalanche danger is real in the Chugach and Alaska Range from October through May.
Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation — A wilderness rescue in Alaska can cost $5,000-50,000+ depending on location and conditions. Medevac helicopter flights from remote areas run $5,000-20,000. Standard health insurance rarely covers wilderness rescue. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage (World Nomads, Allianz) or a dedicated wilderness rescue membership (Alaska Mountain Rescue Group) is strongly recommended for any backcountry activity.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alaska safe to visit in 2026?
Alaska is safe for well-prepared travelers. The main risks are environmental — wildlife encounters, extreme weather, remote terrain — rather than crime. Always carry bear spray, file trip plans for backcountry travel, and dress in layers. Emergency: 911 for police/fire/medical. Alaska State Troopers: 907-269-5511.
What is the best time to visit Alaska?
June through August offers the warmest temperatures (50-75°F), longest daylight hours (up to 22 hours), and most wildlife activity. September is ideal for fall colors, aurora borealis, and fewer crowds. January-March offers winter sports and the best aurora viewing.
Do I need a visa to visit Alaska?
Entry requirements follow US federal immigration rules. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA (esta.cbp.dhs.gov, $21). All others require a US visa. Alaska is a US state — no special permits are needed beyond standard US entry.
What currency is used in Alaska?
US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and major tourist areas. Carry cash for small businesses, markets, and remote areas where connectivity may be limited.
What are the top attractions in Alaska?
Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Mendenhall Glacier, Chena Hot Springs, and aurora borealis viewing near Fairbanks are the top draws. Wildlife watching — brown bears, whales, and bald eagles — is world-class throughout the state.
Do I need a car in Alaska?
A rental car is essential for visiting Denali, the Kenai Peninsula, and most of Southcentral Alaska. Anchorage and Fairbanks are driveable. Southeast Alaska cities (Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka) are only accessible by air or ferry — the Alaska Marine Highway System (dot.alaska.gov/amhs) connects them.