What Is There to Do in Alaska in the Summer? 10 Unforgettable Activities

Many travelers wonder, what is there to do in Alaska in the summer? While many people picture Alaska as a land of snow, winter darkness, and the Northern Lights, summer reveals a completely different side of the Last Frontier. From May through September, Alaska comes alive with long daylight hours, comfortable temperatures, incredible wildlife activity, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Whether you plan a full week exploring Alaska’s national parks or a longer itinerary covering multiple destinations, summer is one of the best times to visit. Visitors can expect opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, boat excursions, cultural tours, and breathtaking scenery around every corner.

Here are some of the best things to do in Alaska in the summer and why a summer vacation in Alaska is truly a trip of a lifetime.

1. Take a Glacier Cruise or Boat Tour

One of the most unforgettable Alaska summer activities is experiencing the state's glaciers from the water. Boat tours allow visitors to explore dramatic fjords, see massive walls of ancient ice, and watch chunks of glacier ice break into the ocean with a thunderous splash.

Juneau and the surrounding waters of Southeast Alaska are a great place to experience glacier excursions. A visit to the Mendenhall Glacier allows travelers to hike nearby trails, view the glacier from scenic overlooks, and enjoy an accessible wilderness experience close to the city.

Many travelers also choose whale watching cruises and boat tours along the Gulf of Alaska, where humpback whales, sea lions, sea otters, and seabirds are commonly seen throughout the summer season.

2. Go Wildlife Viewing Across Alaska

Alaska is one of the best destinations in North America for wildlife watching. During the summer months, animals are highly active as they feed, migrate, and raise their young.

Visitors can watch grizzly bears catching salmon in rivers, moose grazing in wetlands, bald eagles soaring overhead, and whales swimming along the coastline. July and September are especially popular times for wildlife tours because salmon runs attract bears and other predators to many regions of the state.

Popular wildlife destinations include Katmai National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Denali National Park, and the coastal waters surrounding Sitka.

3. Explore Denali National Park

No Alaska summer itinerary is complete without a visit to Denali National Park. Home to North America’s tallest mountain, Denali is a favorite place for travelers who want to experience Alaska’s vast wilderness.

Visitors can spend a full day or multiple days exploring the park through guided tours, scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It is common to see bears, wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, and countless species of birds throughout the park.

While summer conditions make Denali more accessible, visitors should still be prepared for changing weather, as snow can remain visible on higher mountain peaks throughout the season.

4. Go Hiking Through Alaska’s Mountains and Forests

Hiking is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Alaska during the summer. The state offers everything from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes through remote wilderness.

Popular hiking areas include Denali, Chugach State Park near Anchorage, and trails surrounding Juneau and the Kenai Peninsula. During summer, landscapes are covered with wildflowers, flowing rivers, and incredible mountain views.

Because daylight lasts for many hours in Alaska during summer, hikers have more time to explore without feeling rushed. Always check trail conditions and remember that wildlife encounters are possible.

5. Experience World-Class Salmon Fishing

Fishing is deeply connected to Alaska’s history, culture, and economy. Every summer, salmon return to Alaska’s rivers in massive numbers, creating incredible opportunities for both experienced anglers and first-time visitors.

The Kenai River is one of the most famous fishing destinations in the world, attracting travelers hoping to catch king salmon, sockeye salmon, and other species. Guided fishing tours provide equipment, local knowledge, and transportation to some of the best locations.

Even if you do not fish yourself, watching the annual salmon runs is one of the most fascinating natural events to experience during a summer trip to Alaska.

6. Try Kayaking Near Glaciers and Along the Coast

Kayaking gives visitors a peaceful way to experience Alaska’s waterways. Paddling near glaciers, through protected bays, or along the coastline allows travelers to see landscapes that are often inaccessible by road.

Popular kayaking destinations include Kenai Fjords, Prince William Sound, and the waters around Juneau and Sitka. Along the way, adventurers may spot seals, sea otters, whales, and many species of birds.

Many guided tours are designed for beginners, making kayaking an accessible activity for visitors of all experience levels.

7. Visit Historic Alaska Towns and Learn About Local Culture

Beyond the wilderness, Alaska’s communities offer fascinating history and unique cultures. Cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka each provide a different perspective on life in the north.

Visitors can explore museums, local restaurants, Native cultural centers, and historic districts. Communities such as Metlakatla offer opportunities to learn about Indigenous traditions, art, storytelling, and the long history of people who have lived in Alaska for thousands of years.

Adding cultural experiences to your itinerary creates a more complete understanding of Alaska beyond its natural beauty.

8. Attend Summer Festivals and Special Events

Summer is a time of celebration throughout Alaska. As the long winter ends, communities host festivals, markets, and events that welcome both locals and visitors.

One popular event is Salmonfest in Ninilchik on the Kenai Peninsula. This multi-day festival combines live music, local food, environmental education, and celebration of Alaska’s iconic salmon.

Because many summer events are popular, it is wise to plan early, reserve lodging in advance, and purchase tickets before they sell out.

9. Create the Perfect Alaska Summer Itinerary

Planning your Alaska itinerary depends on how much time you have and what activities interest you most. A one-week trip may focus on Anchorage, Denali National Park, and the Kenai Peninsula, while longer vacations can include Fairbanks, Southeast Alaska, and more remote destinations.

Transportation is an important part of planning because not every community is connected by roads. Visitors may travel by car, train, small airplane, ferry, or guided tour depending on their chosen destinations.

Booking transportation, lodging, and popular excursions early can save money and prevent disappointment during the busiest summer travel weeks.

10. Enjoy the Midnight Sun and the Magic of Alaska Summer

One of the most unique parts of an Alaska summer vacation is experiencing the incredible amount of daylight. In many parts of the state, the sun remains visible late into the evening, giving visitors extra hours to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

The combination of mountains, rivers, glaciers, wildlife, and endless daylight makes summer the best time for many travelers to visit Alaska. Every adventure, from a quiet hike to a thrilling boat excursion, becomes a memory that can last a lifetime.

Whether your favorite place becomes Denali, a coastal village, a glacier-covered bay, or a peaceful river filled with salmon, Alaska has a way of inspiring visitors long after their journey ends. Start planning your summer adventure today and discover everything there is to do in Alaska during the most exciting season of the year.

To uncover more insights about our summer trip across Alaska's vast wilderness, please download our travel brochure here.