Where Is The Best Place To Vacation In Alaska?
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Three Amazing Alaskan Vacations To Choose From!
Planning Your Trip To Alaska
If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to The Last Frontier, it’s natural to wonder where the best place to vacation in Alaska is. The state is huge and offers intrepid visitors everything from luxury cruises to rugged outdoor adventures and scenic vistas with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. But no matter what type of experience you are looking for, the answer is clear – Anchorage is the best place to vacation in Alaska!
Anchorage was founded in 1914, during the construction of the Alaska Railroad. Today, Anchorage is the state’s largest city and is home to more than 40 percent of its population. The city lies between mountain peaks and is a great place for skiers, hikers, and wildlife lovers to enjoy the outdoors. The Chugach National Forest is just a short drive away, and tourists can easily visit one of 60 glaciers just outside the town. The city is home to the Alaska Zoo, where visitors can learn about local wildlife, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where local culture is on display. Best of all, Anchorage is a great jumping-off point for an Alaska National Parks Tour!
Let’s Go On An Alaska National Parks Tour
Alaska is famous for its many national parks. Today, there are more than 51 million acres preserved in these parks, which equals roughly 13 percent of the state’s 375 million acres. From Anchorage, you can easily visit three of Alaska’s national parks for the day or plan a multi-day adventure.
- Kenai Fjords National Park – Kenai is just a two-hour drive (or a four-hour train ride) from Anchorage. Take a leisurely train ride to the park, then enjoy a day cruise into Kenai Fjords. The return trip will allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery at sunset. The more adventurous might want to book a sea kayaking tour or sign up for a guided hike in the park’s wilderness.
- Katmai National Park and Preserve – book a flight with one of Anchorage’s many floatplane services to Katmai and touch down at Brooks Lodge, where you can join a bear-viewing tour at Brooks Falls.
- Lake Clark National Park – Lake Clark is not accessible by road, so you will have to charter a floatplane to get there. Fly in for the day to watch bears and to get your National Park passport stamped. Visit Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay for a unique lakeside bear-viewing experience from a pontoon boat on your Alaska National Parks Tour.
- Denali National Park – many flightseeing services offer tours of Denali National Park from Anchorage. These tours typically last three hours and allow you to see the majesty of the part from the air. If you do drive to Denali, however, it is a five-hour drive from Anchorage. However, you can’t travel more than 15 miles into the park by car, as the road is restricted to private vehicles. But don’t worry – you can sightsee along the famous 90-mile Denali Park Road by tour bus or park shuttle.
Anchorage, Alaska Tours For Everyone
While Alaska is known for its national parks, Anchorage has so much more to offer visitors. If you’re planning a trip to Anchorage, don’t miss out on the other Anchorage Alaska Tours listed below!
- Anchorage Glacier Dog Sledding Tour – book a classic Alaskan adventure and experience the thrill of a dogsled ride over glaciers and icebergs. Visit a musher’s camp on the Troublesome Glacier and take a professional dogsled team out for a ride through the Alaskan snow.
- Anchorage Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour – fly over the majestic Chugach Mountain Range and land on Knik Glacier. You’ll get a bird's eye view of glacial crevasses, glacial rivers, and waterfalls, and have enough time to walk on the glacier before returning to town.
- Anchorage Prince William Sound Glacier Tour – explore the Chugach Mountains and Prince William Sound by seaplane. Soar over glaciers and rugged mountain peaks on a three-hour tour.
- Anchorage Comet Heli Hiking and Rafting Adventure – if you’re feeling adventurous, this just might be one of the best Anchorage, Alaska tours for you! This full-day adventure includes a helicopter ride, a guided nature hike, and an iceberg rafting adventure. Once you are done exploring Alaska’s great outdoors, you can end your day with a relaxing and scenic ride on the Alaska Railroad.
- Anchorage Glacier and Wildlife Tour – book a floatplane with one of Anchorage’s many floatplane services and fly over the surrounding area to see Alaska’s wildlife. You’ll have an amazing view of everything on the ground and your pilot will offer a guided tour of what’s going on below.
- Anchorage Guided Flightseeing and Fishing tour – this one is for sportsmen and women. Charter a 30-minute flight out of Alaska to one of many nearby lakes, and spend the day fishing in crystal clear waters.
- Anchorage Kayak Adventures – tour the Spencer Glacier via kayak! Paddle around icebergs and get close to the Spencer Glacier’s terminus face. This guided tour involves a hike onto the glacier moraine and allows visitors to get up close to the blue wall.
- Anchorage Coastal Cruise Bike Tour – rent a bike and pedal through the forested hills surrounding the Cook Inlet on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Keep your eyes open for moose and other wildlife, and enjoy the views of the five mountain ranges that surround the city.
- Anchorage City Tour – take a tour of Anchorage by air or by trolley! Explore Alaska’s largest city and learn more about the town's history from an Alaskan guide on these unique Anchorage Alaska Tours.
An Adventure To Remember
No matter what type of activities you have planned for your trip to Alaska, they will certainly make your visit one to remember. From Alaska National Park Tours to shorter, day-long adventures for visitors of all ages and abilities, Anchorage is the best place to vacation in Alaska and offers guests a unique opportunity to explore the Last Frontier’s history, culture, and wide-open spaces in one whirlwind trip.
Anchorage truly is a treasure trove of thrilling experiences awaiting every visitor. As you delve deeper into the heart of Alaska's wilderness, you may find yourself hiking through rugged terrains, marveling at the majestic glaciers, or even witnessing the mesmerizing displays of the Northern Lights. The authenticity and raw beauty of this place create an unforgettable adventure that will leave a lasting imprint on your soul. Make the most of every moment in this picturesque wonderland and immerse yourself in the charm and grandeur of the Last Frontier.