Sightseeing

Not Your Traditional Set of Sights or Sites

“Sightseeing” has a unique meaning in Alaska. While elsewhere, you might interpret this to include visiting historical points of interest such as monuments, museums, exhibits, or the more casual strolling about town, in Alaska, it can consist of a dramatic light show of the Northern Lights, a live demonstration of a bear devouring his dinner, an exciting whale watching cruise or a panoramic helicopter ride over a glacier field.

Here are a few ideas if you want to experience Alaska sightseeing “up close and personal”:

  • View the Northern Lights: Travelers worldwide come to Alaska to witness these bright, dancing lights. Capturing a clear photo might be challenging after darkness falls, but we have a photo tour to help you with that. You’ll never forget seeing this spectacular, evolving light show.
  • Get to know Alaska’s wildlife: No trip to Alaska is complete without seeing eagles, bears, whales, and moose, whether in their natural environment or at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Girdwood, Raptor Center in Sitka, the Bird Treatment & Learning Center in Anchorage, or elsewhere.
  • Explore an Alaska gold mine: Follow the path of Gold Rush dreamers to nuggets and artifacts in Fairbanks, Nome, McCarthy-Kennicott, and Skagway.
  • Meet Alaska Natives: Few Alaska vacations are more profound or inspiring than those that allow you to experience Alaska Native drumming, song, and dance, see Alaska Native art and tools, and learn about “Alaskana” lifestyles firsthand.
  • See Denali National Park and Preserve: There’s a reason why it’s called “The Great One,” and there’s no reason you should go home without seeing it. There are many viewing options, from standing in its shadow on a nearby glacier to taking a plane ride around its peak to just standing in awe from a far distance.
  • Listen to an Alaska Glacier crash into the sea: These icy residents spider-web the state and make for chilling photos and memories, whether you are walking across one or watching it calve and create a boat-rocking splash.
  • Stand on the Arctic Circle: Few can say they’ve been to the top of the world, but you can come pretty close and commemorate the venture by getting your photo taken next to the Arctic Circle sign.
  • Take a ride on the Dalton Highway: The Dalton Highway is one of the roughest and most scenic roads in the world, and a mandatory stop on the drive is at the Yukon River, one of North America’s longest and most remote rivers.
  • Learn about remnants of Alaska’s Russian History: Historic Russian architecture dots various communities of the state and reminds you how far northwest you are.
  • Meet a team of Sled Dogs: These pups are fun and born to run, and some Iditarod mushers offer tours and sled rides year-round.
  • Honor Alaska’s strategic role in World War II: Whether you hike to a historic landmark or see artifacts at a museum, you’ll instantly appreciate the significance and sacrifice of those stationed in some of Alaska’s most formidable landscapes protecting the country.
  • Explore Nome: The famous burled arch in downtown Nome is where the iconic 1,000-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race ends, and countless photos have been taken.
  • See the whalebone arch in Barrow: When it comes to popular photo spots, this is one of the coolest and coldest in America.
  • See a Totem Pole: Tall, colorful, animated, and artistic, totem poles are fascinating photo subjects, each telling a different story.

By experiencing even a few of these classics, you will feel connected to Alaska’s finest and most interesting sightseeing pleasures!

Header photo courtesy of JodyO.Photos/Visit Anchorage

 

Choose from 26 vacations in Alaska related to Sightseeing

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Turnagain Turnaround Tour

On this Anchorage day tour, travel with a small group along Turnagain Arm, one of the most scenic drives in Alaska. Your driver will pick you up from your Anchorage hotel and take you south along the Seward... Browse itinerary

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Columbia Glacier Cruise

This Valdez day tour with a glacier and wildlife cruise through Prince William Sound features a visit to Columbia Glacier. On board, you can view Prince Williams Sound’s diverse wildlife, including sea lions, sea otters, and whales. Learn... Browse itinerary

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Glacier Discovery Train and Guided Walk

This Anchorage day trip departs in the morning on the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for a 3.5-hour ride along Cook Inlet’s spectacular Turnagain Arm to Spencer Glacier in the Chugach National Forest.  Upon arrival at Spencer Lake,... Browse itinerary

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Bird Creek ATV Backcountry Tour

Access Alaska’s backcountry on an ATV day tour out of Anchorage or Girdwood! To begin your day trip, you’ll drive to Bird Creek, located on the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Girdwood, and an area with a maze... Browse itinerary

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Arctic Circle Summer Drive Adventure

Tour the Dalton Highway, Alaska’s “ice road” to the Arctic Circle, on a fully-guided Alaska road trip. As you depart Fairbanks, you will drive alongside the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Further up the rugged highway, visit the Arctic Circle Trading... Browse itinerary

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Hurricane Gulch Train Excursion

On this Talkeetna day tour, ride the Alaska Railroad on one of America’s last “flag stop” trains on the Hurricane Turn Train—the train route threads from Talkeetna along the Susitna River and through the Indian River Canyon. The... Browse itinerary

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Anchorage Winter Photo Safari

If you’re going to be in Anchorage this winter, a photography day tour is a fun experience for amateur to avid photographers alike to learn about Anchorage’s many attractions! This 4-hour sightseeing tour with your camera is a... Browse itinerary

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Resurrection Bay Kayaking Tour

This kayaking tour from Seward is a fun and adventuresome way to explore the spectacular beauty of Resurrection Bay!  Your kayaking tour starts with a transfer from Seward Small Boat Harbor to Lowell Point, where you board your... Browse itinerary

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Denali Express Flightseeing

This 45-minute Denali flightseeing day tour via a small bush plane from the Denali Park Entrance lets you experience Denali National Park from a bird’s eye view and experience Mt. Denali from the air. Fly along the snow-capped... Browse itinerary

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Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari

On this exciting tour out of Ketchikan, fill your senses with adventure and excitement as you take control of a 4-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler and wind your way up old rugged logging trails to scenic overlooks. Then grab... Browse itinerary

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Anchorage Aurora Quest Tour

This aurora borealis photo tour from Anchorage is designed to maximize fun and opportunity for those fascinated with Alaska’s northern lights. The 4-6 hour tour to photograph the aurora’s lightshows will begin with a pick you up at... Browse itinerary

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A Journey Above the Arctic

Fly north from Fairbanks on a one-hour evening flight to above Alaska’s Arctic Circle. Land along the Yukon River at the Athabascan village of Fort Yukon. Upon landing, meet your local host, who will spend the evening with... Browse itinerary

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