Planning a trip to Alaska can feel a bit overwhelming at first. To help you get started, our local team has put together a list of what they hear are five things that surprise first-time visitors the most. Understanding these tips will help you make the most of your time in our beautiful, welcoming home.
#1: Alaska Is Massive (and Mostly Wild)
Alaska is more than twice the size of Texas. It is even larger than the 22 smallest U.S. states combined! However, there is a big difference between Alaska and the rest of the country: only 20% of the state is accessible by road.
Despite its size, Alaska only has 12 numbered highways. This means most of the state is pure, untouched wilderness.
- Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate travel times. Distances on a map look shorter than they really are. Give yourself plenty of time to travel between destinations so you can actually experience the scenery rather than just driving past it. Our Alaska experts are excellent at helping to make sure your itineraries are manageable.
#2. Wildlife Is Everywhere (But Can Sometimes Hide Well)
Alaska is home to 98% of the brown bears in the U.S., nearly a million caribou, and countless moose. However, finding them in such a huge space can still be a challenge. Most animals are shy and stay away from busy areas.
To increase your chances of a sighting, try these options:
- Bus Tours: Denali National Park is one of the best spots for viewing land animals.
- Day Cruises: Visit Kenai Fjords National Park or Prince William Sound via a day cruise by boat to see marine life.
Bear Viewing Tours: If seeing a bear is a “must” for your trip, book a guided tour. During salmon runs, usually in late July or August, some spots have so many salmon that you might see 20 bears at once!
Alaska Moose Sighting (Kent Miller/NPS)
#3. Denali National Park is Unique
Denali is unlike any other national park. It covers six million acres, which is larger than the state of Massachusetts, but it only has one road.
To protect the wilderness, you cannot drive your own car deep into the park. Instead, you must use the official Park Service buses.
- The Tundra Wilderness Tour: This is a 6-to-8-hour bus trip that takes you 50 miles into the park. It offers the best chance to see “The Great One” (Denali) and local wildlife.
- Pro Tip: The Denali National Park Visitor’s Center is a great jumping point for visiting the park. It offers lots of park information, some walking trails, and sometimes some demonstrations.
#4. Alaska Roads Are Great for Road Trips
Many people think they have to take the train to see Alaska. While the Alaska Railroad is amazing, our road system is also excellent!
Alaska has five National Scenic Byways. Three of these are accessible right out of Anchorage. You can easily rent a car and take day trips to see incredible sights:
While many people think the only way to see Alaska is by train or boat, our road system is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Alaska is home to five National Scenic Byways. These aren’t just normal roads; they are routes chosen for their “intrinsic qualities”—things like breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife, and deep history.
Here are what make Southcentral Alaska’s national byways so striking:
- The Seward Highway (also designated an All-American Road): This route offers a dramatic “mountains-meet-the-ocean” experience. For the first 50 miles, the road is carved into the base of the Chugach Mountains, overlooking the shimmering waters of the Turnagain Arm. It is famous for its bore tide (a massive, tidally created ocean wave you can see from the road) and cliffs where Dall sheep literally graze right above your car.
- The Glenn Highway: Known as a “portal to the past,” this byway follows a path carved by ancient glaciers. It offers massive, panoramic views of the Matanuska Glacier—the largest glacier in Alaska that you can actually reach by car. The drive is framed by the jagged peaks of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges, making every turn look like a postcard.
- The George Parks Highway: This is the road to the heart of the Alaska Interior. Its most striking feature is the constant “hide-and-seek” with Denali, North America’s tallest peak. The highway crosses Hurricane Gulch, where a bridge suspended 254 feet above a rushing river provides a dizzying and beautiful view.
Aurora Over Denali (Kent Miller/NPS)
#5. Alaskans Are Incredibly Friendly
Alaska has fewer than a million residents, which gives the whole state a “small-town” feel. Most people live here because they truly love the outdoors and the rugged lifestyle.
Alaskans are proud of their home and love to help visitors. Don’t be afraid to say hello! Whether you need directions or want to hear about a local’s favorite hiking trail, just ask. Connecting with the locals will make your trip even more memorable.
