Alaska Travel Guide
Note: This ultimate Alaska guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Looking for an in-depth Alaska travel guide?
Then you’re in the right place!
Alaska is a place that feels larger than life—where glaciers tower over fjords, bald eagles soar above fishing villages, and vast stretches of wilderness remind you just how wild the “Last Frontier” really is.
Whether you’re sailing the Inside Passage, road tripping through the Kenai Peninsula, hiking in Denali, or exploring coastal towns rich with Native heritage and Gold Rush history, Alaska offers adventures you won’t find anywhere else.
This Alaska Travel Guide brings together my best tips, resources, and personal experiences to help you plan your own trip.
Inside, you’ll find advice on when to go, what to pack, how to save money, and where to find the most memorable experiences—whether that means kayaking alongside seals, spotting bears in the Tongass, or savoring the state’s famous wild salmon.
If you’re ready to experience glaciers, wildlife, culture, and some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in North America, this guide is here to help you get started.
Alaska Map
Use this Alaska tourism map to begin planning your trip to this incredible state!
Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.
Alaska Cruise Travel Guides
Best Alaska Tours
Immerse yourself in Alaskan culture with a local guide on one
- 🐻 Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage
- 🐳 Wildlife Whale Watching from Juneau
- 🛳️ Full-Day Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Seward
- 🐋 Orca Cove Sea Kayaking from Ketchikan
- 🚁 Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing from Anchorage
➡️ Click here for a full list of top-rated Alaska tours!
Renting A Car In Alaska
Doing an Alaska road trip? Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.
Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!
Alaska Hotels
To find the perfect place to stay in Alaska, explore this accommodation map featuring a mix of hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. It’s currently set to the Downtown Anchorage neighborhood of Anchorage, though you can easily change it to your preferred location:
Alaska Travel Insurance
When visiting Alaska, make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.
If you’re looking for something straightforward, comprehensive, and budget-friendly, SafetyWing is an excellent choice. They offer two plan options:
🟡 Essential, for mid-to-short-term travelers
- Covers emergency medical care, trip delays, and evacuations
- Flexible 28-day subscription or fixed-date coverage for specific trips
- Add-ons available for adventure sports, electronics theft, and U.S. coverage
🔵 Complete, for long-term travelers and digital nomads
- Includes most Essential benefits, plus routine care, mental health support, and maternity coverage
- Covers you both abroad and in your home country
- Comes with adventure sports coverage, cancer screenings, outpatient services, and therapies like chiropractic care
➡️ Click here to compare plans and protect your trip.
Alaska Travel Guide FAQ
Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Alaska.
Q: Where is Alaska?
Alaska sits in the far northwest corner of North America. It borders Canada’s Yukon and British Columbia to the east, and is separated from Russia by the Bering Strait to the west. Much of the state faces the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific, giving it thousands of miles of rugged coastline.
Despite being the largest U.S. state, it’s geographically detached from the “Lower 48,” which adds to its remote and wild feel.
Q: Do I need a passport to visit Alaska?
Since Alaska is part of the United States, U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to fly or travel within the state.
However, things are different if you’re arriving by cruise. Many Alaska cruises sail from Vancouver, Canada, which means you’ll need a valid passport to enter Canada—even if your main trip is in Alaska.
Some round-trip sailings from Seattle are considered “closed-loop cruises,” where a passport may not be required, but having one is strongly recommended in case of emergencies or unexpected travel changes. International travelers will always need a valid passport.
Q: What is the best month to visit Alaska?
Most travelers visit Alaska between May and September, though the best month depends on your priorities. July and early August offer the warmest weather, long daylight hours, and the best chances to see wildlife like whales, bears, and salmon runs—though they’re also the busiest and priciest months.
September brings fewer crowds and lower fares, but you’ll likely encounter more rain and cooler temps.
Q: What are the top places to visit in Alaska?
Some of Alaska’s must-see destinations include Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest mountain and abundant wildlife; Glacier Bay National Park, where tidewater glaciers meet the sea; and Kenai Fjords National Park, known for dramatic fjords and marine life.
Popular towns include Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan along the Inside Passage, and Anchorage as a cultural hub and gateway city. For history and Native heritage, places like Sitka and the Totem Bight parks in Ketchikan are also highlights.
Q: How many days do you need in Alaska?
Because Alaska is so vast, the “right” amount of time depends on what you want to see. A week is enough for a cruise or a road trip focused on one region, like the Inside Passage or the Kenai Peninsula.
If you want to combine the coast with inland destinations such as Denali National Park, plan on 10–14 days.
Travelers with two to three weeks can explore multiple regions by mixing a cruise with a land tour or self-drive itinerary. Even then, you’ll only scratch the surface—so it’s worth prioritizing your must-sees.
Q: What are the best things to do in Alaska?
Alaska offers a mix of outdoor adventure, culture, and wildlife. Popular activities include glacier viewing by cruise or flightseeing tour, whale watching, and kayaking in fjords.
On land, travelers love hiking in the Tongass or Denali, dog sledding, or learning about Native culture through totem poles and heritage centers. Foodies won’t want to miss trying wild salmon, halibut, and king crab.
Q: Are credit cards accepted in Alaska?
Credit cards, mainly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted around Alaska. That being said, it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of an emergency.
Q: Can you drink the tap water in Alaska?
Yes, Alaska’s tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere, and in many places it tastes exceptionally fresh. Much of it comes from mountain streams, glaciers, or protected groundwater sources. Visitors often comment that it tastes cleaner than what they’re used to at home. Bringing a reusable water bottle is a good way to stay hydrated on the go.
Q: What is the local currency in Alaska?
The local currency in Alaska is the US Dollar (USD).