Why is spring the most wonderful time of the year? Because you get to stuff your face with the best Alaskan king crab in the world, and it’s totally acceptable to do so since everyone else at the festival is doing it too. Just take a break to digest before you ride anything that spins.
There’s no better way to warm up in Juneau, Alaska than with a few pints of delicious, local craft beer. It certainly doesn’t hurt when that craft beer is some of the best in the country, not just the state.
Sea kayaking in southeast Alaska offers some beautiful views of mountains, glaciers, and bears (from a reasonably safe and therefore beautiful distance).
If you’ve ever wanted one of those awesome stories you can tell at parties that makes you seem like a totally cool daredevil, ziplining through the Alaskan canopy will totally fill that void. The adrenaline rush and the views aren’t too bad either.
There are plenty of different kinds of whales to spot in Alaska, from gray whales, to orcas, to the massive humpback. If you want to see gray whales, go in spring while they’re migrating. Summer is the best time for humpback and orca “killer” whales.
If you’ve ever thought fishing was super boring, try doing it in Homer. Catching a halibut the size of your torso just might change your mind.
If you’re visiting Alaska in the winter, the best way to get from Point A to Point B is to glide along on one of the oldest forms of transportation around—dog sledding. Plus, who can pass up the opportunity to hang out with a bunch of adorable pups.
Summer in Talkeetna, Alaska is super weird. Their annual Moose Dropping Festival includes moose dropping art, jewelry, games, and related music. If there’s one thing the people of Talkeetna have, it’s creativity. Well, that and a lot of moose droppings.
Going on a floatplane or helicopter tour of Alaska is the best way to see all of Alaska’s gorgeous geography—and it doesn’t hurt that it’s impossible not to feel like a superhero or important CEO when you’re riding in a helicopter.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center offers visitors the perfect opportunity to get up close to Alaska’s native brown bears without becoming lunch.
The aurora borealis may appear at unpredictable times, but you can up your chances of seeing the coolest light show on Earth by watching the sky from September to April between ten at night and two in the morning.
The Hammer Museum in Haines is exactly what it sounds like—an entire museum (and not a super small one, at that) dedicated to one tool. The real magic of the hammer museum is that hammers start to seem pretty cool and important when you put them all together in one place.
This Anchorage pizza joint knows how to do pizza right. Their wide variety of delicious toppings makes it hard not to finish off a whole pie by yourself. (It’s totally okay if you do. Just tell yourself you’re storing up for winter hibernation.)
Alaska may not be super cold year round, but it is the home of the Santa Claus House, where it’s Christmas every day of the year. The Santa Claus house is in—you guessed it—North Pole, Alaska.
El Capitan Cave on Prince of Wales Island is the longest cave in Alaska, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Visitors are advised to bring plenty of light sources and gear (and apparently a lot of bravery) to navigate the cave safely.
The Seward favorite serves up super fresh salmon and halibut, delicious sandwiches, tasty brews, and a great view of the harbor. Because there’s just something satisfying about looking out on the water while you eat fresh fish.
The Aurora Ice Museum in Fairbanks features tons of awesome locally made ice sculptures, for when you’re totally ready to embrace the cold.
Okay, awesome ice sculptures are totally cool, but you know what else is cool? Being super relaxed and warm after all that ice sculpture viewing.
The Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan houses 19th century totem poles and promotes traditional arts of the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida cultures. It’s a must see for anyone interested in Alaskan history or art.
At the Williams Reindeer Farm you can pet and feed reindeer, which is cool because good luck trying that in the wild. (Do not actually attempt.)
If one trip to the Moose’s Tooth wasn’t enough, but you’d like to see something a little different, try their sister theaterpub, The Bear Tooth, which plays films and hosts live shows. No over buttered popcorn and sticky candy here. Just freshly made food, beer, and wine.
The Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers Co-operative in Anchorage sells one of a kind scarves and unique gifts. Plus, the Arctic musk ox wool will totally keep you warm during an Alaska winter.
Humpy’s Great Alaskan Ale House has been featured on Man Vs. Food for their Kodiak Arrest Challenge, which includes three pounds of king crab legs, twelve ounces of reindeer sausage, mashed potatoes and more for a whopping six pound meal to be consumed in ninety minutes or less. So… good luck.
You’re in Palin country now! Might as well show off your shooting skills at one of Alaska’s many (and there are so many) shooting ranges.
Jewell Gardens in Skagway has some of the most gorgeous gardens and hand blown glass in the state. The wine tasting, rhubarb festival, and glassblowing events are totally worth the trip.
If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the gorgeous views while you travel, taking a train from Southern Alaska is the perfect form of transportation.
So climbing the highest mountain peak in North America may not be on your Alaska agenda but at least a hike through Denali National Park definitely should be.
Tap Root Public House in Anchorage bills itself as “Alaska’s epicenter for arts & entertainment.” Luckily, it lives up to that. From individual headliners, to a blues jam, to their open mic night, catching a show at Tap Root is a great way to get a taste of Alaska’s music scene.
You’re probably not going to actually get rich quick by panning for gold in Alaska, but it’s fun to pretend. Plus, you’ll get a cool souvenir.
Who didn’t want to fly planes as a child? Only weird loser kids, that’s who. The Alaska Aviation Museum has awesome planes (to keep kids entertained) and interesting history (for the older crowd).
There’s a reason Fire Island Rustic Bakery is such a big local favorite—they serve delicious sweets that pass the adult taste test. You won’t find any neon weird food-coloring-flavored icing here, but you will find simple and delicious (not to mention totally Instagram worthy) treats.
Salmon Creek near Juneau is the perfect spot to try out your snowshoe skills (of which you likely have very few).
The Girdwood Fungus Fair in August is a great way to buff up on your mushroom hunting knowledge before you eat anything that’s potentially deadly. Sampling a ton of delicious local mushrooms? Another definite perk.
Steller sea lions are all over the Alaskan coast in the late summer. To spot a group of these super cute creatures, keep an eye out for large rocks in the water where they might hang out. Just hope you don’t spot any orca whales at the same time or things might get messy.
If you hang out around St. Herman’s Harbor in Kodiak or Port Juneau long enough, you may run into someone from the Discovery reality show Deadliest Catch. Or you might just buy an amazing king crab for dinner. Either way, it’s pretty cool.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Alaska? Tell us in the comments below!
