Best Places To Visit In Alaska For First Time: Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, wildlife, and distinct culture, Alaska has become an ideal travel destination for first-time travelers. First-time travelers to this popular state of the United States may be confused about which places might be ideal for their trip.
So in today’s article, I am going to find out the top 10 places in Alaska that you should visit to savor the travel experience of the place. Let’s discuss these 10 best Alaskan tourist attraction places in detail if you are planning to visit Alaska for the first time.
Table of Contents
Best Places To Visit In Alaska For First Time
Here is the list of the top 10 places to visit in Alaska for the first time –
- Denali National Park
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
- Ketchikan
- Juneau
- Seward
- Fairbanks
- Homer
- Sitka
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1. Denali National Park
Denali National Park might be a fitting first Alaskan travel destination on today’s list for first-time travelers. The park is home to Denali, the highest peak in North America. Denali Park covers more than six million acres and has become one of the main attractions for visitors. Apart from this, bus tours are also available for travelers who want to explore the interesting sights of this park in depth.
| Tourist Attraction | Denali, Glaciers |
| Best Foods | Seafood, Wild Berries, Hearty Stews |
| Things To Do | Rafting, Hiking, Railroad Journey |
| Best Month To Visit | June-August September-October |
2. Kenai Fjords National Park
As always, I recommend visiting Kenai Fjords National Park if you’re looking to explore Alaska’s coastal highlights for the first time. Here you can explore sights like calving glaciers, fjords, sea otters, and orcas with the help of boat tours.
| Tourist Attraction | Ice Fjords, Waterfalls, Icefield |
| Best Foods | Seafood, Smoked Salmon, Burgers |
| Things To Do | Icebergs, Hiking, Fjords, Boat Tours, Wildlife Cruises |
| Best Month To Visit | June to August |
3. Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park can be a great destination for travelers who love glaciers and are looking for a place to experience Alaska’s popular glaciers. One of the main attractions of this Alaskan park is the towering glacier. Besides, one of the attractions here is to spot humpback whales, which can be a new adventure by taking a cruise. Glacier Bay National Park’s diverse ecosystems multiply the first-time traveler’s attraction to Alaska’s wilderness.
| Tourist Attraction | Glacier Bay, Mountain Scenery |
| Best Foods | Fresh Seafood, Alaskan Crab, Stew, Wild Berry Desserts, Salmon and Halibut |
| Things To Do | Whale Watching, Glacier Viewing, Icebergs Boat Tours, and Kayaking |
| Best Month To Visit | June To September |
4. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
In Alaska, if you want to experience wildlife and glaciers as well as visit the mountains, Wrangell-St. Elias can tour national parks and preserves. Here you can visit mining towns and experience one of the best places in Alaska to view the park’s impressive scenery.
| Tourist Attraction | Mountains, Glaciers, Icefields & Historic Mining Sites |
| Best Foods | Smoked Salmon, Hearty Stews, Baked Bread, Local Berries |
| Things To Do | Hiking, Flightseeing, Mountain Climbing, |
| Best Month To Visit | June To September |
5. Ketchikan
Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World”, the town of Ketchikan, Alaska has become an attractive tourist destination for travelers. If you are here for the first time, you can visit the Totem Heritage Center to learn about the life and culture of the Alaskan tribes and the historic boardwalk here is a unique travel experience.
| Tourist Attraction | Totem poles, Creek Street & Misty Fjords National Monument |
| Best Foods | Smoked Salmon Chowder, Berry Pies, Beer |
| Things To Do | Totem Heritage Center, Salmon Fishing, Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show |
| Best Month To Visit | May-September |
6. Juneau
Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, offers an adventurous travel experience where travelers can enjoy the city’s picturesque natural and artistic beauty, including a tram ride to the famous Mount Roberts, and a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier.
| Tourist Attraction | Mendenhall Glacier, Mount Roberts Tramway, Whale Watching Tour & Alaska State Capitol |
| Best Foods | Alaskan King Crab, Reindeer Sausage, Wild Berry Desserts & Local Microbrews |
| Things To Do | Glacier Tours, Whale Watching & Hiking |
| Best Month To Visit | May To September |
7. Seward
Travelers who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains and the cool breeze of the sea can visit Seward. Seward’s scenic landscape will create vivid memories of the city in the minds of travelers. For a romantic travel experience, visit the Alaska Sea Life Center and taste fresh seafood at restaurants in Seward.
| Tourist Attraction | Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park & Alaska Sea Life Center |
| Best Foods | Hot Dogs, Halibut, Seafood, Salmon |
| Things To Do | Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking |
| Best Month To Visit | May To August |
8. Fairbanks
If you want to immerse yourself in the Northern Lights, one of Alaska’s attractions, you can travel to places like Fairbanks. Gold Dredge 8, the historical place of this city, can be a suitable option for you to visit. Moreover, if you want to create travel memories in this city, you can go riverboating in the river here.
| Tourist Attraction | Northern Lights, Chena Hot Springs, Alaska Museum |
| Best Foods | Salmon & Caribou |
| Things To Do | Aurora Viewing, Dog Mushing & Riverboat Trip |
| Best Month To Visit | September to April |
9. Homer
Homer, an Alaskan town famous for the breathtaking beauty of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains, can be one of the best choices for first-time travelers. Tourists can do activities such as fishing, kayaking, etc. while visiting here.
| Tourist Attraction | Homer Spit, Kachemak Bay State Park, and Pratt Museum |
| Best Foods | Fresh Seafood, Halibut, and Oysters. |
| Things To Do | Fishing & Kayaking |
| Best Month To Visit | May To August |
10. Sitka
The last Alaskan tourist spot on today’s list, Sitka, offers travelers a wonderful cultural experience. First-time travelers can explore the famous Sitka National Historical Park, Totem Square, and seaside heritage. Moreover, you can check the taste of various cuisines here.
| Tourist Attraction | Sitka National Historical Park, Russian Bishop’s House, and Totem Square |
| Best Foods | Seafood, Duck Fart |
| Things To Do | Historical Tours, Wildlife Watching & Hiking |
| Best Month To Visit | June to August |
Conclusion
So friends, if you want to travel to Alaska for the first time then you can choose your suitable travel destination from the above top 10 destinations discussed in today’s article. These destinations in Alaska will give you the best experience of your travel expedition which will stay in your memory bank for a lifetime and will help you cherish the memories later.
FAQs
Where Should I Go For The First Time In Alaska?
You should go to Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Ketchikan, Juneau, Seward, Fairbanks, Homer, Sitka, and many more places in Alaska for the first time.
How Many Days In Alaska Is Enough?
Generally, 13-14 days are enough to visit the entire Alaska.
What Is The Best Month To Visit Alaska?
The best month to visit Alaska is between April to September.
What Is Alaska’s Signature Foods?
Alaska’s signature foods are Fresh Salmon Fish, Flaky Halibut, Oysters, and Crab.
Hi, this is Sourav Acharya, a professional blogger and travel lover. I love to write about travel and adventure categories. If you want to contact me, you must follow or contact me on social media.