State Travel Guide Número Dos!

This new series of state travel guides are aimed at helping you discover the exciting things to see, do, and experience in every single one of the US states. Today’s edition: Alaska 🏔️

Though each state will present with it’s own unique story, rest assured that regardless of a state’s size, we’ll always feature at least one highlight for Nature Lovers, Night Owls, Foodies, History and Culture Buffs, Adventure Seekers, and a Hidden Gem. Let’s dig in.

Alaska’s History

Alaska. The name itself is derived from the Aleut word Alyeska meaning “Great Land” or “The Mainland”. This state is a truly unique blend of indigenous heritage, Russian influence, and American imperialism. For millennia, indigenous people such as the Inuit, Yupik, Athabaskan, and many more have thrived there, relying on hunting and fishing. Then came the Russians in the 18th century; laying claim to the land, establishing settlements, and introducing the fur trading industry.

In a surprising move in 1867, the U.S. bought Alaska from Russia. This initially raised a lot of eyebrows. The running pejorative at the time labeled it ever so affectionately as “Seward’s Folly” (named after the then-Secretary of State, William Seward) claiming it to have been an utterly useless and frivolous expenditure.

⏩ Fast forward ⏩ to the late 1800’s and Alaska was discovered to have been a treasure trove of gold! (and later, oil). Funny enough, none of that buyer’s remorse seemed to have survived all those gold rushes or oil drilling projects.

Today, Alaska remains one of the few states to still (fortunately) have a visible presence of its native people. It has a booming oil economy, and is known around the country (and the world over) for its astounding natural spectacles. From Denali’s Godlike peak towering in the heart of its interior, to its fjorded shores; Alaska is a truly special place.

In a nutshell, Alaska is just one big fascinating blend of cultures and breathtaking natural beauty.

Best Time To Visit Alaska

So what is the best time to visit Alaska? There’s a long and short answer to this. I’ll give you both!

Short answer: considering Alaska’s location in the far north of the American continent, the “best time” to visit is widely agreed upon to be between mid-May and mid-September.

Let’s keep in mind though that Alaska is freaking enormous with varying climates across its different regions. They say everything’s bigger in Texas, but Alaska could eat the entirety of the longhorn state two times over, sooo… 🧐

Anyways!

Here’s a look at what Alaska has to offer season to season:

• Summer (June to August): This is for sure the most popular time to visit. The weather is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C) in many areas. The days are long, and you can enjoy activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and cruises. Not to mention it’s an excellent time for seeing iconic wildlife, including bears and whales.
• Late Spring (May): May presents a nice balance between emerging spring landscapes and fewer crowds. This is an excellent time to peep the blooming wildflowers and migrating birds.
• Autumn (September to early October): Speaking of “peeping”, the fall foliage in Alaska is stunning and a picture- perfect leaf peeping destination. For the most vibrant colors, head for the interior and southern regions. This season is also ideal for photographers 📸 and those looking for a quieter visit.
• Winter (December to February): Winter in Alaska might seem daunting, but boast boat loads of opportunities for icy activities like skiing and ice fishing. Lest we forget basking in the light — the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) to be exact! Clear, dark skies on Alaska’s winter nights put on a light show unlike anything else.
• Late Winter/Early Spring (March to April): Late winter and early spring offer a chance to experience the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and the gradual transition to a little milder weather.

Truth is any time of year that you go, you can rest assured that you’ll come upon some of the most heartbreakingly gorgeous views of your life (in the best way). 🏞️🥹

Getting to Alaska

Traveling to Alaska offers several options depending on your starting point and preferences.

These are some (& probably all) of the ways available for making the trek to Alaska:

Flying: The most common and cost effective way to reach Alaska is by flying. Major airports in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau are well-connected to many U.S. cities. Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the largest and most frequently used gateway.

Cruise: Cruises are also a popular way to visit Alaska, particularly for those interested in exploring the state’s stunning coastline, glaciers, and wildlife. Cruise ships often depart from ports in Seattle, Vancouver, or other West Coast cities. Popular destinations include Glacier Bay, Inside Passage, and the Kenai Fjords with cruise lines including: Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian.

Ferry: The Alaska Marine Highway System operates a network of ferries connecting Alaska’s coastal communities with ports in Washington State and British Columbia. It’s a scenic way to travel if you have time and enjoy a slower-paced journey.

Driving: If you’re already in the contiguous U.S. or Canada, you can reach Alaska by driving the Alcan Highway. This epic road trip takes you through beautiful wilderness but requires careful planning and preparation, as it can be remote and challenging.

Train: The Alaska Railroad offers scenic train routes, including the Denali Star and Coastal Classic, which provide a unique perspective on the state’s landscapes. Trains connect Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Seward, among other destinations.

Bus & Motorcoach: Various bus and motorcoach companies operate tours and transportation services within Alaska, offering guided tours or point-to-point travel.

The best mode of travel really depends on your starting location, budget, time constraints, and preferences. Consider whether you want to explore specific regions or if you prefer the convenience. There’s more than one ways to reach this glorious northern star of a state. ⭐️ Go with what works best for you, but just do yourself a favor and go.

Top Things to Do in Alaska

When in Alaska, you’ll not want to miss the chance to witness its incredible wildlife, from bears to whales, wolves and moose; Alaska is teeming with some of the largest and most impressive animals on the planet.

Explore stunning landscapes, like Alaska’s pride and joy, the magnificent Denali National Park. Take a cruise to marvel at glaciers, go aurora hunting in winter, and indulge in outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking. Immerse yourself in Alaskan Native culture, visit historic gold rush towns, and experience the grandeur of the state’s natural beauty on flightseeing tours. Don’t forget to relax in natural hot springs and try your hand at salmon fishing in this land of infinite adventure opportunities and wilderness.

🏕️ For the Outdoorsy Folks

If this is you, the raw and vastly untouched wilds of “The Last Frontier” will be your true treasure trove. Here’s a few of the most unforgettable ways to connect with the Alaskan outdoors:

Visit the National Parks: If you see nothing else in Alaska, make the vast wilderness of Denali National Park and Preserve that thing! I really can’t stress this one enough. It’s home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) and has some of the most jaw dropping sights you could ever hope to see.

The list of National Park experiences doesn’t end there — not even by a long shot. There are plenty more with just as much to see and do.

Here’s 5 other Alaska National Parks you won’t want to miss:

• Katmai National Park and Preserve
• Kenai Fjords National Park and Preserve
• Kobuk Valley National Park and Preserve
• Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

That’s just scratching the surface. Check out Alaska’s National Park List on the US National Park Service’s site for information.

Cast Your Gaze Upon the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): In the winter months, you can be bare witness to the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Alaska’s dark, clear skies. Fairbanks and the Arctic Circle offer some of the best viewing opportunities.

Your chances of seeing them depend on where in Alaska you’re headed, and when. Alas, the mystical time of year known as Aurora Season, stretches from late August to late April. So there is ample opportunity to take in all the colors of those solar winds within any given calendar cycle.

Go Backpacking & Camping: With an endless supply of dramatic landscapes and National Parks, Alaska’s pretty much heaven on Earth for campers and backpackers alike. The best time is summer (June to August) for milder weather and longer daylight hours, though late spring and early fall are quieter. And believe it or not, winter camping is a thing too!

Remember permits, wildlife safety, and weather can vary, so be well-prepared with proper gear and navigation tools. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics, respect indigenous lands, and consider hiring a local guide if you’re unfamiliar with Alaska’s wilderness.

Simmer in Some Hot Springs: Situated along the northern extension of the Pacific Ring of Fire, it’s probably no surprise that Alaska is a hot bed of seismic activity. What does that mean? Volcanoes and earthquakes yes, but it also means nature’s jacuzzis — hot springs!

Relax in natural hot springs like the Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks or, for the adventurous types, try out the remote Tolovana Hot Springs.

Fishing: Ever heard of the salmon runs? Well if you haven’t, they’re a pretty big deal in Alaska! In fact, one of the biggest deals and fishy phenomena on planet Earth!

There are 5 major species of salmon in Alaska with observable, annual salmon runs. Peak season generally spans from May to September, however, times and locations can vary among the different types of species. See Alaska’s Fishing Calendar on alaska.org for more information.

Don’t limit yourself to just salmon though, you’d be selling yourself short of a chance at trophy-worthy catches for numerous other Alaskan fish species such as Rainbow Trout, Northern Pike, and Arctic Char. That’s not even mentioning the array of the deep sea fishing opportunities off the coast on Alaska’s unfathomably extensive coastline.

All of these activities can vary by season, so plan your visit based on your interests and the time of year you plan to travel to Alaska.

🦉 For Night Owls

Not particularly known for its nightlife, Alaska does have options for those with a hankering for a night out on the town — particularly in larger cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and even Seward. These cities offer bars, restaurants, and live music venues where you can enjoy local craft beers, local Alaskan cuisine, and occasional live performances.

Alaska’s queer scene may not be as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas of the US, but it steadily continues to grow. If you’re interested in into the waters of gay Alaska, check out local event listings and connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations for the most up-to-date information on events and gatherings. And if all else fails, there’s always the good ol’ fashioned way: Grindr.

Alaskan nightlife is generally (and I’ll admit somewhat surprisingly) welcoming to patrons of all backgrounds and I pulled together some of the most popular options. I made it a point though to sprinkle in a few LGBTQ+ specific options for my fellow queers out there as well. Afterall, if they were out there broke-backing each other’s mountains in Wyoming, why wouldn’t they be in Alaska too? 😜

Also just to be clear, by “a few” I mean one.

There’s literally just one full-on gay bar in the whole of Alaska that I’m aware of. (If there’s more, tell me! I wanna know about them) 👀

Let’s have a looksie, shall we?

Here’s some of Alaska’s top nightlife attractions:

• Mad Myrna’s 🏳️‍🌈 (Anchorage): A popular gay bar in Anchorage known for its vibrant atmosphere, drag shows, and diverse crowd.
• Chilkoot Charlie’s/Koot’s (Anchorage): One of Anchorage’s iconic bars, featuring multiple themed rooms, live music, and a lively dance floor.
• Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse (Anchorage): A casual sports bar with a wide selection of craft beers and a welcoming atmosphere.
• The Marlin (Fairbanks): A historic bar known for its live music, open mic nights, and a friendly local vibe.
• Ivory Jack’s (Fairbanks): A rustic bar and grill located just outside of Fairbanks, offering live music and a cozy Alaskan ambiance.
• The Imperial Bar (Juneau): A historic downtown bar with a friendly atmosphere and occasional live music events.
• Alaskan Hotel and Bar (Juneau): Located in the historic Alaskan Hotel, this bar often hosts live performances and has a classic feel.
• The Pit Bar (Seward): A lively local spot in Seward known for its live music, dancing, and friendly patrons.
• Seward Brewing Company (Seward): While not a traditional nightclub, this brewery offers craft beer and a laid-back atmosphere to unwind after exploring Seward’s beautiful surrounding areas.

Alaska’s nightlife does tend to be more subdued and take on a more rustic vibe compared to larger urban areas, and it may vary depending on the season and the specific location, but worth checking out. And if all else fails, you can always just dance beneath the Northern Lights! Name a club that could put on a better light show than that (I’ll wait).

🦀 For Foodies

Alaska offers a unique culinary experience with a focus on fresh seafood and locally available ingredients. Here are some restaurants to get a taste of some true Alaskan cuisine:

• Simon & Seaforts: Located in Anchorage, it’s known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the city and the Chugach Mountains.
• The Saltry Restaurant: Situated in Halibut Cove near Homer, this remote gem serves locally-sourced seafood in a picturesque setting.
• Orso: Another Anchorage favorite, Orso offers a blend of Alaskan and Mediterranean flavors, with an emphasis on seafood.
• Lavelle’s Bistro: Located in Fairbanks, this restaurant combines local ingredients with global flavors, and their seafood dishes are a highlight.
• The Hangar on the Wharf: In Juneau, you can enjoy fresh Alaskan seafood while watching floatplanes take off and land on the waterfront.
• Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse: This Anchorage spot offers a casual atmosphere and a variety of Alaskan beers along with seafood options.
• Jen’s Restaurant: In Skagway, you can try Alaskan king crab and other seafood dishes in this cozy eatery.
• The Crow’s Nest: Situated atop the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, it offers upscale dining with breathtaking views and a focus on seafood.
• Talkeetna Roadhouse: A historic spot in Talkeetna, it’s famous for its hearty Alaskan fare, including reindeer sausage and fresh-baked goods.
• Tracy’s King Crab Shack: Located in Juneau, this casual spot is a must-visit for crab lovers, offering fresh Alaskan king crab legs.

Alaskan cuisine is influenced by its natural surroundings, so seafood, game meats, and locally-sourced produce often take center stage in these restaurants. Also, it’d behoove of you to make reservations ahead of time, especially during the busy tourist season. They’re just that good!

🪶 For Culture & History Buffs

If you’re a curious mind about the social situations of Alaska’s past and present, it has oodles to offer, and then some.

For the umpteenth time, this state is gigantic; there are so many ways you can learn about and engage with Alaskan cultures and history. There isn’t even necessarily a single “Alaskan culture” but rather the meshing of many!

As far as history is concerned, you’ll assuredly hit the jackpot of food for thought! The earliest human activity to have ever taken place on the American continent all started in Alaska thousands of years ago when the ancestors of our indigenous brothers and sisters crossed the ice bridge from Siberia. To that end, it’s believed that the rest of North and South America’s indigenous people, from the Inca to the Iroquois, are descendants of those early Alaskans.

I could prattle on endlessly, but for those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth for social studies, let’s get you some good starting points.

Here are the top 10 cultural and historical attractions in Alaska:

• Alaska Native Heritage Center (Anchorage): Explore the rich heritage of Alaska’s indigenous peoples through exhibits, demonstrations, and traditional performances.
• Totem Bight State Historical Park (Ketchikan): Discover the artistry and symbolism of totem poles while strolling through this historic park, home to numerous beautifully carved totem poles.
• Sitka National Historical Park (Sitka): Learn about Alaska’s Russian heritage and the Tlingit people at this park, which includes a Russian Orthodox cathedral and totem poles.
• Anchorage Museum: Explore Alaska’s history, art, and culture through a diverse range of exhibits, including native art, artifacts, and contemporary works.
• Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (Skagway): Step back in time to the Gold Rush era and visit historic buildings, and museums.
• University of Alaska Museum of the North (Fairbanks): Delve into Alaska’s natural history, art, and culture, including fascinating exhibits on paleontology, archaeology, and Alaska Native art.
• Elmendorf State Historic Site (Anchorage): Explore a historic military site, which includes well-preserved World War II-era buildings and artifacts.
• Russian Bishop’s House (Sitka): Tour this historic Russian Orthodox bishop’s residence, showcasing the influence of Russian culture in Alaska’s history.
• Eklutna Historical Park (Eklutna): Visit an Athabaskan Native cemetery with colorful spirit houses, providing insights into traditional beliefs and customs.
• Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters (Wasilla): Learn about the famous Iditarod race and the history of dog mushing in Alaska.

These cultural and historical attractions offer a deep dive into Alaska’s diverse heritage, from its indigenous roots and Russian influences to its Gold Rush history and contemporary culture.

We can learn a wealth of knowledge by peering into Alaskan history about the American experience. History in general, shows us how we can all as a collective move forward into a brighter, more informed, sustainable, and harmonious future. If we allow it, the past can wreak havoc on the present in so many ways, but the good news is that we can all have a hand (no matter how big or small) in paving the way into a better tomorrow.

These are some tips for how you can have a positive impact during your travels to Alaska:

• When buying art or souvenirs, try to purchase then from local vendors and artists. Tell people about them and what you love about their work.
• Shop and dine at locally/family-owned business; leave them nice Google reviews whenever you had a nice experience.
• Learn about common issues facing the Alaskan people and its landscapes today. Learn about some of the proposed solutions and how you might be able to help as well (i.e. sign a petitions, or write a letter to congress)
• Meet people! No better way to connect and learn about Alaska and its people than by actually connecting with them on a real, human level.
• If you can, I encourage you to donate to causes that help protect the people and the places of this wonderful place.
• And always: be kind, keep an open mind.

🪂 For the Adrenaline Junkies

The state of Alaska offers some of the most thrilling adventures for people who like to live fast and.. well, you get the gist.

Here are the top 10 activities to get your heart pounding in Alaska:

Flightseeing Tours: Soar over Alaska’s stunning landscapes in a small aircraft or helicopter. This truly invigorating activity will give you a glimpse into an Alaskan landscape you can experience no other way that from a bird’s eye view. If you have a fear of flying, heights, or tight spaces — this is a great way to face your fears! 😈

Dog Sledding: Experience the rush of mushing a team of sled dogs through pristine snow-covered terrain, especially during the winter months.

Whitewater Rafting: For those willing to brave the exhilarating rapids of Alaska’s rivers, such can be found along the Nenana River near Denali or the Six Mile Creek near Seward.

Ice Climbing: Climb frozen waterfalls and ice formations in Alaska’s ice climbing hotspots, like the Matanuska Glacier.

Heli-Skiing and Heli-Boarding: Similar to skydiving, helicopter to remote backcountry areas where you can then launch yourself our of the aircraft and onto some of the best off-piste skiing and snowboarding in the world.

Glacier Trekking: Get out onto the glaciers like the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau or the Exit Glacier near Seward with guided glacier trekking tours.

Wildlife Safaris: Set out on the search for close encounters with Alaska’s iconic wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and whales, through guided safaris and wildlife viewing tours. Bear in mind that “wild animal” is basically just code for “animal that might very well just rock your sh*t (or worse)”. — so keep your distance and follow safety protocols.

Zip Lining: Zip through the canopy of Alaska’s lush temperate rainforests or over glacial valleys would definitely fit the description of an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

Rock Climbing: Challenge yourself on Alaska’s rugged rock formations, places like Hatcher Pass and the Alaska Range will surely give you a nice run for your money.

Snowmobiling: Race across snowy trails and frozen lakes on a snowmobile adventure, a popular winter activity in Alaska. It might not quite “hair raising” as some of these other activities, but it’s a great way to fulfill some need for speed; and ultimately may be your best option of getting around if it’s winter time!

Remember that many of these activities require proper gear and experienced guides, especially when exploring remote and rugged parts of Alaska. Always prioritize safety first!

💎 Hidden Gem: Alaskan Surf

It’s debatable that anything and everything can be considered a hidden gem in this globalized world, let alone Alaska given its already remote nature. And with everything in this mindblowingly impressive state banking on remarkable, how to choose just one?

Well there is one thing stands out to me about Alaska that is one of its better kept secrets: surfing! 🏄🏾‍♀️

It’s true that Alaska has a gorgeous and massive coastline, but who thought anybody would actually be getting in? I certainly didn’t, but in addition to its title as The Last Frontier, Alaska has been labeled as potentially Surfing’s Greatest Frontier as well!

Alaska is raw and wild, and surfing is no exception. It’s probably not the first place that comes to mind when you think of surfing (*cough* Hawai’i *cough*), but Alaska’s town of Yakutat has actually found itself declared as “one of the five best surf towns in America” by Outside Magazine.

Obviously the water will be ice cold (so get a nice thick hooded wetsuit and any other cold water gear you can get your hands on), but for that reason, you may very well go on to never see single other soul on the breaks.

Getting to some of the best spots can be a true expedition. Some companies offer different trip packages by boat, bush-plane or helicopter. Other times, you might have to put your mountaineering skills to the test before you ever hit the water. Typically, you’ll need a guide and some help getting there, but not all surf spots in Alaska are so far removed.

Here’s 5 of Alaska’s best surf spots:

• Fossil Beach, Kodiak Island
• Shoal Reef/Wall, Sitka
• Sea Lion Cove, Sitka
• Sandy Beach, Sitka
• Cannon Beach, Yakutat

Best acclaimed times to hit the waves in Alaska are generally spring and fall.

Happy shredding! 🤙🏼

Conclusion

So conclusion is, if you haven’t booked you next trip to Alaska by now, what are you waiting for?

The untarnished natural beauty of Alaska is unbeatable and has so much do and learn about. I really can’t say enough just how much I love this state. For as huge as it is, it takes up just about as much space in my heart and easily ranks among my top favorite US states.

Alaska has something for everyone! It’s worth it, promise.

Stay tuned as we we continue to our state-by-state exploration of the USA. 🇺🇸 Thanks for reading and until next time, chao! 😘