12 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots In Alaska
Alaska is a wellspring of natural beauty and stunning wildlife. From the towering Denali Mountain to the ice-cold Bering Glacier, the state boasts stunning destinations for nature enthusiasts. Bolstered by its extreme north location, choose from an array of budget destinations, including serene towns and breathtaking national parks. One can access the glistening Pacific coast, where there are endless recreational pursuits. With affordable lodging and low-cost activities plentiful, these are the best locations for a summer getaway in Alaska.
Anchorage
Starting off the list with a bang, Anchorage is the most populous city in Alaska, with nearly 300,000 residents. To this end, the lively town is full of budget opportunities, from downtown entertainment to outdoor recreation. Budget travelers flock to the town’s cultural attractions, such as the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, Anchorage Museum at Rasmusen Center, and Alaska Native Heritage Center. These museums delve into different aspects of the state’s intriguing past. Or, appreciate the aviation history and Lake Hood at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. With entry tickets available between $17 and $25, these sites are affordable and interesting. If you want to take some of the culture home, the Anchorage Market is a great street market with hundreds of vendors selling unique items.
Anchorage’s true beauty lies in the surrounding environment teeming with trails, wildlife, and glaciers. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the beautiful Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which protects hundreds of animals in a 200-acre area. Wolves, Lynx, Black Bears, and Bald Eagles are just a few of the furry friends you can make. If you want to take in the sights from above, the Alyeska Aerial Tram is a must-visit. Functional all year, hop on the cable car, which takes guests to an observation deck at 2,300 feet. At just $48, one can take in the experience of a lifetime with panoramic views of mountains and glaciers. After a day of sightseeing, retreat to your room at Microtel Inn & Suites, offering great rooms for $70 per night.
Juneau
While it may not be as lively as Anchorage, Juneau is a treasure trove of history and nature. History enthusiasts rejoice at the abundance of historical sites conveying the town’s unique past. Once a prominent gold mill, many of the old establishments have been converted into museums. For example, the AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tour is a $64 tour that takes you through what was once the world’s largest gold-producing mill. Proceed through a 360-foot tunnel engulfed by mining history, memorabilia, and knowledge, as well as try your hand at panning for gold. With so much on offer, get a bang for your buck at this attraction. If not history, one can enjoy a stroll through the town’s tranquil streets for free. That said, drop by the Alaska Brewing Company, and enjoy delicious brewed beer for a few bucks.
Head out of town, and a world of natural allure awaits near Juneau. Tracy Arm Fjord is a beautiful place with clear water and dense wilderness. Hop on a boat and witness the towering sights firsthand to appreciate Alaska’s great outdoors. Another majestic sight nearby is the Mendenhall Glacier, a massive block of ice spanning more than 13 miles. Visitors can appreciate the chilling views with a hike along one of the local trails. Or, head down into the Mendenhall Ice Caves for a spine-thrilling view from inside the glacier. Whatever you plan on doing on your budget trip, enhance the savings with an affordable stay. Hotels such as the Super 8 and Frontier Suites provide spacious rooms at about $150 per night.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Retreat from civilization to one of coastal Alaska’s most beautiful natural areas. With entry available for free, Kenai Fjords National Park is a stunning slice of icy allure perfect for a budget vacation. Get away from the summer heat and take in the park’s 700,000 acres of fjords, glaciers, and greenery. Among the sights, Harding Icefield stands out as the largest ice field in the United States. With more than 38 glaciers, visitors are drawn in by the majestic grandeur of these icy formations.
Recreational activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and boat tours abound, there are many ways to experience this park. Hikers can head out on the 1-mile Exit Glacier View Loop that takes you up close and personal with massive glaciers. Or, save up on dinner by catching some fresh salmon in one of the freshwater fishing lakes. No matter what you do throughout the day, end it on a high note at the Exit Glacier Camping Area. You can stay at tent sites for free and experience the starry skies and chilling ice at night.
Seward
Often called the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park," Seward is a small town next door. While many visitors are here for the stunning national park, the seaside locale boasts an array of affordable attractions itself. One of the most popular spots in town is the famous Alaska Sealife Center, a wellspring of Alaska’s diverse marine life. See incredible animals like the Stellar Sea Lion, Spotted Seal, and Horned Puffins living in spacious enclosures. Book your tickets online, and you can have a fun day out at less than $30.
In addition to the fascinating marine life, this cozy seaside town is also a great place for towny fun. A tight-knit community of 2,700 residents makes it so that there is always someone up for a quick chat! Stroll down to 4th Ave, lined with quaint cafes and stylish restaurants. If you’re hungry, relish affordable and fresh seafood dishes at the Alaska Seafood Grill. End the day with beer at the Exit Glacier Salmon Bake, and you’ll never want to leave this summer destination. To top it off, hotels and motels are plentiful, with rooms available from $100 per night at Breeze Inn and Sauerdough Lodging.
Denali National Park and Preserve
Enter a world of endless nature in the Denali National Park and Preserve. Encompassing a whopping 6 million acres of land, this park is the third largest of its kind in the United States. To this end, visitors will find everything from bare rocks and glistening lakes to towering glaciers and mountains. Among the variety of sights, this park is centered around Denali Mountain, the highest mountain in North America, at 20,310 feet above sea level. Experienced climbers can conquer this challenging mountain for a remarkable accomplishment.
Back at ground level, the park offers hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife-viewing pursuits. Hikers are sure to enjoy the 4.9-mile Mount Healy Overlook Trail, which rewards a steep climb with panoramic views of the parks’ verdant beauty. Keep your eyes and ears open to spot local animal species such as the grizzly bear, Golden eagle, bald eagle, and many others. If not hiking, there are plenty of cycling routes available that’ll be easier on your legs. After a tiring day outdoors, set up camp in one of the developed campgrounds, which feature washrooms, RV spaces, and electric hookups. All you’ll need to pay is the $15 entry fee for a comfortable slice of Alaska’s boundless outdoors.
Glacier Bay National Park
A close second to the Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park is an expansive slice of nature in Southeast Alaska. Start off your budget summer journey with free entry into the park’s 3.2 million-acre area. Filled with all sorts of sights, such as the Johns Hopkins Glacier and Mount Fairweather, outdoor enthusiasts rejoice. Experience the allure through recreational options such as sea kayaking, backpacking, rafting, and hiking. Most tourists opt for kayaking as it provides a close-up view of steep cliffs and glistening water. Rent a kayak and join a guided tour for an exhilarating time through sites such as Bartlett Cove.
On the other hand, take in the sights from land via the 1.1-mile Forest Trail, which can be completed at all skill levels. Apart from the beauty of geographical formations, wildlife is also abundant in the park. Fascinating animals such as the Arctic fox and timber wolf call this place home and can be spotted along the white glaciers.
Fairbanks
If Alaska’s national parks are a bit too secluded for your summer, opt for Fairbanks instead. With a unique take on natural beauty, this quaint town is renowned for its clear view of the aurora borealis. Also known as the northern lights, travelers can enjoy a range of unique tours to appreciate the enchanting lights. For example, the Homestead Aurora Adventure by Northern Alaska Tour Company is a budget option with 8+ hours of serene aurora lights at $129 per person. Continue the outdoor experience at Chena River State Recreation Area. Featuring hiking, cycling, ATV, and canoeing pursuits, it is a fun time for everyone.
Home to 32,500 residents, the town is also home to an abundance of culture and activity. As far as budget attractions go, one can opt for the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. This free-admission establishment features travel information on the town as well as exhibits on Native Alaskan culture. If this sounds like fun, check out the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum as well. The museum is a motorhead’s dream showcasing dozens of cars from before World War II. To enhance the budget experience, book a $100 room at the Golden North Inn or Billie’s Backpackers for a relaxing stay in Fairbanks.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan rests at the southeastern end of Alaska, providing tourists with an affordable reprieve. The town is overflowing with coastal views thanks to the network of waterways spread throughout. Visitors can take advantage of these sights through a range of options, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Most kayaking tours are centered around the Misty Fjords National Monument, a grand display of steep cliffs and thick foliage. Or, opt for a fun fishing trip to catch the delicious salmon teeming within the ocean.
Follow the streams into town, and you’ll find yourself at Creek Street, the town’s historical hub. This is a great place for budget fun, as there are dozens of cultural and historic attractions to see. For example, Alaska Totems, Chief Kashakes House, and Burkhart-Dibrell House are popular spots with interesting stories behind them. Reasonable entry fees and tours make them ideal for a whole day of fun in Ketchikan. As night falls, hit one of the local bars for a quick drink with friends and family. The Asylum Bar and Arctic Bar are vibrant options with chilled beer at low costs. Hit the hay at Super 8 by Wyndham Ketchikan, a central hotel available at less than $115 per night.
Wrangell St. Elias Park and Preserve
Wrangell St. Elias Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, encompassing over 13 million acres of protected land. Anyone can enter free of cost, making it a popular summertime destination for budget tourists. Once you’re in, the sights are endless, from the Saint Elias Mountains to the Malaspina Glacier, both massive examples of natural formations. If you want to check out as much as possible, join one of the ranger-guided tours that offer talks, slideshows, and information. Available at reasonable prices and free for kids, the tours are fun and safe, so you can enjoy Alaska’s wilderness at a relaxed pace. Apart from this, visitors can pursue hiking, boating, fishing, mountaineering, and backpacking opportunities. If you’re interested in hiking, the Root Glacier Trail is a 2.5-hour route providing hikers with a great viewpoint of the nearby peaks.
For those of you who aren’t into hiking, another budget option to view the park is McCarthy Road. All you need is a car to drive down the 60-mile road engulfed by mother nature’s embrace. From the Copper River and Mount Drum to a range of wildlife, you’ll see a lot along the road. Many people come here to watch the awe-inspiring Canadian wood bison, wolverine, Canadian lynx, and Alaskan sea otter. However, Wrangell St. Elias Park & Preserve also houses a unique and mysterious attraction within its area. This is the Kennicott ghost town, an abandoned mining camp where one can tour the spooky mill. Often touted as a haunted area, it is a unique take on an outdoor destination. As far as lodging is concerned, there are multiple free campgrounds available, so you can enjoy a low-cost time in this massive park.
Lake Clark National Park
Continue the outdoor streak with a visit to Lake Clark National Park, an affordable haven. Centered around the idyllic Lake Clark, this 4 million-acre protected area is any nature lover’s dream. Start your budget trip at the center of attention, Lake Clark, and you’ll find an enchanting aura rarely felt elsewhere. With shimmering water, snow-capped mountains, forests, and rocky shores, it's a photographer's paradise.
However, while Lake Clark may share its name with the park, Crescent Lake is the most popular. Deep in the wilderness, this lake offers an array of recreational options such as sport fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife watching. If you’re looking for something unique, combine these activities to enjoy a budget experience of bear-watching. Popular with tourists, one can hop on a boat and appreciate the local brown bear population from the safety of the lake. You’ll also be glad to know that entry is completely free of cost. Add on a variety of low-cost lodging and camping areas for a complete outdoor trip within a few hundred dollars.
Skagway
Take a trip to Alaska’s gold rush past in the vibrant town of Skagway for a budget vacation. Hidden away in the Alaska Panhandle, summer tourism is booming, with more than 1,00,000 visitors visiting each year. To this end, there are an array of affordable hotels available such as Westmark Inn, at less than $200 per night. Among the town’s attractions, budget tourists prefer to delve into the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center. One can learn about the Klondike Gold Rush and check out a range of photos, items, and memorabilia from the late 1800s. Continue the historic trip with a stroll down State Street and Broadway Street. Lined with historic buildings from the gold rush era, it feels like you've stepped into the past. Or, visit the Gold Rush Cemetery, a commemorative site for those who lost their lives in the mining spree. With so much to do and such little cost, Skagway is a historical goldmine at affordable prices.
Skagway’s rich culture spans beyond the Klondike Gold Rush and is prevalent throughout the town. Home to a friendly population of 1,200 people, you can expect hospitality and smiles wherever you go. If you like photography, visit the BearHead Photography Gallery. One can appreciate wildlife, Skagway, fine art, and more by Barret Hedges, a famous photographer. If not art, spend a fun time at the Klondike Brewing Company, always bustling with conversations and activity.
Alyeska Resort
Hidden away from the crowded streets of Skagway is Alyeska Resort, a reprieve of stunning proportions. Located in Girdwood, near Anchorage, this resort is overflowing with opportunities from high-quality amenities to entertaining activities. Decide from an array of chateau-style rooms starting at prices of about $200 if you book early. Once you’re checked in, it's time to have a blast. Stroll through the large resort to see a range of awe-inspiring Native Alaskan artwork, with many of them on sale.
Outside the establishment, one can enjoy an adrenaline-filled time at the resort’s Alyeska Bike Park. At just $60 for a mountain bike rental, you can shred the hills and burn some rubber among Alaska's magnificent scenery. If you’re not a biker but still want to brave the outdoors, Veilbreaker Skybridges is a must-visit. At a height of over 2,500 feet, tourists can walk along a thin bridge that feels like floating in mid-air. Cross the entire 410 feet length, and you’ll feel like a new person by the end of it.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Alaska's wilderness at these charming summer vacation spots. Offering great activities, unique attractions, and comfortable lodging on a budget, you can have a blast in Alaska. Moreover, plan your trip early to find the best prices to make your trip even more affordable this summer.
