8 Ideal Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in Alaska
Alaska is the most northern state in the United States. It borders Canada and shares a maritime border with Russia in the Bering Strait. Alaska is the largest US state by land area, but it has a sparse population with just over 700,000 permanent inhabitants. With so much land and so few people, the Last Frontier is the perfect holiday destination for anyone looking to connect with nature and disconnect from their everyday routine. Alaska’s wild landscapes will take your breath away. Fish, hike, ski, camp, and play in this wonderland of wilderness. See bears, moose, whales, wolves, and many other species of wildlife in their natural habitats. Witness towering glaciers, see the Aurora Borealis, and explore thriving cities like Juneau, Sitka, and Anchorage. Set out for one of the most amazing destinations in the United States and plan your visit to the "Land of the Midnight Sun."
Anchorage
Anchorage is in Southcentral Alaska on the banks of the Knik Arm of the Cook Inlet. Chugach State Park borders the city to the east, which makes it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore this frontier city on foot or rent a bike, and head towards the Coastal Trail or Point Woronzof Park. Hike one of the many glaciers located close to Anchorage, such as the Byron Glacier or the famous Matanuska Glacier. In winter, visitors can hike the Portage Glacier, which must be completely frozen to access.
Learn more about Alaska at the Anchorage Museum or visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center for an immersive experience showcasing the culture and traditions of Alaska's Natives. Book your accommodations close to 4th Avenue, Anchorage’s main pedestrian street, where visitors can enjoy great restaurants and bars. With so much to do and see in Anchorage, it is one of the best locations for a weekend getaway in Alaska.
Denali National Park
With 6 million acres of awe-inspiring, pristine wilderness, Denali National Park offers a true Alaskan wilderness experience. Every year, about 400,000 tourists visit Denali in the summer months. Many climbers attempt to summit Denali, but only about 50% succeed. At 20,320 feet, Denali is the highest mountain in North America, so climbing it is a feat of endurance. Wonder Lake is an ideal location for those looking to admire the view of Denali. Hikers can experience the unique sensation of walking on soft tundra as there are not many maintained trails in the park. Visitors are likely to encounter wildlife like bears, caribou, wolves, and many other creatures in this magnificent park. Check out McKinley Chalet Resort or Denali Park Village for lodging near the park entrance. Prepare to be captivated by the park's incredible beauty and wild Arctic landscapes.
Juneau
The capital city of Alaska since 1906, Juneau offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. This capital city is accessible only by boat or plane due to the rugged terrain and mountains surrounding the city. Explore the Mendenhall Glacier, a 13-mile-long glacier that flows down from the Juneau Icefield. Go whale-watching in the Inside Passage, a scenic waterway that is home to humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life. Take the Goldbelt Tramway up Mount Roberts for panoramic views of Juneau and the surrounding area. Zipline in the Tongass National Forest and explore the treetops of this magical old-growth forest, available in the summer months. Enjoy a cold one at the Alaskan Brewing Co. From amazing restaurants to wildlife spotting opportunities, wilderness tours, and more, Juneau is an unforgettable Alaskan destination.
Fairbanks
The city of Fairbanks is the second-largest city in Alaska and the largest city in the interior of the state. Founded in 1901, the city rests on the banks of the Tanana River. Today, the city is known as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Visitors going to see the lights should visit Fairbanks between September and April and hope for a clear night. For the best viewing experience, travel outside the city to avoid light pollution.
Combine the Aurora Borealis experience with one of the many outdoor activities Fairbanks has to offer, like dog sledding, ice fishing, or a dip in the stunningly beautiful Chena Hot Springs. In the summer months, Fairbanks hosts the Midnight Sun Festival to celebrate the time of year the sun does not set over the town. This is a great time to visit the city and enjoy delicious food, live music, and amazing shopping. Stay at the Alaska Heritage House or Billie’s Backpackers Hostel for a more budget-friendly option. Whether you visit in the winter or the summer, Fairbanks's unique northern location will make your stay unforgettable.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is in southeast Alaska, west of the state’s capital Juneau. This awe-inspiring park covers over 3.2 million acres and is a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as a Biosphere Reserve. The park is a stunning mix of deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers, and an incredible array of wildlife. Visitors can camp inside the park, kayak the deep blue waters, or hike one of the ancient glaciers. The park also affords the opportunity to spot some of the most amazing Arctic animals, like humpback whales, eagles, mountain goats, sea lions, orcas, bears, and many others.
The remote location of the park and the relatively low human population of visitors ensure the protection of the park’s incredible biodiversity. Stay at Glacier Bay Lodge, the only lodge located within the park, or bundle up and camp at Bartlett Cove. Visiting Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a true Alaskan experience and one of the state’s most stunning locations for a weekend trip.
Sitka
Sitka is a city in the southeast of Alaska, on the west side of Baranof Island on the Alexander Archipelago. With a population of just over 8,400 permanent residents, Sitka is Alaska’s fifth most populous town. The Alexander Archipelago was originally inhabited by the Tlingit people, who have lived in the area for over 10,000 years. The Tlingit are a Native American tribe known for their totem poles, which are carved wooden poles that represent the tribe's history and culture. To learn more about the Tlingit culture and traditions, visit the Totem Park Visitor Center and the Sitka National Historical Park. There you can walk along the trails and see the amazing totem poles erected along the many paths.
You may also see the wildlife that calls this forest home, such as brown bears, wolves, black bears, and Sitka black-tailed deer. The temperature in the temperate rainforest surrounding Sitka remains fairly mild. This area of Alaska receives over 90 inches of rain annually. The local economy relies heavily on fishing and tourism. Tourists can rent a kayak to explore the area or book a whale-watching excursion. Sitka is an enchanting town with an important history and a deep connection to the ocean. It is one of the most magical places to visit in Alaska.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Journey to Kenai Fjords National Park, located on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska. The park covers over 600,000 acres of stunning glaciers, beautiful islands, and fjords. With nearly 40 glaciers, Kenai Fjords National Park is a wonder to behold. Only one road leads to the park, which makes the park’s natural beauty particularly pristine and untouched. The best time to visit Kenai is during the summer when days are long, and temperatures are higher. Take a boat cruise to get a close-up view of the staggering tidal glaciers. Along the way, visitors may encounter humpback whales and orcas, as well as marine birds and sea lions. If you prefer to be on land, there are plenty of hiking trails in the park. Keep an eye out for bears and mountain goats as you hike. However you choose to explore this natural wonderland, it is sure to take your breath away.
Kodiak Island
Kodiak Island is the ideal destination for an off-the-beaten-path travel experience. The island lies south of the Alaskan mainland in the Gulf of Alaska. It has a rugged, forested landscape, perfect for exploring. The island's most famous inhabitant is the Kodiak Brown Bear, the second-largest bear species and the largest brown bear in the world. Tourists may encounter the bear and many other species of wildlife in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Kodiak City and its surrounding area are the largest settlements on the island, with a population of about 5,500 inhabitants. Fishing is the main industry, which makes the seafood here particularly delicious. Check out Kodiak Hana Restaurant for some of the best seafood and sushi in Alaska. Stay at the Channel View Bed and Breakfast for a luxurious and comfortable stay on the island. With exceptional food, stunning Arctic views, and some of the most unique wildlife in Alaska, Kodiak Island is a must-visit destination.
Alaska has many stunning destinations for a weekend getaway. This wild and wonderous state has a population of just over 700,000 people, so you are more likely to run into a Kodiak bear than another traveler on your excursions. Ski in Anchorage, ride the tramway in Juneau, explore islands in a sea kayak, and witness the majesty of the "Land of the Midnight Sun." In Alaska, nature takes center stage; it is not a place for the faint of heart. For those bold enough to traverse this spectacular state, the adventures have no end. Whether you choose whale watching or gazing at the Northern Lights, Alaska is sure to take your breath away. Go ahead, pack your hiking boots and warm clothes, and head out to explore the Last Frontier.
