When most people think of visiting Alaska, they picture a massive cruise ship sailing past glaciers while whales breach in the distance.
While Alaska cruises are an incredible way to experience the state (and one of our favorite vacations to plan), they’re only one way to discover America’s Last Frontier.
Alaska offers unforgettable adventures by train, motorcoach, rental car, small expedition ship, and even by air. Whether you’re looking for wildlife, mountains, national parks, fishing, photography, or the Northern Lights, there’s an Alaska vacation that’s perfect for you.
Here are eight amazing ways to explore Alaska.
1. Alaska Cruise Vacations
For many travelers, cruising remains the easiest and most relaxing way to see Alaska.
You’ll unpack once while visiting multiple ports, enjoy glacier viewing from the ship, and take exciting shore excursions like:
- Whale watching
- Dog sledding
- Glacier helicopter tours
- Ziplining
- Wildlife safaris
- Gold rush history tours
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Families
- Couples
- Multi-generational travel
2. Alaska Railroad Adventures
One of the most scenic train rides anywhere in North America is found in Alaska.
The Alaska Railroad connects many of the state’s most popular destinations including:
- Anchorage
- Talkeetna
- Denali National Park
- Fairbanks
- Seward
GoldStar Service offers panoramic dome cars, outdoor viewing platforms, fine dining, and spectacular scenery throughout the journey.
Perfect for travelers who want incredible scenery without driving.
3. Self-Drive Alaska Road Trips
If you enjoy road trips, Alaska offers thousands of miles of breathtaking highways.
Popular driving routes include:
- Anchorage to Seward
- Anchorage to Homer
- Glenn Highway
- Richardson Highway
- Parks Highway to Denali
- Kenai Peninsula Loop
You’ll have the flexibility to stop whenever wildlife appears or a mountain view catches your eye.
4. National Park Adventures
Alaska is home to some of America’s largest and most spectacular national parks.
Highlights include:
- Denali National Park
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Katmai National Park (home of the famous bear viewing)
Outdoor lovers can enjoy hiking, kayaking, rafting, photography, and incredible wildlife viewing.
5. Fly-In Wilderness Lodges
Imagine boarding a small bush plane that lands beside a remote lake where your lodge is surrounded by mountains and wildlife.
These remote wilderness lodges provide:
- World-class fishing
- Bear viewing
- Guided hikes
- Photography
- Luxury accommodations
- Gourmet meals
Many places can only be reached by floatplane, making the journey part of the adventure.
6. Northern Lights Vacations
Most travelers think Alaska is only a summer destination.
Winter offers one of nature’s greatest spectacles—the Aurora Borealis.
Fairbanks is one of the world’s premier locations to see the Northern Lights thanks to its location beneath the auroral oval.
Many winter packages also include:
- Dog sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Ice fishing
- Hot springs
- Reindeer farms
7. Fishing Adventures
Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, Alaska offers legendary fishing opportunities.
Catch:
- King Salmon
- Sockeye Salmon
- Halibut
- Rainbow Trout
- Arctic Char
Many guided fishing trips include everything you’ll need—and some will even package and ship your catch home.
8. Cruise + Land Tours
One of our favorite recommendations combines the best of both worlds.
Cruise tours typically include:
- A 7-day Alaska cruise
- Several nights inland
- Luxury rail travel
- Denali National Park
- Fairbanks
- Guided sightseeing
- Comfortable wilderness lodges
This option allows travelers to experience both Alaska’s incredible coastline and its breathtaking interior.
Which Alaska Adventure Is Right for You?
There isn’t one “best” way to visit Alaska.
It all depends on what kind of traveler you are.
Choose a cruise if you want relaxation and multiple destinations.
Choose a rail vacation if you love scenery.
Choose a self-drive trip for flexibility.
Choose a wilderness lodge for complete immersion in nature.
Choose a Northern Lights vacation for an unforgettable winter experience.
Or combine several of these into one incredible Alaska adventure.
Let Premium Travel Group Help You Plan
Alaska vacations aren’t one-size-fits-all.
We’ll help you choose the experience that best fits your travel style, budget, and bucket list.
Whether you’re dreaming of glaciers, wildlife, scenic rail journeys, remote lodges, or a once-in-a-lifetime cruise, we’ll help create an Alaska adventure you’ll never forget.
Ready to start planning? Contact Premium Travel Group today and let’s build your perfect Alaska vacation.