Alaska Bucket List: 11 Epic Experiences & Top Things To Do

Planning a trip to Alaska and looking for the most epic experiences that you really shouldn’t miss? First of all, lucky you – Alaska is one of the most unique destinations on the planet and you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime!

I recently visited Alaska, and I don’t think I’ve ever been on a trip where I said WOW so many times! When you travel a lot, it’s getting more and more difficult to get impressed by a new destination. Alaska will impress even the most seasoned travelers.

That said, not all places and activities are made equal! So if you’re also looking for that WOW factor and want to experience the very best that Alaska has to offer, this guide is for you. Below is my list of the most epic things to do in Alaska that will create memories to last a lifetime!

Good to know: This is by no means a complete list of everything to do in Alaska, but rather my personal favorites – the most memorable experiences that made my trip truly magical. You can’t go wrong with any of these and I highly recommend them all, but if you have to choose, start with the top of the list and work your way down.

READ ALSO: Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

Here is my ultimate Alaska bucket list:

1. Denali Flight with Glacier Landing

A flightseeing tour over Mt Denali (aka Mount McKinley) gives you an unbeatable perspective of North America’s tallest peak. Soaring above the rugged ridges and snowy peaks, you’ll see some of the most spectacular mountain scenery imaginable.

No words or photos do it justice. One moment you’re flying above green forests, and the next you’re crossing into a world of endless glaciers and snow-covered peaks.

TIP: Upgrade to include a glacier landing – it’s 100% worth it!

Good to know: Talkeetna is the best base for Denali flights. Because of its location, flight time isn’t too long, and you get a huge variety of landscapes in a short time.

My experience: I did the Mountain Voyager tour with glacier landing and had tears in my eyes – it was that special! I am still speechless when I think of it. Hands down, this is one of the most memorable experiences EVER and one of my top three things to do in Alaska.

MORE INFO: Denali Flightseeing Tour

2. Grand Knik Glacier Tour

A helicopter flight over the Knik Glacier and surrounding wilderness is another absolute must-do that should be on every Alaska bucket list!. This area is not easily accessible otherwise, and the scenery is unreal.

All Knik tours include at least one glacier landing, but the ‘Grand’ tour includes three, and I can’t recommend it enough!

My experience: We booked this Grand tour starting from the Alaska Glacier Lodge. I expected to land three times on the glacier, but it was so much more than that. First, we touched down on a mountain ridge with sweeping views of six glaciers – no other people around, just complete silence and endless wilderness. Then we landed by a glacier lake dotted with icebergs, and finally right on the glacier itself.

The final flight took us over a canyon and forest where we spotted goats, eagles, and even a bear from the air!

MORE INFO: Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour

3. Bear Viewing (by Floatplane!)

Seeing wildlife up close is always amazing, but bear viewing in Alaska takes it to another level!

Whether you visit the famous Brooks Falls or take a floatplane trip to a remote lake, watching bears fishing, swimming, or just wandering around is unforgettable. There are so many bears! Seeing them in their natural habitat, completely oblivious to your presence, makes you realize you’re just a guest in true bear country.

If you’re visiting Alaska in summer, bear viewing should be high on your bucket list!

Good to know: You might get lucky and see bears from the road, but the most reliable sightings happen in remote areas accessible only by floatplane. Plus, flying on a floatplane and landing in Alaska’s wilderness is a bucket-list experience on its own!

TIP: Bear viewing tours are among the most popular experiences in Alaska, so make sure to book well in advance! We recommend FlyRust’s tours from Anchorage. They offer bear tours to the best locations depending on the season, and you can get 10% off with the exclusive discount code ‘fullsuitcase’.

My experience: I visited Alaska in late September, and at that time of year, Lake Clark was the best place to see bears. I chose this bear viewing trip. We landed at Crescent Lake and spent a day watching bears in their natural habitat. There were so many – big ones, cubs, fishing, swimming, and just hanging out along the lake shores. It felt like stepping into a wildlife documentary!

MORE INFO: Bear Viewing in Alaska: Lake Clark National Park

4. Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Home to towering fjords, tidewater glaciers, and incredible wildlife, Kenai Fjords is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska. Plus, it’s really easy to visit.

The best way to explore this national park is via boat tours, which give you up-close views of glaciers calving into the sea and unforgettable wildlife encounters. You can expect to see sea otters, whales, sea lions, dolphins, puffins, bald eagles, and more.

Good to know: Tours depart from Seward and usually take 4–8 hours, depending on the route. If you want to see calving glaciers up close, choose one of the longer tours – at least 6 hours. The shorter ones don’t have time to get close to the glaciers and only pass them from a distance. You can find all the info in our detailed guide linked below.

My experience: We did this 6-hour cruise, and it was one of the highlights of the trip. We saw sea otters, seals, eagles, puffins, and spent a good half hour watching a glacier calving into the ocean. It’s the best boat tour I did in Alaska, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

MORE INFO: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

5. Alaska Railroad Scenic Journey

The journey on the Alaska Railroad also deserves a high place on your Alaska bucket list!

Whether you choose the trip between Anchorage and Seward or travel north toward Denali National Park and Fairbanks, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of forests, mountains, and rivers along the way. It’s a perfect way to explore Alaska’s vast wilderness. Sit back, relax, and watch the breathtaking scenery roll by.

TIP: Book the GoldStar service if your budget allows. The domed windows and outdoor viewing deck make a big difference.

Good to know: The route from Anchorage to Seward travels along the Turnagain Arm and is especially beautiful. Plus, it’s easy to combine with a visit to the above-mentioned Kenai Fjords, and you can even do it as a one-day trip from Anchorage (see the detailed guide linked below for more info).

My experience: We took the train from Anchorage to Seward, and it was a super relaxed and beautiful journey. It’s not just transport – it’s an experience in itself, and one of the most memorable train rides we’ve ever done (and that includes routes in places like Norway and Switzerland).

MORE INFO: Alaska Railroad to Seward + Kenai Fjords Day Trip from Anchorage

6. Northern Lights

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. So if you’re visiting during the colder months, make an effort to catch this magical natural light show – it’s truly unforgettable.

The best time for aurora viewing is from late August to early April. The farther north you go, the better your chances. Fairbanks is the top spot in Alaska, but with the right conditions, you can also see auroras from Anchorage, and even as far south as Seward or Homer.

TIP: If seeing the Northern Lights is a priority, head to Fairbanks and plan to stay at least a few nights – they’re unpredictable, and it might take a few tries to catch a good show. Alternatively, book a guided aurora tour from Anchorage. Local guides monitor the forecast and drive you to the best possible viewing spots each night.

My experience: I visited Alaska in the second half of September and was lucky to see the Northern Lights several times. The best displays were in Seward, but I also spotted them from my hotel window in Anchorage. If I had gotten out of bed every night, I probably could’ve seen them even more – but hey, sleep matters too, and I’ve seen them quite a few times before. My friends who went to Fairbanks in early October saw auroras every single night.

7. Denali National Park

Denali is one of the most iconic places in Alaska and an absolute must for nature lovers. It’s home to North America’s tallest peak – Mount McKinley (aka Mt Denali) – and offers some of the wildest, most breathtaking landscapes in the state.

The park’s 92-mile Denali Park Road winds through untouched wilderness, with incredible views of mountains, valleys, and tundra. Wildlife sightings are common – grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and even wolves roam freely here.

There are plenty of ways to explore the area: take a guided bus tour deep into the park, go hiking, or try whitewater rafting nearby. But even just being in the park, surrounded by pure, raw nature, feels special.

Good to know: Private vehicles are only allowed to drive the first 15 miles of Denali Park Road. To go further, you’ll need to book a shuttle or bus tour, available only in summer (mid-May through mid-September). Reserve in advance – spots fill up quickly.

TIP: Looking for something more adventurous nearby? Denali ATV tours are a great way to explore off the beaten path – fun, flexible, and away from the crowds.

My experience: I visited at the very end of the summer season, just as the park got its first snowfall. Luckily, the road was still open to all vehicles, so I drove in myself and saw some amazing views and some wildlife. I had planned to go deeper into the park, but snowfall forced me to turn back early. Still, the scenery was incredible.

8. Scenic Parks Highway

One of the best things to do in Alaska is simply hit the road. The scenery is breathtaking everywhere you go, but if you only do one road trip, make it the Parks Highway, especially the section between Talkeetna and Denali National Park.

This drive isn’t just about the destination, but an experience in itself. You’ll pass rivers, valleys, forests, and mountain ranges, with plenty of scenic pullouts and opportunities to stretch your legs. On clear days, you can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Denali (aka Mount McKinley), and the chances of spotting wildlife increase the closer you get to Denali National Park.

TIP: Plan a stop in Talkeetna for the Denali flightseeing tour (see #1 above) and some lunch. Just before town, there’s a viewpoint called the Overlook on the left side of the road – don’t miss it! On a clear day, the views of Denali are absolutely incredible.

My experience: I took my time and did this drive over a full day, stopping often for photos and to soak in the views. I joined this flightseeing tour in Talkeetna and also visited a reindeer farm before continuing on to Denali. The scenery just kept getting better the farther north I went, and I saw several moose along the way. It’s one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever done, and one of my favorite memories from Alaska.

READ ALSO: Best Scenic Roads in the World

9. Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is a classic Alaskan experience. And the good news is that you can do it in both winter and summer.

In winter, it’s the traditional version: sleds gliding over snow, powered by a team of enthusiastic huskies. In summer, you can still enjoy dog sledding by taking a helicopter to a snow-covered glacier or by joining land-based tours that use carts with wheels.

Glacier tours include a scenic helicopter ride and the chance to ride across a glacier with real sled dogs – a unique and unforgettable adventure. Land-based tours are more affordable and usually offered at husky farms. The carts vary: some look like sleds and carry one or two people, while others are larger and can fit a whole family.

Good to know: You’ll find dog sledding experiences all over Alaska. Prices and availability depend on the location and season. Glacier tours are more expensive (because of the helicopter), but they offer a very different kind of experience – it’s not really comparable to land-based options.

Popular options include:

• Summer:
  • Helicopter and dog sledding on a glacier (Anchorage area).
  • Summer dog sled ride (Seward).
• Winter:
  • Traditional husky sledding (Fairbanks area).
  • Traditional husky sledding (Willow, near Palmer, 1h20 drive from Anchorage).
• For more options and locations, check the available dog sledding tours on Viator.

My experience: Since I’ve done traditional dog sledding on snow during other trips, I chose a land-based summer tour in Willow this time. Honestly, it was a bit muddy and I still prefer the snowy version, but my friends absolutely loved it. They said it was one of the most fun activities they did in Alaska.

The good thing is that with so many options available year-round, there’s always a way to fit dog sledding into your Alaska itinerary. If you’re looking for something unique to do in Alaska, give it a try!

10. Halibut Fishing in Homer

Alaska is famous for its world-class fishing opportunities. From fly fishing for salmon to deep-sea fishing for halibut, there’s something for every angler. Even if you’re not an avid fisherman, it’s an exciting and rewarding day out on the water.

If you want a fun, hands-on Alaskan adventure, go fishing in Homer, aka the halibut capital of the world. Local guides can take you to the best spots, and you don’t even need any previous experience or equipment. Most charters offer catch cleaning and shipping if you want to bring home a taste of Alaska.

Good to know: The best time for halibut fishing in Homer is between May and October. Be sure to check availability and book ahead, especially in summer.

My experience: I ran out of time to go fishing in Homer myself, but friends who did said it was one of the highlights of their trip. They spent a few hours out at sea, caught loads of fish, and proudly said their freezer has never been so well stocked.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Homer

11. Native Alaskan Cultural Experiences

No trip to Alaska would be complete without learning about the Indigenous cultures that have called this land home for thousands of years. Alaska is incredibly diverse, with many Native groups including the Dene, Iñupiat, Yup’ik, Unangax̂, Sugpiaq, Tlingit (Łingít), Haida (Xaadas), and many more.

Each group has its own traditions, languages, and ways of life. Their heritage is passed down through storytelling, music, dance, art, and close ties to the land. Some of these traditions are shared with visitors at cultural centers, festivals, and museums around the state.

If you’re sticking to the main tourist routes, the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage is the best and most accessible place to get an insight into Alaska Native cultures. You can walk through full-scale replicas of traditional villages, watch cultural performances, and hear stories that have been handed down for generations. There’s also a great selection of Native art and crafts, as well as short films and exhibits about both past and present-day life.

TIP: In summer, the Heritage Center organizes guided village tours. Check the official website for current times and try to time your visit to catch one – it’s well worth it!

If you’re heading to Southeast Alaska, check out the Ketchikan Native Cultural and Wildlife Adventure. Led by a Haida guide, this small-group tour combines wildlife viewing with a visit to the Totem Heritage Center, offering a great introduction to the region’s Native cultures and traditions.

My experience: I visited the Native Heritage Center in Anchorage and had the chance to speak with several locals. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for the richness and resilience of Alaska’s Native communities and added a whole new layer of meaning to the rest of the trip.

In addition, I also visited the Anchorage Museum, which has several excellent exhibits on Alaska Native history, art, and contemporary life. It’s not a dedicated cultural center, but a great addition to your itinerary, especially if you’re interested in the deeper cultural and historical context of the region.

READ ALSO: Anchorage 1-Day Itinerary

So, that’s my Alaska bucket list – the most unforgettable experiences from my trip and the ones I’d recommend to anyone heading to the Last Frontier. From flying over glaciers and spotting bears in the wild to exploring Alaska’s Native cultures, these are the kinds of moments that stay with you long after the trip is over.

I hope this list inspires you to visit and helps you plan your own adventure. Alaska really is one of the most spectacular places on Earth!

Planning your own trip? You can find all our Alaska travel guides on our dedicated Alaska travel page – packed with tips, itineraries, and practical info to help you make the most of your adventure.

Have a great trip!

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