Top 10 Things to Do in Alaska

Are you planning a trip to Alaska? Browse our favorite things to do in Alaska and start building the vacation of your dreams!

1. See the Northern Lights

The #1 bucket list item for most people visiting Alaska is experiencing the Northern Lights! This once-in-a-lifetime experience is beautiful, moving, and a great photo-op. The best time to see the lights is mid–August to mid-April, and it’s recommended that you dedicate three nights to the lights for a 90% chance of catching them during your trip. For optimal viewing, visit Aurora Point.

2. Glacier Tours

Experience the natural frozen wonders of Alaska on a glacier tour! Whether you view them by land or by sea, these tours are a great way to learn about glaciers and see them up close. If you want to see the glaciers, we recommend the Glacier Lake Family Hike. This easy, popular 3.2-mile hike includes a boat charter to and from the location and it’s perfect for those who are seeking a half-day experience.

3. Dog Sledding

Embark on a thrilling journey across the Alaskan landscape and meet some furry friends on a Dog Sledding adventure. While winter is the best (and least expensive) time to mush, arrangements can be made to helicopter to a glacier or enjoy snowless wheeled sledding in the summer.

4. Bear Viewing Tours

How many times in your life do you get to see bears close-up? Delight in an Alaskan Bear Viewing tour and experience brown coastal bears (peninsular grizzly bears), black bears, and more in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see cubs!

5. Whale Watching

Wildlife is plentiful in Alaska and seeing giant humpback whales is an excursion that your family will never forget. While you can spot a whale pretty much anywhere on the Alaskan coast, your best bet is in Hoonah or Juneau. Many tours also offer a variety of wildlife viewing in one experience, so they can be of great value.

6. Kayaking Tours

Traverse Alaska’s vast beauty and wonder in a fun and unique way on a Kayak Tour! You can choose a half-day or full-day journey, and depending on the time of year and weather, kayakers have the opportunity to kayak to hike and view wildlife.

7. Fishing Charters

Reel in the experience of a lifetime and the best catches when you embark on a fishing charter. Homer, AK is the halibut fishing capital of the world, so we can’t think of a better place to go! Here you can try your hand at Halibut or Salmon fishing (or both!). This is a great option for a girls or guys trip, a family get-together, or a corporate retreat.

8. Hiking

Did you know? There are about 3,427,895 acres in Alaska’s state park system! That means there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring in Alaska. While we recommend the Glacier Lake and Halibut Cove Triangle hiking tours, there are over 120 park units to choose from, so there should be a hiking trail wherever you land.

9. Alaskan Dining

We might be biased, but we think that dining in Alaska is some of the best in the country! Browse some of our favorites below and delight in the best that Alaska has to offer.

10. Stay at the Driftwood Inn!

If you’re looking for lodging close to the action, stay at the Driftwood Inn! Our Homer accommodations pair Old-Alaskan warmth with friendly service to create an unforgettable lodging experience. Our lodging is considered one of the best places to stay in Homer if you are looking for a prime location near the beach, dining, arts, shopping, hiking, and more. Lodging options include a historic inn, two distinct lodges that overlook the beach, a seaside cottage, our downtown Woodside Fishing Lodge Suites, and a small RV park.