These 10 Destinations Show Alaska Has More Beautiful Travel Destinations Than You Might Realize

Alaska is America's largest state. Despite this, it’s full of wilderness and a very low population due to the northern location. It occupies a singular place in the American imagination. Many people dream of seeing the state's fabled sites. If you've always wanted to visit this part of the world, it's easier than ever to explore this part of the country. Alaska has much to see and do at every turn. There's charming towns, amazing national parks and plenty of unique history to get to know in person. This is one part of the United States that lets visitors see something entirely new every time they visit. Discover why so many people have been enchanted by snow capped mountains that seem to touch the horizon. Let yourself see diverse wildlife in person from a boat. Alaska is one place that allows people to be part of a wild place full of intense natural wonders that will linger in your memory forever. This article will look at 10 beautiful Alaskan destinations. 

1 - Anchorage

Situated in the heart of Alaska, Anchorage combines many places into a single community. Spend your morning getting to know Alaskan wildlife in person like the moose that freely walk the streets here. Once you're done, it's time to see a local performance. Ballet and opera are popular activities during the long nights.

2 - Cooper Landing Area

This small town is the ideal stop off. As one of the gateways to the Alaskan wilderness, Cooper Landing is where the Russian and Kenai Rivers meet. This is a marvelous place to go fishing. Rainbow trout are particularly plentiful and very easy to catch. Cook it yourself along the river on a trip with friends and family.

3 - Denali

Denali National Park sprawls across an immense vista. You'll want to allow at least two days to get to know this one better. Road park tours are a good way to get a feel for it. Rent a bicycle or take a canoe for further exploration into the depths of the park. 

4 - Fairbanks

Located in the Alaskan interior, Fairbanks makes the perfect home base from which to see more of this state. At night, the colors of the northern lights dance overhead. During the day, get a feel for the region's gold rush background. Go pan for gold on your own or take a boat tour of the riverbanks that have brought so many people here.

5 - Homer

This small town has big views. Many people come here for the incredible halibut fishing. On land is where you'll find lots of wildlife including bears and bald eagles. Pristine trails bring you around town and to areas well worth your time. Sit back and watch the sunsets over the mountains as the large sky touches everything.

6 - Kenai

Known as Alaska's playground, the Kenai area is a fabulous and easy day trip from Anchorage. Gentle trails just right for the beginner let you get a feel for some of the most scenic parts of Alaska. The Kenai River is a great place to go fishing. Many adjacent lodges let you get close to the action during the day and enjoy upscale dining at night. Bear viewing tours are another way to get into the wild and see what nature looks like up here. This is one place to come for a few days and get away from it all.

7 - Kennicott

As perhaps the best known of all Alaska's ghost towns, Kennicott was once a mining village. Today, it's home to many abandoned buildings. That gives it an eerie feel that helps you get into the Halloween spirit. Make McCarthy your home base. A scant five miles away, McCarthy is a great place to travel as well. This is a chance to travel through some of the most gloriously pretty scenery in Alaska via a seven hour drive from Anchorage. It is also an opportunity to rent a private cabin or stay at a nearby resort. It's yours to appreciate in person.

8 - Palmer

While part of the larger metro Anchorage area, Palmer is one place that draws in many visitors for many reasons. This is where Alaskans farm. Visit a musk ox farm. Summer is particularly bustling. During the short summer months, the town comes alive with numerous festivals. Open air markets known as the Friday Fling offer a chance to sample local produce. Late August is when the state fair comes to Palmer with rides and lots of local crafts. Get to know the locals and stretch out when the sun comes up and stays up for much of the evening.

9 - St. Elias National Park

St. Elias is part of a large park system. This part of Alaska is next door to Canada. Together, the park and the Canadian Kluane National Park offer more than thirteen million acres to explore in dozens of ways. It's a World Heritage Site. In fact, this is the single largest protected area in the entire world. This is where three mountain ranges meet. Home to the continent's largest collection of glaciers, this is the place for those who really love the outdoors. Spend a few days camping. Go fishing on the ice or hit the ski slopes.

10 - Seward

Roughly two and a half hours south of Anchorage, Seward makes a great day trip. There's a harbor at the foot of Mount Marathon. Each July 4th, runners try to summit the top as fast as possible. The Silver Salmon Derby in August offers lots of opportunities to enjoy one of the region's best known products. Kenai Fjords National Park is home to lots of must see native wildlife. Watch humpback whales just offshore. They're right there along with killer whales and different types of birds including puffins. This is a place to see all Alaska can bring to life.