2025 Alaska Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Glaciers, snowfields, and forests whiz by, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis from the train window! Experience the essence of Alaska with the special 'Aurora Winter Train.' Embark on a 12-hour rail journey through the winter wilderness! ■ Schedule Period: Mid-September to early May each year • Saturday: Anchorage to Fairbanks • Sunday: Fairbanks to Anchorage ▶ Time: 8:30 AM departure → 8:00 PM arrival (approximately 12 hours) ▶ Stops: Talkeetna, Denali, etc. (maximum stop time is 10 minutes, photos allowed) ▶ From Anchorage, you might see the aurora borealis depending on the weather! ■ How to Purchase Tickets Reservations can be made on the official Alaska Railroad website • Adventure Class: Adult one-way: $249 / Child one-way: $125 ▶ Notes • Early reservations are recommended • No seat reservations (random assignment) • No GoldStar dome cars (regular cars only) ■ Station Locations Anchorage Depot 📍 411 West 1st Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501 Fairbanks Depot 📍 1031 Alaska Railroad Depot Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701 * In Fairbanks, Uber is rarely available, and it's recommended to book taxis in advance. There are also very few rental cars around the station. ■ Onboard Dining • Meals are not included in the ticket price. You can bring your own food or use the dining car. • The dining car has large tables and windows, making it a great spot for photos! • Staff will come around three times a day to check if you want breakfast, lunch, or dinner. • The 'Wilderness Café' car has hot water and a microwave. ■ For a Comfortable Journey ✔ No Wi-Fi, and many areas have no signal (at least 2 hours completely offline) ✔ Bring a portable charger! (Only some seats have outlets) ✔ Luggage can be checked for free (see the official website for details) → Carry-on size suitcases can be brought onboard → It takes time to retrieve checked luggage, so be aware! Enjoy a special train journey as you gaze at the snowy Alaskan landscape outside the window, letting your heart unwind. Why not travel to a quiet and beautiful world on the Aurora Winter Train next winter?

#auroralight Alaska isn’t just a place to spot moose or hike glaciers—it’s also the ultimate destination for witnessing the breathtaking Aurora Borealis. Imagine standing under the crisp, dark skies of Alaska, watching as vibrant greens, purples, and pinks swirl across the sky in a dazzling display that feels otherworldly. It’s like nature’s own light show, and Alaska is one of the best places to experience it. The magic happens from late August to April, when the long, dark nights create the perfect backdrop for the Aurora to shine. Fairbanks, in particular, is renowned for its prime Northern Lights viewing spots, offering a front-row seat to the celestial spectacle. If you’re lucky, the lights will show up as shimmering ribbons that stretch across the sky, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When you’re not chasing the Aurora, Alaska offers plenty of outdoor adventures—from dog sledding and snowshoeing to soaking in the beauty of the rugged wilderness. And let’s not forget the cozy lodges, where you can warm up after a chilly night of stargazing. So, layer up, pack your camera, and get ready for the sky’s most stunning party in Alaska!

#myhiddengems I was in a Grand Loft Suite of the Ovation of the Seas cruise for 7days Alaska trip, The large two-storey room at the back of the ship with a floor-to-ceiling window that opens to a private balcony. The living and dining area is downstairs; the bedroom on a mezzanine floor above. Each level also has its own bathroom and shower. Combined, the room occupies 856 sq ft of living space, which is nearly as big as three double-decker buses. This is just amazing experience and once in a lifetime experience! Just break taking watching the sunset at the private balcony at the back of the giant cruise. #100waysoftravel #alaska #cruise #Ovationoftheseas #travel #sea #coupletravel

#100WaysOfTravel #Alaskacruise #alaska Enjoy Alaska’s unparalleled glaciers, wildlife and more on the Royal Caribbean ship that's right for you, like Ovation of the Seas. We can scope out Alaska’s beauty from the North Star—the world record-holder for the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship. Having a cup of hot nice coffee and enjoying the view of the glacier and seeing wildlife is just a splendid experience. Indeed Once in a lifetime experience.

These photos were taken in Valdez, Alaska Valdez in my heart It's really like a fairyland Although it rained non-stop during the days I went there But I also saw beautiful clouds and fog It also gives us the opportunity to slow down our journey Exploring this small town brought us the biggest surprise Dinner with bears . Alaska as a large "wildlife refuge" Watching bears is definitely a unique experience The scene of seeing brown bears in Katmai national park last July is still vivid in my mind. Unexpectedly, I saw a black bear catching salmon again in Valdez this September. The difference is Katmai in July Salmon risk their lives to swim upstream from the sea back to the creek where they were born. The brown bears had also been hungry for months, so they ate to their heart's content In September, most of the salmon in Valdez's creeks are the "weak ones" who have completed their mission (aka produce luan) and are about to go to heaven, or who are unable to go upstream. And the bears have been very full in the past few months. So I can obviously feel that people are starting to pick and choose. Which fish to eat only with high fat content We bought sandwiches and sat in the car on the side of the highway Listening to the sound of rain, having dinner with bears In addition to watching bears, you can also see many sea lions nearby. Don't miss it~ . Watch the bears 📍There is a small parking lot next to GPS (61.0847637, -146.2652175) Sea lion viewing spot 📍 The Solomon Gulch Hatchery Fall 📍Horsetail fall

🎃Alaska｜𝑨𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒂 Winter, the fairy tale world of ice and snow, the paradise of the aurora. If you want to experience a different winter trip, follow me and take a look at this Alaska winter travel guide👏 · ⏰Aurora start time: every year from September to April of the following year ⚙️Generally speaking, the best season to watch the aurora in Alaska is from November to March, because the weather is relatively dry, the night is relatively long, the cloud layer is relatively small, which is conducive to observation. · ❓How to go to the aurora in Alaska? Where is the aurora in Alaska? ⭐You can choose to take direct or transfer flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other places to Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. From Anchorage, you can take trains, cars, small planes and other means of transportation to other areas of Alaska, such as Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna, etc., which are all popular destinations for watching the aurora. · 📝Alaska winter travel guide 💥①Watch the aurora, the aurora is the biggest highlight of Alaska winter travel, and it is also the experience that many people dream of. Watching the aurora requires some skills and luck, here are some tips: ✨Choose the right place: Generally speaking, the closer to the Arctic Circle, the easier it is to see the aurora. So Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna and other places are good choices. In addition, try to stay away from the light pollution of the city, choose open places, such as mountain tops, lakesides, fields, etc. ✨Choose the right time: The aurora generally appears between 10 pm and 3 am, so you need to have enough patience and energy. In addition, pay attention to the changes in the weather, it is best to choose a clear night, avoid cloudy and moonlight. ✨Use the right equipment: When watching the aurora, pay attention to keeping warm, wear thick clothes, hats, gloves, scarves, etc. If you want to shoot the aurora, prepare a SLR camera, wide-angle lens, tripod, shutter line or remote shutter, etc. You can also bring a headlamp or flashlight for operation in the dark. 💥②Play snow activities, the snow scene in Alaska winter is very beautiful, and it is also a paradise for many snow activities. You can experience the following items here: ✨Snowmobile: Snowmobile is a motorcycle driven on snow, you can gallop freely on the snow-covered wilderness, feel the speed and passion. The rental fee is generally 100-200$/hour ✨Dog sled: You can sit on the sled, pulled by a group of well-trained sled dogs, shuttle in the snow, feel the style of ice and snow. The fee is generally around 50-100$/person ✨Skiing: Alaska has many ski resorts suitable for skiers of different levels. You can enjoy the fun of skiing here, and you can also learn skiing skills. The fee is generally around 50-100$/person ✨Ice fishing 💥③Soak in hot springs, in the ice and snow, soaking in hot springs is a very comfortable and cozy enjoyment. Alaska has many natural hot springs, where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery, and you may even see the aurora · 📝Alaska winter wear ✨The temperature in Alaska in winter is relatively low, generally between minus ten to minus thirty degrees. So pay attention to keeping warm, wear multiple layers, choose breathable materials, and avoid catching a cold after sweating. · ✅Anchorage-Fairbanks 7-day 6-night aurora route

#wheretogo When visiting Alaska, do not miss taking a trip out to the amazing Hubbard Glacier, which is an unforgettable sight. It is Alaska’s largest tidewater glacier, and watching the glacier calving (process whereby pieces of ice break away from the glacier) right before my eyes made for an incredibly spectacular and breathtaking experience! This is truly an attraction not to be missed! My rating of this attraction: 5 ⭐️ out of 5!

Driving through Whittier Tunnel is one of the coolest things to do in Alaska. Sure, it isn’t an amusement park or a grizzly-filled wilderness preserve, but it has a kind of fun, everyday entertainment value that’s worth the cost of admission. Also known as Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, Whittier Tunnel is the longest bimodal highway tunnel in North America, and it’s a one-way passage into the city that’s shared by cars and trains. To get there, you’ll drive to its mountain and pass both through and underneath it, your view turning dark and eerie as you enter the underground cavern and drive for several miles before reaching the other side. There’s a schedule for moving through the tunnel since the cars need to avoid the trains, so make sure to call ahead and plan your trip accordingly. Whittier Tunnel might not be the craziest of Alaska’s attractions, but it can add a little excitement to your road trip, and it can become a fun memory to share with others if you snap some creepy selfies along the way. If you’re aiming for outside-of-the-box tourist destinations, this one is a bullseye. Address: Portage Glacier Rd, Chugach National Forest, Whittier, AK 99693, United States

With a small population located on a remote, self-sufficient island, Little Diomede Island might just be one of the most unusual destinations in the world. For starters, it’s inhabited by Native Americans who have lived in the same place for thousands of years, and most of them still have a traditional hunting-and-gathering lifestyle. They’re self-sufficient, needing only the occasional supply drop via helicopter to make it through the harsher winters. That’s the other thing: the island is only accessible by boat or air, so while visitors aren’t forbidden, it’s rare for people to care enough to make the trip. Last but not least, the island is only a stone’s throw away from the slightly larger Big Diomede Island, but that land is claimed by Russia and marked by a different time zone. Since it’s 21 hours behind its bigger cousin, Little Diomede Island is sometimes known as “Yesterday Island.” If you’re intrigued by Little Diomede Island, feel free to arrange a visit or even just a site seeing trip to the border of the nearby town. It isn’t much, but it has an awesome story, and it’ll be a unique pit stop on your greater Alaskan journey. Address: Alaska, United States

Are you traveling to Alaska on a budget? Don’t worry; you don’t have to spend big bucks to have a good time. In fact, there are many free things to do that won’t cost a dime, including a drive down the Seward Scenic Highway. Covering more than 125 miles in total, the Seward Scenic Highway runs from Seward to Anchorage, and it passes all kinds of astounding sights. You’ll be able to marvel at towering cliffs, rushing rivers, snow-topped trees, saltwater bays and more. Additionally, since it’s a self-guided drive, you can take your time and explore the area without being rushed. You can even stop and pull over whenever you see something worthy of further exploration! These side trips will be the only thing with a potential cost since the highway itself is toll- and admission-free. When money is tight, it’s a good idea to find budget-friendly places to go in Alaska. Hit the road with the Seward Scenic Highway for an amazing travel experience that won’t break the bank! Address: Alaska, United States

The Kuskulana River Bridge used to be one of the most hair-raising bridges in the world. It stretched over a deep, jagged and rock-lined gorge more than 230 feet below, and its extremely narrow pathway didn’t have guard rails or any other modern safety features, so people took their covered wagons and walked as slowly as possible to the other side. When the bridge was snowy or slippery, it was even more treacherous. The bridge still stands today, but it’s been outfitted with wooden planks to make it wider, and a metal rail has been erected on other side to prevent falls. It isn’t quite as dangerous, so it isn’t quite as thrilling. That said, it’s still fun to cross the Kuskulana River Bridge. The views of the gorge are amazing, and even though it’s safer now than it used to be, there’s still an element of peril in its old-fashioned construction. If you’re thinking about what to do in Alaska to get the adrenaline flowing, this could be a good way to test yourself and your nerve. Address: McCarthy Rd, Chitina, AK 99566, United States

Located in the tiny town of Eklutna, the Burial Spirit Houses represent something far greater than themselves. It all started with Russian Orthodox missionaries who came to the area in the early 1800s. They formed a bond with the local Athabascan and Danaina people of the Native American tribes, and over time, their cultures started to mingle. One of these mergings resulted in burial spirit boxes. Whenever someone died, their loved ones would create a colorful, dollhouse-style burial box to place over the grave, and they’d leave it there to slowly decay as part of the natural processes of the world. If you’re exploring Alaska and wondering what to do that isn’t listed in a glossy travel brochure, consider a trip to see the Burial Spirit Houses. They’re the result of an utterly unique community with equally unique cultural practices in one of the least-traveled regions of the world. It doesn’t get more offbeat than that! Address: 26339 Eklutna Village Rd, Anchorage, AK 99567, United States

Made famous by the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch, this vessel stunned viewers when it was rocked and rolled onto its side thanks to a rogue wave crashing into its belly. Thankfully, it was righted again, and it’s now enjoying a second life as one of Alaska’s top tourist attractions. Visitors can climb aboard the same ship that they saw on TV and enjoy a live fishing and crabbing experience with the crew. It isn’t quite the deadly adventure that was depicted on the show, but it isn’t a leisurely cruise, either. You’ll get a real and authentic taste of what it’s like to be a fisherman in the frigid waters of the north. Of the many things to do in Alaska, it’s hard to top something that left viewers all around the world gasping in shock. If you’re looking for awesome vacation experiences, book a tour with the Bering Sea Crab. Address: 316 Icehouse Ln, Ketchikan, AK 99901, United States

One of Alaska’s nicknames is “The Last Frontier,” and when you’re standing on the edge of a 15,000-foot cliff and gazing at the massive, ice-covered glaciers below, you’ll realize why the explorers of the past felt so strongly that they had reached the end of the world. It isn’t easy to climb the mountains of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Their terrain is difficult, and their weather is unpredictable. Some mountaineering expeditions can take a month or more. If you have the time, however, or if you’re just interested in views unlike any other, the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve will provide an incredible experience for those who are adventurous enough to take it on. Address: Alaska, United States

Known as a “cluckin’ good time,” the Chickenstock Festival is one of Alaska’s funniest and most irreverent events. It’s officially advertised as a musical festival, but music is only part of its appeal. Those who make the pilgrimage to the Chickenstock Festival can enjoy an entire weekend of food, music, games, competitions and general revelry. There are outdoor concerts; there are food trucks and craft stalls; there are 5K “chicken leg” marathons. The crowning glory of the event is when a helicopter flies overhead and drops 1,500 marshmallow Peeps onto the cheering crowds below! Forget Woodstock. In Alaska, it’s all about Chickenstock. If you’ll be visiting during the summertime, you won’t want to miss this incredible festival and all of the fun that it brings! Address: Alaska, United States

The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are another one of those vacation spots that you wouldn’t expect to see in Alaska. They look like they’re straight out of the Sahara Desert, but they’re surrounded by the alpine forests and snow-covered mountains of the Arctic Circle. They were formed because of a natural phenomenon millions of years ago. When their glaciers started to shift, the massive pressure of the ice acted as a grinding agent for the rocks below, eventually turning them into nothing more than a sandy dust. Today, you can explore the dunes as part of Kobuk Valley National Park. You’ll need to take an air taxi since there are no roads or trails leading into the wild. Because of its inaccessibility, this park is one of the least-visited national parks in the entire country, but it’s worth making the trip for the story alone. The desert in the middle of a winter wonderland is just a bonus! Address: Alaska, United States #nationalpark

Straddling the line between “flea market” and “farmer’s market,” the Anchorage Market is a labyrinth of food, florals, arts, crafts and clothes. Its vendors change daily, so you might see 80 stalls one morning and 200 stalls the next. It’s very easy to get lost, and you never know what will be around the next corner. You might stumble across a pyramid of fresh produce; you might find yourself shimmying past racks of jewelry or following your nose to ice cream trucks or sandwich stands. Doesn’t that sound like a blast? Running from May to September, the Anchorage Market is a staple of its city, and it’s also one of the most vibrant places to visit in Alaska. If you’ll be in the state at the right time of year, it’s definitely worth a look! Address: 225 E St, Anchorage, AK 99501, United States

Located in the Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the Hubbard Glacier is more than seven miles long, and it regularly sloughs off icebergs that are as tall as 10-story buildings. It’s an absolutely massive landmark that juts out of the water like something equally beautiful and terrifying. Visitors to the glacier are only allowed to get semi-close; its choppy waters prevent boats from being able to safely navigate close proximity. It’s so big, however, that you’ll see it looming for ages before you actually reach it. Your pictures will also turn out wonderfully since its white snow and turquoise ice are framed by an open expanse of bright blue sky. The Hubbard Glacier is one of the most well-known of Alaska’s attractions. Literally, it’s so large that you can’t miss it. Book a tour to see its majesty for yourself! Address: Alaska, United States

Continue to the glacier Alaska Highway 3, 4, and 2 There are flying birds, blue holes, ice, and you Who made me look so small in the photo? The Matanuska Glacier is as crystal clear as the blue "Heart of the Ocean" in the movie "Titanic". Standing under the glacier, you may also silently make a true wish in your heart. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, glaciers stand everywhere, with irregular undulating structures and rugged blue ice. They are not so majestic, but they are well-arranged. In this picture of white snow-capped mountains, this blue is particularly prominent. The blue of the glacier is not gorgeous, but it is dazzling enough, because in this desolate land, such a wonderful gift from nature is already enough. ——Matanuska Glacier

Flying over Denali National Park, some of the most incredible mountains I have ever seen. Definitely something I hope everyone gets to see someday

Denali national park is nearly 6 million acres, with only one road going in and out. in the winter, there are only a few hours of daylight and the park is hard to access but beautiful

OOrange Beach in the southernmost tip of Alabama in the Gulf of Mexico. From here, we take a boat out to sea, all the way to the scenery, the dolphins squat on both sides of the cruise, the weather in March is not very hot, at sea The wind is a bit cold, and its so comfortable to wait for the summer trip. You can also watch the drunken sunset on the cruise ship, and this time you have to eat and drink more than two hours of cruises to the sea.

The Golden Heart Park is located near the Morris Thompson Visitor Center and can be reached by taking a short walk along the Jenna River. In the summer, the Golden Heart Park is full of beautiful wildflowers, cultural events held in the park, music performances and some hawkers selling handicrafts. At the Golden Heart Plaza, the description of the conspicuous sculpture will let you know the story of the early miners, as if returning to the previous years. In the Heart of Gold Square, you will see a conspicuous statue in the pool. The statue created by Malcom Alexander is called the first unknown family and symbolizes the courage and fortitude of the Alaskan people. It also represents the present, future and future of the Alaskan family. The Yukon Quest Dog Sled Race Gift Shop is a cabin next to the Golden Heart Park. There is a very interesting TV viewing area in the store where you can watch the Yukon Dog Sled Race. In addition, they also provide travel advice and souvenirs for sale. Approximately one block from the Golden Heart Park, as well as the Gallery 49 Art Gallery and Co-Op Arts Plaza, a number of art galleries and gift shops in Fairbanks the origin. Golden Heart Plaza web cam address: http

Alaska

This is the inside room of the Majestic Princess that we used during our Alaska cruise trip. The room has two narrow single beds and is well-lit with lights placed throughout. There’s a long table with a chair, and drawers that make storage convenient. Under the table, there’s a small refrigerator. Interestingly, the hairdryer is stored in the table drawer inside the room. The wardrobe is quite spacious, with more than 10 hangers, allowing us to hang all the clothes we brought. The shower room is small, which might be uncomfortable for heavier Westerners. However, the showerhead is not fixed, which was a nice feature. We were initially disappointed because we couldn’t upgrade to a balcony room due to late booking and full occupancy. However, considering the cold weather, we realized we wouldn’t have used the balcony much anyway (and the upgrade cost was quite high). Since it was an inside room, staying in the room felt a bit cramped, so we actively explored every corner of the ship. Thanks to this, we discovered some great spots and had a wonderful time. At these great spots, we enjoyed gazing at the sea, watching the sunset, and even catching up on downloaded webtoons. It was truly delightful. Next time we go on a cruise, we think an inside room would be a good, budget-friendly option.

#Overseas travel This is a review of two paid restaurants on the Majestic Princess Cruise during the Alaska cruise. There are three specialty restaurants on the Majestic Princess Cruise. The steak specialty “Crown Grill,” the fusion Chinese restaurant “Harmony,” and the seafood restaurant “Catch by Rudy.” Out of the three, the one we went to was the steak specialty “Crown Grill.” The interior is elegant and luxurious. We ordered steak as our main dish, and it was $39 per person for a course. This is the steak of your life. I ate Wolfgang steamed. Reservations are required. They fill up quickly, so you have to hurry. Haha. When I tried to make a reservation on the app after boarding, it was all closed. There were cancellations, so I called to make a reservation, but there was a seat, so I made a reservation. And for the dress code, you can wear whatever dress code is announced in the shipboard newspaper. And it wasn't a specialty restaurant, but it was paid "Alfredo Pizza" It's a wood-fired pizza, thin crust, crispy and chewy, and the pizza cheese is delicious. It's incomparable to the pizza I ate at the buffet. That pizza cost about $8. Everything is free on the cruise, so why bother going to a paid restaurant? The quality is definitely different. The free buffet and free dinner restaurants are good to eat, but they're not really that delicious. So don't just go to the buffet because it's free. The free dinner restaurants are not that good, except that you can eat comfortably at your seat, so go to a paid restaurant once in a while and enjoy a high-quality course meal at a lower price than the market price^^ #Overseas travel #Princess cruise #Majestic Princess cruise #Alaska cruise

The White Pass train tour was the most anticipated part of the Alaska cruise shore excursions. This mountain train tour lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes round trip. The train, originally used during the late 19th-century Gold Rush to transport gold and miners, has been restored and now serves as a tourist train. It offers breathtaking views of valleys, waterfalls, snowy mountains, and gorges. I found the vibrant color of the water incredibly fascinating. This mountain train truly showcases stunning scenery, and you can hear people constantly expressing their amazement. After getting off the train, you can explore a village designed to resemble a Western town. However, the village itself didn’t have much to see and was rather underwhelming. I just bought a giant fried dough snack and returned to the ship. The views of the shore from the ship were always spectacular.

Juneau is a port excursion destination during an Alaska cruise, offering a chance to see the Mendenhall Glacier. A 20-minute shuttle bus ride brings you to the site. The trekking path, which takes about 20 minutes, feels like a pleasant walk. The weather was great, and the trail was truly beautiful. Finally, the glacier comes into view. Unfortunately, this is all that remains of the glacier, as much of it has melted. 😢 Next to it is Nugget Falls. The water cascades down with such force that the sound is overwhelming. On the way back, I spotted some unnamed wildlife. I couldn’t identify them. Although it was saddening to see how much the glacier has melted, the Juneau tour was still awe-inspiring, offering a close-up view of the massive glacier. Cruise Travel: Juneau

#landmarks Welcome to Alaska, the largest state in the USA! A land of breathtaking beauty and unparalleled adventure, Alaska offers a unique experience unlike anywhere else on Earth. From towering mountains and glistening glaciers to vast wilderness and abundant wildlife, this is a place where nature reigns supreme. Alaska tourist popular attractions and activities: Anchorage, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, Museum of the North, A visit to Chena Hot Springs and a scenic hike or bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is also recommended. Have an enjoyable and memorable trip!