It's a bit of a cliché to say Alaska is a land of wonders.

That's the thing about clichés, though. They're often rooted in the truth.

Alaska's landscape, seascape, wildlife, history, and culture are filled with surprises and unbelievable sights that imbed themselves in your memory and make you want to make several return trips.

That's what Alaska does to you.

Summer is the best time to visit Alaska, so it is no surprise that the peak season runs from May to September. May is also the driest month, while July is typically the hottest month during the Alaska summer. Let's not forget that Alaskan summers have really long days, with June 21st (the summer solstice) getting 22 hours of daylight (in Anchorage), giving Alaska the nickname of "land of the midnight sun."

Even during the summer, Alaska weather is quite unpredictable, and temperatures in the state's coastal areas rarely get above 65 degrees, meaning that Alaska is not a 'shorts and t-shirt' place, even during the summer months. Your Alaska packing list should include warm items like a vest, a warm waterproof jacket, and waterproof shoes, especially if you want to explore off the beaten path.

Now that we have covered the basics about the weather and what to pack to ensure an enjoyable Alaskan adventure, here is a list of the best places you must visit during your trip to Alaska. We hope you have a great time!

Here is a List of Top Places You Can't-Miss While on A Summer Trip to Alaska

1. View Mendenhall Glacier

This 13-mile-long glacier in the heart of Juneau, which ends at the crystalline Mendenhall Lake, is a favorite among travelers for its landscape and for the mountain goats, beavers, bears, and other animal denizens of the area. 

If your cruise ship docks in Juneau, you must visit this awe-inspiring glacier.

Check out this day activity where you can walk on the glacier!

 2. Explore Denali National Park

Denali National Park is home to 20,308-ft. Mount Denali is the highest peak in North America. Travel the 95-mile-long Denali Park Road, and in addition to the striking scenery, Denali is a fantastic place for wildlife viewing; some of the animals you might spot include: moose, Dall sheep, caribou, bald eagles, and bears which live almost exclusively in Denali. There are many activities to help you explore Denali National Park; check out some of our favorites here.

3. Cruise Around Tracy Arm Fjord

Tracy Arm Fiord, located about 45 miles south of Juneau, showcases spectacular waterfalls, icebergs, and wildlife, making this a must-visit destination on any trip to Juneau.

4. Tour the Alaska Native Heritage Center

The ANHC is one of the best places to learn about Alaska's geographically and culturally diverse Indigenous customs and histories. Located in Anchorage, this museum's mission is to perpetuate and preserve unique Alaska Native cultures, languages, and traditions. When you visit ANHC, you can learn Alaska Native dance, and observe traditional art created by talented Alaskan Native people. 

5. Hike the Iditarod National Historic Trail

Part of this historic trail forms what is today known as the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It's a series of trails that stretch 2,300 miles between Nome and Seward. Primarily a winter-time venue, summer months offer a chance to hike through the Crow Pass Trail in the Chugach State Park. If you happen to be in Anchorage during the winter, you can attend the start of the race in Downtown Anchorage.

6. Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Located in Skagway, this park was built to preserve and interpret the history of the 1897-98 Klondike Gold Rush. Learn about the gold miners who ventured North to strike it rich in the Klondike!

7. Experience Glacier Bay, National Park

Explore 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains and rainforest, and, of course, glaciers! The Margerie Glacier is a spectacular 21-mile-long tidewater glacier, but there are over 1,000 glaciers in this protected part of the world and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of any trip to the Inside Passage.

8. Drive the Dalton Highway and Dip Your Toes in The Arctic Ocean

This is for the adventurous, but there are plenty of rewards for traveling the 400-mile Dalton Highway in the far north region. It's a rugged and remote territory, but you'll be able to tell friends you crossed the Arctic Circle and that you dipped your toes in the Arctic Ocean. The best month to drive the Dalton Highway is June to mid-July since if you have ever watched an episode of Ice Road Truckers, you know how dangerous it can be.

9. Walk on The Manatuska Glacier

Situated about 100 miles Northeast of Anchorage on the Glennallen Highway, this impressive glacier is 27 miles long and four miles wide. It is also the only glacier where you can travel by car. But by all means, take a walk on the glacier! It's a popular site; even families with small children can hike on it.

10. Kayak in Kenai Fjords National Park

You'll never forget a kayak trip through this area, where you'll see tidewater glaciers, birds, and marine mammals that feed in the waters. Beginners should have a guide since these waters are not for the inexperienced. Check these great day trips out of Seward that get you up close and personal with some of Alaska's most pristine nature.

11. Ride the White Pass and Yukon Railroad

One of the last narrow-gauge railroads in the world, the narrow-gauge railroad takes you up 3,000 ft. past waterfalls, rivers, and gorges with lots of opportunities for photos. Located in Skagway, this is a bucket list-worthy activity for all (especially train enthusiasts.)

12. See the Turnagain Arm Bore Tide

During the right tidal conditions, you'll see 10-ft. waves rolling through Turnagain Arm just South of Anchorage on the Seward Highway.

13. Cross into The Arctic Circle at the 66th Parallel

This northern road trip takes you to the Arctic Circle, where the sun does not set in late June. A several-hour journey North starting in Fairbanks, there are many opportunities for breathtaking vistas and Alaskan wildlife.

14. Fly Over Misty Fjords National Monument

We're running out of superlatives to describe Alaska's beauty, but flying over "the Misty's," as locals call it, gives you an aerial view of 3000-ft. cliffs, steep rock fiords, and thick rainforests.

Check out how to explore Misty Fjords by airplane or boat here.

15. Camp at Lake Clark National Park

Located about 100 miles Southwest of Anchorage, base camping, backpacking, and hiking are just a few available activities. Lakeshores, high tundra, and coastal beaches are also part of this natural wonder. Check ahead to see if you need a guide for your hiking trip. 

16. Explore the Ghost Town of McCarthy in The Wrangell-St. Elias Range

McCarthy, with a population of up to 40 (but who's counting?), isn't a ghost town per se, and it is a listed census-designated place. It is the only community within a National Park. See the Root Glacier Trail, Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, and Nicolai Pass, among other sites. 

17. The Gates of The Arctic

Finally, although almost every Alaska National Park is a must-see, the ultra-adventure-prone should visit The Gates of the Arctic. Considered Alaska's "ultimate wilderness," it's inaccessible by road, so you'll have to take an air taxi to get there. Hiking trails are available but check weather conditions before embarking.

18. Hike the Chilkoot Trail

Alaska has hundreds of hiking trails, but the Chilkoot Trail may be one of the most famous. This 33-mile trail is a local favorite, and many journeys to Skagway and her "sister" city, Dyea, each summer for the hike. To walk the first few miles of the trail, this Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float tour will give you the best introduction, but for those interested in the whole experience, plan 3-5 days for the full hike and make sure to book ahead and spots are limited.

Read this great blog about how to plan your Chilkoot Trail hiking trip.

19. Travel the Alaska Highway

Also known as the Alaska-Canada Highway, or the ALCAN, this road is a favorite for car or RV travel. The ALCAN offers breathtaking views of rugged, often snow-covered mountains and winding roads, bringing unforgettable views.

20. Go Whale Watching 

You must go whale watching if you visit southeast Alaska during the summer or early September. The best way to spot magnificent gray, humpback, and even killer whales are to go on a whale-watching boat tour. 

Check out this list of whale-watching tours across the state. 

From its long daylight hours to unique activities like dog sledding and hiking in amazing national parks, Alaska has something for everyone- making it a great place to spend your summer vacation. Suppose you don't mind the cold weather. In that case, you can also visit Alaska during the fall and winter, allowing you to see the aurora borealis and take part in other amazing activities.

We hope this list will help you get started, and we can't wait for you to visit our great State of Alaska very soon!