Alaska is the largest state in the US, and is located on the upper northwest part of North America. Alaska has five distinct regional areas, known as the Inside Passage, South Central, Southwest, Interior, and Far North. Although the northern and interior regions of Alaska are extremely cold, the climate along the Southern Alaska coast is very mild, especially in summer. Cities along the Gulf of Alaska are popular with tourists and easily navigated by land, air, and sea. Alaska is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, and those seeking a vacation that is out of the ordinary.
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, with almost half of the state population in its metropolitan area. Anchorage is located in the South Central Region, with the Chugach Mountains forming the eastern boundary and the Cook Inlet to the south. Due to its favorable location, Anchorage is the main port of Alaska and also has two bordering US military bases. Native Alaska species of plants and animals can be seen at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the Alaska Zoo, and the Alaska Botanical Garden. There are four ski resorts in Anchorage, along with several parks including the half-million acre Chugach State Park. Some important cultural attractions in Anchorage are the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, and the Anchorage Museum.
Cordova is a small city east of Anchorage in the South Central region of Alaska. Cordova is also lies within the Chugach National Forest. Cordova has a strong fishing industry, located along the Copper River and Orca Inlet of the Prince William Sound. This small city has several tourist attractions including the Mt. Eyak Ski Area and the Ilanka Cultural Center. Hiking, river rafting, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, and skiing are popular for outdoor recreation in Cordova. Cordova is not accessible by any paved road and must be reached by plane or boat.
Seward is located on the Kenai Peninsula in the South Central region of Alaska. Fishing in the Resurrection Bay and hiking in the Kenai Fjords National Park are popular activities. There are many interesting attractions to visit: the houses on Millionaires Row, narration of the area at the Resurrection Bay Historical Museum, and the Alaska Sea Life Center, a seven-acre aquarium, wildlife habitat, and research center. The Seward Highway and Alaska Railroad provide road transportation to and from this small community, the Seward Airport and Kenai Municipal Airport are nearby, and many cruise ships arrive and depart from the port of Seward.
Homer is located on the southern part of the Kenai Peninsula, on the shore of the Kachemak Bay. The Kachemak Bay State Park offers many recreational opportunities, as well as lodgings and community areas. Downtown Homer is a unique shopping and dining area, along with several art galleries and the Pratt Museum. The Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center is a state-of-the-art research facility with interactive exhibits; partnered with the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, visitors can learn about the history of the area and explore present-day Homer. The Homer Spit and the Homer Harbor are the gateway to the Alaska Marine Highway, which leads to the city of Kodiak and the Aleutian Islands.
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a scenic city along the Gastineau Channel on the Inside Passage region. With thirty thousand residents and a humid continental climate, Juneau is popular with tourists throughout the year. Juneau has a long history of Native Alaskan Indian settlement and was officially founded in 1880 by gold miner Joe Juneau. The city is only accessible by air or sea. Glacier hiking in Glacier Bay National Park, whale watching, salmon and halibut fishing are some unique outdoor activities that take place in Juneau, and many sightseeing tours and excursions are available. Helicopter tours and day cruises offer a great way to see the area. Juneau also has its own professional Opera, Symphony, and Theatre companies. Downtown Juneau provides transportation services, accommodations,restaurants, museums, and shopping.
Ketchikan is located in the Inside Passage and along Revillagigedo Island. This fishing community is known as the Salmon Capital of the World, and has seven thousand residents. Fishing boats, ferries, and cruise ships are a common sight and are a great way to tour the city. Creek Street is another way to see Ketchikan – this boardwalk on stilts above the Ketchikan Creek offers a museum, businesses, and over twenty shops and restaurants. Hiking trails in Deer Mountain, kayaking to the Misty Fjords National Monument, and boat trips to the Prince of Wales Island are other popular activities. The Ketchikan International Airport and Inter-Island Ferry Authority make Ketchikan easily reachable from Anchorage, Juneau, and Seattle,Washington.
Fairbanks is
a large city in the Interior Region or Arctic Circle of Alaska, with
about eighty thousand in its metropolitan area. During the short summer
season, Fairbanks receives over twenty hours of sunlight per day.
Popular summertime activities include touring the working El Dorado
Gold Mine, a Riverboat Discovery cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers,
and outdoor recreation in the Gates of the Arctic National Park and
Preserve. The long winter season is famous for its breathtaking display
of the Northern Lights, as well as activities like cross country and
downhill skiing, hiking, and dog sledding. Fairbanks also features the
University of Alaska, the oldest school in the state, which contains a
regional museum.
From quaint cities to vast wilderness areas, islands, forests, mountains, and arctic tundra lands, the Alaska landscape is one of the most varied and unique in the United States. There are so many ways to see Alaska that one will never run out of opportunities for the perfect vacation.
Hotels
Car Hire
