Alaska: A Guide to the Last Frontier

For most travelers, summer is the best time to visit Alaska between May 10 and September 15. You'll experience temperatures in the 60's to low 70's, 16–24 hrs of daylight, leaves and flowers in bloom, rushing rivers, and the best wildlife viewing. The midnight sun means you’ll have plenty of time to explore, but remember, this is peak season—so book early! The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska. Alaska's northern lights season is between late August and late April, peaking in March. That being said, Alaska’s tourist attractions and summer excursions mostly do not open before May 15, and almost all are closed by September 15.

To experience Alaska’s highlights without feeling rushed, plan for 7-10 days. This gives you time to explore Denali National Park, the coastal areas like Seward or Homer, and even fit in an adventure like cruising or taking the Alaska Railroad.

Getting to Alaska is easier than you think. Fly into Anchorage or Fairbanks, both hubs for major airlines. From there, you can catch smaller flights to places like Juneau or Kodiak

Want to go remote? Hop on a seaplane to places like Lake Clark National Park, Kodiak Island or Wrangell-St. Elias.

By Car: Renting a car gives you freedom to explore places like Anchorage, Denali, and the Kenai Peninsula. Driving the Seward Highway which is one of the most scenic roads in the world or the rugged Dalton Highway is a bucket-list experience with jaw-dropping views around every corner. But book early—availability can be tight in smaller towns especially in peak season. Just be prepared for long stretches without gas stations—always fill up when you can! And always carry an emergency kit—some stretches of highway are incredibly remote.

By Train: Getting around Alaska is part of the experience. The Alaska Railroad is a standout option for seeing Alaska’s stunning landscapes. The GoldStar Service includes glass-dome ceilings, an exclusive outdoor viewing platform - the only of its kind in the world, and gourmet dining—all while traveling through some of the most scenic routes in the world. The Coastal Classic route from Anchorage to Seward is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train rides in the world

By Cruise: If you love the idea of seeing glaciers and wildlife from the water, consider a cruise. Princess Cruises stand out for a reason. They’ve been cruising Alaska for over 50 years, and they offer exclusive rail and lodge experiences for a seamless land-and-sea adventure. They actually own their own lodges, which can be a game changer if budget is a concern and you want the lodge experience. This means you will be able to spend overnights on land and see more of Alaska's interior and also explore by ship. Princess is one of the few lines allowed into Glacier Bay National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s a must-see! Their shore excursions like a private whale-watching tour in Juneau, private wildlife tours and helicopter rides are top-tier. Try to upgrade to a mini-suite or balcony stateroom perfect for private glacier viewing.

And don’t forget the Alaska Marine Highway System, a ferry service connecting remote coastal towns. It’s a hidden gem offering a chance to see Alaska’s stunning coastline at a slower pace without the crowds of a cruise.

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1. Denali National Park

Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali offers incredible hiking, wildlife spotting, and jaw-dropping scenery. Plan at least two days here to fully appreciate its beauty.

Must-Do: Take a guided backcountry tour to spot moose, bears, and caribou.

2. The Coast: Seward and Beyond

Head to Seward and explore Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can kayak near glaciers or take a wildlife cruise to spot puffins, sea otters, and whales.

Homer and Halibut Cove offer quieter coastal vibes, with art galleries, fresh seafood, and stunning ocean views.

3. Anchorage

Anchorage is the gateway to most Alaskan adventures. It offers urban comforts with quick access to hiking trails, cultural sites, and wildlife. Don’t miss the Alaska Native Heritage Center for an insight into the region’s history.

For adventure seekers, imagine being dropped onto a glacier by helicopter, strapping on crampons, and walking across sparkling blue ice. You can do this at Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau or Ruth Glacier near Denali. These experiences are once-in-a-lifetime. You’ll land on a glacier and explore a world of blue ice and crevasses, all while surrounded by towering peaks., take a guided hike or kayak through Kenai Fjords, where you might spot a humpback whale or two.

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Just a reality check - luxury accommodations in Alaska are limited. Most remote lodges focus on experience over amenities. You’ll have rustic charm and five-star views, but don’t expect 24/7 room service. A few standout lodges provide world-class experiences that are truly unforgettable. Just be prepared for a bit of sticker shock.

Alyeska Resort in Girdwood

A ski resort with upscale dining, spa services, and stunning views.

Borealis Basecamp

Ever dreamed of watching the Northern Lights from bed? At Borealis Basecamp, just 25 miles from Fairbanks, you can stay in fiberglass igloos with 16-foot curved windows for panoramic sky views.

What’s Inside: Plush beds, private bathrooms, and a cozy vibe make this a truly unique experience.

Insider Tip: Visit between late September and March for the best chances of seeing the aurora, and consider adding a guided photography tour to capture it perfectly.

Sheldon Chalet

Perched on Ruth Glacier in Denali, this ultra-exclusive lodge is helicopter-access only, sleeps just 10 guests and offers private glacier treks, gourmet dining, and unforgettable Northern Lights views. STARTING at $32,000 per night with a three-night minimum... this is Alaska’s ultimate luxury splurge. If this lands in your wheelhouse, book at least a year in advance—spots fill up fast.

Stillpoint Lodge

Located in Halibut Cove, near Homer this secluded family-owned, all-inclusive seaside retreat features private cabins amidst untouched wilderness, gourmet meals, and included activities like bear viewing, saltwater fishing and glacier lake kayaking. A stay for a family of four starts at $15,000 per night.

Tutka Bay Lodge

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this secluded lodge near Homer offers coastline kayaking, hiking through untouched forests, or joining a guided fishing trip to reel in fresh salmon. Don’t miss the chance to participate in their cooking classes, hosted in an awesome repurposed crabbing boat that’s been turned into a culinary school. It’s such a unique experience! This wilderness retreat offers a minimum three-night stay starting at around $10,000 per person. Each stay includes all meals, guided adventures, and the cooking classes. The lodge is part of the Within the Wild collection, known for blending luxury with authentic Alaskan experiences. Book well in advance, as this is a favorite for travelers who want exclusivity.

Camp Denali

For a more rustic but still luxurious option, Camp Denali offers eco-friendly cabins with wood-burning stoves and guided hikes in Denali National Park. At $2,000 per person per night, it’s a splurge, but priced lower than the other lodges on this list. It’s a chance to disconnect and reconnect with nature—there’s no Wi-Fi, but that’s part of the charm.

Looking for something quirky? Book a stay in a wilderness yurt or an off-grid cabin in Wrangell-St. Elias. It’s not all-inclusive and doesn’t offer the tours you’ll find at the others, but it’s much more economically priced. Again - You’ll trade Wi-Fi for wilderness, but isn’t that the point of Alaska?

And as I often do, I want to highlight one of my favorite options for family travel, especially considering the price point these amazing wilderness lodges will run you. Adventures by Disney offers guided group tours designed for families who want adventure without the stress of planning. These trips combine luxury accommodations with immersive, kid-friendly activities.

You’ll experience glacier hikes, white-water rafting, and even gold-panning. Plus, the Adventure Guides take care of everything—from transportation to meals. They play movies on the longer bus rides and have trivia contests that really help young and old pass the time.

Stays include premium lodges and resorts, like the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, with breathtaking views of Denali. Your family will also have VIP access to unique cultural experiences, such as learning about native Alaskan traditions from local experts and cuddling sledding puppies.

Adventures by Disney tours are great for multigenerational families, as activities are tailored to all age groups. They also book up quickly, so plan at least a year ahead.

Pack Layers: Alaska’s weather is unpredictable, so bring waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, sunglasses and plenty of layers—even in summer. Temperatures can drop drastically at night. Mosquitoes are also a problem in the summer months so plan ahead with bugspray.

Book Early: Summer is peak season, and accommodations, tours, and car rentals fill up fast. Plan one year ahead.

Wildlife Safety: Respect nature by keeping a safe distance (200yds) from animals like bears and moose. Always follow your guide’s instructions.

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For Bucketlist Travelers and true adventurers, Alaska isn’t just a trip, it’s an adventure that stays with you forever.

Have you been and if so, what was the best thing you saw? Honestly, I think that train ride alone might be the one thing that would get me to go—it looks absolutely breathtaking!

Ready to start planning your next getaway be it Alaska or the Virgin Islands? We should totally talk!

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