The land of towering glaciers, curious moose, bald eagles soaring overhead, and “how is this even real?” views. One minute you’re watching whales breach beside your cruise ship, the next you’re sipping coffee in a glass-domed train car gliding past snow-dusted peaks. Whether you’re here for the wild, the relaxing, or the ridiculously scenic—Alaska’s got you.
From Sea to Summit
Kick things off with a 7-day cruise through the Inside Passage, where you’ll sail past massive tidewater glaciers, explore coastal gems like Ketchikan and Juneau, and maybe spot orcas playing alongside your ship. Be sure to visit Totem Bight State Park in Ketchikan—it’s serene, cultural, and the perfect photo op (minus the crowds).
Next, board the Alaska Railroad and roll through untouched wilderness in a glass-domed car. You might see moose or Dall sheep along the way. Stop at Eklutna Lake, a glacial lake that somehow still feels like a local secret.
Then head inland and spend a few nights in Talkeetna—Alaska’s quirkiest, coziest small town. Grab lunch from the famous Spinach Bread Truck, browse colorful art shops, and soak up Denali views without the tour buses. Or check out Fairbanks, where you can explore the Aurora Ice Museum and sip appletinis served in real ice glasses.
Feeling adventurous? Lace up your boots and hike the Savage River Loop in Denali, take a guided trek across Matanuska Glacier, or—if visiting in winter—go dogsledding, snowshoeing, or skiing in Girdwood. There’s no off-season for adventure here.
Alaska is home to:
• Bald eagles (thousands of them—bring your zoom lens!)
• Grizzly bears (watch safely on guided tours in Katmai or Denali)
• Humpback whales (especially in June-July)
• Sea otters, puffins, caribou, Dall sheep, and the elusive lynx
Don’t Leave Alaska Without Trying:
• Reindeer sausage (yes, really—tastes like a smoky hot dog upgrade)
• Halibut tacos in Homer
• Fresh-caught salmon grilled over open flame
• Fireweed honey or jelly
• Locally brewed spruce tip beer
• Alaska has more coastline than all other U.S. states combined
• Mt. Denali can be seen from over 200 miles away on a clear day
• Some parts of Alaska get over 70 days of continuous daylight in summer
• Juneau is the only U.S. capital you can’t drive to—access is by boat or plane only
• Dog mushing is the official state sport (yes, Iditarod glory is real)
• Fairbanks can see the northern lights up to 240 nights a year
• There are more caribou than people in Alaska. Wild? Totally.
Alaska Cruise Options You’ll Love
Disney Cruise Line – Adventures by Disney Land & Sea Package
Add a little pixie dust to your wilderness escape! Combine a Disney Cruise with a guided land adventure near Denali. Enjoy handpicked lodge stays, VIP experiences, expert Disney-trained guides, and magical touches every step of the way.
Virgin Voyages – Stylish Stays with a Bold Twist
Virgin brings its signature modern, adults-only energy to Alaska. While full land packages aren’t offered yet, you can still pair your voyage with chic hotel stays in places like Anchorage or Juneau. Boutique options like The Voyager Inn or Hotel Captain Cook perfectly match Virgin’s sleek, elevated vibe.
Celebrity Cruises – CruiseTour Packages
Sail in luxury, then continue the adventure inland with a Celebrity CruiseTour. After your voyage, hop aboard a scenic rail journey and stay at breathtaking lodges such as Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, Denali Park Village, or Seward Windsong Lodge—all offering incredible views and serene surroundings.
Travel Tip:
If you opt for a cruise, a passport may be required depending on the itinerary—especially if it includes Canada, having a passport is required and highly recommended with any cruise.
My Top Picks
Luxury & Adventure Lodges
• Alyeska Resort (Girdwood)
A premier ski-in/ski-out resort nestled in a glacier-carved valley, offering year-round adventure—from glacier hikes and tram rides in summer to world-class skiing and northern lights viewing in winter. Don’t miss the Nordic spa and mountaintop dining at Seven Glaciers.
• Sheldon Chalet (Denali National Park)
An ultra-exclusive five-room lodge perched near Denali’s summit, only accessible by helicopter. Offers front-row seats to the northern lights, luxury amenities, and gourmet meals in a setting few travelers ever experience.
• Tordrillo Mountain Lodge (Near Anchorage)
This luxury lodge combines comfort with adrenaline—think heli-skiing, glacier hiking, paddleboarding, and glacier-top picnics, all wrapped in rustic-chic style.
Northern Lights & Wilderness Escapes
• Borealis Basecamp (Fairbanks)
Sleep under the stars (and northern lights) in futuristic igloos with clear ceilings. Add on snowmobiling, dog sledding, and northern hospitality for a magical winter experience.
• Chena Hot Springs Resort (Fairbanks)
Soak in natural hot springs as the aurora dances above you. Offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with snow tours, an ice museum, and cozy lodging options.
National Park Proximity
• Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge (Denali National Park)
Just one mile from the park entrance, this lodge combines comfort and convenience with amazing views and guided excursions into Denali.
• Tonglen Lake Lodge (Near Denali)
An artsy, upscale retreat on a quiet lake with handcrafted cabins, on-site bakery, and local art—perfect for travelers looking to unplug in style.
Coastal & Waterfront Stays
• Harbor 360 Hotel (Seward)
Located right on the water, it offers harbor views, an indoor pool, and easy access to Kenai Fjords tours, making it a top choice for coastal explorers.
• The Lakefront Anchorage Hotel (Anchorage)
Anchorage’s only lakeside property—ideal for floatplane watching, sunset views over Lake Hood, and convenient city access.
Urban Comforts
• Hotel Captain Cook (Anchorage)
A downtown Anchorage icon with elegant rooms, mountain and inlet views, fine dining, and easy access to everything the city has to offer.
• Sophie Station Suites (Fairbanks)
Spacious, apartment-style suites with full kitchens—great for families or longer stays, located near shopping and dining in Fairbanks.
Cruise: Glide through the Inside Passage, marvel at calving glaciers, and explore charming frontier towns like Skagway and Sitka. Bonus: keep your camera ready for sea lions, puffins, or even a humpback tail-flip.
Rail: Ride the rails in comfort through Alaska’s jaw-dropping interior. Panoramic windows, comfy seating, and the chance to spot moose, eagles, or mountain goats as you roll into Denali.
Land: Stay longer and dive deeper. Explore Denali, the Kenai Peninsula, or the Arctic Circle. Enjoy glacier kayaking, salmon bakes, stargazing, and in winter—experience ice fishing, reindeer farms, and the magic of the aurora borealis.
Combo It! Can’t decide? Don’t. Mix cruise, rail, and land for the ultimate Alaskan adventure. Start on the sea, ride inland by rail, and finish surrounded by untouched wilderness. You’ll never look at a map the same way again.
Want a sneak peek at what an Alaska adventure could look like? This sample itinerary maps out the perfect mix of wild landscapes, cozy stays, and unforgettable moments. Click below to start imagining your trip!
- Waterproof jacket with a hood – Rain? Mist? Glacier spray? Alaska says yes.
- Fleece or down layer – Cozy is key, especially on early morning excursions.
- Layer-able tops & long sleeves – Because the weather can’t decide either.
- Comfy hiking pants or jeans – You’ll want something that moves when the moose do.
- Waterproof boots or sturdy shoes – For trails, towns, and glacier stomping.
- Wool socks – The warmer, the better. Trust me.
- Hat, gloves & scarf – Even in summer, Alaska likes to keep you guessing.
- Swimsuit – For hot tubs, spas, or that brave polar plunge.
- Daypack – To carry snacks, binoculars, and that extra “just-in-case” layer.
- Reusable water bottle – Glacier water? Yes, please.
- Binoculars – Bald eagles, bears, and breaching whales don’t zoom in on their own.
- Sleep mask – Midnight sun = magical. For sleep? Not so much.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen & bug spray – Yes, you’ll need all three.
- Lip balm with SPF – Wind-chapped lips are not the look.
Head over to my Travel Tips Page for complete packing lists, safety advice, and smart traveler hacks!