Discovering the Beauty and Magic of Alaska

Is Alaska on your bucket list of places to go?  If so, you are in good company.  Over 2.2 million people visited Alaska in 2017, with about half of that from cruises. 
As you plan your trip, keep in mind that the best travel time is mid-May through mid-September.  The days are long, and you’ll see Alaska in all its glory.
There are so many things to see and do in Alaska that it’s hard to narrow down the choices.  Here are the top 5 places to visit or things to do when you visit Alaska by land:

1. Denali National Park.  Denali is one of the largest parks in the US, and is home to the highest mountain in North America – Mt. McKinley.  About halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Denali is the place to go to see Alaska’s wildlife – grizzly bears, reindeer, elk and more.  Be sure to check out the Dog Sled Kennels to see some huskies in action too!
2. Kenai Fjords National Park.  If you are up for some spectacular sightseeing, Kenai is the place to take in the beauty of Alaska.  You can see the Harding Icefield glaciers from here, and also have access to Exit Glacier in nearby Seward.
3. Anchorage.  For land-based travel, Anchorage is a great place to make your home base.  It’s Alaska’s largest city, and is close by to Denali and Kenai Fjords parks.  Check out the local history and culture by visiting the Alaska Nature Heritage Center, where you can learn about the 11 major cultural groups and their traditions.
4. Northern Lights.  If you have always wanted to see the spectacular night lights of the aurora borealis, then make sure to include this in your Alaska trip.  While the best times to thee the Northern Lights are between September and March, it is a trip worth planning.  Fairbanks is probably the best place to view the Northern Lights based on its location in the “auroral oval”, and it’s consistently clear nights.  And, of course, the best time to see the lights is late in the evening, when it’s dark enough (which is why you can’t see them in the summer months!).  Plan on spending a couple of days in and around Fairbanks to catch the views.
5. Alaska Railroad.  A great way to get around in Alaska is by train.  The Alaska Railroad actually starts in Anchorage, and provides opportunities for day trips and longer to see glaciers and national parks – or just travel to your next stop.

Are you ready for your land trip to Alaska?  Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call to plan your dream trip at 805-236-4437.