Alaska FAQs Guide is a practical resource for planning a trip to Alaska: where to go, how to get around a state where many towns have no road access, and when to visit depending on what you want to see.
Where to Go
Most first-time visitors build a trip around some combination of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city and main air hub, and one or more of the state’s national parks. Denali National Park draws the most visitors, thanks to Denali itself, North America’s tallest peak, and reliable wildlife viewing from the park’s shuttle buses. Kenai Fjords National Park, reached from the port town of Seward, is the easiest place to see tidewater glaciers up close on a day boat tour. In the Southeast, Juneau, Alaska’s capital, has no road connection to the rest of the state and is typically reached by air or by cruise ship, along with nearby glaciers and fjords. Smaller gateway towns such as Talkeetna, the base for Denali flightseeing and climbing expeditions, round out most itineraries.
Getting Around
Alaska’s size and terrain mean transportation takes more planning than in most states. Road trips are possible between Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, and the Kenai Peninsula, but many coastal and Southeast communities, including Juneau, are only reachable by air or by the state-run Alaska Marine Highway ferry system. See our Transportation guide for a full breakdown of roads, rail, air, and ferry options.
When to Go
Most travel happens between May and September, when park roads, tour operators, and the cruise season are all running and daylight lasts nearly around the clock in midsummer. Winter visitors come mainly for the Northern Lights, best seen from Fairbanks and the Interior, and for skiing and dog sledding. Read our full guide to the best time to visit Alaska for a season-by-season breakdown.
Popular Guides
New to planning an Alaska trip? Start with our guide to the best time to visit Alaska or our quick guide to Alaska’s regions. For city and town guides, see Anchorage, Seward, and Talkeetna, or learn about getting around on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system.