Alaska is vast, wild, and unlike anywhere else on Earth. With eight incredible national parks<\/a>, nearly 1,100 species of animals<\/a>, and about 23,000 square miles<\/a> of glaciers (that\u2019s nearly the size of West Virginia!), this state is a place of extreme towering mountains, endless daylight in summer, and wilderness that feels untouched by time. It\u2019s a paradise for explorers, photographers, and anyone looking to stand in awe of Mother Nature.<\/p>\n But with so much to see, planning your first trip to Alaska can feel overwhelming. Should you cruise the Inside Passage or trek into Denali? Seek out glaciers, bears, whales \u2014 or all three? Keep your planning simple by taking an Alaska cruise with Holland America. We\u2019ll handle the logistics, so you can enjoy Alaska.<\/p>\n This guide breaks down the 16 best places to visit in Alaska for first-time travelers \u2014 from glacier-filled bays and fjords to historic towns and hidden coastal gems \u2014 so you can find the destinations that resonate most with you.<\/p>\n<\/div> From the right time to visit to what you\u2019ll want to pack, a little preparation helps you make the most of your adventure. Here\u2019s an overview of what to know before you go.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> The best time to cruise to Alaska depends on what kind of experience you\u2019re hoping to achieve. Summer (May through September) offers the best weather, long daylight hours, and great wildlife viewing opportunities. June and July bring the warmest temperatures, while May and September tend to have fewer visitors and still give you the chance to whale watch. If the northern lights are on your wish list, late-season cruises in September are your best bet.<\/p>\n<\/div> If you want to see all the highlights of Alaska on your first trip without the stress, the best way to see it is by cruise. An Alaska cruise<\/a> lets you get access to extraordinary natural wonderlands like Glacier Bay, takes you to charming seaside villages, and lets you spot whales from the deck or even your balcony \u2014 all without having to worry about the logistics. Many Holland America Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, which is a convenient and scenic port city with easy flight access and plenty of pre- or post-cruise attractions that make your first Alaska cruise experience easy and fun.<\/p>\n For a unique experience, take a Holland America Alaska cruisetour, a combination of cruise and a land tour that ventures into Denali National Park and into the Yukon, depending on the itinerary. You\u2019ll stay at our private lodge in Denali, surrounded by mountains and wildlife.<\/p>\n<\/div> Packing for Alaska is all about preparation and layers. Here are a few key things to make sure to have on your packing list:<\/p>\n For more ideas about what to pack for your Alaska trip, see Holland America\u2019s Alaska packing list<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div> Alaska is a destination made for adventure and awe. Some of the top things to do here<\/a> include:<\/p>\n Planning out your perfect itinerary? These are 16 of the best places in Alaska for first-time visitors to add to your list.<\/p>\n<\/div>Key Takeaways<\/h3><\/div>
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Things to Know Before Your First Trip to Alaska<\/h2><\/div>
When to Visit Alaska<\/h3><\/div>
Best Ways to Visit Alaska<\/h3><\/div>
What to Pack for Your Alaska Trip<\/h3><\/div>
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Things to Do in Alaska<\/h3><\/div>
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Top Picks for First-Time Visitors at a Glance<\/h2><\/div>