Top 9 Things to Do in Alaska

There are things to do in Alaska that you cannot do anywhere else, from landing on a glacier to watching wildlife thrive in the wild. Helicopter onto a glacier. Spend a day pulling in Alaskan king crab or watching grizzlies snap fish from a river. Ride along a cliff in an old-fashioned railcar. Sit on a deck and soak in the arctic air.

Of course, any list of the top things to do in Alaska is subjective, from adrenaline-filled adventures to peaceful moments in nature. Wherever your journey takes you across this beautiful state, the best way to visit is on board an Alaska cruise with Holland America Line, where the stress of travel planning is handled for you.

• Alaska offers rare up-close access to glaciers, including iconic sites like Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord, and the Juneau Icefield.
• Fishing in Alaska stands apart for its world-class species, competitive sportfishing, and unique experiences like Bering Sea crabbing.
• Alaska’s national parks, including Denali, Glacier Bay, and Kenai Fjords, showcase unmatched wildlife, mountains, and icy seascapes.
• Flightseeing and rail travel provide dramatic, otherwise unreachable views of Alaska’s remote backcountry.

Fishing is one of the best things to do in Alaska because it can be an exhilarating adventure or a meditative excursion in nature. Sure, you can fish in a lot of places across the U.S., but there’s nothing like Alaska fishing trips. The sheer variety of species and sportfishing competition make it a must-do, even for experienced fishers. Reel in Alaskan halibut. Go crabbing “Deadliest Catch” style, on the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour, or fly-fish a mountain stream for salmon and trout.

Don’t go home without your catch. Custom packing and shipping are available. Sometimes a chef will prepare it for you and serve it alongside tasty sides, such as warm sourdough bread. It's simple and easy for beginners to cast into world-renowned waters with Alaska cruise fishing excursions.

Alaska hiking delivers a powerful mix of breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventure. Near Juneau, the Mt. Roberts Alpine Loop rewards you with sweeping valley and fjord views after a quick tram ride, while the paved Photo Point Trail reveals the icy splendor of Mendenhall Glacier just minutes from town.

In Ketchikan, the rugged Deer Mountain Trail climbs steeply through rainforest to peaks overlooking the Tongass Narrows. And for a hike steeped in history and wilderness, the Chilkoot Trail near Skagway traverses forests, mountains, and old-gold-rush terrain en route to glacial vistas. Farther inland, Denali National Park offers remote hiking on trails like Savage Alpine or Triple Lakes — where alpine tundra, rugged ridgelines and wildlife define wilderness.

What activities can people do in Alaska?

In Alaska, people can explore majestic glaciers, go fishing, spot wildlife, ride scenic railways, visit national parks, and experience dog sledding. Travelers can also hike dramatic trails, take flightseeing tours over remote wilderness, and learn about Indigenous culture at Alaska Native heritage sites.

What are must-visit places in Alaska?

Must-visit places in Alaska include Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Katmai National Park, Mendenhall Glacier, Chugach State Park, and Resurrection Bay for iconic landscapes and wildlife. Top cities to explore are Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka, and Fairbanks, each offering access to culture, history, and nearby natural wonders.

What are the Big 5 in Alaska?

The Big 5 animals in Alaska are grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and gray wolves. These iconic species represent Alaska’s most sought-after wildlife sightings across its tundra, mountains, and forests. Make the challenge of spotting them all a priority on your list of things to do in Alaska.