4 Places to Visit in Alaska (and What to Do There) Which destinations spring to mind when you think about traveling in March? You might think of visiting Florida, Southern California, or Texas before the weather gets too hot. But here’s a less common option you’re sure to love—Alaska! An Alaskan adventure promises a blend of beautiful nature, unique cultures, and some unforgettable experiences. I journeyed to the U.S.’s northernmost state with my daughter in March, and it was incredible! I had the pleasure of being hosted for Collette Travel’s Alaska’s Northern Lights tour, and the trip was an experience I won’t soon forget! So, here are four places to visit in Alaska and great ideas for enjoying your time there.
Anchorage: The Urban Wilderness
We kicked off our Alaska getaway in the state’s largest city, Anchorage. On the agenda for today was a riveting lesson about the traditional Alaskan lifestyle. This is one of my favorite parts about guided travel—you learn so much more about the places you’re visiting than you might otherwise.
Beyond hearing about life in Alaska, we also got a glimpse of everyday life on a musk ox farm. These creatures are so interesting, and the Musk Ox project has been working to protect these animals for decades. As of the early 20th century, the Alaskan musk ox population was nearly wiped out. But since then, reintroduction efforts have brought musk oxen back to their native habitats. Even as an over 60 traveler, I’m still learning something new on every trip I take!
Whittier: The Town Under One Roof
Whittier is famous for having only one building that houses nearly all its residents. But, if it were up to me, this place would be well-known for its gorgeous views, too! The mountains and the water are stunning, and Whittier makes for the perfect day trip from Anchorage. After seeing the city, we set off to this tiny town and enjoyed a serene glacier cruise around Prince William Sound. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll be taking lots of photos! There are reportedly 150 glaciers, including 17 tidewater glaciers that dramatically calve into the sea.
Talkeetna: The Quintessential Alaskan Town
Next up on our mother daughter trip, we made our way to Talkeetna, a charming town that serves as a gateway to Denali, the highest peak in North America. The town has a quirky vibe with its historic buildings and local artisan shops, but our hotel was nothing short of stunning.
Here, I took my second optional excursion with Collette—a flight over Denali! My daughter, Liz, sat this one out (the plane was TINY), but I was the first to volunteer to ride in the copilot seat. The view from above was truly marvelous. I hope this counts as a visit, and I can add Denali to the list of national parks I’ve been to!
Fairbanks: The Golden Heart City
Collette’s trip ends in Fairbanks, Alaska’s “Golden Heart City.” Located near the center of the state, this city has something for everyone, especially nature lovers and history buffs. The first full day in town was packed with activities you won’t find just anywhere in the States. We started with a visit to the Antique Auto Museum, where you can check out vintage cars from days gone by.
Following that, we got a glimpse into the lives of the iconic Alaskan sled dogs. My daughter and I loved taking a ride through the forest and snowy landscapes. And not to mention, the dogs were adorable! After sledding, we even got to enjoy dinner at the musher’s home. Tekla was the daughter of the four-time Iditarod winner, Susan Butcher, and showed us how mushers dress for the 10-day frigid race.
While learning about dog sledding was a lot of fun, it only scratched the surface of our itinerary. Here are the other activities we did in Fairbanks:
- Say Hello to the Arctic Circle—This was an optional excursion on the Collette tour, but I’m so glad I took it! You have the chance to see the magnificent tundra and learn about the people who’ve chosen to live in such a harsh climate. Plus, I got an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate at the end!
- Check Out Incredible Ice Art—This was a real treat! Seeing the World Ice Art Championships isn’t usually on this itinerary, but we got to see the final day of displays. Colette is amazing about adding events to the trip when something special is going on in town.
- See Reindeer in Person—Our hotel was amazing, but what really set it apart were the neighbors! We could see reindeer next door up close and personal—what a unique experience. Of course, we also made a stop at the reindeer shop, where Liz and I tried on authentic parkas and boots!
- Visit a Museum—Fairbanks has a wonderful museum scene! In addition to stopping by the Antique Auto Museum, you might also check out the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center and the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North.
- Stop at the Alaska Pipeline—Did you know the pipeline runs above ground? Our outstanding tour manager surprised us with an unscheduled stop at this famed attraction.
- Take the Train—All aboard! We were excited to ride the Alaska Railroad during our visit. We enjoyed lunch and dinner in a lovely dining car.
- Marvel at the Northern Lights—Now for the crown jewel of the trip—the Northern Lights! Collette provided us with tickets to the Aurora Pointe Activity Center for two nights, where optimal viewing takes place around 1am. The Aurora Borealis was absolutely breathtaking, and this time, it was visible enough I could take photos with just my cell phone! While we didn’t see the lights both nights because of cloud cover, everyone we spoke to had seen them numerous times while living in Alaska.
Why Go Guided?
Traveling domestically may not be difficult to do on your own, but I always recommend going guided! Guided travel with Collette is always incredible. You have access to many more activities than you would alone, and you’re sure to experience hidden gems as well as popular attractions. A few more benefits of guided travel include:
- Outstanding Accommodations—Collette has relationships with top hotels in many of their destinations. On this trip, we stayed in the beautiful, rustic Pike’s Lodge. We had spectacular aurora views, even in the city!
- Adventurous Eating—I don’t love stepping out of my comfort zone with food, but guided travel makes it a bit easier. On this trip, reindeer bolognese, bison chili, and bison minestrone were common menu options!
Take a Chill Vacation This Spring
I loved everything about Collette’s Alaska’s Northern Lights trip! The pacing was fantastic, and my daughter and I got to experience some of the best this state has to offer. Whether you’re on the hunt for beautiful views or prefer the cultural aspect of travel, you’ll love this guided tour. I hope you consider booking a trip to Alaska this year!
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