Choose from 110 Fun Things to Do in Alaska
Cabrillo National Monument
On the southern tip of Point Loma, at the top of hill, you'll find Cabrillo National Monument. The spot is San Diego’s finest locale for history and fine views across the bay to San Diego's downtown. It's also the best place in San Diego to see the gray whale migration (January to March) from land. After a few minutes here, you may forget you’re in a major metropolitan area.
The visitors center at Cabrillo National Monument has an excellent presentation on Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s 1542 voyage up the California coast, plus good exhibits on the native inhabitants and the area’s natural history. Also here is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which is appointed with late-19th century pieces, including lamps and picture frames hand-covered with hundreds of shells. On the ocean side, you can drive or walk down to the tide pools (at low tide) to look for anemones, starfish, crabs, and limpets.
Practical Info
Cabrillo National Monument is located southwest of downtown, on Point Loma, which juts out into the Pacific Ocean directly west of San Diego Bay. You can get here by car or take a bus from Old Town Transit Station. Plan to spend about 90 minutes here. Keep in mind that even on sunny days temperatures can be cool, so bring a jacket. The site has some great spots to have a picnic, so pack a basket, as there are no food options here.
Crow Creek Mine
Practical Info
Grand Teton National Park
- Grand Teton National Park is a must-see for adventure travelers, outdoors enthusiasts, and wildlife watchers.
- Bring comfortable, waterproof shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Dress in layers, as temperatures in the park vary widely due to altitude and other conditions.
- Cell service is widely available throughout Grand Teton National Park.
- The park’s four visitor centers, one information station, and some pathways and trails are accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
Dalton Highway
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Grand Canyon North Rim
- The North Rim is a must-see for nature lovers and outdoors enthusiasts.
- See the rim on an aerial tour or from the ground in a Jeep or ATV.
- Due to the distances involved, tours from Las Vegas can last up to 10 hours.
- There isn’t much shade at the Grand Canyon, so remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Denali
- Denali is so massive, it creates its own weather. Keep your eyes on the peak since it can appear out of thin air at any moment and then disappear just as quickly.
- Pack plenty of layers; Alaska weather can change at any moment.
- Photographers will love the unobstructed views of Denali from Reflection Pond.
- The farther you travel into the park, the bigger Denali appears and the better your chances are of seeing it.
Cape Cod
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Fox Island
Kayak through the turquoise waters that surround the island watching for Stellar sea lions, whales, otters, Dall’s porpoise and seabirds. One of the top kayaking routes from Fox Island is the Fox Island Spit, which begins on the north side of the island and takes you to your choice of Humpy Cove, Thumb’s Cove or El Dorado Narrows for beautiful scenery and great wildlife spotting opportunities.
Fishing is another popular Fox Island activity, especially from mid-July through August when the waters are abundant with salmon. Sign up for a fishing trip or cast your reel right from the beach. And for those who enjoy hiking and camping, Sunny Cove allows for overnight camping and features beach, woodland and rainforest trekking trails. Fox Island is also home to remote beachfront cabins which provide a serene and comfortable Alaskan wilderness experience.
For an ambient experience, opt to take a cruise from Seward to Fox Island. The journey takes you over Resurrection Bay, where you can sip beer and wine while taking in sights like Bear Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, and wildlife like whales, sea lions, otters and seabirds. When you arrive to Fox Island, get your camera out and take some photos of the scenery before enjoying an all-you-can-eat buffet at a private lodge. Some dishes you may sample include wild Alaska salmon, prime rib, salad and fresh vegetables followed by a decadent dessert. You’ll also have the option to upgrade your meal to include king crab.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
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Badwater
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Grand Prismatic Spring
- Secure your belongings to avoid accidentally dropping anything into the spring.
- For safety purposes, stay on the boardwalk and don’t walk on the edge of the spring.
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Dress for the weather with lots of sun protection.
- Plenty of photo opportunities make this a top choice for photographers.
Grand Loop Road
- Without stopping, each section of the loop takes roughly four hours to drive.
- Bring plenty of snacks and water in case of traffic delays.
- Expect larger crowds and traffic in summer and during construction.
- Look out for wildlife like moose, bears, and elk during the scenic drive.
Fortress of the Bear
Practical Info
Grand Canyon South Rim
The Basics
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon averages 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) above sea level, with natural wonders including Navajo Point, Hermit Road, and the Abyss. Grand Canyon Village is home to a variety of historic buildings, while other popular stops include the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, the Bright Angel Lodge, Kolb Studio, and the Desert View Watchtower, which features work by Hopi artists and incorporates Native American art and design.
- The Canyon View Visitor Center, near the south entrance, stocks maps, books, and videos, while the Cameron Trading Post, outside the east entrance to the park, boasts a selection of souvenirs and supplies.
- Stop by the Hopi House Gift Store and Art Gallery to see art and crafts from the local tribes.
- If driving, be sure you have plenty of gas in your car before setting out for the canyon; there are few service stations in this remote part of Arizona.
Located in the Arizona national park, the South Rim is a three-hour drive from Las Vegas or a short plane ride via Grand Canyon Airport. Driving from Flagstaff, take US 180 directly to the South Rim or US 89 to Arizona 64 and the east entrance to the park.
When to Get There
The South Rim gets quite crowded with visitors in the summertime. Consider visiting in the shoulder season, or booking a South Rim bus or jeep tour so you don't have to struggle with traffic and parking.
Hiking the Grand Canyon South Rim
Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine
- Fort McHenry is a must-visit for history buffs and first-time visitors to Baltimore.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- The national park visitor center is accessible to wheelchair users, and the fort itself is mostly accessible.
- Pets are welcome on the fort grounds outside the historic area.
Denali National Park and Preserve
- Denali National Park is ideal for animal and nature lovers but offers fewer outdoor activities than other parks.
- Only one road traverses the park—Denali Park Road—92 miles (148 kilometers) of which only 15 miles (25 kilometers) are paved; if you wish to go beyond, you must walk, bike, or take the park bus tour.
- The Denali Visitor Center and Eielson Visitor Center provide information, exhibits, ranger talks, and other services.
Arches National Park
- Arches National Park is a must-see attraction for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water. Shade is rare in the park’s desert environment.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- The Arches Visitor Center offers free Wi-Fi.
- Several trails, picnic grounds, and viewpoints are wheelchair accessible, as is the Arches Visitor Center.
Death Valley National Park
- The weather is typically dry and sunny throughout the year with some winter storms. Bring layers and a jacket in the winter, wear shorts and light clothing in the spring, and avoid summer unless you want to experience temperatures as hot as 120°F (49°C).
- Stay hydrated with plenty of water no matter what time of year you visit, and keep it in on hand for emergencies.
- During summer, restrict outdoor activities to early morning; stick to paved roads in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Furnace Creek Visitor Center offers informational exhibits, a bookstore, a short film, and ranger talks.
Aurora Ice Museum
- Visit Aurora Hot Springs as part of a Chena Hot Springs tour.
- Bring a hat, gloves, and jacket. Parkas are available for free during your tour.
- Enjoy the Ice Bar’s signature cocktail, an appletini served in a martini glass carved out of ice.
- Don’t miss the ice outhouse in the Northern Lights room.
- Learn to create your own ice art by booking an ice-carving class.
Creek Street
This historic bordello hub was built over Ketchikan Creek, hence the neighborhood’s name. In Ketchikan’s gold-mining heyday, more than two dozen houses of ill repute lined the boardwalk.
Prostitution wasn’t outlawed here until 1954, and was legal as long as business wasn’t transacted on dry land. This explains why Creek Street isn’t a street at all, but an elevated boardwalk built on wooden pilings.
Things are a lot more tame these days, and the red-trimmed Dolly’s House museum is Creek Street’s most colorful remnant. The boardwalk stretches over the creek, and gaily painted wooden buildings line the waterfront here.