Choose from 110 Fun Things to Do in Alaska
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Seward Cruise Port
The gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and the starting point of the Iditarod Trail, the small town of Seward lies about 125 miles (200 km) south of Anchorage. The best way to experience this Alaskan jewel and its majestic landscape is by boat – take a whale-watching tour or glacier cruise to get the full effect of Resurrection Bay, its surrounding mountains and the Exit Glacier.
If your cruise is ending in Seward, a shore excursion that combines transportation to the Anchorage airport with a tour to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a great way to make the most of your time and see some of Alaska’s famed wildlife.
How to get to Seward
Cruises dock a couple of miles north of the downtown area. A shuttle runs from the cruise dock to the tour boat area. If you’re staying in town, walk from the cruise dock or take one of the town’s few cabs. Once you’re downtown, it’s a very walkable area.
One Day in Seward
Don’t miss the Alaska SeaLife Center — it’s the top attraction in town. Just south of downtown, the SeaLife Center is an aquarium and research facility that’s home to fur seals, sea lions, puffins, octopus, otters and more. It’s the only marine wildlife rescue center in Alaska and will entertain and educate you with exhibits on rehabilitation and native marine habitats.
Next, have a seafood lunch at a restaurant on the waterfront, and then walk off your lunch with a stroll around town. There are several shops where you can pick up souvenirs like art, chocolate and outdoor gear. Walk through the waterfront park as you make your way back to your ship.
If your cruise is ending in Seward, a shore excursion that combines transportation to the Anchorage airport with a tour to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a great way to make the most of your time and see some of Alaska’s famed wildlife.
How to get to Seward
Cruises dock a couple of miles north of the downtown area. A shuttle runs from the cruise dock to the tour boat area. If you’re staying in town, walk from the cruise dock or take one of the town’s few cabs. Once you’re downtown, it’s a very walkable area.
One Day in Seward
Don’t miss the Alaska SeaLife Center — it’s the top attraction in town. Just south of downtown, the SeaLife Center is an aquarium and research facility that’s home to fur seals, sea lions, puffins, octopus, otters and more. It’s the only marine wildlife rescue center in Alaska and will entertain and educate you with exhibits on rehabilitation and native marine habitats.
Next, have a seafood lunch at a restaurant on the waterfront, and then walk off your lunch with a stroll around town. There are several shops where you can pick up souvenirs like art, chocolate and outdoor gear. Walk through the waterfront park as you make your way back to your ship.
Port Information
The currency is the US dollar, and the language in Alaska is English. There are ATMs and banks in town.
Address: Port Avenue, Seward, Alaska, USA
From $ 123
Shenandoah National Park
It may be best known for its fall colors, but there’s something to love during every season at Shenandoah National Park. During winter, the park glistens when covered in snow and ice. Spring means wildflowers, and in the summer, the park’s elevation calls for cooler temperatures. But regardless of the time of year, visitors should expect to see wildlife. More than 50 species of mammals live in Shenandoah, and although they do a good job remaining hidden, the park has one of the densest populations of black bears within the United States.
White-tailed deer are frequently seen along Skyline Drive, the scenic roadway that runs through the park, which is in total 105 miles long, running from the Front Royal (North) Entrance Station to the Rockfish Gap (South) Entrance Station in the Waynesboro-Charlottesville area. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the park, but with 75 overlooks, your time results may vary. The speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35 mph, and mile markers are used to help visitors locate places along the way.
With more than 500 miles of hiking trails (some of which include waterfalls), be sure to spend some time out of your car. The park is also one of just a few that allows leashed pets on most trails. There is an assortment of lodging choices available in the park, ranging from hotel-style rooms to cabins. There are also four campgrounds, and while backcountry camping is allowed, a free permit is required.
Practical Info
Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, 75 miles from Washington, D.C. There are four entrances (and exits) to the park, so directions will vary depending on what entrance you are headed to.
Address: Virginia, USA
Hours: Daily
From $ 80
Sequoia National Park
Known as the “land of giants,” Sequoia National Park is home to towering old-growth redwood trees known as sequoias—the world’s largest trees, some of which can reach heights of 275 feet (83 meters). The park’s dramatic landscape showcases thick forest, mountains, rugged foothills, canyons, and vast caverns.
The Basics
Located in Central California, Sequoia National Park (and the adjacent Kings Canyon National Park) is an ideal wilderness escape from San Francisco or Los Angeles. Wander through the giant sequoia groves on a day hike, backpack through the dense forest, explore the deep caverns of Crystal Cave, and climb the granite dome of Moro Rock. Rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing are also popular activities in the park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sequoia National Park is a must-see for nature lovers.
- Remember to bring sun protection, comfortable hiking shoes, and plenty of water.
- When camping, all food, trash, and scented items must be stored in bear canisters or designated food-storage boxes.
- Reservations are required to stay at designated campgrounds, and wilderness permits are required if you plan to camp outside of these areas.
- The rivers in Sequoia can be dangerous and require advanced skill to navigate via kayak.
How to Get There
Sequoia National Park is located roughly 4.5 hours from San Francisco and four hours from Los Angeles by road. The visitor center is accessible via highway 198. A free shuttle provides transportation within the park.
When to Get There
The park is busiest in summer, when the weather tends to be hot and sunny. During this time, opt for an early-morning or weekday visit to avoid crowds. With fewer crowds and mild temperatures, mid-September and October are the best times to visit. Portions of the park are closed during winter, but some areas are open for activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Must-See Trees in Sequoia National Park
It’s the giant sequoias that draw many visitors to Sequoia National Park. The General Sherman tree at the north end of Giant Forest is a definite highlight—it’s the largest living single-trunked tree on earth. The General Grant Tree is another notable giant, located in the Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park.
Address: California, USA
From $ 80
Sitka Cruise Port
The Pacific Coast town of Sitka sits on Baranof Island in Alaska’s Inside Passage and is only accessible by air and sea. Its combination of Russian settlement history, native Tlingit culture and breathtaking natural landscapes makes it one of the Inside Passage’s greatest hits.
Shore excursions like sea kayaking cater to outdoor enthusiasts, while culture and history buffs will enjoy a walking tour of town.
How to get to Sitka
Most cruise ships anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the harbor in the downtown area, which can be explored on foot.
One Day in Sitka
Start your walking tour of town at Castle Hill on Lincoln Street, near the tender drop-off point by O’Connell Bridge. Snap some photos of Sitka and the waterfront at the lookout spot, where the Russian flag was lowered and the American flag raised when Alaska was transferred to the US in 1867. Then continue along Lincoln Street, the town’s main drag.
Pass by St Michael’s Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, both of which date back to the 1840s, as you make your way to Sitka National Historic Park. Check out the Russian and indigenous exhibits before taking a walk on the park trail that winds its way past several traditional totem poles.
For more town scenery, make your way to Katlian Street, which will take you along the Sitka Channel, full of fishing boats. Before getting back on your ship, don’t miss a performance by the New Archangel Dancers if you didn’t catch them when you disembarked.
Shore excursions like sea kayaking cater to outdoor enthusiasts, while culture and history buffs will enjoy a walking tour of town.
How to get to Sitka
Most cruise ships anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the harbor in the downtown area, which can be explored on foot.
One Day in Sitka
Start your walking tour of town at Castle Hill on Lincoln Street, near the tender drop-off point by O’Connell Bridge. Snap some photos of Sitka and the waterfront at the lookout spot, where the Russian flag was lowered and the American flag raised when Alaska was transferred to the US in 1867. Then continue along Lincoln Street, the town’s main drag.
Pass by St Michael’s Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, both of which date back to the 1840s, as you make your way to Sitka National Historic Park. Check out the Russian and indigenous exhibits before taking a walk on the park trail that winds its way past several traditional totem poles.
For more town scenery, make your way to Katlian Street, which will take you along the Sitka Channel, full of fishing boats. Before getting back on your ship, don’t miss a performance by the New Archangel Dancers if you didn’t catch them when you disembarked.
Port Information
The language is English, and the currency is the
US dollar. There are ATMs in town. Rain is frequent, so don’t forget
your raincoat and waterproof shoes.
Address: Sitka Harbor, Sitka, AK, USA
From $ 69
Sheldon Jackson Museum
Situated in downtown Sitka, overlooking a magnificent fjord, Sitka’s Sheldon Jackson Museum is a warm and friendly storehouse of knowledge and artificats, where long-term curators give a hands-on approach to telling the history of life in the Chilkat Valley.
Numerous Native artifacts help to illuminate the life and times of the local Athapaskan, Eskimo, Aleut, and Northwest Coast Natives here. Upon walls hang masks, within drawers lay keys, sewing kits, toys, and other knick-knacks that reveal glimpses into fascinating pasts.
The Sheldon Jackson Museum is well-known for being small but complete museum, with a hands-on approach to education. Live demonstrations such as basket weaving and wood carving routinely occur here and are available to the public.
Numerous Native artifacts help to illuminate the life and times of the local Athapaskan, Eskimo, Aleut, and Northwest Coast Natives here. Upon walls hang masks, within drawers lay keys, sewing kits, toys, and other knick-knacks that reveal glimpses into fascinating pasts.
The Sheldon Jackson Museum is well-known for being small but complete museum, with a hands-on approach to education. Live demonstrations such as basket weaving and wood carving routinely occur here and are available to the public.
Practical Info
The Sheldon Jackson Museum is located at 104 College Drive in Sitka. Hours of operation vary with season, but the site is open most days, from 10am to 4pm. General admission costs $4 during summer months and $3 in winter.
Address: 104 College Drive, Sitka 99835, USA
Hours: Open most days, 10am-4pm
Admission: $4 during summer months, $3 in winter.
From $ 69
Weeping Rock Trail
While you might want to cry at Zion’s beauty, save the weeping for the natural springs that trickle down Zion Canyon. At this popular stop along the canyon drive, a paved trail climbs for half a mile up the canyon wall, and provides views of a spring that slowly drips towards the Virgin River below. The water that seeps from the vertical cliff face has been trapped in the walls for years, and while the flow is rarely more than a trickle, large icicles can form in winter and hang from the multi-hued cliffs. After a heavy rain or thunderstorm, a torrential waterfall can sometimes form high on the canyon walls, and the rocky alcove at the top of the trail offers a panoramic vantage point for viewing the water and the valley floor below. While standing beneath the undercut rock, look out towards the other side of the valley where the Great White Throne thrusts its way above the surrounding spires. Though “weeping walls” are fairly common in Zion National Park, the Weeping Rock trail is short and accessible for all different types of travelers.
Practical Info
The Weeping Rock trail is completely paved, although some sections towards the end are steep and aren’t quite wheelchair accessible. The trailhead begins approximately 4.5 miles from the canyon junction road, and is stop 7 on the shuttle.
Address: Springdale, Utah 84767, USA
From $ 80
Tolovana River
Starting in the Yukon-Tanana Upland, 57 miles from the town of Fox, the Tolovana River is known for its grayling and northern pike fishing and flows southwest for 116 miles through the Tolovana Valley and its abundance of birch and spruce trees.
With little to no light pollution, the area surrounding the Tolovana River is a particularly good place to see the Aurora Borealis, and while you’re in the area, look out for typical Alaskan wildlife, including moose, bears, eagles, and martens. Tucked into the mountains near the river, you can also visit Tolovana Hot Springs. The most remote of the region’s “big four” hot springs, the site is only accessible via cross-country skiing, hiking, dog-sledding or helicopter.
Practical Info
The Tolovana River flows 100 km west of Fairbanks. There are cabins to stay in at the Tolovana Hot Springs.
Address: Fairbanks, AK, USA, USA
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 225
Zion Canyon
Like a well-irrigated oasis in a dusty sandstone desert, Zion Canyon holds the treasures that make Zion park so famous. Carved by the waters of the Virgin River, this canyon plunges over 2,000 feet from rim to valley floor, where the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive forms a conduit for awestruck travelers. Here in the stunning Zion Canyon, famous sights such as The Great White Throne literally spring up towards the sky. The drive up the canyon is so wildly popular that shuttles are used in summer, but private vehicles are allowed in the canyon during the slower months of winter. For most visitors, the canyon “begins” at the northern end by the Temple of Sinawava, and runs south to the town of Springdale nearly 10 miles away. North of the Temple of Sinawava, the canyon narrows to only 20 feet and is filled by the Virgin River. This part of the canyon forms “The Narrows” trail that’s popular with hikers and visitors, although regardless of where in the canyon you visit, the vertical spires, painted cliffs, and green of the valley floor create a mesmerizing amphitheater in the Utah desert that’s as magical as it is famous.
Practical Info
Zion Canyon runs for approximately 10 miles from the Zion National Park Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava. The canyon is closed to private vehicles from March 15 until the middle of October, during which time it’s accessible by park shuttles that run every six minutes. For the best photos inside of the canyon, early mornings offer the most light and the best angle of the sun.
Address: Zion Canyon, Springdale, Utah 84737, USA
From $ 80
Seward Small Boat Harbor
As one of Alaska’s small boating centers Seward Harbor is considered to be one of the best destinations for sailing in the world. Situated at the entry to Kenai Fjords National Park, the surrounding waters are rich with a variety of marine wildlife. Bald eagles, sea otters, sea lions, and other sea birds are also often passing above the sea.
Undeniably the most common vessel in the Seward Small Boat Harbor is the sailboat, yet it’s also an excellent launching point for kayaks and small fishing boats. Seasonally whale watching cruises depart from the harbor as well. With many vessels departing for the scenic Kenai Fjords from here, there are plenty of restaurants, hotels, and facilities along the water to suit visitors.
The harbor itself is calm and scenically surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Uniquely the water does not freeze at any point during the year (but if it’s ice you’re after, the massive Exit Glacier is nearby.)
Practical Info
Seward is located on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, about 125 miles south of Anchorage. It can be accessed via the Seward Highway between the two cities. Seward is also the last (or first) stop of the Alaska Railroad. The Seward Small Boat Harbor lies on the northern edge of Resurrection Bay. Get there by driving to milepost 1.6 on Seward Highway.
Address: 1300 4th Avenue, Seward, Alaska 99664, USA
Hours: 8 am - 5 pm
From $ 80
Turnagain Arm
The Turnagain Arm is a waterway into the Gulf of Alaska, one of two branches of the Cook Inlet. The Turnagain Arm Drive is the 50-mile stretch from Anchorage to Portage Glacier, known for being one of the most scenic drives in the world. Snow-capped mountains and glaciers provide the backdrop along Chugate State Park. Some of the wildlife that can be spotted here includes bald eagles, beluga whales, moose, elk, and Alaskan wild salmon. There are numerous hiking trails along the Turnagain Arm, including the Turnagain Arm Trail which follows the highway.
Turnagain Arm is known for its high tides and particularly the bore tide, which is a series of waves reaching as high as ten feet as they travel from the bay to the shallower inlet. Because of the surrounding mountains and size of the waves, the bore tide at Turnagain Arm is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world.
Practical Info
To visit the Turnagain Arm, head southeast along the Cook Inlet from Anchorage on Seward Highway.
Address: Anchorage, Alaska, USA
From $ 99
Totem Bight State Historical Park
Ketchikan is home to a rich Native Alaskan culture, which can be fully explored at the Totem Bight State Historical Park, home to 15 intricate totem poles. These poles were sourced from abandoned native villages and then restored, and each tells a unique story of Tlingit and Haida carvers.
The restoration project not only helped to preserve important elements of Native heritage, but provided older Native Alaskans with jobs and allowed younger generations to learn about this art form. Look closely at the totem poles and you’ll notice many depictions of Alaskan wildlife, as each animal has its own meaning. An eagle, for example, stands for peace and friendship, while a killer whale stands for strength. There is also an onsite replica Native village, crafted as authentically as possible. Inside the community house, where several Native families from one lineage would have lived together in one large room, visitors can get warm near a roaring fire.
Practical Info
A guide is recommended for a visit to the Totem Bight State Historical Park to provide storytelling. The park is free to enter, and there are a number of trails to explore.
Address: 9883 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, Alaska 99901, USA
Hours: Daily
From $ 55
Virgin River
You can thank the meandering Virgin River for Zion’s epic beauty. Due to the ferocious forces of erosion over 200 million years, the Virgin River has carved Utah’s sandstone into geological art. Beginning at over 9,000 feet to the north of the park, the north fork of the river winds its way for 190 miles toward southern Nevada and beyond. Along the way it sculpts legendary formations such as Zion’s famous Narrows, and the striated lines of the canyon walls provide a peek at what the center of the Earth might look like.
On the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the road parallels the Virgin River as it winds its way down the canyon, and rockslides, floods and shifting boulders are evidence that the river isn’t quite finished carving Zion Canyon. In the town of Springdale on the park’s southern entrance, tubing down the river is a popular activity in the late spring and summer.
Practical Info
The water can be frigid during chilly parts of the year. When hiking in places such as the Narrows or slot canyons, always keep an eye on the weather forecast since the Virgin River is prone to flash floods at any time of the year.
Address: Zion National Park, Utah 84737, USA
From $ 80
Trans-Alaska Pipeline (Alyeska Pipeline Visitor Center)
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline is a 48-inch oil pipeline that traverses 800 miles (1,300 kilometers). It was built by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in 1977 to transport crude oil from Prudhoe Bay’s oil fields to a port in Valdez to be loaded onto tankers and shipped to U.S. refiners. The cost to construct the pipeline was $8 billion, making it one of the largest privately-funded construction projects in Alaska. Moreover, it’s one of the largest pipeline systems in the world, and because much of the ground that it is laid on is frozen sections of the pipeline are either built above ground or buried and insulated.
It’s astonishing that the pipe has withstood the harsh Alaska weather for so long. Today, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline is a popular tourist attraction, especially for those who want to get a photograph of themselves touching it.
The Alyeska Pipeline Visitor Center on the Steese Highway at milepost 8.4 between Fox and Fairbanks is also worth a visit. This free-to-enter attraction provides a great introduction to the pipeline as it gives historical and background information as well as fun facts. For example, did you know the pipeline’s highest elevation is 4,739 feet (1,444 meters) at Atigun Pass? After leaving you’ll really understand what makes the Trans-Alaska Pipeline such an engineering marvel.
It’s astonishing that the pipe has withstood the harsh Alaska weather for so long. Today, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline is a popular tourist attraction, especially for those who want to get a photograph of themselves touching it.
The Alyeska Pipeline Visitor Center on the Steese Highway at milepost 8.4 between Fox and Fairbanks is also worth a visit. This free-to-enter attraction provides a great introduction to the pipeline as it gives historical and background information as well as fun facts. For example, did you know the pipeline’s highest elevation is 4,739 feet (1,444 meters) at Atigun Pass? After leaving you’ll really understand what makes the Trans-Alaska Pipeline such an engineering marvel.
Address: USA
From $ 115
The Narrows
One of Zion National Park’s most famous hikes, The Narrows are the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, with sandstone walls reaching 1,000 feet (305 meters) high and sometimes 20 feet (6 meters) across. The Virgin River flows underfoot for most of this adventurous trek—be prepared to get wet.
The Basics
The most popular Narrows hiking route leads up the canyon from the Temple of Sinawava. Follow the mile-long (1.6-kilometer) Riverside Walk to where the paved trail ends and the real Narrows begin. For the next 4 miles (6 kilometers), slosh through the Virgin River and weave deeper and deeper into the wild. The other route begins at Chamberlain’s Ranch on the park’s northern boundary and follows the river for 16 miles (26 kilometers) down Zion Canyon.
Explore The Narrows independently at your own pace. It’s also possible to visit on a multi-day national parks tour from Las Vegas, which allows you to see Zion along with other American highlights, such as Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Narrows is a must-see for nature and adventure lovers.
- Waterproof footwear and a hiking stick are recommended. Depending on water levels, it’s also a good idea to bring a wetsuit.
- Although no permits are required when hiking from the Temple of Sinawava, backcountry permits must be acquired when hiking from Chamberlain’s Ranch.
- The Riverside Walk is paved and wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Narrows are in Zion National Park, roughly 2.6 hours by road from Las Vegas. Parking is limited inside the park, so it’s a good idea to park in Springdale and ride the free Springdale Shuttle to the park’s Pedestrian Entrance. From there, free shuttles run throughout the park.
When to Get There
Late spring and summer are the most popular times to hike The Narrows, when the water tends to be warmest and the water level is low. However, storms can cause flash floods during these seasons. During winter and early spring, the water is cold and typically high. The route can be closed during spring due to snowmelt; fall typically brings more stable weather.
Zion National Park
The Virgin River carved Zion National Park’s famous white, pink, and red rock formations over time. The Narrows are just one of over a dozen major hiking trails in the park, including Angels Landing, an intense 5-mile (8-kilometer) trail that rewards hikers with sweeping views at the summit. Emerald Pools Trail is another great option, with views of multiple waterfalls and glistening pools.
Address: The Narrows Bottom Up, Hurricane, Utah 84737, USA
From $ 80
Tongass National Forest
Encompassing 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest is the largest forest in the United States. Originally the Alexander Archipelago Forest Reserve, a project of Theodore Roosevelt started in 1902, the park was developed and renamed in 1908 to pay homage to the Tongass Clan of the Tlingit Indians. Visitors to Tongass National Forest have an enormous array of activities and experiences to choose from: bird-watching, trekking, fishing (there are five species of salmon here, among other fish), camping, visiting glaciers, lake canoeing, off-roading and just relishing pure fresh air and pristine natural beauty. In fact, there are 17,000 miles (27,359 kilometers) of lakes, creeks and rivers to enjoy within the forest. Wildlife is also prevalent, with chances to view otters, brown and black bears, wolves, eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer.
Those who truly want to experience the best of the Tongass National Forest can kayak on Amalga Harbor to see the famous Mendenhall, Eagle and Herbert glaciers while also keeping an eye out for whales, birds, seals, porpoises and sea lions. There are also opportunities for hiking and lake canoeing in the forest, which can be done in a Native American-style canoe. Before visiting the Tongass National Forest, you may want to visit the Tongass Historical Museum in Ketchikan to learn about the area’s geography and Native Alaskan heritage.
Practical Info
Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and surrounds the Inside Passage.
Address: Tongass National Forest, Sitka, Alaska, USA
Hours: Daily
From $ 71
White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad
Inching up steep tracks carved into the sides of mountains, the narrow-gauge White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad is a fun, historic way to see spectacular scenery. A number of routes travel through White Pass, a mountain route that links the port town of Skagway, Alaska, with the Yukon Territory capital city of Whitehorse in Canada. Climb aboard this International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and experience mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and historic sites from the comfort of a century-old railcar along “the railway built of gold.”
The Basics
The scenic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad offers three excursions, all of which begin in Skagway, Alaska. The White Pass Summit Excursion rises from Skagway to the White Pass summit, 2,865 feet (873 meters) high, while the Bennett Scenic Journey travels the length of Lake Bennett before arriving in the Yukon Territory, stopping in the old gold-rush town of Bennett Station en route. And the Fraser Meadows Steam Excursion features a historic steam locomotive that hauls passengers beyond the White Pass summit to Fraser, British Columbia. The train is most often experienced by cruise travelers as a shore excursion from Skagway.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Train fanatics, history buffs, wildlife and nature lovers, and families with kids all will thrill to ride aboard this historic train.
- The round-trip summit excursion takes about three hours, the Fraser Meadows route takes four hours round-trip, and the longer Bennett Scenic Journey lasts eight hours round-trip, including a 45-minute layover.
- Most options are sold as round-trip excursions, although the Fraser Meadows route is also offered as a one-way trip.
- Be sure to tote a camera to capture the mountain and forest vistas, and even some native wildlife like bear or caribou.
- Passports are required for the Bennett Scenic Journey and Fraser Meadows Steam Excursion trips.
- Only the White Pass Summit Excursion trains are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
All White Pass and Yukon Route trains depart from Skagway, Alaska, about four hours north of Juneau by ferry. Ferries take equipment, freight, and passengers through the Port of Skagway, and many cruise ships stop right at Skagway—and a trip on this railroad is an extremely popular shore excursion.
When to Get There
The railroad runs from May to September and is extremely popular, so it’s best to book well in advance. Departure days and times for the three train routes vary depending on the day of the week, the season, and national holidays.
White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad History
Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark—a designation shared with the Panama Canal, the Statue of Liberty, and the Eiffel Tower, among others. The 110-mile (177-kilometer) narrow-gauge railroad was completed on July 29, 1900, in Carcross in the Yukon Territory. The route was built to connect the deepwater port of Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse in Canada. Today, a ride on one of the historic train routes ranks among Alaska’s most popular shore excursions—almost a half-million passengers take the trip each summer.
Address: 231 Second Avenue, Skagway 99840, USA
Hours: May - Sept. Reserve seats ahead of time. Some routes require a passport
Admission: Adults: US$85 - US$239, Children (3-12yrs): half price
From $ 51
Zabriskie Point
Experience one of the most iconic views in California's Death Valley National Park from the overlook at Zabriskie Point. Located in the Amargosa Range on the east side of Death Valley, Zabriskie Point is surrounded by an otherworldly, maze-like landscape formed by the erosion of long-arid sediments in the Furnace Creek Lake area.
This view, often coveted on day trips to Death Valley from cities like Las Vegas, is best seen at sunrise or sunset when the sunlight paints beautiful colors across the crags and canyons of the badlands.
Practical Info
Zabriskie Point sits just off Hwy 190, and it’s easily accessible on foot from the nearby parking area. For visitors who wish to explore further, a hiking trail leads down the slope to Gower Gulch and beyond to Golden Canyon.
Address: Hwy 190, Furnace Creek, California 92328, USA
Admission: $20/car
From $ 80
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Though the sprawling Zion National Park covers 229 square miles, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the most popular section of the park. In fact, this winding drive up Zion Canyon is so popular that from March 15 until mid-October, the nine-mile drive is only accessible by riding the Zion Park Shuttle. Along the way, there are stopping points for major sights—from Zion Lodge and the Court of the Patriarchs to the trailhead for Emerald Pools—and the scenic drive reaches its terminus at the Temple of Sinawava. While visitors must ride the shuttle in summer, the road is open to private vehicles during the late-fall and winter. There is a decent amount of parking at most of the stops, although during the holiday visiting season the road can be congested and parking can be a bit tough. Nevertheless, this is the main vein that leads through canyon and offers accessible day hiking and views, and takes an entire day to explore properly from the south end of the canyon to the top.
Practical Info
The cost of the shuttle system is included in the park entrance fee, and shuttles run every six minutes during the busiest times of the year. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive has eight different shuttle stops, and winter visitors will find numerous pullouts for pulling over to take photos.
Address: Springdale, Utah 84767, USA
From $ 80
Shark Valley
Situated in heart of what many call the “true Everglades”—a river of grass that stretches 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico—Shark Valley is part of a freshwater ecosystem with incredible biodiversity. It’s one of the best places in Everglades National Park to spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
The Basics
Visitors start their explorations at the Shark Valley Visitor Center to learn more about local ecology. A 15-mile (24-kilometer) paved loop circles through the area and is open to cyclists and pedestrians. One of the most popular ways to explore the area (and cover more ground than you could on foot) is via a guided tram tour. During this 2-hour excursion, visitors can spot wildlife while learning about the wetlands from an onboard naturalist guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shark Valley is a must-visit for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Shark Valley tram tours are not included with national park entrance.
- Restrooms are available at the Shark Valley Visitor Center.
- The visitor’s center and one of the two walking trails is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Because there is no public transportation to Shark Valley, the best way to get there is to join a guided tour with round-trip transportation, or to drive yourself. The visitor’s center is located along Highway 41, 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of the Florida Turnpike.
When to Get There
The Shark Valley entrance to Everglades National Park is open daily from 8:30am to 6pm, even though the park itself is open 24 hours a day. The best time to spot wildlife is during the dry season (November to March); this is also when visitors will find the biggest variety of ranger-led programming.
What’s in the Name?
Shark Valley may seem like an odd name for an area of wetlands best known for alligators. This area of the park, added in 1989, is actually named after the Shark River Slough: the very river of grass that makes the Everglades so famous. The water of the Shark River comes primarily from Lake Okeechobee, and since there’s water in the area even in the dry season, animals tend to congregate here.
Address: USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Tioga Pass
Tioga Pass is the only entrance on the eastern side of Yosemite National Park. At 9,941 feet high, it is the highest point on the mountain drive and one of the most scenic in the park. Views of the surrounding forests and mountains are worth the drive alone, but if you’re after one of the park’s many hiking trails the trailheads for Gaylor Peak, Tioga Peak, and the Twenty Lake Loop are all nearby. For a less active experience, Tioga Lake offers picnic facilities and trout fishing close by.
Driving to and through the Tioga Pass is an adventure: full of tight curves and steep drop-offs. But you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views in Yosemite Valley, and once you reach the pass you’ll be in the park itself. The road through the Sierra Nevada mountain range is the highest highway pass in California.
Practical Info
You can find Tioga Pass six miles east of Tuolumne Meadows on Highway 120. Pending weather conditions, Tioga Pass does close during some parts of the year (typically November to March.) Be sure you have enough gas in your car before driving to the pass, as there is limited supply around the park.
Address: Yosemite National Park, California, USA, USA
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: $20
From $ 80