The best places to visit Alaska in the summer

The Best of Alaska in the Summer

If you want to know what to do in Alaska in the summer, read on to learn more about our Best of Alaska Summer Tour!

Alaska in the summerWhat would you do with 8 days in Alaska in the summer? What things are there to do in Alaska in the summer? It’s hard to narrow down all your choices for Alaska vacation ideas when you are planning a trip to Alaska. Glacier trekking? Whale watching? Kayaking with the otters and seals? Getting up close and personal with the bears? The good news is, you can do it all! There are so many places to visit in Alaska, and we put together the ultimate 8-day itinerary for a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan adventure during the summer months in Alaska.

Is Alaska on your bucket list? Have you dreamed about spending the summer in Alaska? Maybe you’ve watched enough Travel Channel to have an idea of what you want to do and see while you’re there. Or, maybe you need vacation ideas for a trip to Alaska! The state’s natural beauty can be enjoyed while hiking, paddling, and fishing in the great outdoors, especially as the national parks here are some of the largest in the United States. And, there are many things to do in Alaska during the summer, including wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking.

Why Visit Alaska in the Summer?

A big question that a lot of travelers ask for planning Alaska vacations is, when is it summer in Alaska? Summer in Alaska occurs from May until September. The beginning of summer first begins to appear in the Inside Passage and works its way up to Northern Alaska. Just remember, from late May until early July, there are approximately 20 hours of daylight in Alaska! That means there is plenty of time to pack in all of the things you want to do in Alaska during the summer on each day of your trip! The summer weather in Alaska is enjoyable, too — daytime highs range from 60°F – 80°F, while nighttime lows are refreshingly cool, dipping into the 40s-50s. This means trails are clear of snow, and conditions are good for any of the outdoor activities you want to experience in Alaska during the summer. These wildlands of The Last Frontier are what attract nature lovers and tourists from across the world. Read on to learn more about what to do in Alaska during the summer!

Summer in Alaska means long days, cool temperatures, and numerous outdoor activities that you really can’t experience elsewhere! And, while the sun may be out in the summer in Alaska, the oppressive heat that you may experience in some states in the Upper 48 is rare! Planning trips to Alaska in June is the peak season for Alaska’s travelers. The locals in Alaska all say that visiting Alaska in June is the best time. The weather is beautiful, and there is plenty of activities and experiences to have. During June Alaska trips, the weather in Alaska is very pleasant, and with pleasant weather comes more adventures and activities to enjoy! By mid-June, it is as warm as it is going to get and June is a great month to participate in all of the summer activities that are available! Wildlife viewing is full activity and fishing is great in the summer and eventful in the summer as well. If you are planning trips to Alaska in June to see the Northern Lights you would want to plan to visit between mid-August through mid-September. The sky does not get dark enough in June to see the lights in the sky. If you visit Alaska in the summer, from mid-May through mid-September, you’ll get to experience all Alaska has to offer during the summer months and some would say this is the best time to visit Alaska. Of course, there are the bears (and all the other amazing Alaskan wildlife), the whales and seals, and salmon to see, and the glaciers to visit. Let’s get going – there are so many places to visit in Alaska this summer!

Is July The Best Month To Visit Alaska?

For many people, the answer to the question “When is the best time to go to Alaska?” is July. Why? An Alaska vacation is best during this time because there are so many things to do in Alaska in July! What to do in Alaska on vacation? With wildlife fully active, all trails accessible, long days, and Alaska’s warmest average temperatures, July can be the best month to visit Alaska. This translates into a busy time for The Great Land, with a swell of visitors. Alaska in July is one of the best months during the summer to visit. The days in July are long and provide plenty of daylight! With longer and warmer days, wildlife is fully active and Alaska in July is considered one of the best months for bears, sea otters, seals, and whale sightings.

In July, temperatures range on average between fifty and sixty degrees with mostly cool afternoons and evenings and chilly mornings and mid-day hours. The late nights and early mornings can be very cold, but if you pack wisely, that won’t deter you from making the most of your Alaska vacation. Look to nature to restore and inspire you, reconnect with yourself, and connect with others on an Alaska vacation. There are the northern lights to witness, exploring the Kenai Peninsula, and view grizzly bears catch salmon. July in Alaska can enlighten all of your senses with vibrant colors and different sounds from wildlife and nature. One of the warmest months is July in Alaska and it is also one of the driest months. Summer in Alaska brings with it the peak season for traveling. July in Alaska is a great time to travel on the Alaska Railroad routes and it is wise to book reservations in advance for July activities in Alaska since it is their most popular month to travel.

No matter what month you choose to visit Alaska, though, putting it all together into one amazing summer trip to Alaska can be a little daunting. Even if you have plenty of Alaska vacation ideas, there are so many places to visit in Alaska. With that in mind, we’ve created the ultimate 8-day Alaska itinerary of things to do during the summer in Alaska—we promise, you won’t miss a thing!

Summer in Alaska

You might be wondering which months are counted as summer in Alaska and what are the best places to visit in Alaska in the summer. The answer is simple – May through September and there are many places to visit for Alaska trips! Summer in Alaska first appears in the Inside Passage region, which is home to Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Skagway, Wrangell, and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. The season then moves its way north, bringing with it lengthening daylight hours for the rest of the state. May is generally one of the dryer months in Alaska, even in the temperate rainforest of the Tongass National Forest. By July, the summer temperatures in Alaska can average 70 degrees, although it has been known to reach well into the 90s in the Southern regions. Temperatures along with the coastal areas and higher elevations rarely get above 65 degrees, though. The summer heat starts waning in August and September, which triggers a display of fall colors across Alaska’s tundra and forest landscapes. Sitka is an exceptional blend of a unique history and is a great place to visit in Alaska in the Summer. The town is located on the Inside Passage and the world’s largest temperate rain forest, Tongass National Forest, is located here. Sitka is the place to visit in Alaska in the summer months for fishing, hiking, and taking in the wildlife. Taking a trip northeast of Anchorage to the town called Talkeetna has become a must for places to visit in Alaska in the summer. The town is located near the Susitna, Chulitna, and Talkeetna rivers. The mighty Talkeetna River is a great place for those travelers who are experienced in river adventures. Traveling to the lower Talkeetna River will not disappoint since it is filled with history and a memorable view. Experience an Alaskan summer with a true wildlife paradise with salmon-filled waterways. The Alaskan summer traveling is dictated by nature, so be prepared for any kind of weather.

What do you need to know when planning trips to Alaska in August?

Moose in AlaskaMany travelers wonder if it is a good time to plan trips to Alaska in August. This is actually a great time of summer for visiting Alaska in August and to many the best time to visit Alaska! It is still summer in August and is still one of the warmer months of the year to visit. What is great about this time of summer is most of the main attractions Alaska has to offer are still open and the crowd is a lot quieter, creating more time to really take in what this great state has to offer. Where you are in Alaska plays a part as well, Anchorage is an excellent place to visit during the month of August since it is a warmer area compared to Fairbanks, which is located in the middle of the state. When planning trips to Alaska in August be prepared for all kinds of weather.

One of the most popular places to visit for an Alaska vacation is the Denali National Park. This park is the third largest National Park in North America and includes North America’s highest mountain in the northern part of the Alaska Range. The six million acres are breathtaking and include wide river valleys, tundra, towering alpine ranges, and glacier-cloaked mountains, great destinations for Alaska vacation ideas. Even though August is the beginning to the end of an Alaskan summer, trips to Alaska in August showcase the magnetic tundra trees turning different shades of red, yellow, and orange. The month of August is still relatively warm and if you’re planning trips to Alaska in August you might want to pack clothes suitable for rainy weather. August Starts the rainy season in Alaska and the days start to become shorter with 14 to 17 hours of daylight.

Travel to Alaska in August to truly experience Alaska’s remarkable landscapes, slow travel is the best way to go while planning your Alaska trips. Taking in the breathtaking view of the Denali National Park and observing wildlife is at its peak during the summer months, a top Alaska vacation idea that will not disappoint. Alaska is home to over 100,000 glaciers and covers 5% of this grand state and traveling to Alaska in August allows for scenic hiking on Alaska’s many glaciers. The Exit Glacier is a popular well-maintained trail that you are able to hike independently and you can expect to come across moose, bears, wolves, and even caribou traveling with their young. Access to Glacier Bay National Park, whale-watching tours, and scenic hiking trails make this destination part of an excellent summer Alaska trip.

What To Do In Alaska On Day 1: Go moose-spotting on Alaska’s Coastal Trail in Anchorage.

Most Alaska tours begin and end in Anchorage, and it’s a great city to visit. But just because you’re in the city doesn’t mean you’re far away from native wildlife. Moose-spotting while on the Coastal Trail is a great place to start for some Alaska vacation ideas for an adventurous Alaskan 8 day itinerary.

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail begins in downtown Alaska and winds along for 11 miles to Kincaid Park. Take a walk—or rent a bike and cycle—and you’re bound to spot a moose along the way. You can even watch for whales and bald eagles at viewing spots along the trail. The summer is a perfect time to take an Alaska vacation.

Spend the night at a hotel downtown Anchorage for easy access to the trail—it’s never more than a few blocks away.

Moose are often spotted throughout Alaska in summer.

 

What To Do In Alaska On Day 2: Hike the dramatic Eagle River Valley and see the spawning salmon.

The Eagle River Valley is less than an hour from downtown Anchorage if you are looking for things to do in Alaska for an 8-day itinerary, but it might as well be another world. Besides dramatic waterfalls and towering cliffs, the valley is a refuge for wildlife—moose, beavers, owls, eagles, and of course, the salmon. During the summer months in Alaska, the wildlife is particularly active, too, making this one of the best places to visit in Alaska!

As an Alaskan vacation idea, you can visit the salmon-viewing deck near Beaver Pond and watch the salmon jump over the dam to continue their journey to spawn. It’s an experience you’ll never forget if you visit Alaska in the summer or plan your Alaska Trip in June when the salmon are running.

When you’re done for the day, head back to Anchorage and enjoy craft beer from a local brewery. Would it surprise you to know that Alaska has an active brewery culture? It ranks 3rd in the U.S. for the amount of beer brewed per capita—a whopping 12.5 gallons!

An Alaska Grizzly bear catching salmon in Brooks Falls during the summer months

 

What to Do In Alaska On Day 3: On to Seward and Resurrection Bay to kayak with seals and otters.

Seward is the gateway to the incredible Kenai Peninsula and the wildlife-packed Resurrection Bay. The bay’s ecosystem is the perfect home for sea otters and harbor seals—you’re bound to come face-to-face with a few as you paddle your kayak during summer in Alaska. As things to do in Alaska, experiencing first-hand the beauty of Seward is top of the list! Along with spotting sea otters and harbor seals, you can catch the live action of bald eagles and salmon leaping while kayaking. Don’t be surprised to see humpback whales and killer whales breaching the surface, or a Steller sea lion or two sunning on the rocks.

Kayaking is amazing in Alaska

What to Do In Alaska On Day 4: Whales, sea lions, and glaciers—oh my!

Kenai Fjords National Park is everything you imagine Alaska to be—all in a single place. Take a boat tour deep into the park and its incredible glaciers (40 of them, to be exact, and each more incredible than the last). You’ll see birds and marine wildlife, especially pods of whales, and majestic eagles soaring overhead.

You’re bound to work up a brisk appetite after your day of exploration, so why not enjoy Alaskan halibut, salmon, or prime rib? You know you’ve been looking forward to fresh Alaskan salmon, so tonight’s your chance to eat your fill of this delicacy that is available during the summer months in Alaska.

Sea Lions in Alaska

 

What To Do In Alaska Day 5: Walk part of the Harding Icefield trail to get up close and personal with Exit Glacier.

If you thought seeing glaciers in the distance from your deck on a boat was a mind-blowing experience, wait until you trek the Harding Icefield trail to actually touch a glacier! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to cross off your bucket list today and is one of the most amazing things to do in Alaska in the summer.

You don’t even need to be a hiking rock star to walk the lower “Edge of the Glacier” trail. It’s an easy walk that gets you close enough to hear the glacier crackling and get some amazing photos with the gorgeous blue glacier behind you. Exit isn’t the largest glacier in Alaska, but trust us, it’s still massive.

Get up close to Alaska's glaciers during our Alaska summer tour

 

What To Do In Alaska Day 6: The float plane ride to see the brown coastal bears will blow your mind.

We get it—you’ve been dying to see the bears. Today’s your lucky day! Bears are active during the summer months in Alaska after they’ve emerged from their winter hibernation. After an incredible float plane ride to Katmailand, you may arrive at the world-famous Brooks Lodge, where you’ll see your first bears within minutes of your arrival. People come from all over the world to get close-up looks at Katmai brown bears gorging themselves on salmon during the salmon months, which occur during the summer in Alaska.

Brooks Falls is one of the first places the bears come in contact with spawning salmon making their way in from deeper waters where the bears don’t hunt. That’s why it’s so popular with the hungry bears, and they gather here in numbers you won’t often see elsewhere in Alaska. There’s nothing like watching a bear stand and wait for a salmon to jump close enough to grab it in its jaws, or snorkeling about looking for fish underwater during the summer months in Alaska. These are just some of the things to do in Alaska. For more activities, read on!

Grizzly cub

 

What To Do In Alaska Day 7: Okay, let’s board another flight to see more bears.

Part of an Alaskan 8 day itinerary, board another plane from Homer and land on a remote airstrip deep inside Lake Clark National Park. Follow the expert guide and we’re all safe, observing bears perhaps foraging sedge grass on a grassy meadow, framed by towering mountains. The cubs might take a break from eating to wrestle one another.

What To Do In Alaska Day 8: Say goodbye to the bears before boarding your flight back to Anchorage.

After a week in Alaska, you may or may not be ready to head back home. Now that you know what you can do in Alaska during the summer, you will be ready for your next visit to the Last Frontier to see all that the great state has to offer during the summer months. Now that you have one trip under your belt, you’ll have plenty of Alaska vacation ideas for your next trip to Alaska – there’s a lot to do in Alaska in the summer!

Things to do in Alaska! Ready to visit the Last Frontier?

Do the wildlife and nature capture your interest? Need Alaska trip ideas? Visiting Alaska and having the opportunity to spot and view all the fascinating creatures in this area come with Alaska vacations! The regions of this great state provide different adventures that will satisfy any enthusiast. An Alaska vacation gives an opportunity to experience the special cultures of different Alaskan regions and the different activities you can enjoy during different seasons, such as visiting Alaska in June versus visiting Alaska in January. Experience things you have never experienced before such as the phenomenon of the surreal Aurora Borealis lights whirling around in the dark Alaskan night skies. Visiting Alaska in June is the season of the midnight sun with an average of 18-24 hours of daylight and the time of summer solstice.  Alaska is full of so much to explore, it is impossible to see it all in one day. The summers in Alaska are full of warmer weather and longer days, giving you more time to take in the towering mountains that this great land has to offer. Visiting Alaska in August is a popular time that marks the end of the tourist high travel season. There are some great benefits to visiting Alaska in August. Since August is still the summer season in Alaska, there are cruise and land tour combinations giving you the great opportunity to see humpback whales and orcas, even beavers! The long daylight hours make for active wildlife and much more time for exploring all that Alaska has to offer. Have you been wondering what are the best places to visit in Alaska during the summer? One of the best places to visit in Alaska in the summer months is Denali National Park. The word Denali means, “The High One.” Denali National Park is home to one of the highest peaks in North America with the peak reaching 20,320 feet! The mountain is so large and tall that it creates its own weather system.

The challenge about planning Alaska vacation ideas is narrowing down the options you have! Alaska has become a bucket-list destination and most do vacation to Alaska during the summer months, but there are great and once-in-a-lifetime Alaska vacation ideas for the winter months. There is the exciting possibility to witness the Northern Lights, fewer crowds, and the thrill of seasonal events such as the Iditarod sled dog race! Though you may not see any bears or migratory birds, a part of great Alaska vacation ideas is seeing moose roam the Alaskan winter landscape. Spot some bald eagles in the coastal areas and look for tracks and see snowshoe hares, lynx, foxes, coyotes, and weasels! If you look hard enough you can also see wolves wandering in the freshly fallen snow.

A Few Alaska Vacation Ideas During Summer and Winter

Need Alaska trip ideas and the best places to visit in Alaska? There’s nothing like Alaska’s unique culture and wildlife, especially during the summer in Alaska—it’s something you just have to experience for yourself. There are so many things to do in Alaska in the summer, and there are so many places to visit in Alaska for some of the best Alaska vacation ideas! Our Alaska trips run through June and into the later summer months. There are so many things to do in Alaska in July and throughout the rest of the summer. So if you’re looking for what to do in Alaska in July, the Last Frontier is calling your name, get in touch, and let’s put some plans in motion for your summer trip to Alaska. Our summer tours usually sell out, so plan early if you want to see the bears and all the other incredible wildlife! Take a trip off the beaten path with recommended Alaska vacation ideas. Go beyond the highways and cities and venture on a road less traveled. Some of the best Alaskan vacation ideas come from enjoying once-in-a-lifetime experiences of breathtaking views in pure wilderness.

If you are planning a trip to Alaska, we have the top 10 things to do in Alaska during the summer months. Take a ride on the float plane to witness the coastal bears living life on the shores on Alaska trips. Walking the Harding Icefield trail for a once-in-a-lifetime experience trekking the Exit Glacier and seeing the sea lions and whales in their natural habitat. Take an Alaska trip to Resurrection Bay and kayak with seals and otters while taking the breathtaking views Alaska has to offer. Some would say that the summer months are the best time to visit Alaska.

Here are the Top 5 Coolest Places to Visit For Alaska Trips

Alaska is many’s bucket list travel destination. There are many places to visit when you go on Alaska trips. Depending on when you decide to take your Alaska trip you can watch majestic bears catching salmon, whale watching, visit the glaciers, and take hikes. Alaska trips have so many beautiful places to see and are rich in history. This wonderful state has so much to offer and so many places to visit and with the best Alaska vacation packages, you can’t even fit them all into one trip. Take on the wilderness and try things you have never tried before with cool places to visit in Alaska. The right Alaska vacation package makes a memorable experience that will feed your soul. When you are planning a trip to Alaska you can expect a nature like you have never seen before and adventure. There are many different places to visit and things to do in Alaska.

  1. Ketchikan is a city that is found on the southernmost edge of the Inside Passage located in the Tongass National Forest. Ketchikan is to be considered the salmon capital of the world and attracts competitive sports fishermen from all over.
  2. Totem Bight State Historic Park in Southeast Alaska is an absolute must-see! Since 1938 the park has been around to rescue and rebuild the totem poles the villagers were forced to leave behind.
  3.  Anchorage has over 300,000 residents and is the largest city in Alaska. The city is a perfectly paired combination of modern life and wild wilderness.
  4. Seward is a cool place to visit in Alaska and has some of the most visited attractions. Known as the mural capital of Alaska, Seward features 12 mindblowing murals that were painted by local artists.
  5. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve are an astonishing 3.3 million acres that are made up of rainforests, fjords, mountains, and many glaciers.

Plan Things To Do For Alaska Trips

Thinking about planning a trip to Alaska? Thinking of things to do in Alaska?  Wondering when is the best time to plan a trip to Alaska and what can you do in Alaska? What are the best places to visit in Alaska? The summer months bring Alaska the best weather with the most sun and the least amount of rain and with our Alaska vacation packages, you can experience. Many other travelers love to visit Alaska during the summer months and experience all that this great state has to offer. Planning a trip to Alaska in August is a perfect time to visit since it is near the end of peak tourist season making activities less crowded. Make sure when you are planning a trip to Alaska in August and what to pack to your trip that you pack layers! You can never go wrong with a hat, gloves, a warm scarf, and even rain gear. Even during the summer, the weather can get chilly and wet. Alaska is an excellent place to hike and take in beautiful scenery, so be certain to think about sturdy walking or hiking shoes when you are planning a trip to Alaska in August. Visiting Alaska and the rugged backcountry is perfect for a family-friendly Alaskan vacation idea. Depending on what time of year you are planning your vacation, your Alaskan vacation ideas can vary. Summer months are the best time to visit Alaska and is perfect for hiking, bear-watching, and even fishing vacations. Winter months are perfect for traveling to Fairbanks and witnessing the Northern Lights for the perfect Alaskan vacation.

Decide The Best Time To Visit Alaska While Planning Your Alaska Trips And Tours

When planning a trip to Alaska and things to do in Alaska, it can be difficult to decide where to start, there are just so many places to visit in Alaska. One thing to think about is what season would you like to visit Alaska. Since Alaska has activities for the summer season and the winter season it is a great place to visit any time of year! Would you rather experience the sled dog races or catch a glimpse of the northern lights? Then vacationing in Alaska during the winter months would be your ideal time to visit. When you vacation in Alaska in August there are different attractions and adventures to experience such as watching the bears of Alaska by the river’s edge or taking a hike in the wilderness. With all of the different activities and attractions Alaska has to offer, no matter what season you decide to visit, Alaska has an adventure for you!

Alaska is an extremely popular travel destination for individuals who have a thirst for adventure. There are many types of Alaska trips you can experience depending on what kind of adventure you are looking for. There are so many things to do that there is no way you can do them in just one day. No matter what time of the year you visit, there are some of the best things to do in Alaska in August and incredible things to do in Alaska in January, Alaska is full of nothing but adventure. Anytime is the best time to visit Alaska and a few popular Alaska trips are:

  1. Alaska Vacation Ideas: Cruise Trips- Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, typically making your way through the Inside Passage.
  2. Alaska Vacation Ideas: Road Trips- Taking a drive through Alaska is a perfect way to see what this incredible state’s scenery has to offer.
  3. Alaska Vacation Ideas: National Park Trips- Alaska is home to several stunning national parks such as Denali National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The parks provide unique experiences with breathtaking wildlife views, hiking, kayaking, and incredible glacier tours.

Plan Your Future Trips To Alaska!

Find the best time to visit Alaska and plan your Alaska trip. Get off the grid with our Alaska trips and tours as well as learn more about what you can do in Alaska in June, September, January, or whatever time of year that you decide to visit. Anytime is a good time to plan your trip to Alaska. Experience a little bit of everything with Alaska’s diverse land and animals and discover the best places to visit in Alaska. Trips to Alaska offer a little bit of magic whether it is during the summer months or the winter months and with our many tour packages. Plan your Alaska trip and find out what Alaska has to offer. Discover the beauty of nature no matter when you decide to book your trip. The best time to visit Alaska is anytime!

If you enjoy hiking, then Alaska is a great place to hike during the warmer months. Many love to venture to Alaska in July to take advantage of the summer months. Hiking here can be an incredible and rewarding experience! Alaska offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged mountains and glaciers to lush forests and coastal areas. While summer is generally warmer than other seasons, the weather can still be unpredictable. Brace yourself for a mix of sunshine, rain, and even snow if you are hiking in higher elevations. Dress in layers to keep comfortable in the changing weather.

Indulge in Alaska’s top three tasty treats, including freshly caught wild salmon, flavorful reindeer sausage, and decadent wild berry jams. Savor the rich, smoky flavors of grilled salmon, experience the unique blend of spices in reindeer sausage, and delight your taste buds with the vibrant sweetness of locally harvested wild berries. From savory to sweet, these culinary delights capture the essence of Alaska’s rich culinary heritage.




Explore Topics