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10 Fairy Tale Spots in Alaska You Need to Visit

From whale watching in Juneau to totem touring in Sitka, you can have a memorable experience every single day if you opt for a land & cruise package to Alaska. Coastal travel is is one of the best way to explore all that the Last Frontier has to offer, whether it is sailing the Inside Passage or exploring the awe-inspiring wilderness of Denali National Park.

Consider visiting these ten hotspots before hopping on a cruise getaway to Alaska to combine the excitement of sailing its rugged coast with the vibrant towns and cities of the vast interior.

Juneau

On a Juneau cruise you will not only be able to explore a bustling city that is never far away from nature, but also the feeding grounds of marine mammals in the waters of Auke Bay. Between May and September, Auke Bay is flooded with migrating humpback whales that come to feed in these waters Between May and September,. The best way to better interact with these magnificent mammals is by a guided boat trip. On your Alaska cruise this is one of the best ways to discover the beauty of the nearby Mendenhall Glacier where you can even spot bears around the icy terrain.

Juneau Alaska mountains

Mendenhall Ice Caves – Juneau

Walking inside the glowing blue ice caves of Mendenhall Glacier feels like stepping into another world. The walls shimmer with an ethereal glow, and the formations look straight out of a fantasy novel. Since the caves are constantly shifting, no two visits are the same. Just be sure to go with a guide, as conditions can change quickly!

How to visit the caves?

  • You can access the caves by canoeing or kayaking to the edge of the ice. 
  • You can also hike across the glacial moraine toward the retreating ice edge of the glacier. 
  • The journey to the caves takes about half a day and is only recommended for those with an experienced guide. 

Ketchikan

Ketchikan isn’t just a gorgeous town along the Inside Passage—it’s famous worldwide for its incredible Northwest totem poles and an incredible salmon scene.

Ketchikan Alaska wooden houses on the lake

Cruises to this region also offer guests opportunities for sea kayaking to float plane trips over the Misty Fjords. We recommend experiencing Ketchikan’s rich history through the wood carvings and the exciting Trolley and Lumberjack Show.

Skagway

Today, Skagway feels like a chill coastal town, a far cry from the wild Klondike Gold Rush days when prospectors packed the place, all hoping to strike it rich!

mountains and lake scenery in Skagway Alaska


Skagway also enjoys a stunning location surrounded by towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and extraordinary natural beauty. The town has a plethora of pubs and restaurants offering the best of Alaska’s delicacies.

Sitka

Conveniently nestled between the spectacular Alaskan wilderness and the equally beautiful Pacific Coast, the town of Sitka is renowned for its colorful Russian past and its rich Tlingit heritage. Moreover, this is a prime place for spotting wildlife among Sitka’s stunning landscapes, not to forget the unique culture which has made it to the top of an Alaskan must-see itinerary.

man kayaking in a blue kayak with boats surrounding in Sitka Alaska


Icy Strait Point

The Icy Strait Point enjoys a prime location on a forested headland, some forty miles south of Juneau, on the Chichagof Island amidst a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and distant glaciers. Activities on a shore excursion here include zip-lining over the forest canopy at 60 mph, besides hiking in the forest with a guide in search of bears and the majestic bald eagles soaring in the sky.

The best way to visit the Denali National Park and Reserve is by selecting a land and cruise package which allows you to see this unforgettable destination and even spend a night there. A cruise to Denali also offers a great way to see prime Alaskan wilderness through walking tours in this incredible vista. You will also discover how the early settlers adjusted themselves in these harsh conditions and what Denali is today.

large snow covered mountain in Denali Alaska


Anchorage

The capital of Alaska is a cosmopolitan destination with plenty of natural wonders like glaciers and wild moose against the backdrop of the snow-covered Chugach Mountains. Here you can immerse yourself deep into the native Alaskan culture or spot beluga whales frolicking in the open waters with Denali, the highest peak in the continent towering in the background.

beautiful lake and mountain scenery with evergreen trees in Anchorage Alaska

Alyeska (Girdwood)

Flanked by seven glaciers, Alyeska is one of the most picturesque place in the Chugach Mountains Valley, surrounded by pure natural beauty. Originally referred to as the Glacier City, visitors get a whiff of tranquility, besides excellent food and wine. Nature lovers will enjoy spending time at the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Centre in the company of rescued animals like caribou, elk, black bears and moose.

For an unbelievable stay you should check out the Alyeska Resort. This is Ski-in/ski-out hotel that offers a free ski shuttle and is located near Chugach National Forest.

Talkeetna

There are many ways to go off-the-beaten track in Alaska and the remote and isolated town of Talkeetna should be right on the cruise list. Despite a population of less than a thousand individuals, there is plenty to do here. On a land and cruise package, you get an unforgettable opportunity to not only get close to nature, but enjoy activities like syrup tasting in Kahiltna and river rafting on the Chulitna River.

Fairbanks

Nicknamed the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’, the laid-back town of Fairbanks is a mecca of cultural attractions and natural wonders. Whether you ride a sternwheeler along the Chena River or pan for gold in the local waters, an Alaskan cruise will provide a great introduction to the continent’s interiors.

mountain and river scenery in Alaska

On your exclusive land and sea package you will be able to attend a performance at the Palace Theatre and visit the only research museum in Alaska to see largest display of gold in the state.

Kasitsna Bay Forest – Kachemak Bay

Kasitsna Bay Forest is tucked away near Homer. This fairy-land is something out of a fairy tale, with towering moss-draped trees, hidden waterfalls, and a peaceful, otherworldly vibe. This magical, hidden world is not specifically designated a forest but is considered a coastal forest region. This means a forest ecosystem exists along the shoreline. The Kasitsna Bay Laboratory is situated here. This is a place researchers and students often access for study and exploration. 

A view of Kachemak Bay with fishing boats in the water and ice-capped mountains in the backdrop

It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see woodland creatures chatting with each other. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or just soaking in the magic, it’s an unforgettable escape.

Alaska is basically a real-life fairy tale, and these spots prove it. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or wandering through mossy forests, it’s pure magic. You can’t go wrong putting these stunning locations on your must-visit travel list. Pack a bag and go see it for yourself! Wishing you safe and happy travels!

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