Image: PHOTO: Emerald Lake Alaksa. (AngelSchwai / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: Emerald Lake Alaksa. (AngelSchwai / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
 61°F Light Rain

Alaska Travel Guide 

The ultimate nature escape in the USA has to be Alaska - a state with arguably the most unique landscape, culture, and climate to the rest of the country. 

From glaciers to fjords, and lakes to forests, you will want to willingly get lost in the idyllic beauty of the place. Find out everything you need to know about this picturesque state in this Alaska travel guide. 

tpworry1
Upcoming Webinar

Monday, July 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern

Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...

Statistics (Become An Expert)

Currency

The currency used in Alaska is US dollars. 

Wilderness Adventurer in Neka Bay, Alaska.

Wilderness Adventurer in Neka Bay, Alaska. (photo via UnCruise Adventures Media)

National Languages

The official language spoken in Alaska is English. 

Time Zone

Alaska has daylight savings between the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November when clocks are moved forward by one hour. 

Climate And Weather

Alaska has an Arctic climate so the winters are long and extremely cold, while the summers are short and only mildly warm. 

September is usually the wettest period in the year, and the driest is March. During the colder months, snowfall is common due to extremely low temperatures. 

Latest News

Getting Around Alaska

Alaska is a beautiful state with plenty of nature so the journeys are usually quite scenic. To get between cities, you can opt for plane travel for a quick journey. Ferries are also an option to get between states but can be lengthier. 

A budget-friendly option is to rent a car and drive around the state, which also allows you to see much of the scenic countryside. Buses/coaches are also an option for longer hauls, as well as shorter trips within cities. There are also taxis and Ubers that are readily available in the bigger cities. 

When To Visit Alaska

Alaska has a fairly cold climate that varies in extent throughout the year, but the summer months are the most pleasant time to visit due to the comfortable temperatures and increased daylight. 

If you are hoping to see the Northern Lights, then you should travel between August and April. 

Best Places To Stay In Alaska

Talkeetna, Alaska
Talkeetna, Alaska. (photo by Patrick Clarke)

  • Anchorage: The largest city in Alaska is known for its cultural sights and activities, historical landmarks, and natural sights. Anchorage is just a stone's throw away from mountains, glaciers, and wildlife so you can strike a perfect balance of nature and city. Our favorite sights here include the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, Chugach State Park, and the Alaska Native Heritage Centre. 
  • Ketchikan: Ketchikan is a quaint part of Alaska that is set among breathtaking scenery. It is located at the entrance to the Inside Passage, which is a passage of water that weaves through remarkable mountains, glaciers, fjords, and other natural landscapes on both sides. The city is known for its magnificent backdrop, as well as being the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’. 
  • Seward: The port city of Seward is one of our favorite destinations in Alaska due to its local cultural scene and its proximity to exceptional wildlife. It is next to Kenai Fjords National Park, which we think is a must-visit for the fjords, glaciers, and islands that make up a sprawling 600,000-acre area. 

 

Trending Destinations

Hot air balloon flying over rock landscape at Cappadocia Turkey (photo via TPopova / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Turkey
Montevideo, Uruguay, aerial view of downtown buildings and Plaza Independencia square. (photo via rmnunes / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Uruguay
view at rugged rocky seashore and white sand empty beach at anguilla, island in caribbean sea (Photo via noblige / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Anguilla
The Bracken Hide, Isle of Skye, hotels in Scotland, Scotland hotels, Isle of skye hotels, hotels in isle of skye, new hotels 2023
Destinations
Scotland
Banderas Bay, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Destinations
Riviera Nayarit
French island in a Caribbean sea (photo via daniloforcellini / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
St. Barts
Downtown Dubai (photo via nicky39 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
United Arab Emirates
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA CBD skyline at night. (Sean Pavone / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
New Orleans
The many backstreets of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico can be quiet, colorful and beautifully preserved. A wonderful serene place for a morning or evening walk. (photo via thupton / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
San Miguel de Allende
Malta
Destinations
Malta

Get To Know Us Better

Advertise with UsTravelPulse Canada has been voted #1 by Travel Advisors in Canada year after year.. Let us help you...
Follow us on Social MediaDaily updates on Travel industry news and events across our social media channels stay current follow...
Advertise with UsTravelPulse Canada has been voted #1 by Travel Advisors in Canada year after year.. Let us help you...
Follow us on Social MediaDaily updates on Travel industry news and events across our social media channels stay current follow...