Things To Do In Alaska In The Summer For Your Bucket List

An Alaska summer bucket list does not blend in with the crowd, no – not at all. Drive through the longest tunnel in the United States or fly around the highest peak in all of North America, ride the world’s longest zipline, go into a cave made out of ice or rock, paddle through icy fjords or get away from the crowds and enjoy the secluded backcountry. Your possibilities to enjoy fun and excitement are quite literally limitless in Alaska. Here are 26 things to do in Alaska in the summer that you’ll want to add to your bucket list!

Drive The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to Whittier

Flickr - Travis This is the longest highway tunnel in North America at 2.5 miles, and the first designed for -40 Fahrenheit temperatures and 150 mph winds. Pretty phenomenal if you ask us! You can find their summer and winter tunnel schedules on the DOT website here. Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, Anchorage, AK, USA

Watch The Mt. Marathon Race In Seward On The Forth Of July

Flickr - Eli Duke Mt. Marathon holds a foot race every 4th of July in the beautiful town of Seward. Over 800 people participate in this three-mile, round-trip foot race that takes them up the mountain over 3022 feet. The ascent is covered in less than a mile. Tens of thousands of people from all over the world visit the town to participate enjoy the festivities and cheer on the athletes. It’s one of the best Alaska summer activities to participate in. Check out all the details of this exhilarating race on their website Seward, AK 99664, USA

Go Ziplining At Icy Strait Point In Hoonah

Facebook - Icy Strait Point Welcome to the world’s longest zip line ride! Unlike anything you’ve seen before, this zip line ride at Icy Strait Point is truly a once in a lifetime experience that will leave you screaming “Only In Alaska!” Learn more about this scenic adventure and their ticket prices on their website here. Icy Strait Point, 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK 99829, USA

Go On A Guided Glacier Hiking Excursion

Flickr - Dave Bezaire Throughout the last frontier, you have a lot of options to choose from. Depending on the region you are in, find a reputable guide and get up close and personal with these beautiful land masses. This is a wonderful outdoor adventure in Alaska.

Fly Over The Highest Mountain In North America

Flickr - Travis Oh the glory! Get high in the sky with a reputable flight-seeing company that offers excursions taking you around the highest mountain peak in North America, Denali. 6. Experience Music And Amazing Food At Halibut Cove Live

Halibut Cove Live/Facebook Floating amphitheater, live music from blues to bluegrass, delicious food, plenty of wine and warm Alaskan hospitality. It really doesn’t get much better. Oh wait - all of the profits from this event go to support The Homer Foundation. All the feels! A perfect summer in Alaska experience.

View Glaciers And Wildlife On A Kenai Fjords Tour

Kenai Fjords Tours / Facebook Many visitors to Alaska mark their Kenai Fjords Tour as the top experience in all of Alaska. From wildlife to glaciers and an incredibly knowledgeable guide, it’s easy to see why this tour is ranked on the top of so many lists. And if you’re looking for what to do in Alaska in summer, it’s a wonderful Kenai Fjords is a wonderful place to explore. Read more about their list of departures and tours on their website here. Kenai Fjords Loop, Anchorage, AK 99502, USA

Explore El Capitan Cave On Prince Of Wales Island

Flickr - USDA Forest Service Alaska Region Located in the Tongass National Forest, El Capitan Cave is the longest mapped cave in Alaska. Those that choose to explore this in depth can cover over two miles. The only way to see this magnificent cave is during the summer months. The Forest Service offers guided excusions at no cost. It’s one of the best Alaska things to do in summer. Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, USA

Visit The Salty Dawg In Homer

Flickr - Ruth Rainey Dollar bills left by guests cover the walls and ceiling of this historic watering hole in Homer. Enjoy a cold brew and local company in this cozy 1897 cabin. Learn about their history and get some merchandise on Salty Dawg Saloon’s webpage Salty Dawg Saloon, 4380 Homer Spit Rd, Homer, AK 99603, USA

… And While You’re At It, Check Out The Whole Homer Spit

Flickr - Damian Manda If you’ve made it to the Salty Dawg, you might as well just spend the night and check out all the cool art, shops, eateries and tourism vendors on the Homer Spit. Homer Spit, Homer, AK 99603, USA

Visit Sitka For The Alaska Day Festival

Flickr - U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK) Alaska Day Festival annually commemorates the Purchase Transfer of the Russian claim of Alaska to the United States of America in Sitka on October 18, 1867. This festival also celebrates the diversity of cultures and historical perspectives of the Alaskan people. Stay up to date on the newest happenings concerning the festival on their Facebook page. Sitka, AK, USA

Visit The Fortress Of The Bear

Flickr - Robert Karma While you’re in Sitka, you might as well take a journey down the road and visit this spectacular place. The Fortress of the Bear provides protection and care to rescued animals in an enriching, educational environment. Their mission is to rescue cubs, bring them back to health, and provide a long life full of enrichment. Read more about this wonderful organization! Fortress of the Bear, 4639 Sawmill Creek Rd, Sitka, AK 99835, USA

Soak In Natural Hot Springs At Chena Resort

Flickr - Sean Salmon Hot springs in the summer? Sure why not! It’s Alaska, and we do things a little differently up here. Amenities include the on-site hot springs, a heated indoor pool and hot tubs, an ice museum, and a massage center. It’s one of the most spectacular places to go if you’re searching for what to do in Alaska in summer. Hours and ticket prices can be found on their website. Chena Hot Springs Resort, 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA

Camp In The Backcountry

Flickr - Dennis Cooke Anywhere within the 663,300 miles that make up Alaska will do. Just get out, cleanse your soul, and free yourself from the noise of civilization.

… Or On A Beach

Flickr - Christopher Griner The Alaskan coastline extends for 6,640 miles… we’re confident that you can find a good camping spot (or two).

Explore An Ice Cave

Flickr - Joseph From Juneau to the MatSu Valley and even on the Kenai Peninsula - there are a handful of these hidden treasures in Alaska for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. Albeit intriguing, remember to always use caution as these areas can become very dangerous.

Kayak Someplace Magical

Flickr - Jean-François Chénier Paddle, relax, breath it all in. Alaska has more than 40% of the entire nation’s surface water resources. We’d say that your options are unlimited!

Go On A Fly-In Fishing Trip Somewhere Away From The Crowds

Flickr - Sanjoy Ghosh Like, how about Lake Clark National Park and Preserve? Why not! On the flight in you can enjoy watching coastal brown bears fish for salmon or dig for clams along the shores. Utterly remarkable! It’s one of the most Alaska things to do in summer. Read more about the stunning Lake Clark National Park & Preserve.

Ride The Alaska Railroad

Flickr - Brian Strombeck From Seward to Whittier and all the way up north through Denali National Park and onto Fairbanks - the historic Alaska Railroad is an excellent way to enjoy Alaska with zero distractions other than wildlife viewing and beaming mountains. Discover their different tours, schedules, and rates on the Alaska Railroad website.

Take A Hike Underneath The Midnight Sun

Flickr - karina yeznaian Because nothing says “I’m in Alaska” like hiking in the middle of the night without a star in the sky. Hiking in Alaska is one of the best ways to explore this state.

Cruise Through The Inside Passage

Bernard Spragg. NZ/Flickr A million-ish people visit Alaska each year via cruise ship. We’d say that they are on to something… Cruising is one of the most popular Alaska summer activities for tourists.

Go Whitewater Rafting Down Sixmile Creek

Flickr - Eric Start your journey in the quaint town of Hope located on the Kenai Peninsula. Sixmile Creek is a short, approximately 10-mile waterway with some of the most exciting whitewater rafting in Alaska. Class IV and Class V rapids with drops of over 50 feet per mile. This trip is for those that enjoy a thrilling adrenaline rush! Nova offers great packages for those looking to experience this adventure. Sixmile Creek, Alaska 99605, USA

Go Bear Viewing in Katmai National Park

Flickr - Christoph Strässler Katmai is notable for the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and for its Alaskan brown bears. You will never want to visit a zoo again after seeing such amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. Katmai National Park and Preserve, King Salmon, AK 99613, USA

Get To Know The Local Athletes

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr The official state sport of Alaska is dog mushing. It is a rich and integral part of the Alaskan culture. And the doggies? Well, they’re pretty darn cute too.

Go Glamping On A Remote Island

Flickr - contraption Orca Island Cabins located on Humpy Cove in Resurrection Bay is a mix between utter paradise and heaven on earth. Relax in a yurt, go kayaking and paddleboarding, watch orcas jump, and enjoy an epic remote setting. For more info and to book your stay at Orca Island Cabins, check out the website. Orca Island Cabins, Humpy Cove & Resurrection Bay, Seward, AK 99664, USA

Wet A Line Any Chance You Get

Flickr - Nicholas D. It’s Alaska, need we say more? It’s just what we do. Salmon, halibut, rockfish, trout, grayling, arctic char… the list goes on and on. This is one of the most popular things to do in Alaska in the summer!

Drive The Denali Highway

Wikipedia This largely graveled road offers views of remote wilderness. The 135-mile road was completed in 1957 and was designed to give access to Denali National Park. It later became largely redundant in 1971 when a newer (and paved) road was put in, known as the George Parks Highway. The highway leads from Paxson Junction to Cantwell Junction. Denali Highway, Denali Hwy, Cantwell, AK, USA

Catch As Many Sunsets As Possible

Flickr - Jason Barnes That is, until summer solstice hits and the midnight sun keeps you awake all day and all night. This is at the top of our things to do in Alaska in the summer, because we love counting those extra minutes each day!

Oh, Alaska… you make this list so easy for us to write! We decided to cut it off at 26 but we know there are a ton of other amazing things to do in Alaska during the summer months. What are some of your top recommendations for things to do in Alaska in the summer? OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Address: Alaska, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Things To Do In Alaska In The Summer July 31, 2020 Megan McDonald Why is summer the best time to visit Alaska? The best thing about a summer in Alaska is the amount of opportunity it offers everyone. There are the widest array of things to see and experience in the summer time, and so many people are enchanted by the 24 hours of daylight. Winter can be a little harsh, and those not accustomed to extreme cold may not enjoy an Alaskan winter. But the animals are out and playing in the summer, the lakes are not frozen, and there are tons of things to see and do!

Alaska In Your Inbox

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Courtney

				Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.

Flickr - Travis

This is the longest highway tunnel in North America at 2.5 miles, and the first designed for -40 Fahrenheit temperatures and 150 mph winds. Pretty phenomenal if you ask us! You can find their summer and winter tunnel schedules on the DOT website here.

Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, Anchorage, AK, USA

Flickr - Eli Duke

Mt. Marathon holds a foot race every 4th of July in the beautiful town of Seward. Over 800 people participate in this three-mile, round-trip foot race that takes them up the mountain over 3022 feet. The ascent is covered in less than a mile. Tens of thousands of people from all over the world visit the town to participate enjoy the festivities and cheer on the athletes. It’s one of the best Alaska summer activities to participate in. Check out all the details of this exhilarating race on their website

Seward, AK 99664, USA

Facebook - Icy Strait Point

Welcome to the world’s longest zip line ride! Unlike anything you’ve seen before, this zip line ride at Icy Strait Point is truly a once in a lifetime experience that will leave you screaming “Only In Alaska!” Learn more about this scenic adventure and their ticket prices on their website here.

Icy Strait Point, 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK 99829, USA

Flickr - Dave Bezaire

Throughout the last frontier, you have a lot of options to choose from. Depending on the region you are in, find a reputable guide and get up close and personal with these beautiful land masses. This is a wonderful outdoor adventure in Alaska.

Oh the glory! Get high in the sky with a reputable flight-seeing company that offers excursions taking you around the highest mountain peak in North America, Denali. 6. Experience Music And Amazing Food At Halibut Cove Live

View Glaciers And Wildlife On A Kenai Fjords Tour

Explore El Capitan Cave On Prince Of Wales Island

Visit The Salty Dawg In Homer

… And While You’re At It, Check Out The Whole Homer Spit

Visit Sitka For The Alaska Day Festival

Visit The Fortress Of The Bear

Soak In Natural Hot Springs At Chena Resort

Camp In The Backcountry

Flickr - Dennis Cooke Anywhere within the 663,300 miles that make up Alaska will do. Just get out, cleanse your soul, and free yourself from the noise of civilization.

… Or On A Beach

Flickr - Christopher Griner The Alaskan coastline extends for 6,640 miles… we’re confident that you can find a good camping spot (or two).

Explore An Ice Cave

Kayak Someplace Magical

Flickr - Jean-François Chénier Paddle, relax, breath it all in. Alaska has more than 40% of the entire nation’s surface water resources. We’d say that your options are unlimited!

Go On A Fly-In Fishing Trip Somewhere Away From The Crowds

Ride The Alaska Railroad

Take A Hike Underneath The Midnight Sun

Flickr - karina yeznaian Because nothing says “I’m in Alaska” like hiking in the middle of the night without a star in the sky. Hiking in Alaska is one of the best ways to explore this state.

Cruise Through The Inside Passage

Go Whitewater Rafting Down Sixmile Creek

Go Bear Viewing in Katmai National Park

Get To Know The Local Athletes

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr The official state sport of Alaska is dog mushing. It is a rich and integral part of the Alaskan culture. And the doggies? Well, they’re pretty darn cute too.

Go Glamping On A Remote Island

Wet A Line Any Chance You Get

Drive The Denali Highway

Catch As Many Sunsets As Possible

Halibut Cove Live/Facebook

Floating amphitheater, live music from blues to bluegrass, delicious food, plenty of wine and warm Alaskan hospitality. It really doesn’t get much better. Oh wait - all of the profits from this event go to support The Homer Foundation. All the feels! A perfect summer in Alaska experience.

Kenai Fjords Tours / Facebook

Many visitors to Alaska mark their Kenai Fjords Tour as the top experience in all of Alaska. From wildlife to glaciers and an incredibly knowledgeable guide, it’s easy to see why this tour is ranked on the top of so many lists. And if you’re looking for what to do in Alaska in summer, it’s a wonderful Kenai Fjords is a wonderful place to explore. Read more about their list of departures and tours on their website here.

Kenai Fjords Loop, Anchorage, AK 99502, USA

Flickr - USDA Forest Service Alaska Region

Located in the Tongass National Forest, El Capitan Cave is the longest mapped cave in Alaska. Those that choose to explore this in depth can cover over two miles. The only way to see this magnificent cave is during the summer months. The Forest Service offers guided excusions at no cost. It’s one of the best Alaska things to do in summer.

Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, USA

Flickr - Ruth Rainey

Dollar bills left by guests cover the walls and ceiling of this historic watering hole in Homer. Enjoy a cold brew and local company in this cozy 1897 cabin. Learn about their history and get some merchandise on Salty Dawg Saloon’s webpage

Salty Dawg Saloon, 4380 Homer Spit Rd, Homer, AK 99603, USA

Flickr - Damian Manda

If you’ve made it to the Salty Dawg, you might as well just spend the night and check out all the cool art, shops, eateries and tourism vendors on the Homer Spit.

Homer Spit, Homer, AK 99603, USA

Flickr - U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK)

Alaska Day Festival annually commemorates the Purchase Transfer of the Russian claim of Alaska to the United States of America in Sitka on October 18, 1867. This festival also celebrates the diversity of cultures and historical perspectives of the Alaskan people. Stay up to date on the newest happenings concerning the festival on their Facebook page.

Sitka, AK, USA

Flickr - Robert Karma

While you’re in Sitka, you might as well take a journey down the road and visit this spectacular place. The Fortress of the Bear provides protection and care to rescued animals in an enriching, educational environment. Their mission is to rescue cubs, bring them back to health, and provide a long life full of enrichment. Read more about this wonderful organization!

Fortress of the Bear, 4639 Sawmill Creek Rd, Sitka, AK 99835, USA

Flickr - Sean Salmon

Hot springs in the summer? Sure why not! It’s Alaska, and we do things a little differently up here. Amenities include the on-site hot springs, a heated indoor pool and hot tubs, an ice museum, and a massage center. It’s one of the most spectacular places to go if you’re searching for what to do in Alaska in summer. Hours and ticket prices can be found on their website.

Chena Hot Springs Resort, 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA

Flickr - Dennis Cooke

Anywhere within the 663,300 miles that make up Alaska will do. Just get out, cleanse your soul, and free yourself from the noise of civilization.

Flickr - Christopher Griner

The Alaskan coastline extends for 6,640 miles… we’re confident that you can find a good camping spot (or two).

Flickr - Joseph

From Juneau to the MatSu Valley and even on the Kenai Peninsula - there are a handful of these hidden treasures in Alaska for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. Albeit intriguing, remember to always use caution as these areas can become very dangerous.

Flickr - Jean-François Chénier

Paddle, relax, breath it all in. Alaska has more than 40% of the entire nation’s surface water resources. We’d say that your options are unlimited!

Flickr - Sanjoy Ghosh

Like, how about Lake Clark National Park and Preserve? Why not! On the flight in you can enjoy watching coastal brown bears fish for salmon or dig for clams along the shores. Utterly remarkable! It’s one of the most Alaska things to do in summer. Read more about the stunning Lake Clark National Park & Preserve.

Flickr - Brian Strombeck

From Seward to Whittier and all the way up north through Denali National Park and onto Fairbanks - the historic Alaska Railroad is an excellent way to enjoy Alaska with zero distractions other than wildlife viewing and beaming mountains. Discover their different tours, schedules, and rates on the Alaska Railroad website.

Flickr - karina yeznaian

Because nothing says “I’m in Alaska” like hiking in the middle of the night without a star in the sky. Hiking in Alaska is one of the best ways to explore this state.

Bernard Spragg. NZ/Flickr

A million-ish people visit Alaska each year via cruise ship. We’d say that they are on to something… Cruising is one of the most popular Alaska summer activities for tourists.

Flickr - Eric

Start your journey in the quaint town of Hope located on the Kenai Peninsula. Sixmile Creek is a short, approximately 10-mile waterway with some of the most exciting whitewater rafting in Alaska. Class IV and Class V rapids with drops of over 50 feet per mile. This trip is for those that enjoy a thrilling adrenaline rush! Nova offers great packages for those looking to experience this adventure.

Sixmile Creek, Alaska 99605, USA

Flickr - Christoph Strässler

Katmai is notable for the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and for its Alaskan brown bears. You will never want to visit a zoo again after seeing such amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Katmai National Park and Preserve, King Salmon, AK 99613, USA

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr

The official state sport of Alaska is dog mushing. It is a rich and integral part of the Alaskan culture. And the doggies? Well, they’re pretty darn cute too.

Flickr - contraption

Orca Island Cabins located on Humpy Cove in Resurrection Bay is a mix between utter paradise and heaven on earth. Relax in a yurt, go kayaking and paddleboarding, watch orcas jump, and enjoy an epic remote setting. For more info and to book your stay at Orca Island Cabins, check out the website.

Orca Island Cabins, Humpy Cove & Resurrection Bay, Seward, AK 99664, USA

Flickr - Nicholas D.

It’s Alaska, need we say more? It’s just what we do. Salmon, halibut, rockfish, trout, grayling, arctic char… the list goes on and on. This is one of the most popular things to do in Alaska in the summer!

Wikipedia

This largely graveled road offers views of remote wilderness. The 135-mile road was completed in 1957 and was designed to give access to Denali National Park. It later became largely redundant in 1971 when a newer (and paved) road was put in, known as the George Parks Highway. The highway leads from Paxson Junction to Cantwell Junction.

Denali Highway, Denali Hwy, Cantwell, AK, USA

Flickr - Jason Barnes

That is, until summer solstice hits and the midnight sun keeps you awake all day and all night. This is at the top of our things to do in Alaska in the summer, because we love counting those extra minutes each day!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Alaska, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Alaska In Your Inbox

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Thank you! You’ll receive your first newsletter soon!

Love Alaska? Get more stories delivered right to your email. An error occured.

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Courtney

				Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Things To Do In Alaska In The Summer

July 31, 2020

Megan McDonald

Why is summer the best time to visit Alaska? The best thing about a summer in Alaska is the amount of opportunity it offers everyone. There are the widest array of things to see and experience in the summer time, and so many people are enchanted by the 24 hours of daylight. Winter can be a little harsh, and those not accustomed to extreme cold may not enjoy an Alaskan winter. But the animals are out and playing in the summer, the lakes are not frozen, and there are tons of things to see and do!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The best thing about a summer in Alaska is the amount of opportunity it offers everyone. There are the widest array of things to see and experience in the summer time, and so many people are enchanted by the 24 hours of daylight. Winter can be a little harsh, and those not accustomed to extreme cold may not enjoy an Alaskan winter. But the animals are out and playing in the summer, the lakes are not frozen, and there are tons of things to see and do!

Alaska In Your Inbox

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Courtney

				Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.

Courtney

				Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.

Alaska In Your Inbox#

Alaska In Your Inbox