10 Things To Do in Alaska in Summer

1. Hike Amid Alaska's Wildflowers

2. Take a Scenic Fjord Cruise

3. Cast Your Line for Salmon

4. Say Cheers at Alaska's Breweries

Temperatures can often climb into the 80s or even the 90s during summer vacations in Alaska, which presents the perfect opportunity to throw back a cold one. Thankfully, the state is home to plenty of breweries, large and small. Examples range from the busy Alaskan Brewery and Bottling Company in Juneau to craft outlets like Klondike Brewing Company in Skagway and Homer Brewing Company. Homer Brewing’s oceanside location means you can enjoy fresh seafood like oysters as you sample beers.

If you're not a beer drinker or simply want a more serene experience, you could head to an Alaskan winery instead. Visit Alaska Denali Winery in Anchorage or Bear Creek Winery in Homer. Or, for a truly unique winery visit, try Alaska Berries, which is located in Soldotna, halfway between the two. Since the site is also home to a berry farm, many of the wines here have sweet and wonderful flavors, including raspberry and gooseberry, and even some non-berry flavors, like rhubarb.

5. Discover Native Alaskan Culture

Warm weather makes Alaska summer trips perfect for a deep dive (but maybe not into any of the state's bodies of water, which are still very cold). Take advantage of cultural experiences that allow you to learn more about Alaska's natives, from well-known tribes like the Inuits to lesser-known cultures such as the Yupik, Aleut and Eyak.

If you plan to be in southern Alaska near Ketchikan, consider visiting Totem Bight State Park, which spotlights the colorful totem poles of various native groups amid towering evergreen forests. Fairbanks' Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, meanwhile, displays rotating exhibitions of indigenous art. If you want to discover the culture, art and even cuisine of Inuit people, you'll want to head all the way north to Barrow (now officially called Utqiaġvik), which is definitely at its most pleasant during the summer.

6. Ride America's Most Scenic Railroad

To enjoy Alaskan scenery while traveling with young kids or elderly parents, consider riding the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, which connects the Alaskan city of Skagway with Whitehorse, the capital of Canada's Yukon territory. Often known as the most scenic railroad in America, this adventure is accessible to the whole family. It is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Alaska in the summer, no matter what kind of traveler you are.

Specific points of interest along the route, which generally takes you past towering mountain peaks, over crystalline lakes and through enchanting evergreen forests, include Bridal Veil Falls and Dead Horse Gulch. The guide on the train will also announce when you're passing by the Klondike Trail, which is now defunct — once an essential element of the Alaskan Gold Rush of the late 19th century. Note: The train crosses the border into Canada, but you don't need a passport to ride (as you plan to return to Alaska when the journey is over).

7. See Alaskan Summer Wildlife

Another advantage of Alaska summer trips over winter travel is the ease of viewing Alaskan wildlife. One of the easiest and most family-friendly ways to do this is with a bus tour along Denali Park's main road. You and your family can peer out at animals such as bears, moose and caribou from inside the safety and comfort of a bus. It travels slowly enough that you can get plenty of amazing pictures through the window.

If you're looking for a more exhilarating wildlife experience, consider booking a guided expedition to get a more intimate look at the animals. You may like a "bear viewing tour" to see some of the tens of thousands of black and brown bears that call Alaska home. To see marine wildlife, consider taking a fjord cruise in Alaska. In addition to the incredible scenery, which can sometimes include sea ice, you can also see sea and land animals.

The region’s vast, protected wilderness areas make it a haven for animals roaming the rugged mountains, vast glaciers, boreal forests and long coastline. 

A summer cruise to Alaska opens up incredible opportunities to witness:

● Whale sightings (May–August): Alaska’s summer waters draw migrating humpback whales and orcas, often spotted breaching, tail-slapping or feeding in pods near cruise routes — especially around Icy Strait Point and Juneau. Humpbacks journey thousands of miles from Hawaii to feast here, making summer the perfect time for whale watching from the deck or on an excursion.

● Bear viewing (late June–August): Salmon season draws brown and black bears to rivers across Alaska. Watch grizzlies fish along riverbanks in places like Katmai National Park, Admiralty Island (the "Fortress of the Bears") or the forests near Sitka and Ketchikan. Guided excursions often provide safe, elevated platforms for unforgettable views.

● Bald eagles (year-round): Bald eagles are easy to spot in Alaska, perched in tall trees or soaring along the coast. While peak gatherings occur in fall near Haines’ Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, summer cruises still offer plenty of sightings in areas like Skagway and Misty Fjords — sometimes dozens in a single tree.

● Harbor seals (year-round): Look for harbor seals lounging on icebergs or rocky ledges near glacier-fed bays like Tracy Arm. Shy but curious, they often pop their heads above the water near ships. Spring and early summer are ideal for spotting mothers with pups, especially during morning kayak outings.

● Moose (year-round): Moose roam Alaska’s wetlands and forest edges, especially in summer when calves are born in late May. Watch for them near lakes, rivers or trails in Chugach State Park, Potter Marsh or Denali National Park. A glimpse of a mother and calf crossing the water is a true Alaska moment.

● Glacier calving (May–September): Watch — and hear — massive chunks of ancient ice dramatically crash into the sea. Hubbard Glacier is one of the best spots to witness this thrilling display. Summer offers prime viewing, complete with cracking ice, thunderous splashes and floating mini icebergs.

Explore the Inside Passage to see these spectacular displays from your ship or excursion.

8. Get Up Close and Personal With a Glacier

One of the best things to do in Alaska in the summer is to see a glacier, and chances are that the one you visit will be at least partially melted. One popular activity near Anchorage, for example, is to ride ATV vehicles through the glacier scenery of the Knik River Valley. During some parts of the summer, you'll actually be riding through the melting parts of the glacier itself, with chunks of ice so close you can touch them.

An exclusive experience that allows you to get even closer to a glacier starts in the city of Seward, where you'll take a flight to a remote glacier that remains mostly frozen during the summer. Once you touch down, you'll get onto a dog sled, where a pack of dutiful Alaskan huskies will take you on an adventure you won't soon forget.

9. Catch the Sun Setting — If It Does

The midnight sun phenomenon is inextricable from summer vacations in Alaska, particularly if you visit around the summer solstice on June 21, or travel to destinations far north, such as Utqiaġvik. One of the reasons visiting Alaska during the summer is so incredible, featuring a glacier hike or fly-fishing, is that you can expect at least 16-18 hours of bright sunshine per day.

With this being said, Alaska summer sunsets are incredible, even if you have to stay up late to see them. Watch the sun set into the sea from Kincaid Park near Anchorage, or see Fire Island live up to its name as colors blaze in the sky above it. If you visit later in the summer, namely during July and August, the sun can set as "early" as 10 or 11 p.m. You'll never regret waiting for the sun to set in Alaska in the summer.

10. Paddle Through Alaska’s Pristine Waters

One of the most immersive ways to experience Alaska in summer is by kayak or canoe. With calm bays, glacier-fed lakes and winding coastal inlets, paddling puts you at water level with some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery. Glide past towering cliffs, drifting alongside chunks of floating ice and watching as seals, otters and seabirds move about in their natural habitat. For travelers looking for both serenity and adventure, kayaking offers a perspective you can’t get from a cruise ship or a bus window.

Alaska’s Inside Passage is especially popular for guided kayaking excursions, with routes that bring you close to tidewater glaciers and hidden coves. In places like Resurrection Bay near Seward or Kachemak Bay by Homer, outfitters provide everything you need for a first-time paddler or a seasoned adventurer. The long summer days mean you’ll have plenty of daylight to explore, making this an unforgettable way to connect with Alaska’s raw and unspoiled wilderness.

11. Bonus: Other Notable Things To Do in Alaska

You won’t be blamed for not getting enough of a good thing in this part of the world, so here are other Alaska tourist sites and attractions worth seeing, should you have the time:

● Visit the Alaska State Fair in Palmer for more interesting things in Alaska: Enjoy live music, local crafts and massive homegrown vegetables during this beloved late-summer event.

● Go whale watching in Juneau or Icy Strait Point: Spot majestic humpback whales, orcas and playful porpoises on specialized tours.

● Explore Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve: This large U.S. national park features rugged mountains, historic mining sites and epic hiking trails.

● Drive the Seward Highway: Take it easy along one of America’s most scenic roads, offering breathtaking coastal and mountain views.

● Fun things to do in Alaska include a dog sledding experience on wheels: Meet huskies in summer training and learn about Alaska’s sled dog culture.

Why Alaska Is So Highly Sought-After as a Cruise Destination

Alaska has long captured the imagination of travelers seeking a true frontier experience. Known as The Last Frontier, it became a U.S. territory in 1867 when America purchased it from Russia, a deal once called “Seward’s Folly” (later celebrated for its strategic and resource-rich value). Over the years, Alaska’s unique blend of Native heritage, gold rush history and rugged wilderness has transformed it into one of the most iconic destinations in North America. Today, millions of visitors arrive by cruise each summer to explore its extraordinary mix of culture, history and natural beauty.

Cultural richness is a major part of Alaska’s appeal. Indigenous traditions remain alive and vibrant, from Tlingit totem poles that tell ancestral stories to Inupiat dances celebrating the rhythms of the land and sea. Visitors can explore historic towns like Skagway, once a gateway for hopeful prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush, or learn about Russian Orthodox influences in Sitka. This cultural diversity gives cruise travelers a chance to engage with Alaska’s living history, making each stop more than just a scenic port call.

Best Alaska Cruise Destinations To Visit in Summer

While there are many ways to get to Alaska during the summer, cruises are the most convenient. They're also the most efficient and spectacular way of visiting the state's many islands and peninsulas, many of which are most easily accessed by water.

The state's capital, Juneau, is often missed by road trippers and those flying into Anchorage and Fairbanks due to its location on the southeasterly Gastineau Channel. When cruising, Juneau is one of the best places to visit in Alaska in summer, chiefly because of its many islands that are easily explorable by kayak — particularly Admiralty, Cohen and Douglas Islands. Douglas Island is reachable by bus and is the perfect place to rent kayaks to see the bay and its wildlife up close.

No trip to Juneau is complete without a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. You can reach it by taking a bus tour. Upon arrival, you can hike a variety of trails with stunning glacier, waterfall and forest views. These trails are most easily navigated and appreciated in the summer, when the snow has cleared and the way ahead is safe.

Sitka is another popular cruise port in Alaska, spread over Baranof Island and part of Chichagof Island. Known for its artsy vibe, with an abundance of galleries and museums, Sitka is also unsurprisingly replete with natural beauty. Walk up Baranof Castle Hill for a view of Sitka Sound and the surrounding mountains, or bask in the warm weather at Sitka National Historical Park — walking distance from downtown — to learn about the history of the Tlingit indigenous people and see the totem poles.

Cruise into Seward, the gateway to one of Alaska's most unique and picturesque regions: the Kenai Peninsula. Seward itself is known for its art and culture scene, which simply vibrates in the summer with events, making it one of the best summer vacation spots in the state. With views of the lush mountains on all sides, a summer morning stroll through this charming town will make you feel like you're in a movie. The Seward waterfront is known for its scenic trail lined with historic landmarks, and it's perfect for enjoying the wonderful weather.

Seward is also right at the base of Mt.Marathon, an ideal summertime hike and one of the best places in the area for fjord views. The town's proximity to Kenai Fjords National Park, where glaciers flow into coastal fjords, will provide the ultimate Alaska experience.

Cruise to Alaska in Summer

Alaska in summer is a destination like no other, where long days of sunlight create endless opportunities for adventure. It’s a majestic place to go hiking among wildflowers, paddling past glaciers or discovering Native culture.

Each experience brings you closer to the state’s raw beauty and rich heritage. Add in wildlife encounters, scenic rail journeys and the thrill of fishing or kayaking, and it’s easy to see why Alaska is a dream cruise destination.

With so many ways to explore, from iconic attractions to hidden gems, your Alaska summer journey promises memories that last a lifetime.