10 Things To Do in Alaska in Summer

You might associate Alaska with cold weather. Surprise: The colorful wildflowers, plentiful sunshine and balmy Alaska summer temperatures will delightfully defy your expectations. You can compete for salmon with a hungry bear along a crystalline stream or enjoy more civilized eats inside one of the state's craft breweries. No matter your itinerary wish list, summer vacations in Alaska are eclectic, exciting and full of holiday spectacle. Here are some of the top Alaska summer activities to enjoy in the land of America's "midnight sun."

Key Takeaways

● Alaska in summer offers endless daylight, making it the perfect time for outdoor adventures.

● Top activities include hiking wildflower trails, fishing for salmon or trout and taking scenic fjord cruises.

● Cultural highlights range from Native heritage sites and totem parks to historic railroad journeys.

● Wildlife encounters are abundant, from bears and moose in Denali to whales and sea otters along the coast.

● Unique summer experiences include kayaking near glaciers, brewery hopping and witnessing the midnight sun.

● Find the perfect Alaska summer cruise for you, your friends and family.

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.

And Then There Are the Majestic Landscapes

Of course, it’s Alaska’s vast landscapes that truly make it a bucket-list cruise destination. Towering glaciers calve into icy waters, snow-capped mountains rise above lush forests and wildlife sightings are part of the everyday experience. Think humpback whales breaching or bald eagles soaring overhead.

With more coastline than all other U.S. states combined, Alaska offers a natural spectacle unlike anywhere else. For many travelers, sailing through Glacier Bay or spotting bears along the shoreline is the defining highlight of their journey. Now, let’s finally get to 10 splendid things to do on an Alaskan cruise.

1. Hike Amid Alaska's Wildflowers

Thanks to the perpetual sunshine and warm weather, one of the best things to do in Alaska in the summer is to hike. You can take some of the tamer trails of Denali National Park or attempt to hike the entire 33 miles of the challenging Chilkoot Trail. Colorful wildflowers are everywhere you look, from purple lupines to magenta fireweed to the rare Arctic iris, which is bluer and cooler than the varieties you'll find farther south.

This is not to say you can't take in any snowy scenery as you hike in Alaska during the summer. Routes like the Exit Glacier Trail and the Harding Icefield Trail, both located in Kenai Fjords National Park, allow you to see magnificent glaciers (or at least, what's left of them during the summer months), sometimes just a few feet away. The Exit Glacier Trail is especially appealing for families traveling with small children since parts of it are paved and less than a half-mile in length.

2. Take a Scenic Fjord Cruise

There's practically no better way to appreciate the beauty of Alaskan scenery than under bright sunshine. Another highlight of summer vacations in Alaska is taking a boat trip into the state's stunning fjords. Finger-shaped inlets that jut into the state's mountainous coastline (which is sometimes still covered in glaciers, even in summer), fjords are also home to a wide variety of marine and land life, including bald eagles and various species of whales.

The most popular part of Alaska to see fjords is Kenai Fjords National Park, which is located near the city of Seward, less than three hours south of Anchorage. If you're in Juneau, on the other hand, consider visiting the Tracy Arm Fjord, which is less than an hour away from the capital and makes for a great half-day trip. No matter which option you choose, you'll enjoy marveling at the contrast of the white snow and ice, the emerald vegetation and the perfectly blue sky and sea that define Alaskan fjords.

3. Cast Your Line for Salmon

For many travelers, the highlight of Alaska summer trips is the opportunity to fish for salmon. The optimal time to cast your line amid Alaska's famous runs can vary, depending on which of the five Alaskan salmon species you want to catch. May through September is always the best season for it. Scour for massive king salmon (also known as chinook salmon) in the Kenai River, or fish for silver salmon at Ship Creek — located in the heart of downtown Anchorage.

Many of the best salmon fishing experiences in Alaska are not so convenient. In particular, the "fly-in" style of fishing trip is popular. If you splurge on fly-in fishing, a professional fisherman and pilot (sometimes, the same person) will fly you from a large city (probably Anchorage) to a remote river somewhere in the wilds of Alaska. You might literally have to compete with wild bears or other animals for the plentiful salmon swimming in the streams here!

Beyond Salmon: Fishing for Trout

If you consider fishing to be one of the top things to do in Alaska in the summer without being a strict fan of salmon, there are plenty of other options. The most popular choice would be to go fly-fishing for rainbow trout, which, like salmon, are at their most active during the summer. Many of the best places to fish for trout in Alaska during the summer are located in the southern part of the state, which makes them especially convenient if you want to go fishing with your kids or parents.

The Kenai Peninsula's Russian River is probably the most popular place to fish for trout in Alaska during the summer. More remote locations like Lake Creek and the Kulik River are options if you have more time and can travel farther away from civilization. If you decide to go trout fishing in Alaska, do your best to fish when salmon runs aren't at their peaks to avoid crowds. Since you’ll likely be traveling with a guide, their tour company can help you schedule your trip for the optimal experience.

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. 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 (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, so 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 being able to see Alaska 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 animals like whales, sea otters and porpoises.

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, drift alongside chunks of floating ice and watch 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.

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.