It's an ideal month to explore the natural beauty of Alaska before the peak tourist season begins. Whether you're interested in wildlife, scenic landscapes or cultural experiences, here are the best places to visit in Alaska in May, each offering unique opportunities to enjoy the early signs of summer in the Arctic.
1. Juneau
Juneau, with its stunning Mendenhall Glacier and lush rainforests, is one of the best places to visit in Alaska in May. The glacier, easily accessible by bus, offers breathtaking views and walking trails that lead to waterfalls and ice caves. This month, the area is less crowded, providing a more personal experience. Additionally, Skagway is rich in Gold Rush history and offers a fascinating look back in time with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings and the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. Riding this historic train in May provides stunning views of blooming alpine meadows and cascading waterfalls as the snow melts. Skagway’s hiking trails, like the Chilkoot Trail, also become more accessible, making it one of the best places to visit in Alaska in May for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
3. Ketchikan
Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," begins to buzz with activity in May as the fishing season kicks off. The town’s rich Native heritage can be explored through visits to Totem Bight State Park and the Saxman Native Village, where intricately carved totem poles tell the stories of the indigenous people. Kayaking excursions around the Misty Fjords National Monument offer serene views of the dramatic cliffs and quiet waters, teeming with wildlife.
4. Tracy Arm Fjord
Visiting Tracy Arm Fjord in May is an unforgettable experience, as the fjord’s ice chokes loosen and waterfalls swell with spring runoff. This area is known for its spectacular tidewater glaciers, including the twin Sawyer Glaciers and its abundant wildlife, such as seals, eagles and occasional bears. A cruise through Tracy Arm in May allows for dramatic scenery with fewer crowds, enhancing the serene and majestic atmosphere of this pristine wilderness.
5. Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park
Seward serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where the landscapes come alive in May. Boat tours of the park are particularly rewarding this time of year, with increased opportunities to spot gray whales, orcas and sea lions among the ice floes. On land, the trails through the Kenai Peninsula offer beautiful hikes through spruce forests and along coastal paths that provide sweeping views of the Gulf of Alaska.
6. Sitka
Sitka’s unique blend of Tlingit culture and Russian history makes it an intriguing place to visit in May. The Sitka National Historical Park, with its scenic trails lined with totem poles and cultural sites, is particularly beautiful as the park’s flora blooms in the spring warmth. Additionally, bird enthusiasts will enjoy the Sitka Sound Science Center, where the annual migratory patterns bring a variety of bird species to the area.
7. Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point offers one of the best places to visit in Alaska in May for those interested in both cultural heritage and wildlife. The area is less commercialized and provides authentic Tlingit experiences along with pristine natural beauty. Whale watching and wildlife tours are popular in May and the nearby forests offer quiet hikes with opportunities to observe local flora and fauna emerging after the long winter.
Why Visit Alaska in May?
The best places to visit in Alaska in May offer a chance to experience the awakening of the wilderness after winter. The combination of fewer tourists, vibrant wildlife and the natural beauty of spring creates a perfect setting for both adventure and relaxation. From the historical streets of Skagway to the majestic glaciers of Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska in May is a welcoming, vibrant place for travelers.
