Alaska is the biggest state in America, with 665,000 square miles of breathtaking views of Mother Nature. An area this size may require an extended stay or a return trip to see all the sights.
You may know Alaska for its national parks, mountains and wildlife. However, it’s also a must-visit state for foodies because of its seafood and unique local cuisine. Here are some of the tastiest destinations in The Last Frontier.
Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park and Preserve is an excellent place to start. Denali is the tallest peak in North America at 20,310 feet. The park is the third-largest in the United States, with nearly 7,500 square miles of land to roam. Denali National Park and Preserve offers terrific opportunities for wildlife watching, featuring moose, grizzly bears, wolves and other majestic animals.
Talkeetna is a town on the Susitna River just south of the park. The small community offers activities like the Talkeetna Historical Society and Museum and the Alaskan War Veterans Memorial.
While you’re in Talkeetna, check out Denali Brewing Company & Tasting Room. The brewery’s craft beer and spirits will taste delicious after a full day of checking out Denali.
Get your pizza fix at Mountain High Pizza Pie. The restaurant serves classic pizzas and makes unique Alaskan pies with reindeer sausage.
Anchorage
Anchorage, the largest city in the state, is a couple of hours south of Talkeetna and a popular destination for tourists. Take advantage of its proximity to Turnagain Arm and Knik Arm. These destinations allow you to watch orcas and humpback whales as they navigate the waters.
Alaska is rich in Native American culture, so visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center in northeast Anchorage to learn more about its history. Eleven major groups have inhabited the land for centuries, significantly contributing to Alaskan traditions.
Travelers in Anchorage have numerous options for a tasty meal, including Glacier Brewhouse in the city’s northern section. Here, you can savor locally sourced seafood like rockfish, sockeye and other delicious fish. Did you know, Alaska provides 29% of the world’s crab supply? It shows! The best meal at the Glacier Brewhouse may just be the Alaskan king crab which customers favor for its succulent leg and claw meat.
Fairbanks
Traveling to Alaska can be challenging if you want to see the northernmost regions. Part of the state eclipses the Arctic Circle, so weather conditions can make travel difficult. The farthest north most visitors go is Fairbanks, Alaska, located in the north-central section of the state.
Fairbanks is a popular tourist destination because you can visit nearby North Pole, which celebrates Christmas all year with candy canes, lights, reindeer and other holiday decorations. Seeing Santa Claus’s home is a terrific vacation for kids and the whole family. Take an Alaska Railroad train tour for a “Polar Express”-like experience.
Fairbanks is a relatively small city with about 30,000 residents, but the town still has incredible food options. Residents and tourists laud Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine on the west side of town. The restaurant serves fresh Alaskan fish and traditional recipes like pad thai and curries. If you want Alaskan cuisine, check out Pump House Restaurant with delicious chowders, crab macaroni and cheese, and more.
Like the other cities, Fairbanks has numerous recreational opportunities. Chena River State Recreation area is just outside the city, providing nearly 400 square miles of forests, tundra and rivers. It also offers a terrific view of the northern lights at night.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is the sixth-largest national park in the U.S. and a UNESCO World Heritage sight. Tourists flock here because of its thousands of glaciers. Glacier Bay is a terrific option for a summer destination wedding because of the stunning picture backdrops.
Glacier Bay National Park is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts because there are many things to do. The park has multiple trails ranging in difficulty for all visitors. For example, the Forest Trail is a mile long and leads to a viewing deck with amazing park views. Experienced hikers may enjoy the Bartlett Lake Trail, spanning about eight miles round-trip.
Besides hiking, you can stay the night at one of the designated campgrounds at the park. There are also opportunities for birdwatching, fishing and flightseeing.
After traversing the park, head to the Glacier Bay Country Inn Restaurant in Gustavus. The menu is limited and changes daily, but you’ll typically find Alaskan favorites like Dungeness crab, salmon and prime rib. Patrons also love Glacier Bay Country Inn for its desserts and breakfast pastries.
Visit the Glacier Bay Lodge overlooking Bartlett Cove if you want an eclectic daily menu. The Fairweather Dining Room serves dishes like lemon calamari for lunch and Alaskan salmon for dinner. Before heading to the national park, stop by the lodge’s breakfast buffet for scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, oatmeal and other favorites.
Juneau
Travel nearly 100 miles east of Glacier Bay National Park to see Juneau, the state capital. Getting to Juneau requires a ferry ride because no roads go into or out of the city. You can take a ferry from Bellingham, Washington, which takes two days, or fly into Juneau International Airport.
Juneau’s modern history started with the gold rushes of the mid-to-late 19th century. Numerous miners traveled up the Pacific Coast to find gold deposits, and you can learn more about their history at the Gold Creek Mine, the Last Chance Mining Museum, the Alaska State Museum and more.
Alaska’s capital is another city to get terrific locally sourced seafood and other fabulous eats. One of the most popular restaurants in town is Deckhand Dave’s — a food truck serving fish tacos, fish and chips, and other crowd favorites. For dessert, check out Alaskan Crepe Escape, featuring flavors like Nutella, lemon, s’mores and more.
Prince of Wales Island
Travel south from Juneau to Prince of Wales Island — the fourth-largest island owned by the United States. British Officer George Vancouver named the island in 1793 to honor King George IV, the Prince of Wales at the time.
Prince of Wales Island is special because it’s home to Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Here, you’ll see wildlife like black and brown bears, salmon, black-tailed deer and other unique animals. Tongass National Forest is an excellent place to view bald eagles, with 7,000 on the premises — the world’s largest concentration of this species.
Explore the Mendenhall Glacier and go hiking or boating. This area is also a learning opportunity to visit the Tlingit community in Metlakatla and Klawock.
After a day on Prince Edward Island, visit Ketchikan for a nice dinner. Are you looking for a night of fun? Head to the Asylum Bar on Water Street for terrific burgers like sriracha bacon, Seattle, Hawaiian and more. It has eight types of beer from the Alaskan Brewing Company on tap and a full liquor bar with specialty cocktails.
Barbecue lovers can rejoice at the Bar Harbor Ale House, serving brisket, ribs, pulled pork and other favorites. The restaurant also serves grilled and fried fish, sandwiches and tasty desserts like tabletop s’mores.
Making the Most of Your Alaskan Adventure
The 50 states in America are unique, but it’s hard to beat how special Alaska is. Make the most of your trip by giving yourself time to explore. Focus on a particular section, such as Denali National Park or Prince of Wales Island, and be sure to enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood and other delicacies.
