17 of the most beautiful places in Alaska

When it comes to must-see locations in Alaska, Denali National Park tops the list. Home to the highest peak in North America, this park has eye-catching landscapes that range from dense forests to open tundra. The towering Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, dominates the skyline, with its snow-covered summit rising 20,310 feet above the surrounding park. 

The animals in Denali National Park are an unforgettable part of the experience. Visitors may spot grizzly bears lumbering across meadows, herds of caribou migrating through the tundra or wolves tracking prey in the distance. And don’t forget the moose — these majestic creatures often graze near streams and ponds, making for incredible photo opportunities. 

If you’re looking to experience Denali up close, Princess offers exclusive access to Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®. From here, you can take exciting excursions like wildlife viewing tours and hikes through the breathtaking landscape.

Don’t forget your jacket, because Glacier Bay National Park is one of the coolest spots to visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Alaska’s most iconic natural wonders, and a Glacier Bay cruise with Princess is one of the best ways to experience the area's towering glaciers and icy fjords. Visitors can experience the awe of watching glaciers calve, sending icebergs almost as big as your cruise ship into the ocean with thunderous splashes.

The fjords are home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions that lounge like pros on the shore and humpback whales you can spot breaching in the distance. As you sail through the park, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot sea otters, sea lions and even bald eagles soaring above as they search for their next meal.

If you’re ready for a huge adventure, look no further than Hubbard Glacier — one of North America’s largest tidewater glaciers, stretching more than 76 miles. Known for its jaw-dropping calving displays, Hubbard puts on a show like no other. 

Imagine towering chunks of ice as tall as 10-story buildings crashing into the water with a force that echoes across the bay. And here’s something extra special: Hubbard is one of the few glaciers still advancing, which means it’s moving forward while others around the world are retreating.

A Princess® cruise takes you right up to the edge of this colossal ice formation, where you can feel its power and presence from the comfort of your ship’s deck. As you sail closer, the sheer size of Hubbard Glacier will leave you in awe, creating memories that are as unforgettable as the landscape itself.

Kenai Fjords National Park is home to the massive Harding Icefield, which feeds the numerous glaciers in the park. Surrounding the park’s icy wonders are dense forests of Sitka spruce and western hemlock, creating a landscape that feels wild and untouched. 

The park’s dramatic glacial terrain is only rivaled by its thriving marine life. As you sail through the fjords, you’ll have the chance to spot majestic orcas slicing through the water and playful sea otters floating by. Keep an eye out for puffins, too — these colorful seabirds are a favorite sight among visitors.

With Princess cruisetours, you can explore this stunning region by land and sea. Try a guided tour from Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge® or sail through the fjords themselves. With Princess, you have opportunities for plenty of adventure, from scanning the water for whales or marveling at Exit Glacier.

Picture this: The dark Alaska sky suddenly bursts to life, swirling with vibrant hues of green, purple and even deep red. The phenomenon of the northern lights is one of nature’s most magical displays. And Fairbanks happens to be one of the best places to catch a glimpse of it. Located in the auroral oval — a ring-shaped zone where the northern lights are most visible — Fairbanks becomes a front-row seat to this incredible show, especially between September and April. 

Princess offers an Aurora Borealis Viewing tour from Fairbanks, giving you the chance to witness this natural phenomenon firsthand. Your guide will take you to prime viewing spots, where you can watch as the sky dances with color. The best times to see this view are often during the autumnal equinox, so you might want to plan your Alaska cruise accordingly.

Seward is a charming coastal town situated on Resurrection Bay with the rugged mountains of Alaska as a backdrop, making it a popular spot for photographers. The standout feature here is Mount Marathon, a majestic peak offering sweeping views of the bay and the surrounding mountains. 

Every summer, the town hosts the famous Mount Marathon Race, a challenging trail run that winds its way through the steep and rocky terrain. Runners brave the ascent, pushing through forests and across scree fields — all for the reward of those breathtaking summit views. 

Beyond its stunning mountain views, Seward is also a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Let this town be your starting point for a variety of adventures, including hiking Mount Marathon and exploring the park’s glaciers and wildlife.

Step back in time with a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad in Skagway, one of Alaska’s most scenic and historic railways. This narrow-gauge railroad was built during the Klondike Gold Rush and climbs nearly 3,000 feet to offer an unmatched view of Bridal Veil Falls, where water cascades down steep cliffs. You can even see the distant Laughton Glacier, a shimmering mass of ice nestled in the Sawtooth Mountains. 

The White Pass Scenic Railway excursion offered by Princess is a favorite among guests as it provides a unique perspective on the Alaska landscape. As you ride the rails, you’ll pass through tunnels and over trestle bridges for the quintessential train ride experience — all while soaking in the natural beauty of Alaska.

Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” is home to Totem Heritage Center, which has an impressive collection of 19th-century totem poles. These imposing works of art are intricately carved to depict the ancestral histories and clan legends of the region’s Indigenous people. The center is a great place to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Alaska Native communities, making it a must-visit stop for those especially interested in history and art. 

While you’re in Ketchikan, be sure to explore the town’s picturesque waterfront and take part in one of Princess’ many Ketchikan excursions. You can embark on the Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer Cruise to be surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls, or the more adventurous can try the Rainforest Zip, Skybridge & Rappel Adventure, which offers exhilarating views of the rainforest from above.

Anchorage is the kind of place where you can watch a moose stroll by from the city’s trails before grabbing your favorite latte. As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage offers the best of both worlds: urban excitement with a wild twist. Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the glistening waters of Cook Inlet, this city offers a front-row seat to dense spruce and birch forests and the tidal waters of Cook Inlet.

Anchorage is also a key stop for Princess cruisetours, where guests can take advantage of Anchorage excursions that explore the city and surrounding areas. Take in Alaska’s rich culture at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, or head out for a day trip along Turnagain Arm.

Imagine a journey through a secluded wonder, where every turn reveals nature at its most dramatic. Endicott Arm Fjord is the diva of Alaska, winding more than 30 miles and surrounded by towering granite cliffs. And it all leads to one of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring sights: Dawes Glacier. This tidewater glacier dazzles with its vivid blue ice, and the thunderous roar of calving events will leave you spellbound. 

A Princess cruise through Endicott Arm Fjord brings you closer to this majestic wilderness than you could imagine. Glide past icebergs glittering and harbor seals basking in the sunlight. The unassuming beauty and grandeur of this fjord make it a destination that feels both untouched and unforgettable.

Ruth Glacier is a hidden gem in Denali National Park, nestled within the Alaska Range and best experienced from the air. That’s why Princess offers flightseeing tours that give guests the chance to soar above the park’s terrain and take in the views of the glacier and even Denali peak. 

When you cruise with Princess, you can take the Denali Flyer with Glacier Landing excursion from Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge®. Take in the landscape from the sky, and land right on the glacier itself. Walking across the icy surface with towering peaks all around is a one-of-a-kind way to feel Alaska’s raw, untamed beauty up close.  

In Sitka, you’ll find a town where history and nature collide in spectacular fashion. Perched on the edge of Baranof Island, Sitka’s coastline is framed by rugged shores and the silhouette of Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano rising dramatically from the horizon. The town’s blend of Russian-influenced architecture contrasts with the untamed Alaska wilderness. Every corner of Sitka offers a postcard-worthy view. 

You might explore the historic Russian Orthodox St. Michael's Cathedral or take in the coastal scenery, where you can spot sea lions and humpback whales. Hike the Tongass National Forest trails for sweeping views, or visit Sitka National Historical Park on a Princess Sitka excursion. 

Popular for its quirky atmosphere and adventurous spirit, Talkeetna is a gateway for mountaineers heading to Denali. The town’s unique charm comes from its blend of small-town life and offbeat character. With colorful murals and historic log cabins lining the streets, Talkeetna has a personality all its own. It’s even famous for some eclectic traditions, like the annual Moose Dropping Festival, and for having a cat named Stubbs who served as honorary mayor for 20 years!

For those visiting with Princess on a cruisetour, a stay at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge® offers easy access to nearby excursions like the Talkeetna River Float Trip. As you float along the gentle current, you can catch incredible views of Denali in the distance or get a glimpse of moose grazing near the shore.

Nugget Falls plunges 377 feet in a powerful cascade, crashing into the rocky basin below. The thunderous roar of the water echoes through the air, creating a striking contrast to the stillness of the surrounding Tongass National Forest. As you approach, the mist from the falls cools your skin, while the shimmering Mendenhall Glacier looms in the background, its icy blue surface glinting in the sunlight.

Princess offers a Mendenhall Glacier Explorer excursion, where guests can visit both the glacier and Nugget Falls, giving them the chance to experience the beauty of Juneau's natural wonders in one unforgettable day.

The Chugach Mountains boast some of Alaska’s most accessible wilderness, with jagged peaks rising dramatically against the horizon and alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in the summer. Just a stone’s throw from Anchorage, this range offers endless opportunities to explore its diverse terrain, from glacier-fed rivers to pristine valleys.

Princess offers a variety of excursions, including the Chugach Photo Adventure Roundtrip, where you can capture the beauty of these mountains through your lens, guided by a local photographer who knows all the best spots for breathtaking shots.

For a bird’s-eye view of Juneau, take a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway. As the tram ascends 1,800 feet, the city below unfolds, revealing the sparkling waters of the Gastineau Channel winding through the landscape. Snowcapped peaks rise in the distance, and dense forests stretch as far as the eye can see. Once at the top, travelers can visit the nature center or simply take in the glittering coastline below and seemingly endless wilderness of the Tongass National Forest..

Experience Alaska’s landscape from above with Princess' Mount Roberts Tramway excursion, all the while learning about the area’s history and wildlife from local guides.

Alaska is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world, from the striking landscapes of Denali and Glacier Bay national parks to the cultural gems of Sitka and Ketchikan. With a Princess cruise, you can explore each of these locations and experience the best this state has to offer.

Embark on an adventure you’ll love and discover the most beautiful places in Alaska aboard a Princess Alaska cruise.