They say everything in Alaska is “bigger and better” than the lower 48 and the scenic overlooks do a spectacular job of holding up to that claim to fame. The booming mountains, glistening glaciers and endless eye-candy will have you dropping your jaw in absolute astonishment. And without further ado, check out these 16 scenic overlooks in Alaska that will leave you gasping for air!

1. Fort Abercrombie State Park – Kodiak
Flickr - Andrew Petersen
Oh, how the beauty will behold you! Enjoy a long walk on the beach or an epic island view. If you are here, you will fall in love with Alaska on a whole new level - we guarantee it! Check out their website to learn more about one of the most scenic spots in Alaska.
2. Hatcher Pass – Palmer
Flickr - Cecil Sanders
The Talkeetna Mountains never looked so good. This special spot makes you feel like you are walking straight out of a dream! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay while you’re checking out the area, read more about the Hatcher Pass Lodge.
3. Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway – Juneau
Flickr - Curtis & Renee
Get high above it all and experience Southeast Alaska like never before. If you are visiting our state capital, this is a must-experience. Put Mount Roberts Tramway on your list of places to visit in Alaska!
4. Alyeska Resort – Girdwood
Flickr - Life With Us
No matter what time of year it is, the top of Alyeska Resort is what dreams are made of. If you are lucky enough to be up there early enough for a sunrise (or late enough for a sunset) over looking the Turnagain Arm, you will be blown away by the beauty at hand! Alyeska Resort offers some of the most beautiful views in Alaska.
5. Tern Lake – Sterling Hwy
Flickr - chuck t
On the Sterling Hwy on The Kenai, Alaska's Playground is this special little spot. It's located at the turnout before you turn either right to head to Seward or left to head up to Anchorage. And if you're lucky enough to catch a reflection on a clear day - the beauty will blow you away! If you want to see this view all weekend, book your reservations at Inn at Tern Lake.
6. Nash Road – Seward
Flickr - Dan Logan
Enjoy one of the most beautiful views across the bay and escape from the massive crowds. Go beach-combing or enjoy a picnic with your closest friends or family. Learn a little more about what you can do on Nash Road on the Alaska.org website.
7. Denali Overlook – Talkeetna Spur Road
Flickr - Dan Connolly
The quaint and quirky town of Talkeetna offers more than just great food, fun people and groovy shops. Pair all that good stuff with a view of Denali and the Susitna River and your eyes will be in HEAVEN! Book a room at Denali Overlook Inn and soak in these awe inspiring views your whole vacation!
8. Road to Whittier – Prince William Sound
litota via iStock / Getty Images Plus
Glaciers, glaciers and more glaciers galore! The road to Whittier leading up to the long tunnel is filled with glistening blue glacier views that will absolutely make your jaw drop! If you want to get up and close to Portage Glacier, hop on one of the Portage Glacier Cruises.

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9. Ester Dome – Fairbanks
Flickr - Daniel Johnson
From Ester, check out Alaska's second largest city of Fairbanks. Stay a while and pick berries, or soak in a Northern Lights show in the fall and winter months. The Ester Dome Trail is a great way to explore this area!
10. Stony Hill Overlook – Denali National Park
Flickr - Dennis Grice
62 miles into the impressive Denali National Park & Preserve offers one of the most pristine and massive photo-shoot opportunities in Alaska. On a clear day, this sight is truly once in a lifetime. One of the more famous places to take photos of Denali, this is also a great place to view the Toklat Wolf Pack.
11. Flattop Mountain – Anchorage
Flickr - Jeffrey L. Cohen
Anyone that comes to Alaska's largest city of Anchorage better take the time to drive up here. With views of the Kenai Peninsula all the way to the Alaska Range (on a clear day), it simply does not get any better! The Flattop Mountain Trail is a great place to see the best view of Anchorage!
12. Copper River and the Wrangell Mountains
Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska
It's hard not to get lost in this epic view. Pull over and let your camera go wild. Your future self will thank you for it! If you want to get up close and personal with the area, read more about the Copper Center Area Trails.
13. Homer Spit – Kachemack Bay
Flickr - rbrough
The first turnout on the right side of the Sterling Hwy as you come up and over the hill into Homer offers a breathtaking view. Check out the glacier in the distance, watch as boats come in and out of the harbor and let your eyes feast on an endless amount of beauty. The Homer Spit is an incredible spot to visit and explore in Alaska.
14. Beluga Point – Turnagain Arm
Flickr - Travis
Walk down and peep for some beluga whales, kick back and enjoy the spectacular mountains or just watch as the historic Alaska Railroad passes by. Beluga Point is just a quick drive south from Alaska's largest city of Anchorage, and MAN is it a beautiful place to soak in a great sunset! If you’re interested in more information about wildlife viewing, Alaska Department of Fish and Game has a great resource on spotting animals nearby.
15. Mount Edgecumbe – Sitka
Flickr - USDA Forest Service Alaska Region
Pretty much anywhere you go in Sitka, you have a stellar view of this stunning mountain. But overlooking the boat harbor... now that is something special! If you want to get even closer, you can climb, hike, and camp on Mount Edgecumbe.
16. Sixmile Creek – Turnagain Pass
management / TripAdvisor
Right before you hit Hope Junction, be sure to pull over and dip your toes in the chill water at Sixmile Creek. And if you have your dogs riding with you, this is a great place to let them take a fresh drink of water and spash around in the shallow water (while enjoying a beautiful mountainous backdrop). This beautiful spot is where all of the rafters put in as to raft Sixmile Creek! Find out more information to raft this beautiful spot on Alaska.org’s website.

Have you ever pulled over to check out any of these scenic overlooks in Alaska? What did you think? Do you have a favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Do you love taking long drives in the last frontier? Check out these 16 scenic byways in Alaska that offer stunning views!

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More to Explore

Scenic Overlooks In Alaska

Megan McDonald | August 18, 2020

Where can you find the best views in Alaska?

A great way to be guaranteed a fantastic view in Alaska is to head to one of the many parks and preserves all over the state. This unspoiled land will take your breath away. No matter where in the state you visit, you’ll see incredible wildlife, unbelievable terrain, and a wildness not found anywhere else in the lower 48. 

Where should I visit in Alaska?

Alaska is so huge, that if you can find a way to travel the length of it, you should. Cruise on up the Inside Passage, and then hop on the railroad or drive all the way up to Fairbanks. If you have time to take side trips, do it! This is a trip that’s hard to even pack into 14 days. Rent a car  or RV and do it on your time so you can savor the areas that you love the most!

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