When the summer heat hits and the office is just not where you want to be, it’s time to go on an adventure. These are some of the best day trips in Alaska that you can take, so take a day off to explore all Alaska has to offer, falling in love with this beautiful state all over again. Go somewhere you’ve never been or somewhere you love to revisit time and again. Alaska is huge, stunningly beautiful, and there is something cool tucked at every turn of the highway. So get and explore your own backyard while the sun is shining, the rivers are flowing and the fish are running. You’ll agree that Alaska is the best place to live when you see all it has to offer.

1. Hike in a field of wildflowers
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA
Maureen | Flickr
Head to Denali National Park for the day and explore the gorgeous Triple Lake Trail, one of the best hikes in Alaska for checking out the wildflowers. During the summer months, this path is covered in an endless sea of wildflower meadows for your enjoyment. There are places to swim, camp and simply wander in the flowers. You'll never forget a magical day trip to Denali.
2. Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
Anchorage Museum, 625 C St, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Facebook
Spend the day at the Anchorage Museum to see art, science exhibits, and cultural heritage displays. One of the most unique things to do in Alaska, there's something for everyone at this hub of culture and art. Check out the Saturday morning space cartoons in the Planetarium!
3. Get lost at Lost Lake
Lost Lake, Alaska 99664, USA
Dan Logan | Flickr
If you are near the Kenai Peninsula, head to this beautiful hiking and swimming spot in Alaska. You will feel a million miles away from it all up here in the mountains, it's the perfect little getaway spot for anyone searching for peace and quiet. Bring a picnic and a tent in case your day trip turns into a night under the summer skies.
4. Explore a Magical Rainforest Sanctuary
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, 116 Wood Rd, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary Facebook
Head to Ketchikan to visit this rainforest in Alaska and spend the day checking out all of the fascinating plants and animals that live there for a truly unique day trip in Alaska. If you've never been to Ketchikan, you should put it on your list purely for the magic of the abundant rainforest and the animals. Get great photos of wildlife from sneaky spots scattered throughout the boardwalk for discreet viewing.
5. Explore the Nature Center
Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
katulka r. | Yelp
The Eagle River Nature Center takes a full day to explore the trails, boardwalks, informational displays and the amazing Chugach Mountains, so be sure to give yourself enough time. It's the ideal day trip in Alaska for wildlife, including salmon swimming upstream towards the end of summer.

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6. Take a glacier cruise
Richard Ricciardi | Flickr
When it comes to day trips in Alaska, a glacier cruise certainly tops the list. Take to the water on a short glacier cruise when you are next on the coast of Alaska. Try a day cruise to see wildlife, whales, and the fantastic crash as the glaciers calve into the sea. The cool breezes in your hair and the adorable otters lounging in the ocean will make your day complete.
7. Float the lazy Chena
Doug Noon | Flickr
If you are in the Interior, make a destination day trip to Fairbanks to float our slow-moving, beautiful Chena River. Canoes, tubes, kayaks, and paddle boards are all sea-worthy vessels for the journey, and available to rent for the day.
8. Take a hike
Weston Renoud | Flickr
Explore Alaskan's forests on one of these awesome day hikes that will take you to beautiful and hidden parts of the Alaskan wilderness. Something for every skill level is available as Alaska has numerous trails in both State and National parks all over the great land.
9. Take a float plane ride
The Lakefront Anchorage, 4800 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99517, USA
Kim F. | Flickr
Go to The Flying Machine Restaurant at the Lakefront Hotel and spend the day exploring the area. Jump in a plane for a cruise around the area and then back for lunch and lounging.
10. Go North and see the tundra
Mike Juvrud | Flickr
It is a little more than a day trip for most, but a drive to the far north will take you to the epic landscape of the northern tundra in Alaska. The rolling hills and the rock outcropping will make you feel like you are on another planet.
11. Spend a day in Skagway
Skagway, AK 99840, USA
Skagway Excursions Facebook
The incredible Skagway Excursions is an exciting day of playing in the Tongass National Forest. Skagway is a day trip from most of the southeast with a short flight, and it's worth the extra effort. This adventure park in Alaska has guided walks and zipline adventures that'll have you soaring through the first with amazing views along the way.

Have you been on these fun summer day trips? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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