15 Best Things To Do in Alaska in the Summer for Your Bucket List

From chasing the Midnight Sun to epic fishing opportunities, the Last Frontier offers an endless range of outdoor adventures. After all, our beautiful state is known for its incredible landscapes, wildlife sightings, and exceptional outdoor recreation. If you want to make this summer one you'll always remember, we are here to help. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite things to do in Alaska in the summer so you can start planning your epic adventures. From charming small towns to state parks and festivals, there's never a shortage of things to do and see during a summer in Alaska.

Explore Alaska's Charming Towns and Cities

So many Alaskan towns come alive in the summertime. Whether you prefer to spend your summer days along the coast or further inland, the following three destinations never disappoint and are each perfect for your Alaska summer bucket list.

1. Seward

• Popularity: Popular
• Need To Know: We'd recommend renting a car to help you get around. You may also consider taking a ride on the Alaska Railroad between Seward and Anchorage.

Glimmering glaciers and towering mountain views await you in the charming town of Seward. Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is just delightful in the summer. Start your adventure with a tour of Resurrection Bay. There's a wide variety of wildlife around this area, including whales, sea otters, seals, and more. You might even catch an eagle soaring above you! There are plenty of hiking trails as well, especially around Kenai Fjords National Park, which we'll talk more about later. If you happen to catch a rainy day, you can find plenty of museums, restaurants, and shopping to keep you busy in the downtown area.

2. Juneau

• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: Downtown Juneau is walkable, but if you want to explore further, we'd recommend you rent a car.

As the only U.S. capital that can only be reached by boat or plane, you're sure to have a memorable adventure exploring Juneau. Mendenhall Glacier is an absolute must, and the hike to it is easy enough for the whole family. Whale watching is another popular activity, and there are plenty of whale-watching tours you can embark on. As for food, be sure to check out The Hangar on the Wharf—an old aircraft hanger that's been turned into a waterfront restaurant. The views of the Gastineau Channel are stunning. Speaking of stunning views, the Goldbelt Tram will give you a beautiful bird's eye view of the town, and must be on your Alaska summer bucket list.

3. Homer Spit

• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: You'll need to rent a car to explore this area.

The first time I visited the Homer Spit, it was love at first sight. The mountain views, the views of Kachemak Bay, the restaurants … everything. Clocking it at only 4.5 miles, you would think this area wouldn't be such a hot spot, but just wait until you see it in person! The Spit is easily walkable, and there's plenty of sightseeing along the way. Keep your eyes peeled, and you'll probably see some bald eagles soaring above you.

Best Beaches, Lakes & Rivers To Visit in Alaska This Summer

Here are some facts about Alaska to blow your mind:

• Alaska has the longest coastline in the United States—33,904 miles.
• Alaska has over 3,100 officially named natural lakes, over 3 million unnamed natural lakes, and more than 65 named reservoirs.

Even though Alaska is massive, I think it's safe to say that you're never too far away from a body of water in Alaska. Summer isn't summer without spending some time in the water. Luckily, there are plenty of beaches, lakes, and rivers in Alaska that are perfect for making a (very cold) splash. You might even want to make a weekend out of it and do a little beach camping!

4. Kincaid Beach

• Location: Anchorage, Alaska
• Popularity: Moderately popular
• Need To Know: Since it's right by the airport, make it your first stop once you land!

Kincaid Beach is one of the easiest beaches to get to. Many of Alaska's beaches are only accessible by boat, while Kincaid Beach lies in the shadows of the Anchorage Airport. The beach has impressive views of the Kenai Peninsula, Cook Inlet, and the Chugach Mountains.

5. Kenai River

• Location: Kenai Peninsula
• Popularity: More popular in the summer
• Need To Know: The river runs for 82 miles and is the longest river in the Kenai Peninsula.

The Kenai River is one of the most popular places to fish in Alaska. King salmon, coho salmon, sockeye salmon, and pink salmon all have runs here. Fishing tours run throughout the summer. There are also plenty of campgrounds and hiking trails along the river. From kayaking to white-water rafting, you'll never run out of things to do along the Kenai River.

6. Nancy Lake

• Location: Willow, Alaska
• Popularity: More popular in the summer
• Need To Know: There are several cabins along the lake, which are the perfect place to stay.

Many of Alaska's lakes require a seaplane to access, but not Nancy Lake. This stunning lake is conveniently located near Anchorage and can easily be visited on a day trip. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy—canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular summertime activities, as well as fishing.

Discover the Best Alaska Outdoor Attractions

Alaska has the largest state park system in the U.S. There are more than 120 state park units spanning across 3.2 million acres! You could spend a lifetime traversing them all. Since we don't all have that kind of time, we've narrowed it down to our top three.

7. Denali National Park

• Location: Closest city is Healy, Alaska
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: Denali National Park and Denali State Park are separate places. The latter is more wilderness hiking and backpacking. Most tourists visit the national park.

Seeing Denali is a bucket list item for many. I can tell you from experience that it's a moment you won't forget. Whether you want to take an adrenaline-pumping ATV tour or grab a paddle and go rafting on the Nenana River, Denali National Park is not short on adventures. The best way to see this majestic landscape is by plane. It's not the cheapest, but it is worth every penny!

8. Kenai Fjords National Park

• Location: Seward, Alaska
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: It's one of the most famous national parks in the U.S.

Boasting nearly 670,000 acres to explore, Kenai Fjords National Park is the ultimate playground for nature lovers. It's a place where the ocean, mountains, and glaciers meet up for what can best be described as offensively beautiful. There are 40 glaciers in the park, and Exit Glacier is the most popular. It's also one of the most easily accessible glaciers in Alaska.

9. Chugach State Park

• Location: Anchorage, Alaska
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: There is no entrance fee, but just about every parking lot within the park is $5.00

Located in Anchorage, Chugach State Park is one of the most visited state parks in Alaska. Its easy access makes it the perfect summer destination! The park clocks in at 495,000 acres and is one of the largest parks in the country. There's a hiking trail for every experience level, plus plenty of wildlife tours. Thunderbird Falls is an easy waterfall trail within the park that the whole family can do, and one of our favorite Alaska outdoor attractions. The views of the falls are stunning!

Best Free Summer Activities

If you are like many outdoor lovers, you want a long list of things to do in Alaska, yet you don't want to break the budget. Fortunately, we've got you covered. There are dozens of free activities in Alaska that will allow you to create memories without spending much. In fact, the following Alaska summer activities won't cost you more than gas money.

10. Hiking Trails

• Location: All over Alaska
• Popularity: Some are more popular than others
• Need To Know: No matter where you go, do your research on the area to learn about trail difficulty, closures, etc. Also, make sure you always have bear spray and trail maps.

There are an endless number of hiking trails in Alaska. The best part is that there's a hiking trail for every skill level. Whether you're with the whole family and have a stroller to navigate or you're on your own with nothing more than a backpack and your shadow to keep you company, Alaska's hiking trails are one of the best free things to do. Especially during the summer months. You can hike trails that are popular or head off into more remote lands. Either way, we'd always recommend downloading trail maps ahead of time and making sure you've got all the hiking essentials first before you begin your journey.

11. Turnagain Arm

• Location: Anchorage, Alaska
• Popularity: Fairly popular
• Need To Know: Beluga whales can be seen from March until October.

Whale watching can be expensive, but you might be able to see them from the shore of Turnagain Arm if you're lucky! The whole area is drop-dead gorgeous, and there are plenty of hiking trails nearby. My favorite thing to do is to find a rock to sit on and gaze out into the water. From March until October, beluga whale sightings are pretty common!

12. Swimming holes

• Location: Throughout Alaska
• Popularity: Some are more popular than others
• Need To Know: The water will be colder than you think! And similar to the state's hiking trails, always do your research before hopping into the water. Safety first!

Summer is meant for splashing! There are plenty of swimming holes in Alaska that are just waiting for you to jump in. The McCarthy Swimming Hole, Goose Lake, and Mirror Lake are just a few of our favorites, but you may be inspired to find a hidden swimming hole on your own!

Best Summer Events and Festivals in Alaska

While yes, there are dozens of outdoor activities to keep you busy during the summer, do not overlook the Last Frontier's events and festivals. While there are options all around the state, the following are some of our top picks that shouldn't be missed:

13. Mount Marathon

• Location: Seward, Alaska
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: The event takes place each year on July 4. Because this race is so popular, you will likely need to enter a lottery for registration access.

The Mount Marathon Race is known to be one of the most difficult short-distance mountain races in the world. It's also one of the oldest foot races in the country! The first race was held in 1915 and has only grown in popularity. The 3.1-mile race has an average slope of 34 degrees and is 60 degrees at its steepest point. Thousands of people from all over the world come to participate and cheer others on.

14. Girdwood Forest Fair

• Location: Girdwood, Alaska
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: This family-friendly festival typically takes place in early July each year.

Since the first Forest Fair began in 1975, it has only gotten bigger and better. The festival celebrates music, and it covers many genres across its three stages. We're talking about everything from Irish folk music to Southern jazz. There will be plenty of live performances, tons of art booths, plenty of food, and so much more. The festival is free to attend, and you can park at Alyeska Resort and take the shuttle bus. The bus runs all day long.

15. Midnight Sun Festival

• Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: This is the largest single-day street fair in Alaska. This event takes place near the end of June each year.

Every year, more than 30,000 people flood downtown Fairbanks for 12 hours for the Midnight Sun Festival. It's one of the biggest festivals in Alaska! The entire day is filled with plenty of food trucks and shopping booths from local artisans. It's the perfect way to spend a summer day in Alaska with your entire family.

There truly is no shortage of things to do in Alaska in summer. From small towns to festivals designed for the entire family, it's easy to keep your bucket list full. Read on to discover even more things to do in Alaska. And if you are searching for even more outdoor adventures, check out this biking trail with scenic views and no steep climbs. Or, consider a berry-picking adventure in the Anchorage area. No matter what you do, have fun and happy travels!