As you consider the best places to travel in the USA, look no further than Alaska, a state brimming with unparalleled natural beauty and unique experiences. In 2025, Alaska is set to celebrate the centennial of several of its most iconic landmarks and events, making it an especially compelling destination. From thrilling dog sled races to breathtaking national parks and enhanced accessibility, here’s why Alaska should top your list of best places to travel in the USA in 2025.
One of the landmark centennials is the 100th anniversary of the Serum Run, a heroic sled dog relay that delivered life-saving diphtheria antitoxins to Nome in 1925. This event is annually commemorated by the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Imagine witnessing the start of this incredible race, where top mushers and their powerful dog teams embark on a 1,000-mile journey. For an unbeatable experience, plan your stay at the Wildbirch Hotel in Anchorage. This brand-new boutique hotel, opening in early 2025, offers design-forward rooms and, most importantly, unobstructed views of the Iditarod start line, placing you right in the heart of the action. Experiencing the Iditarod is a truly unique way to engage with Alaskan culture and history, marking it as one of the best places to travel in the USA for adventure and cultural immersion.
Another centennial highlight in 2025 is Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, established as a national monument 100 years prior. This park epitomizes the majestic wilderness Alaska is known for. Picture yourself surrounded by towering mountains, dramatic coastlines, and abundant wildlife. Glacier Bay is also the ancestral homeland of the Huna Tlingit people. In a remarkable collaboration with the National Park Service, the Huna Tlingit are revitalizing their oral histories and cultural traditions within the park. A significant achievement of this partnership is the construction of the Xúnaa Shuká Hít tribal house, the first permanent clan house built on these shores since glacial activity destroyed villages centuries ago. Furthermore, the Huna people own Icy Strait Point, a premier cruise destination in southeast Alaska. In 2025, Icy Strait Point will host exciting new voyages, including Princess Cruises’ 22-day Ultimate Alaska Solstice voyage departing from San Francisco in June. This itinerary is perfectly timed to take advantage of the extended daylight during the summer solstice, granting you more than 19 hours of sunlight to soak in the stunning vistas of Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and more. Glacier Bay’s blend of natural grandeur and rich cultural history firmly establishes it as one of the best places to travel in the USA for nature enthusiasts and those seeking profound cultural experiences.
For wildlife enthusiasts, particularly those fascinated by bears, the Native-owned Kodiak Brown Bear Center on Kodiak Island is an unmissable destination and easily ranks among the best places to travel in the USA for wildlife viewing. Kodiak Island is home to the largest subspecies of brown bear in the world, and at the KBBC, small groups of visitors can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat under expert guidance. Adding to its appeal, in the summer of 2025, the KBBC will unveil a new wellness center perched on a scenic bluff. They will also introduce new six-day fly-fishing programs on the Karluk River. After a day of adventure, guests can relax in wood cabins overlooking the lake and enjoy a traditional Banya-style steam bath, known as maqiwik by the Alutiiq people. This unique combination of wildlife encounters and wellness experiences makes Kodiak Brown Bear Center a standout destination.
Finally, getting to Alaska, one of the best places to travel in the USA, is becoming increasingly convenient. Alaska Airlines has significantly expanded its flight schedule in 2024, adding a daily nonstop route to New York, alongside existing services to San Diego, Nashville, and Portland, Oregon. This enhanced connectivity makes planning your Alaskan adventure easier than ever, no matter where you are starting your journey from within the USA.
How to plan it: Fly directly to Anchorage from major cities like Las Vegas, New York, and Atlanta to witness the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. From Anchorage, a short 3-hour and 15-minute flight will take you to Gustavus Airport (GST), the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. Alternatively, the Alaska State Ferry offers scenic and regular trips to Gustavus. For a comprehensive Alaskan experience, consider Princess Cruises’ Ultimate Alaska Solstice voyage, commencing in San Francisco in June.
