Alaska, often referred to as “The Last Frontier,” is a land of immense beauty and unparalleled adventure. As Alaska approaches its centennial milestones, including the 100th anniversary of events like the Serum Run and the establishment of Glacier Bay National Park as a national monument, 2025 presents an exceptional opportunity to explore this incredible state. For travelers seeking the best places to visit in the US, Alaska offers a unique blend of wilderness, culture, and thrilling experiences.
One of Alaska’s most iconic events is the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, commemorating the 1925 Serum Run. This annual race, a 1,000-mile test of endurance, draws crowds from around the globe. Spectators gather along the course to witness mushers and their dog teams compete in this challenging event. For those planning to witness the race’s start, Anchorage provides the perfect base. The newly opened Wildbirch Hotel offers prime views of the Iditarod start line, combining luxury with a front-row seat to this historic race. This boutique hotel, Anchorage’s first major new lodging in two decades, boasts 252 rooms designed with local artistry in mind, promising a culturally rich stay alongside the race excitement.
Another centennial highlight is Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, initially declared a national monument in 1925. This park is a spectacle of nature, featuring towering mountains, dramatic coastlines, and abundant wildlife. Glacier Bay is the ancestral home of the Huna Tlingit people, who are actively involved in restoring their cultural heritage within the park. A significant achievement is the construction of the Xúnaa Shuká Hít tribal house, the first permanent clan house built on these shores in over 250 years, marking a powerful resurgence of tradition. The Huna also operate Icy Strait Point, a popular cruise destination in Southeast Alaska, further connecting cultural experiences with Alaskan adventures. In 2025, Icy Strait Point will be a key port for new voyages, including Princess Cruises’ 22-day Ultimate Alaska Solstice voyage. Departing from San Francisco in June, this itinerary maximizes the extended daylight of the summer solstice, offering ample time to soak in the breathtaking panoramas of Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and more.
For wildlife enthusiasts, particularly those fascinated by bears, the Kodiak Brown Bear Center on Kodiak Island is a must-visit destination. This Native-owned center offers intimate, guided bear viewing experiences in a verdant landscape, home to the world’s largest brown bear subspecies. Expanding its offerings in the summer of 2025, the KBBC will unveil a new wellness center perched on a scenic bluff and introduce six-day fly-fishing programs on the Karluk River. After a day of adventure, guests can relax in wood cabins overlooking the lake and partake in a traditional Alutiiq steam bath, known as maqiwik, providing a unique cultural wellness experience.
Accessing Alaska’s wonders has become even more convenient with Alaska Airlines enhancing its flight schedule in 2024. New daily nonstop service to New York complements existing routes to San Diego, Nashville, and Portland, Oregon, making it easier than ever to reach this northern paradise.
Alaska stands out as one of the best places to travel in the US, offering a diverse range of experiences from cultural immersions and historical explorations to wildlife encounters and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of the Iditarod, the serene grandeur of Glacier Bay, or the captivating wildlife of Kodiak Island, Alaska promises an unforgettable journey in 2025 and beyond.
How to plan it: To begin your Alaskan adventure, fly directly to Anchorage to witness the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. From Anchorage, a short flight to Gustavus Airport places you at the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. Alternatively, the Alaska State Ferry provides scenic routes to Gustavus, or consider embarking on Princess Cruises’ Ultimate Alaska Solstice voyage from San Francisco for an extended exploration of the region.
