Alaska, though the largest state of the United States, is separated from of the rest of the US by Canada. Located in the northwest of the North American continent, this glacier state is the 4th least populated among the US states. To the north of Alaska is the Arctic Ocean and to the south and the west is the Pacific Ocean.
Alaska covers over 663,268 sq mi, and boasts of some breathtaking landscapes. The state is covered with a number of glaciers making it the ideal destination for adventure and nature loving tourists.
Places to Visit Alaska
Alaska’s natural beauty attracts a large number of the visitors to this state. The state has about fifteen national parks, which are its key attractions. The following are the major tourist attractions of the state –
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Denali National Park :
The Denali National Park is home to the magnificent Mt. McKinley, the highest peak of North America. The snow covered peak attracts thousands of visitors and climbers each year. Claims are that this national park has the best wildlife viewing safari in the continent. The national park is home to a variety of wildlife including the grizzly bear, fox, caribou, moose, and lynx. It is a tourist destination which is open all through the year. Check this Denali National Park Map for more info.
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Kenai Fjords National Park:
The Kenai Fjords National Park covers a tidewater glacier and the Harding Ice Field – the major attraction for most visitors. Home to variety of marine wildlife, the park offers many tour boats and great cruise options. The biggest king salmon fish is found in the Kenai River. Check this Kenai Fjords National Park Map for more info.
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Katmai National Park
This protects 9,000 years of human history and the important habitat of Salmon and thousands of brown bears. You’ll find 18 individual volcanoes in this park, out of which seven parks have been active since 1900. Check this Katmai National Park Map for more info.
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Glacier Bay National Park:
Home to twelve tidewater glaciers, the Glacier Bay National Park is the largest water-area park of United States. It is also one of the highest places for whale watching.
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Prince William Sound:
Named by George Vancouver, the Prince William Sound is a sound or strait in the Gulf of Alaska. Some of the amazing tidewater glaciers are found in this sound. Some of these glaciers descend from the Chugach Mountains.
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Anchorage:
Anchorage is the largest city of Alaska and is famous for its museums. Anchorage also offers a number of cultural attractions, fine dining options, and luxurious hotels. This city has the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which is must-visit for visitors. In winter this city also offers great skiing opportunities.
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Fairbanks:
Located north of the Denali Park, Fairbanks is the second largest city of Alaska and is famous for the occurrence of the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights, the astrophysical phenomena. Between the months of April and August, the Northern Lights illuminate the night sky and provide some very picturesque views. During the summer months Fairbanks receives 22 hours of sunlight. The Ice Museum and Alaska Museum are also the major attractions of the city.
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Juneau:
Juneau is the capital city of Alaska and is one of the top most tourist destinations of the state. Here one can enjoy the pristine scenery and the adventurous activities the city has to offer. Whale watching, hiking, and cultural activities attract most tourists to the city.