What to do in Alaska for an unforgettable adventure: Top 10 must-see attractions

Stravange Norway-City

Cruise passengers walking across Grizzly Falls on a suspended bridge.

With so many opportunities to view pristine nature and wild animals, it can be hard to know where to start when planning activities and excursions for your Alaska cruise. But don't worry: For adventure enthusiasts, Alaska is the perfect destination for combining thrilling outdoor activities with natural wonders.

Whether you're craving an adrenaline rush or just want to relax during your visit, we've rounded up the top 10 must-dos in Alaska that combine the region's natural beauty with unforgettable adventures.

Table of contents

A flightseeing plane lands on a glacier in Alaska, with guests exploring the icy landscape, framed by towering snow-covered mountains.
Guests experience an unforgettable flightseeing excursion in Alaska, landing on a glacier surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped peaks.

1. Flightseeing tours

To truly get an appreciation of scale in Alaska, there is no activity better than taking a helicopter or plane ride over the sprawling forests and glaciers. This Alaska adventure may be adventurous enough for most, but to add another layer of thrills, many of helicopter rides are allowed to land on glaciers, where travelers can take an up-close-and-personal tour of one of nature's largest wonders.

A gray whale breaching in the ocean off the coast of Alaska, with water splashing as it emerges against a backdrop of calm, expansive waters.
A majestic gray whale breaches the surface of the ocean in Alaska, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring sight against the serene waters.

2. Whale watching

Alaska’s coastal waters are teeming with incredible marine life like humpback whales and orcas — and there's nothing quite like witnessing these giants breach the surface and seeing their massive tails slicing through the water. 

A whale-watching tour is a must for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, offering sealife lovers an unforgettable glimpse into Alaska’s untamed beauty.

A dog sled camp on the Mendenhall Glacier, featuring professional mushers, huskies and sleds ready to zip across the snowy expanse under a clear sky.
Visit a dog sled camp on the Mendenhall Glacier, meet professional mushers and their huskies and enjoy the exhilarating experience of sledding across the snow-packed terrain.

3. Dogsledding

Get a taste of Alaska's frontier spirit with a thrilling dogsledding adventure. Feel the excitement of the team of huskies as they charge through snow-covered landscapes and along glacier trails. Whether you’re racing across the tundra or enjoying a casual ride, this experience brings you closer to Alaska’s rich history and gives you the chance to bond with the incredible dogs that call this place home.

A fishing charter boat floats in calm waters beside a red lodge on stilts, with forested hills in the background, capturing the essence of an Alaska fishing adventure.
A fishing charter boat anchored near a red stilted lodge in Alaska, set against a backdrop of forested hills and tranquil waters.

4. Fishing charters

Cast a line on an Alaska fishing charter and experience something truly unforgettable. The waters here are brimming with prized catches, from salmon to halibut. Hooking a fish in Alaska's world-renowned fishing spots is a thrill like no other, made even better by the stunning scenery that turns every cast into a lasting memory.

A grizzly bear standing in a stream in Alaska, holding a freshly caught salmon in its mouth, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and flowing water.
A powerful grizzly bear catches a salmon in a rushing Alaskan stream, showcasing the raw beauty and resilience of wildlife in its natural habitat.

5. Wildlife spotting

Alaska is one of the few places where you can spot bears fishing in rivers, eagles soaring overhead and moose meandering through the forest — all in one day. For nature lovers, wildlife tours offer a chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats. With knowledgeable guides, you’ll get up close with (safely, of course) and gain a deeper appreciation for Alaska’s diverse wildlife.

A couple paddles a sea kayak in Alaska, gliding through calm waters with a backdrop of majestic mountains and dense green forests.
A couple enjoys kayaking in Alaska, surrounded by serene waters and dramatic views of majestic mountains and lush forests.

6. Kayaking

The unspoiled rivers and lakes of Alaska are the life source of its thriving ecosystem. For those seeking a fresh perspective, a kayaking trip offers an incredible way to immerse yourself in Alaska's natural beauty. Paddle through serene waters and experience the thrill of exploring the great outdoors up close — an unforgettable adventure awaits.



Start your Alaska adventure

Sun Princess in Alaska
Experience the thrill of the zipline course at Eaglecrest Lodge Ski Area, soaring through the treetops with stunning mountain views in Alaska.
Saltstraumen, the world's strongest natural whirlpool in Bodo © Tommy Andreassen / www.nordnorge.com

7. Ziplining adventures

Ziplining offers a thrilling way to experience Alaska’s natural beauty, combining high speeds with stunning aerial views. Soar through the treetops on long runs and connecting platforms, often towering over 100 feet in height. It’s an unforgettable adventure that immerses you in Alaska’s incredible landscapes while your heart races with excitement.

A breathtaking view of the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska, showcasing its vivid blue ice cascading into a turquoise lake, surrounded by rocky mountains and green foliage under a cloudy sky.
The stunning Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska, a natural marvel of vibrant blue ice flowing into a serene turquoise lake, framed by rugged cliffs and lush greenery.

8. Mendenhall glacier

Marvel at the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a sprawling icefield that stretches for miles. Explore its scenic trails, paddle past brilliant blue icebergs by kayak, or venture into mesmerizing ice caves. Every vantage point offers a unique perspective of this colossal natural wonder, providing a profound connection to Alaska’s ancient and breathtaking landscapes.

A stunning display of the Northern Lights in Alaska, with streaks of green and purple illuminating the starry night sky above silhouetted trees.
The mesmerizing Northern Lights dance across the Alaska night sky, painting it with vibrant hues of green and purple above a serene forest.

9. Northern lights

The northern lights are nature’s most mesmerizing light show. Alaska’s clear, dark skies are a perfect canvas for the aurora borealis to dance across, painting the heavens in shades of green, purple and red. Seeing the Northern Lights is more than just a visual spectacle — it’s an experience that stays etched in your memory, filling you with wonder at the beauty of Alaska.

A close-up of shrimp tacos filled with seasoned shrimp, fresh vegetables and cheese, served with lime wedges and salsa on a wooden board.
Mouthwatering shrimp tacos loaded with fresh ingredients, including crispy vegetables, tangy salsa and a squeeze of lime for the perfect flavor combination.

10. Local cuisine

Savor the authentic flavors of Alaska by diving into its fresh, locally sourced cuisine. Enjoy succulent wild-caught salmon and halibut to savory king crab legs — Alaska’s seafood is some of the best in the world. Try unique offerings like reindeer sausage or the traditional dish akutaq, also known as Eskimo ice cream. From quaint coastal towns to the dining experiences aboard a Princess cruise, these culinary delights are a memorable part of any Alaska adventure.

A Princess cruise ship in Glacier Bay National Park, with massive blue glaciers and rugged, snow-covered mountains in the background under a clear sky.
A Princess cruise ship glides through the icy waters of Glacier Bay National Park, surrounded by towering glaciers and majestic snow-capped mountains.

Explore Alaska aboard a Princess cruise

Ready to experience the best of Alaska? Join us on a Princess Alaska cruise, the #1 way to see Alaska’s breathtaking beauty up close. From thrilling dogsledding to awe-inspiring glacier views, Princess has you covered with exactly what to do in Alaska.

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