I’m A Solo Traveler Who Visited Alaska. Here Are 13 Activities I’d Recommend To Other First-time Visitors
Ever dreamed of a place where nature humbles you at every turn? That’s exactly what Alaska did to me. As my plane dipped beneath the clouds, revealing jagged peaks and winding rivers below, I knew I was in for something special—but I didn’t expect to fall completely in love.
From kayaking beside icebergs to spotting grizzlies from a safe (but thrilling!) distance, every day felt like stepping into a nature documentary. Traveling solo here wasn’t lonely—it was empowering. Locals welcomed me like an old friend, and moments of silence in the wild gave me the kind of clarity only true solitude can offer.
Curious what it feels like to truly disconnect and breathe in adventure with every lungful of crisp air? Alaska is waiting to show you.
1. Glacier hiking in Mendenhall
Walking on ancient ice changed my perspective forever. Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau offers guided treks where you’ll strap on crampons and venture across an otherworldly landscape of blue ice.
Safety comes first with professional guides who know exactly where to step. They’ll point out hidden ice caves, moulins (vertical shafts), and explain how the glacier formed thousands of years ago.
The physical challenge feels so rewarding, especially when you pause to drink crystal-clear glacial water straight from a stream. This experience combines adventure, education, and jaw-dropping beauty in one unforgettable package.
2. Wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords
Boarding a boat in Seward opened the door to Alaska’s marine wonderland. Kenai Fjords National Park showcases tidewater glaciers that crash dramatically into the sea while wildlife appears at every turn.
Humpback whales breached beside our vessel, sending everyone scrambling for cameras. Sea otters floated on their backs, puffins darted through the air, and harbor seals lounged on ice floes without a care in the world. Most tours include lunch and hot drinks, which feel heavenly when the wind picks up.
Even as a solo traveler, I quickly bonded with others over shared excitement when a pod of orcas surfaced unexpectedly near our boat.
3. Northern lights viewing in Fairbanks
Fairbanks sits under the aurora oval, making it one of the best places on earth to witness this magical phenomenon. My heart actually skipped when green lights first danced across the night sky above me.
Winter offers the clearest views between September and March. I booked a specialized tour that took me away from city lights to an unobstructed viewing area with warming huts and hot chocolate. Patience matters with aurora hunting – sometimes you’ll wait hours before the show begins. Bringing extra layers kept me comfortable in the frigid temperatures.
The colors shifting and swirling overhead created a spiritual experience that photographs simply can’t capture.
4. Dog sledding in Denali
Meeting the four-legged athletes of Alaska was pure joy! These huskies live for running, and their excitement before takeoff is contagious. When the musher released the brake, we shot forward with surprising speed across pristine snow.
Denali National Park actually uses sled dogs for winter patrols. Many kennels offer hands-on experiences where you can help harness the team and even try driving the sled yourself under supervision. The bond between mushers and their dogs touched me deeply.
Each dog has a distinct personality and specific role on the team. After our ride, spending time petting these friendly pups and hearing their individual stories became my favorite part of the experience.
5. Scenic train ride on the Alaska Railroad
Climbing aboard the Alaska Railroad’s glass-domed cars unlocked views impossible to access by road. The journey between Anchorage and Fairbanks cuts through remote wilderness where moose, bears and eagles frequently appear outside your window.
Friendly conductors share stories and point out landmarks along the route. My favorite stretch passed through the dramatic landscape of Denali National Park, where the train slowed down for wildlife sightings and photo opportunities. Unlike driving, train travel lets you fully absorb the scenery without watching the road.
The dining car served surprisingly delicious local specialties like reindeer sausage and salmon chowder, making this both transportation and a memorable Alaskan experience rolled into one.
6. Sea kayaking in Resurrection Bay
Gliding silently through the waters of Resurrection Bay brought me closer to nature than any other activity. From Seward’s harbor, I joined a guided kayaking tour that provided all the necessary gear and safety instructions. Harbor seals popped their curious heads up just feet away from my paddle.
Bald eagles soared overhead while sea stars and jellyfish were visible in the clear water below. The peaceful rhythm of paddling created a meditative experience. Though I worried about my lack of upper body strength, the stable two-person kayaks proved surprisingly easy to maneuver.
Even beginners can handle the protected waters near shore. This intimate ocean experience revealed Alaska’s coastline from a perspective most visitors never see.
7. Flightseeing over Denali
If I could recommend just one splurge in Alaska, flightseeing would be it. Small planes depart from Talkeetna, taking you around North America’s tallest peak for views that defy description. My pilot circled massive glaciers flowing between mountain ranges like frozen rivers.
We spotted tiny climbers attempting to summit Denali and flew through mountain passes that made my stomach drop. The perspective from above reveals Alaska’s true vastness in ways impossible from the ground. Weather determines flight paths, so flexibility helps.
Some tours even land on glaciers where you can step out onto ancient ice. Though expensive, this bird’s-eye view of Alaska’s grandeur created memories worth every penny spent.
8. Visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Cultural understanding deepened my Alaskan adventure beyond just scenery. The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage introduces visitors to the rich traditions of the state’s indigenous peoples through interactive exhibits and performances.
Native guides led me between authentic village sites representing different cultural groups. They demonstrated traditional hunting tools, explained how climate shaped survival strategies, and shared creation stories passed down for generations. Watching master artists carve intricate designs into whale bones and weave baskets from spruce roots gave me new appreciation for indigenous craftsmanship.
The dance performances featuring traditional drums and singing became a highlight that connected me to Alaska’s human history spanning thousands of years before European contact.
9. Hiking Flattop Mountain near Anchorage
Just minutes from downtown Anchorage stands a mountain that perfectly balances accessibility with stunning views. Flattop Mountain became my introduction to Alaskan hiking, with a well-maintained trail that doesn’t require technical skills.
The path climbs steadily through mountain meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer. Moose frequently graze near the trailhead, unbothered by hikers passing by. At higher elevations, the trail gets rockier with some scrambling required near the summit.
Reaching the distinctive flat top rewards you with panoramic views spanning from the city to Cook Inlet and six different mountain ranges. This half-day adventure let me stretch my legs after flying while adjusting to Alaska’s scale and beauty.
10. Whale watching in Juneau
Juneau’s waters host some of the most reliable whale sightings anywhere in Alaska. Humpbacks return each summer to feed, creating spectacular displays of breaching, tail-slapping, and bubble-net feeding right in front of tour boats.
My captain knew exactly where to find them, cutting the engines when we approached so we could hear their powerful exhalations. The moment a 40-ton whale launched its entire body out of the water beside our boat remains forever etched in my memory. Many tours guarantee sightings or offer a free second trip.
Beyond whales, we spotted sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles hunting. Even as someone traveling alone, I found the shared excitement on board created instant connections with fellow passengers.
11. Exploring Sitka’s historic downtown
Russian history collides with Tlingit culture in charming Sitka. St. Michael’s Cathedral with its onion domes stands as a reminder of Alaska’s Russian past, while totem poles throughout town represent indigenous heritage.
Wandering Sitka’s compact downtown, I discovered the Russian Bishop’s House, built in 1842 and now a fascinating museum. The Sitka National Historical Park features a serene coastal trail lined with intricately carved totem poles among towering spruce trees. Local shops sell authentic Native artwork rather than imported souvenirs.
When rain inevitably fell (Sitka receives over 86 inches annually), I ducked into cozy cafés serving fresh seafood chowder. This walkable town packs remarkable history into a small area, making it perfect for solo exploration.
12. Soaking in Chena Hot Springs
After days of adventure, my tired muscles found relief at Chena Hot Springs Resort, about 60 miles from Fairbanks. Natural mineral water bubbles up at 165°F before cooling to perfect soaking temperature in outdoor rock-lined pools.
Steam rose around me as I slipped into the healing waters while snow covered the surrounding forest. The contrast between the hot pool and frigid air created a magical experience, especially at night when northern lights sometimes dance overhead. The resort also features an amazing ice museum with elaborate sculptures and an ice bar serving appletinis in glasses made of ice.
Their geothermal greenhouse grows fresh vegetables year-round in this remote location. This relaxing retreat provided the perfect balance to more strenuous activities.
13. Trying fresh halibut in Homer
Homer’s nickname as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” sets high expectations for seafood lovers. The famous Homer Spit—a narrow finger of land jutting into Kachemak Bay—houses restaurants serving fish caught just hours earlier.
My first bite of fresh halibut, simply prepared with lemon and butter, revealed why locals prize this firm white fish. Waterfront eateries offer deck seating where you can watch fishing boats return with their catch while bald eagles soar overhead.
For the adventurous, charter boats take visitors out to catch their own dinner. Even as a solo diner, I felt welcome at communal tables where fishermen shared tales of the day’s adventures. This culinary experience connected me to Alaska’s maritime culture in delicious ways.