The 17 Must-See Destinations in Alaska Right Now

There's beauty to behold in every corner of America, and that's especially true in Alaska. Coming here is like visiting another world because you'll see landscapes, glaciers and mountains that you can't see anywhere else. Everyone should visit Alaska at least once. If you're still undecided about taking a trip to The Last Frontier state, then we have just what you need to make your decision. It's our list of must-see destinations in Alaska.

There are several national parks, including Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park, where you'll see massive glaciers, huge mountains and more. Plus, you can hike or ride a bike down countless trails of varying difficulty. If you love animals, this is the place to be. You can go to a place like Tongass National Forest and have the chance to see species you won't witness everywhere else, like bears, lynx, bald eagles and even real reindeer. If you'd rather sit down to enjoy the sights, there are also several famous aerial tramways that will take you high in the air so you can get a bird's eye view of the beauty of Alaska.

To find the best must-see destinations in Alaska, 24/7 Tempo consulted various tourism sources, including U.S. News Travel, Alaska.org and Visit Anchorage.com. During our review, we chose the attractions that we believe would be enjoyable to a majority of people who visit the state. You don't need to be a seasoned explorer to visit these locations. These are destinations that allow you to bring the family and enjoy the splendor together. We hope you check out a few of these hotspots. (After you've been there, learn about the other most beautiful natural places and wonders of the world.)

Among the must-see destinations in Alaska that should be among your first stops is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It may seem like a tourist-type destination, but if you want to learn everything important about this amazing state while seeing some awesome sights, this is the place to be. It's also a park that's home to orphaned animals, so you can see moose, bald eagles, lynx and reindeer, and you'll learn a lot about their conservation efforts. You'll also get great pointers from the experts there about other spots to visit while you're in Alaska.

One of the most exciting and charming towns in Alaska is Ketchikan, and you must add it to your bucket list. Take a tour down the main street and enjoy the quaint homes and buildings. Stop at the shops, and purchase unique Alaska-themed artwork and souvenirs. Don't forget to walk along Ketchikan Creek. It's there where you can see the beautiful flowing water and witness the salmon swimming upstream. There's also Dolly's House Museum and the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, both of which give you a history lesson on the old days of Alaska.

One of the absolute must-see destinations in Alaska that you must visit even if you only go once is Denali National Park. You'll see a little bit of everything here, from the mountains to the dense evergreen forests. This is one of the many chances to see the amazing wildlife, including moose, grizzly bears, wolves, caribou and more. There are many hiking trails to explore and opportunities to camp and really soak in the scenery. You can also take guided tours and learn about the early settlers that shaped the area. Stay and see what you can discover.

If you love history then one of the best must-see destinations in Alaska is Sitka National Historical Park. It was here that the famous Battle of Sitka took place in 1804. This was a conflict between the Russians and the Tlingit — a tribe of the Northwest Coast Indians. It's an important part of Alaska's history, and you can learn a lot. While there, you can check out totem poles and the house where the Russian Orthodox Bishop once called home. Your family can also enjoy cultural demonstrations, like weaving, dancing and wood carving.

One reason that many people plan to visit Alaska is to get the best chance to view the northern lights. This visual phenomenon is best seen here where there's less light pollution and plenty of white snow that bounces the light just right. The best time to see the northern lights is between the months of August and April and between midnight and 4 am, so plan accordingly. Wherever you go to see the lights, you can also have fun when the sun is out by hiking and exploring the wilderness.

When it comes to the best cities and must-see destinations in Alaska, one of the greatest is Haines. This is a small town, but there's a ton of fun and culture to discover. This is another place where you can see bears and other wildlife while walking around town. There are also plenty of water activities for the kids. While you're in the area, check out the Hammer Museum. As the name suggests, it's a museum dedicated to the history of the building tool and it's quite fascinating. Bring your camera for this one.

Next on our list of must-see destinations in Alaska is the gorgeous Mendenhall Glacier. When else could you see a real glacier? You'll look in wonder as you see the magnitude of this massive piece of ice. Take a guided tour, and you can enjoy a kayak ride or go on foot and get up close and personal with the glacier while seeing things you may not notice on your own. You may also run across wild animals, from bears to eagles. Don't forget to stop by the visitor's center to learn more about the thriving ecosystem.

You don't necessarily need to hike the trails to soak in the beauty of Alaska. You can also go by car by traveling the Seward Highway. It starts in Anchorage (which is a treat in itself, especially if you like five-star hotels and restaurants), and it goes to the smaller town of Seward. During your drive, you'll get amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and countless picturesque mountain peaks. If you want to stretch your legs, there are also countless places to get out and hike or take a few photos.

Another charming town in Alaska that has nice people and tons of natural splendor to enjoy is Nome. This is the town that marks the end point of the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Even if you're not there for that, you'll get the chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Plus, this place is located on the rolling tundra, which means there are no trees for miles. It's great because it allows you to stand just about anywhere and see the gorgeous landscape that sprawls out as far as the eyes can see.

Another of the most incredible must-see destinations in Alaska is the unforgettable Tongass National Forest. It's here that you can see just about every landscape that the state has to offer, from glaciers to meadows to ancient rainforests. Be careful here because this is a conservation area where plants and wildlife live in peace. That means you may see bears, moose and fish. You are allowed to go fishing in the rivers, lakes and saltwater passageways. The real claim to fame is the miles of hiking trails available for a variety of skill levels, so there's something for everyone.

For something truly different, make your way to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. While there, drive to the Kuskulana Bridge. It's 535 feet long and a marvel of the architecture of the early 1900s. Park your car on one side, and walk across the bridge. In addition to being a unique experience, you'll get to see amazing views of the land below, the Wrangell Mountains and the Kuskulana River.

One of the absolute must-see destinations in Alaska is this national park located on the Kenai Peninsula. Take a tour by foot or boat and you'll see many different glaciers, fjords, and robust landscapes. You'll also see some of the bluest water in the world. This is your chance to see a different type of wildlife as you may come across dolphins, orcas, whales, sea otters and other incredible sea life. There's also a chance to take your own kayak close to Harding Icefield, which is one of the largest glaciers in America.

One of the best places to enjoy the mountains and rolling hills of Alaska is Mount Alyeska. There's something for everyone during each season. Visit during the winter and you'll enjoy some of the best skiing opportunities in the country. Go during the warmer season and you can hike or ride a bike through gorgeous landscapes. There are trails for beginners and experts alike. There's also the Alyeska Aerial Tramway that allows you to see the incredible vistas by air. Once you reach the summit, you can take some of the most gorgeous pictures imaginable.

While the Alyeska Aerial Tramway provides great views of the state, you'll see even more by taking the Mount Roberts Tramway. This attraction, located in the city of Juneau, takes you hundreds of feet into the air as you soak in the views of the landscapes below. While you're up there, you may see bald eagles in the sky and black bears on the ground. The adventure continues at the top because there are several mountaintop hiking trails to enjoy. Finally, enjoy a meal at the restaurant found at the summit and make it a day to remember.

It's fascinating to go back in time and relive the excitement of our ancestors as they searched for wealth during the times of the gold rush. You can do that in Alaska by visiting Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park. You'll get to walk in the footsteps of the prospectors from long ago and enjoy the natural beauty of the famous Chilkoot Trail. There's also an area to walk downtown and view the area like the people of the past. Bring your camera and look closely. Maybe you'll find some gold of your own.

If you went to Alaska with the hope of seeing some of the amazing wild animals but you're not having luck, then stop by the Fortress of the Bear. This is an animal sanctuary and rescue facility that has the mission of finding and rehabilitating orphaned bears. Go here and you're guaranteed to see at least one Alaskan brown bear as you walk around safe outdoor enclosures. Don't forget to bring your camera during this expedition.

Finally, our list of must-see destinations in Alaska concludes with the Serpentine Hot Springs. This incredible place is proof that there's more to the state than just snow and cold temperatures. The hot springs are located within the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. You can bathe or relax in warm water. While you're there, you may witness exotic wildlife, and it's quite astonishing. You can then get out and hike to further explore the splendor of the area. The place is so amazing that it's no surprise that it makes our list of the most underrated attractions in every state.