Those of us that live in Alaska and continue to be blown away by everything that the wild last frontier has to offer will say that we “never stop being tourists.” You see, once we fall head over heels in love with the great 49th state, we are ruined for basically every other place in the world. It’s just that everything under the sun that we could possibly want to do, we can do in our very own state. So when it comes time for a great summer vacation, we just have to hop in the car, jump on the train or get in a float plane to get to a truly magical destination.

These 15 awesome summer vacations are truly magical and (we just know) that everyone from Alaska will thank us after they experience them in person. For a guaranteed good time, get to reading…

1. Whale watching via paddleboard at Stillpoint Lodge in Halibut Cove.
Facebook - Stillpoint Lodge, photo from Carol Sayre Miller
Spend the day exploring Halibut Cove and Kachemak Bay via SUP or kayak and enjoy a mouthwatering gourmet meal at the end of the day. Not many things in life beat the peacefulness and adventure that you will find here.
2. Unbelievable rainbow trout fishing at Bristol Bay Lodge.
Facebook - Bristol Bay Lodge
Since 1972 these fine folks have been showing people from all over the world some of the most epic fishing adventures of a lifetime. Go for the trophy trout or focus on reeling in some huge salmon. No matter what, you're sure to have an adventure of a lifetime.
3. Discover Denali National Park and The North Face Lodge.
Peter Sidell via Facebook - Camp Denali & Noth Face Lodge
Go 93 miles deep into Denali National Park and stay at one of the most unforgettable lodges of your life. View Denali from your doorstep and if you're lucky the Aurora Borealis might even come out and dance for you.
4. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Ultima Thule Lodge.
Facebook - Ultima Thule Lodge
This one-of-a-kind wilderness safari and adventure lodge takes you deep into one of the most beautiful and secluded parts of Alaska.
5. Watch bears feed on salmon jumping out of waterfalls in Katmai National Park.
Flickr - Christoph Strässler
Wildlife viewing at it's finest when you visit Katmai National Park and experience huge bears feeding on salmon in Brooks Falls.
6. Fun, fishing and fine dining on a private island at Talon Lodge & Spa.
Facebook - Talon Lodge and Spa - Alaska Fishing Lodge
Private island paradise topped with a mouthwatering menu, epic saltwater fishing adventures, a relaxing spa and some of the warmest hospitality on the planet.
7. Relaxation and wine tasting at Bear Creek Winery and Lodging.
Facebook - Bear Creek Winery and Lodging
Get away from it all and head to Bear Creek Winery in Homer. Enjoy wine tasting, yummy chocolates and the comforts of a relaxing hot tub all nestled in the outdoors.

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8. Epic zip-lining at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah.
Facebook - Icy Strait Point
Try to catch your breath while riding the worlds largest ziprider! There is about a 99.9% chance that your cheeks will hurt from smiling so much. Once in a lifetime adventure right here!
9. Fishing frenzy at Kenai Riverside Fishing Lodge in Cooper Landing.
Facebook - Kenai Riverside Fishing
Float the Kenai River with experienced guides and don't be surprised when you get home from vacation and realize that you've stocked your entire freezer for the winter. Cooper Landing is a magical place and the Kenai Riverside Fishing Lodge known for delivering consistently top notch service.
10. Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventures in Juneau.
Facebook - Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventures
This botanical garden winding within the Tongass National Forest is truly mesmerizing. Check out stunning views of Mendenhall Glacier and spend the whole day just exploring God's green earth.
11. Snorkel with orcas in Ketchikan.
Facebook - Snorkel Alaska
Spend the day at Mount Point with a team of incredibly knowledgeable, fun and experienced guides. Your eyes will be amazed with all of the undersea findings and your heart will skip a beat at the sight of huge orcas.
12. Unlock unsurpassed beauty and gourmet dining from Gustavus Inn at Glacier Bay.
Facebook - Gustavus Inn at Glacier Bay
Enjoy the world-class nature of Glacier Bay National Park and stay at this fabulous lodge that focuses on offering incredible garden and ocean harvest meals to their guests.
13. National park day cruise and overnight at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge on Fox Island.
Facebook - Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge
Assesible from Seward, visitors can take a day cruise and explores glaciers and wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and spend the night on a private island at this truly special wilderness lodge.
14. Bear viewing at The Farm Lodge in Lake Clark National Park.
Facebook - The Farm Lodge and Lake Clark Air
Port Alsworth is a place unlike non other. Experience a vast amount of wildlife, spectacular scenery and all the fishing and fly out adventures that your heart desires.
15. Aurora Ice Museum and outdoor adventure at Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Facebook - Pat Guerrette at Chena Hot Springs Resort
A trip to Fairbanks is most definitley not complete without visiting the spectacular ice carvings at Aurora Ice Museum. End the day by soaking in the natural hot springs and find yourself feeling totally relaxed and refreshed.

Can you think of any other awesome summer vacation destinations that everyone in Alaska should take?

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