In order to experience some of the most epic places in the Last Frontier, you’ll need to venture off the beaten path. In fact, your best bet is to hop in a boat and let the marine highway be your guide. Fuel your wanderlust by enjoying unbeatable views and charming stops along the way, sans the crowds. Each and every one of these 11 places in Alaska is truly a wildly-rugged force to be reckoned with, and you’ll want to visit them all.
1. Inside Passage
The inside passage is a breathtaking coastal route that weaves through some of the most jaw-dropping islands on the pacific coast. If you are coming to Alaska this year, do yourself a favor and hop on the ferry or a cruise ship and treat yourself to this incredible experience.
2. Bear Glacier
It's a boat accessible kind of a place, but so much better when experienced via SUP. Take a stand up paddleboard out with Liquid Adventures in Seward and enjoy the untouched natural beauty that is plentiful inside of the Kenai Fjords National Park.
3. Humpy Cove
Everyone needs to put a visit to Orca Island Cabins in Humpy Cove on their 2017 bucket list. This quintessential 'glamping' spot located just a short boat ride away from Seward is like something straight out of a dream. Enjoy cozy accommodations, warm and inviting hosts, delicious food, wildlife viewing, fun recreational activities and so much more.
4. Apple Island
Enjoy a fancy private island experience by staying at the luxurious Talon Lodge & Spa, located just a quick boat ride outside of the town of Sitka. You'll fall in love with the peace and quite, but the views from the massage table and the taste of the gourmet food might just make you die of happiness.
5. Tracy Arm Fjord
Located about 45 miles south of Alaska's capital city of Juneau is this incredible fjord that many visitors rank as their most beloved overall experience in the Last Frontier. Enjoy larger than life views that will have you screaming 'only in Alaska' from start to finish.
6. Halibut Cove
Another incredible destination located outside of Homer on the Kenai Peninsula is Halibut Cove. Kayak through this charming remote community, dine and dance the night away at Halibut Cove Live or visit The Saltry for a wildly Alaskan meal sourced with local seafood.
7. Seldovia
Just a short boat or ferry ride over from the 'halibut fishing capital of the world' (Homer) is this charming little town that is filled with warm hospitality. Come enjoy ample hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities. You'll also be pleasantly surprised by the amount of yummy eateries available here.
8. Glacier Bay National Park
Access this 3.3 million acre wonderland by boat, and see the best of Alaska's backcountry up close and personal. Feast your eyes on rugged mountains, glistening glaciers, lush rainforest, stunning coastlines and more wildlife than you can even imagine. If you want to be blown away, this is where you need to be.
9. Chichagof Island
Visit the charming town of Hoonah, walk the docks at Icy Straight Point or grab a brewski at Icy Straight Brewing Company. This laid back island town in Southeast Alaska is the perfect place to get away from it all.
10. Tustemena Glacier
Access Tustemena Lake from the town of Kasilof on the Kenai Peninsula and take your boat out of remote hiking and fishing adventure. Watch salmon swim in nearby streams and hike right up to the glacier. Best of all? You don't have to worry about battling any crowds out here because it's one of Alaska's best kept secrets.
11. Kenai Lake
Okay so before we go any further, we know that you can actually access Kenai Lake via the Sterling Highway in the town of Cooper Landing. However the really mushy, gushy good stuff that comes along with Kenai Lake is only accessible by boat. Get off the beaten path and experience some of the most alarmingly beautiful sights that the Last Frontier has to offer.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.