While it may not be part of the contiguous 48 states, Alaska is a must-visit destination for your vacation. Being the largest state in America, it showcases unmatched natural wonders and diverse cultural landmarks. With thrilling cruises and lively festivals, Alaska presents plenty of motives for daring explorers to discover. We've gathered a selection of the finest locations in the state that are absolutely worth exploring. Here are 5 strong incentives to contemplate a journey to Alaska this year. Let's dive in!
What are the compelling reasons to visit Alaska this year?
1. Summer Solstice Festival
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Every June, Anchorage hosts its annual Summer Solstice Festival to commemorate the longest day of the year, featuring a series of events that extend beyond the solstice day itself. Festivities commence with the Sundown Solstice Festival from June 7 to 9, offering live music, local artist installations, and a diverse selection of Alaskan cuisine from food trucks. The celebration carries on from June 14 to 22 with a salmon fishing derby, a beloved tradition where fishermen compete to catch the largest king salmon. On June 20, Anchorage experiences 22 hours of daylight due to its northern location marking the solstice. The festivities culminate with the 50th anniversary of the Anchorage Mayor's Marathon on June 22. Don't miss out on this multi-week extravaganza in Anchorage – whether you're a runner or a fishing enthusiast!
2. Alaska cruises
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Some cities in Alaska, like Juneau, cannot be reached by car but only by plane or boat, such as ferries. Travel to Juneau in luxury on a fabulous Alaskan cruise, which not only provides a practical way to connect coastal cities and even reach Washington state, but also offers a luxurious experience for admiring the Alaskan wilderness. Experience breathtaking views of massive glaciers, playful whales and seals, and indulge in exquisite dining on board. The best time to visit is from June to August, with temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit and get ready to soak up over 20 hours of sunlight on some days, while savoring delicious Alaskan seafood crafted by top chefs in the country.
3. Denali National Park
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Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska is famous for its towering peak, the highest in the country at 20,310 feet above sea level. However, this expansive park spanning six million acres offers much more than just climbing opportunities. Home to a diverse array of wildlife, many visitors come to Denali to catch a glimpse of the "Big Five" animals – moose, grizzly bear, caribou, gray wolf, and Dall sheep. Don't forget your binoculars as you embark on a tour to spot these majestic creatures. For a guaranteed animal encounter, make sure to visit the husky kennels where you can interact with adorable sled dog puppies in training for Alaska's future teams.
4. Alaska Railroad
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It can be challenging to fully admire the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska if you're preoccupied with driving your car. However, the Alaska Railroad offers a convenient and picturesque way to meander through the countryside and savor the magnificent views. The history of the railroad can be traced back to 1903, and it has expanded over the years to traverse through several popular destinations like Whittier, Anchorage, Fairbanks, and even Denali National Park. Along with regular transportation services, the railroad also organizes special event trains throughout the year. These special events cater to families with themes like the Easter and Halloween trains, where children can dress up and enjoy delicious treats. For adults, there's the Great Alaskan Beer Train, serving a selection of tasty local craft beers. In addition, there's a 40-year-old tradition of the ski train that carries adventure enthusiasts from Anchorage to explore backcountry skiing opportunities.
5. Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary
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Alaska is well-known for its bears and moose, but it also offers wonderful opportunities for bird watching, especially at Potter Marsh sanctuary in Anchorage. This sanctuary spans 564 acres and houses more than 130 bird species, such as Canada geese, canvasback ducks, and nesting bald eagles. With 1,550 feet of boardwalks, the park is easily accessible and suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Aside from birds, visitors can also spot muskrats swimming, moose bathing, and salmon swimming beneath the boardwalk. Just a short distance from the city, this sanctuary makes for a perfect day trip to unwind for a few hours.
Park with peace of mind: opt for ParkingNearAirports.io for a stress-free journey!
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Along with our ultimate travel guide, we would like to share an additional valuable suggestion. This advice will prove beneficial for individuals who opt for air travel.
If you get to the airport by car, you always need to find a good parking space for your vehicle to leave for the period of a trip. In most cases, airports have special on-site parking for that purpose. However, such a parking lot is pretty costly most of the time, and people aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of a trip. So is there any solution?
The best way to solve this problem is to choose off-site parking. Why, you may ask? We will explain.
There are many reasons which can prove the benefit of this parking type. Here are some of them:
- Affordable Rates. Depending on the duration of your trip, you can choose between short-term and long-term airport parking. Anyway, an off-site airport is much cheaper, so you can save your money and spend the most considerable amount on things you really want to see or try while traveling.
- Fast Service. In contrast with on-site airport parking, which can take quite a long time, off-site parking offers you the convenience of driving directly to the entrance and having a staff member pull your luggage out of your vehicle and load it into the shuttle. Then they will park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It's a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
- Convenience. When people travel, they may be stressed about making it to the airport on time. If you use off-site parking, you will definitely make your travel experience more convenient, as you use the service of a private company. Even though you may be able to park on-site at the airport in a short-term or long-term airport parking lot, consider using an off-site parking lot service.
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We are glad to say that our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers travelers online reservations for parking just outside airports that are convenient and affordable. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing travelers parking options at over 100 airports in the US and Canada. The app allows customers to search and compare parking rates at up to 70 percent savings compared to the cost of on-site parking at all major airports.
With our platform, it only takes a few clicks in the app to reserve a parking spot. Guests receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking space upon arrival at the off-airport parking. In addition, the app helps customers locate the most convenient lots to the airport. Cancellations are easy if plans change with hassle-free, refundable cancellations.
Besides this, we also offer services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Now let's take a good example. Imagine that you're planning a trip to Alaska. This state is located in the American West. So if you're flying from San Francisco, California, you can use cheap parking near SFO with shuttle. If you're coming from Cincinnati, Kentucky, you can choose affordable CVG valet parking. It just depends on the place you're flying from.
You can always find everything you need on our official website: the best deals for parking near US and Canadian airports, domestic airport parking charges, and much more.
