Alaska vacation rentals

Outdoor adventure in Alaska vacation home rentals

Alaska is a nature-lover's dream, drawing travelers to its vast landscapes of soaring mountains, lush forests and enormous glaciers. Long summer days here are spent outdoors, hiking and mountain climbing in beautiful national parks, kayaking alongside icebergs, white-water rafting on rapid rivers and joining boat excursions in search of whales. When you've selected a hub for your adventures in "The Last Frontier", you'll find a range of Alaska vacation rentals await, whether you prefer a downtown home in the biggest cities of Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, or a quiet cottage tucked away in the wilderness, with wildlife for neighbors.

Sightseeing near Alaska vacation rentals

A number of cultural sites throughout the state welcome visitors to delve into the history of Alaska. In Anchorage, the largest city, head to the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the major cultural groups here through interactive storytelling, demonstrations, dances and games. The Anchorage Museum has hands-on activities that kids will love, as well as art collections and historic exhibits. Some of the intricate totem poles the state is known for can be seen at parks along the island-dotted Inside Passage in the southern part of the state, including Totem Bight State Historic Park in Ketchikan, and Sitka National Historical Park on Baranof Island.

Activities near Alaska vacation homes

With so many open spaces to discover in the largest state in the U.S. there are endless outdoor activities to participate in. Several companies offer helicopter and seaplane rides, providing a glimpse of spectacular surroundings and presenting incredible vistas that can only be seen from above. Such excursions take off from cities such as Anchorage and Juneau, where you'll find many Alaska vacation rentals. Flying over mountains and glaciers, these are perfect for snapping aerial photos of the breathtaking landscape below. Many flightseeing tours can be paired with ground experiences, including guided walks along icefields, husky dog-sled rides through the snow and boat rides along soaring glaciers.

Local weather for your trip to Alaska vacation homes

The summer months are some of the best for visiting Alaska, as temperatures typically warm into the 60s and daylight hours stretch long into the night. This is the best time of year for most outdoor activities, from trail hiking in national parks to canoe trips on lakes and rivers. May through September is prime whale-watching season and since these months are more popular, you'll want to book your Alaska vacation rental early to make sure you secure your preferred dates. If you want to avoid the crowds, winter visits, though cold, provide opportunities to witness the Aurora Borealis light up the sky.

Exploring Alaska's wilderness and wildlife

With numerous national parks, wildlife preserves and conservation areas scattered around the state, there are endless spots to enjoy nature and seek wildlife among the colossal Alaskan wilderness known as "The Last Frontier". Denali National Park and Preserve is a popular spot to explore, with 6-million acres of land surrounding the highest peak in North America. Grizzly bears and reindeer are among dozens of mammal species that live here, while bald eagles can sometimes be spotted soaring above. Whale watching is a popular activity in Alaska, as the humpback variety make their way in summer to the waters around spots like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Transportation to and around Alaska

If you prefer to travel by train, Talkeetna Station, Talkeetna Station and Wasilla Alaska Railroad Depot are the main stations in the city.

Sample regional cuisine in Alaska

Alaskan cuisine includes homegrown and fresh-caught delicacies. Coastal areas of Alaska offer fantastic fish and seafood options on every menu, while inland areas provide unique game meats like caribou and moose. Some must-try foods include salmon, Pacific halibut, king crab, yak, and reindeer, all of which are available in restaurants near your vacation rental.