Franklin Dean
Alaska is a unique honeymoon destination, offering a rugged landscape of mountains, glaciers, and forests, as well as abundant wildlife. Anchorage, Alaska's most populous city, is a convenient base for exploring the state, with easy access to Denali National Park, home to abundant wildlife and the towering Denali Mountain. For a more remote experience, consider a stay in a secluded wilderness lodge accessible only by air or water taxi, where you can enjoy activities such as sea kayaking, fishing, and bear viewing. Alaska's dramatic scenery and adventurous activities provide a romantic backdrop for couples seeking an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flight time | Direct flights from several US cities, with the shortest flight being from Seattle (3-3.5 hours) |
| Language | English, but there are approximately 23 distinct Alaskan native languages |
| Currency | USD |
| Transport | Air travel, car rentals, the Alaska Railroad, buses, and ferries |
| Accommodation | Glamping, rustic lodges, high-end resorts, wilderness lodges, private cabins, yurts |
| Activities | Hiking, scuba diving, kayaking, floatplane rides, whale watching, dog sledding, helicopter flights, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, glacier cruises, fishing, bear viewing, Northern Lights viewing |
| Attractions | Denali National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Disenchantment Bay, Kenai Fjords National Park, Mendenhall Glacier, Resurrection Bay, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Valdez, Seward, Talkeetna, Juneau |
| Best time to visit | June to August for the warmest weather; May to September for longer days and greater accessibility to outdoor activities |
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What You'll Learn
- Adventure activities: helicopter flights, dog sledding, hiking, kayaking, rafting, zip-lining, etc
- Wildlife: whales, puffins, moose, bears, eagles, etc
- Northern Lights: best seen in winter
- Anchorage: Alaska's most populous city, with museums, shops, and restaurants
- Glacier cruises: cruise past glaciers and ice fields
Adventure activities: helicopter flights, dog sledding, hiking, kayaking, rafting, zip-lining, etc
Alaska is a great honeymoon destination for adventure-seeking couples. The state offers awe-inspiring landscapes, world-class cuisine, and a range of accommodations, from glamping in yurts to high-end wilderness lodges.
Helicopter Flights
Alaska Helicopter Tours offers helicopter flightseeing, glacier dog sledding, heli-hiking, ice climbing, glacier paddleboarding, glacier hiking, and custom adventures from the Knik Glacier valley in the Chugach Mountains (just north-east of Anchorage). You can also opt for bear viewing, glacier experiences, and volcano tours from Homer. The company's expert pilots and guides will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is an iconic Alaskan tradition and a state obsession. Taking a dog sledding excursion is a chance to meet Iditarod racers and their dogs, hear their stories, and often experience dog sledding first-hand. You can opt for a summer or winter dog sledding adventure in Fairbanks, or experience dog mushing in Big Lake with four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser.
Hiking
Hiking in Alaska offers a range of options, from paved nature paths to single-track trails through forests to ridgeline hikes in the mountains. Alaska's sprawling parks and public lands are a great place to start when planning your hiking trip. Some popular hikes include the Perseverance Trail, the Deer Mountain Trail, and the trail starting at the end of Beach Road that takes you through the rainforest to a pebble beach.
Kayaking
Sea kayaking in Alaska offers a quieter and more peaceful way to experience the state's glaciers and wildlife. You can paddle the shoreline of Resurrection Bay, where encounters with sea otters, seabirds, and spawning salmon are common, or explore the glacier-fed turquoise waters of Eklutna Lake. Seward and Homer are also great choices for sea kayaking due to their abundant wildlife and other attractions.
Rafting
Alaska offers both whitewater rafting and calm water rafting options. Rafting in Alaska puts you in the middle of nature, giving you up-close views of the state's unique topography and wildlife. You can raft through glacier-fed rivers and iceberg-filled lakes from McCarthy, located in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, or opt for a relaxing float through the Alaskan backcountry.
Zip-lining
Alaska offers zip-lining experiences that combine thrilling speeds with scenic views. The Nitro and G2 are two of the longest and fastest ziplines in the state, offering amazing sights as you glide near the Matanuska River and into the forested area around the Matanuska Glacier. Denali Park Zipline is the only ACCT-accredited zipline tour in Alaska, taking you above the treeline for sweeping 360-degree views of the tundra, the Alaska Range, and Resurrection Bay, where bald eagles are known to nest.
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Wildlife: whales, puffins, moose, bears, eagles, etc
Alaska is a great honeymoon destination, offering adventure, awe-inspiring landscapes, and accommodations like glamping, rustic lodges, and high-end resorts. It is also a great place to see wildlife, including whales, puffins, moose, bears, and eagles.
Whales
Whale watchers in Alaska are often rewarded with sightings of humpback whales and pods of killer whales in the waters of Prince William Sound and the Kenai Fjords National Park. The Cook Inlet near Anchorage is home to a small, isolated population of white, fish-eating beluga whales, a critically endangered species. Other species of whales that can be spotted in Alaska's waters include minke, fin, and Dall's porpoises.
Puffins
While not specifically mentioned in the sources, puffins are known to inhabit Alaska, particularly the islands of the Aleutian chain and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.
Moose
Moose are the largest members of the deer family, and Alaska moose are the largest of all. They are imposing creatures that can run at speeds of up to 35 mph and swim at 6 mph for up to two hours. A large bull can weigh up to 1,600 pounds and stand over seven feet tall. During the summer, they can often be seen wading and swimming in lakes and ponds, foraging for aquatic plants.
Bears
Bear viewing is a popular activity for visitors to Alaska, and these powerful creatures are considered a symbol of the Alaskan backcountry. Brown bears can be seen in their natural habitat along the Katmai coast, Kodiak Island, and the Lake Clark National Park.
Eagles
Alaska is known for its impressive birds of prey, including the bald eagle. Haines is known as the eagle capital of the world, and the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve attracts thousands of eagles from October through February. The Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is another great place to see eagles, as they perch on icebergs or fly overhead.
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Northern Lights: best seen in winter
Alaska is a unique honeymoon destination, offering natural beauty, adventure, and awe-inspiring landscapes. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a spectacular natural light show visible in Alaska, and are best seen in winter when there are fewer daylight hours and darker night skies.
The northern lights are a result of electrically charged particles travelling through the earth's magnetosphere, colliding with gases to create energy in the form of light. The lights appear as colourful bands dancing across the night sky, with the most common colours being green, red, and purple, though blue has also been observed. The lights can be seen from mid-August to mid-April, with the period from August 21 to April 21 known as Aurora Season.
To maximise your chances of seeing the northern lights, it is recommended to spend a few nights in the Arctic or Interior regions of Alaska, and to get outside during prime viewing hours, which are typically between 10 pm and 2 am. Fairbanks, in particular, is renowned for being one of the best places to view the lights due to its location, hours of winter darkness, auroral activity, and abundance of tours. The region lies beneath the Auroral Oval, a ring-shaped zone where northern lights activity is concentrated.
If you're looking for a romantic getaway and the chance to see the northern lights, Alaska is an excellent choice. The state offers a range of accommodations, from secluded wilderness lodges accessible only by air or water taxi to high-end resorts and cosy private cabins. With direct flights from several US cities, getting to Alaska is easy, and local itinerary specialists can help you plan an unforgettable honeymoon filled with adventure and natural wonders.
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Anchorage: Alaska's most populous city, with museums, shops, and restaurants
Anchorage is Alaska's most populous city, with a wealth of museums, shops, and restaurants to explore. The city is known for its stunning natural surroundings and offers a range of activities for couples seeking a unique and romantic honeymoon destination.
For those interested in learning about the history and culture of the area, the Anchorage Museum is a must-visit. It is the state's largest museum and offers a world-class experience, providing an overview of Alaska's history, art, culture, and science. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including historical, arts, and cultural displays, as well as a full-service restaurant and a store featuring local and Indigenous art. Another museum worth visiting is the Fraternal Order of the Alaska State Troopers Alaska Law Enforcement Museum, which houses the state's only collection of historical law enforcement memorabilia.
Anchorage's downtown area is conveniently compact and easy to navigate on foot. It offers a range of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. For a laid-back urban vibe, Flattop Pizza + Pool is a great choice. Williwaw Social, with its rooftop bar, offers unparalleled views of Anchorage's Town Square Park. The city also has several fine-dining restaurants with clever craft cocktails and extensive wine lists, such as Ginger, serving Pacific Rim-influenced cuisine, and the Crow's Nest at the Hotel Captain Cook.
For shopping, the Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall offers a mix of local and chain stores, including well-known brands such as Sephora, Bath and Body Works, and Canada Goose. The Log Cabin Visitor Information Center, located at the corner of F Street and Fourth Avenue, is a great place to start your exploration of the city, providing information on the city's history and offering access to various tours and excursions.
Anchorage serves as a gateway to the majestic Alaskan landscape, which includes scenic mountains, expansive glaciers, serene fjords, and abundant wildlife. Couples can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as kayaking, floatplane rides, and whale watching. With its stunning scenery, unique accommodations, and adventurous experiences, Anchorage and its surroundings offer a memorable and romantic honeymoon destination.
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Glacier cruises: cruise past glaciers and ice fields
Alaska is a unique and unforgettable honeymoon destination, offering a very different experience from the typical tropical getaway. The state is known for its natural beauty, majestic landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
For a truly memorable experience, consider a glacier cruise. These cruises offer the opportunity to get up close to towering glaciers and ice fields, while also taking in the breathtaking scenery of Alaska's winding fjords, rugged mountains, and vibrant turquoise waters.
One popular option is the 26 Glacier Cruise by Phillips Cruises & Tours, which departs from Whittier, Alaska, the gateway to Prince William Sound. This cruise takes you on a journey through glacier-carved fjords and calm waters, where you can witness the majestic beauty of glaciers up close. You can also spot adorable wildlife, including sea otters, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions.
Another option is to explore the Endicott Arm Fjord, home to the impressive Dawes Glacier. This glacier is formed by two glaciers meeting, creating an impressive icefall that resembles a frozen waterfall. Endicott Arm Fjord is less frequently visited than its sister Tracy Arm, making it a secluded and appealing destination. Here, you can also spot wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, and sea otters.
For a shorter cruise option, consider the Portage Glacier cruise. Just an hour's drive from Anchorage, this cruise lets you get within 300 feet of the towering ice wall of the glacier. You can also book a narrated motorcoach tour to enhance your experience.
When planning your glacier cruise, consider the time of year. Summer, from May to September, is the peak season, offering long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. June through August is typically the warmest period, with temperatures peaking in the mid-70s. However, keep in mind that Alaska's weather can be unpredictable, so packing layers and waterproof gear is essential.
Alaska offers a range of accommodations to suit your honeymoon preferences, from cozy cabins and rustic lodges to high-end resorts and glamping experiences. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Alaska's pristine wilderness, awe-inspiring landscapes, and unique activities will make your honeymoon an unforgettable experience.
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Frequently asked questions
May to September is the peak season, with many hours of daylight, greater accessibility to hiking and national parks, and the opportunity to cruise near glaciers. June and August are the warmest months, with temperatures peaking in the mid-70s. However, if you want to see the Northern Lights, you'll have to go in winter.
Alaska is big on natural beauty and adventure. You can expect scenic mountains, expansive glaciers, serene fjords, and an abundance of wildlife. Activities include kayaking, floatplane rides, whale watching, hiking, and fishing.
Anchorage is Alaska's most active and populous city, offering a combination of raw wilderness and big city living. Within a few hours of the city centre, you can fly over Denali, watch glaciers calve, or climb a mountaintop. Other recommended places to stay include Homer, the Seldovia Boardwalk Hotel, and the Glacier Bay Country Inn.
There are direct flights to Alaska from Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, San Francisco, and Seattle.
The price can vary depending on the activities and type of lodging you choose. A typical 7-day Alaska vacation with popular excursions runs about $3,000 per person, not including travel to the state.
