<strong>America's coolest state:</strong> Low summer temperatures make Alaska a great place to beat the heat. The scenery is a tremendous draw, too.
America's coolest state: Low summer temperatures make Alaska a great place to beat the heat. The scenery is a tremendous draw, too.
Jack Bonney/Visit Anchorage
<strong>Riding the rails: </strong>The iconic Alaska Railroad is a key lifeline for getting around the vast and spectacular state.
Riding the rails: The iconic Alaska Railroad is a key lifeline for getting around the vast and spectacular state.
Juno Kim
<strong>Bear spotting: </strong>Visitors are likely to spot some of the state's abundant wildlife. Bear viewing is a popular summer activity.
Bear spotting: Visitors are likely to spot some of the state's abundant wildlife. Bear viewing is a popular summer activity.
Juno Kim/Visit Anchorage
<strong>Brew sipping: </strong>HooDoo Brewing Company was launched in 2012 in Fairbanks. Free brewery tours are available on Saturdays; the taproom is open six days a week.
Brew sipping: HooDoo Brewing Company was launched in 2012 in Fairbanks. Free brewery tours are available on Saturdays; the taproom is open six days a week.
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
<strong>Night skies: </strong>Aurora borealis season kicks off in late August and runs through the end of April, bringing with it chances to catch the extraordinary northern lights.
Night skies: Aurora borealis season kicks off in late August and runs through the end of April, bringing with it chances to catch the extraordinary northern lights.
Jody Overstreet
<strong>Museum day: </strong>The permanent "Alaska" exhibition at the Anchorage Museum tells the state's story and chronicles the people who have made it home for thousands of years.
Museum day: The permanent "Alaska" exhibition at the Anchorage Museum tells the state's story and chronicles the people who have made it home for thousands of years.
Chris Dwyer
<strong>Indigenous culture: </strong>Diverse native cultures and traditions are celebrated in Anchorage's Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Indigenous culture: Diverse native cultures and traditions are celebrated in Anchorage's Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Ashley Heimbigner/Visit Anchorage
<strong>Native dwellings: </strong>On the heritage center's wooded grounds, a series of dwellings around Lake Tiulana demonstrate ingenious approaches to living within some of the planet's harshest environments.
Native dwellings: On the heritage center's wooded grounds, a series of dwellings around Lake Tiulana demonstrate ingenious approaches to living within some of the planet's harshest environments.
Juno Kim
<strong>Paddling: </strong>Spotting orcas is a real treat for kayakers. Although orca sightings are not guaranteed, other wildlife could include humpback whales, porpoises and black bears.
Paddling: Spotting orcas is a real treat for kayakers. Although orca sightings are not guaranteed, other wildlife could include humpback whales, porpoises and black bears.
Visit Anchorage
<strong>A hot soak: </strong>Chena Hot Springs are a constant 106 degrees Fahrenheit. The springs are open late into the evening, when summer temperatures are likely to drop into the 50s.
A hot soak: Chena Hot Springs are a constant 106 degrees Fahrenheit. The springs are open late into the evening, when summer temperatures are likely to drop into the 50s.
Courtesy Chena Hot Springs Resort