Where to Go and What to Do on Your Honeymoon in Alaska

When you think about your honeymoon, Alaska might not be your first thought. But if you’re looking for a once in a lifetime, unforgettable trip -- you might want to add it to your list.  From cities that merge with local wildlife to lodges located in unforgettable locations (like on top of a mountain peak!) -- there’s something for everyone. Spend your time hiking, exploring glaciers, learning about sled dogs, looking for the Northern Lights, and so much more.  While it is definitely best suited for couples who love to spend time outdoors and exploring the local wildlife, Alaska won’t disappoint. In this article, we’ll talk about what you need to know when planning your honeymoon in Alaska.  Here’s a quick look at what we’ll cover:  The best time to visit Alaska and what weather to expectA few of the places you’ll want to add to your itinerary and where to stay and what to do at each location The Best Time to Visit Alaska Most travelers choose to visit Alaska during the summer months. The summer season begins in mid-May through mid-September. During this time you can expect to have plenty of daylight, in fact, those visiting towards the end of June should expect around 18-19 hours per day.  Temperatures during the summer months are surprisingly pleasant with daytime highs ranging from 60℉ - 80℉, while evenings are generally much cooler. In the summer months, you can expect to experience some rain and the chance of rain increases later in the year.  If you want a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights during your trip to Alaska, you’ll want to visit between mid-September and late April. On the other hand, if you’re looking to spend your trip skiing you’ll want to visit between February and April.  Your Alaskan experience is also very dependent on where you plan to visit. So you’ll want to do a little research based on the time of year you plan to go and the different locations you want to see.  The Top Places to Visit in Alaska An Alaskan honeymoon offers you a variety of different places to go and things to do. But there are a few key locations you’ll want to consider adding to your itinerary. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular places to visit and what is in store for you at each. 
Experience everything Alaska has to offer by staying in Anchorage. With a big city that is surrounded by wilderness, it will be a city you never forget. Image courtesy of Pixabay.  Anchorage Anchorage is one of the largest and most populated cities in Alaska. But don’t let that fool you, it still offers the full outdoors experience. In fact, the city’s residence shares their home with an estimated 1,500 moose -- meaning you can experience the best of both worlds when visiting Anchorage.  It’s also a great location to stay and explore other nearby attractions. Staying in Anchorage allows you to plan day trips to experience the wilderness, wildlife, glaciers caves, and more. Then you can return to the city and spend your evening exploring the local shops.  Where to stay: Captain Cook is a great location to stay when visiting Anchorage. You’ll experience amazing views and plenty of dining options between the four distinct restaurants.  Things to do in Anchorage:  Take a train ride on the Alaska RailroadVisit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation CenterExperience a once in a lifetime trip to Portage GlacierHike various trails to experience the local scenery and wildlife If you plan to visit Alaska you’ll want to consider staying or at least stopping in Anchorage to get the full experience.  Experience the historic village of Talkeetna and take in the beauty of this quiet little town. In this village, you’ll have plenty to do and the lodge is one of the most spectacular locations to stay. Image courtesy of Pixabay. Talkeetna Talkeetna is a historic village that can be found at the base of North America’s tallest peak, Denali. That means that this village offers breathtaking views that you’ll remember for years to come. It’s also a great location to spend your day strolling through town exploring gift shops, art galleries, restaurants, and more.  Where to stay: If you plan to stay in Talkeetna the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is where you’ll want to be. Situated just above the city, you’ll experience the best views in town. It also offers award-winning cuisine and some of the best wine around.  Things to do in Talkeetna: Take a hike in Byers LakeExperience mushing by visiting a sled dog tour Spend the day on the water fishing or take a riverboat tourTake an ATV or snowmobile tour to experience the wilderness  Talkeetna is a great place to visit if you’re looking for something a little quieter with amazing views from every angle.  Take in the full wilderness experience and visit the Denali National Park and Preserve. The land is almost untouched and you’ll experience everything it has to offer. Image courtesy of Pixabay. Denali National Park and Preserve Denali National Park boasts six million acres of wildlife that can only be accessed by a single road. That means it’s full of wilderness and won’t have the busy city experience that Anchorage does. If you plan to take a trip through the park, you’ll start in a low forest area and find yourself driving through mountain passes.  Where to stay: Staying at Sheldon Chalet is an experience of its own. That’s because to reach this lodge, you’ll have to arrive on a helicopter. Once you land, you’ll find that it’s situated on a mountain peak right above a glacier and is surrounded by mountains.  Things to do in Denali National Park and Preserve:  Drive through the park and experience everything from the forests to the mountainsSpend the day hiking on one of the many trails, or evenExplore the wilderness on an ATV tour to see even more of the parkSee the park from the air during a flightseeing tour If you’re looking for the true outdoor experience, then you’ll definitely want to plan a trip to Denali National Park and Preserve.  Fairbanks is the second most populated city in Alaska. But it’s most well known for having amazing views of the Northern Lights. Image courtesy of Pixabay. Fairbanks Last but not least, is the city of Fairbanks. Another one of Alaska’s larger cities, Fairbanks has plenty to offer. It’s most well-known for its views of the aurora borealis, the midnight sun, and endless sunsets and sunrises.  When visiting Fairbanks, you can experience beautiful mountain ranges, immaculate rivers and lakes, and abundant wildlife. It’s also a great city to explore on your own and learn more about the Alaskan culture.  Where to stay: If you’re visiting Fairbanks during the Northern Lights season, you’ll want to stay at the Aurora Villa. While it’s a short drive out of the city, it’s well worth it. With private rooms with floor to ceiling windows, you’ll get a front-row seat to the best views of the Northern Lights.   Things to do in Fairbanks:  Visit one of the many museums located in or near the citySpend the day among wild reindeer at the Running Reindeer RanchTake a tour to experience the best views of the Northern LightsVisit the Pioneer Park and experience a gold-rush town and authentic pioneer cabins If you’re visiting during peak Northern Light season, you’ll want to spend a few days in Fairbanks watching the skies.  Alaska Will Make Your Honeymoon Unforgettable While there are plenty of other places to go and things to see during your Alaskan honeymoon, this is a great place to start. From experiencing the city life to spending time in more quiet and remote areas -- Alaska has something for everyone.  The one thing that will always be true? You’ll never forget your honeymoon and all the amazing things you experienced in Alaska.