From land to sea, wildlife viewing in the last frontier is unlike anywhere else in the world. As the largest and most undeveloped and uninhabited state in the nation, it's safe to say that the wildlife in Alaska largely outnumbers the human population. Locals love their furry free-roaming neighbors and visitors to the 49th state are always blown away by their majestic up-close-and-personal wildlife encounters. In the new year, be sure to add as many of these fun, educational, interactive and immensely beautiful locations into your wildlife viewing bucket list.
Leave the big city of Anchroage and head towards The Kenai, Alaska's Playground and you'll find this special spot off the Seward Highway to the right. This non-profit organization is dedicated to conservation, education, and quality animal care. Walk around and view countless species of wildlife and see for yourself how they are truly dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife.
As Alaska's only permanent marine mammal rehabilitation facility, this incredible place located on the shores of Resurrection Bay in Seward is sure to delight everyone in your crowd. Kiddos love watching animals through the large aquariums and parents enjoy the incredible education opportunities.
Head to south Anchorage on the Seward Highway and enjoy this wonderful pulloff to the left. Walk on wooden boardwalks that wind 1,550 feet from the parking area through the marsh and across watery openings, with incredible bird and animal viewing opportunities in the distance.
Drive into the Eagle River Valley and feast your eyes on gorgeous mountain displays along the way. At mile 12, you will arrive at this incredible spot that will transport you straight into a wildlife viewing paradise. Enjoy hiking, biking, backpacking and overnight stays in the park all year long.
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5. Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge – Fairbanks
This 33 acre state park offers a wonderful variety of wildlife viewing including whales, otters and sea lions that inhabit the bays and inlets and bears, deer and wolves that can be found on dry land.
It's impossible not to love every square inch of these 400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, forests, ocean and epic wildlife viewing. Enjoy viewing land mammals such as moose, black bear, mountain goats, coyotes and wolves. You'll also enjoy seeing lots of sea otters, seals, porpoise, whales and eagles.
This 325,240 acre state park along the Parks Highway is the perfect place to get away from it all. Well, except the wildlife. You can't escape the wildlife here because they roam every square inch of this outdoor lovers paradise.
This educational bear rescue center is loads of fun! Watch from above as orphaned brown bears and their cubs play around and charm the socks off of every visitor that enters the facility.
This 17 acre facility bordering the Tongass National Forest and the Indian River is a raptor rehabilitation center with a mission to the rehabilitation of sick and injured eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and other birds of prey from all over the last frontier.
These 495,204 acres of incredible landscape around the Anchorage bowl are home to more wildlife viewing opportunities than you've ever dreamed imaginable. Go for a hike and get ready to enjoy an epic photo shoot!
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13. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge – Kenai Peninsula
It's hard to beat the beauty that is found in this 1.92 million acre wildlife refuge. Whether you are fishing on the Russian River or the Kenai River, or enjoying a hike to get away from all the crowds - you're sure to see some bears, moose, caribou or even wolves along the way.
Here on this isolated island escape, you will find 5,700,000 acres of lush temperate rainforest as well as the highest concentration of brown bears in the entire world. There are also thousands of bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, boreal toads, and all five species of Alaska salmon on the island.
15. America’s first largest national forest – Tongass National Forest
These 17 million acres spreading across southeast Alaska are home to just about every kind of wildlife that you can imagine. Bears, moose, lynx, dall sheep and truly so much more.
16. America’s second largest national forest – Chugach National Forest
Enjoy endless wildlife viewing on a scenic drive, day hike or backpack excursion through some of these stunningly beautiful 6,908,540 acres spreading across southcentral Alaska.
Denali, Gates of the Arctic, Glacier Bay, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark and Wrangell-St. Elias. Wherever you choose to go, you're guaranteed the most jaw-dropping wildlife viewing experience of your life.
Noatak National Preserve is located in the Brooks Range, Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve is located near the Canadian border and the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is located on the Seward Peninsula. All of these incredible places are protected and thus the wildlife tends to be fat and plentiful, making it perfect for a once in a lifetime Alaskan wildlife viewing experience.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
If you’ve ever dreamed of standing on the edge of the world, surrounded by the sound of waves crashing, birds calling, and maybe a puffin waddling by, then pack your binoculars and head to Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Located along the state’s rugged coastlines and stretching across the vast Aleutian Islands, this refuge is not just a collection of isolated islands — it's a birdwatcher's utopia and one of the most spectacular marine ecosystems in the world. With its rich history, vibrant wildlife, and jaw-dropping views, it’s a spot where nature lovers, especially bird nerds, can lose themselves for hours … or days.
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The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of more than 2,500 miles of coastline and spans from the Aleutian Islands to the Southeast Panhandle. It's as vast as it is breathtaking. And if you’re into birdwatching — or if you’ve never given it a shot but secretly know you’d rock a pair of binoculars — this place is sure to convert you to a birder in no time. (It happens to us all, eventually!)
Of course, with so much ground to cover, it's nearly impossible to see every corner of this spectacular refuge. Your best bet is to start your adventure in Homer, the charming small town on the Kenai Peninsula that serves as the gateway to this remote paradise. Homer itself is worth exploring too (fish tacos, anyone?), but the real treasure lies just up the road at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center, your launchpad for exploring the refuge and a fantastic gateway to one of the most expansive, wild, and bird-filled refuges on the planet.
The Center is an incredible one-stop shop for learning about the diverse seabird populations that call the refuge home. Inside, you'll find exhibits that cover seemingly every bird imaginable, plus interactive displays, films, and dioramas that make you feel like you're out in the wild — without getting your boots muddy.
But that doesn't mean it's all indoors. Once you’ve covered the basics, it’s time to hit the trails and see Alaska's feathered residents out in the wild.
Just outside the visitor center, you'll find the Beluga Slough Trail, a short but sweet route through the wetlands that’s perfect for a relaxed stroll and some casual birdwatching. This 1.2-mile gravel and boardwalk trail leads from the visitor center, through the slough, and down to Bishop’s Beach. Keep your eyes peeled for sandhill cranes, ducks, or shorebirds. The accessible trail gives you a small taste of what the entire refuge offers, even if you don't venture out to the more remote islands.
That said, the real heart of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is out on the islands themselves, and if you’re lucky enough to visit by boat or plane, you’ll be in for a treat.
The refuge protects some of the most remote and wild places in the world, stretching from Southeast Alaska all the way to the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea. It’s a mind-bogglingly large area, with 4.9 million acres of protected land, and all that rugged beauty makes for a serious birding paradise. The islands are a global hotspot for seabirds, with over 30 million birds calling the islands home during the breeding season.
Let that number sink in for a moment: 30 million birds.
From leggy cranes to the sleek black-legged kittiwakes soaring above cliffs, the refuge offers a front-row seat to some of the most incredible bird spectacles on Earth. But while the refuge is home to around 40 species of seabirds, in total, more than 200 bird species can be seen here, including both resident and migratory birds. This makes it one of the most important bird habitats in the Northern Hemisphere.
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Common murre spreads its wings before taking flight on the waters of Prince William Sound, soutcentral, Alaska.
Can't decide where to visit first? There are a few hotspots for bird enthusiasts looking to head off the mainland, with many of these tours offering opportunities to view sea otters, seals, and whales as well.
Dutch Harbor (Unalaska Island) is ideal for viewing seabirds like murres and cormorants. It's also a great base for birding trips to nearby islands. Kachemak Bay offers even more excellent views of seabirds like black-legged kittiwakes, as well as bald eagles perched along the shore. St. Paul Island is a remote birding location that offers incredible opportunities to view migratory seabirds in particular, and the island’s cliffs and tundra are home to millions of birds during the nesting season.
Kittiwakes are cliff-nesting gulls that winter on the open ocean. They can cover the rugged cliffs of the coastline in Alaska.
This is a place where nature reigns supreme, and part of the magic of visiting is just how untouched it all feels. However, if you’re not planning to hop on a charter flight anytime soon, Homer and the visitor center offer plenty of birdwatching action.
One star of the show is the least auklet, the smallest seabird in North America, which flocks to the rocky cliffs in huge numbers. The sight of thousands of birds swirling above the islands as they return to their nests is enough to make even the most casual observer gasp in awe. And, of course, you can’t forget the puffins, who waddle around like they own the place, because, well, they kind of do!
Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata) perched on a boulder in the Cook Inlet, Alaska
Visiting the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is a bit like stepping into another world — a world where the air is filled with the sounds of seabirds, the water teems with marine life, and the landscapes are wild, rugged, and awe-inspiring. Whether you’re exploring the exhibits at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center, strolling along the trails in Homer, or setting sail for the far-flung islands of the refuge, you’re bound to leave with a newfound appreciation for Alaska’s rich and diverse wildlife.
And who knows? You might just catch the birdwatching bug, in which case, we hope you have a strong pair of binoculars and a sturdy hat because once you start chasing seabirds, there’s no going back.
