Twice the size of Texas and 1/5 the size of the rest of the U.S., Alaska is big, beautiful and brimming with natural attractions. It’s home to the tallest mountain in North America (Mount McKinley), 17 of the nation’s 20 highest peaks, the two largest national forests, more than three million lakes, 80 percent of the active volcanoes in the U.S., and 100,000 glaciers, not to mention some of the most fascinating wildlife in the world. It’s no wonder so many dream of taking an Alaskan vacation.

Many journey to “the Last Frontier” on a cruise ship. Popular options are to sail from Vancouver or Seattle. The ships are close to shore so passengers can see the breathtaking scenery and wildlife up-close, from both sides of the ship. The cruises offer many land excursions so travelers can explore on land as well. Others choose to embark on an Alaska vacation by booking a self-drive tour. Many of the state’s most popular destinations can be reached by highway, including Denali National Park and Denali State Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. A popular option for an Alaska family vacation is to rent an RV. Bush plane tours, the Alaska Railroad, the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad, sea kayaking and guided glacier hikes are other popular ways to explore Alaska. No matter how travelers choose to get around on their Alaska vacation, they’re bound to see unforgettable sights, such as giant humpback whales, moose, caribou, black and brown bears, totem poles and much more.

Air service is available to Anchorage from many U.S. cities, and rental cars are available at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The most popular time to visit Alaska is from May to early September, when the days are the warmest and the longest (this is the land of the midnight sun, after all). While the weather varies throughout the state, in Anchorage the average high temperatures range from about 55°F to 65°F from May to September. Most of Alaska is in its own time zone, which is one hour behind the Pacific time zone.