9 Picture-Perfect Locations in Alaska

For the ideal Instagram snapshot or the ultimate reel to impress your friends, Alaska is your destination. This 49th state boasts some of the most stunning visuals on the planet, making it a dream for photographers!

Throughout the state, you'll find numerous Instagram-worthy locations, from breathtaking icebergs and snow-capped mountains to miles of untouched coastlines and vast forests.

The best part? You only need a smartphone with a good camera to capture Instagram-ready photos during your summer visit to Alaska, thanks to the amazing natural light. We suggest bringing a portable tripod for your backpack and keeping a fully charged battery handy—you never know when the perfect photo opportunity will arise.

If you're planning a summer cruise to the last frontier, here are some must-visit spots you won’t want to overlook.

1. Resurrection Bay

If your ship docks in Seward, you absolutely have to visit the Seward harbor at the edge of Resurrection Bay—a stunning fjord framed by ice-covered mountains. For the best views of the bay, we recommend taking a boat tour to capture the breathtaking inlet scenery. If you're short on time, beautiful photos can still be taken from Seward Boat Harbor and Waterfront Park, where you might even see sea otters and bald eagles soaring above.

2. Alaskan Wildflowers

As you journey through Alaska in the summer, keep an eye out for stunning wildflowers scattered across the state. With over 1,500 species, Alaska is the ideal spot for capturing Instagram-worthy flower photos that will wow your followers!

If you're renting a car and on the hunt for the perfect wildflower, the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Seward is your destination! The roadside blooms add vibrant shades of purple and pink to the scenery. For the best viewing, plan your trip in June or July, as most flowers fade by August.

To see wildflowers against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, visit the Eveline State Recreation Site near Homer. This 2-mile trail meanders through meadows and forests, showcasing Lupine, Wild Geranium, Chocolate Lily, and other stunning blooms. Remember to bring your tripod for that perfect shot!

3. Denali National Park and Preserve

Spanning 6 million acres of untouched wilderness and home to Mount Denali—North America's highest peak—Denali National Park and Preserve features countless Instagram-worthy landscapes. If we had to pick one highlight, it would be Wonder Lake, where the stunning Alaska Range is mirrored in its crystal-clear waters. To reach this gem, take one of the Denali National Park Shuttles and disembark at the 85-mile point on Park Road. If you're driving along the Parks Highway between Anchorage and Denali, make sure to stop at Byers Lake, a beautiful crystalline lake at mile 147.

4. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Glacier Bay is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Alaska. Located west of Juneau, this national park is renowned for its expansive tidewater glaciers, ice-laden peaks, and rugged beaches—a true paradise for photographers.

Glacier Bay National Park is about the same size as Connecticut, offering countless stunning landscapes to capture. If we had to highlight one, it would be the Margerie Glacier, a remarkable 21-mile-long calving tidewater glacier. The best part? You can take awe-inspiring photos of the Margerie Glacier right from the ship's deck—extra points if you manage to snap a picture of the glacier calving!

5. Mendenhall Glacier (Sít in Tlingit)

If your ship docks in Juneau, visiting the Mendenhall Ice Glacier is a must. This colossal glacier is located just 12 miles from downtown. What sets Mendenhall apart from other glaciers is the stunning ice caves within it. These caves form as water flows through and melts, creating enchanting passages. The turquoise shades of the ice give a mesmerizing illusion of being underwater, providing fantastic photo opportunities from inside this magnificent glacier.

6. Sitka National Historical Park

Sitka National Historical Park was the site of a historic clash between the native Tlingit people and Russian fur traders. As you walk along the park's two-mile trail, you'll discover a stunning array of colorful Tlingit and Haida totem poles (mostly replicas, as the originals are preserved indoors). If you’re looking to capture some majestic trees, you’re in luck—giant spruce trees offer incredible photo opportunities!

For an iconic Alaskan shot of salmon swimming upstream during spawning season, visit the Indian River, conveniently located near the trail in the park. Nothing says Alaska quite like totem poles and salmon in their natural habitat.

7. Aialik Bay

Nestled within the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park, Aialik Bay boasts all the elements for fantastic photo opportunities. With its majestic mountains, picturesque coastline, and the striking blue Aialik Glacier, this bay is perfect for capturing Alaskan wildlife, including puffins, sea lions, orcas, and humpback whales. We recommend kayaking through the bay for a closer look at both the wildlife and the calving glacier.

8. Misty Fjords National Monument

As the largest wilderness area in the Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords National Monument is one of nature's most stunning creations. Situated 44 miles east of Ketchikan and accessible only by boat or floatplane, Misty Fjords features glacial lakes, towering waterfalls, and snow-covered peaks. Flightseeing tours offer the best views of this breathtaking landscape, but if you prefer a closer connection with nature, we recommend taking a day cruise from Ketchikan.

9. Kenai Fjords National Park

Located west of Seward, Kenai Fjords is filled with unique photo opportunities you won’t want to miss. We suggest hiking the Harding Icefield Trail—an 8.2-mile trek that starts at Exit Glacier, winds through pristine forests, and culminates at an elevation of over 3,500 feet, providing an awe-inspiring view of the largest icefield in the USA, stretching endlessly.

These locations are just a glimpse of the countless breathtaking spots where you can capture stunning photos for your social media profiles. The magic of Alaska lies in its villages and small towns, each brimming with Instagrammable sights that will surely make your friends want to book a cruise to experience this beautiful destination for themselves.