Nestled in Alaska’s permafrost Interior, Fairbanks, Alaska is an adventurous community that attracts visitors from all over the world. While it is not the typical mountainous scenery that most people imagine when traveling to Alaska, Fairbanks has its own share of breathtaking scenery and miles of wild and untouched nature. It is also where I called home for almost two years. While being stationed at Eielson AFB was not without it’s hardships (hello, -50 degree weather), it also allowed me the opportunity to explore and discover both the popular tourist destinations in the area, and those that are favored by the locals when the tourism season comes to a close. Here are a few of the best things to do in Fairbanks Alaska that you don’t want to miss!
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dcvaughan saysI have wanted to go to Alaska FOR FOREVER!!! I am hoping my fiance and I can make the trip in Summer 2018. We have put it off for four years!!
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- Christina says
You should definitely come if you can! It is absolutely beautiful, you won’t regret it!
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- Cathy Mini says
When I went to Alaska this summer, I sadly only had one night in fairbanks and didn’t even have time to explore. I’ll have to keep these in mind for our next trip!
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- Christina says
I’ve noticed that a lot with the cruise ships, they don’t seem to spend enough time here. Hopefully on your next trip you’ll have a chance to do some more exploring!
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- Viktoriya and Oksana says
nice article! thank you for sharing it!
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- Christina says
Thank you, I’m so glad you liked it!
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These are all great suggestions. I’m going to miss the Northern Lights when I visit Iceland in May, but I hope to catch them when I visit Alaska. So cool that you were able to see reindeer!! I’ve recently added this to my list.
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- Christina says
Thank you! There are lots of reindeer up here, I was pretty surprised! I think the Northern Lights will be the number one thing I miss when we leave Alaska. I hope you are able to catch them while you are here!
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- Rimsha says
Alaska has been on my bucket list for AGES. I want to visit even more now after reading your post. And the things to do look awesome! Not a kid anymore but would love to pay Santa Claus house a visit hehe
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- Christina says
I hope you made it or are closer to your trip now! Not going to lie, I actually liked going to the Santa Claus House, but we usually saved it for after the summertime when it wasn’t packed with tourists! 🙂
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- Chelsea says
It looks absolutely gorgeous. Alaska is on my list to visit one day and experience the Northern Lights.
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- Christina says
That’s an awesome goal, you will not be disappointed! The Northern Lights were incredible, even after two years of living there, they never got old when they lit up the sky!
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- It's Megan says
Okay I already wanted to visit Alaska, and this just amplified that! Santa Claus House!!?
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- Christina says
I know, right? Who knew there was a real Santa Claus House in a real North Pole with actual reindeer! It’s pretty awesome!
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- thecuriouscowgirl says
I’ve never been to Alaska….but your pictures are completely fabulous, and you have inspired me to plan a trip!!!!
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- Christina says
Thank you so much, I’m so happy to hear that! Alaska has so much to offer, it really is an incredible experience!
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- Nathan Anderson says
That Alaskan Salmon Bake place sounds like exactly my cup of tea — I’m willing to splurge a bit on food, as it’s one of my favorite things in the world 🙂
I love those shots of Denali National Park as well! Did you manage to do any hiking there?
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- Christina says
Thanks so much! We hiked along Savage River at Mile 15 several times. It’s right before an area known for grizzly activity. We did see several sheep, moose, and a herd of caribou. However, we never made it farther because the bus tours are pretty lengthy (some 8 hours round-trip) and my daughter was 2-3 years old at the time. When the kids are a little older, it would be great to go back in and explore deeper. I would love to see some Denali wolves!
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- kristen says
my in-laws just got back from an alaskan vacation and I have the ultimate travel envy! Your post just made me want to go even more!! Looks like such a fun trip!
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- Christina says
That’s so awesome, I bet they can give you some great tips too! I hope you make it up there, it is really an amazing experience!
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- Chelsea R. says
Wow, this looks like an incredible place to visit some day!
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- Christina says
It definitely is! If you have the chance to make it someday, I highly recommend it!
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- savvysouthernchic says
That’s an amazing list of things to do! My hubby wants to go somewhere cold, so maybe we should consider this.
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- Christina says
Fairbanks was named the coldest city in the U.S., so it doesn’t get any better than that! However, I realized after living there that a lot of people don’t realize how hot it gets there in the summer, particularly Fairbanks. I watched the city go from 90 degrees in the summer (no air conditioning) to -50 a few months later that winter, so it can be pretty extreme!
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- Rosemary says
I really didn’t know much about Fairbanks Alaska before reading your indepth article. Good to know the state bird is the “mosquito.” Not fun for me. The natural beauty is spectacular. What a great adventure you are having in Alaska.
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- Christina says
I’m glad to hear you learned some new things! The mosquitos were pretty awful, but the thermocell is a lifesaver. Plus the portable ones you can take with you anywhere you go so it comes in handy a lot!
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- Jennifer Penas says
Alaska has always been on our list of places to visit! Oh what I wouldn’t give to see those Northern lights! Great photos and places to visit!
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- Christina says
I can definitely understand that appeal to visit Alaska. The Northern Lights are incredible to witness, it will have been well worth the wait when you make it up there!
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- healthyfitcouple.com says
Alaska is so beautiful! We have been wanting to take an Alaska cruise.
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- Christina says
We never did a cruise, but it seems like such a great way to travel around the state! Fairbanks is landlocked but a lot of the cruise ships have buses that drop guests off in Fairbanks to explore as one of the stops. Plus it allows you to see the awesome whales and marine life Alaska has as well.
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- confettiandbliss says
I have goose bumps on my arms after reading your fabulous post and viewing all of these gorgeous images of Alaska. This destination has been on my bucket list for sooo long. I really hope I can travel there soon. My heart is filled with wanderlust!
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- Christina says
That is such a sweet compliment, thank you! There is so much to see in Alaska, I’m sure you will not be disappointed when you make it up there!
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- Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
What fabulous photos! I would love to visit one day (and see the Northern Lights — how amazing)!
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- Christina says
Thank you! The Northern Lights were probably my favorite thing about living in Alaska, followed by close to 24 hours of daylight in the summer. It was difficult getting used to darkness in the summertime after we moved away!
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- Renée ♥ says
Years ago when my kids where young, we drove up AlCan one year from Oregon and stopped in Fairbanks. It was such a lovely town, and I wish we could have spent more time there. The girls Loved the Santa House! The highlight of our visit though was when got to visit with a lady who had sled dog pups – that was a real memory maker!
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- Christina says
That’s quite a roadtrip, but really beautiful from what I’ve heard! Those are some amazing memories! The sled dogs and their puppies are awesome. We didn’t make it to the Iditarod, even when it changed to start in Fairbanks, and I’m kicking myself for that now!
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- Kasey Ma says
SOOOOO beautiful! I want to visit Alaska so bad. I want to go with my whole family, but it’s so hard to coordinate with everyone.
Kasey Ma
thestylewright.comReply
- Christina says
I agree it can be difficult to get everyone together. Maybe a cruise would work well for your family in the future. I hope you get the chance to visit someday either way!
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- Amanda Kruse says
Alaska is at the top of my bucket list! It’s so beautiful!
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- Christina says
Yes, it is! I love how different it is too. Fairbanks is on permafrost and mostly flat, but down in Anchorage you’re right on the water with mountains in the background.
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- Diana Tidswell says
Wow, such a nice place to visit and I am glad that you tried to do a lot of things in this place. I will def add this to my bucket list and hope to be there soon!
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- Christina says
I love hearing that! We lived there for 2 years and I still don’t think we got to see everything that we could in our time there, although we did try!
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- No Compass Necessary says
Great pictures! What an amazing place to be. We went on a cruise to Alaska 10 years ago!
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- Christina says
That’s awesome! I’ve heard great things about the cruises in Alaska. I think next time we go back to visit that might be the way to go!
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- Jen says
You had me at Northern Lights! Alaska seems to have so much natural beauty right here in the US, I’m going to bump it up on my bucket list!
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- Christina says
That’s awesome! I heard they had an amazing lights show last night across the state. It’s definitely worth checking out!
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- Brittany Nicole says
I haven’t been to Fairbanks since I was about 10 years old (18 years, holy smokes!) but I remember it being very beautiful! xo, Brittany Nicole | http://www.theblistblog.com
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- Christina says
That’s so great that you had the opportunity to go there, even if you were younger! I’m sure a lot has changed since then but part of the beauty of Alaska is that the majority of the wild has been left untouched!
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- Julia Renfroe says
I see it next week! I can’t wait! So very excited
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- Christina says
That’s so exciting! You’re going at a great time too as far as your chances to catch the lights. Hope you have an amazing trip!
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- Barbara says
Since I read you can’t take ThermaCell on the airplanes due to the butane, where can you buy these in Alaska?
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- Christina says
Hi Barbara, great question! If you are heading to Fairbanks, I’d recommend checking out REI, in Anchorage, Sportman’s Warehouse may carry them. You may also find them at Walmart, Fred Meyer, or Bass Pro. I hope that helps!
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