6 Reasons to Visit Anchorage and Wasilla Alaska in May
Alaska has long been on the list of places to visit for people worldwide. With so many scenic opportunities and so many things to do for nature lovers, this should be no surprise. And with temperatures nearing the 60-degree mark, it seems like an excellent opportunity to visit Alaska in May.
Why You Should Visit Alaska in May
If you’ve been thinking of a last-minute getaway for May, why not consider a trip to Alaska? There are so many reasons to visit Alaska in May. In fact, it is hard to know where to begin. So if that inner adventurer and outdoor enthusiast is itching to get away somewhere to take in some nature without having to battle the crowds, check out this list of reasons to visit Anchorage, AK, and Wasilla, AK, in May.
Great Weather and Low Travel Costs
Compared to other months of the year, a visit to Alaska in May can provide a host of benefits. What can be better than creating a great experience without damaging the pocketbook? Travelers to Alaska in May can often find some serious travel deals and lower-than-normal rates at hotels. Further, May has fewer visitors than other months of the year, especially those prime summer months. You’ll also experience comfortably warm weather and low precipitation levels.
Whale Watching
Gray whales start to make their way to Alaska in April and can often be spotted not far from Seward, Alaska, just two and a half hours from Anchorage. By May, orcas start to arrive, and sometimes we can even see some humpback whales late in the month. The peak season for whale watching in Alaska is May through September. So, if you are looking to experience these majestic animals up close and personal, a visit to Alaska in May is definitely in order.
Lions and Tigers and Bears… Oh My!
Okay, maybe you won’t get the opportunity to see lions and tigers in Alaska unless you want to plan a visit to the Anchorage Zoo and stop by the amur tiger exhibit. But your chances of spotting a bear in Alaska are relatively high.
Some of the best bear viewings are in Anchorage. Book a short floatplane flight from the city of Alaska and encounter bears in locations such as Chinitna Bay, Redoubt Bay, or Katmai and the iconic Brooks Falls. If your time in Alaska doesn’t permit one of these day trips, you can still get a good look at some bears at the zoo or the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
Glaciers
Many tourists associate glaciers with Alaska, and for good reason. Alaska has the highest concentration of glaciers in the United States, with 100,000 of them covering almost 30,000 square miles. That’s a lot of glaciers! And as luck would have it, glaciers near Anchorage are pretty accessible, being that 60 of them are all within 50 miles of the city. So make a day trip of it and explore the glaciers of Prince William Sound. Or book a boat trip and float to the face of Portage Glacier. Pay close attention and keep your ears open for the unique sound of ice shears falling off the face of the glaciers, plummeting into the icy waters below.
Cruising Alaska
One of the most popular ways to visit Alaska in May is by cruise ship. Alaskan cruises have been a popular sight-seeing option for avid travelers for decades. These cruises are a unique alternative to the Caribbean and hot-weather location cruises. Instead of soaking up the sun and going home to talk about your time on the beach, you’ll love telling your friends and family members about your memories of spotting humpback whale flukes and sea otters playing.
Listen to an on-ship speaker tell stories of Native American legends. And, of course, indulge yourself with fresh, delectable seafood, sure to be aboard any cruise ship in Alaska. But know that cruises to Alaska are popular, so be sure to get online and search for Alaska cruises in May or call your favorite travel agent to get them on the hunt for you. Unforgettable memories are sure to await.
Mountains
Alaska contains thirty different mountain ranges, which adds to the state’s stunning natural beauty. Further, 17 of the highest 20 mountain peaks in the country can be found in the state of Alaska. So, why not plan a road trip to Palmer, Alaska, to take in the stunning beauty of the mountains.
Then, during your visit, make a stop at the reindeer farm or take a hike along the Bodenburg Butte Hiking Trail. Catch stunning views of Lazy Mountain or hike along the Crevasse Moraine Trail System. All of these things to do will provide you with breathtaking 360-degree views of the majestic mountains of Alaska.
Ready to visit Alaska in May? The next step is to pack those bags!
If this list of six reasons to visit Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska in May isn’t enough, we promise there are plenty of other reasons to pack those bags for a trip to the north-north-west. So if a vacation is in order and you have nature and the outdoors on your mind, we promise a visit to Alaska in May will not disappoint.
Now is the time to get packing those bags. And we’d be remiss if the Valley Dental Clinic team didn’t remind you to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. After all, you’ll want to flash those pearly whites in all of the selfies you’ll be sure to take in stunning Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska!