Visiting the great state of Alaska is an adventure like none other, and there’s no better way to celebrate our country’s independence than with a trip to “The Last Frontier.” Since Alaska is known for its wildlife and outdoor activities, July is the perfect time to experience both. Summertime in Alaska is warm and typically sunny for almost 19 hours a day. With all that sunshine, you’ll want to stay in a cozy vacation rental in Alaska that has easy access to all of the action and fun activities. Whether you’re looking for a charming cabin or apartment in downtown Anchorage, there are plenty of spectacular accommodations so you can celebrate Fourth of July the Alaskan way. That said, check out the top places to stay in Alaska.
1. Experience July 4th in Anchorage
There is so much to do in Alaska’s largest city on Fourth of July. From parades to fireworks and even a baseball game, you don’t want to miss the family-fun Anchorage has to offer. The parade is an all-day celebration that includes period costumes from the Revolution, food, and games. Finish off your day at a local baseball game and enjoy the fireworks while the sun is still setting.
2. Race to the finish line in Seward
If you’re feeling really adventurous, take part in the Mount Marathon annual Fourth of July race. This race starts in downtown Anchorage and goes all the way up Mountain Marathon in Seward, Alaska and back. Many people come from around the country to be a part of this patriotic race or just want to be a part of the fun. Seward also has its own parade and activities throughout the day. Book your Seward vacation rental or camping spot early, this is a popular event you don’t want to miss!
3. Celebrate in Fairbanks
Travel a couple of hours further north to see what Fairbanks is all about. Expect even more outdoor activities with the annual Independence Day 5k Run through the town. Then stop by Pioneer Park for entertainment, food, and music. Whether you want to watch the fireworks later that night from your vacation rental patio or at the Alaska Goldpanners baseball game, you and your family will make memories that will last a lifetime. Other activities in the area include fishing, exploring Denali National Park and hiking.
4. Visit Alaska’s capital city
The remote city of Juneau is the perfect place to take the family for a fun-filled Fourth of July celebration. This two-day event includes a sand dollar search, soapbox racing, and fireworks show just before midnight. The town also has a parade as well as a variety of local activities. Be sure to check out Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau’s many beautiful hiking trails.
5. Take a trip to Talkeetna
You’ll definitely want to stop by Talkeetna on your Alaskan adventure this July. This small town has a Fourth of July parade like many other, however, it has a unique twist. Every year the town decorates a fake moose, features it in the parade and auctions it off afterward. Just two hours north of Anchorage, other activities in the town include kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
6. Make your way to Wasilla
When you think of Fourth of July you probably picture fireworks, a parade and maybe a hotdog or two. Experience this and more in the southern town of Wasilla. Most activities are free in this quaint town including the games, music and a picnic. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors with the family and check out Wasilla’s carnival rides that evening. Wasilla is the perfect place to begin an Alaska tour and a variety of vacation rentals and camping spots are available in the area.
7. Celebrate Christmas in July
Have you ever thought of going to the North Pole on Fourth of July? Alaska has its very own holiday-themed town just outside of Fairbanks that has a fun Independence Day celebration. The start off by visiting the reindeer and the Santa Claus House. And just next door is the Fourth of July festival with activities, a parade and of course food. Be sure to get there early for the 8 a.m. pancake breakfast!
8. Have a blast in Kodiak
Live the island life in Kodiak, Alaska and enjoy all of the fun activities the unique town has to offer. See the lively Kodiak Fourth of July parade with an old fashioned twist and decorative floats. The town also has several delicious restaurants and a barbecue cookout. Find a private vacation rental or reserve your camping spot to enjoy the remote beauty of Kodiak, Alaska!
9. Catch a show in Ketchikan
There’s nothing like a day full of adventure, fun and outdoor activity. The remote island of Ketchikan off the Alaskan coast is the perfect retreat for Fourth of July and beyond. With a parade down Main Street and a late-night fireworks show, you don’t want to miss Ketchikan’s Fourth of July celebration. Be sure to check out the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary and the Totem Heritage Center while visiting this Alaskan treasure.
10. See fireworks over the harbor
Surrounded by mountains and water, the town of Valdez is the perfect place to celebrate the beauty of our country. Valdez offers free games, plenty of delicious food options and a softball tournament. Finish off the perfect day with fireworks over the harbor with the family. Be sure to stick around Valdez to check out its many trails, glaciers, and wildlife in the area.