Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is a curious mix of industry and culture. The boats in port and the warehouses built up along the Knik Arm waterfront reveal close ties to oil and industry. However, this actually contributes to the Anchorage aura, both businesslike and beautiful. Numerous hikes, vistas and haunts can be found within an hour's flight or drive of the city.

Seward, Alaska is perched on the west side of the Kenai Peninsula along Resurrection Bay. A short glacial slide away is stunning Kenai Fjords National Park, best viewed from the seaside as the interior of the park, with its rugged landscape, is difficult to penetrate on foot.

Soldotna is a major hub of the Kenai Peninsula, south and west of Anchorage. Bordering the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, this is an area thick with wildlife, from bear and wolves to moose, caribou, geese, eagles, and salmon—for which fishing in the Kenai River that bisects the town is a popular pastime.

Talkeetna is the staging point for expeditions bound for Mt. McKinley. On clear days, around this small town there are plenty of places to catch a glimpse of the Alaska Range and 'the big mountain.' When the weather is good, small planes take off with astonishing regularity winging over Denali National Park and back for flightseeing in summer and shuttling climbers to the McKinley's base late spring.

Wrangell-St.Elias National Park and Preserve has some of the tallest mountains in North America. Despite the park's proximity to Anchorage, it is less visited than better known Denali. Consequently it appeals to those who want a bit more isolation without compromising on the scenery.