America’s unspoiled paradise has laid-back towns and jagged wilderness stretching for thousands of miles. The unique culture is a breath of fresh air – so whether you’re hiring a car for holidays or business, it’s easy to find great things to do.
Discover America’s coolest scenery
Alaska is famous for two things – cool weather and beautiful scenery. The American state has almost 100,000 glaciers and ice covers five per cent of the land. The snowy mountains and lush valleys provide great ground for hiking and skiing.
In Anchorage, the summer can be sunny and bright, with temperatures of 65°F (18°C) in July. It’s the perfect time to explore the deep green forests and azure ice caps.
Denali is the tallest mountain on the entire continent, standing proud at 20,310 feet (6,190 metres) above sea level. It’s set in a national park 170 miles from Fairbanks – exit Parks Highway and join Park Road to find the visitor centre, where you can catch a film and see exhibits on the park’s wildlife.
There are beautiful trails nearby, complete with colourful blossoms each spring. If you dream of seeing Denali with your own eyes, park your car at mile 15 and board a shuttle bus. You may spot wildlife such as moose, wolves and reindeer.
Take in cultural attractions
Alaska’s many-layered history has shaped its many cultures. First populated 16,000 years ago, Alaska was settled by Spain, Britain and Russia before the US acquired it in 1867.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center at Anchorage is a fantastic place to learn about native customs. There’s an on-site theatre showcasing heritage films and the Hall of Cultures exhibits artwork from the five major cultural groups in Alaska. Travelling with children? Craft activities will keep the whole family entertained.
Out of town, the Totem Heritage Center is a great place to get hands-on. There are 19th-century totem poles on display, each loaded with symbolism. You can also take a class in traditional basketry or regalia making.
Be fascinated by ghost towns
If you’re taking out car hire for a business trip in Alaska, you’ll know that settlements such as Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau are booming with industry. The flipside of Alaska’s lucrative trades can be found at seven eerie ghost towns peppered across the state.
Portage was wiped out by the second-largest earthquake ever recorded, while the stilted cliffside ruins of Ukivok on King Island have stood empty for more than 50 years.
The Kennicott ghost town, meanwhile, is a rustic former copper-mining town where red buildings contrast with the bright green landscape. Hire a car from Anchorage to discover the unexpected remnants of Alaskan history.
See the magical Northern Lights
Alaska is a popular place to chase the Aurora Borealis – the elusive green lights that flash across the night sky. Caused by solar wind, native Alaskans once believed these lights represented the spirits of hunted animals.
Fairbanks is often considered the best place to see the Northern Lights in the USA. The illuminations look sharpest from rural spots away from light pollution, so you’ll need to head out in your hire car to get the full effect. Try Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge in good conditions.
Hire a car in Alaska to experience more of this wonderful part of the world.
