21 photos that will make you want to travel to Alaska

Anchorage — Alaska's largest city — has a skyline that's dominated by mountains.

If you're there in March, be sure to catch the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The ceremonial start takes place in Anchorage in March.

Read more about the race here »

In Alaska you're never far from the wilderness, even when you're in a city. For an easy day trip from Anchorage, drive to Eklutna Lake, an ideal spot for kayaking.

Or in the winter, head south to Alyeska Resort, the state's only major ski resort.

Reward yourself with a delicious salmon dinner. The sockeye salmon below is from local Anchorage favorite Glacier Brewhouse.

If you want to see where your salmon came from, take a trip to to Katmai National Park, where you can watch as brown bears catch fish in the Brooks River.

Brown bears aren't the only wildlife you'll see in Alaska. Further north in Kenai Fjords National Park, you'll encounter sea lions...

...and maybe even a puffin.

While you're in the park, be sure to explore the impressive Exit Glacier.

There are glaciers all over the state. Glacier Bay is a popular stop for cruise ships, thanks to its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

Cruises are a great way to see not only glaciers, but also the humpback whales that swim in Alaskan waters.

The quaint city of Ketchikan borders the Inside Passage, a popular route for cruise ships. Don't miss the colorful boardwalk or the many Native American totem poles throughout the city.

If cruises aren't your thing, take a ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. The route is over 100 years old and winds through mountains, connecting the small town of Skagway to Yukon, Canada.

Or you can hop on the Mt. Roberts tramway, a ride that will take you up 1,800 feet and provide you with incredible views of the Gastineau Channel and the town of Juneau.

When you get back down into town, stop at Tracy's King Crab Shack for monster crab legs that you won't find anywhere else in the US.

Wash your meal down with a beer at The Alaskan Brewing Company's brewery, which has been around since 1986.

Just outside of Juneau you'll find the Mendenhall Glacier, which is home to the majestic Blue Glacier Ice Caves.

Besides its many glaciers, Alaska is home to mountains galore, including the tallest peak in the country: Denali.

Mount McKinley sits in Denali National Park, which comprises a staggering six million acres of Alaska's wilderness.

While you're exploring the park, you might run into moose.

A trip to Alaska wouldn't be complete with a glimpse of the beautiful Northern Lights. In the winter, the city of Fairbanks is an ideal spot for viewing.