What to Do in Alaska: Our Founder’s Guide to the Last Frontier
The places Holly loved, where to eat, what to see, and the jewelry inspired by the journey.
Alaska changes the way you see the world.
Some destinations stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Alaska is one of them.
Towering glaciers drift silently into brilliant blue fjords. Bald eagles circle overhead. Whales surface beside the ship. Tiny harbor towns welcome travelers with fresh seafood, local artisans, and stories that have been passed down for generations.
For Dune Jewelry founder Holly Daniels Christensen, Alaska isn’t simply another destination on the map. It’s a place that continually inspires new collections, meaningful elements, and unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re sailing through the Inside Passage, planning your first visit, or simply dreaming of your next adventure, here’s Holly’s guide to experiencing the Last Frontier.
Where to Visit in Alaska
No two Alaska itineraries are exactly alike, but these are the stops Holly recommends experiencing whenever possible.
Ketchikan
Known as Alaska’s “First City,” Ketchikan welcomes visitors with colorful waterfront buildings, floating seaplanes, and one of the richest Native Alaskan cultures in the state.
Spend an afternoon wandering Creek Street, browsing local galleries, and watching fishing boats return to the harbor.
Don’t miss:
- Creek Street
- Totem Heritage Center
- Local artisan galleries
- Waterfront boardwalks
Juneau
Accessible only by boat or plane, Alaska’s capital feels wonderfully removed from everyday life.
Take time to explore downtown before heading toward Mendenhall Glacier or joining a whale watching excursion.
Tracy Arm Fjord
Few places capture Alaska’s scale quite like Tracy Arm.
Steep granite cliffs rise thousands of feet above emerald water while waterfalls spill into the fjord and floating ice drifts quietly past the ship.
If you’re lucky, you may spot harbor seals resting on the ice.
Skagway
A reminder of Alaska’s Gold Rush history, Skagway combines frontier charm with breathtaking mountain scenery.
Ride the White Pass Railway or simply wander the preserved historic streets.
Want to visit these stunning Alaska destinations with Holly? Together with collaborator, friend, and cruise expert Christine Kesteloo, Holly hosts group cruise trips around the world as part of Dune Travels, from the Mediterranean to Alaska, Norway, and more.
Holly’s Favorite Places to Eat
One of the best ways to experience Alaska is through its seafood.
Alaska Fish House
Known for incredible King Crab, fresh salmon, halibut, and fish tacos overlooking the harbor.
Ketchicandies
A beloved local institution serving handmade chocolates, caramel apples, fudge, and Alaska-inspired treats.
Holly’s Favorite Things to Do
When she isn’t photographing glaciers or collecting inspiration, these are some of Holly’s favorite Alaska experiences.
- Watch the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
- Browse Milano Diamond Gallery
- Wander local artisan shops
- Look for whales, sea otters, puffins, and bald eagles
- Enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor
- Simply sit on deck as the glaciers drift by
Sometimes the most memorable part of Alaska is slowing down enough to watch the landscape unfold.
Jewelry Inspired by Alaska
It’s impossible to leave Alaska unchanged.
The shifting blues of glacial ice, rugged mountain peaks, coastal forests, and endless daylight have inspired some of Dune’s most beloved collections.
Glacier Gems
Inspired by ancient glaciers and crystalline waters, Glacier Gems transform the remarkable colors of Alaska into wearable works of art. Each design captures the luminous blues and icy brilliance that define the Last Frontier.
Inspired by Alaska Collection
Created with authentic Coast of Alaska sand, Glacier Mix, Alaskan lumberjack shavings, abalone, and other meaningful elements, this collection preserves the landscapes, wildlife, and memories that make Alaska unforgettable.
Holly’s Alaska Favorites
Some of the designs Holly reached for throughout the journey included:
- Glacier Gems
- Whale Watch Necklace
- Horseshoe Necklace in Glacier Mix
- Sandrop Alaska Triple Gradient
- Diamond Double Wave Ring
- Globe World Traveler Bypass Bracelet
Each reflects a different part of Alaska’s story, from glacier-blue waters to rugged coastlines and life at sea.
Bring Home More Than a Souvenir
The best souvenirs aren’t always found in gift shops.
Sometimes they’re the colors of a glacier reflected in the water. A quiet harbor at sunrise. Fresh king crab shared with friends. The feeling of standing before mountains that have existed for thousands of years.
Those are the moments worth carrying home.
Whether you choose authentic Coast of Alaska sand, Glacier Mix, Forget-Me-Not-Petals (Alaska’s official state flower), or another meaningful element from Dune’s Sandbank®, every design becomes a reminder of the places that continue calling you back.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Alaska
What is the best month to visit Alaska?
The best time to visit Alaska is typically June through August, when you’ll enjoy long daylight hours, active wildlife, and comfortable temperatures. July is especially popular for an Alaska cruise, offering incredible opportunities to experience glaciers, fjords, whale watching, and charming coastal towns. It’s also the perfect season to collect meaningful memories—and perhaps even a little Coast of Alaska sand to preserve in a handcrafted keepsake.
Where should I go on my first trip to Alaska?
For first-time visitors, an Inside Passage Alaska cruise is one of the best ways to experience the state. Ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay showcase Alaska’s breathtaking glaciers, wildlife, mountain landscapes, and rich coastal history—all in one unforgettable journey. It’s an ideal introduction to the Last Frontier and a wonderful source of inspiration for travel jewelry that celebrates the places you’ve explored.
What should I not miss when visiting Alaska?
Don’t miss the experiences that make Alaska unlike anywhere else: glacier cruising, whale watching, bald eagles soaring overhead, fresh king crab, historic waterfront towns like Ketchikan, and spectacular fjords carved by ancient ice. Many travelers also choose to bring home a meaningful reminder of their journey, whether that’s Alaska jewelry handcrafted with authentic Coast of Alaska sand, a Glacier Gems® design inspired by glacial waters, or another keepsake that captures the spirit of the Last Frontier.
What is the best souvenir to bring home from Alaska?
While smoked salmon, jade, and locally crafted artwork are classic Alaska souvenirs, many travelers look for something they’ll treasure for years to come. Jewelry made with authentic Coast of Alaska sand transforms your favorite destination into a lasting keepsake. Whether you choose a custom design filled with sand from a meaningful shoreline or an Alaska-inspired piece from the Glacier Gems® Collection, it’s a modern heirloom that preserves both place and memory.
What jewelry is Alaska famous for?
Alaska is known for Native Alaskan artistry, jade, gold, and nature-inspired jewelry that reflects its remarkable landscapes. Today, many travelers also seek out Alaska jewelry handcrafted with authentic local materials, including Coast of Alaska sand, Glacier Mix, and other meaningful elements inspired by glaciers, mountains, and the sea. These handcrafted designs celebrate both Alaska’s natural beauty and the memories made there.
Is Ketchikan walkable from a cruise ship?
Yes. Ketchikan is one of the most walkable Alaska cruise ports, with downtown just steps from the pier. Visitors can easily explore Creek Street, browse local galleries, enjoy waterfront seafood restaurants, watch floatplanes arrive, or visit the famous Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show without booking an excursion. It’s the perfect town to discover at your own pace.
What can you do in Ketchikan without an excursion?
You don’t need a formal excursion to enjoy Ketchikan. Wander the historic boardwalks of Creek Street, browse local artisan shops, stop by Milano Diamond Gallery, enjoy fresh king crab or wild salmon at Alaska Fish House, visit Ketchicandies, or simply take in the harbor views. Some of Alaska’s most memorable travel moments come from slowing down and exploring on foot.
What is the best jewelry to remember an Alaska vacation?
The most meaningful Alaska vacation souvenir is one that preserves your personal connection to the journey. Many travelers choose custom jewelry with authentic Coast of Alaska sand, Glacier Gems® inspired by glacial ice, or Alaska-inspired designs featuring mountains, whales, and coastal landscapes. Handcrafted in the USA, these pieces transform unforgettable destinations into modern heirlooms you’ll wear long after you’ve returned home.
