The best cities to bar and pub hop are: Anchorage, the state’s largest city; Fairbanks, its second-largest city; and Juneau, the capital. Anchorage has the best nightlife with dozens of bars and microbreweries, although drinking establishments here must close by 3:00 am on the weekends. Bernie’s Bungalow Lounge (626 D Street, Anchorage) is one of the Alaska’s trendiest hangouts with its sophisticated Paradise Room, while Chilkoot Charlie’s (1071 W 25th Avenue, Anchorage) attracts music lovers with its bands.

Fairbanks offers a more low-key nightlife scene than its larger counterpart, but its student population helps to keep things hopping. The Marlin (3412 College Road, Fairbanks) is a favorite hang-out for students with its open mic night and live music daily. For a more relaxed evening, the Blue Loon (2999 Parks Hwy, Fairbanks) bar and grill is host to frequent outdoor summer events.

Juneau doesn’t have much in the way of after-dark entertainment, but its Alaskan Bar (South Franklin Street, Juneau) offers a unique opportunity to get chatty with locals in an informal environment. The Hangar offers superb views of aircraft taking off and landing, as well as cruise ships coming and going.