Did you have an unforgettable rafting trip? Did a local lodge or restaurant make your Alaska vacation extra special? Now is your chance to acknowledge the community that made your trip spectacular.

Your voice matters. By participating in the Best of Denali Awards, you help others discover the best experiences in Denali. At the same time, your input provides support to the local small businesses, guides, and hospitality staff who work to share the beauty of Alaska.

Help us recognize the next round of champions!

Voting closes December 15th

Planning a trip to Alaska’s premier national park can be overwhelming. With so many options, how do you choose the best places to stay, eat, and explore?

The annual Best of Denali Awards solve that problem for you. This curated guide highlights the top-rated local businesses, excursions, and services. Every winner is chosen directly by the people who know the area best—passionate locals and fellow travelers.

Discover the Top-Rated Experiences in Denali

From bucket-list flightseeing tours to cozy wilderness cabins, these awards cover everything you need for an unforgettable Alaska vacation.

Award-Winning Lodging: Find the best hotels, remote cabins, and campgrounds near the park entrance.

Top Dining & Nightlife: Discover where to get locally brewed Alaska beer, fresh wild salmon, and hearty breakfast spots.

Unforgettable Excursions: Explore top-voted wildlife tours, river rafting guides, and ATV adventures.

Essential Visitor Services: Access trusted local transport, gear rentals, and hidden gems.

Whether you are looking for a thrilling backcountry expedition or a relaxing family getaway, our award winners represent the highest standards of Alaska hospitality and adventure.

Explore the Winners & Plan Your Trip

Don’t leave your dream vacation to chance. Use our definitive list to build an itinerary packed with proven, crowd-favorite experiences.

2024 Winners

Best Motorized Excursion ~ Denali ATV Adventures

Best Non-Motorized Excursion ~ Denali Park Zipline

Best Coffee Shop ~ The Alaskan Coffee Bean

Best Breakfast ~   McKinley Creekside Cafe

Best Lunch ~   Jam Jam’s Spot

Best Dinner ~  McKinley Creekside Cafe

Best Bar ~  Panorama Pizza Pub

Best Pizza ~ Panorama Pizza Pub

Best Dog Kennel ~ Husky Homestead

Best Trail ~ Horseshoe Lake Trail, DNP

Best Campground ~ Denali Grizzly Bear Resort

Best Cabins ~  McKinley Creekside Cabins

Best Small Lodging Property ~ Denali Lakeview Inn

Best Large Lodging Property ~ Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge

Best Vacation Rental ~ Denali Dens

Best Shopping ~ Three Bears Alaska

Best Art Gallery ~ Denali Arts and Glass Studio

Best View ~  Grande Denali Lodge

2022 Winners

Best Motorized Excursion ~ Denali ATV Adventures
Best Non-Motorized Excursion ~ Denali Park Zipline
Best Coffee Shop ~ The Alaskan Coffee Bean
Best Breakfast ~ McKinley Creekside Cafe & Cabins
Best Lunch ~ Jam Jam’s Spot
Best Dinner ~ Denali Perch
Best Bar ~ 49th State Brewery
Best Pizza ~ Panorama Pizza Pub
Best Trail ~ Horseshoe Lake Trail, DNP
Best Campground ~ Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
Best Cabins ~  McKinley Creekside Cafe & Cabins
Best Small Lodging Property ~ Denali Lakeview Inn
Best Large Lodging Property ~ Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
Best Vacation Rental ~ Denali Hideaway
Best Shopping ~ Healy Farmers Market
Best Art Gallery ~ Denali Art & Glass Studio
Best View ~  Grande Denali Lodge & Denali Lakeview Inn

Don’t let your business miss out on Denali’s premier local recognition. Become a member to ensure your business is eligible to be recognized by the community that loves you.

If travelers love your lodge, rave about your tours, or crowd your restaurant, you deserve to see your name on the official winners’ circle. Membership ensures that when passionate locals and visitors cast their votes, your business is on the ballot.

Why Become a Discover Denali Partner?

• Award Eligibility: Unlock your exclusive chance to win title spots like Best Excursion, Best Lodging, or Best Dinner.
• Ultimate Visibility: Get featured in front of thousands of travelers using the definitive Vacation Planner to plan their itineraries.
• Community Support: Stand alongside the top-voted hospitality champions, local small businesses, and guides driving tourism in the Denali Borough.
• Direct Lead Generation: Connect directly with vacationers looking for trusted, crowd-favorite regional experiences.

Secure Your Spot on the Ballot

The current voting cycle is active and closes on December 15th. Head to the official Discover Denali Join Page to fill out your onboarding form and secure your business membership today.