1. Bear Viewing at Katmai National Park, Alaska Witness grizzly bears fishing for salmon at Brooks Falls, one of the best places in the world for bear viewing.
2. Bison Watching in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho Yellowstone's Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are prime spots for bison sightings, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
3. Alligator Encounter in Everglades National Park, Florida Take a guided airboat tour or kayak through the mangroves for a close-up view of these ancient reptiles.
4. Whale Watching in Monterey Bay, California Monterey Bay is renowned for its rich marine life, with prime whale watching opportunities year-round.
5. Polar Bear Viewing in Kaktovik, Alaska The best time for this encounter is from late August to October when bears are most active near the shore.
6. Sea Otter Watching in Elkhorn Slough, California Paddle through the slough to see playful sea otters floating on their backs and interacting with their environment.
7. Puffin Viewing in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska Boat tours from Seward provide excellent opportunities to see these colorful birds up close during the summer months.
8. Bald Eagle Watching in Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Alaska The preserve near Haines offers the best viewing from October to February when eagles congregate in large numbers.