Brown Bears: McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and Refuge, Alaska

Gaining access to breathtaking sights of brown bears along this pristine Alaska coastline is like winning the lottery—because that's exactly what you must do. Apply by March 1, and cross your fingers. Those who pick up one of the 185 individual "guided viewing access permits," which are valid for four days, get front-row seats in a designated area on the McNeil River to watch some of the greatest concentrations of brown bears in the world. The best time to go is July. People who nab one of 57 "camp-standby viewing access permits" (drawn from the same lottery) can view bears from the sanctuary camp and beach area. Access is by float plane only. Permit fee: $350 (non-Alaska resident) and per-person $25 application fee.

For more information: National Park Service