In all honesty I'm probably biased growing up in Southeast (which is really similar to the Kenai) but IMO those are the most attractive parts of the state in terms of scenery, culture and outdoor activities. I'm not claiming they're superior or anything, but for the average tourist they absolutely are and that's why the tourism industry is so robust in those areas. Granted I haven't been to the Aleutians or to the far north or to Bush villages, but I've been plenty of other places throughout the state and I've read and heard enough to know that the Bush and the Aleutians won't appeal to the average Lower 48 tourist that's coming to Alaska for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

I lived in Fairbanks for a couple years and I know you won't find a trail right outside town that will appeal to any serious hiker -- maybe only if you drive for an hour or two or more, absolutely. You also can't really go fishing on boats or whale watching there. You won't see mountains up close or see an extraordinarily large number of eagles in one place. I probably don't have to tell you that these are all things that people go to Alaska to experience, and you can easily do all of that in Southeast & Kenai Peninsula.

But I also wanna say this was an awesome photo and the Fairbanks area can absolutely be beautiful as OP has so clearly proven. I just wouldn't ever recommend the area to those who want to experience Alaska as most people picture it in their minds. Whether you're a retiree making your first & only trip to Alaska, or a fit 20-year-old who wants to hike some gnarly trails, you're going to be a hell of a lot more satisfied with the Kenai or Southeast than with any other populated area of the state.