Girdwood, Alaska

10 Best Towns In Alaska For A Two-Day Recharge

The majestic state of Alaska, home to Anchorage and Chugach State Park, has a plethora of awesome attractions in its small towns as well. Guaranteed to provide a new revitalization from the hectic work schedule back home, these quaint towns are perfect for that two-day escape. Whether you are looking for a resort-type stay or several different activities within a particular area, the small towns in Alaska are ideal. From Sitka and the Sitka National Historic Park to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward, there is a quaint town in the Land of the Midnight Sun for anyone who needs that all-important refresher. Here are the 10 best towns for a two-day recharge in Alaska.

Sitka

Sitka, Alaska
Sitka, Alaska. Image credit: Jeff Whyte via Shutterstock

Situated on Baranof Island, part of the Alexander Archipelago in southeastern Alaska, Sitka is the perfect size town for a two-day rest. Home to Sitka National Historic Park and Baranof Castle, history and nature meld perfectly inside this small town. Also called Totem Park, due to the park previously obtaining several totem poles from various places in Alaska, Sitka Park is a wealth of knowledge for any age.

Sitka is also home to several fine restaurants and rustic inns. Nugget Restaurant, situated on Japonski Island, serves delicious fare straight from the ocean, while Jamestown Bay B&B offers stunning views of Jamestown Bay, comfy rooms, and serves a tasty complimentary breakfast the next morning.

Homer

Homer, Alaska
Homer, Alaska

The tiny town of Homer, situated just north of Kachemak Bay, has several awesome activities suited for the outdoor enthusiast. Seldovia Bay Ferry transports guests from Homer to Seldovia Village across the bay. There are also a number of great trails near Homer. The Diamond Creek Trail and the Homestead Trail Loop are two of the best, with both offering plenty of wildlife sightings. There are several cozy places to stay in Homer, plus delicious food options, such as Lighthouse Fish & Chips on Sterling Highway, which offers some of the best fish and chips outside of England.

Talkeetna

Denali viewed from Talkeetna, Alaska.
Denali viewed from Talkeetna, Alaska.

Two hours north of Anchorage, the quaint town of Talkeetna is situated along the banks of Chulitna River and is best known for Nagley’s Store. Nagley’s Store was built in 1921, at the end of Main Street, and is now the longest running general store in the Northern Susitna Valley. It is also quite near the Talkeetna Inn, which offers a great room, a shared garden, and good food.

Talkeetna is also known for being home to Talkeetna Lakes Park and Talkeetna Riverfront Park. While the first is situated to the south of town, the second is within walking distance of Talkeetna Inn. Both parks offer some great amenities like hiking and communing with nature. Talkeetna Lakes Park also offers canoeing and fishing.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan, Alaska. Image credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com

About 300 miles south of Juneau, the town of Ketchikan is home to several great outdoor activities. The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, fewer than 10 miles up the coast, provides sightings of black bears, bald eagles, and even some marine life. Misty Fjords National Monument adds to this the possibility of sighting killer whales and dolphins.

Ketchikan is also known for the Saxman Native Village. The village represents Tlingit culture, offering a two-hour tour featuring drum & dance performances and a visit to the shed where totem poles are carved. There are also great lodging choices in Ketchikan. Black Bear Inn is to the north of the Tongass Narrows, and Anchor Inn by the Sea is to the south.

Skagway

Skagway, Alaska
Skagway, Alaska. Editorial credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com

Looking for a train ride through the Alaskan wilderness on a railroad first built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush? Skagway is the town to find it. From the Bennett Scenic Journey, which is eight hours in length, to the Steam Summit Loop, which is three hours in length, the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad provides the opportunity for some phenomenal photography.

Or are you wanting to photograph the Davidson Glacier from the safety of a thirty-foot canoe instead? Skagway also has you covered. Glacier Point Wilderness Safari offers marine animal sightings, a short hike to a stunning lake, and then canoeing right up to the face of the glacier. Staying overnight in Skagway? The Skagway Inn offers rooms named after famous women of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Cordova

Cordova, Alaska
Cordova, Alaska

Home of the Kayak Island State Marine Park, the small town of Cordova, situated between the fjords of Prince William Sound and Eyak Lake, is the perfect escape from the hectic rigors of society. The Kayak Island State Marine Park, with prime access to Alaskan landscapes, offers kayaking, boating, birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and even camping in some areas.

The town of Cordova is also home to several museums, restaurants, and bed & breakfast inns, including the Cordova History Museum, Powder House Bar & Grill, and the Reluctant Fisherman Inn. The Reluctant Fisherman Inn, situated near the pier, offers an on-site Bar & Grill, comfy rooms and suites, and stunning views of the inlet.

Girdwood

Crow Creek mining camp in Girdwood, Alaska.
Crow Creek mining camp in Girdwood, Alaska.

Just outside Anchorage, the small town of Girdwood, with less than two thousand residents, is home to Mount Alyeska and Alyeska Resort. Along with comfortable rooms, great service, and a delicious breakfast the next morning, Alyeska Resort offers a Nordic spa, stunning views of the Chugach Mountains, several sky-bridges, and even dining at a variety of places, including Boar Tide Deli & Bar and Sakura.

Some awesome events available at Alyeska Resort are the blueberry festival, held in the middle of August, Oktoberfest at the end of September, and Skate with Santa in December. And, if you are visiting with the family, Alyeska Resort has exciting activities for all ages, like the youth ski & snowboard training classes.

Kodiak

Kodiak, Alaska
Kodiak, Alaska

The picturesque town of Kodiak, located on the eastern side of Kodiak Island, along the edge of the Gulf of Alaska, is an ideal town to visit for that two-day recharge as well. Henry’s Great Alaskan Restaurant and the Aquamarine Cafe are both just south of downtown, while Eider House Bed & Breakfast is just south of their location.

From the Kodiak Wildlife Refuge to the Kodiak Aquarium & Touch Tank, this small island town of around five thousand people is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast as well. Kodiak Wildlife Refuge offers amenities like kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping overnight. The Kodiak Aquarium has several scenic underwater landscapes, including a 3,500-gallon aquarium and touch tank.

Haines

Haines, Alaska
Haines, Alaska

Approximately 20 miles south of Skagway, along the Taiya Inlet, the quaint town of Haines is home to Chilkat Eagle B&B and Hotel Halsingland. Both are just south of downtown, along with a variety of fine dining opportunities. Alpenglow serves scrumptious gourmet pizza, while the Bamboo Room Restaurant has tasty fish & chips, featuring fresh-caught Halibut. Both are in close proximity to the Chilkat Eagle.

This town of fewer than 2,000 permanent residents is 500 miles east of Anchorage and is home to the Southeast Alaska State Fair, which takes place at the end of July every year. Some of the more popular events are performances by a variety of bands, a Grand Parade, a Fisherman’s Rodeo, and much more.

Seward

Seward, Alaska
Seward, Alaska. Image credit: Just dance via Shutterstock

Capping Resurrection Bay, the picturesque town of Seward is best known for Kenai Fjords National Park, offering visitors and guests the opportunity to kayak, hike, trek, and even scale massive glaciers. Kenai Fjords also offers boat tours, fishing trips, several ranger-led programs, like wildlife walks and educational tours, and camping overnight.

Planning on staying overnight with friends or the family? Seward has several great restaurants and lodging options right downtown. Ray’s Waterfront Restaurant is the oldest family-owned and operated restaurant in downtown Seward. The Sunshine House B&B, right around the corner from Ray’s, has great views of Resurrection Bay and offers, along with cozy, comfortable rooms, a continental breakfast the next morning.

While there are several great attractions within cities of Alaska, such as Juneau and Anchorage, the small towns of this Last Frontier State are the answer to getting away for a couple of worry-free days. Whether you prefer a resort, like Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, or several different activities, like at the Southeast Alaska State Fair in Haines, the majestic state of Alaska is the state to visit. From Sitka to Skagway, the picturesque small towns of Alaska are ideal for that two-day recharge.

Share
  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Cities
  4. 10 Best Towns In Alaska For A Two-Day Recharge

More in Places