7 Most Relaxing Alaska Towns

The Last Frontier is true to its name, with nearly 360 million acres of land and plenty of wilderness consisting of incredible lush forests, pristine lakes, and lovely ponds. Plenty of hidden Alaskan gems bring the words picturesque and relaxation to the forefront of any traveler's mind. Often surrounded by icy ridges and an environment that resembles beautiful winter wonderlands, here are seven of the most lovely and relaxing towns in Alaska for travelers to enjoy.

Ketchikan

Situated on the coast of Revillagigedo Island, this small strip of a town has access to the clear waters of the Gulf of Alaska, and many of Ketchikan's residents own boats and get their precious food right on the water. The rest of the island is as beautiful as it is remote—that is, the tall pine trees and relatively untouched nature rival any state park.

The town itself is littered with historical points, museums, and even Native American totem poles. Creek Street, in particular, draws some crowds with its nearby Dolly's House (a historic brothel now turned museum), along with the Totem Heritage Center. The real show, however, is the numerous nature trails and peaks that allow for a clear and undisturbed view of the nearby islands—the Rainbird Hiking Trail being one, and the other is the Deer Mountain Trail, a trail with a hike into an often misted forest.

Sitka

A small town near Alaska's capital heart, Juneau, Sitka, was a Russian colony at one time, and today, it is still not forgotten. Many Russian landmarks and infrastructure still remain, such as the Russian Bishop's House, now turned museum (but it is more like a Russian mansion than a house).

But Sitka has more than just remnants from the past; it may even have too much to see and do, as, besides the interesting and small points scattered throughout the town, plenty of its outside appeal rests on the nature surrounding it. What makes Sitka that relaxing and interesting town is not only its world-renowned Sitka National Historic Park/Totem Park but also its Fortress of the Bear (a nonprofit bear sanctuary) and places like the Alaska Raptor Center (a bald eagle hospital and preserve) and many more parks, reserves, trails, and scenic spots.

It should be obvious now that Sitka, despite its population being less than 10,000, is more plentiful and rich in activities than any number of tourists can hope to compensate for.

Valdez

A port town a few hours outside of Anchorage and near the deep green Chugach National Forest, Valdez has made a name for itself through its beautiful fresh bodies of water, its, of course, pristine nature, and its now-famous body of water, aptly named Port Valdez.

The town just so happens to be in a perfect place to appreciate valleys carved by ancient glaciers, and the aforementioned bodies of water were once just that—some are still there, and in between, enough picturesque scenes for a lifetime. Keystone Canyon is such a creation, with a multitude of waterfalls, peaks, caves, slopes, and plenty of wildlife. River rafting has taken off in this area especially, but even that is not enough to make it Valdez's number one scenic spot; that title belongs to the Columbia Glacier. Supposedly, it is Alaska's largest tidewater glacier and is a popular spot for boats and cruises to visit, as the glacier and impenetrable blue waters are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that may not be around for long.

Kodiak

A small town with a large port and massive industry, Kodiak is much more multifaceted regarding its hotspots and attractions. That is not to say it has no natural landmarks or revered places either; Fossil Beach and Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park are there to disprove that.

Kodiak, however, also shines and brings about comfort and relaxation through its dedication to the history of the area and is undoubtedly a cherry on top for a visit to the island. Places like the Kodiak History Museum not only help the community but also stand as a sober reminder of the land and all that has taken place on it. Meanwhile, the Alutiiq Museum is run by natives and is not only a culture center but also an archeological repository that stands quite unique within the state of Alaska.

Kodiak does things a bit differently; the informativeness, along with the serene parks and coastline nearby, allows for it to be both conscientious and relaxing.

Palmer

With a backdrop of the sublime and snow-capped peak of Lazy Mountain, Palmer is a reserved town with plenty of glades, hills, and greenery that is quite impressive by Alaskan standards. In the winter, it turns into a little town at the foot of a snowy mountain, and the landscape is changed and blanketed with the most gentle and pure snow.

It's no wonder that the Reindeer Farm, filled with animals, both exotic and lovely, is a hotspot for those with families to appreciate a chunk of land that is more than just a petting zoo. The best part of it is that Palmer's great attractions are all in proximity to one another, meaning that after the farm, a trip to Independence Mine State Historical Park is more than warranted, as one can learn about the history of the Alaskan Gold Rush while exploring a replica of an old mining town and a legitimate mine that was once used to fuel dreams of gold.

And who can forget Lazy Mountain? The premier stop for all Palmer goes, its protector and looming giant that offers mountainside views, trails, and scenery from a postcard.

North Pole

Christmas all year? North Pole is the epitome of a town that celebrates the gift-giving and joyous day every day of the year, putting it in a league of its own. It is not shabby, nor does it lack promising scenes and forms of entertainment—one will come to see why the North Pole is worthy of a visit.

Home to many quirky and interesting scenes, signs, and sculptures all throughout the town. Whether it's trekking the snow at Morning Star Park or visiting the picturesque and legendary red and white pole, aptly named the Historic North Pole, the whole town is unrelenting in its Christmas spirit.

And what good would a North Pole be without Santa Claus? The Santa Claus House is a Christmas store that goes all in—all things Santa, Christmas, many trees, and Saint Nick. The store is an antique paradise but also houses a number of specialty charms, machines, and merchandise available nowhere else. There even is a pastry and candy bar with fudge, cookies, and all the required hot cocoa when visiting a cold place reminiscent of the North Pole. They even have the world's largest Santa statue right outside.

Cordova

Enclosed by mountains on nearly all sides, Cordova is a sanctuary for those wishing to hike in the mountains and then come back down to enjoy the town with its many specialty shops—perhaps the main appeal is that it too is a well-rounded town and one where nature is always at the door and glaciers are a few miles away.

Firstly, Childs Glacier Adventures & Shuttle explores the area's waters and the glaciers that give Cordova its identity—they do everything from river tours to stream and bridge crossings, provide food and beverages, and, of course, visit the glaciers and snow-covered mountains, all for a reasonable price.

Back in town, places like Cordova Gear provide everything needed for survival, with a few gifts and knickknacks to remember the time spent in this odd, cold, but otherwise worthwhile town. The Copper River Fleece also gives travelers a pleasurable and comfortable experience and prepares them to tackle what lies directly outside the walls of Cordova's many cozy and relaxing shops.

Though the towns of Alaska are plentiful, these, in particular, are not too crowded, and each has a great connection to the relaxing nature they reside in. From Lazy Mountain to lakes created by glaciers, these towns provide a serene landscape contributing to the relaxing and legendary scenery that Alaska boasts. For those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Alaska is the place to recoup, rest, and recharge.