7 Prettiest Small Towns In Alaska
Why are Alaska's small communities so enchanting? Situated between great peaks of mountains, ice-covered fjords, and unbroken wilderness, these settlements blend stunning landscapes with deep-rooted history. Villages such as Skagway, retain the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush, while others, such as Petersburg, keep Norwegian traditions alive along the bustling waterfront. In Seward and Haines, tough country collides with colorful wildlife, providing the gateway to glaciers, fjords, and national parks. Whether it is walking alpine trails, taking the old railroads, or observing whales from the beach, these hamlets present the best of the past and present of Alaska. With stunning scenes, great heritage, and the relaxed life of the country, these seven tiny towns present the best of the most beautiful of the state of Alaska. Pack your luggage and discover the most beautiful corners of Alaska, where nature and tradition are best friends.
Girdwood
A dramatic drive along the rugged coast from Anchorage ends up at the village of Girdwood, with alpine peaks that rise above the surrounding area into rainforests. Situated between the Chugach Mountains, this green valley hosts the state's finest ski resort at Alyeska. Powder-covered slopes call skiers from the world over for the winter season and summer trails carpeted with wildflowers for the summer season. The Alyeska Tramway ascends the final stretch, revealing breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm and distant glaciers.
Girdwood's charm extends beyond the mountains. The Winner Creek Trail, a winding path through a mossy rainforest, features a hand-pulled tram crossing over a glacial stream—a thrill unto itself. After a day of exploring, visitors can refuel at The Bake Shop, famous for its gigantic sweet rolls and satisfying sourdough pancakes. Whether seeking powder, wildflowers, or pastries, Girdwood combines scenery and small-town charm like nowhere else in Alaska.
Talkeetna
Nestled at the base of Denali, Talkeetna boasts some of the most stunning mountain views in Alaska. The town’s location at the confluence of three rivers—Susitna, Chulitna, and Talkeetna—creates a picturesque setting, especially in fall when the foliage bursts into shades of gold. Visitors can take in the scenery from Talkeetna Riverfront Park or explore the historic 1921 Nagley’s Store, a century-old general store that embodies the Talkeetns’s rustic charm.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Talkeetna thrives as a hub for adventure and culture. The Historical Society museum presents the town's roots, and aerial views of Denali are available on a flightseeing tour. Downtown, locally owned shops, and the famous Talkeetna Roadhouse offer homemade treats, adding to the viallges’s charm.
Skagway
Skagway feels frozen in the Gold Rush era. It is home to the Eagles Hall Theater, which brings to life the story of Soapy Smith, Skagway’s most infamous con artist. Nearby, museums and restored buildings showcase Skagway’s Gold Rush past, preserving landmarks from its boomtown days.
In addition to history, Skagway's scenery is just as interesting. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad winds up over glacially-carved valleys and rocky mountainous country, while the Chilkoot Trail follows the route of the old-time diggers. After discovering the area, people are welcome at the Red Onion Saloon, now a saloon but originally a brothel that houses a museum, or at the Gold Rush Cemetery, where legends of Skagway lie under weathered gravestones.
Sitka
Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Tongass National Forest and the Pacific Ocean, Sitka blends stunning landscapes with deep legacy. It sits upon the island of Baranof with dramatic waterfront views with the bald eagles soaring overhead above the rocky coast. Sitka National Historical Park leads hikers through dense rainforest, past Tlingit totem poles that reflect the town’s Indigenous heritage.
Chronicle enthusiasts can visit St. Michael’s Cathedral, the stunning Russian Orthodox church that is a symbol of Sitka's colonial past. Downtown Sitka is lined with cozy cafés, art galleries, and waterfront eateries that serve up the day’s freshest fish and seafood catch. A visit to the Whale Park holds the hope of catching glimpses of humpback whales, making Sitka the nature lovers' paradise.
Seward
Seward’s glacial beauty and coastal charm make it one of Alaska’s most stunning small towns. Nestled at the entrance of the beautiful Resurrection Bay, it borders snowy summits and cerulean-hued waters. A drive along the Seward Highway, a designated National Scenic Byway, reveals breathtaking views of glaciers and fjords. Seward marks the gateway for Kenai Fjords National Park, with Exit Glacier open for discovery, waiting for the wildlife cruise and kayaking past ice towers of great proportions.
Seward Downtown hosts early 20th-century buildings with the Seward Community Library & Museum that feature the impact of the 1964 earthquake. The Alaska SeaLife Center provides hands-on experiences with sea lions and puffins. The Seward Waterfront Shore Path follows the bay for a relaxed stroll with passing boats and flying-bald eagle sightings.
Haines
Tucked between the coastal mountains and the Chilkat River is the artist’s retreat of Haines, known for its sweeping landscapes and abundant wildlife. This town is home to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where thousands of eagles gather each fall in a breathtaking spectacle. The Portage Cove Trail offers expansive views of the fiords and snow-capped peaks that are a photographer's and hiker's dream.
Haines abounds with history and culture too. The Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center displays Native people of Alaska and early pioneers' artifacts. The Hammer Museum showcases over 1,500 hammers, tracing their evolution worldwide. The town fills up with live music, craft vendors, and timber sports competitions at the Southeast Alaska State Fair which occurs annually over the summer season.
Petersburg
Nicknamed "Little Norway," Petersburg blends Scandinavian culture with the unspoiled beauty of Alaska. Brightly painted houses line the Frederick Sound waterfront, where humpback whales can often be seen breaching in the deep blue waters. The old heart of Petersburg resides within the charming wooden boardwalk of Sing Lee Alley over Hammer Slough, lined with brightly painted waterfront stores that are a photographer's delight.
Petersburg's Scandinavian roots are alive and well at the Sons of Norway Hall, the 1912 National Historic Site that welcomes traditional dance and samples of homemade pastries during the summer season. The town's fishing roots can be traced in the century-old treasures at the Clausen Memorial Museum, while the Three Lakes Loop winds through alpine lakes and spruce forests, offering prime spots for spotting bald eagles and moose. Thus, Petersburg successfully blends saga, culture, and nature.
Experience Alaska’s Small-Town Beauty
Alaskan small villages are filled with tradition, stunning scenery, and quiet character. From old mining camps with a storied history to coastal settlements with the dramatic backdrop of glaciers and fjords, each town offers a chance to escape the crowds and experience Alaska’s raw beauty at a slower pace. Whether it’s walking the trails of the mountains, strolling the old streets, or observing wildlife by the waterfront, they present the more unspoiled and deeply traditional aspects of the state of Alaska. Although big cities are tempting, something about discovering these best-kept secrets of the state beckons with the thought that with each vista lies the telling of history and, with each trip, the feeling of entering the great wide-open spaces of the wild. Start making travel arrangements, travel the by-way routes, and explore the most beautiful of the state of Alaska’s small communities.
