9 Most Charming Towns In Alaska
Often regarded as the final frontier of the United States, Alaska has mass expanses of untouched wilderness and a pristine landscape. While the great outdoors of this state offers endless natural beauty, there are also many attractions in Alaska that do not involve braving the elements. All across Alaska are dozens of fantastic charming towns that each offer something worthwhile and unique. If you are willing to take the trip up north and bear the cold weather, the journey is something you will never forget.
Talkeetna
Located under the behemoth known as Denali (Mt. McKinley) the small town of Talkeetna has long embraced its identity as a base point for daring mountaineers and climbers looking to challenge themselves by conquering the tallest mountain in North America. This picturesque town has landed itself in several TV shows and movies, most notably the show "Northern Exposure." The main points of attraction here are its charming downtown strip and famous general store.
Known as Nagley's Store this pillar in the community will give visitors all of the essentials and then some. Decorated with snowshoes, American flags, and the antlers of deer and moose, the atmosphere at Nagley's is welcoming and authentic.
Sitka
Situated on Baranof Island off the southern coast of Alaska lies the town of Sitka. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean on one side and the mountains on the other, Sitka has the best of both worlds when it comes to its local environment. The history and culture of Sitka are something that the locals take great pride in with monuments of this appreciation throughout the town.
The well-maintained St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral is the centerpiece of Sitka. First built in the 1840s by Russian settlers in the area, the church serves today as both a living piece of history and a house of prayer. The presence of the area's Indigenous people is also on full display. The Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House hosts regular performances for all to see.
Valdez
Another charming southern Alaskan town, Valdez is best known for its connection to the sea and nearby mountain ranges to its north. Being a coastal town, fishing and other water-focused recreational activities are commonplace. The Valdez Harbor is usually one of the busiest places in the town. Local fishers often sell their catches here to the town's residents. This is a great place to buy some of the best quality seafood available as well as soak in the communal and friendly atmosphere of the harbor.
If seafood is not to your liking then there is always the great outdoors a few steps outside of city limits. Both the Overlook and Meals Hill Trails are great places to go hiking and explore the woods and mountains.
Fairbanks
The second-largest settlement in Alaska is Fairbanks. Despite being relatively remote in the Alaska interior, the population of Fairbanks stands at an impressive 32,000. Much larger than most small towns in the state. Fairbanks is one of the best places to go if you want to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The lights are often on full display from the town itself but there are also guided tours. These tours usually take its guest on trips to the outskirts of Fairbanks in order to get away from any potential noise pollution or other immersion-breaking distractions.
The Aurora Borealis season begins on August 21st and lasts all the way until April 21st. This large time frame should give visitors a big enough window to avoid the harsh Alaskan winters if they chose to do so.
Ketchikan
A stone's throw away from the Canadian border on Revillagigedo Island, the town of Ketchikan is both a hub and sanctuary of local Native American culture. Ketchikan is home to a plethora of Native American art and museums. There are various sites within and around the town's limits that proudly display gargantuan hand-carved totem poles. In Ketchikan's main museum, you can view handmade items such as baskets and traditional clothing along with live performances of ancient songs and dances passed down through generations.
The surrounding environment is nothing to scoff at either. Located on the sea and next to tree-topped mountains there is plenty to do if you are looking to embark on a day-long outing on either land or sea.
Kodiak
Shrouded in deep fog and heavy rain, the island and town of Kodiak have always had a sense of mystery to them ever since they were first explored by Russian Stephan Glotov in 1763. At the time, the Indigenous Alutiiq people inhabited the island of Kodiak. Due to its isolation, much of their culture was able to live on and even thrive in the area. Remnants of early Russian colonization are also still present on the island in the form of Orthodox churches and old log dwellings.
The island of Kodiak is most well-known for the Kodiak Bear. Guided viewings are available for tourists from the months of July through September. It is strongly discouraged to go looking for these bears on your own. They are majestic creatures but they are dangerous animals, especially if you are not familiar with that kind of wildlife.
Homer
South of Anchorage is the small seaside town of Homer. This sleepy and charming hamlet has some of the best fishing in all of Alaska and is quite often visited by foreign tourists looking to get in on a slice of the action. As the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World," fishing tours are easy to find at the local harbor in Homer.
If fishing is to your liking then there are still plenty of water activities to enjoy. Kayaking and canoe incursions are still a great way to explore the stunning coastline. If you are lucky enough you might be able to spot a pod of orcas nearby.
Juneau
Serving as the capital city of Alaska, the town of Juneau is one of the most photogenic places in the United States. Settled along the Pacific Ocean and in the shadow of the Mendenhall Glacier, there is no shortage of opportunities for great photo ops in Juneau. Guided tours of the famous glacier are available all year round. However, if you are wanting to spend some extra cash, there is the option of charting a short plane trip over the glacier for a phenomenal view. There are also regular whale-watching tours just outside of town via motorboats or kayaks. Each offers an experience that you will not forget.
Girdwood
Sometimes referred to as "Glacier City" the mountain town of Girdwood is one of the most popular destinations for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. While technically a part of Anchorage, in reality, Girdwood has a much different culture and identity.
Girdwood revolves around the ski season. As long as there is enough snow on the mountains to keep visitors coming, you can expect all kinds of festivals and events. The bars and restaurants here are fantastic along with a robust live music scene. Even if you do not have an interest in taking up skiing anytime soon, the atmosphere of Girdwood alone is enough reason to visit.
The charming towns of Alaska have managed to simultaneously build up their local industries to the outside world while also maintaining a strong sense of togetherness and community, something that is not always easy to achieve. Each of these places offers both a level of warmth from the locals and a harsh ruggedness from the wildness a few steps away. Alaska is the best of both worlds and is open for exploration.
